I have been going to Santa Fe at least once a year for more than 25 years, and I've never wanted to live anywhere more. It's magical.
But for 23 years, I was afflicted with acute altitude poisoning. In town, you're at about 7200 feet at the lowest, and our favorite hikes take us up to 8,000+.
But the first day after we get there is always a loss for me because of severe altitude poisoning, which I had been brainwashed about for the first few decades. "Drink water" they said. "It's dehydration" they said.
NO.
IT'S NOT.
High altitude pulmonary and cerebral (where those hideous headaches and nausea come from) edema are SWELLING. Your brain is swelling up and pushing against your skull and making you wish you were dead. (And actually actively trying to kill you by exploding.)
Should you drink water when you come to a desert? Of course. You should drink water when you're not in a desert. Humans need water. HOWEVER, your brain will still swell even if you drink gallons of water, and you will still be in misery. BELIEVE ME, I know.
So a few years ago, I tested a therapy that completely eliminated ALL of my altitude poisoning symptoms, and gave me an extra day each trip to enjoy. (Please note that this is not medical advice, although if you're reading my blog, you are highly intelligent and already knew that. Consult with your doctor or your favorite hypochondria-inducing website before doing ANYTHING I do on my blog. Also, perhaps a good therapist.)
The drive is about 11 hours. So at hour five, I took two Advil. Then two hours later, I took another one. Then I took two more before I went to bed that first night.
CURED. 100% CURED. I've been doing it ever since. It's life-changing magic. Anti-inflammatories fix it, not water. Please still drink water, but stop buying into the water/altitude poisoning propaganda.
My light bulb moment (aside from reading every Mt. Everest book ever written), was a bag of chips we brought with us a few years ago. When we got to Santa Fe - the chips looked like this. The air inside SWELLS against the lower barometric pressure, just like your brain and your lungs. ALSO - you will notice your pants are a little tighter for a day or two and that your shampoo has exploded in your suitcase.
No one in their right mind would formulate an idea that what that bursting bag of chips needed to settle itself was a glass of water, right? Equally stupid is the idea that a glass of water will fix your now humongous brain, trying to find its way out of your skull. Only an anti-inflammatory will fix you. Trust me, and you're welcome.
So speaking of deserts, I have a desert theme for you today. There are few animals on earth that I love more than a Fennec Fox.
Maybe it's because the desert appears to be in my very DNA, and these creatures are desert dwellers.
But those big giant furry ears just kill me.
So now I own my very FIRST fennec fox stamps ever, and I couldn't be happier about it!
For the first card, I did some no-line watercolor. (If you like no-line watercolor - I have a playlist of all of my no-line watercolor videos here.) I started by stamping this sweet fox in Fadeout Ink, and then used Daniel Smith watercolor - notably my fave pigment - Hematite Burnt Scarlet - for the ground - the granulation really makes it look like rocks and sand. So beautiful. The sentiment is from the set. This is actually a huge card, because I wanted to include a lot of that ground in the background. I sent this to a beloved friend.
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So I'm a guest of Hero Arts today, hopping along with their creative team, and the nice people at the Blog Named Hero blog to celebrate their summer catalog, which you can see here! Commenters will have a chance to win one of two $50 shopping sprees at Hero. Comments must be left by 11:59 PST on May 20th to be eligible.
Here's the full list of people participating today!
The Hero Arts Blog
Amy Tsuruta
Clare Prezzia
Emily Midgett
Ilina Crouse
Janette Kausen
Jessica Frost-Ballas
May Sukyong Park
Michelle Short
Yana Smakula
Kathy Racoosin
Kelly Latevola
Lydia Fiedler
Wanda Guess
Cynde Whitlow
Ericka Strange
Jeanne Jachna
Juhi Khanna
Karen Bull
Kim Hamilton
Lisa Stein
Meghan Peterson
Michelle Yuen
Libby Hickson
Jennifer McGuire
Loveyameanitdontletyourbrainexplodebye.Amy Tsuruta
Clare Prezzia
Emily Midgett
Ilina Crouse
Janette Kausen
Jessica Frost-Ballas
May Sukyong Park
Michelle Short
Yana Smakula
Kathy Racoosin
Kelly Latevola
Lydia Fiedler
Wanda Guess
Cynde Whitlow
Ericka Strange
Jeanne Jachna
Juhi Khanna
Karen Bull
Kim Hamilton
Lisa Stein
Meghan Peterson
Michelle Yuen
Libby Hickson
Jennifer McGuire
I love all of the new ideas!
ReplyDeleteadorable, both of your cards are simply wonderful!
ReplyDeleteSuch cute little foxes!
ReplyDeleteSuper fun cards! Amazing coloring!
ReplyDeleteThat fox!! Those ears! I truly did not *need*another stamp set today, but hahahaha hahahaha sorry, that might’ve been the dumbest thing I’ve ever said. Your fox cards are adorable and I’m super happy that your head hasn’t exploded. Now I’m off to buy another stamp set.
ReplyDeleteLove your story and glad you were able to make a way to enjoy your trip more! The second card cracks me up!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter drew the fennec fox some years ago and blew me away with her artistry and just how cute the fennec fox is! Your card is sooooo gorgeous!!!! Simply stunning. The second one is a cutie too. Your RX for altitude poisoning sounds like a winner. Can you still have altitude sickness days after you arrive? I usually have persistant headaches during most of the week when we visit the desert, I have always bought into the water thing and we drink gallons of water. Thanks for the RX and the stinking cute card inspiration!
ReplyDeleteGreat cards made with these adorable foxes.
ReplyDeleteThese sweet foxes and how they pop those heads up! OH! So adorable!
ReplyDeleteAs someone who suffers from migraines due to weather related issues, I am glad I read your post. Going to Santa Fe is on my bucket list. I realize their different issues, but hey, you never know! Oh, this fox is just beautiful! And your cards are just as sweet. Love the humor, too.
ReplyDeleteCute foxes! The second is my favorite. Love the idea.
ReplyDeleteLove the layout of the first card but love the sentiment on the second one.
ReplyDeleteWell done and tfs
Such cute cards....thanks.
ReplyDeleteLove the shadow you put around the first little fox. He has a glow!
ReplyDeleteThese little foxes make me chuckle! So cute! And I'm glad you found a solution to the altitude!! :)
ReplyDeleteLove these foxes and their adorable ears! Beautiful no line watercoloring, such a pretty scene!
ReplyDeleteI experienced that "waste the first day headache" about 36 years ago when traveling to Yosemite for the first time.I still remember how miserable I was on that bus riding into the park. I'll try to remember your tip! (Maybe you can give me a little nudge if you ever hear me talk of plans to travel to a high elevation location)
ReplyDeleteSuch cute cards. Very, very sweet.
ReplyDeleteI love the sweet fox. Your cards are fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI love the fox heads, your card is super adorable. I live in Colorado (5000+ feet) and play in Wyoming (8000+ feet)but I was raised in Florida (-8 feet). It took years to acclimate to the altitude. I'm glad you found something that works for you.
ReplyDeleteAdorable cards!!
ReplyDeleteGreat work and love the advise! may have to try it on an upcoming trip to 10,000ft!
ReplyDeleteI love all the great desert ground in the first card and the cute meter on the second card is hitting 100.
ReplyDeleteLovely watercolored cards with cute little foxes. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis fennec is terribly cute and your cards are lovely.
ReplyDelete(Glad you were able to find a solution to your altitude poisoning and thanks for the tip, one never knows :) )
Omg it's that adorable little fox again I must have him.
ReplyDeleteThe foxes are SO CUTE! Adore them.
ReplyDeleteAwwwww... so cute!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteI wish I'd had your Advil recipe 20 yrs. ago! Every year we would visit my mom in Corona, NM and the elevation is almost 7000 ft. A headache from day 3 till the end of our 2 week visit. Your cards are adorable!
ReplyDeletesuper cute cards! loved your story and how you found a solution!
ReplyDeleteYou are too funny! I'm so glad you found the cure for altitude poisoning! I love today's card. Of course, your watercoloring is beautiful, and I like the way you merged the background with the added panel.
ReplyDeleteSuper cool foxy cards! Love the cute images and amazing colors!
ReplyDeleteCute cards!
ReplyDeleteSweet cards - thanks for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteLove how you showcased this adorable desert fox. As a desert rat (longtime) this stampset is just made for me, and with your inspiration, looking forward to LOTS of cute cards. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteFennec the Fox has stolen my heart! Adorable card.
ReplyDeleteLydia, The soft look of this card is amazing. TFS!
ReplyDeleteCute little foxes!
ReplyDeleteAdorable cards!!
ReplyDeleteOh I too am in love with that lil foxy guy ;)
ReplyDeleteWow, stunning and fantastically fun cards! I love how you highlighted the fox in the less saturated rectangle, so clever to include a hint of color.
ReplyDeleteyour cards are fabulous, but seriously I think I come for your humor! ha ha ha.. favorite hypochondria-inducing website, a cat is born, Russian brides! You are too creative in so many ways..
ReplyDeleteYour first card is so sweet and I love your no line watercoloring and the colors you used. The second one is just too cute!!! I am planning to move to Rio Rancho (just south of Santa Fe). I will remember your tip if I have any problems!!
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are cute!
ReplyDeleteI love your little foxes - you're cards are awesome! Thank you for the opportunity to win!:-)
ReplyDeleteadorable. you are a doctor of altitude now
ReplyDeleteWe used to live at 7500 feet in the White Mountains of Arizona. Every once in a while we would come to the valley (Phoenix area) for serious shopping. Chips swelling up was just one problem. It also causes problems for weak hearts- like my dad. I am so glad you have found a cure. Love the Fennec foxes! I have never seen one in real life...now I must google! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteLove your awesome fennec fox designs! That set is at the top of my wish list!
ReplyDeleteI love blog hops because they inspire me to create! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteNice cards. The 3 fox heads on the 2nd card are so cute! Acute altitude poisoning sounds horrible. I am happy you found a solution.
ReplyDeleteWhat great cards you made! The first card is so well layed out. Love the 3 little ones showing us attitude! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletePerfect cards for a desert gal! Love that fox......their big ears just make me smile!
ReplyDeleteVery cute cards.
ReplyDeleteYour no line water-coloring is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSuch cute cards. Love the scene for the adorable fox on your first card.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing....
AWW these are such sweet cards! I especially love the bottom one Tell me I'm all ears! That one made me laugh! So sweet!
ReplyDeletelove all those little foxes!!
ReplyDeleteCute fox cards and thanks for your story on high altitudes.
ReplyDeleteSo darn cute!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the cards. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAnimals are always a good card choice. I love using the head across with those big ears sticking up
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are so different and wonderful in their own ways, the second just so silly and fun, the first such lovely portrait of a striking fox. Thanks for sharing both and your interesting experience dealing with high altitude issues.
ReplyDeleteAwww!!! Lovely cards and colours!!!
ReplyDeleteLydia, I love your humour! If Santa Fe is a foodies paradise, I've got to get there one day. All of my adult life people I've met along the way have called me a foodie. I think this little fox stamp is a must have. The ears & the fluffy tail, oh my.
ReplyDeleteLove your cards as well. The 2nd one made me giggle out loud.
Cute cards!
ReplyDeleteOh such fun cards Lydia!! Thanks for the inspirations.
ReplyDeleteI recently made a trip to a writer’s conference in Colorado Springs... that’s what they told me there too—drink lots of water to keep from getting altitude sickness. Yeah, right. It was awful. I’m in WA state and I quickly decided NOT to make another trip ever to Colo Springs. Ugh! But, thank you for the tip!
ReplyDeleteNow, cards. The little foxes are adorable!
woah!
ReplyDeletePerfect showcase of the cards - but I was quite enthralled with the chip video, too! LOL! I had no idea - lived all over with our military family but not Santa Fe. Glad you had a great vacy!
ReplyDeleteThat makes perfect sense, why is everyone so quick to push the water on us for every little thing! Lol I had no idea that Santa Fe was at such a high altitude, you're always teaching me something ☺
ReplyDeleteLoving your foxy cards! Awesome background on the first card. Thanks for sharing your creativity and story.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card, cute card, great humor, and an answer for the altitude poisoning! Score!
ReplyDeleteHa, saved by a bag of chips! So glad that somebody else does this, it does work! That fox is just adorable and loved the humor in the second card. Hero does it again!
ReplyDeleteCute cards. Lovely colors and layout.
ReplyDeleteWow! Those foxes are so cute
ReplyDeleteand fun! I like the second card-
so funny! Thanks for the advice about
the altitude. I get headaches in the Midwest when low pressure systems come through,
so I’m sure I have the same condition as you.
Love the second card! It’s so adorable!!! Is it ok to take all that Advil?
ReplyDeleteLovely card. The altitude affected me too on my recent trip to Colorado and Sante Fe, but it lasts for weeks.
ReplyDeleteGreat cards
ReplyDeleteCute!
ReplyDeleteLove how you continued the ground line in the masked are on the first card, and that second card made me laugh!
ReplyDeleteGreat cards! Super cool and fun :)
ReplyDeleteAs usual, awesome post and awesome cards !!
ReplyDelete[margessw(at)icloud(dot)com]
Your description of why you chose the fennec fox is exactly how I feel about things: "on some level there's this deep connection in my soul, but on another level SO CUUUUUUUUTE." Hey, we all contain multitudes. These cards are lovely. I never get tired of your watercoloring, and the little peekaboo fennecs are adorable. I love how you colored them. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDarling fox cards and sentiments. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDelightful cards...like how you've used this stamp in your designs. tfs
ReplyDeleteI love how you brought the background of the big layer into the smaller inlay. It looks like it’s the same, but highlights the adorable fox.
ReplyDeleteYour posts and cards are always such great fun - enjoy them both! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteAdorable cards! The fennec fox has the greatest ears - they're so big for its head! Lovely watercoloring on the first card and the second card is such a cute design.
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are absolutely adorable!
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