Davee Jones's Blog, page 32

Just Out of My Grasp - Facet Injections and Disc Problems

nah, this isn't surgery, it's just my lower back tattoo of a snowflake, my first tat!11/21/2013Ahoy Fellow Fathomers, I’ve decided to use my blog not only to writing, music, and other facets of entertainment, but, also to share my journey. I found out on June 19, 2013 the reason for many of my ongoing health problems is because I have systemic lupus, also known as SLE. Thank you for listening, each week I will have a new installment chronicling my journey. Please, please feel free to comment, write, share. I hope to use this forum as a help to all of us, no matter what pain you are experiencing. You may also send stories to me via finlessbook at gmail dot com. I will respect your privacy and maintain your anonymity, if you so desire. Hugs for today … Degenerative Disc DiseaseI’ve had chronic back pain and problems for several years. In fact, former orthopedic doctors and even my physical therapists said my chronic shin splints and foot problems could be related to my back issues. However, I also have osteopenia, which is the beginning stage of osteoporosis. I also have arthritis. Both osteoporosis and arthritis run heavily through my family line. I suppose it could be a combination of things, but, when all considered together with the lupus, it creates a more aggressive health situation. My rheumatologist referred me to a pain doctor, and he recommended facet injections. I’ve not had back injections before, although I had two cortisone injections in my knee. (scary looking but worked like a charm). Unsure about someone sticking a needle in my spine, I sought a second opinion from a spine surgeon. Good news is he recommended the injections and knew who this pain doctor was and highly recommended him for treatment. Bad news is the specialist is not that hopeful the injections will help. It could be too far gone and the next step is surgery. Have any of you experienced degeneration in areas of your body possibly secondary to the base chronic illness? What type of treatment did you seek and did it work? It’s tiring going from doctor to doctor, but, if it means I’ll feel good and put more miles on this body, then, I’m willing to do it.

Saturday Sippers and Happy Birthday Baby Brother Samuel!

Saturday Sippers in The LockerAhoy Fellow Fathomers! Welcome to the feature here in The Locker called Saturday Sippers. Each week I’ll post a new, sometimes, skinny cocktail recipe for you to try. Many thinks to my Cali Bestie, Rhonda, for providing me with the deck of cards recipe book. J Today November 16 is my baby brother’s birthday. He really is 29, egad, that makes me old. Last year I gave him a girlfriend that won't talk back, this year, he is special guest in my blog. (both are probably about the same excitement. LOL) In honor of Samuel Wylder, I present to you a renamed drink:The Hot Sammy! Ingredients1 ounce apple cider1 t lemon juice2 ounces bourbonHoney to tasteBegin with a steaming mug of hot water. Add all ingredients. Drink a few and it’s guaranteed to cure your sore throat or whatever else ails you.

Just Out of My Grasp- RAWR – BDSM and Chronic Illness…Really? Yea, Really

10/31/2013Ahoy Fellow Fathomers, I’ve decided to use my blog not only to writing, music, and other facets of entertainment, but, also to share my journey. I found out on June 19, 2013 the reason for many of my ongoing health problems is because I have systemic lupus, also known as SLE. Thank you for listening, each week I will have a new installment chronicling my journey. Please, please feel free to comment, write, share. I hope to use this forum as a help to all of us, no matter what pain you are experiencing. You may also send stories to me via finlessbook at gmail dot com. I will respect your privacy and maintain your anonymity, if you so desire. Hugs for today … RAWR – BDSM and Chronic Illness…Really? Yea, Really

Lupus Foundation of America

Saturday Sippers and Tommyknockers Brewery

Photo taken by me last summerSaturday Sippers in The LockerAhoy Fellow Fathomers! Welcome to the feature here in The Locker called Saturday Sippers. Each week I highlight a new beverage, but, this week, I pay tribute to my favorite microbrewery in Idaho Springs, CO, Tommyknockers . With almost 20 signature beers, and seasonal specialty brews, this premium brewpub boasts some of the best tasting beer in the country, and they have the awards to prove it. One of my favorites is a new addition, the Pine Bough Ale, as quoted from the Tommyknockers site:
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“Session-able pale ale with a hint of mountain pine. Copper in color, medium in body and malty sweetness with a high drinkability factor. The flavors and aroma sway between fruity and citrus with up front American hops and a hint of herbal mountain pine.Spruce pine needles handpicked from the Loveland Ski Area.This special beer is inspired by and made to commemorate Loveland Ski Areas 75th Anniversary.Only available on draft at Loveland Ski Area and Tommyknocker’s Pub.”
But, my favorite winter brew is the Cocoa Porter Seasonal Ale:



Not only do they have amazing beer, but, they have sodas for the under 21 crowd and those who prefer something non-alcoholic. Root Beer, Almond Cream, Strawberry Cream, and Orange Cream are some of my kids’ favorites. The food is amazing, the views inspiring, the atmosphere jovial, and the beer is primo. Wow, this really has me thinking, it’s time for a visit. Good thing I happen to fly in today from Texas. I think it’s Tommyknockers for lunch. JTommyknocker Brewery & Pub P.O. Box 3188
1401 Miner Street Idaho Springs, CO 80452 Phone: (303) 567-4419

Saluting our Soldiers-Wounded Warriors Blog Hop

Time for your chance to WIN and help a GREAT cause! 




My grandpa, Marine Lt. Col. Donald D Fereday died on Independence Day, July 4, 2003, forever haunted by the scenes he encountered while serving in Korea. Many of our men and women who serve become physically and mentally wounded everyday protecting our freedoms. Ahoy Fellow Fathomers. By now, you know I enjoy creating fictional worlds readers will identify with. Although I hope readers escape with my words, I also entwine helpful storylines that might help make a difference. However, sometimes events and issues in our realm are not always comfortable subjects-I tackle them in some manner anyway.

Today's blog is part of a special blog hop to raise money for the Wounded Warriors project. At minimum, the group of writers involved in this opportunity will raise $600 for their organization. If you would like to see how more you can help, please click this link Wounded Warriors. I will donate at least $30 for participating in this hop.  Please leave your email address and name within the comment so I may count you as a visitor.   I will draw two names from all comments posted containing name and email address and those winners will receive an eBook of my latest release, Lovedust and Trailblazers. Please keep reading for the link back to the main blog for more chances to win. In my release, Lovedust and Trailblazers, I chronicle the romantic journey of “Josiah” and “Minnie”. Fictional Josiah is a tough, soft-spoken, military veteran rancher. Fictional Minnie is a spunky, intelligent, trailblazing female veterinarian. Josiah’s return from the Korean Conflict did not occur as smoothly as he had hoped, dealing with the trauma and horrors he experienced during his tour. Minnie attempts to fit in as one of the first female vets of the 1950’s.  Finding each other, they learn how to trust, forge ahead, and share intimacies. Yes, this book contains some explosive love scenes, but, these two deserve it. JAlthough not an overwhelming theme in this book, I touch on what we now know as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD. Prevalent from many different causes, situations, and ages in life- combat and the experiences of military duties are very common cathartic events to invoke PTSD.  My fictional hero, Josiah, developed PTSD, however, back in the 1950’s, it really was not a clinical diagnosis. The term PTSD itself was not coined until the 1970’s, long after the Korean Conflict ended. Real-life soldiers might have been called, rather undiplomatically,“shell-shocked”.  “Josiah” returned home without understanding, and an overwhelming sadness and anxiety he felt he had to cope with completely on his own. I could write the ending for Josiah that I wanted to happen, but, not the reality so many men and women live with every day.How does this apply to our lives today in the real world?Without further ado, please graciously allow me to introduce this snippet from this close to my heart project, Lovedust and Trailblazers: “Josiah walked away on shaky legs. Other than a few of the pin-up posters he had seen in the military, he never paid that much attention to women. Living on a remote Oklahoma ranch, not too many girls crossed his path. Of course, he went to school with some girls, but no one he really wanted to settle down with.  When he went to Korea, it really put thoughts of a girlfriend or marriage out of his mind. That afternoon reminded Josiah just how lonely life on a ranch could be. Minnie’s beauty and spunk inspired him to feel like a man and not shy away from the intensity the female gender triggered in most men. “Well, Zeke, what do you think about our neighbor?”“Josiah, I’ve never met a woman that confused me more in my cotton pickin’ life. What in the world do you do with a pet cow?”“Zeke…brother…we see our farm animals as things, not living creatures. She sees it the other way around. Do you understand that?”“Honestly, I see them as how we make a livin’. They’re dumb as dirt and good for human consumption. That’s about it. You know, raisin’ rodeo stock is not exactly a tender way to treat animals. What about those rough-housin’ inmates at the prison in McAlester? During the prison rodeo they tend to want to let out a few aggressions during the events. ““She sees life in a different way, she is a veterinarian. She probably cares more about animals than people. By the way, just because we raise livestock for the rodeo circuit, doesn’t mean we don’t care about how they’re treated. From what I understand these high profile rodeos might start having a vet oversee the show, including the prison rodeo. That’ll help the bad reputation rodeos have for mistreating the stock.” Returning his thought process to Minnie, his eyes shifted dreamily. “Wow, Zeke, she is the only woman vet I know. That’s something, I tell you.”Suddenly, Zeke had a rare epiphany. “Aww shucks, Josiah, you like this girl!”“Maybe I do, Zeke, what of it?” Josiah almost became defensive, but was too happy.“Nothing, brother, I won’t say another word.” Zeke grinned from ear to ear.”
Please visit the main blog at Secret Cravings Publishing Wounded Warrior Hop for more chances to win and other good stuff! Happy Thanksgiving and thank you ever so much for your support.

Flasher Fiction Friday - Is That a Pineapple in Your Pocket?

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers, this Friday I return to my first recurring blog contribution, the Friday Flash Fiction. A group of writers will write exactly 100 words, no more no less, to a picture prompt. After you read my contribution, please read what the other writers have to say, the links follow. Happy Friday!

Gripping the ice-filled tumbler, Bea placed the cool glass against her belly. Her mind swirling from the effects of an earlier couple of mai-tai drinks, the mojito launched her into a full-on alcohol buzz. The man smiled broadly in her direction, while the woman whispered something in his ear. He slid off the underwater bar stool and swam in Bea’s direction. Reaching the pool ladder, his muscled torso tensely rippled from using his abdominals to hoist himself up out of the water. Dripping across the concrete, he exuded confidence and heady sexuality with his swagger. “How'd you like your drink?” 

Please visit these each of us as we put 100 words on this delicious photo:
Davee Jones http://finless.blogspot.com/Doris O'Connor: http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.com/J S Morbius: http://morbiussworld.blogspot.co.uk/Gemma Parkes: http://gemmaparkes.blogspot.com/

Just Out of My Grasp - The Other "F" Word - FLARE

Lupus Foundation of America11/07/2013Ahoy Fellow Fathomers, I’ve decided to use my blog not only to writing, music, and other facets of entertainment, but, also to share my journey. I found out on June 19, 2013 the reason for many of my ongoing health problems is because I have systemic lupus, also known as SLE. Thank you for listening, each week I will have a new installment chronicling my journey. Please, please feel free to comment, write, share. I hope to use this forum as a help to all of us, no matter what pain you are experiencing. You may also send stories to me via finlessbook at gmail dot com. I will respect your privacy and maintain your anonymity, if you so desire. Hugs for today … Ugh, drank 4 beers on a Saturday night over the course of several hours. I know better than that, but, was having such a fun time with friends and family. The axe returned fiercely between my eyes about 11:30pm. It didn’t leave until sometime the next afternoon. But, the lupus flare party didn’t stop there. Imagine someone tying a cord around your neck and squeezing just enough to allow you to barely breathe, your head feels like blood is rushing to it, then it’s cut off- like holding a headstand too long. I remain on the verge of passing out. I cannot hold my balance for long, I cannot always form a complete thought and I’ve lost focus for anything requiring much introspection. I lie in bed afraid I won’t wake up when I finally do fall asleep, which doesn’t come very soon and isn’t restful when it does. I’m plagued by crazy dreams, interfering with much needed repose. I have moments where I feel like I will stop breathing and my heart will stop and I must will my organs to keep pumping, as if I’m slowly fading away.Each arm and each leg feels like someone tied tight cords around them where connected to my torso and they feel swollen and constricted as they reach toward my hands and feet. It hurts to bend and and feels like my limbs will split open if I do curve. My skin feels like someone took sandpaper to every inch and scraped just enough prickle and sting and then random needle stick sensations plague every inch in haphazard pokes. Exaggeration? No, it isn’t. This is how SLE affects my central nervous system. Today I’m in day two of a flare and feel helpless. I only hope it dissipates by the end of the week.

Tuesday Tales Coming On Rather Abruptly

I know last week I left everyone wondering where Joelle fell when the rotting walkway gave out. But, with this weeks' word prompt, abrupt, I couldn't fit it in! So, I'm moving back to my other work in progress, Sexy Bea Spelling. Let's see what Andrew thinks of Bea... “We don’t have to go home yet, do we?”“I’m still on administrative leave until they decide what to do with me, Andrew. You’re the one with a job in the morning.” The velvety nighttime sky set a perfect backdrop for the downtown Dallas skyline of lights. The ribbon of lights around the Omni Hotel changed colors as it cascaded down the numerous stories. The Reunion Tower ball glowed brightly with a dancing display of clear lights. They hopscotched around the orb in hyperactive motions. Andrew drove leisurely through the city holding Bea’s hand, his thumb stroking her palm.“You know what they say it means when someone scratches the palm of your hand, don’t you?” Bea leaned closer to him from her seat.“Lady, we are about the same age, of course I know. Glad you picked up on the hint I was throwing out. But, I’d really like to hear you say the words, my sexy Bea Spelling.” Andrew shifted in the seat, obviously adjusting his growing desire. “When you scratch the palm of my hand it tells me you want to fuck me, Andrew Goode. So…do you…want me?” She drew the words out slowly and began unbuttoning her shirt. Andrew swallowed hard, the lights of the city no longer capturing his attention. “We aren’t going to make it back home, you know that right?” “Take me somewhere, anywhere, let’s do this where we can get caught.”“Bea, my spirited minx, what is getting into you?”“You will be very soon.”“Damn right I will be.” Andrew hit the accelerator and made an abrupt U-turn in the road. “You are so very very sexy.”
Now that you've read my take for abrupt, please visit our Tuesday Tales Main for other creative writing including the word prompt, Abrupt.

Saturday Sippers in The Locker! - an ode to Kahlua

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! Welcome to the feature here in The Locker called Saturday Sippers. Each week I’ll post a new, sometimes, skinny cocktail recipe for you to try. Many thinks to my Cali Bestie, Rhonda, for providing me with the deck of cards recipe book. J Already in November! It’s way too close to the holidays for me. But, this weekend, I have the small comfort of “fall back” to console me….and this great Kahlua drink.KAHLUACCINO! Ingredients¾ c. nonfat milk¾ c. strong coffee ½ c. coffee liqueur 3 c. ice4 t sugarChocolate shavings for garnishCombine milk and coffee in blender. Add coffee liqueur, ice, and sugar. Puree until frothy. Pour and garnish with chocolate shavings and voila! Get the holiday season started tastefully138 Calories per serving

Flasher Fiction Friday

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers, it's Friday and I'm flashing!  I return to my first recurring blog contribution, the Friday Flash Fiction. A group of writers will write exactly 100 words, no more no less, to a picture prompt. After you read my contribution, please read what the other writers have to say, the links follow. Happy Friday!
“Tomorrow? I thought you had another day?” Andrew dropped the menu into his lap.
“Well, tomorrow night, I have a nine o’clock flight, so, technically, I have a full day, rather, we have a full day.” Bea patted his exposed knee peeking from underneath a sheet.
“It’s going so fast, and we slept most of today away.” A sullen Andrew scratched his chin.
“Let’s eat, shower together, and make plans for our volcano excursion tomorrow. It’ll be fun.”
“I guess…”

“Please keep a good mood, we are having such a nice time, better than I imagined. Let’s keep it light.”
Please visit the other flashers for their interpretation of this lovely picture. Some of the other descriptions may contain explicit content. Doris O'Connor: http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.co.uk/Michelle Howard: www.michellehowardwrites.comDavee Jones:  http://finless.blogspot.com/Pablo Michaels: http://www.pmmanmanromance.comS.J. Maylee: http://SJMaylee.comJ S Morbius: http://morbiussworld.blogspot.co.uk/Muffy Wilson: http://muffywilson.blogspot.com