Hello, friends! I am still recuperating from my January 8 spine surgery without much good news to report. The searing pain has persisted despite going under the knife and following all post-op instructions, and I am back on the walker…again! In fact, post-op has been more difficult than anything I have ever experienced. I was readmitted for 5 days the day with ghastly reactions to some of the pain medication I’d been on. Shoulder surgery was a breeze compared to this nightmare!!! I have an MRI and another visit with the neurosurgeon for Tuesday afternoon. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that he has nothing but good news for me!
(Click on any photo, then click again to enlarge/enhance it.)
Meanwhile, I found out the day before surgery that the January 2015 issue of Kansas City At Home magazine in which some of my work is featured was on newsstands and online. I was interviewed along with two Kansas City floral designers whose work I have long admired. Not for nothin’, I was quoted the most, two of my original tablescape photos were used (as opposed the stock photos used for the rest of the article), and my “fail-safe entertaining tips” are exclusively featured online! If you’d like to take a look, just click HERE! Who’d have thunk it, y’all…I’m a tastemaker! 🙂
The posts from which the two photos were taken for the 4-page magazine spread were “Rolling Fields of Green” from 2013 and “Diamonds Are A Material Girl’s Best Friend” from 2014.
This offers a clue as to just how freaked out I was just prior to surgery. Look at that look on my face!!!!!!!
My handsome neurosurgeon, Dr. Hylton, at least loosened me up a bit with his dry wit.
Walking for the first time the evening of surgery. I don’t even remember this. Apparently, my son was keeping me from “mooning” everyone! I can’t walk like this now. I’m hobbling along on the walker, dragging my right leg behind me. Things are no better than pre-surgery. 😦
Posting is difficult because I’m still unable to sit for more than 30 minutes at a time. I hope to get things fixed once and for all so that I can get back to Blogland sooner than later. As you might guess, I am bored out of my skull!!! I’ve been a pinning fool on Pinterest, though, so you might want to check that out and follow some of my boards!
Have a fun Super Bowl weekend, and I hope to see you again soon!
Tablescapes at Table /Twenty-One 
Bless your heart Alycia. I am so sorry you are not better….I’ll say a prayer for you…and yes, I have been seeing you burning up those Pinterest boards…
Love, Mona
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I pray you have a quick recovery. Love the article in the magazine.
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My dear, my prayers are with you for a complete recovery. I continue to think positive thoughts and sincerely hope the surgery results improve daily. Get better, and know that you inspire many; God is able and He will see you through!
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You are such a trooper! You have been through a lot and i hope things get better real soon. Congrats on the magazine spread. You deserve it! Try to relax and for heaven’s sake, keep smiling girl. Hugs
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Oh dear Alycia, I can’t even begin to know the exasperation and disappointment you myst be feeling. I pray your outcome will still be successful and that the first week’s complications just prove to be a temporary setback to the original expected time of recovering. Best wishes for an informed visit this week with your neurosurgeon. You are missed!
Rita
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Alycia, I am almost in tears reading that things have not gone well for you after your surgery. I have so much faith in our doctors and hospitals and I thought for sure you would be about ready to cut a rug by now. I am so sorry that you are in so much pain dear lady. I will be praying for you to find relief from the pain and be able to walk (and dance) pain free ASAP.
On the other hand I am thrilled for your recognition as a “tastemaker”, we in blogland already knew that that you were a trend setter and a stylemaker in the world of tablescaping.
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Aww sweet friend, I am so sorry to hear that you’re still in pain. I know all too well what you’re going through, after living with my son and him describing what it’s like. Please remember that you are so loved and being prayed for. Hugs sent to you across the miles.
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I was so wanting to hear that you were feeling better and seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. What does the doctor think about your future? I pray that you heal soon and the pain subsides. That article was very nice! That must have boosted your spirits tremendously! You are home, right?
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Sorry to hear that you’re ready for the MJ video yet. I know being inactive is driving you bananas but hang in there. We miss you lots but will be very patient until you return. Congrats on the feature, proud of you!
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Well it sure is disappointing about how poorly your recovery is going but I am holding out that you’ll be better in no time! I’m sorry you are feeling so miserable- wish there was a quick fix! Congratulations on the magazine article- that’s quite an honor!
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I forgot to say congratulations on getting published! You certainly deserve it.
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Thanks for the update, but girl, what a bummer! I hate hearing the surgery didn’t help you. Any new tricks up their sleeves? Yes, we want you back with us again! Congratulations on your fame…couldn’t happen to a lovelier person! It’s official. I’m ramping up my prayers for you now that I know the condition you’re in!
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Congratulations Alycia on the feature! Hope they figure out what is wrong so we can see you tablescaping again!
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Congrats, A! Hope you find some relief from this back pain.
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Was so glad to hear from you. I’m sorry you are having so many issues from the surgery. I’ll be praying for things to improve for you and soon !
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Congrats on the article! But lots of prayers, too. Gosh, I had a feeling that all this quiet wasn’t good. Be better soon, we miss you. Xo marlis
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Alycia, my best wishes for a speedy recovery. So sorry to hear you are having such pain. My thoughts are with you.
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Dang it girl! I’m so sorry to read this. I had a feeling things weren’t improving much, since you’ve been very busy on Pinterest. We do what we have to, to get, and keep, our minds off of things. So you just keep right on pinnin’ up a storm girlfriend. You definitely had “the deer in the headlights” look! 😮 And much thanks to your son for keeping that gown from flapping in the breeze! Your readers don’t need to know you quite that well. 😉 Congrats on the publication! Prayers and good thoughts are coming your way. Also I’m keeping fingers, eyes, and toes crossed for you to receive a good report on Tuesday. Do take care of yourself, and know that you are missed. xx
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I am so sorry to hear this! I am praying for good news and healing for you! Off to read the article. Get well! That’s an order.
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I am so sorry that your experience has not been very positive so far, but here’s hoping that you will be all better soon. I still don’t have my blog opened back up — just cannot seem to find the time. Soon we will both be back at it again! congrats on the article. I am off to read it now. Take care.
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I am so proud of you! We all knew you we’re a taste maker, but now everyone else knows too. When I saw that scared look on your face I wish I had been there with you. I am going to pray for you really hard tonight. I am expecting a full recovery for you! Lots of love and hugs.
Susan and Bentley
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I’m so sorry your still in lots of pain. I’ll continue to keep you in my prayers.
Congratulations on the article, though! That has to be a bright spot for you, that and knowing your family is there helping you out. It looks like your son had your back for awhile!! lol
I’m keeping all my fingers (and toes) crossed that your doctor has some good new for you!!! Take care, Friend!!
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So sorry you are not feelibg good yet. But how exciting to be featured. Congrats, Alycia! And get well soon!…Christine
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Hi Alycia! I hope by the time you read this, you will be feeling better, and the doctor will have given you a good report. I did enjoy your beautiful tablescapes in the Kansas City magazine–how exciting is that to be published!!! Well done! I love the one featuring the glorious red roses–gorgeous. Feel better soon!
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Oh Honey….you have been on my mind almost daily & no wonder…I was just about to send you an email to check up on you. I am SOOOO very sorry your surgery wasn’t a huge success, but don’t give up hope. There must be something they can do to alleviate the pain & get you back to your busy self. I look forward to the day when you feel up to setting a pretty table again. You are right up at the top of my prayer list!!!
I’m going to go check out that article next…how wonderful to be featured in such a nice manner. That had to brighten your spirits a wee bit.
Gentle Healing Hugs & Mega Powerful Prayers coming your way
Rett
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You have undergone major surgery, have pain beyond what we can imagine and you still manage to crack me up!….Going to see your features .. congrats Alycia!…and hope you have some good news for us soon….Take care of yourself!….Thinking of you and sending prayers your way!!!
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Hi, Alycia: congratulations on your magazine article! What a thrill that must be. It is all so well deserved and appropriate that your talent be recognized. I am so very sorry your recovery has not gone well. Please let us know what is happening. You are sorely missed and we all hope you can feel the embraces we send out from blogland and the wishes that things will turn around for you. If anyone can beat this chapter in your life, you can! With the best of thoughts, Rosie
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Greetings Alycia . . . It’s been a long journey for you with the pain and discomfort and finally this surgery. I was hopeful to read you were doing much better and recovery was well underway toward back normal pain free use and mobility. I’m adding your name to my personal prayer list again. Please continue to keep us posted about your recovery. I appreciate your work so much and have enjoyed following your many table scape photos on line. Congratulations on your magazine coverage! What a thrill to be recognized like that. My best to your future as you continue to work toward a full and complete recovery.
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The look on your face is priceless, but I do so wish you had mooned us and shaken up blogland a bit. Things are getting kinda boring around here, ya’ know?!
I know youve been hurting, and that’s beyond disappointing to say the least. I just hope it is a temporary setback. I have visions of heading your way one day and challenging you to a salsa stand off, so you need to be 100% so I don’t kick your ass too much and embarrass the quap out of you.
xxx
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I just found your posting in my spam folder so I’m glad I saw it. I feel sad and actually, I feel a little mad, that they didn’t get it right. Yes, the look on your face says it all. I’m pulling for you! Is your mom there with you? You were probably walking better the first night because you were still under the anesthetic. I’ll pray deeply for you tonight before I go to sleep. Love, Ginene
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It’s great to hear wonderful news in the midst of what you’re going through. You’ve got all the qualities to be tastemaker/trendsetter.. I’m hoping you get well real soon.. Take your time.. we’re all here cheering for you..
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First I am sending prayers to you for hEALING!!! I can not imagine what you are going through as I have had a bad back since age 16, and it is NOT fun. But I know I have never felt what you are feeling. Now I will go see your feature!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!! You are amazxing.
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So sorry to hear you are still in pain. Hope you are feeling much better really soon. Take care of you.
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Oh, your poor girl!! I am so sorry that you must endure this. I so hope your MRI shows your are healing well. I follow you on Pinterest and have notice the many pins, especially the recipes. I think you are responsible for my unusual craving for sweets lately. Those “diet busting” recipes are killing me – I finally started a recipe board, because of you. Lol!!! Get well soon my friend and congrats on being featured in the magazine!
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😦 So sorry to read you’re still enduring L 😦
Soon soon everything will be better and I’m wondering if weather improves t will help you in your recovery.
I really thought this post would be Ramon clicking where it shouldn’t ahahahah
But good news. Amazing News in fact from our favorite tastemaker who even looks great in her hospital robe.
Love you and I’ll keep praying for your speed recovery.
Teresa
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Oh, Alycia! I am so sorry that you are still plagued with so much pain! That is JUST WRONG!!! Sending prayers and healing energy your way! And congratulations on the magazine feature! You deserve it!
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You will be up and running again soon. I always thank God for creating the minds of people like your Dr. Hylton! Great on the magazine article. That’s fantastic, Congrats!! Stay positive on your recovery! Sending my blessings!
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Prayers for healing my friend. So sorry things have not gone as you expected!
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You lift my spirit every time I see a posting from you! :0) Noting is more healing than the human touch and you seem to manage to think/care about (us) your followers, your fans, your admirers. We are grateful and pray you cominue to rise and walk away from the discomfort of this moment.
Blessings and Peace
Deborah
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I am so sorry you are having a bad experience. Hopefully when all the side effects from the medication subsides, you will feel much better. I am so disappointed for you. I did see you pinned several things from me on Pinterest, you “pinning fool!” LOL. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Oh dear Alycia I’m so so sorry that things aren’t going well post op for you and your back. I’ll keep praying that they will know what to do to get you mending better and to relieve the pain. Ugh and pooh! Glad your son kept you from mooning us LOL!
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Oh, my heart is so happy to hear from you/see a post from you, and so sad to hear of your still-lingering pain, Alycia. I’ve missed you so much!! BUT, I’m so happy to see you in print! I think that is absolutely FABULOUS, and so WELL DESERVED!! (In caps because I feel like shouting it from the rooftops!). I so wish you were feeling better to fully enjoy this accomplishment! Still praying for you, dear friend. ~Zuni
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Alicia, I’m so sorry you are not feeling well yet. I hope the pain goes away asap!! Praying for you girl. Congratulations on the magazine cover, etc. You are awesome!!
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Hoping you recover quickly – just hang in there! And YAY! for a great article! You must get better soon as we all miss your delightful tables!
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Oh Alicia!! I’m glad you were given good news about the article being published so that it gave you something to celebrate while you are still feeling pretty low. You needed something to lift your spirits! You do so well lifting everyone else’s spirits – it s our turn to do the same for you. I hope each day gets a little better and look forward to have you back dancing around. My prayers are with you for a nice recovery. Take care and give yourself time to mend.
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Congratulations on the magazine article! Quite impressive! Now I can say, “Hey, I know that lady!!” LOL!
I hope you get some relief soon, and can enjoy watching the Super Bowl game!
Take care,
Katherine
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OH my! I am so sorry that this surgery didn’t do the trick – I hope relief is right around the corner.
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My goodness sweet friend, congrats on the magazine article, at least it makes one feel better in that sense a great recognition to your amazing job, my famous Alycia!
I’m so sorry you’re not feeling as you might expected after the surgery, what a drag, you have to go thru this trial. I wish relief comes soon to you sweetie, you deserve it!
I fell on my two bad knees and I am in pain and I’m having rehabilitation. I’ve had such a busy month, I am exhausted!
Hope to hear good news soon darling.
Have a nice week.
FABBY
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Certainly hope that today’s visit brought good news. Keeping you in my thoughts. Excited for you about the article in Kansas City At Home.
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Alycia,
Congratulations on your publication news, dear friend!!!
I’m hoping you have some GREAT news to share concerning your surgery and the future renewed health!!! My daily prayers continue on your behalf!
Fondly,
Pat
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Darn, Alycia, hate that you are going through this! So hoping that we will hear good news from you soon. I am sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. Hang in there, girl!! Betsy
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