Today it's exciting to be able to introduce you to another online writer, colleague and friend, Sannel Larson, who graciously agreed to answer a few questions I'd been curious about for some years.
Sannel is widely known, loved and respected in artsy and writers circles. You can find her here on her Amazon author page,and then prepare to be dazzled by making a short trip here to visit her in her Zazzle store |
I imagine you in a very small cottage, but I don't have any idea about it, or your surroundings. If you feel comfortable about it, could you describe where you live?
Through my kitchen window, I have the view of a small stream which I must cross over to get to my cottage. There are plenty of apple and pear trees on the lot, making it a popular meeting spot for deer and moose, along with other wild animals frolicking around. There are miles of natural trails and small dirt roads for my dog Freddie and me to walk every day. I find the quietness and scenic beauty an inspiration to my writing and drawing.
Sannel: After years fighting with my illness, I turned to mindfulness to help me embrace the illness instead. It has made such a positive difference in my life. When I work on my illustrations, that's the time when I feel that I've found my daily meditation of being here.
Now, and even though the pain in my hands makes it really hard at times, the best mindful healing for me is to stay creative. I am blessed that I have found these two gifts which truly bring joy to my heart. I also make sure to eat healthy and take long daily walks with Freddie, rain or shine.
Sannel: Fibromyalgia is a selfish, around-the-clock, flat out nasty disease. It creeps up, snares us into its ball of wire, and becomes one's fate for the rest of our lives without giving a damn. (That's my own description of the illness.)
However, Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, depression and social isolation. Fibromyalgia doesn’t have a cure, and researchers don’t understand what causes it. Treatment focuses on medications that can relieve symptoms and lifestyle and alternative treatments that help ease the symptoms. When I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, it was a tough pill to swallow. It took years before I could accept it, and it was not until then when I was able to look forward, make lifestyle changes and small steps to improve my overall functioning and quality of life. Yes, there are times when I just can't bear it, and will retreat into my cocoon but after few minutes of wallowing in self pity, I close my eyes and take a long slow breath or as many as I need, which brings me back to here, now and myself, reminding me that there are other things to life than just the pain. I have a most wonderful friend/dog in my life, the birds are singing, I feel the breeze on my face everyday and I have caring, supporting, sweet friends. |
The Pain
In the midst of November
where the signs of life has died no one sees the winds gentle sobs beneath the flickering lampposts Footprints are left in the shadows as dead as the ones who's living Crawling roots extend their fingers through leaf filled, muddy gutters Lifelong dreams turn their back on me and I fumble in the icy darkness The only sound that can be heard is the muted emptiness in my soul Entangled in a ball of barbed wire the silhouette of pain is growing I cling desperately to the living in the midst of November © Copyright 2013 by Sannel Larson. All rights reserved |
I've also been told the more “Rates” a book has on its Amazon page, the more frequently it turns up in Amazon’s comparable titles elsewhere. Not sure if this is true or not, but I do make sure to visit my friends “author page” on Amazon to start following them, as well as, rate their books. Those are some of the little things we can do to support our online friends. There are few things as rewarding to me as seeing my friends succeed.
By December, Sweden has very few hours of daylight. The first Sunday of Advent comes as an eagerly awaited sign that Christmas is approaching. That's when the Swedes help each other, bringing light to the darkness by bedecking their windows in residential and office buildings alike, with various sizes and colors of Advent stars and Advent candlesticks. The Advent star, symbolizing the star of Bethlehem that guided the wise men to baby Jesus, and the Advent electrical candlestick, symbolizing the seven days of the week.
Winter is dark and dreary in this part of the world, and the only rule is to light it up in every way possible way we can.
As for the cold weather, to a Swede there is really no such thing as cold or bad weather. From an early age, we're constantly reminded of the popular Scandinavian expression, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” We will soon learn how to dress appropriately. Grasping the concept of layering is just as important as learning the alphabet. A well-known national characteristic is the love of nature, so no matter how cold and horrible the weather is, a Swede will go out there for some fresh air and exercise, and enjoy it too.
Thank you, Vicki for having me here on your beautiful Weebly site.