I found some particularly yummy tatting thread and thought I would share their delightful hues!
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| Photo Copyright 2011 PanekSisters |
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| Photo Copyright 2011 PanekSisters |
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| Photo Copyright 2011 PanekSisters |
Sunday, January 29, 2012
I found some particularly yummy tatting thread and thought I would share their delightful hues!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Up to something...
We spent a year on a single project. Soon we will share what beautiful mischief we have been up to!
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| Photo by Nona Henderson of Sweet Nothings Photography. Copyright 2011. |
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Hanging on for Dear Life...
I'm sorry that I have neglected this blog lately. I can honestly say that I don't know where the time went.
For those who are not family and friends, My dad has been very ill.
Right about the same time my mom and I decided to start this blog, my dad was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis (MG). For those unfamiliar with the disease, your own immune system attacks your voluntary muscles and you lose control of them. This can affect your limbs, your eyes, even your breathing. Though my dad showed symptoms of all of these, his particular problem was his mouth functions.
He couldn't chew. He couldn't talk. He couldn't swallow.
It doesn't seem like a big deal, but he couldn't for months. He lost 70 lbs. He had made serious plans to lose weight just before all of this happened, but he played Santa for churches, so he had been reluctant to really start. That and with working in a very important financial position for a fortune 500 company, he had little time. I tease him that if he wanted time and weight loss, this was the wrong way to do it.
We went through 12 doctors to find his diagnosis. We ruled out possibilities of sinus surgery complications, infection, allergic reaction, pancreatic cancer, and a dozen other scary diagnoses. We were frustrated and scared. Then came the answer, and that didn't change.
Part of the treatment for MG is IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) and chemotherapy to stop the immune system from attacking your body. We had been told that this was going to improve his outlook so much, we were excited even if it was a week of visiting the cancer wing of the hospital and months of Imuran.
About a week after the treatment and starting chemo, my dad awoke with chest pains. My mom and sister had been shopping, and he waited patiently for them to get home. My dad hates hospitals. He has to be almost completely incapacitated to get him to one. So, when he told my mom that he thought he needed to go to the ER, even though this was a possible side effect of the Imuran, my mother swept him out the door. Still, it was very calm. Mom didn't even speed to the hospital, and Dad was still doing work from his Blackberry.
They were there for hours. A parade of family members (of which, we have MANY) went to see them and bring them food. Nurses were in and out constantly. Then, they gave him aspirin....then, nitroglycerin. My mom knew. She took his Blackberry from him. Then there were three nurses in there constantly....not good.
Heart attacks are frightening and serious in normal conditions. We had only just begun to learn about MG, but were aware of the challenge we suddenly faced. The major problem with MG is there is a list a mile long of medications you CANNOT take (for risk of death and MG complications type of CANNOT take). Most of which are drugs that are normally prescribed after heart attacks, almost all anesthesia for surgeries, antibiotics, numerous heart medications, and the list goes on and on. What was really daunting was we were having to educate the doctors and nurses we were dealing with. Most of them were completely clueless (and thus dangerous) when it came to the disease. I have read and regurgitated more Latin and medical verbiage than I ever cared to, and my mother has had to do three times what little I have done.
In the end, we learned that not only should he not have lived through the heart attack which included severe blockages, one of which was dubbed "the widow maker" just for good humor I am sure, but it would be a miracle if he lived through the quadruple bypass surgery that was required.
It's a good thing God does not have a quota on miracles.
My family reaps the benefit of them all the time, and this time was no different.
The meeting after the surgery was not at all what I expected. The doctor told us about "roadblocks" my dad's body put up and the surgery was a "struggle." He also told us about how my dad's tissues were "friable" (which in my opinion is the worst medical terminology ever used in history) and likened it to that of an 89 year old woman's. We were shocked. We had tried to prepare ourselves and ready questions, but suddenly no one even knew what to ask.
The weeks that followed were horrible. He spent 29 of the next 35 days in the hospital. It seemed sometimes he would come home and not 24 hours later, he would be right back out. Again, he couldn't eat. The MG was overwhelming and moved to his breathing, putting him in what is called MG crisis. They discussed putting in a peg to feed him, but with the report of the "friable tissue" that seemed the worst idea to us. We kept receiving vague and ambiguous answers and test result and scary mentions of issues in the Pancreas and with MRSA. It was a revolving door of issues and treatments and speculation and doctors without needed knowledge. We struggled and prayed. We saw specialists upon specialists. He was given another IVIG. More Imuran. More this, more that. I watched a strong, silent man, fight very openly. Eventually, he was able to come home. We created daily charts of medication (he was taking 31 doses of various medications per day) and pertinent information (weight, blood pressure, etc.) to help in his treatment and to take to the doctor's office. We actually became excited when we had accumulated 7 of them in a row.
Since then, it has been a very long road. We just celebrated My dad's birthday. Something that mere weeks ago, we weren't sure we would be able to do. I am so grateful and overwhelmed that he is still here. Nona took photos of the two of them on Broad Street in the ginkgo trees. In all of them, my mom is clinging to my dad like the physical embodiment of what she had just done for the past few months.
We tried to relay to all of those who were charged with his medical care just how special this man was to so many people. Usually it ended up being a jest about him being Santa and they wouldn't want to end up on the naughty list. But truly, it was amazing to see just how many people truly loved my dad and in just how many ways he was wonderful to everyone. I knew it already, but to have it reaffirmed from people that didn't have to give us the time of day, was a blessing.
My dad recently went to his office to give laptops and such back so they would have access to what they needed from him. Of all of the things, most of his co-workers were all afraid that they would have to see him without his Santa beard.
My mom has put our entire ordeal best. One of dad's co-workers asked what she has been doing all this time. She replied, "Hanging on to him for dear life!"
And we will continue to do so. Please keep us in your prayers and hopefully soon we will be back full swing!
For those who are not family and friends, My dad has been very ill.
Right about the same time my mom and I decided to start this blog, my dad was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis (MG). For those unfamiliar with the disease, your own immune system attacks your voluntary muscles and you lose control of them. This can affect your limbs, your eyes, even your breathing. Though my dad showed symptoms of all of these, his particular problem was his mouth functions.
He couldn't chew. He couldn't talk. He couldn't swallow.
It doesn't seem like a big deal, but he couldn't for months. He lost 70 lbs. He had made serious plans to lose weight just before all of this happened, but he played Santa for churches, so he had been reluctant to really start. That and with working in a very important financial position for a fortune 500 company, he had little time. I tease him that if he wanted time and weight loss, this was the wrong way to do it.
We went through 12 doctors to find his diagnosis. We ruled out possibilities of sinus surgery complications, infection, allergic reaction, pancreatic cancer, and a dozen other scary diagnoses. We were frustrated and scared. Then came the answer, and that didn't change.
Part of the treatment for MG is IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) and chemotherapy to stop the immune system from attacking your body. We had been told that this was going to improve his outlook so much, we were excited even if it was a week of visiting the cancer wing of the hospital and months of Imuran.
About a week after the treatment and starting chemo, my dad awoke with chest pains. My mom and sister had been shopping, and he waited patiently for them to get home. My dad hates hospitals. He has to be almost completely incapacitated to get him to one. So, when he told my mom that he thought he needed to go to the ER, even though this was a possible side effect of the Imuran, my mother swept him out the door. Still, it was very calm. Mom didn't even speed to the hospital, and Dad was still doing work from his Blackberry.
They were there for hours. A parade of family members (of which, we have MANY) went to see them and bring them food. Nurses were in and out constantly. Then, they gave him aspirin....then, nitroglycerin. My mom knew. She took his Blackberry from him. Then there were three nurses in there constantly....not good.
Heart attacks are frightening and serious in normal conditions. We had only just begun to learn about MG, but were aware of the challenge we suddenly faced. The major problem with MG is there is a list a mile long of medications you CANNOT take (for risk of death and MG complications type of CANNOT take). Most of which are drugs that are normally prescribed after heart attacks, almost all anesthesia for surgeries, antibiotics, numerous heart medications, and the list goes on and on. What was really daunting was we were having to educate the doctors and nurses we were dealing with. Most of them were completely clueless (and thus dangerous) when it came to the disease. I have read and regurgitated more Latin and medical verbiage than I ever cared to, and my mother has had to do three times what little I have done.
In the end, we learned that not only should he not have lived through the heart attack which included severe blockages, one of which was dubbed "the widow maker" just for good humor I am sure, but it would be a miracle if he lived through the quadruple bypass surgery that was required.
It's a good thing God does not have a quota on miracles.
My family reaps the benefit of them all the time, and this time was no different.
The meeting after the surgery was not at all what I expected. The doctor told us about "roadblocks" my dad's body put up and the surgery was a "struggle." He also told us about how my dad's tissues were "friable" (which in my opinion is the worst medical terminology ever used in history) and likened it to that of an 89 year old woman's. We were shocked. We had tried to prepare ourselves and ready questions, but suddenly no one even knew what to ask.
The weeks that followed were horrible. He spent 29 of the next 35 days in the hospital. It seemed sometimes he would come home and not 24 hours later, he would be right back out. Again, he couldn't eat. The MG was overwhelming and moved to his breathing, putting him in what is called MG crisis. They discussed putting in a peg to feed him, but with the report of the "friable tissue" that seemed the worst idea to us. We kept receiving vague and ambiguous answers and test result and scary mentions of issues in the Pancreas and with MRSA. It was a revolving door of issues and treatments and speculation and doctors without needed knowledge. We struggled and prayed. We saw specialists upon specialists. He was given another IVIG. More Imuran. More this, more that. I watched a strong, silent man, fight very openly. Eventually, he was able to come home. We created daily charts of medication (he was taking 31 doses of various medications per day) and pertinent information (weight, blood pressure, etc.) to help in his treatment and to take to the doctor's office. We actually became excited when we had accumulated 7 of them in a row.
Since then, it has been a very long road. We just celebrated My dad's birthday. Something that mere weeks ago, we weren't sure we would be able to do. I am so grateful and overwhelmed that he is still here. Nona took photos of the two of them on Broad Street in the ginkgo trees. In all of them, my mom is clinging to my dad like the physical embodiment of what she had just done for the past few months.
We tried to relay to all of those who were charged with his medical care just how special this man was to so many people. Usually it ended up being a jest about him being Santa and they wouldn't want to end up on the naughty list. But truly, it was amazing to see just how many people truly loved my dad and in just how many ways he was wonderful to everyone. I knew it already, but to have it reaffirmed from people that didn't have to give us the time of day, was a blessing.
My dad recently went to his office to give laptops and such back so they would have access to what they needed from him. Of all of the things, most of his co-workers were all afraid that they would have to see him without his Santa beard.
My mom has put our entire ordeal best. One of dad's co-workers asked what she has been doing all this time. She replied, "Hanging on to him for dear life!"
And we will continue to do so. Please keep us in your prayers and hopefully soon we will be back full swing!
Happy Birthday , Daddy-O! Keep Hanging On Momma. We'll make it.
Photo by Nona Henderson, Sweet Nothings Photography
Friday, June 17, 2011
"Bloom Where You Are Planted."
When I was younger, I didn't like this quote. I hadn't the maturity to think beyond the physical idea of it. I felt that it wasn't courageous or exciting...it was resigning yourself to a predetermined fate and not seeking new experiences.
Fortunately, I have found that having the strength, passion, and courage to do what you love or what you feel you should do brings about beautiful blooms.
Fortunately, I have found that having the strength, passion, and courage to do what you love or what you feel you should do brings about beautiful blooms.
Brooches by PanekSisters; Photograph: Copyright 2011 Nona Henderson, Sweet Nothings Photography
Perhaps it is more about blossoming into the person you are meant to be or into what you are being led to do. It's much more than just "being happy" where you are or in your station in life.
These are pins / brooches my Mom (Yvonne) and I made for the Bridal Tea mentioned last post.
They will be available in our Etsy store and our website (links coming soon).
Some of them are all new materials.
Brooches by PanekSisters; Photograph: Copyright 2011 Nona Henderson, Sweet Nothings Photography
But my favorites are those into which we incorporated vintage finds.
Brooches by PanekSisters; Photograph: Copyright 2011 Nona Henderson, Sweet Nothings Photography
Brooches by PanekSisters; Photograph: Copyright 2011 Nona Henderson, Sweet Nothings Photography
I really enjoyed studying the real flowers in my Mom's garden for inspiration.
Bearded Iris Brooch by PanekSisters; Photograph: Copyright 2011 Nona Henderson, Sweet Nothings Photography
Pansy Brooch by PanekSisters; Photograph: Copyright 2011 Nona Henderson, Sweet Nothings Photography
Lily Brooch by PanekSisters; Photograph: Copyright 2011 Nona Henderson, Sweet Nothings Photography
Being the mother of two little princesses who really enjoy tea parties, I couldn't leave the children out.
With my girls' hair, hair clips are essential!
Flower Hairclips by PanekSisters; Photograph: Copyright 2011 Nona Henderson, Sweet Nothings Photography
Many of these flowers are made in the ancient technique of Kanzashi and Tsumami.
It was such a fun method to learn. I am officially hooked. They produce such wonderful blooms.
Everyone was delighted to be able to pick one out to take home.
I have even caught some wearing them again! (Much to my delight and gratitude!)
Tell us what you think!
Heather
Finding Beauty in Small Boxes
I am a neurotic gift wrapper. Hey, they say the first step is admitting.
Yes...I use double-sided tape that does not show. Yes...I use artificial flowers, beautiful baubles, and fabulous ribbon. Yes...I crease the edges with bone folders and hide ends whenever possible. Yes...I have been known to use fabric, scrapbooking paper, and many other types of wrapping to achieve maximum effect.
Do they have a program for this? I hope not, because I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. I love giving gifts, but I really love making those gifts special to reflect how special the receiver is to me.
I recently had the opportunity to wrap over twenty little party favors for a bridal tea. They were wonderful little Victorian floral porcelain boxes that fit right in with the theme of the party. So, of course, the wrapping had to be just as fabulous. I was very happy with how they turned out.
Photograph: Copyright 2011 Heather Panek
It's all in the details.
Photograph: Copyright 2011 Heather Panek
We decided to personalize them since the tea was almost all family members. It reflected the closeness we all enjoy and will share with those we are welcoming into the family.
Photograph: Copyright 2011 Heather Panek
The tags were a lucky find at Michael's by my Mom (Yvonne). I actually found a Sharpie that was close to the same color! We included a little rhyme on the back thanking our guests for joining us.
Photograph: Copyright 2011, Nona Henderson, Sweet Nothings Photography
Bridal Shower favors are almost as special as Baby Shower favors. They represent so much hope for future happiness and love. When they are for people you care deeply for, you want them to be as big as your heart.
My Mom teased that they would like the wrapping more than the gift. I think it just made them seem even more spectacular. Our guests were definitely appreciative and I have very great hopes for the beautiful couple.
In the spirit of the Bridal Season, here is hoping all you couples are finding all those details to make your day special. God Bless to you all!
Heather
Monday, June 13, 2011
Inspiration
We are very blessed. We don't have to look far for inspiration for our creations. My mother (Yvonne) is a phenomenal gardener and her fabulous flowers provide so much color and fragrance that you can't help but be affected and moved to create. Having a degree in textiles and spending so much of her career in product development with a textile company, she has also surrounded us our entire lives with beautiful things. She made sure we were exposed to a wide range of musical and artistic experiences. My father, outside of his excellence in accounting, is an amazing woodworker and problem solver. It is no surprise that all four of us "kids" have pursued creative careers of our own.
Since becoming a mother myself, I have found that this is a two-way street. My two girls bring so much joy and beauty into my life. They are my motivation to be my best in every way.
Heather
Since becoming a mother myself, I have found that this is a two-way street. My two girls bring so much joy and beauty into my life. They are my motivation to be my best in every way.
I mean, who would not be galvanized into doing great things looking at these two everyday?
The Panek Sisters
(photos: Copyright 2011, Nona Henderson, Sweet Nothings Photography)
They, too, have caught the crafty bug. Their creations are an awesome experience to behold. Grace's art reflects sound and motion unlike I have ever seen. Her unique vision and quiet observance have given me a new view of the world. Sophia is a great appreciator of all things beautiful. She is deliciously headstrong and forces me to take pause and look at the wonderful things she discovered, no matter how simple they may seem. They are so different from each other, but in a complimentary way.
They have taught me to seek a compliment in my endeavors. Recently, I have discovered my mother is that compliment. When I have a new assignment or project, I often find myself stuck in frustration. There is always a small but important detail that is just not to my satisfaction. I go to her and, much to her dismay, usually nag her until she points me in the direction I had been looking for. In the same way, she approaches me with ideas and I figure out how to bring them to fruition.
This blog is to share the yield from our creative ventures. We hope you enjoy what we have to share.
Heather
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