No, not necessarily a ‘writing’ post but she is one of my case studies for next writing project. So that may legitimize it. Won’t say her name again b/c of confidentiality. We have so much in common- our brain injury tendencies- love being with her. Whereas I’m 32 years removed, she’s only one half year post-trauma. In a sense, like a ‘been there, done that’ thing, but thinking my situation pales in comparison to hers. Grateful to help her in any way possible. Trying to offer as much love and support as I received growing up. We are tremendously thankful. (Killer insights this morning to share with her pp. 37, 38 from one of my books.) We’re doing a few things next week. Looking forward to that. The developing plot- it’s complicated- may be used in an upcoming book I’m working on. Unless we do a memoir of her life. Not sure she wants to go that route, though.

To Andrew’s soccer game this afternoon and sat by local author, Angelina Assanti. Discussed our books and how sales and promotion were going. She gave me some good ideas to think about and other sales opportunities. Wonderful visit. Don’t know how she does it. Like most of us, and the crazy hours, I guess. Last night had her writing wheels turning and ideas until 2 in the morning. Relieved that I don’t have the late, night-owl, very tired, but full of ideas syndrome alone.

Very very busy lately. Got paper faxed at Staple’s to Tate, content approval form or something, to proceed with interior layout of new book. Even my friend there, Michelle, very excited, too. Then a work-lunch at Subway, sorting through another pile of research. Contacted my other friend, we made plans for tomorrow. Very fun, think we’re going to see movie, “Concussion.” May be quite applicable for us.

Good doctors take plastic (credit cards). HealthyWorkingMinds.com (Randy _______), in my mind, may be better, and took nothing. No, not free. Accepted an I.O.U. as we were out of checks. Unbelievable progress today. Spent less than half of our time together on the occupational/physical therapy side. Results nothing less than astonishing. All about relaxing my wrist. Don’t want to steal too much of his thunder. The next book I’m working on, have a publisher and all that, very exciting. I’ve started to formalize the chapters and lay some of the foundation, or development. An entire section, I believe, will be devoted to his groundbreaking science/work in Neuroplasticity. Excited to find out all I can and implement in my own life. Never thought further recovery was possible at this point. He’s helping retrain my brain cognitively and relearn specific muscle, tendon, and motor control. Installed a program for me on my computer, Brain Games. May try some techniques to assist my walking. Right now, also, focusing on perceptual improvements; namely, balance.

Hooray, hooray
It’s neuroplasticity day
A lot of thinking
A lot of concentrating
All to get better, I say.

Round two this afternoon with the neuroplasticity guy. Admonished yesterday to keep at it, give it my full focus. Being exponentially enthused by the ability to play the piano again- slowly- but with both hands, I guess I will keep at it. That is only after a few week’s work with the ‘brain’ squeeze toy he gave me. Besides, do not want to compromise his and its role in my upcoming PTSD book. His testimony and discussion of neuroplasticity will not soon be forgotten. Excited to be able to do the neuroplasticity, will just have to keep plugging away at it. Hoping I can find the time to daily practice these things in the midst of family life. Nothing good in life comes easily, this I know.

Want to throw out a prayer for another friend of mine. Going through many battles: a TBI whose full effects have not yet been realized; financial situations; being shuffled from physician to physician; and many more. Would gladly be there for her and help in any way. Her choice remains to be seen.

It’s a tree, it’s a flying branch, it’s Aluminum man. Fabulous conversation yesterday at the park who’s giving me a quote on installing our hurricane shutters. Maybe the ‘H’ word is bad here. Rolando Ramirez and his company will look at our situation soon.

We exchanged stories. Seemed they were interested in what we’d been through and found it fascinating. Long story short, they got one of our books. He had a similar take on things happening for a reason. In short, nothing but the grace of God. (A shout out to Dana for getting me a TATTOO last week (Romans 8.28). Just one so far, envisioning more.)

More from Rolando. . .had gotten a call from his brother who had been doing construction work up on a 15-20 foot roof. Happened to have fallen off, smacked his head hard on the concrete. Went to the hospital, full catscan…..NO INJURIES. How about them apples? Same day Rolando got a call from his buddy. Had been a semi-truck driver, jumped out and landed on his feet, but tore several ligaments and had to have surgery on his knee.

Puts things in perspective.

One item of note….spoke with a kind (anonymous) lady at the park a few moments around lunchtime. Expressed interest in my book for various reasons. Glad to have had one in my car for her to read. Say a prayer for her.

The quest to be grateful continues. Much to give thanks for today. Able to spend some time working on the case studies for my next project. (And finished the changes based on the professional edit of the second edition of my debut book. And created a post-appendix section (if there is such a thing). Or we’ll make it another chapter. TBD. Now to implement them and send the manuscript back to Tate. Got a little reading done. Excited to share the info with those in my case study. Probably up till 1 or 2 tonight. Happy for a late night drink from Circle K. To conclude the children’s time in a moment by giving Alyssa a late math lesson. Unreal the tricks I’m learning. And this from the second-grade edition of her book. Appreciating Neuroplasticity. Techniques a good friend is showing me. Has me working on relaxing my hand and the tendons. Gave me a “brain” to squeeze. Helping very much. So glad to be able to play the piano again, even if very slow while relearning to operate the left side. Sharps and flats very difficult. May get to play a baby grand soon. Thankful for unlimited texting. I so could’ve used a beach day today to gather my thoughts, if you could understand that. Maybe soon. Watched SuperGirl tonight, glad for the DVR. Again, wasn’t understood (good time with family, though). Scorpion I get, but not SuperGirl. Tatoo tomorrow, preceded by lunch with the one who is right most of the time. Dana, too. LOL Many things done on or for my case studies for my next project with Tate Publishing- happy they’ll allow me to publish under my own name- LettuceWrite.com. Excited about taking Alyssa to the park later in the week. Loves to swing. Perhaps at Hammond Stadium, where the Minnesota Twins practice. Might get to see them- not.

3/26/16

Randy made his first visit to our house for an initial consult/session with me. Absolutely phenomenal time with him today.

1 The brain squeeze toy he had given me last Saturday at the Brain Fair in Naples is already doing wonders, enabling my arm to not droop spastically, allowing me to use it in a (limited) way with some fine-motor tasks
2 Sat with me for over an hour talking and assessing my (lack of) skills and the functionality of my left hand
3 Carefully guided me in learning to relax my hand, fingers, and muscles; this is my goal
4 Indicated I might make good progress in his program, Neuroplasticity.
5 Discussed the part he will play as a case study in my next book. May have to rethink how to incorporate the case studies, specifically his and the role of neuroplasticity, but thinking it can be done.

(Able to now play the piano with both hands; taking it slow at first and only basic- how exciting, nonetheless)

PTL!

Just finished changes on the second edition of debut book. Now to reread (sometime)…..