Paxil Withdrawal and Pregnancy

Hi friends!

So, I'm 35 weeks into this pregnancy and feeling exhausted, sore, crampy and every other thing that makes it hard to function. But I'm thrilled to be in the home stretch and feeling excited to see little "baby bean!" I thought I'd take some time in this post to discuss the very beginning drama of this tricky pregnancy.

If you have followed this blog, you might remember that I suffer from depression and anxiety. I'd been managing and getting by for a while using Paxil (after unsuccessful attempts with Prozac and Lexapro). I felt fine enough, but I was still severely lacking in motivation and "oomph." The day I found out I was pregnant (SURPRISE!!!!! And we'd JUST donated most of our baby stuff!) I realized that Paxil is a Class D drug and not for use during pregnancy. So, I stopped taking my pill that very day. I figured, "eh, I'm feeling good enough. I'm going to have to tough it out without it for the sake of the baby."

Oh my. I ended up having severe Paxil withdrawal. The next day, I woke up and felt so seasick. I had severe vertigo and began throwing up. This went on for days. I never had morning sickness with my other kids and this felt different somehow to things I'd heard. It was the same response my body had at other times on days I forgot to take my Paxil...I would become incredibly dizzy and nauseated. I would then spend the day throwing up. But I always felt better once I took my Paxil and it took a while to make the correlation that THAT was what was making me sick. My body depended on it.

It took me exactly 3 weeks for the "seasickness" to end. I couldn't drive or function normally during that time. I had to lay down all the time and it was so hard to take care of my kids. I depended on friends who brought Paige to and from preschool those days when I couldn't move or lift my head up. I had horrible night-sweats where I had to change my clothes 2 times per night. There wasn't a moment where I felt good. It was awful.

It was such a relief when the withdrawal ended and I felt like myself again! I will NEVER go back to taking Paxil. NEVER. Please know that this drug keeps you physically addicted by making it almost impossible to come off of. I wouldn't wish the hell of that sickness on my worst enemies. I wish I had been warned about this before ever taking it in the first place. I share this post to let others know my story so they don't feel alone if they are going through the same thing. A friend of mine who suffered similarly said "I'd rather go back into basic training than take that drug again." Sounds fair to me.

In my next post, I will talk about the ramifications I went through during my pregnancy after I stopped taking my anti-depressant and what I had to do to fix it. Depression and pregnancy is very serious and no joke. See you soon!

Tweet

I'm on Artfinder now!

Greeting Sandman, Nov. 2014, 22x28 inches, Abstract Acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas, wired for hanging. Sparkling gold-leaf details throughout.

Hi friends!
I'm thrilled to announce that I applied to sell my original artwork on Artfinder... Artfinder.com/megancarty and I got accepted! Hooray! It is a wonderful marketplace where you can buy ORIGINAL paintings, photography, and limited edition art prints. They cater to all price-ranges from artists all over the globe. It's so easy to find original art to adorn your home that you can afford! I'm so thrilled to be part of it!
I've removed all my original work from my Etsy store and I'm going to keep that shop focused on open-edition prints/nursery art and greeting cards. Artfinder will host all my originals. It's such an easy-to-use website and if you become a member, you can keep track of your favorite pieces of art and you can follow your favorite artists. You'll get emails whenever your favorite artists list new work for sale. It's so inspiring to browse and see what other artists around the world are working on.
Be sure to check it out ...follow me and favorite my work if you are so inclined!

Tweet

Maine Landscape Painting, Ferry Beach

Hi there!


I'm excited about a new body of work I'm exploring. My latest watercolor painting depicts Ferry Beach...a well-known Maine beach with shallow water perfect for romping and frolicking children. So many people have cherished memories here. I created this painting to be a jewel on your wall...a small treasure to enjoy whenever you pass by. It is vibrant, colorful, and will remind you of warm breezy days on the beach. It comes to you already professionally mounted and framed; you simply have to put up a picture hook and you're finished! This heirloom-quality piece of original art will delight for years to come as the gem it is. These make wonderful gifts due to their small size and the fact that they are one-of-a-kind.

Here's the details:
-watercolor and gouache painting on aquabord
- measures 5x5 inches
- float-mounted by me on an 8x8 inch acid-free marker board and inserted into a black shadowbox frame.
- The frame measures 8 7/8" x 8 7/8" x 1.5" deep. There is sawtooth hanging hardware on the back for easy hanging on a picture hook.
- The art is titled, dated, and signed in pencil on the mat below the piece.



I am planning on creating at least 10 landscape/seascape paintings in this style and will mount them in this special way. I am even working with a lovely woman who makes hand-made frames using rustic wood in warm tones...I'm excited to share them when they come. These are going to be great heirlooms and great gifts!

I also do custom commissions if you are interested! Mail megan (at) meandwee.com to inquire.

If you are interested in this particular painting, go to the Me and Wee shop to learn more!

Tweet

An Art Studio of One's Own

When we moved here a year ago, one of the biggest selling features for me was the fact that this house had a separate studio space...it's own entrance, a powder room, a kitchenette with granite counters, sink, and cabinets and lots of nice lighting. The previous owner was a massage therapist and reiki practitioner with her own business so I was able to sort of just move right into the space she'd already set up. Before this, I'd always had a little corner somewhere or a space in the cold basement. Now, I'm on the same level of the house as the rest of my family...heat! electricity! running water! windows! There's even a door that locks to the rest of the house so I can work "uninterrupted" (I put that in quotes because when you have kids there's REALLY no such thing, ha!).







 





 It's nice to have my own little space here at home. Truth be told, though, is that it can get lonely. When I left my corporate job to freelance several years ago the first huge adjustment I had to make was working alone without my awesome co-workers. I used to love passing by the cubicles and saying hello...having funny conversations through the day...eating lunch together and sharing funny stories. That all ends when you are home and alone in your own space. No interruptions, no distractions, no banter, no laughter. It can be isolating. Now, Facebook has come along and become my go-to social center through the day...it's my own little water-cooler and line to the outside world. I'm taking care of our kids now, so I'm pretty busy with them most of the time. But, I must say, if I were still freelancing and childless, I would consider renting a shared workspace. Have you heard about these? I've seen many creative freelancers flourish in this relatively new concept. There's a place called WeWork that does provide the perfect sort of atmosphere where people can still freelance but have an actual workplace experience with other people in similar situations. I would love to have other people around to bounce ideas off of, share resources with, laugh with, or just eat lunch with. Being able to work around others is the best part of going away to work (I always thought anyway).
WeWork is a co-working company that does just that...they transform buildings into collaborative workspaces and provide infrastructure, services, events and technology so that entrepreneurs and small start-ups can focus on doing what they love. I think it's such a cool concept. It's also such a great way of finding others to team up with in different specialties.
For now, I'm a work at home Mom and am thrilled to have a studio of my own...and a chance for a little peace and quiet! Who knew?

Check out WeWorks various locations in other major cities. 
Photos by Denise Carty Photography

Tweet

Abstract Watercolor Paintings for sale

I've been really enjoying creating these abstract paintings! I call them jewelry for your walls. I really believe it's possible to have original art at affordable prices to add something unique to your home that is one-of-a-kind. I'm kinda passionate about that. Original paintings have a soul that you will not get in a manufactured print. Here's some paintings I'm hoping to sell at tomorrow's artisan fair that I'm participating in I mentioned in an earlier post. Otherwise, they are for sale in my shop.

Tweet

28 Weeks Pregnant

Whoa. This pregnancy is zooming by with zest! This poor little babe...being the third I think he's already getting shortchanged, especially in this space! No pregnancy posts or bump progress shots! That's what happens when you are caring for two small children and working on a side-business. There just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day for all the things I'd love to do. SIGH!
Things are progressing nicely with him. I'm huge already; just like my last pregnancies at this time, Ha!  I waddle around and am already hurting everywhere! I hope 3 months will go by fast! The kiddos are excited to meet this little baby; they hug my belly, kiss it, and talk to it every day and it just melts my heart! I was scared about the prospect of having a third child at the beginning, but now I realize I have 2 other little ones who can help provide "entertainment" as needed. I think you know what I mean, *wink*. I already know what I'm doing and I don't feel so alone like a deer in the headlights.
I have so much to talk about when it comes to this pregnancy and the time keeps getting away from me. It's been filled with a lot of emotional and personal drama that I never anticipated. That's what's so funny about life, isn't it? So many ups and downs and we navigate them as best we can. Despite all this, this entire experience has made me stronger than ever so I can be grateful for that. Even in my darkest trials, I feel like God is guiding me to the best outcome and I've learned to trust in that. I'll gather my thoughts and share a few more posts on this topic soon as I think being transparent could help lots of other people like me. I'll see you soon!!!

Tweet

Artisan Fair

Hi friends!

LOL, aren't those photos funny? My baby belly can't stay away from anything I'm doing. I was going to edit it out but I just didn't have the heart! Ha!
I'm participating in a local artisan fair next Saturday, Oct. 25th! I'm so excited to be able to sell my original paintings and greeting cards in person and meet new people! This is a chance to get some of my original work before it is gone! This is a small intimate event, perfect for finding a one-of-a-kind gift for a loved one, or find a unique goodie for yourself! If you want to come meet me and grab some affordable art for your home or as gifts, here are the details:

What:  Pepperell Fall Artisan Fair
When:  Saturday October 25
Time:  10AM-5PM rain or shine
Where:  Inside a Victorian home and a country barn (at Shenna Shepard's 29 River Road, Pepperell, MA and Kris Vogelsang's across the street at 36 River Road, Pepperell, MA)--parking at both locations, but more at 36 River Road--you can walk across the street!

10 vendors will be selling their wares inside both a Victorian home and a barn.  There will be repurposed/refinished vintage furniture and housewares, barn wood signs, fine woodworking (such as birdhouses and sports memorabilia), wool felting, jewelry, melted glass wine bottle cheese boards, landscape and abstract paintings, greeting cards, vintage envelopes, Halloween and Christmas décor, Victorian/Art Nouveau decorative arts and multi-media sculptures and more!  We'll have hot cider, water and cookies.  Please bring your friends!

Check out some of our vendor's sites: www.nancyafrench.com; On Facebook:  Cricket Acres Studio, Box 121 Antiques, Me and Wee, and Shenna's Vintage Creations; On Etsy.com:  shenvintagecreations.etsy.com; bowiespapershop.etsy.com; meandwee.etsy.com.

If you are in the New England area or central MA area next Saturday, Oct. 25th I would love to meet you!

Tweet

Custom Abstract Art for Nursery, Bedroom, Bathroom, and more

Guess what? I can custom create a 6x6 inch or 8x8 inch abstract watercolor painting with gold or silver leaf details in your own color choice! This is an incredibly stylish and impactful way to add something special and unique to your nursery decor. This is REAL original art that will grow with your child...never to go out of style or too babyish!

NOT just for a nursery! This chic and glam painting style is also a great way to decorate any bedroom for any age. A series of these works great to make a real decorative splash in the bathroom, hallway, or family room! Grouped horizontally or vertically, these will make you smile at any time of day and make your guests say "Wow!"

DETAILS:
-size: 6x6 inch square or 8x8 inch square (the prices vary slightly between them)
-painted on high quality Canson watercolor paper
-paints used are Holbein Acryla Gouache (a vibrant, high-quality, rich opaque paint with watercolor qualities) Faux gold or silver leaf details are used depending on which matches best
-FRAME IS NOT INCLUDED (this saves you money in shipping AND allows you to choose your very own frame designs. The frame pictured is from Michael's craft store)
-CUSTOMIZED to YOUR color scheme!

How it works:
Simply make the purchase at Me and Wee and tell me all about your color requirements in the "notes to seller" section upon purchase. I will then get right to work on your own custom piece. Please allow 5 business days for this to be completed (although it may take less than this!). I will then send you a digital photo of the piece via Etsy Convo for your final approval. Once you've approved, the sale is final and I will ship your painting via USPS Priority Mail, safely wrapped in a cello sleeve, cardboard, and a bend-proof mailer.

I hope you will consider this idea for your own space or as a gift! I'm super-excited to be able to offer these!

Tweet

Stylish Art for Nursery or Home

I've been having a lot of fun lately putting together this new line of chic original art...
They are small abstract squares (some are 5x5 inches and some are 6x6) of high end watercolor paper painted with Holbein Acryla Gouache (ultra fine paints that act like a really rich opaque watercolor).
I love putting happy colors together to see how they harmonize...and the results are so pretty and impactful! I love the surprise as each painting unfolds to life.







To increase the style and glam factor, I added bits of gold leaf (or silver leaf where applicable) to the design. I think it adds a delicate gleam that makes the pieces much more special.





These are all one-of-a-kind and totally affordable! I'm selling these original small abstracts for $45 each, unframed. It saves my collectors money to be able to choose their own frame and not pay for my markup. It also saves in shipping costs. These are small, but the frame makes all the difference! Also, you can put more than one together and fill an empty wall quite nicely! I only have 6 for sale now, but plan on making a ton more so that collectors can choose several in one colorway at once. I'm also taking custom orders for these if you want your own special color combination! I also think I'm going to offer a line of these at a larger 8x8 inch size for a higher cost.






I can really see these adding a special punch to a chic nursery or to a stylish glam teen's bedroom. I'm definitely making several for myself for my own master bedroom and bathroom. I want something that isn't everywhere else, you know? Something pretty and soothing.



 

Anyway, I wanted to share my excitement with you and I'll let you know when more paintings are listed in my shop. I hope you like them too!!! I welcome your feedback in the comments!

Tweet

Pregnancy Nesting

One day I woke up and got the bug to make a change in the kitchen. So, I went out and got chalkboard paint and made an accent wall! (Probably much to Chris' chagrin). (He is still dealing with fixing some of my, ummmm, mistakes and trim smears). I tried though!!! I got all the cool vintage-y decorative items on the wall from Becky at Box 121 Antiques nearby in Groton, MA. As you can see, I added some chalk birdies and some chalk plants coming out of the glass mason jar.





And, we got a little refurbished dresser from Becky as well! I put it under our photo collage in the kitchen and it holds all our countertop clutter (i.e. catalogs, school papers, coupons, kids' drawings, markers, doo-dads and whatnots). I was so sick of looking at piles everywhere and am so glad to have a place to stash things I want to keep for a bit.

So those are some recent little changes that have helped make the space our own! :)

Tweet

Corners of my home

I realize that we've lived here in this "new to us" house  for just over a year now and I haven't shared any of the rooms! They are quite lived in and seem impossible to keep clean these days (2 kids and a dog equals Clutter McClutter). On a day that the rooms happened to look cleaned up (I think we had people coming over!?) I took a couple shots of the spaces. We are currently doing some tweaks in the kitchen, so I'll have more to show on that soon. We are also doing tweaks to the family room. But I'll show you what we have so far.

Paige's Room:




Noah's Room:




Our Kitchen area


Our family room (part of it!)


And this extra room is going to be fixed up to become the baby's nursery; I am brimming with ideas for his new space! I'll share more when it's set!


Nothing is perfect, but we are slowly making the spaces our own and I'll be sure to share more on that topic soon!!! :)

Tweet