Well, with December upon us tomorrow, the madness that is the run-up to Christmas has arrived. For me, this means lots of furious painting to get personalised gift orders out for customers...
There seems to be a widely-held misconception that painting for a living is always calm, serene and stress-free. While the stress involved is minimal and couldn't begin to equate to my last full-time job (teaching young offenders), or indeed many other people's jobs, it never feels calm or peaceful when there are deadlines to meet and commissions to get right!
Every year is the same, and my seriously under-developed organisational (more specifically: advance planning) skills probably make it harder than it should be. But it's truly amazing to think how many people will be wrapping and opening gifts designed and made by me. I can never quite get my head around that one. It doesn't fit in with my own image of my products, and it definitely doesn't fit in with the mess that is my workspace!
Quentin's x-ray came back with good news - there is nothing to suggest hip dysplasia, so his career aspirations are unchanged. Not that he's aware of any of that, of course! He's been prescribed rest and painkillers for a further 10 days. It's still looking like panosteitis, though - one of his front legs is now affected too. It's intermittent and in between he seems fine. He may need a CT scan if rest doesn't cure it.
If it does turn out to be panosteitis, his exercise will be severely restricted for maybe a few months, and he'll be likely to stay with us for longer than planned. But it won't affect his ability to carry on as a potential guide dog - his formal training will just start later than usual, which might give him a bit more chance to grow out of his excitability. I'm not holding my breath on that one though. Apparently, he knocked the vet to the floor in his excitement before being given a general anaesthetic on Friday.
What's been happening in your week? It's over to you now...
10 comments:
I'm so glad Quentin's scan results were good, reading about him every week I feel I've become quite attached to him! Good luck with all your painting, although it's stressful it will be very satisfying when you're done :) x
That's such good news about Quentin, he can put his feet up over Christmas and hopefully will make a full recovery with time and patience :)
Very happy for Quentin. I hope you all have a happy, but busy advent. x
good luck with the paintings! x
really pleased Quentin has the all clear from that dreadful disease. I wonder how you are going to put him on bed rest tho! haha. Nice to be busy with paintings, will have to get mine out again....sometime!
Fulfilling custom orders - even though you're doing something you love - is always a bit stressful. But Christmas adds another level doesn't it? When it all gets a bit much, stop what you're doing to stroke Quentin for a while (it's supposed to lower your blood pressure).
So pleased that Quentin's result went well.
It's good to hear that Quentin will be okay, and I hope you find time for a rest with all your orders to do.
Very good news that Quentin's scan results were clear - always worrying waitong for the results (poor vet - bet he felt embarrassed and hoped nobody saw him on the floor). Hope you have a good week.
It sounds like you're very very busy at the moment, but a lovely busyness nonetheless - and very good news about Quentin :)
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