Millions of Cats
I recorded this family favorite as a Christmas gift for my friend Elli (the same Elli who proof-listened my Gatsby) and her little boy <3
In other news, my pulmonologist recently increased my dose of sildenafil from 40 to 60mg, 3x/day. We increased my dose of Lasix (a diuretic to help control the fluid retention common with heart failure) at the same time. And within a few days I felt so much better! Like I wake up with some ambition and enough energy to do more than one thing in a day. I don’t get tired immediately and need a nap by noon; I don’t need to just lie in bed all day.
I’ve been sewing again! I got super inspired by the historical costuming videos and posts of Morgan Donner and others, and got the notion to make myself some modified Early Medieval clothing for daily wear. No corsetry required! My corset/stays days are behind me, lol. I’ve already sewn two cream linen shifts (under-dresses) and I absolutely LIVE in them. They’re even more comfy than sweats and tees. And linen is astonishing. I don’t overheat in it. It doesn’t seem to get smelly as fast as cotton, so I can wear a shift for multiple days between washes.
Right now I’m working on a pine green linen bliaut, which is an overdress that can fit fairly loosely but has lacing at the sides for a more form-fitted look. Traditionally they are floor length and have long dangling sleeves but I’m making mine shin-length with more practical sleeves. I’m planning lace-on long-sleeve extensions (but not dangling).
Some sources that I used (helpful list for Future Me):
Making Basic Medieval Underwear
Custom Smock and T-Tunic Pattern Generator
Izabela’s Bliaut Tutorial
Bliaut Tutorial
Square Underarm Gussets
Today I hand-sewed for hours, and watched a lot of Ok GO videos with Em, and gave her a German lesson, AND made a pot of soup! I’m tired now but that’s a lot of things in one day for me.
Now we’re going to increase my sildenafil to 80mg 3x/day (that’s 12 tablets a day hahaha) and see what happens. Maybe I’ll have even more energy! Or, maybe my energy level will stay the same as it is now but won’t decrease as quickly over time. Maybe nothing will happen. Maybe the side effects will be unbearable. But I’m hoping for good things. We shall see!
Category: Audiobooks, Blog 5 comments »
January 31st, 2021 at 1:52 pm
This is such an encouraging update. Your burst of creative energy (as shown on Instagram) is remarkable, and I’m so happy for you. Take good care of yourself and be kind to yourself. You are doing a marvelous job being you.
February 3rd, 2021 at 12:14 pm
I’ve listened with my daughters to countless recordings you made for librivox, you are our absolute favourite, right now we are using This Country of Ours, part 6, for homeschooling, and your Just so stories, for fun, which came very highly recommended in a homeschooling forum, for good reason, and they were so happy when I put it on and it was you!
We are so thankful for all the work you do recording these lovely books, as I know many other families are. I saw you recorded The Great Gatsby, which is also one of my favourite books, and I intend to listen to it soon.
I had no idea about your health issues, it makes me value even more the selfless work you do, and I will be praying for you, that your treatment continues working and making you feel better.
Thank you, I don’t think I can properly express how much we really appreciate you telling us these lovely stories, they sound even better in your voice.
March 6th, 2021 at 11:26 pm
Hello, hope this message finds you. We are big fans of your work. Recently we used your readings in one of our music projects. We wanted to share it with you and hopefully get your thoughts. Maybe your listeners will enjoy it too:)
It can be found on this link:
https://lofidelitycassettetapeperplexityandtheboys.bandcamp.com/album/tea-time-tape
March 7th, 2021 at 7:18 am
Oh that is absolutely charming! I love the Erik Satie and clinking dishware in the background. I’ll post your link later today! Thanks for sharing your art <3
March 26th, 2021 at 1:29 pm
Hi. Kara. I have been part of the homeschooling community for many years and have greatly appreciated your audio recordings. When I was a baby, I had an accident that left me partially blind and in my 30s I slowly lost most of what was left of my sight. I can’t express how much your audio recordings of quality classic children’s books have meant to me as I am now unable to read print books to my three children and gaining access to the books in braille is not always easy. Thank you so very much for all you have done. May all your hard work live forever.