In 2013, I was injured at work. I didn't know the injury would leave me permanently disabled.

In 2015, I had surgery. 2 rods were placed in the back of my neck, to return the natural curve, and give it support, and C3-T1 (neck bones) were fused together. C2 fused itself to C3 somehow, during the following year. So, I have very little range of motion in my neck/head.
There was a slim chance that my chronic headaches would stop, but they didn't.
There was an even slimmer chance that I would be paralyzed in my arms... yep, they were. Thankfully, it was temporary! Took awhile to be able to lift my hands to my face, and even longer to raise my hands above my head, but I can now!
I was at a loss... I was a widow, with a teenager still in the house, and no way to support him.

God is ever-merciful!

It was rough...
One day, a friend of mine asked if I would paint some wooden peg dolls to look like the saints. She sent me pictures of examples, and gave me 10 pegs. I loved it!
Then, she told me I should sell peg dolls. I had opened an Etsy shop in 2008, but didn't really do anything with it. I'm not business-minded, and didn't think I had it in me.
Well, God bless my friend, she took care of the shop for me while I painted the saints!
I reopened my shop in 2016.
She eased me into taking care of the shop on my own, and now it's just me!

I love painting the saints! Each one has been a request from someone.
I love the challenge of depicting a saint as unique, but recognizable, using symbology, tradition, historical background, and whatever else I need.

Having this little shop allows me to earn a little extra, to supplement my SSDI. I can work at my own pace, and within my limitations, without worry.