10 days

It is 6:25 am doing my usual morning routine. Up at 5:30... Feed dogs and let them out. Clean kitchen and make Alex's lunch. Feed the rabbit veggie bowl and feed tortoise lettuce, grapes and cantaloup.  Check internet and go wake Alex up.  Get dressed. Get out the door by 7:00 am but not before Alex and I kiss Mike goodbye.  Mike usually tries to sleep but we still go in for the kiss. Alex tries to get into bed with him and hide out so he does not have to go to school. I don't blame him. Mike is a professional snuggler and bed warmer.

Today is a special day however, Amy is coming to meet us at 7:00 to drive to school with us. Today is reading day and Amy is coming to read with Alex and the class. I always appreciate the fact that she will get up so early to come and be with him. He loves her so much!

My days are filled with running errand to get ready for this next week. I have much to do and as always and not enough time or money to do everything I want. That's life.   I will get as much done as I can and go easy on myself.  

Have a great day and remember to think of Tom and send good wishes. This photo is Alex at school making apple snack smiles. xoxox

Alex has something to say!

He would like to say that he ordered a new Indiana LEGO set and it will arrive in the mail in four days. He says it comes with an crocodile and not a real one! He would like you to know he has three puppies. He wants you to know that Amy and Kevin are going to get married. He says he is attending the wedding and is very excited about it. Finally, he says that these are not the pit droids you are looking for!  Good night.

11 days and Alex says think about cute puppies

So much is going on. Yesterday we found out that Alex's grandpa and my ex-father in law is very sick. He had open heart surgery a week ago and we thought he was doing well and would be transfered to a recovery hospital soon. Things got worse and his kidneys stopped working and now he is having other complications. He is not awake and and they are giving him 50% that he will pull through this. 

If anyone out there has some good wishes or mojo or anything they can send his way please do it now. His name is Tom Harris and he is an amazing man. Only 69 years old and to young to have all this happening.  Alex told me when I was sad after hearing about Tom that I should not be sad. He said he is not gone yet MOM! and told me to think of cute puppies ( but not puppies in the pound) just cute ones. Kids have a way of seeing thing so clearly. I am lucky to have him on my team. He has been giving me lots of hugs these days. We both need many hugs.

Oh, I really need Tom to make it thought this. We all need him and love him.  Tom is a judge in the city of Fresno California. He is a father of two and grandfather to three amazing kids. He married me to his son in an art gallery in Laguna Beach and cried when he said the wedding vows. He explained that Mike (Mike Harris his son and my first husband) was his baby and seeing him as a man and getting married was absolutely overwhelming to him. How fast time had passed.....he no longer had a toe head baby boy. Mike Harris is with him at the hospital in Northern California. I send all my best wishes to him and the family. 

12 days and counting

Mike is a real trooper. He loves teaching so much! Today he got up and headed to teach two classes. He was upbeat and happy to go. In 12 days we are on. I am always impressed with him. He is my hero. In between classes today Mike goes to the hospital for more tests. He is doing great!

Alex is home with a bad stomach today. Not sure what is going on but he is feeling bad. Rest for him today will hopefully be the trick.  

Went for a two hour walk last night which really helped lift my spirits. Exercise is the key to getting back on track. I think I will go again tonight. 

posted by Andrea

 

Drew this with my new Wacom last night.

I drew this crazy frog/turtle creature to try and feel out my new wacom that I got from Mike and Alex for Mothers day. I am one lucky Mother. I decided to post this ugly little guy because it makes me feel better. I am planning to get good at this thing so I can work on my books with it. Thank to Mike and Alex for spoiling me. xoxoxo

13 days to go

I do not agree with the exciting part anymore. I mean I guess I am excited but I just want to be there and see this all go through OK. I just want to know that the people I love will be OK. I had a ruff day and tried to fix some things so I would feel better. Have you ever had a day when everything you try to do just does not go right. Well, I had a day and now I am in front of the computer drinking a Rootbeer and thinking about how I can get my spirits back on track. 

I know this too will pass just like all the other blues I have felt through this process. Taking the good with the bad is all part of it. This has not been a cake walk. I saw the dermatologist today because my face is breaking out in an acne kinda rash.  He says it is due to stress. Me stressed out? Yes! I admit I try to hold back the feelings but the day is getting closer and I am nervous and stressed. Amy told me all is going to work out just fine and in a month I will be home with my healthy husband and looking back at all this like a bad dream. This to will pass. Amy is a good friend to me and she knows when I get stressed out.  Thanks Amy for your kinds words. Your the one doing most of the hard lifting on this deal. I appreciate your strength for the times when I am not as strong. Like today. Much love to you, Andrea

Tomorrow will be a better day. 

I love these boys!

Donate Life

Donate Life California is a nonprofit Organ and Tissue Donor Registry dedicated to saving the lives of thousands of Californians awaiting 

life-saving transplants.

Officially formed in 2004 after being authorized by the state, California's four federally designated non profit organ procurement organizations (facilitating the donation process across California), are committed to giving every person waiting for a transplant - a second chance at life.

Right now nearly 20,000 Californians wait for an organ transplant. That's 21 percent of the 94,000 people waiting across our country. Tragically, one third of them will die - waiting.

Until now, no Registry has existed for those of you who wished to give consent to be an organ and/or tissue donor. Historically, while signing a donor card and placing the pink dot on your license served as an important symbol of your intent, it did not place you on any list or Registry.

Now, Donate Life California allows you to express your commitment to becoming an organ, eye and tissue donor. The Registry guarantees your plans will be carried out when you die.

Since July 1st of 2006, individuals who renew or apply for a driver's license or ID with the DMV, now have the opportunity to also register their decision to be a donor in the Donate Life California Registry, and the pink "DONOR" dot symbol is pre-printed on the applicant's driver license or ID card.

You have the power to donate life - sign up today to become an organ and tissue donor. Your generosity can save up to eight lives through organ donation and enhance another 50 through tissue donation.

Dog Posse

15 days left

Tonight Mike and I went to dinner with Paula and Jim (Amy's parents). It was great to spend some time with them and catch up about all that has been going on. They are great people and we love there company. 

I also worked at the studio today. Moving more boxes, painting the walls and cleaning up. It is looking really great. Actually it is almost usable at this point. I started a new drawing today and it felt good to get some work done. This new space is a great place to disappear in. I needed that!

Alex, Amy and I attended the yearly Big Birdhouse party at the Dowlings yesterday.  Alex made this Squirrel birdhouse and I made a Robot birdhouse. Amy made a house with a big green knit lawn. It was a great time. Amy and I both agreed that we needed a day to create and relax. No pressure......just fun. 

posted by Andrea

Cool find in the basement

Took Amy and her parents into the basement and showed them the cool safes. The maintenance man at my new studio told me they are really old. I will do some research with the historical society and see how long they have been here. Nice find!

The Mosler Safe Company was a manufacturer of security equipment, most notably safes and bank vaults, beginning in 1867 and ending with its bankruptcy in 2001. Founded in Cincinnati by Gustave Mosler as the Mosler-Bahmann Safe Company, it outgrew its original factory and relocated to Hamilton in 1891, where it remained until its 2001 bankruptcy.  Its safes and vaults were renowned for their strength and precision manufacture: several Mosler vaults installed in Hiroshima's Mitsui Bank building prior to WWII survived the nuclear attack, and the company subsequently produced doors for missile silos and even the vault now used to display and store the United States Constitution and Declaration of Independence. One example, installed at the Atomic Energy Commission's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, weighed approximately 138 tons including the frame. Despite the weight ("the largest and heaviest hinged shielding doors in the world"), each 58-ton blade could be opened and closed manually by one person.

Mosler was controlled by its founding family until 1967, when they sold it to American Standard Companies. American Standard then sold the division to a group of Mosler managers and outside investors in 1986. 

After 134 years in business, Mosler declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2001, citing continuing debt problems, and ceased operations shortly thereafter. Diebold subsequently announced programs to support former Mosler customers.

posted by Andrea

Dad, Mom and Kevin

My folks are in town!  Some noteworthy updates: my mom 'accidently' shaved my dad's head without a guard and my father is now bald, my mom did bring banana bread (but Kevin if you are reading this I ate the whole loaf.  Judith if you reading this, Kevin ate the whole loaf.)

Last night we were washing dishes at their friends house where they reside when they visit, Connie and Jerry's.  I told my mom that I dont know what to say when people say certain things to me about the transplant.  Friends of Andrea and Mikie are very generous with their support and kind words, but I dont know how to respond.  My mom suggested I just say thank you.   And I do.  People have called me brave, and I appreciate their vote of confidence.  But I think about the transplant this way:  I was tested in January, after my mom had said I was an A, because I love those three.  And even if my blood type wasnt right, I was damn well going to get tested anyway.  Maybe I was in the 20% of A types that did not have the offending enzyme.  But I passed, I'm an O, I dont even know if I'm a positive or negative.  And then I passed the cell destruction test where they put my cranky New York Italian cells and poor old Mikie's cells in a tube together to see if they fight.  I thought for sure my cells would be little pissers just to spite me.  But they werent; they were friendly and sweet.  Those must have been my Buddhist cells.

Speaking of which I have to run to a Buddhist meeting and must finish this entry later.  I would like to end on this note.  I'm nervous, afraid, tentative...all these things.  But I feel like this surgery is alot like having a baby.  You're nine months pregnant and you know if it is going to hurt like hell to give birth (lots of needles involved, not a fav of mine) and it must be terrifying.  Sure people do it everyday, but YOU dont do it everyday so it is natural to want to try to ride out a 12 month pregnancy.  Same with the kidney.  I have two fabulous kidneys, and Mikie's kidneys are not doing so hot.  He needs it, so mine comes out.  It makes sense.  That was how I was raised.  If anyone wants to thank me, perhaps they should first hug the folks in the photo.  They did a great job.

posted by Amy

Make sure to register as an organ donor

Donation of organs, tissue and blood saves lives. Register as a donor today at: www.donatelifecalifornia.org

16 days to go

Mike has been resting a great deal. This kidney disease makes him very tired and he sleeps many hours each day. We miss playing with him when he is so tired. Once in awhile I will torment him. I took his photo while he was watching the Lakers game and he hates stuff like that. 

TV has a way of helping him escape the fatigue for awhile. He watches many hours of TV and listens to music in bed. It helps relax him. We have 16 days to go and I am very.... anxious! I worry each day and feel excited and it take a great deal of energy out of me. I can only imagine how tired he and Amy are as they move closer to the surgery date.

They tell us that we will arrive at 5:00 am the day of the surgery. A painful hour but we will make it happen. Amy will be in surgery by 7:00 am and Mike soon after. I plan to wait with friends and Alex at the hospital. Amy is asking her Buddhist friends to chant for her. I am asking everyone to send you positive thoughts to Mike and Amy starting at 7:00 am on the 9th of June. We can use all the help we can get!

Shark Attack

Amy and Alex goofing off at the Scripps Aquarium in La Jolla, CA .  They are always so dramatic about stuff.  Actually soon after this shot was taken Alex decided to go over to a large fountain and let his new little toy loose in the water. It moved so far into the middle of the large fountain that we could not reach it. Amy took one for the team.... took off her shoes, rolled up her pants and waded out into the fountain to rescue his toy. How sweet!  Alexander I were very impressed by this selfless act. She still gripes about how she sacrifices for us. Donating her kidney is the biggest save ever. I will never hear the end of this for sure! Ha ha.

Went to Dinner with my Brother

My brother came into town last night for a police conference. We took him out to dinner and had a great evening. It will be the last time he sees us before the surgery. He was so fun and we really enjoyed ourselves. 

posted by Andrea

The Other Side of the Wall

Kevin left at 4 AM for Houston.  He will meet his sister Amanda and her husband Bob, and take care of their father's house.  Valentine passed away in January.  He will only be gone until Tuesday morning.  Is it possible to miss someone terribly the minute the sliding doors in Continental Airlines close, and you turn the key in the ignition? I had a wonderful dream just before waking up a few hours later.  I cant remember most of it, but I remember how it felt to be in- there was a beautiful baby, just emanating light, and we were talking and talking.  And the baby understood every word and smiled as if to confirm the political position, art movement, economic crunch, the housing crisis - we were lying in bed reading the New York Times.  He had a beautiful nose and big blue eyes.

My first question for the Renal Transplant Coordinator Marya was if the donation would in any way effect my chances of having a healthy baby.  She replied unequivocally no.  That made my decision to continue the testing much easier.  

Posted by Amy

If you are interested in a job

This is just a joke... I mean the chocolate cup cake. We all know Amy is doing amazing on her diet with Judith but I just thought this would make Amy smile today!  

18 more days

Mike went to the doctors for more test. We now have our list of appointments leading up to the surgery. There is still a great deal to do but everything is moving along fine. They retest at this point to make sure everything is on track. We will also be attending a class in the next week or so which will cover all the issues associated with transplantation. Sickness,medications, emergencies to look out for, recovery tips and diet and so on.  I will learn this stuff inside and out and become an eagle eye when it comes to Mike and Amy until they are recovered. Alex is also on board and so many of our friends to help out.  We have a list of people who want to help. It is great to have so much love out there for us. 

posted by Andrea

Knitting Grass Part 2

People ask if Im nervous about the surgery.  I was for a few days after the surgeon approved me for transplant.  My IBS stomach takes everything very personally, and can be quite painful.  As we get closer to the date I cant say that I feel nervous; the whole situation is surreal.  I have had five surgeries already, so that part Im not to frantic about.  I have broken my nose twice, had surgery to reconstruct my ankle with metal, surgery to take the metal out, and a cyst removed. This is not counting the wisdom teeth, or the other nasal surgery I need this fall to fix a scar bridge in my left nostril (Please try not to stare, Im alittle self conscious.)  During my first nasal surgery (I had broken my deviated septum- which in biz is called a "two-fer,") I woke up after being wheeled into surgery.  I saw the big lamps above me, doctors leaning over me with shiny tools, and we made eye contact.  After the surgery, I was out for much longer than my parents had expected, probably due to the double dose of anesthesia, and the fact that while trying to revive me the nurses were shouting, "Amanda! Wake up Amanda!"  I knew that wasnt my name, so I kept right on sleeping.

Here are some pics from the upcoming show!  Enjoy!

The gentleman at the top is Bob Pece, co-founder of Rat Powered Films, and my favorite sound engineer!

Posted by Amy

Knitting Grass

My first big solo exhibition opens July 5 in the Project Room at the Grand Central Art Center. Here is some of the progress- to date I have knitted over 250 rolls of yarn.  But without Renee, Brando, Cerise (Jammie Girl who will also get her entry!), Eric, Andrea and many many more people, this show would not be possible. And thanks to Andrew and Jarek from Icreate Designs who are creating www.freerangeknitting.com.  Thanks also to Michelle and Chris Hoff for their generous grant!

The woman in the last photo with me is the co-creator of Pseudo-Sod, the knitted grass car cover.  Her names include Melissa, Brando, and Roommate.  She is a former student, and after the semester ended we stayed friends.  A few things you should know about Brando: she is in nursing school, she can quote Anchorman, Dodgeball, and Grizzly Man, she is compassion personified, she has a nick in the starfish tattoo on her foreman from a plastic glove that snapped it while she was working at the hospital, her car radio is very loud, she has a sense of three dimensional space that saved the car cover project, and she loves Jewish delis.  And she gives me strength when Im in short supply.

Posted by Amy

Mike Draws

This is one of Mikes drawings. He has this little special book that he carries around and when he sits at a restaurant or just feels like it he will start to doodle. His friend and ex-girlfriend Meg bought him the little book and he loves it. The drawings always have such humor and humanity about them. I think they are amazing. He drew a Boxer in the ring for me when we first started dating. I will post more drawings for you soon. 

Speaking of Food and all that!

I must say that Amy is doing an amazing job on her diet with Judith. She eats veggies, fruits of various colors and origins, no junk food, a little mash potatoes! She is living a balanced life and if she continues this she will live to be 100 plus years old. 

Oh, now.... that means I will have to deal with her for 60 plus more years and also take care of myself  so I can out run her when she gets old and crazy!  She is pretty tuff with those turbos of hers already and crazy but in a good way.  

I am also getting in shape but not with Judith. I wish I could meet her and have her help but I am solo on this mission almost impossible.  I am doing gardening, walks and heavy lifting each day which is really helping to slim me down. I don't get on a scale... I do the pants fit better rule. I feel better, pants fit better and I am enjoying myself in the process. I also eat balanced 85% of the time. I still eat chocolate once a day and I try to drink more water. 

I need to also get fit for Mike. He has always been really fit and he is older than me. I mean he can out do me and he is old... older than me. He rubs it in! I can't allow him to get a kidney transplant and still be able to kick my butt. No NO No! I will get fit and kick his butt. That is the plan so far!

posted by Andrea

Shorty says.....

Shorty is a character I am drawing that is based on Alex. I am working with Mike  and Alex on a book titled, Shorty Hits the Big Apple.  It is a book about Shorty leaving home and all those he loves to venture out cross county to find the Big Apple aka New York City. On the way he meets up with many special new friends. A woodpecker in Colorado based on Willie O'Leary an artist friend of ours, a frequently flying goose based on artist Elisabeth Turk who is bicoastal and an amazing friend. A city savvy pigeon based on Manuel Pardo our dear artist friend in New York, A musician friend of ours named Tim and others. 

This image is Shorty dreaming of part of his life. Home with a loved one waiting for him. But that is a dream for the future. This young and adventurous bird is exploring the world for now. 

I am planning to finish the book this year. I have been working on it off and on for awhile and I need to get it done. It will include 18 drawings and a great story.  Making something is very important to all of us and the book will mean a great deal as we all contributed to it. By the way Alex is art directing me yet again on this work. But, he gives me a bit of creative freedom. 

Shorty says.... Dream Big .... Anything is possible!

Judith

Judith is my dietician, and I dare say, the savior of my stomach, champion of my intestines, and all around guru of digestive system goodness.

Anyone reading this that has known me for longer than 3 months can testify to the culinary abomination that were my eating habits.  I was on a first name basis with any food with the prefix Mc.  I could drive through any fast food joint with nary a glance at the menu; oh yes I was THAT good.  A fixture on the junk food scene.  Alexander and I eat very similarly; in that we both like simple foods.  But even Alexander wouldnt have dared to touch some of the heinous fare that I was serving up.  And I was unhappy about my weight.  Weight Watchers had worked in the past, but I was having a hard time making that commitment.  I COULDN'T make that commitment.  I was working out and teaching cycling at the gym, and I had smoking hot muscles, but couldnt manage my weight or food properly.  

Then I met Judith.  And upon our first meeting I believe that she knew what needed to be done, how to do it, and how to get through my thick skull of habit, comfort, and doubt.

More to follow on Judith, but I will finish this post by saying I am down almost 10 pounds since January.  And more importantly, she has enabled and encouraged me to change the way I eat forever.  And Im ok with that.

(P.S. Judith if you are reading this, I helped Kevin eat that Cheesecake Factory strawberry cheesecake, but I went for an hour bike ride that night.  Probably should have rode for at least 2 hours after cheesecake huh?  Well, Kevin did eat most of it, and my bites were very small.  I had maybe two bites in all.  Ok, I just smelled it and licked the fork.  Glad I got that off my chest.)

Posted by Amy

Don't You Kiss Me With Those Dirty Lips

Oh that baby could egg me on with those eyes!  We have a way together that is the most magical relationship!  I could wind him up, and he knew how to push my buttons.  I remember two distinct clothing fads for Alexander.  Once he refused to change out of his swim suit, a blue shorty, that he would NOT take off.  The other was the tiger jammies.  This video is a great document of our dynamic and the questionable fashion of his younger years.

Posted by Amy

Do it Like David Byrne Would

When Alexander was born, I made the determination to teach him to appreciate and listen to GOOD music.  Not the stuff the kids listen to these days, with the booty grinding and throat hollaring.  The Talking Heads was going to be his favorite band, and as a matter of fact, Andrea took him and I, and a dear friend Rosemary to see him in 2004 at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.  I can only assume that he got these moves from David Byrne.

Posted by Amy

20 days to take off

Mike got a call today from the hospital and he will start his pre-testing for surgery tomorrow. Also, they retested him for any infections and he is clear. Yahoo!  All is going really well.

Amy is busy and trying to get so much done before surgery time. She is doing great. She called me yesterday after running into Mike at the Art Center just to tell me that she loved Mike and was so happy she was able to donate to him. Made me feel really good. She is an amazing person. Her family is coming to town to meet the people at the transplant center in the next week. We are excited to have Jim and Paula in town.

Alex is doing well. He say, "Thank you for reading the blog and for supporting us." He is sitting on my lap while I post this to you all. 

posted by Andrea

The Musicians

Amy has an accordion named Walter.  She wanted to learn how to play an instrument that no one else she knew played.  I bought her Walter in Santa Ana at a local music store. I figured it was an instrument that could hug you back. 

She can play a couple songs on it. They both sound like italian wedding songs. 

Maybe after she is all healed up she will get back to playing Walter again. I am sure he misses her embrace. 

Another Interview for Mike

This is Mike being interviewed about the Artists Village for a TV spot about Downtown Santa Ana and the art scene there. Acorn TV is producing these really cool TV spots in collaboration with their sponsor, the Downtown Santa Ana Business Council.

Mike usually gets interviewed for anything that involves the arts or Santa Ana's Artists Village and the Grand Central Art Center. He was real tired this day but went through with it because I asked him to do it. I loved seeing him lit and talking for the camera. I wanted him documented for posterity. 

One the spot is complete I will post a bit of it for you. 

Three weeks as of today.... 21 days

This is an image of Mike in Chile. This was his last trip before his health really took a turn. I love this image of him because he is so happy when he is exploring the world. Kind of like Indiana Jones but he just goes to galleries and museums and visits cool artists. 

On this trip he was slated to also go to Ecuador but had to cancel that part of the trip. The altitude would be to much for him.. doctors orders. 

During this trip Mike also went to Germany and Italy. He had a great time. So much fun that we barely heard from him. I teased him and asked him to send me an image so I would know he was alive. He sent me an image of his foot. Funny... Real funny!

Denis Donovan

Denis Donovan is 58 years old, a husband, and father and was documentary
filmmaker before started to experience kidney failure. He was diagnosed in 2001 and has yet to find a blood type O donor to help him. He has been on dialysis for seven years. His wife and daughter have been there for him over these difficult years with hopes that a donor would be found. Denis needs help. If you know of anyone who is O type who is interested in helping Denis please get in touch: denisdonovan@sbcglobal.net

I met Denis through a friend who knew I was trying to find Mike McGee (my husband) a donor to help save his life. When we finally got confirmation that Amy would be our donor my friend Ensook asked if I might help Denis. Denis is an amazing writer with a thoughtful mind who cares about the world. I have met him and know he is a fighter but the fight is a hard one and he
need support.

I know that when in trenches of looking for a donor for someone you love you are experiencing many things and meeting many new people. I have read many stories about people in need and I think it is important to reach out and ask for help when you need it.

I am asking for help for Denis and hope that special person is out there.

posted by Andrea

Amy is in da house

Amy loves gross stuff and so does Alex. They like slimy and gooey and icky stuff. And I do not. But, I am the one who does not mind cleaning up after babies, doing dirty clean ups, cleaning a wound or cleaning a fish when I catch one and have it for dinner. 

Amy loves medical stuff. She has a major collection of medical gear that she simply adores. She also has a collection of peoples teeth. Strange.... but she loves them!

Amy takes medial supplies at the doctors office! She once took rubber gloves from the clinic I was at for a leg injury. She and Alex took the gloves blew them up and put them on their bare feet to be funny and make me laugh. I did not laugh, I told them to stop taking rubber gloves before the doctor came into the room. When they heard the doctor coming them put their feet into their shoes with the gloves still on and tried to hide them from the doctors. They are not very sneaky. The blown up fingers were sticking out of the shoes and the doctor could easily see what they had been up to. 

posted by Andrea

22 days and counting

These last few videos are amazing. We have had so much fun together. Thank you Amy for being an wonderful part of our lives. 

This is Amy and Alex visiting a Toucan at a pet store.

Posted by Andrea

First Flight at GCAC

Bob Pece and a few of the residents fashioned an airplane out of a computer box.  Note the mid air collision with the photographer.

Posted by the Air Traffic Controller

Taking "The Rooster" Skiing

He's Skiing dude!

Posted by the "Sick Air Catchin' Shread Betty!"

Kevin says thats "Snowboarder lingo." Hear me now!!

June 27, 2003

Andrea, Mikie and Alexander were on vacation in Northern CA.  She brought this heart-warming video home of the short man singing his favorite song while enjoying the tracks.  The title of this smash hit, this top of the charts tune: "Amy is a Knucklehead."

Posted by Knucklehead

Alex in the pond CSUF Art Dept. Film by Mike

Beautiful Baby Boy

This is one of my favorite photos. Mike took this of Alex at age 2. 

Alex loved to climb into pillow cases when he was a baby. He would get inside and say he wanted Mike to carry him around. 

Of course Mike would do whatever he was asked because how could he resist those eyes. 

When Mike gets well we will do some serious playing. Alex can't fit in a pillow case anymore but he loves a good pillow fight.

(One of the ) Happiest Day of Our Lives

In the new studio RELAXING!

Last night I was painting the walls of the new studio white. I was there until about 9:00 pm. I have been trying to move all my art stuff out so the house is cleaner and organized better for Mike. It will be better for his recovery if things are a little less Andrea around the house.

So, I was painting and ended up with a stomach ache because I drank a soda. Soda is nasty and I know it but once in awhile I will crave it for a boost of sugar and it always hurts my stomach. Stupid I know.

I laid out a packing blanket on the floor of the studio and turned the lights off and just relaxed flat on my back, breathing in and out. I decided to play the ipod Amy had given to Alex with all her favorite music recorded on it. I turned it on to shuffle and took an hour long journey into the mind of AMY!  She has the most outrageous taste in music. One moment you are relaxing and great sound are lingering in the air and the next moment you are be cussed out and yelled at (loudly... beyond loud). My body was in shock. I know know why she is the way she is! I went from the music from Orlando the movie to Blues Brother to some hell of Hard Core Punk to Hard Rock to Religious music with Ghostly Sounds to Jaws theme music to Rap to Electronia to some other stuff I can't even describe.  It was actually fun to be in her head for awhile! 

I recommend to anyone to ask her for a music recommendation list. You will get a treat for the senses.

posted by Andrea

23 days and counting

Today is graduation day at CSUF and Mike left home early to attend commencement with the students. Four of his students will graduate today. Congrats to all!  I hope you all stay cool out under that shady tent today.... It's going to be a hot one. 

23 days to go and it is really getting exciting. Even Mike is saying thing like, "three weeks as of Monday."  

I am visiting with my family today at some point who are in town. Kim, Phil and maybe Valerie. I am also working in the yard, house, and at my new studio. There is much to do.  

posted by Andrea