Thursday, July 26, 2012

Every year instead of traditional Christmas Cards for immediate family, I hand stamp and paint a Christmas Card Journal for each of them. Mary @ cardztv.blogspot.com is hosting a Christmas in July Challenge using a snowman or snowflake. What better inspiration could I ask for!!!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Festive Cranberry-Pineapple Salad

Today my Hubby asked..."Will you make me that yummy Jello salad you make at Thanksgiving" How could I say no!! Here's the recipe if any one is interested. 1can (20 oz.) DOLE Crushed Pineapple, undrained 2pkg. (3 oz. each) or 1 pkg. (6 oz.) JELL-O Raspberry Flavor Gelatin 1can (16 oz.) whole berry cranberry sauce 1 DOLE Apple, chopped 2/3cup chopped PLANTERS Walnutsmake it DRAIN pineapple, reserving juice. Remove 1 Tbsp. pineapple; set aside. Add enough cold water to juice to measure 3 cups; pour into saucepan. Bring to boil. Add to dry gelatin mixes in large bowl; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in cranberry sauce. Refrigerate 1-1/2 hours or until slightly thickened. STIR in remaining pineapple, apples and nuts. REFRIGERATE 4 hours or until firm. Top with reserved pineapple just before serving.

Monday, May 14, 2012

I made these little paper purses for my Mom and Sisters for Mother's Day. I had put the stick pins I made in them along with some chocolates. They will also hold a gift card perfectly. Everybody loved them!!

THANK YOU!!!

Well, there was no shame in our game!!! Final Count **2127** Not to shabby for someone not connected to a school or other huge network. It was so nice to catch up with old friends and I feel overly blessed by all of my new friends. I am so proud of what all of you have helped me to accomplish. I pushed myself outside my comfort zone and made YouTube videos and I also started my own Blog. (35 subscribers and over 400 views) I even joined a support group and for once in 2 years I no longer feel like the LONE RANGER. I truly hope that no one ever needs to learn more about my disease on a personal level but at the same time I truly hope that by spreading awareness that the one person that may need to learn more may have gotten the information they need. I can't thank everyone enough for this past month, I've laughed, cried, and been humbled beyond belief. I will continue to fight the fight and will pray everyday that each and everyone of you have a happy, healthy life! God Bless and I LOVE YOU all!!!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Mary Ann Clay-Schumm | Mobility Awareness Month - Vote For Me!

Mary Ann Clay-Schumm | Mobility Awareness Month - Vote For Me!


My Godmother was in the hospital for 7 months, 2 months of it was spent in the Intensive Care Unit. She has a very rare disease called
Hyper Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Hyper P.O.T.S. for short. Every time she sits up or tries to stand up her heart rate goes over 200 beats per minute and her blood pressure climbs to 300/180. The Doctors told her she would not live to see her next birthday, that was 2 years ago. I watched her in her darkest hours give support to everyone around her and not once think of herself. Her strength and determination to find a cure makes her my HERO! It's very sad for my little sister and I to see her like this. She used to do so much with us. Every year she would help organize and run our Community Fall Festival which raises money for the needy. Now, I'm hoping to help give back to her. Everyday my Godmother lives her life in either a reclined or laying position just to keep her heart rate somewhat controlled. She is only allowed to walk 4 time a day, 1 minute at a time. But, she does not let that stop her. She teaches us how to paint, cook, and do so many different crafts. Most of all she has taught my sister and I to never give up. The local Doctors have either not heard of the disease or do not know how to treat it and some just don't want to be bothered. It just is not right to leave someone with no help or hope. She has found a few Doctors out of state that are willing to help but she is not allowed to fly. She does have a special wheelchair made to let her lay flat, but we have no way to transport her in it. I know that if she could get to some of the big city hospitals someone, somewhere would be able to help her get some kind of quality of life back. She spends so much time searching for a cure that I know in my heart that some day she will educate Doctors and make sure others will not have to suffer like she has, and if you ask me why she would, I'd tell you "That's just how she ROLLS"

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Mary Ann Clay-Schumm | Mobility Awareness Month - Vote For Me!

Mary Ann Clay-Schumm | Mobility Awareness Month - Vote For Me!

Earth Day 2012 Oscar Scherer State Park

My review of Oscar Scherer State Park, Osprey, FL Earth Day 2012
On one of the rare occasions that I got to get out of the house for other than a Doctor appointment developed into a car ride heading North on I-75 from fort Myers. It was a cool day for Florida which always makes travel easier for me. About 100 miles later I needed to stop and regroup a bit, we got off at exit 205 in Sarasota, FL. We headed West off the highway looking for somewhere we could park. I seen a sign for Oscar Scherer and thought that might be the best of both world. I can get some fresh air and Hubby and my Momma would have something to entertain themselves with. Little to my surprise this park is very Handicap Friendly. I actually got to go on 2 of the nature trails. The first was a narrated 1/2 mile round trip trail with a butterfly garden. The path was a mixture of concrete, wooden bridges, and crushed shell/dirt. The ground was a little soft in spots due to some recent rain and my wheelchair tires would spin but Mark was able to give me a push and all was well. The second trail was 1 mile and was a more rugged dirt path. This path had a few hills so Mark got a work out pushing me through, but it was so fun. I don't think he minded one bit. The park had plenty of picnic areas, including one in the butterfly garden, canoe rentals, swimming, camp ground, nature center, play grounds, and even a free wi-fi area. Although I did not actually get to see them, I read a sign that stated they offer "Sand Wheelchairs" The restrooms were VERY clean and the park itself was tidy. Over all I was pretty impressed and wouldn't think twice about going back again. I got to collect a few leaves and shells that I can't wait to incorporate into some kind of craft. So overall this Handicapped Crafter gives Oscar Scherer State Park two thumbs up.
I'm including some pictures along with a link to the park.




www.floridastateparks.org/oscarscherer/

Monday, April 30, 2012

Gluten free chips and salsa review

Because of my disease I have to follow a Gluten free, dairy free, low sodium, low fat, low residue diet. This can be a challenge for even the best chefs, and I feel bad that Mark gets stuck eating some of the same crap I do because my cooking time is limited.
But, let me tell you I found the best chips and salsa I have ever had in my whole life. Green Mountain Gringo Roasted Garlic Salsa - No preservatives, fat free, low salt, gluten free, no genetically modified, no allergens. 16 oz jar $5.15
Food Should Taste Good Brand All Natural Blue Tortilla Chips - certified vegan, cert. gluten free, cert. kosher, cholesterol free, no trans fat, no msg, low sodium, not genetically modified, no art. colors, flavors or preservatives. 5.5 oz bag $3.28
I purchased them from Ada's natural food market, but I'm sure Whole Foods or a better grocery store would carry them. It's an expensive treat but well worth every penny!!! YUM YUM!!!

The Chronicles of a Handicapped Crafter - My Story

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Great Article about POTS

Thank you to my Sister-In-Law Nancy. She works at Vanderbilt in Nashville and seen this article about POTS in the Vanderbilt Reporter. I feel this girls pain all to well. I'm so happy to see she too turned to Arts and Crafts to keep going. One person call only handle so much, we all need a release! No matter what your illness or disability is, please take time everyday to be kind to yourself!

‘Head rush’ disorder makes life a daily balancing act (04/19/12)

Monday, April 23, 2012

My First YouTube Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EprBsMKMEC8&feature=share www.youtube.com

National Mobility Awareness Month Local Hero Contest

NATIONAL MOBILITY AWARENESS MONTH LOCAL HERO CONTEST


May is National Mobility Awareness Month and NMEDA IS celebrating Local Heroes all across North America. They will be giving away a minimum of three Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles to a caregiver, veteran or person with a disability that is dealing with or overcoming mobility challenges.


I was nominated by my 13 year old Godson as his hero. Please read the story he submitted and if you feel we deserve to win click the link and vote. We also need your help by sharing this story also. Please use promo code 900 and I will receive 5 bonus vote. You can vote once every 24 hours until May 13, 2012.
Thank you for your time!

http://www.nmeda.com/mobility-awareness-month/heroes/florida/fort-myers/395/mary-ann-clay-schumm
Mary Ann
My Godmother was in the hospital for 7 months, 2 months of it was spent in the Intensive Care Unit. She has a very rare disease called
Hyperandrenergic Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Hyper P.O.T.S. for short. Every time she sits up or tries to stand up her heart rate goes over 200 beats per minute and her blood pressure climbs to 300/180. The Doctors told her she would not live to see her next birthday, that was 2 years ago. I watched her in her darkest hours give support to everyone around her and not once think of herself. Her strength and determination to find a cure makes her my HERO! It's very sad for my little sister and I to see her like this. She used to do so much with us. Every year she would help organize and run our Community Fall Festival which raises money for the needy. Now, I'm hoping to help give back to her. Everyday my Godmother lives her life in either a reclined or laying position just to keep her heart rate somewhat controlled. She is only allowed to walk 4 time a day, 1 minute at a time. But, she does not let that stop her. She teaches us how to paint, cook, and do so many different crafts. Most of all she has taught my sister and I to never give up. The local Doctors have either not heard of the disease or do not know how to treat it and some just don't want to be bothered. It just is not right to leave someone with no help or hope. She has found a few Doctors out of state that are willing to help but she is not allowed to fly. She does have a special wheelchair made to let her lay flat, but we have no way to transport her in it. I know that if she could get to some of the big city hospitals someone, somewhere would be able to help her get some kind of quality of life back. She spends so much time searching for a cure that I know in my heart that some day she will educate Doctors and make sure others will not have to suffer like she has, and if you ask me why she would, I'd tell you "That's just how she ROLLS"

http://www.nmeda.com/mobility-awareness-month/heroes/florida/fort-myers/395/mary-ann-clay-schumm