Health Haze, Art Hype, Retreat Revelations, and Ring Regrets
The past few weeks have been… a lot. I’ve been more tired than usual, and my brain has been operating at about 60% battery with no charger in sight (some brain fog going on). After talking with my doctor, it looks like the cortisol situation might be the culprit — along with a dash of mild depression for extra seasoning.
One of my recent cortisol tests raised even more questions, so we’re entering the “mystery novel” phase of diagnostics. Upcoming chapters include: starting an antidepressant, beginning therapy, doing a sleep study for possible apnea, following up with endocrinology about my adrenal adenoma, and beginning ADHD testing.
So no grand prognosis yet — just more tests. Basically, my body said, “Plot twist!” and my doctors said, “Season two, coming soon.”
Art News: My First Exhibit!
Now for something much brighter: I’ve been invited to participate in my first art exhibit! I didn’t pursue it — it just sort of fell into my lap, courtesy of my uncle, Roy Bell. His church hosts rotating exhibits, and he recommended me. That alone meant a lot.
I’ll have about ten paintings displayed at each of these locations from August 1st through the last weekend of September:
Saint Anthony Park United Methodist Church (St. Paul)
Centennial United Methodist Church (Roseville)
I’ll be setting everything up on August 1st. Next month, I’m planning a little gathering with close family (and maybe a friend or two) to help me decide which paintings to include. (Quiescent Company is the only “for sure” at this point.)
Learning Journey: Nick Bultman Edition
Some of you may already know the artist Nick Bultman — he’s a pretty big deal in the modern art world. My Aunt Chris introduced me to his work, and my nephew Dominic is a fan too.
Recently, Nick posted photos from one of his art retreats, and it looked like so much fun that I reached out to ask about the next one. To my surprise, we ended up having some genuinely exciting back‑and‑forth conversations. He’s incredibly kind, down to earth, and remembered Dom from past emails with my aunt.
I’ve officially signed up for his next retreat in Washington state in October 2027, which will include multiple classes on his process. I’m thrilled — and maybe a little star‑struck.
If you want to see his work, you can check it out here: https://nickbultmanart.com/
Ring Saga: The Sequel Nobody Asked For
And finally… the ring update.
In my last blog, I mentioned that Jewelry by Johan sent me a very green “aquamarine” despite me repeatedly saying I did not want anything green‑leaning. They acknowledged the mistake, had me ship it back, promised to remake it for free, said they’d match the example ring I saw in person, and told me they’d send photos before shipping so I could approve it.
Fast‑forward four weeks: a ring shows up at my door with zero communication. No photos. No tracking. No “Hey, surprise!”
What I ordered
Original Ring
Reworked Ring
And the color? Practically identical to the first one. If the first ring was “mermaid swamp water,” this one was “mermaid swamp water: director’s cut.”
When I reached out again, they insisted it was natural variation, said they wouldn’t redo it a third time, and offered store credit — which felt a bit like being handed a coupon for a restaurant that just gave you food poisoning.
After several emails (and politely mentioning the MN Attorney General and BBB), they agreed to refund me… minus the $40 shipping fee. Shady, but at that point I was just relieved to be done. The ring is back in their hands, and I’m waiting for the refund to hit my account.
Honestly, I think I dodged a bullet. Their online reviews mention a lot of issues with rings breaking or falling apart. So, while I really wanted to support a local business, I can’t recommend them.
If anyone has a custom jeweler in Minnesota they love, I’m all ears — preferably ones who know the difference between aquamarine and “Shrek’s bathwater.”
I think that’s all the updates I have for now! As always, I appreciate everyone who takes the time to follow my shenanigans. Stay tuned for the next cool thing!