So much support!

Wow

! We launched the Kickstarter last Wednesday and we are 1/3 of the way to reaching our goal. I am beyond grateful for all of your support. I am trying my very best to get as many people on board as I can and with many of you continuing to let your friends know about our project, we'll get there!

Today we have 25 more days to get this book out!

Thank you one and all for your kindness, generosity and fabulous show of support!❤️

KJ

All in!

The Creative Market in Pincher Creek, AB is on Friday from 1-7 and Saturday from 9-5. Hope to see a few familiar faces this weekend shopping for Christmas, taking a workshop, watch a demonstration and eating some great food. All of the vendors work hard throughout the year to prepare for these fun events, so come on out and see what the local artisans have been up to! Just come prepared to stay the day because it sounds like it's going to be an amazing show!

I've got something new!

Good Morning!
Well it happened! My very good friend, Linda Sojer and I were a perfect match! I am now the proud new owner of a beautiful, functioning Kidney! There are no words to describe how much love I feel for my 'new' sister. For someone to give so freely with her whole being is nothing short of amazing. From the very beginning of the testing stages she believed that we would be a match. I am completely aware of Gods full provision! I am so humbled that she decided to do this! I also want to put a shout out to Mike Sojer, Linda's hubby and her two boys Chad and Michael for being there for her. They are a wonderful bunch and so caring  for each other! Plus, it goes without saying that I have a terrific group on my team. Darren, Cody, Dek and Marissa have been with me through this whole journey. No words or actions could ever describe my love for my little family. Just know that I love each and every one of you! To the rest, my mom and dad to my inlaws and close friends please know that I feel the same about you all too! I wouldn't have got through all of this without your love and support and your prayers. Every thought, call and gesture has made me really see that I'm not on this journey alone.
Now here it comes! Oh, what energy I have! It's totally incredible how I feel! Careful because I'm feeling so much better and getting my energy back. I will post all of the things I'm working on in my next one, but for now I just wanted everyone to know this; I'm back!
Love each and everyone of you!
KJ

I'll get it one day!😉

So much for keeping everyone better informed. While most of you would know that I love to talk putting my thoughts done in writing are a lot harder to do.
What have I been up to you wonder? Not a whole lot. I did start dialysis back in June of last year. I was so graciously carted up to Calgary 3 times a week from June until October. I again am so grateful to so many people for their time and efforts to help us out. Hemodialysis wasn't my first choice, but I had needed to get started as soon as possible.mi would sit 'still' for 4 hours at a time and have my blood cleaned up for that time. It was an amazing experience and can honestly say that Dialysis nurses ROCK! They are some of the most caring group of professionals I have ever been around. I was scared and unsure of the whole process, but this fun group of guys and gals made it an amazing experience.
In September I had a catheter inserted into my stomach. Now I would be able to do my dialysis at home. I took lots of training with my mom and good friend, Melinda at the Renal clinic in Calgary. Now the whole process would be up to me! I have to admit that even with visual impairments, it's been a very smooth transition. Not only did I get a little time back to do things, I was far more comfortable doing it in the comfort of my own home. I go for monthly blood work and am in contact with the kidney clinic at the touch of a few buttons. I feel completely at ease with this group of nurses, dieticians, psychologists and doctors. Every facet of this disease has been covered and any question or situation has been met head on. Lucky me!
At the end of November it got better. Rather than hanging multiple bags, multiple times a day they figured I was ready for the 'machine'. A cycler is a machine that I hook up to for 8 hours during the night. Amazing! Now I would have my days back. I have now been on this machine for 6 months and am pleased to report that even though I still have lots of days where I feel tired at least now I can do more.
Having said that I'm having a little trouble getting going. Creativity is a hard one to push when you are completely exhausted. My studio is downstairs and some days the mere thought of going down stresses me out because at some point I will have to come back up!
I am finished a few of my books, working on a surprise with the talented Loree and Sidney, other art projects and little things here and there. I love to still help friends out with design too!
My babies are all happy and healthy and getting started in their own spaces. I'm so proud of each of them and all that they are accomplishing each day. My family have been such a great source of support these last months. I truly don't know where I'd be spiritually or emotionally without them. Cody, Dakota (Dek), Marissa and Darren hear this - you are all my rocks! Thank you so much for your unwavering love.
Believe me when I say this guys, if you have your family to help in times of need you have everything.

Boy oh boy! What a difference a year makes. It's been crazy. Lots of things happening and so on, but I'm going to try and keep friends and family a little more informed about what's been going down. At Christmas time Darren and I both got H1N1, ever since I haven't been feeling the same. Let's just say the 'couch' and I have become very good friends! In February I was diagnosed with kidney disease. I am happy to report that I have an amazing team of professionals that are doing everything to take good care of me! Everyone from the nurses to the dieticians. On Friday I started dialysis! I have to admit it was a very scary ordeal. Thankfully all of my fears were put to rest. My surgery and first dialysis treatment went very well. I don't have a set schedule yet, but I do have a few hopes for this whole process. I am asking for a little help and I know that I have enough friends and family around that will help at a moments notice. Not being able to drive myself to appointments is a little hard, SO if anyone has anytime that they could help cart me around I would appreciate it. The kidney specialist has emphasized that this about team work and not about my mom or Darren driving me everywhere. Enlisting friends is what he recommends! If anyone can or would like to help me out, could you message me, please. We are hoping to put together a schedule and times for when I need help. I am already grateful for all the love and support that I have. Many friends have been wondering what has been going on. I hope to keep a light diary of my progress on here to keep you all up to date. Thanks in advance! Kindest regards, KJ

Here I go again...

Me again! Sorry it has been so long since my last entry. Many experiences since my art show. I have had such positive feedback from friends, family and new contacts about what I am doing! I am extremely grateful to everyone for the support and encouragement.
I got a phone call the other day to ask if I would speak at the CNIB golf tournament in Calgary on the 9th of September. I am a little nervous, but excited too! I will not even have to imagine everyone in the room naked, as I will not be able to see them anyways! Speaking out for an organization that has given me back so much hope and help for my disabilities is an honor. The CNIB is not just for the blind, but for anyone with any form of vision loss. There is so much out there to help anyone get their life back. So wish me luck....not a great public speaker.
Another update is concerning the High River Flood. Wow, it has been a long few months and it is going to be a long while before it all comes back together. I have witnessed many acts of kindness, witnessed many discouraged neighbors, witnessed many selfless people come and do what they can for our community. I am so lucky to be living in a town that is pulling together and doing what they can to be STRONG. My heartfelt thanks go out to every stranger who has provided a meal, to every stranger and friend that has aided Darren and I in the clean up, to every family member who has been so generous to us and to those who have just given me a smile or a hug along the way. Our road to recovery is going to take time. I only hope that we all band together and keep on with our acts of kindness to one another.
As soon as school starts up again I am back at it! I have a couple of really exciting NEW friends who have given me stories that they have written. I am going to get my books done and off to printers asap and then go hard. Now that I am an unemployed graphic designer I will have some time to get focused and get published!

A Night to Remember

What a night. Took a chance and it was a huge success!  Everyone was busy doing something Friday...taping canvases, making meals, driving here, making signs, printing signs, organizing an otherwise disorganized mother! Saturday came and so did the butterflies...a couple of meltdowns later and the show went on without a hitch. I think I speak on behalf of LeeAnne and myself that we have great friends. Some that I have known for most of my life (yes, there was a small JT Foster reunion) some I have known since college ( Mary and Linda) and lots of supporters from my faith and from around the High River area. I was overwhelmed by the amount of people that were there, all the kind words of encouragement and the chance to show you all how I "see" the world. One thing I am learning to do is take chances. Not to be afraid to challenge myself anymore. Nothing like jumping right in!
So thanks to all who came and those that were there with me in spirit, I had an absolute blast!

Virg - thanks for believing in me and helping me get noticed. Any girl would be lucky to have you as her bff, but I am so glad that you are mine. Sandy -  thanks for all that you did for us this weekend. You were a massive help and I love you for it. Mom - we all enjoyed the baking very much!

 “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”

Overwhelmed!

Good Morning!
What a beautiful day this is going to be! Just made breakfast for my man who is laid up on the recliner. He feel a week ago and had to have a plate and pins put in his leg. Feel a little helpless because I can't do much for him. :(
The exciting news is I was interviewed on CBC news this week! Nothing like deciding to share my art with my friends and now the whole community. Can't wait to see where this all goes.
Off to buy more paint for some pictures I am working on. A reminder that the show is next weekend in High River at the Culture Center from 6:30 - 9:30pm.
Looking forward to having a fun night and seeing all of you.
KJ

Sleepless in High River

Good Morning!
Two weeks until our little Art Show....getting very excited!

Yesterday my wonderful hubby slipped on some ice. He's at the hospital waiting for surgery right now. No wonder I couldn't sleep, he's not beside me!

Working on a Saskatchewan sunset this morning. Many thanks to Shelbie Goodsman for the beautiful picture that I am using for my inspiration! Enjoy your day everyone!

saying good bye!

Make sure the important people in your life know how important they are before its too late.

We will be saying goodbye to Grandpa McDougall tomorrow. My mother-in-law, Carol was by his side on monday morning and I have been thinking about this quote. Death is final. No more opportunities to let the ones we love know how much they mean to us. So here I am letting everyone know how thankful I feel this morning for my friends and family. I am completely surrounded by people who are such an encouragement and always there to pick me up when I am down. I am not perfect and have had lots of bumps along the way, but it's nice to know that I can be forgiven and loved in spite of my many imperfections. So I hope that if you are thinking about someone you love today, you will just give them a call or drop them an email while you have the chance to do it! Have a great weekend everyone!