Well For Goodness Sakes!

Wow, it's been a month since I last posted...I sure am slack! Not really though, I have been studying John F. Carlson's excellent book "Guide to Landscape Painting". He was one of the best landscape artists, and his book is full of knowledge. I found however, it's one thing to "get" what he's writing, it's another to put it into practice. I've finished this:

Well into the painting, I realized my horizontals weren't, and set about to straighten them out. That wasn't fun AT ALL, all that careful work. Anyway, I dug deep and did it. I don't know if anyone has ever stressed this, but really, it should be obvious to us that intended verticals and horizontals MUST be vertical and horizontal to the substrate, or all else fails. This becomes very noticeable when you stick a cattywompuss into a frame. Sounds simple enough but I've seen many paintings that were uncomfortably out of square. I hope you have a wonderful day, Cindy

The Slow Lane

I've discovered the slow lane! A place where there's time to google anything and everything, iron ALL my shirts, not just the one I need to wear, plan meals and grocery shopping to the nth degree, and reread that last novel. It's wonderful. Sometimes, I just sit. I spend quality time in the studio, quality time with husband, quality time with family. I know it's a luxury, and that most people have to go to work, keep kids moving, take care of the household, all that. I did it for years. Finally, I retired, and we started extensive traveling, still in fast lane mode. THEN, this summer happened and I was forced to slow down. Now I'm choosing to stay in the slow lane, I like it here. Here's an update on my latest effort:

. Have a great day, Cindy

Back at the easel......

Lots of wet paint being slung around here, I'm feeling really rusty, but here's a pic of what's on my easel, the paint is very wet, so the shot isn't too good, but I am enjoying myself and wanted to share.

This pretty coral cottage sits on Long Boat Key in Florida. Have a great day, Cindy

Refurbished Brain

The second aneurysm has been successfully repaired. The two that remain do not require surgery as they are very small and will be watched. I am living on bonus days now, or I'm a cat, and have used up three of my nine lives. Whichever it is, I am grateful, humbled, delighted, excited, and so very relieved. I have a week or so for full recovery, then it's back to my normal life, which looks so good to me - even the physical therapy. No more posts now about my health, I'm gonna be better than fine! Thank you everyone for your wonderful support and encouragement.

I Sleep A lot

I sleep a lot. I graze through the kitchen. I hold my husband's hand. I try to find a comfortable position for my head, which is heavy on my hurting neck. I sit and stare at the walls or out of the window. I sip decaf coffee. I am waiting for the next surgery. July 9th. I am waiting for July 9th. There is no doubt that July 9th is years away.

Heart Warming Joy

Joy comes in all kinds of configurations, from a son who drives 7 hours to be by your side during surgery, to a son who brings tacos and grandchildren after work when you get home, a sister who comes in the middle of the night to sleep with you in the hospital, a brother-in-law who brings said sister. Daughters-in-law who check on you, check on you, check on you. Friends who come by, call, or email their support and prayers. My husband, who has been beside me every waking minute since this nightmare started. I couldn't be more blessed, I have the most wonderful people in my life, helping me, willing me to get better, watching out for me. Thank you, guys.

Miracles

After the terrible car accident, I was flown to a nearby trauma center.  A CT scan was done of my head, neck, and chest, which I was sure was crushed.  But no, no breaks or punctures from the crash.  Instead, as a "secondary finding", there were one or two aneurysms in my brain. 

W H A T ? ?

Anyway, it turns out there are four.  The largest one has already been repaired by a procedure called coiling.  This surgery is a miracle.  The thought of the procedure is scary, people poking wires around in your brain; but in reality, for the patient, it's only a 24 hour stay in the hospital, a small incision in the groin, a few bruises, and lots of soreness in the neck.  For the surgeon, it's years of specialized training, and nerves of steel.  I have an excellent, kind, talented surgeon.   

The second largest one will be repaired in a few weeks, and the other two will be watched. The successful repair of the first aneurysm has given me confidence. 

I would never have known about this life threatening condition except for the accident.  I  was given the opportunity to take preventive action, and that is some kind of miracle!  I am thankful and optimistic.