pillboxproductions’ Neighborhood

Ring J'Aime et J'Espere

About 10 years ago, my father sent me this ring. The inscription is in French, reading: "I love and I hope". It's a ring that Thomas Jefferson apparently had sent to his daughter while they were separated.

I unfortunately lost the ring over time. He is sending me a new one - (now that I can actually put my jewelry in a safe place.) I'm touched by this and rather excited to receive it.

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OK...now 

As many of you know, I have Bipolar I . And as many of you also know, my ex walked out earlier this month. Much of our problems stemmed from my having this disorder (*note, I was not diagnosed with BPD until sometime in October.) Prior to this I had been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. After discussions of potentially getting pregnant, I began tapering off of my anti-depressant medication slowly. At first, I was doing well with the decreased dosage but eventually I began to experience periods of withdraw that were indicitative of the depression returning. This was when I went back to the Dr. and was prescribed several medications to decrease depressive episodes and treat mood lability. Over some time now, this has proven to help greatly.

During and after the relationship I thought about how my partner reacted to my illness. He hadn't experienced this before and so naturally he was scared of what all it would entail. However, I took every proactive step possible to get well and was not supported. A lot of blame was placed on me.

I know that some of you also suffer from depression, BPD and post traumatic stress disorder and I wanted to post some Do's/Don'ts that I found through research and feel would be helpful for someone whose partner suffers from any of these disorders. It's not an article but a simple list which I felt most certainly belonged here with the 'requirements'.

and of course snippets of 'Carbon' must make her way in here. This was written by Tori Amos for her best friend (Beenie) who suffers from this illness as well:

"time to race" she said "race the downhill"
behind crystalline irises
loons can dive
where the world bleeds white

just keep your eyes on her
keep
don't look away
keep your eyes on her horizon

 
shreds and ribbons of Lithium
blow by blow
her mind cut in sheets
layers deep now unravelling

just keep your eyes on her

carbon made only wants to "be unmade"
blade to ice

it's
double diamond time
and keep your eyes on her
on her eyes on her horizon

You're invited to our Coffee and Dessert Social. January 6th from 7:00 pm - 9:30pm. Enjoy an Evening of Art Festivities. Please RSVP to contactus@laafa.org or call 818.708.9232.

Art After Dark.
You're invited to our Coffee and Dessert Social." January 6th from 7:00 pm - 9:30pm. January 4th from 7:00 pm - 9:30pm. Enjoy an Evening of Art Festivities. Plus, donate an Art Book and have a chance to win a 10-Week Sessions Class! Please RSVP to contactus@laafa.org .

Me & Sarah meeting up. It was lovely! I felt like I've known her for years. Must take them up on the visit offer.

And then

Jackbwstripes1

there's Jack.

and a couple of pics from a walk

Red

and lastly:

Untouchable_fruit