HANDS UP!

A heart-shaped stone I found on the beach in California.

Summer's gone.  Amazing how fast the time goes.  It was a busy one.  I had a couple shows, some major construction on my house, a wonderful trip to California with Paul and my sister Jamie, and now new things are around the corner.  As many of you know, I have had some major issues with my right hand for a few years now.  I have an injury that's really common among we metalsmiths, (especially the women kind!) namely the basal joint of my right thumb is worn out and grinding against bone.  Yuck, more info than you wanted, right?  Well, it's gotten very bad in the last few months, to the point where I'm having trouble buckling my seat belt, and buttoning my jeans not to mention sawing sheet metal.  So, on Monday I'm having surgery to repair it.  I'm a bit freaked out by the length of time I have to spend in a cast, but I'm pretty resigned to the whole thing.  I'm not the world's most patient person and I have a really difficult time asking for help, but I guess I'm in for a period of personal growth.  I'm going to read books, sketch new work, tend my online store and anything else I can figure out to keep myself occupied.  I'll have a few months in various casts and splints before I'm back up to speed, but hopefully I'll be pain-free and ready to go soon.  I'll keep you posted on my progress.