MY SMALL SUCCESS GIVES ME HOPE

[Artandpoetry]

I’m on my second journey on pred (down to 4.5). My husband is slowly getting some mobility back after a stroke in January. Over the last couple of years, I have been producing education packs for 9-11 year olds. My husband has been producing art work. We have wanted to sell from a stall for a long time but health has not permitted. BUT on Saturday we joined in with the first Shepperton Craft Fair., really unsure if we could manage the day. We set up the stall, managed to sit there all day, then my daughter helped us to pack away. Such a sense of achievement and great to feel part of the community again!! Very tired now but no more ill than usual. Hope for the future. We soldier on.

[123-go]

What uplifting news! Well done! I hope you rewarded yourselves with a couple of good long lie-ins 🛏️. 😀

[Artandpoetry in reply to 123-go]

Yes. A good lie in this morning thanks.

[Kendrew]

That's such a lovely positive post. I'm so happy you both felt well enough to 'test the water' and hopefully haven't experienced any adverse consequences since.

Well done.

[Artandpoetry in reply to Kendrew]

Yes. Little steps and a positive attitude to having a go will get us all along on our journey. Thank you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Well done both of you.... now you've done it once you know its doable in future. 🌸

[Artandpoetry in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks. Yes we will carry on along this new road and see where it leads.

[Twopies]

So nice to hear! I started at 4.5 today too—first time in 7 years. If you can do it, I can do it! We’ll do it together! Keep us posted!

[Artandpoetry in reply to Twopies]

Yes. Let’s make progress together. Please let us know about your journey too. Light at the end of the tunnel!

[Koalajane]

it feels so good to achieve something.

Having had PMR for over 6 years I do my very best to not let PMR rule my life. We went with our son, daughter in law and their 6 month old son to Sydney in October. I was concerned about keeping up with them on the many walks we did. But I just about managed it and felt so pleased with myself.

Good luck to you and your husband and well dne

[Artandpoetry]

Thank you. I am so pleased to hear about your determination and wonderful adventures too. We will keep each other going with our positive stories.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Well done.

[Artandpoetry in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you

[SheffieldJane]

This is inspiring! Good luck with your taper.🍀

[Artandpoetry in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you. Good luck to you too.

[Bcol]

Lovely news and really well done. Fingers crossed that both yours and your husband's improvement continues. Onwards and upwards. 🫂

[Artandpoetry in reply to Bcol]

Thank you. I like onwards and upwards.

[Janet57]

Well done to you both. It’s lovely to read such an inspiring story. Thank you for posting. 😊

[Artandpoetry in reply to Janet57]

Thank you. We must all keep on trying.

[Blearyeyed]

Brilliant story , so inspirational.It's lovely to read these stories , especially for members at the beginning of their PMR/ GCA journey because it proves that when the time is right in your recovery we can all get back to fulfilling those dreams we had.

I have a number of lifetime illnesses apart from GCA , so although I said goodbye to GCA a while a go my cardiac and Neurological illnesses still mean that I can't do the work I once did as a professional nature and land artist ( or a normal job) .

Whilst still recovering from GCA I turned to photography to fill my creative needs because a camera is smaller than tools and a chain saw , and I can go out on a walk and sit when I need to.

Last year , I began to get some commissions for work and I also joined an online photography community and have since been a Contest Finalist in a few big competitions which have really set me on my way.

So , although some of our plans may need to be delayed , or some of the things we do altered because of our health needs , it's still possible to follow those ambitions , even if it's done in a different way.

I thought I'd just add a funny photo here of a couple of people in the production of " Wind in the Willows " I was hired to capture. You'll need to press the photo to see the full image.

Good Luck with the new business, hugs , Bee

"Come Along Young Lady" , Mr. Toad is caught , despite his cunning disguise .

[Artandpoetry in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thank you. Your story is hugely inspirational. You have managed to rebuild success in your life and follow you creative instincts. Well done! Yes it’s all about adaption and finding joy and fulfilment in a different way. We used to run a family pony field as well as work full time and ride bikes. I am now thankful for a slow walk amongst nature. Wonderful photo. We all need things to make us smile!

[Bridge31]

Yes really well done, a great sense of satisfaction that it was worth the effort. Did you have many sales ?

[Artandpoetry in reply to Bridge31]

Thank you for your reply. We managed to cover costs plus a little extra. All the stalls did about the same apart from wreaths which sold really well. We didn’t expect to do any better in todays financial situation and we’re very happy with the outcome. It was also great fun. We are hoping they will run another event in the spring. It was set up for local crafters who don’t usually have a chance to showcase their work. So lots of first-timers finding their way.

[Mfaepink1973]

Well done you! Wishing you all the best and many more successful craft fairs.

[Artandpoetry in reply to Mfaepink1973]

Thank you for your good wishes.