Goodnight Winter

The more I read different blogs the more I learn about writing (and many other things) better. I also learn new techniques and styles, ways and means of doing things; most prominently I have learned a ton about restoring old pipes, a hobby I dearly enjoy. But more recently I’m learning more about different and unique styles of writing, focusing today on  haiga – haiku with/on photos. 

This is my third attempt at haiga  and the first that I think I’ve actually done right! I’ve used the Carpe Diem Haiku prompt for all three of them, this one included, but just realized the words are supposed to be on the photo, not just near it! Oh well, at least I’m learning!

This challenge really challened me, too. It is about spring equinox; please click the link to read all about it, as there’s quite an intersection story that goes with the challenge. 

  

Goodnight cold and grey
This equinox spells your end
Spring is here today

If you read my posts you probably know I usually get an idea, work it right up and “bam”, that’s what I have: simple. Occasionally it doesn’t go that way and this was on of those occasions. I knew kind of what I wanted to say but exactly which photo I wanted to say it with. 

Baby Steps

When I first received my diagnosis I was in shock. After all, I’d never been told I was at risk for developing diabetes and I had and went to regular check ups and blood work done. In the past is had high cholesterol, triglycerides, and slightly elevated blood pressure but that had been under control for several years with medication and slight diet adjustments. But A1C, blood glucose levels, an the such were never a problem, at least not one I’d been told about.

For the first week I was angry at my former family doctor (we’ll get into that later) and in denial; I had a new set if blood work done, fasting, and was sure it had to be a mistake.

The new labs confirmed the doctor’s opinion and blew away my false hopes: my blood glucose (BG) was a tad under 400 and my triglycerides were higher than they’d ever been, almost 600.

The next week I spent mourning, I suppose that would be as good a term as I could come up with. I was saddened to think of the risks and complications that diabetes brings with it. It also pained me to try to research the disease; it is overwhelming at first to try to take in, or even figure out, what you need to know to start.

After that I got a new attitude about the whole thing, after my follow up with my new doc. I prayed (and complained) a lot to The Lord and He showed me that this disease and I will have a master-slave relationship, and I get to choose which role I’ll play, not the disease. So I have decided that I will be the master and take control over the situation, my diet, and the, all be it limited, exercise my already wrecked body can and will do.

I know it’ll be a long – lifelong – process but in determined to take the steps to take control of this disease and make the very best of it, even if that means taking lots of unsteady baby steps to get going.