#dSavannahDefects – T is for…

My theme this year for the #AtoZchallenge is #dSavannahDefects, aka “What’s it’s like dealing with #InvisibleIllnesses”. Or, in short, {some of} what’s wrong with me.

 … thyroid

The thyroid is a “butterfly-shaped gland that sits low on the front of the neck”. It produces a variety of hormones that “act throughout the body, influencing metabolism, growth and development, and body temperature” (webmd.com). So needless to say, the thyroid is pretty important in your overall health.

There are tons of autoimmune disorders that have to do with the thyroid, and they are fairly common. Off the top of my head, I can think of four other people with thyroid issues. Both men and women can have thyroid problems, tho women are more likely to experience issues, as well as a slow-down in thyroid hormones as we age.

Some of these diseases include inflammation of the thyroid; thyroid cancer; Graves’ disease; Hashimoto’s; and Goiters.

It’s odd that a tiny gland (it’s only about 2 inches across) can wreak so much havoc, but it can!  There’s even a whole organization (American Thyroid Association) dedicated to it!

I personally have a “sluggish” thyroid, which means that my gland is producing hormones, but not as many as I need. (So, I have hypothyroidism. If I had hypERthyroidism, it would be producing too much.)

A lot of the symptoms I have can be explained by my thyroid issues, but not all. I have to take a pill every day to get enough of the hormones I need. (Thankfully, there is a pill I can take every day.)

…Terra Studios

You’ve probably heard of the Bluebird of Happiness. But did you know that it’s a real thing made by real artists? (Besides the actual birds.)

Today, we are going on another defection, this time to Terra Studios in Fayetteville, AR. It is one of my very favorite places on Earth, and the home of the Bluebird of Happiness, a hand-blown glass creation. (I thought I had photos of an artist working on creating Bluebirds, but I can’t find them.)

I actually own two Bluebirds, and one Pink bluebird. {photo below} One of the Blues belonged to my Grandmother, and the Pink was a gift I had given her, as they were created in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness. I received the Blue and the Pink back after Grandmother’s passing.

Terra Studios is a whimsical art park, full of sculptures and art, and flowers and trees and a labyrinth, and an art gallery. It was one of my favorite place to roadtrip to when we lived in Arkansas. It’s magical. I hope you enjoy a few of the photos I’ve taken there over the years.

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