HI. MY NAME IS JAN AND.....

I'm standing at a podium in the middle of a small room and I introduce myself,

"Hi. My name is Jan and I suffer from IBS."

Did I expect a response?

From an empty room?

IBS is Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

It's not something one talks about let alone announce from a podium.

The choir loft?

In the line at the grocery store?

From the rooftops?

Over the P.A. system at Wal-Mart 

at the risk of  joining the photos of Wal-Mart shoppers?

IBS. A curse.

If you have a flare-up (flare)

you are chained to your bathroom.

If a flare comes at the wrong time 

you could miss your child's wedding,

your mom's memorial service,

your child's graduation from college,

the grand opening of a Dollar Store.

I had my first flare about five years ago.

That's a totally unacceptable experience when you're not at home.

My doctor put me on a hefty dose of a steroids

to get my flare under control.

.......And he kept me on it for.........five..........years,

assuring me that it was often done that way....long term.

He's a doctor, I believed him.

Slowly the skin on my arms became very thin

and they were easily bruised - blood bruises

like the elderly get on their arms.

It continued to get worse.

Oh, I called the doctor's office several times over those

five years and was reassured each time that

I hadn't been on the steroids too long.

It finally came to the point that I talked to my GP, whom

I trust implicitly, about three months ago.

She had me change doctors.

My new lower GI doctor is wonderful.

He weaned me off of the steroids in three days.

My arms started clearing up and 

the skin on my arms toughened up.

Yea!

At this point you're no doubt wondering why 

in the world am I telling you all of this.

Slow day.

Seriously, there is such an important reason.

It seems that the steroids built up in my body and started

affecting my behavior.

I wasn't aware of it.

Obviously, it got worse as time went on.

.....I have found out that the last year, okay,

probably two, have not been my years to shine.

I owe you an apology if I have ever acted whacked

or talked to you with an unacceptable attitude.

Hey, it could be any of many behaviors - 

I don't remember them.

I think my lack of memory has been my saving grace

in some ways.

It certainly hasn't been in a couple of instances.

May I suggest to those of you that feel you need

to bring to the attention of someone

you love, their behavior or your thoughts

of their mental stability, to do it in a 

loving way so as not to 
make them feel you are on the attack.

Be Jesus when you talk to them.

Be gentle, careful with your words

and most of all, talk to them with the love

you feel for them in your heart.
And, don't wait. Please, don't wait if
you love them. That is only harmful.

What happened to me twice before I even

knew there was a problem was not handled in that way.

Both situations destroyed me.

One friendship ruined,

the other wobbly, to say the least, for 

many months now.

I found out specifics of my behavior 

over the last year or two

from my sister, Joan, in a loving and positive

way last week in Florida.

She was kind and, though made me cry

from extreme embarrassment when

she gave me examples of my behavior,

talked to me like only my sister could.

Lovingly.

She started by telling me that she was

so happy that I was back to my "self".

I thought she was talking about my

arms so showed them off. 

But, no, she was telling me that she was

so glad that I was back to her "Jan".

I was honestly confused.

She explained that for the longest time

I hadn't been "me".

She even gave me examples that made

me want to crawl under the truck

(we were in my brother's pick-up).

Verbal attacks based on nothing, mood swings,

becoming a hermit, unquestionably whacked.

I did ask her why she waited so long to 

bring all of this up and she just didn't know......

I was so embarrassed.

I was mostly concerned that my boys

had been thinking that their mom was crazy.

No one else mattered as much.

No one.

When I talked to my eldest, he said that,

no, I had been fine for the last two years.

I had been so physically challenged.......

that's where I stopped him and steered him back

to my concerns.

That sweet boy forgave me for "nothing".

I shared and apologized to my daughter-in-law, too.

The steroids explained so much about

 the start of our relationship.

So glad to have an answer and her forgiveness.

(two down, two to go)

Even the Tank noticed my new behavior

without me having said anything.

The steroids took about six weeks to

work their way out of my body and

allow me to become myself again - to a point.

And, I feel the difference.

I'm full of the joy, the positive thoughts,

the anxiousness to "do",

and I'm happy. So joyful and happy.

I don't long to be the hermit I have become 

(let's take that one slowly - I don't do drama).

I'm me again.

I had seriously forgotten what it felt like

though I didn't realize that.

Confusing?? That's the real me, too.
However, I realize that it takes months for them
to completely work their way out of my system, 
but have been assured that any future "experiences"
will not be as horrid as the ones I've been
told about.

Again, if I have ever done anything odd or whacked

to you, please accept my apology.

This is the most effective way to get

"the word out".

If you feel the want/need to pass this

on to someone(s), please do.

I seek forgiveness.

P.S. Any comments? All and any are welcome. Anyone think this post could be any longer??

A GIVEAWAY AND A BLOG PARTY!

Hi, y'all! I am way behind in taking part in 

Vicki's amazing blog party and I apologize. 

Life has been full.

But, I'm here now, with my giveaway and ready to tell you about me and blogging.

Jan Vermillion Thomason of

the Polka Dot Barn

and the blog, polkadotbarn.blogspot.com.

I started blogging several years ago thinking that I would use it as my personal diary. 

And, I have used it that way.

I don't get every event covered

(I've been known to go weeks.......   without hittin' the blog)

but when something funny, fabulous or rusty passes by me

I have to blog about it.

I let you see me at my worst,

I will entertain you with humorous stories,

I will show you amazing junk and antiques

(some I buy, some I simply photograph).

All the while hoping that you accept me,

and that you come to love me as I share my life with you.

I love Jesus Christ.

I adore my husband and three grown boys;

hoping that my sweet boys will always need

their mom.

I adore my brothers and sister.

Nieces, nephews, sister in laws, cousins, 

my dad and Ursula, 

all very important to me.

I try to find joy in every situation,

sometimes after I throw a fit or cry in despair.

I love spending time in my studio, The Crack House.

(I'll be doing a blog post about it in the near future.

If you want to make sure you don't miss it, 

sign up to receive my posts via email at the top of 

the right hand column)

Creating and spending time with 

my friends that create,

reading every single page of my art zines,

and being an mixed media hoarder

make me who I am.

Okay, that's enough, let's talk about THE GIVEAWAY!!

I am parting with two of my favorite vintage hats that I've been saving,

waiting for those perfect projects that will show off those beautiful 

flowers and leaves!

THERE WILL BE TWO WINNERS!

To enter, simply leave a comment.

And if you want to have a second entry,

let me know if you're following me on Pinterest,

Twitter or my blog emails.

I'm supposed to close out my contest and draw for

winners on February 1st, but I'm extending my giveaway

to February 2nd and I'll draw for the winners

that following week.

I'm right in the middle of getting my house in order

and planning supper for fifty

as I get ready for my mom's memorial that will be held here.

After that I'll be able to get back to my blog. *happy feet*

I sincerely thank you for reading this post

and for entering the giveaway.

I hope that you come back often to see what I'm up to.

And, if you do, remember that leaving a comment

makes me do the happy dance!

Warmly,

        Jan

If, for whatever reason, you don't know how to get to the other (over 400) blogs participating

in the Grow Your Blog party, leave me a note in your comment and I'll get you there. :)

A TRIP TO GALVESTON, TEXAS, ON THE GULF - YUM!

Annette, BFF, had a seminar in Galveston this fall and asked if I would want to go with.

Hotel is ON the water, ON the ocean, you can HEAR the waves, FEEL the salt in the air...it wasn't much of a decision - I LOVE THE WATER and so, yes, I went with.

These are some of the photos I took while we drove around the island and I wanted to share them with you. I'm going to let them speak for themselves in an effort to make up for my last post. Get it?? Photos, no text?? Makes up for the last post??   .............Enjoy the coast!

For some reason this picture cracked me up

Baking cupcakes this morning with a friend from church.

We're going to go visit a shut-in, take her some cupcakes and have "a little chat".

I think she'll like that.

Do you have anyone you could visit, even with a phone call, that could use some love?

I'll betcha do. *heart*

Be safe, be joyful,

Jan

PAPER COWGIRL IS BACK FOR YEAR THREE!!

I am very excited to tell you that the third annual Paper Cowgirl Art Retreat is being held June 24th - 26th, in Waxahachie, Texas, which is off I-35 south of Dallas.
And it's not called the Best Little Art Retreat In Texas for nothing!

It is an amazing weekend with the choice of different classes using different mediums, wonderful teachers and the best Texas (and a few other states will be represented - word has spread!!) artists/women/old friends/new friends that you would ever want to associate yourself.

Dale of Sea Dream Studio will be returning

as a teacher simply so she can strike her diva pose.

The above photo is a picture of the "Crown" swap at the 2009 P.C. Retreat

(Any one of those crowns would make Marie Antoinette beg)

Art + Laughter = peeing your pants Texas fun!! (Photo 2009 Retreat)

Most of you will remember my dear, sweet friend, Tina Wright, a woman loved by many, that passed this last January after a valiant battle with cancer. She was the co-founder of the Paper Cowgirl Retreat and she, along with Cindy Mayfield, co-founder, worked their bums off to make the retreats the best they could be. This year, after much prayer and thought, Cindy decided that Tina would want the retreat to continue on, so she *along with some little elves* have been working very hard for months! And the retreat just keeps getting better!

Sweet, wonderful Tina - she'll be there this summer, don't you doubt it.

If you're looking for a Texas retreat to attend, with very reasonable class costs, give-aways, fabulous swaps, wonderful sponsors (WHERE WOMEN CREATE and T.J. DESIGNS are two that I know of:), amazing food, shopping at antique/junk stores, the BEST scrapbook store I've ever been to, vendor's night *if you can't attend the retreat you are more than welcome to come to Vendor's Night*, and the most amazing women to spend a weekend with, then go to the P.C. blog and check it out!!

Vendor's Night - This is Texas, don't steal or we're gunna hafta shoot ya. Bring $$$

And, you can ask me any questions if you want. If I don't  have the answer I'll find it for you or direct you to the place your question can be answered.
I promise that if you come you will be blessed.

A girl geriatric attendee. We do not discriminate; we are Texans.

Oh! Oh! One more thing.
Geez, this is such an important part of the retreat, I can't believe I almost left it out! Whew *wiping my brow*.
One of the highlights of the weekend is when we have shots. You know, like at a bar? (I keep tellin' ya, this is Texas) Only ours are even better...................we have Frosting Shots! (haha - fooled ya) Homemade Frosting. Oh, man, I have to be rolled to my room every year!


On another note.....
Readers, y'all have been an amazing blessing to me these last l-o-o-o-ng weeks and I want to sincerely thank you. I'm working my way through all of the comments left on my last post and I will get to you eventually because I want to thank each of you individually for your support and kind words. I am so blessed.....

y'all are a blessing to me,
Jan

OMG, I'M GLAD I DIDN'T USE THE WORD "CREEPY"!!!

Oh, my gosh, Oh, my gosh, Oh, my gosh!

Okay, here's what happened.

Okay, so for some stupid reason I decide that I should be on Twitter.

I know, I know, I've been stuck in this chair entirely too long.

So, I'm thinking, well, what can it hurt; it'll be good marketing.

So, I join and, of course, I have no one to follow so I follow twittercritter - through the pet adoption site that I belong to that adopts out homeless dogs and cats.

Not much marketing there. Dogs and cats don't read, but it's a start, I think.

THEN, today, oh my gosh, I get this notice that this someone is now following me on Twitter.

See, on Twitter, you post things you're doing. It can be a post a day, 20 posts a day if you have no life.....it can be about anything from "I just folded the Tank's wife beaters." to "You should go to my etsy store at http://www.jthom03.etsy.com/ and buy something. You might win a prize."

(Of course, there's no prize, but I would think that the purchased item would be considered a prize.)

Okay, so I get that notice today that someone is following me on Twitter.

Get this.

This is the kinda creepy thing.

Maybe I shouldn't say "creepy" since I don't know who I'm dealing with.

Let's say "odd".

Should I say "odd"? Maybe that will set them off.

Okay, we'll go with....."I get that notice today that someone is following me on Twitter.

Get this.

This is the kinda different, but not creepy or odd thing."

I notice it, because it shows you, that this person is also following almost SIXTEEN HUNDRED PEOPLE.

What???

She takes her laptop into the head with her? (Sorry - three boys)

"SIXTEEN HUNDRED PEOPLE???"

Go-o-o-o-od grief.

And that's when the doubt sets in about being a part of this group.

But, it gets even BETTER!

I click on her name to check her (in all fairness and to give this it's due privacy, let us use "her/him") out and this message comes up:

"Sorry, the account you were headed to has been suspended due to strange activity. Mosey along now, nothing to see here."

"A-A-A-A-A-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H" *running around the room with my toe up holding my head in my hands*

What do I do???

How do you get off Twitter once they have you in their grip?

Is there a Twitter police force?

Anyone got their number?

Why aren't background checks done on 'different' people?

Who all is following me and why do strangers care what I'm doing this afternoon???

"Oh, look, Harry, it says that Jan Thomason is putting new sheeting around the bottom of their trailer."

Who are these people?

Do you think they're reading my blog, too?

LURKING?????

Ah, geez, and what about my FaceBook???

"Today I'm sitting with my toe in the air as per doctor's orders."

Why would strangers read that stuff about strangers?

Why would strangers want to be my friend?

Are they friendless?

Well, if they're friendless, I'm pretty sure I'm not the perfect pick for them.

And where does it all end?

If we think too deeply about our interactions with people through ANY medium, we can scare ourselves silly.

So, just so you know, we're moving.

Yes, we're moving to.....Scotland.

Yes, that's right.

Scotland.

And, we're moving tomorrow.

DISCLAIMER: NO DISRESPECT WAS INTENDED TOWARDS, TWITTER, TWITTER LOVERS, FACEBOOK, FACEBOOK LOVERS, BLOGS, BLOG LOVERS, DOG AND CAT LOVERS, STRANGER LOVERS OR LOVERS OF SCOTLAND.

.

XOXO, Jan

WANNA KNOW WHAT KEEPS ME YOUNG?

Ahhhh! It's a purple day! I wonder if this color will show up well on my, oh, so beautiful pale pink background? M-m-m-m-m-m-m-m, don't you just love pale pink???

Wanna know what keeps me young besides my convertible?
I wonder how many of you guessed that in your head when you read the title to this post?
My convertible, that is.
I love my convertible, my little red convertible that will literally be the death of me if I get hit in a not so bad way because it IS a convertible.
Still love it.
Still makes me feel young.

But, it's not the only thing, it's not even the most important thing, that keeps me young.
I'm 55 years old and have enough ailments that if I lost my mind and started telling you about all of them, I'd sound like some old woman, you know the one, all she can do is talk about what's "ailin'" her. Just shoot me.
Anyway, I mention this so those of you that aren't "in the know" because you haven't been reading my blog long enough or know me well enough, will know that I have a lot of reasons not to feel so stinkin' young.
I don't talk about all of it very much or with very many people. My cousin, Melinda, used to get so mad at me for keeping these type of things from her so with time I think I've gotten better - but, I'll never feel comfortable telling you "all".

So, okay, I digress...............all the time! LOL
And, while I'm digressing, have you noticed that I've posted several times these last two weeks? It's only because I'm glued to this chair and ottoman - don't get used to it.

Okay.
Here's what keeps me young:

MY ART. Really. My art.

MY ART FRIENDS and ART RETREATS

JUNKING & ANTIQUE MALLS, ESTATE SALES & GARAGE SALES.

MY PHOTOGRAPHY.

I didn't realize it until I was putting this list together, but my YEARLY SHOPPING TRIPS WITH MY SORORITY SISTERS FROM COLLEGE.

MY BABY, BEN.

MY SENSE OF HUMOR.

YOUNG PEOPLE! Which includes MY LITTLE GIRL, SKYLER,

and BRAT!MY F.C.A. KIDS

MY LITTLE GIRL, CHRISTINA, and ANA!

MY BOYS. . .here we are, mom trying to take the annual Christmas picture...

I can honestly say that I have laughed until I couldn't breathe, until I snorted, until I cried, until I PIMP, and/or until milk came out of my nose, at one time or another with each of these groups.

And, there's more.......more groups, more individuals, my sisters, my cousins, BF'sF, more times, daily for instance, that have involved everyone I love, or alone, because it's the way God made me - to see the humor *even if my mother doesn't - heeheehee* in even the oddest of moments.

And, hanging with the fun people, often the young people, is one of my secrets. Young people are a riot. PIMP!!

"OO" to my precious readers and especially to you - hugs are so important!

. . . .Jan