Here's to Health, Happiness and Hawaii!

Monday, October 2, 2017

Gee, I don't know. See any difference?
And this is October 2, folks!

As I write this, the view from our dining room window is of palm trees and bougainvillea swaying gently in the trade winds. As you read this - if you're in Alberta - your view is of... snow. In fact a blizzard blew in this morning with oodles of snow, blasts of wind and closed roads. And people ask me if I still enjoy living on Maui after 42 years. Hah! Silly question.

Health Report
I know you've been waiting with bated breath to hear the result of weeks of tests after my operation in Canada. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, go back and read the previous blog.) Well, here it is: my diverticuLOSIS turned into diverticuLITIS by the simple addition of a poisoned appendix and a gallon or so of toxic waste when the appendix burst. It may take some more time to heal my innards but I'm pleased to tell you I don't need more tests, drugs or treatments. Whew.

Jim is doing just fine. He's back to running twice a week and painting in his studio and enjoying life immensely. After all, we ARE on Maui.

We (almost) have a new bathroom
One reason Jim wasn't with me in Alberta this summer is that he was working on the remodel of our master bathroom. Well, it's within a flush or two of being finished. Our worker is in there right now, grouting and gluing. Photos to come.

Work... as we know it

The sugar mill - sold!

Jim and I do make an effort to give the appearance of gainful employment occasionally - he in his art studio, creating artwork that continues to be of interest to residents and tourists. With the sugar plantation and mill shut down, paintings of the mill are extremely popular and this one sold earlier this year. He is also a fabulous flora artist, as you can see in this large painting of coconuts.

Coconuts - still available

Jim doesn't show his work in galleries, nor does he have a website or Facebook presence. In fact, if it wasn't for his network of friends and associates developed during the past 45 years he would be one of many "unknown" artists. Thankfully, he has several collectors who seek him out when they have an empty space on their wall. If you'd like to communicate with Jim, comment on his work or if you have room for another painting, email him at architec@mauigateway.com.





Joy of Recycling

2-piece Evening Bag

While Jim is in his studio I'm in my own studio, creating numerous products using nothing but recycled, upcycled, repurposed and found items including upholstery and drapery fabrics, reclaimed findings, and reimagined materials. You can see some of my items on my Bag of Joy page on Facebook or in my Etsy shop.

Busy Blanket

My business is Joy of Recycling, encompassing the many products I come up with: Bag of Joy bags of all kinds, aprons, fabric journals, wrist wraps/cuffs, ReTies, media covers (laptop bags), casserole carriers, Busy Blankets for Alzheimer and dementia patients, and fabric beads. Everything is one-of-a-kind so if you see something you want, let me know. Email me at joyofrecycling@gmail.com. By the way, when you purchase anything in my Etsy shop, shipping to anywhere in the U.S. is Three or Free - maximum $3 per item and many items ship FREE.

October Calendar

5 - Full Moon

9 - Columbus Day (US) and Thanksgiving (Canada)

12 - Day of the Race (Mexico)

16 - National Bosses Day (US)

24 - United Nations Day

31 - Hallowe'en

Have a wonderful October, enjoy the coming of Winter if you're in the North and Summer if you're in the South... and the gorgeous normal weather if you're in Hawaii! See you in November.