RAK For Krista

[Asena]

My beloved sister-in-law is really hurting from fibromyalgia, and I'm worried about her. She used to boogie board off the southern California coast and now she's afraid to leave the condo for fear of passing out from the pain. She can't drive because of the meds she's on, and she and my brother really under a lot of strain because of her dependence on him, and he's already stressed out from other issues. Anxiety keeps her from calling people just to talk, and that's creating a lot of isolation and depression.

I thought getting her set up here could help her socialize (even if only online) and give her a chance to exercise her creativity. She sounds game (I told her how lovely and wonderful you all are) and intrigued with the idea. Unfortunately, she's on a limited income, and can't get out on her own for supplies. I'm going to send her an assortment of stuff, including a few ATCs to start her collection and show her different ideas. Mom's going to send her Bernie B's book.

She used to be a grade school teacher, so she is really missing the chance to be creative. She likes to draw, wants to learn to paint (watercolors, I think), and likes photography. She loves the ocean and likes to watch for dolphins out her bedroom window. She also loves dogs, and has some really special service animals, including one who warns her that it's time for medication.

I would really love for her to become a part of this awesome community, and art and interaction with others I believe would go a long way to helping her overcome the depression and anxiety she experiences. Please let me know if you'd like to help me RAK Krista!

Mahalo nui loa in advance!!!!! :wubclub:

[rockstarsgirl]

If she's a hand drawing/painting kind of person, I would think that a basic set of paints (watercolors, acrylics or oils) and markers would be good. Places like dick blick always have starter kits that have a lot of colors in them. If she like collaging (or would like to start) there are a lot of image cd's online that she could use. if she wants to use her own images, transparencies might be a good idea too.

[GALZART]

If she's collaging...glue, lots of it...good scissors for cutting out small items...card stock or cover stock in various colors...vellum...punches...decorative scissors...fibers...fabric...wrapping paper...tissue paper...small buttons...charms....inks....stamp pads....rubber stamps...beads....brads....used postage stamps..old magazines to cut up.............
For drawing...pencils...pens...paints...paper to suit the type of paints used.
There is no end...I find it so interesting how people here use odd items.
Please wish her good luck..and will be looking for her here on the site.

[katilady]

A handful of Nat'l Geographics, good glue, scissors, set of acrylics (cheap kind for now), packing tape (to make EASY transfers), a handful of fancy paper to start her off for backgrounds. If you PM me your address I can send you some paper and collage images to add to her kit.

[jean]

If you send her vellum, send her the vellum adhesive - I discovered regular adhesive shows through it!

Since she's new, I'd send her stuff for the area she's already interested in - drawing and watercolours. Good coloured pencils will amaze her with their vibrancy and smooth flow across the page. I don't know about watercolour paper, but I understand good paper makes a difference, so perhaps some mid-range w/c paper and a set of good intro watercolours and a book on w/c technique. Since she was a former teacher, she'll appreciate basic reference books on drawing, w/c, and atcs.

Although, if she's new to this, a subscription to Somerset will be an eye opener and a half to her. I know some folks think it is the same month after month, but it sure blew altered art wide open and is amazing for art-newbies since it's all so accessible.

And don't forget scrumptious fibers! *tongue hanging out*

[Asena]

See, this is why I love you guys! You've suggested a number of things I hadn't thought of... I knew I could count on you! (Krista is so going to love it here!!!)

[cdraz/ceedee]

you could set it up as a RAK and have everyone who wants send her a little something........

[Pippin]

HA! you beat me to it ceedee! We could indeed swamp her with RAK!

[Asena]

My gosh, you two -- I didn't even realize I could DO that! I think it would really cheer her up. What a fab idea! Ginormous eHUGS for the suggestion!!!!!

[ScramperSue]

Wendy, I'll put together a baggie of fibers for you to give to her, just give me a week :)

I would suggest a package of Georgia-pacific White cardstock you can get a ream in walmart for $5. it is good quality for all mediums (except maybe heavy painting.)

I also can't live without my fiskars or Cuttapede 12" trimmers (maybe for down the road)

[TheeCoyote]

If you decide to go the RAK direction, it would be better to have the thread moved to the RAK forum. It will be easier for anyone looking to do a RAk to find. Otherwise, the whole idea is going to get lost in this thread.

[smokeysmom]

Asena, I will send you some ATC supplies, as well as ATC's I have made, some stickers, etc. for you to add to your sister's "starter package" - I will include papers, words, all kinds of stuff. I'm looking forward to trading with your sister one day:) I, too, suffer severe Fibromyalgia, so I can relate. Hugs, Maggie

[CookieMonstHer]

if you want to send her colored pencils, i would recommend Ticonderoga pencils--excellent quality, but not really expensive like Prismacolor pencils!

[Joni Owens]

Another FM'er here!!! I know first hand how hard the disorder affects not only your body, but you mind and self-esteem too. Please let me know if you are going to need any papers - I have plenty to share, charms, beads, stickers, fibers, ribbon, fabric. Most of all prayers to get her thru her day. Atc's are a good way to stay busy, and staying busy makes your symptoms bearable.

[rockstarsgirl]

Yes, yes to a RAK...I've got a ton of mags and fabric. Let me know if there's anything else....I'm sure I have it.

[Asena]

I was telling Mom about how supportive you all are, and she asked me to tell you "Thank you" from her, as well. She's a little amazed that with all the ugliness in the world, there are still pockets of amazing kindness and generosity. (Now, if only I could convince HER to sign up!!) ;) I emailed my brother to "warn" him about any incoming mail and to tell him what I was up to. Said he actually teared up.

[AnitaM]

If you pm me your address I can send some watercolour paper cut to ATC size and any other bits and bobs I can find (of which I have plenty).

[cdraz/ceedee]

Can you send me the address also??

[Joni Owens]

Send me your address, I will send her some paper and anything else that comes to my mind.

[altermyworld]

Could you please send me her address? I have a whole set of WC pencils i can send her.
ANg

[stormarela]

Please send me her address too. I have alot of precut ATC blanks to share.

[lyndashobby]

I also live with fibro, anxiety & depression. I know how isolating it can be. Please send me your address and I'll be happy to send collage items as well as some ATC blanks & a couple of my ATCs. Thank you for helping her out. Please encourage her to sign up on this site. Staying busy making & trading ATCs may really help her get past the pain & fatigue for awhile.

[amyfaerie]

i sent out a small set of cottman watercolours in tubes i've had laying around--never liked using the tubes after i bought them. I also cut her 12 watercolour ATC blanks and included 12 penny sleeves.

well, plus a note and an ATC! i really hope she decides to join the site!

[AnitaM]

I'll be sending some watercolour paper, some sequins/beads, fibres and some embroidery thread (of which I have tonnes) and some clear sleeves. These will be in the mail tomorrow.

[rockstarsgirl]

My mom (queenofthenight) and I are sending a box in the morning with envelopes (if she decides to join us on the board), fabric, fiber, beads, wire, sharpie, box of playing cards, metal, image cd, printed images and some flat metal jewelry pieces. I think we had more fun putting stuff in the box than anything else.:laugh:

[AnitaM]

She's got to join now doesn't she? hehhehheheh. With all these goodies going her way. Tell her we want her to join in our fun and games (and Jean said she's always willing to share her Baileys thats if Krista drinks hehehehhe) :jiggy:

[rockstarsgirl]

Oh, I really hope she joins. This group has made a huge difference with my depression and giving me a purpose on some days (getting things out for a swap so I don't disappoint anyone is a big motivator for me) and I hope we can do the same for Krista.

[Asena]

You all are so amazing and wonderful. She'll join, if only to say thank you - then once she's in, she's OURS! Mwahahahaha! Honestly, I can't thank you all enough for helping me help her. She really scared me when I was talking to her the other day, no one should ever sound that hopeless... But here there IS hope, and there are any number of us who can attest to that. Bless you, everyone. May your kindness be returned to you a hundredfold.

[Joni Owens]

You sound hopeless because usually it takes a while (over 2 years for me) for this disorder to be diagnosed. In the mean time it can make you feel you are losing your mind. And you worry about talking to your doctor about all of the problems at one visit because you feel you will be labeled a hypochondriac. Then you wonder if you maybe are. I can remember having a horrible headache constantly for over a month. I don't remember anything I did except get up in the morning - go to work - come home. Everything I did was a blur encased in a headache. The fact that I received no reprimands at least assured me I hadn't done anything really bad or stupid. Finally when the doctor decides you have FM, you feel relieved and lost at the same time. It's better now. I was diagnosed in the mid-90's and there was precious little info on the internet or books available on the subject. Now you have access to so much info. If she hasn't already become acquainted with the National Fibromyalgia Assoc. or ImmuneSupport.com tell her these are to very good websites full of information. FM isn't the end of the world, but it does require that you do some adjustments to make your part of the world a better place for you to be.

[Asena]

And you worry about talking to your doctor about all of the problems at one visit because you feel you will be labeled a hypochondriac.

One of her so-called friends accused her of being an alcoholic and a drug addict because of all the pills she was prescribed. Other friends stopped calling her to go shopping and stuff because she no longer had the stamina to shop all day. :mad: She's just going to love this place, and you all!

[AnitaM]

My little package is on it's way. Hopefully shouldn't take too long.

[Joni Owens]

There have been times in the past 13 years that my counter looked like a pharmacy, my dr. has tried just about every he can think of, 98% of which didn't work. It takes a while sometimes to find the meds that work because while FM has the same general symptoms, most will vary person to person. And yes we tend to end up having to take more meds than most and they have a tendacy to be strong. I wouldn't wish this stuff on anyone, but there are times when I wish there was an FM pill that you could give the smarta$$es and know-it-alls and let them deal with your symptoms for maybe just two days. I think that would shut them up. Your sister while readjusting her life to help her cope with FM will also have to learn to develop a tough hide for times she has to be around the negative folks. She may have to walk away from some of those friendships. One thing FM will teach you, is to just say NO and mean it and put herself and her health first. When the so-called friends who refuse to be supportive end up with their own tough health problems that causes them to re-arrange and "pill up" (one friend of mine now arthritic, is more understanding), they won't be so quick to judge. There is a wonderful, warm bunch of people on this site and I know she will find many types of support here. Now, excuse my babbling, I'm off to see the Wizard, oops, I mean start filling her box to have it ready to mail when my "fixed income" comes in.:D

[Asena]

WE DID IT! Krista has signed up, and plans to post an intro in the Welcome Forum, but for now, here's her profile: DolphinPrincess (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/member.php?u=1759)! She called to let me know she's been receiving things, and is so excited. Thank you all SO MUCH for your help! :notworthy: :wubclub: You all so totally ROCK!

[rockstarsgirl]

YAY!!

[ScramperSue]

please send me the address :)

[AnitaM]

woohoo doing happy dance.

[ScramperSue]

I asked for the addy in post 34...never rec'd one, but by some weird chance Dolphinprincess PMed me about something else...so i got her addy and a package is on it's way :D

[JAD]

Please send me her address.I have a package ready to go for her :)
Being a RN, I understand a little of the mental and emotional rollercoaster , as well as the pain.that she is going through.
Hugs,
Jeannie

[ScramperSue]

oh, did I tell y'all, that I have been unofficially DXed with fibromyalgia?? the family Doc thought so, sent me to a rheum doc, and she said she is 95% sure I do, she's recommending a sleep study...if that is positive for any # of sleep disorders (I know of at least 3 LOL) then it is will be a positive DX, as it is now believed that is the main cause of FM--Long Term Sleep Deprivation (deep-recuperative sleep)

and it is most common in women, though there are some men with it.

just ANOTHER reason it is so great to be a female LOL

[Asena]

Oh hell, Sue, I'm sorry to hear that! Only good thing about that Dx is that it IS a Dx. My mother-in-law's mother was Dx'ed with it several years ago, and she does OK with it - not as impaired as Krista can be. Good luck with your docs!