August 1st, we got the devastating news that Flex’s cancer was back, inoperable, and extremely aggressive. We made every second with her count and she had such a wonderful time she lasted 2 weeks longer than we were told to expect. It’s been extremely hard. She passed this morning at home. Frank, my parents, and Tina (Flex’s mother) appreciate your love/prayers during this difficult time. Thank you.
–Lauren*
Been a couple months since my last update. I should change that, huh? So, in 2024 thus far, I turned 39 and then (in order of when it occurred):
Continue reading “Life, Death, and Other Updates: 2024 So Far!”
Remember how we had to get Flex spayed October 27th? We figured we would get Tina (our other cat) spayed once we recovered from that debt but NOPE! Tina had to go in Monday for an emergency spay due to pyometra! 😱
The doc and nurses did an absolutely AMAZING job (and gifted us with some truly gnarly photos of what her uterus looked like — and dang Tina’s uterus was as bad or worse than mine and that’s saying something because mine was mutated as all heck!) and Tina is recovering comfortably at home. Since Frank and I are always here, Tina hasn’t had to wear her cone very much IRL (only if she gets REALLY insistent about licking her stitches!). She does get very vocal when it’s time for her pain meds or if her hot water bottle gets too cold, but is otherwise doing really well and is eating, drinking, and pooping normally. She has to go back in 14 days to get her staples & stitches out.
Tina gave us a MAJOR scare!! And now we’re even more in debt… but our baby girls are worth it. ❤️ Once again: Get your cats fixed as soon as you can!! For their sake!
–Lauren*
Let me start this by saying we’re all basically okay now (cats and humans!), but whew boy the past few weeks have been rough. Our younger cat, Flex, hit puberty in a big way a few years ago… but we kept putting off getting her spayed. We were much more focused on making MY lifesaving hysterectomy happen (no easy feat!) and, even after, funds were tight. Well, things you put off always have a way of coming back around to bite you, don’t they? In this case, quite literally…
Flex went into a major Heat towards the end of October. Then, on October 26th, she saw a neighbor’s female cat (competition!) through our back window, went absolutley chimp level berserk, and lashed out at Tina (our older cat, Flex’s mother), Frank (my husband), and myself. Frank’s wounds were BAD (paramedics were called level of bad!) and he and I both had to go to the local Urgent Care within 12hrs for tetanus shots and STRONG antibiotics.
Flex was spayed (kitty hysterectomy) the next day. She’s doing really well! She’s nearly 100% recovered physically and her attitude is also recovering. Since she was always great any time she wasn’t in heat, the vet said she should return to that default once the hormones fully leave her system in 4-6 weeks. She and Tina will be reintroduced then. Tina is already fully recovered from the fight and enjoying her alone time away from her daughter.
Frank is all better save for some “battle damage” scars (his left arm looks like he faced off with a bobcat rather than a housecat but he heals well and the tissue will fade). I’m having some residual issues from the antibiotics (yes, Frank and I are BOTH taking probiotics; thanks) and nerve pains in my left hand but I’m nearly there. I’ve been editing some great guest posts for HorrorFam.com and I have some things in the works for LittleZotz.com too!
Thank you for your patience re: my content production. November is always difficult, but this year is especially hard. We’re still dealing with the losses of both of my uncles this year, among other things (equally serious but not able to discuss). The fact that I’ve done ANYthing this year kind of blows my mind…
Thanks again. More soon ❤🙏
–Lauren*
This hasn’t been a great year… I know you likely feel the same way (and probably have for the entirety of the 2020s thus far!). We’ve all been dealing with immeasurable stress, crushing losses, lingering grief…
It’s been an especially difficult time for creators — writers, artists, and other creative minds.
In a dose of cold, harsh reality: Freelancers and independent creators don’t get paid if they don’t create! (And nothing adds extreme stress to an already crisis-level emotional situation like wondering “How am I going to buy food/pay bills this month??”). For many of us, we create because we have to in order to survive — it’s the only thing we’re good at.
In a more romantic sense: We create because we NEED to. It doesn’t just help us survive financially, it just plain helps us survive.
Creativity is at the heart of everything that matters. In many ways, it’s the only thing that matters. Especially now.
But sometimes creating things is SO DIFFICULT!! Even when we want to — even when we need to!
When you’re in the midst of a personal crisis (illness, bereavement, sleep deprivation, etc.), it can feel almost impossible to find the will and the inspiration to create anything. I know it has been for me… But, in spite of the difficulty, I’ve been creating a whole heck of a lot of stuff on a fairly consistent basis.
The following are the techniques I use to keep creating, always. I hope that my tips help you to continue creating during a crisis as well.
Continue reading “How to Continue Creating During a Personal Crisis”
This isn’t an art DIY lesson or anything like that. Mainly because I have no idea what I’m doing in regard to artwork and, therefore, don’t really have a whole lot to pass onto anyone teaching-wise. But, I enjoy looking at other people’s artwork and it often fires me up and makes me want to create my own stuff! Hopefully my artwork will have a similar inspirational/motivational effect on you. 🙂
Continue reading ““Bad” Girls Painting: Portrait of Our Cats”