ReLearning a Craft

Guess what I made?

stitch markers

Yea, I know...big deal, right?  Well, it is a big deal!  I used to be a successful metal work and wire work jewelry designer, but I had to sell my business because of the Dystonia in my hands and arms, more serious in my dominant right hand/arm.  I have trouble doing everything from brushing my hair to using a computer.  Therefore, I have been trying to learn to do things for the last two years with my non-dominant left hand.  I have learned how to do many things with my left hand, even knitting...in fact, left hand knitting is the only reason I can still knit!  So here we are...left hand wire work!

 I will be the first to admit that the wire wrapping is really crappy, but the fact that I got it at least in the right spot with my left hand is a feat in itself, albeit how long it took me to get it there!  I figure if Billy McLaughlin can do it, so can I!  He is a renown guitarist and composer who had to end his career because of Dystonia in his fret work hand.  Although, after five years of frustrating training, he successfully learned to play guitar with his left hand.  So, if he can do it, I can do it.  And I can only agree with him when he said "Dystonia's got kind of a cruel side to it where it attacks you with what you love to do the most," indicating that whatever you do, that is where Dystonia is going to appear if you are unfortunate enough to get it.  For instance, guitar players will get it in their hands.  Vocalists will get it in their throats.  Being a jewelry designer and hopeless can't-keep-my-hands-still crafter, my hands and arms are affected.   Because of the wonderful ObamaDon'tCare, I can no longer get treatments from  my neurologist to control the pain, so now I am dealing with the loss of function AND chronic pain.  But that's a conversation for another day.  For now, I will bask in the glow of my major accomplishment...even if I am the only one sees the glow of it!