25 Comments
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Maya's avatar

Sending love ❤️

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thanks, Maya!

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perfectlight's avatar

wish you all the best! the video that you created sums it up very well

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you! Crossing my fingers... and toes!

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Shital Morjaria (she/her)'s avatar

In adversity art always comes to the rescue. Stella, I hope things get sorted. Love the video and can relate to it. It happens quite often in India as well. Hold, hold, hold and then it gets disconnected.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you for checking out the video, Shital. It's a frustrating process indeed. Sigh!

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Holly Rabalais's avatar

I felt all of this! I had an evening of anger and aggravation this week after spending time on the phone with my insurance trying to sort out why a provider was billed as out-of-pocket when their website has him listed as an in-network provider. I still having gotten the issue resolved (which is holding up some reimbursements), but I have decided to do all that I can and let it go.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

So happy to see you here, Holly! Thanks for chiming in. Insurance is one of the worst to deal with. I feel you as well. Hope it works out to your favor. Let's cross our fingers and toes!

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Holly Rabalais's avatar

I will have to try doodling or coloring the next time I call. Seems to be effective therapy!🤣

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SydneyMichalski🌿NatureMoments's avatar

Wow, Stella, art out of what is unarguably a major life hardship, that is so impressive! And I wish you some good news and improvement in the wake that trails after the turmoil :(

The video is fantastic - the feeling of being trapped in hold-limbo really came through, and I found myself drawn into the details of each collage while already looking forward to the next twist!

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Sydney! I so appreciate your note. Hoping for the best results. Perhaps, another set of collages will emerge afterward. We shall see...

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Alice Goldbloom's avatar

I love the video you created and your positive message.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Alice! And so grateful for offering your support at this difficult time It means a ton. 💕

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Jen Mayer | Makeist's avatar

I've been having the same frustration with the IRS. It's maddening! – the complete lack of control that you feel. But at least you got some amazing collages out of it 😊

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

I feel you, Jen. You hit it right on the head. Wishing you all the best and hope the results turn in your favor. 🤞🤞🤞Thanks for chiming in!

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Duane Toops's avatar

I'm sorry to hear you've had such a sh*tty week. I really hope things get sorted out for you. But, I'm overjoyed with these collages! Each one is gorgeous! And, I'm so happy to hear that you find the process of making them as meditative and cathartic as I do.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thanks, Duane! I appreciate your words of support. I'm grateful we have art to save us from ourselves. Definitely, meditative and cathartic!

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Duane Toops's avatar

My pleasure! I shudder to think where'd be without it.

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Zachary Ayotte's avatar

I'm so sorry for all the retrograde challenges. I feel you. Coming out of a period of challenge myself. Wishing you all good things!

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thanks, Zachary! Yup, this MR is easily in my top 5 worst experiences. Praying it will turn out for the best. Hope you are well and MR is treating you better than what I'm going through.

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Ugh! I hate what you've been going through, Stella, but just LOOK what you're creating! Awesome!

Lemons? YES PLEASE TO GALLONS OF LEMONADE! 🍋🙌⭐️

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thanks, Rebecca! Let's shout it to the mountain top.😄

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Beth T (BethOfAus)'s avatar

I’ve been away so am late reading this. I do so hope that everything got resolved ok. Sigh… Thanks so much for your positivity and your amazing art. That collage video was beautifully done. I love that this has had such a positive effect on your mental health in such frustrating times. And the final phone video!!! Haven’t phones changed dramatically over the years!! A very cool history lesson and a fun watch. Sending heaps of hugs and best wishes. 🤗🤗😘💕

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Oh, thank you, Beth. I wish it was resolved already but I was told to wait another 45-90 days for their decision. Ack! So frustrating. But, I can't do anything about it except add the dates to my calendar to follow up and that's about it. I'm glad you enjoyed the collages and the video.

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Beth T (BethOfAus)'s avatar

It sounds like such a strange way to pay benefits. As far as I know, ours go straight into bank accounts. Certainly makes mail theft a viable income source for shady characters. Sigh.

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