BENEATH THE SNOW AND FADED LEAVES

Beneath the patches of snow and the accumulated leaves and pines needles of last year's vegetative growth lie billions of bulbs, seeds and rhizomes ready to explode into life. Buds on branches wait for the warmth of the smile of the sun.
This winter has brought unexpected tragedy and loss to me. It has brought physical and emotional pain that I just did not expect.
It has seemed exceptionally cold. Just cold.
I didn't realize that a kidney stone and kidney colic was debilitating. I think it was just the shock of being hammered with a condition that made it impossible to sit, work, drive and carry on as I normally do.
Plus, I haven't wanted to talk about it. It is interesting for only so many minutes.
I have been out of touch with who I am and what I do and part of my soul has died.
I could not touch my quills, pens, inks, colors, papers or keyboard.
Thank goodness for pressing projects. Two are leftover from before the decease of my beloved brother and two are new.
The two older projects are tedious. There is a certain comfort in tedious work. A gets you to B and then to C. 2 + 2 = 4 and in a matter of time, the jobs are finished.
The new jobs are design work. They draw on calligraphy disciplines and use Quark, a favorite tool for manipulating characters as objects.
The other new job involves the joy of creating a completing a complete wedding ensemble. By the time all the bulbs, seeds and buds have burst forth, there will be a spring wedding.
The preliminary sketches are as interesting as the pale leaves and faded mulch. The hard work must be done. With pen, PC and the fabulous software, spring will come.
Perhaps the sun of my Muse will shine once more. © tim www.timjohnsonphoto.com

Not Kidneying About Diet

The lab report came in on the kidney stone that I recently passed. It was a common variety (calcium oxalate) and the nurse is mailing me a list of foods and liquids enjoy and the ones to avoid. I also called the information nurse at BCBS for their information, which is usually helpful. I may even write my congressman to see what the government has available on the subject. They are generally a pretty good source of information if you ask nicely.
While talking with the nurse, I asked, "What are the top three things that I should avoid?" Her reply was quite interesting and surprising. Tea, of most varieties, chocolate (except white) and peanut butter.
There goes McDonald's sweet tea, Earl Grey, Lady Gray many herbal teas. Bojangle's teas would probably create concrete pavers or bollard posts.
Goodbye to Butterfingers and Crunch bars and Hershey Bars. Neekos are out and Reese's Cups will be a memory.
Can't have spinach. Can eat Brussels sprouts.
Can have 10 slices of bacon, eggs aplenty, low fat milk and beef. Whole wheat and multigrain breads are out so white bread is it.
CAN eat lentils but not most beans.
Kamut, oatmeal and spelt will be sacrificed.
I hate it, but I must peel cucumbers. Can eat zucchini but not yellow squash.
Fig Newtons are killers but I can eat coconut. I can smack down some macaroons!
I can drink Coke and Schweppes ginger ale - since Schweppes has no ginger in it. Canada Dry does have ginger in it so that is O – U – T.
I have been eating crystallized ginger as a treat and as a purifier. No more. Ginger is not friendly to the kidney.
The most comprehensive list I got doing my research came from a group that supports women's health. I wish I had not learned about this particular affliction, but I promise my prayers for the people who suffer from this condition.
This diet is also good for people with arthritis and gout.
I'm still drinking toward a gallon of water a day. I am getting toward the flush of my health.
This low oxalate diet may prove to be good for several things. We'll see.
If you are interested, here are the best of the websites I found that deal with this subject.
Read and learn as have I. There are a few things I do not want to pass this way again.


http://www.branwen.com/rowan/oxalate.htm


http://www.seekwellness.com/incontinence/low-oxalate-diet.htm


http://www.naturalhealthtechniques.com/ExamForms-MedicalIntuitive/list_of_high_oxalate_foods.htm


tim www.timjohnsonphoto.com