Hi everyone, thanks for being here.
For a long time I have had some health conditions that complicated things I wish they didn't in my life.
I am going to the doctor and getting lots of tests done to see what's up.
There is a good possibility that I have EDS - Ehlers-danlos syndrome because the connective tissue disorder is VISIBLE and has been a real problem for me my entire life. Sure, it used to be fun to be weirdly flexible, but it has caused me problems with movement, grip, and recovery after injury.
My knees dislocate, my left especially, at every step, so I have to be mindful of my movement. I can't manouver as that increases the risk of dislocation.
My wrists and fingers also dislocate at times, especially when carrying heavier objects. My shoulders also.
Benefit of being this loose is that my joint do pop back on their own, but there is still damage that happens in the surrounding tissue and tendons. So, not fun.
When I was 17, I broke my tailbone and I have lived with that more than half of my life now. Surgery wasn't even recommended, so daily pain from sitting, limited time sitting, is an ongoing problem. The initial therapy to fix it was a disaster because it actually hurt me more and there was a risk I couldn't have children - maybe not get pregnant, or carry to full term, or be able to give birth. There were a lot of scares.
I am happy to say that I have two children and I survived both pregnancies and deliveries! They were long and hard, but I am blessed to have my kids 💙❤️
Now, these things make it very difficult for me to have a regular job. I have had issues and the risks are too high for me. Not only that, I can't do most jobs because my body simply won't let me.
I am very grateful to be an artist working from home because this enables me to be flexible as needed.
However, art isn't a need for most people, and I don't have needed capital to keep testing new products to see what sticks and what begins to sell.
I am currently closing my e-shop because the fees are too high and I will be shifting to another platform. I will be checking out everything I can do right here, and also checking out Etsy as some policies are changing and there is a reinforcement of seller protection.
That way I will be able to have my products, original art and prints and more, available online, with a solid check out option, and pay for my fees on the go.
In the meantime, I would like to ask for you help. It would mean the world to me to have monthly supporters while I get back on my feet! Also, if anyone cares to help me in a more significant way, I currently don't have a working laptop and eventually I will be looking at getting a good color printer so I can make my own products at home.
Anything and everything helps.
Feel free to reach out to me to chat more, I will be happy to answer questions. Whether is it in the comments here, or you want to privately DM me on my Instagram or elsewhere.
Thank you so much for being here!
Kate 