Well friends, I'm sorta back.
I feel like so much time has passed since I was here, but somehow it's only been 2 months. Time makes no sense right now (I mostly blame the Pandemi Lovato)
I took a break to try to rest & recoup. I'm not particularly great at that sorta thing, but my body was calling the shots and I had no choice. Chronic pain was new to me, and the restless exhaustion was very difficult to cope with it. It still is, if I'm honest, but it's getting a little easier
I've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and are still being investigated for other things amiss with my energy and joints. I'm only at the beginning of this healthcare journey, and these ongoing checkups, procedures and care plans take up most of my life now.
I've also needed to come to terms with sometimes needing walking aids, particularly when my knees are inflamed. I go between using a cane or a SmartCrutch to take the pressure off my right hip & knee - which all depends on my needs, where I am, and the state of my hands (honestly the SmartCrutch has been AMAZING for that, because it allows me to get support from my entire forearm and shoulder, rather than just my hand & shoulder with the cane
I'm also slowly coming to terms with how the needs of my body have changed so much in such a short period of time, but I'm doing my best.
I'm unsure if earrings will ever come back in the same way as they once were on West Queer Art, but now that my hand pain is in a more manageable place I've been back designing stickers and cheeky new designs inspired by these newfound struggles.
Keep your eyes peeled for our next update, because I'm very proud of this one!