Yes, in spite of the fact that I haven't been here in several months, I really am still alive. This year just hasn't been as cooperative with me as I had hoped. I have been sick more times than I can mention (I'm fighting yet another head cold and sinusitis attack right now... as a matter of fact). Work has been overwhelming, to say the least. My boss still has not hired a replacement for my assistant and I find myself falling further and further behind, forcing me to work nights just to stay current. Then, just about two months ago, my grandma was rushed to the hospital due to failing health. She lived on a different island from me, so my Mom and I were flying back and forth between the islands every few days just to be with grandma. The days we spent with her were fun, in spite of the fact that they were spent in a hospital (we even ate at the hospital cafeteria so we wouldn't be far from her... oh, yum). Some days she would be a bit glazed and not really responsive to anyone, but on other days she would be just like the grandma I remember, sharp and witty. We did a lot of laughing on those days.

My grandma died two weeks ago and, as she requested, we scattered her ashes in the ocean on July 4th.

I've missed all but one of my Bon Dances thus far this season, I haven't picked up a crochet hook or even touched a beading needle in months. My entire existence since April has revolved around work and grandma. Oh, and various illnesses. I'm slowly trying to get my life back on track. I'm going to cut back on work, even though it may mean falling behind in my paperwork. Maybe that will be an incentive for my boss to finally get me some help. I'm back in my dance class on Monday nights. I will be dancing at a Bon Dance on my island of Maui this Friday night, then I will be crossing the channel and dancing at another Bon Dance on the island of Lanai on Saturday night. And, I'm starting to get a few craft ideas again... small, simple ideas for right now... just until I get used to crafting again.

I know I owe a lot of people responses to comments and notes. I'll get to them... eventually. Hopefully, I'll be able to work out a little more dA time soon. Thanks to you all for being so supportive, though. It's nice to come back from dealing with so many stressful situations and find so many wonderful comments and notes waiting for me. Not to mention the tons of great artwork I get to catch up on! You guys are awesome!