I have been stuck in the house with nothing to do while my body recuperates from being in the hospital. Friends had suggested I take up a hobby or a craft to pass the time and to feel a sense of accomplishment. I was not really in the mood to do anything "cheery," so when I first thought of scrapbooking or card making, I didn't think it "fit". Why would I want to document my life right now if I just left the hospital and still felt sick?

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There are so many ways that you can start your day off on the right foot, with just a bit more indulgence and ritual. Taking the time to pamper yourself even for 5 minutes can begin your day with an invigorating start and if you don't take time for yourself, who will? Little things can go along way, so starting off your day with luxurious, natural, organic products is one way to find those 5 minutes for yourself and make the most of them.

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What perfect timing! My daughter Christine has been in the hospital for the last week, in a pretty bland, sterile and depressing room. On a day when she was feeling a little down, a beautiful and vibrant bouquet arrived from
CaliforniaOrganicFlowers.com.

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My daughter Christine has, what is sometimes called, an invisible disease. Though she looks teriffic most of the time, she has suffered, for over a dozen years, with the debilitating and painful symptoms of Lupus. It's become an inside family joke when people commented almost incredulously- "but you don't look sick."

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I was sixteen when I was first diagnosed with Systemic Lupus. At that age, most teenagers are at the height of self-expression and feelings of invisibleness. Making friends and sharing who you are with your friends is one of the most cherished parts of youthfulness. But when you are teenager with a chronic illness, it can be very difficult to keep up the pace and the level of commitment it takes in order to strengthen friendships in your life. For me, I had less than a handful of friends that understood my physical and oftentimes, cognitive(forgetfulness) limitations.

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After being hospitalized twice in 2 months for a week long visit each, I have received some great and unique "Get Well" gifts. In between those months, I was mostly homebound by my illness, and when people would come over I was blessed enough to have people bring me the most ingenious things to cheer me up.

If you are lucky, when you are sick you might have visitors, people may send cards or may call. But I know sometimes it is hard to think of something to bring to them either when they are sick or in the hospital. All suggestions listed are from $5- $40 so they give a range of affordable ideas.

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A good friend of mine just asked in an email whether, for those of us fighting chronic diseases, "Is there EVER a good month?" Boy did that make me think... IS there?

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