Author: dloboss

Recently, I came across a writing prompt asking you to list three books that have impacted you and why. Maybe I am overthinking it, but I found it difficult to answer this question immediately. I need to put more thought into this because I do not think I have only three books. I can review the series of books I have read, and the ones for entertainment that I have enjoyed are The Millenium Series by Stieg Larsson, who was the original author but passed away, and other authors continued the series. Secondly, I read The Cormoron Strike Series by Robert Galbraith, and I have also enjoyed the television adaptations of this series. Thirdly, The Chief Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny also had a television adaptation, which I enjoyed. Finally, one of my favorites is The Shetland series by Ann Cleeves, which I enjoyed so much it makes me want to travel to the United Kingdom just to experience the Shetland Islands.

There are many other books that I have read for enlightenment, self-help, etc. I can also say The Bible, but I do not consider that just a regular book. To me, it is not a book that I can read cover to cover and be done and set it aside. It is an instruction manual for life that I have yet to grasp and probably never will. I continue to read and study to seek guidance, wisdom, strength, peace, and, hopefully, understanding.

I still need to ponder this question because I know I need to add many more books to this list, but in the meantime, I ask you what books have impacted you?

So, have you ever had a minute, second, day, week, or year where you are? WTH?! I feel like I have been on a rollercoaster for the past 6 years, much less over the last couple of months, after having major surgery and this slow-moving recovery process, and let me tell you, I cannot do rollercoasters! This rollercoaster has been like you imagine the ride, slowly creeping and enjoying the scenic view. Then you notice the tracks disappear, then suddenly you hit the bottom along with your heart in your stomach, and crap is flying so fast you have no idea what you are looking at and what just happened.

Now is the time for me to try and process what I can (or want to) in my brain because the best way to describe it is that my brain currently has too many tabs open. I strive to quiet my mind daily the best way I know how, whether it is writing, reading, studying my Bible, praying, painting, or drawing. One of my dear cousins once told me to record my feelings on a digital voice recorder. I tried it once and plan on trying that again.

I am currently working on my physical health after this difficult surgery I had, so I can be prepared for what lies ahead for me. This is the moment when I accept once again that I am not Wonder Woman, and I humble myself and cry out to God, I need help with this! I may be weak, but He is strong for both of us.

We are in Campaign 12, open now and closes on 6/18 at 11:59pm ET / 8:59pm PT. Come shop with me at my online store for deals and steals in every department! Let’s take back our outdoors by protecting ourselves with Bug Guard. FREE Bug Guard Plus Insulated Tote with any $30 purchase, pages 3-41. Check out my store’s Special Offers, Markdowns, and Limited Bundles section! Happy Shopping!🛒🛍https://www.avon.com/repstore/ceciliadelossantosI appreciate your business!💛

Welcome to another episode of Painting With Dlo. I found this random picture in a frame in my parents’ closet. I wanted to see if I could duplicate it.

Anytime we had visitors over to the house, my dad would always go to the door, watch them get into their vehicles, and wave at them as they drove away. If it was friends or family, then all three of us would be there with the front door wide open so they could see Mom because she would be in her wheelchair, and people could not see her unless the door was open.

My dad would do this with repairmen, plumbers, my VIA Para transportation, etc. It did not matter if there was a delay in how slow or fast they would pull away from the driveway or front of the house. He would stand there and wait. I would tell him that he did not have to stand and wait for them because there were times when the drivers would be there for a while to do their paperwork. It did not matter; he would keep the door open to avoid missing when they drove away.

Since their passing, I caught myself doing the same thing. I am carrying on the tradition of Santos & Gloria. So when you come over to visit, the three of us are standing at the front door waving goodbye to you.

Today (29 May) is Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison’s) Awareness Day. I have Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency. This post is to share and raise awareness!

Wait! My mind is still in last week! Here is a recap of the previous week’s events. Due to unforeseen circumstances after my recent surgery, I had to reschedule some appointments that I had forgotten were scheduled. I had to play catch up with my Doctor’s appointments. I had my annual eye exam with the Ophthalmologist. After my brain tumor surgery, I was diagnosed with Traumatic Optic Nerve Neuropathy. This was a result of my optic nerves being moved to remove the tumor. My field of vision is along the bridge of my nose; therefore, I lost part of my central and peripheral vision. My depth perception is also off, and I need to be mindful of what is below my chin because I will not see things on the ground. When I am walking, I’m constantly looking at everything. I was informed by the specialist that my vision would either remain the same or gradually get worse. Thankfully, after 16 1/2 years, my vision has remained the same. I also had an MRI of my brain complete, which is required to be done every two years to make sure there are no signs of tumor regrowth. I had not had an MRI in 5 years. I was pleased to receive notification that the results did not show anything to be concerned about.

I had my dentist’s appointment for a cleaning and X-rays. I have been using aligners since October of last year, and so far, so good. I had a bit of a setback with my trays while I was in rehabilitation for physical therapy, but I am back on track. The cleaning process was quick and painless. I have no dental concerns now, so all is well.

I saved the fun for last. I had my annual wellness women’s exam, and thankfully, all is well on this front, too. I even had a last-minute telemedicine appointment with my Primary Physician to close the week.

I report all of this because, as of October 2023, I had begun to reflect and feel like the time had come to put myself first. I felt guilty because, over the last five and a half years, it was not about me. My priority was being my parent’s caregiver and their health, wellness, and quality of life were my focus. Our journey together came to completion, so now I was faced with a now-what moment. Then, it hit me that it was my turn to focus on my health, wellness, and quality of life. There is still more to this part, and I am ready.

It has been 8 weeks since the repair of 5 hernias and the removal of my gallbladder. My healing process is taking longer than I expected. My physicians have recently assured me that my healing process is going to take longer than the usual time due to my being on steroids. Steroids slow the recovery process and weaken immunity, so I am already at a disadvantage. I still struggle to move around sometimes, and sitting can be a challenge. I do not take pain meds unless I am really hurting. Otherwise, I just take Tylenol.

With every pulling sensation, pain, numbness, and tingling sensation, I find myself feeling paranoid and wondering if everything is alright inside. I wish I could look inside my body to make sure.

In the meantime, I seek to distract myself with work and my creative ventures to keep my mind busy and my spirit calm. I am constantly reminded to be patient and to allow my body to heal in its own time.

I was going through an old sketchbook I had used as a scrapbook of cards and other magazine clippings I had kept over the years. I came across this article I had taken from Optimum Wellness Magazine. It struck a chord with me because I have always enjoyed plants, and, quite honestly, I have had better success with indoor plants. Recently I have begun to explore planting outdoors and when I was reading this, it caused me to reflect on what my personal garden consists of.

The other photo, given to me by a dear friend, also reflects how we approach life and the challenges we face. I continue to strive to grow through all circumstances, no matter how painful they are. There is no other choice for me.

It has only been within the last nine months that I have been overcome by some creative thoughts that quite honestly took me by surprise. I have never considered myself a crafty or creative person, but I have always admired those talented in those areas. I would see people with sketch pads and wish I could do that. I would consider it ridiculous to even think that I could.

Nine months ago, my mother passed away, and while I was sorting through her belongings, I found a box that she kept of her sentimental items. It was at this moment that the creative thoughts started flowing. I found myself having ideas for shadow boxes by adding some of my mom’s items. I actually made three and gave them away as gifts. The fact that I shared them with anyone was a miracle, and I felt very vulnerable. At the same time, it felt very liberating. Since then, I have been experimenting with painting (trying to channel Bob Ross in my own way), and I have started with rocks.

To state that I am feeling even more vulnerable right now would be an understatement. I am sharing what I have created so far. My dad used to collect rocks, so I have quite a collection of rocks in my backyard, so I decided to repurpose them. The other designs below the rocks are on picture paper.

I will continue to keep this creativity alive and seek inspiration in life and the world around me.