FRUSTRATION AT IT'S HIGHEST POSSIBLE PEAK!!

9 Patch Tangle

So, I had the Lumbar Laminectomy surgery and everything went smooth as clock-work until it was time to leave the hospital. I had to have a certain type of bed to get in and out of, so the doctor said we come all the way to Sequim if we stopped each hour so I could get out and walk a bit. The trip was uneventful and I really have to give my husband a lot of credit because he had to pack everything up that we had at my son's (where we thought we would be staying for a couple of days).

I am now on day 7 post surgery. The bruising is incredible! However, the right leg pain is GONE!! The hip pain is GONE!! And....and.....I have been walking further from the house the past few days than I have since we moved in here, because the pain was just too much.

I have SO MANY limitations....but the main idea is to keep my back as straight as possible....so I don't sit too long or walk too long, but do lay a lot less than when we came home.

The Neighborhood

I am so anxious to get back to my regular life....when something is on the floor or below my waist, I have so much trouble not bending to pick it up! I am really dependent on my husband right now for my care. I'm getting a little more independent with each new day. Having that surgery was really a chance I knew I had to take, and now I can see how there are so many places in my house and at the Studio where things are in drawers way below my waist. I have this long stick-like apparatus that is pretty handy to use.

Crazy Girl

There are so many things in life that we all take for granted. We usually don't even give it a second thought that we might be handicapped in some way. The whole world around you changes when you become handicapped. I have had to learn to swallow my pride when I needed someone to help me with my bathroom "duties". I was pushing a walker around (for balance and support) but that walker made me feel really old...I'm talking 900 years old here!! I have other "medical supplies" also that make my life a little bit easier. I'm so thankful that I won't have to stay in this "straight" position very long. It's so hard to get around and do things and heaven forbid that anything falls on the floor. Again, I have to say that my husband isn't losing patience with me and my handicap at the present, and for that he is to be commended!!

Falling Hearts

I am so thankful that I am healing properly and that my being up and about is much easier. I am also thankful for things that I prepared to use during this time...i.e., Christmas decorations for the Studio, Steampunk jewelry for the Studio, and book work for my son-in-law. I also do the newsletter for our local Sequim Arts Association, and I will be darned if I'll let a little 5" cut on my spine keep me from getting it out on time! So, here is to hoping that the surgery results will stay as they are now or even get better. Is it painful? Yes, sometimes it's very painful, but most of the time it's pretty copeable. Now where is my "grabber".....

Have a wonderful one....Janie

GOOD TO GO.....

Wall Quilt made only of paper

 I finally went to see a Neurosurgeon about my back. I have been in excruciating pain for far too long in my lower back, and though I'm on some heavy duty pain medication, it just isn't even taking the edge off the pain anymore. I can't walk very far, climbing stairs is difficult, and any bending or twisting is out of the question. I just turned 69 and decided that I should at least see a surgeon, since that is the ONLY thing I haven't tried to help my back pain.

My 69th Birthday Photo

I finally decided to see a Neurosurgeon about the pain in my lower back since that was the only thing I had not tried for the problem. When I sat across from the surgeon and he said, "It's an easy fix", I burst into tears. It felt like he was giving me my life back!! I decided then and there that I would go ahead with the surgery, even though it scares me to death.

So, now I am getting the required exams and blood work that is necessary prior to any major surgery. Saw my GP today for a physical and an EKG. He said he pronounced me "fit for surgery"!! So all I need to do tomorrow is get my fasting blood work and still see my cardiologist for her OK and I am all set to go!! Any relief this surgery can give me will be very, very appreciated. I'm having a Lumbar Laminectomy. 

On another note, I have been doing a few more pieces for the Studio/gallery I'm in and for a couple of one-woman shows I'm going to be having for the months of September and October, as well as the Sequim Arts Members' show, and anything else that comes along. So here are my newer pieces....

This Lady's Slipper is drawn over Shakespeare Sonnets about Love

I think I am having a fetish about shoes these days!! Because....

I call this "Punked Pumps". After I had this drawn I added some "steampunk" things to it that aren't in this picture.

"My Revolution"...a boot I sure wish I could wear!!

New piece called "The Maze". I really like it!!

Last, but by no means least....Alan and I celebrated our 9th Wedding Anniversary by going out to a fancy French restaurant in Port Angeles, WA. The waitress was kind enough to take our photo...

With that...I ask for your positive thoughts and energy sent my way on the 8th of September. I just know that this is going to help me so much and I'm trying very hard to only think positive thoughts.

Oh, and have you heard of AMSR Destiny on YouTube? Check it out because it is really awesome!! I'm going to be using it to help with relaxation during my preparation for surgery and my recovery.

Again, Thank you for reading my little blog. I was also very fortunate to be written up and featured on www.serendipitini.com last week. Go check it out too!!

Huggs, Janie

SUMMER IN SEQUIM WASHINGTON

 New Black and White piece. Thought I would show it just for fun.

I had some dental surgery today and even though it was raining outside yesterday and today, I was thinking how beautiful it is here in the summer. We have beautiful flowers blooming all over our yard. Our nice backdoor neighbor, Barbara, gave us some starts for some yellow daisies and they are really lovely, blooming by the back deck steps where Alan planted them.

I also love the broken rose "tree" that still gives us the most beautiful pink roses!! It is broken at one point and laying against the fence. Alan wanted to cut it down but it is still alive and flowers and he knows how much I love roses so it still stands. He cuts them and brings them in and we have them sitting on the living room table to enjoy at every meal.

Out in front are the usual Lavender and white Daisies. I absolutely love those daisies as they stand so tall and proud in front of the front deck. It is something I've never seen before moving here to Sequim.

There are many flowers growing in my backdoor neighbors yard (Barbara's yard). She is an avid gardener and her yard shows it. I especially love the poppies. When I was a child in Wisdom, Montana, my parents had an overgrown, unkempt yard, but there was a large patch of red poppies with black centers and I thought they were so beautiful. I still love them and hope we have some next summer in our own yard.

We have yet to get a deer fence up to keep the deer out of our back yard where they would eat anything we plant there because most of the summer has been spent with me in and out of doctor's offices, and Alan has been my caretaker. He keeps the lawn mowed and waters faithfully and I think the grass is even more beautiful this summer than last.

You know, most people who live in places like this, take these flowers and beautiful grass for granted. After living in Fairbanks, Alaska for over 25 years, it is all such a special thing to me to see these lovely flowers and shrubs and flower trees. One neighbor has a cherry tree, another neighbor has a pear tree. It is so great to see signs to "pick your own strawberries or raspberries" and other signs to get fresh veggies from local farmers. We really have come to a wonderful place to live and I'm more and more thankful for it each day I live here.

Much of my drawings have some sort of flowers in them. I have also started using wall board paste as a new medium and when it dries I can paint on it with watercolors or acrylics. I have done a couple of pieces that look like gardens to me with this medium and I'm really having fun with it. I think I'm more mindful of incorporating flowers into my projects because of where I live.

I hope that where ever you live and where ever you go, that you will notice the trees, the flowers, and how they are different where ever you go. One of the things I love about Washington state is that there are so many different trees.


 The next project we have is to put an old, unrepairable kayak out on the front lawn, fill it with dirt, and plant succulents and a few "deer proof" flowers and shrubs and put a couple of new trees in. It should be a lot of fun and I'll be sure and put a photo of this project on my blog when we get it done.

The Flower Garden
This piece is done with the wall paste on layers of fabric and paper.

 The Butterflies

This piece is also done with wall 

paste on canvas.

Thank you for reading, and I'll try to write a bit more now that I'm beginning to feel better.

Janie

A-Z: R is for THE MOST REMARKABLE DAY!!

As most of you know, I have been given the opportunity to be a part of a small working studio/gallery in Port Angeles, WA, about a 1/2 hour from my home in Sequim. It has been like a dream come true for me, not only to be 'there', but to rub shoulders each day with other artists who do wonderful, inspiring work. I feel like they are my new extended family and I love the creative energy I feel when I'm there. 

It is a working studio in that we all work on our art while we are there, a person making pottery, another does fractals on the computer (math based art), another is an acrylic painter, another makes jewelry, and the only man in our group is making a canoe. We each have our own area but the whole "gallery" is an open room for people to be able to browse, ask questions, and watch us work. 

I recently took a vacation to Alaska to see my youngest daughter and her husband as well as my step-daughter and my grandson. When I returned I was told that one of my first drawings had sold and that the man who bought it wanted to meet the artist. Well, today he came in to the studio and picked up his piece and got to meet "the artist". 

It has always been difficult for me to see the abilities I have, especially where my art is concerned, because I create it for me first and foremost. In talking to this man (Brian), I found out that he is very knowledgeable about art, the "masters" of eras past, of techniques, and so on. I was wondering to myself, 'what in the world is he interested in my work for?'. He started to tell me that he was so impressed with my work, with the distance of each line being so precise, with the look on the woman's face in another drawing, and on and on. He said that he had not seen talent like mine in a very long time and that I was way under priced. He asked how long it took me to do the piece he purchased, and spent about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes talking with me. 

When he told me that he had purchased the piece for a friend, I was so surprised since he liked it so much that I thought it was for him. Then he told me that he had come to Port Angeles to die, that he is ill and won't recover. He told me that he has made peace with this and is ready for the time to come when his adventure will continue elsewhere. He and I finally shook hands and he left with my wrapped piece under his arm. 

I sat down at my work table and began to resume working on my current project and all of a sudden was overcome with emotions. This man, virtually a stranger to me, had given me a gift so precious that it is priceless. His words of praise and encouragement will be with me as long as I live. I did not feel sorrow for him because he is ready to "go", but I was overcome because he had seen in my work what comes out of my heart when I make something.

The piece Brian bought is called "The Red Maze". Each section of it is a different pattern and it is a piece that I did about 4 years ago, finally got it professionally framed, and kept it. I didn't like it when I did it, but kept it anyway. 

I'm so glad I did. 

A-Z: S is for SUPERSTITIONS

Yesterday was my lucky day. I have several of them each year, noT many, but a few. It is on those days that I feel almost invincible, super-human, untouchable, etc.!! It was FRIDAY THE 13TH!!!!! I was born on the 13th and every day that falls on the 13th is a good luck day to me. Those same feels are not so in the world, in general.

Well, it wasn't just ANY Friday the 13th yesterday, it also had a full moon. Moon was my first word. As I was growing up I felt that if I slept in the moonlight that I would grow up to be beautiful. I must have read that in one of my childhood books or something, but every chance I got I would open the curtains and lay on the bed where the moonlight hit and sleep there.

Many people have different superstitions. Some are good for you and others can be a problem for you if you really believe them. You have probably heard the one where if you step on a crack in the sidewalk you will break your mother's back. Or if a black cat crosses your path that you'll have bad luck. Oh, and the one where if you break a mirror you'll not only have bad luck, you will have 7-10 YEARS bad luck!! Everyone knows walking under an open ladder is bad luck too. Right?

A CARD COVER I MADE SEVERAL YEARS AGO

Other superstitions are:

• 13: An unlucky number
• 3: a lucky number that signifies strength
• 666: The Devil's number, bad luck
• 7: a lucky number
• A bird that comes in your window brings bad luck
• A bride should be carried through the door of their new home for good luck.
• A groom seeing the bride before the wedding is supposed to be bad luck.
• A lock of hair from a baby's first haircut should be kept for good luck
• A person cannot drown before going under three times
• A rabbit's foot brings good luck
• An apple a day keeps the doctor away
• An itchy palm means money will come your way
• At the end of a rainbow is a pot of gold
• Clothes worn inside out will bring good luck
• Cold hands, warm heart
• Crossing your fingers helps to avoid bad luck and helps a wish come true
• Don't open an umbrella inside - it is unlucky
• Dream the same thing 3 times, it will come true
• Four leaf clover is good luck
• Garlic protects from evil spirits and vampires
• If the bottom of your feet itch, you will make a trip
• If the groom sees her in her wedding dress before the wedding is also considered bad luck and is believed to lead to an unhappy marriage
• If you blow out all of the candles on your birthday cake with the first breath you will get whatever you wish for
• If you spill some salt, pick some of it up and throw it over your left shoulder to stop bad luck from coming.
• If your nose itches someones coming that you know
• To find a four-leaf clover is to find good luck
• To give someone a purse or wallet without money in it will bring that person bad luck
• To have a wish come true using a wishbone, two people make a wish, then take hold of each end of the bone and pull it until it separates. The person with the longer end gets his or her wish
• To make a happy marriage, the bride must wear: something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue
• Warm hands, cold heart
• Washing a car will bring rain on
• When you speak of good luck, always knock on wood
• When your palm itches, you will come into some money

These are to name just a few of the hundreds out there. Our language is sprinkled with these "sayings" and we really think nothing of it.

My Friday the 13th was spent with my daughter, having our nails done, eating at delicious restaurants, seeing old friends, and talking to those I love. Bad luck comes and goes, and as far as I am concerned bad luck comes in threes....now I'd call that a superstition too, wouldn't you?

Have a great one! Janie

A PIECE I STARTED AND LEFT - LARGE 16"X20"

A-Z: Z IS FOR ZUMBA AND ZENTANGLE

STUDY IN BROWN AND ORANGE (sorry for the blurriness)

Today, as I sat and watched my youngest daughter work her tush off at Zumba class (two days in a row, even!), I all of a sudden realized just how happy I was to be here with her and to share in her life for the week I'm visiting. I haven't seen her for over a year and we haven't really had a chance to talk in over two years or more. I have really missed her special spirit, her loving ways, and her wisdom. She was there for me during a very difficult and dark time in my life for which I'll always be more than thankful for. She is a "helping" kind of person and it is no wonder that she is a therapist and helps people on a daily basis. She is my only child to get their Masters and considering she started out with a bit of a disadvantage when she was little, she has climbed mountains to be where she is today. If I sound proud, it's because I am. I'm so happy she chose the field she did, and that she is sharing her special gift with others. 

So, back to Zumba. My daughter is trying with all her might to get some weight off because she and her hubby want to start a family. I tried Zumba a couple of times when I was going to the Senior Center in Renton, Washington. Let me tell you, it really kicked my behind and I could not continue. But the class that my daughter goes to is really high intensity and she kept up with the best of them!! It is very difficult to continually dance/exercise for an hour at that kind of high energy but she hung in there and it is so like her, because she has done that so much throughout her life. She perseveres to the very end. 

ZUMBA CLASS IN FAIRBANKS, ALASKA

While she was "Zumbaing" I was sitting on a bench in the corner, working on my latest and greatest art piece. Since I'm traveling, I don't have any large projects with me but instead have these small 6"x6" papers in black and white. I hit the Daniel Smith art store in Seattle before boarding the plane for Fairbanks and stocked up on pens. Not only do I draw for pleasure, I draw for relaxation. It is something that I have been unable to do for over a year and now that I no longer have shaking hands, I can draw to my heart's content.

BLUE FLOWERS ... seems to be a theme of mine. Will look better when it's framed.

And so come next Saturday, we...my Betts and I, will be back at Zumba. I only wish I had a body that could do what she does because it sure looks like fun as well as work!! At least I'll be there to cheer her on and I hope that every time she goes to Zumba after I leave, that she will know how proud of her that I am and that I'll always be in her biggest cheerleader!! Always!!

THREE-DIMENSIONAL HEART (At least that's what it's going to be when finished)

A-Z: F is for Feelings

A STAR IN MY UNIVERSE

Feelings....There have been so many songs written about feelings. There are volumes of books filled with poetry about Feelings. And so here, tonight, I am pondering this 7 letter word. The definition of Feelings is:

1. The function or the power of perceiving by touch.

2. Physical sensation not connected with sight, hearing, taste, or smell.

3. A particular sensation of this kind: A feeling of warmth; A feeling of pain.

4. The general state of consciousness considered independently of particular sensations, thoughts, etc.

5. A consciousness or vague awareness.

6. An emotion or emotional perception or attitude: a feeling of joy; a feeling of sorrow.

7. Capacity for emotion, especially compassion: to have great feeling for the suffering and/or joy of others.

8. A sentiment; attitude; opinion.

9. Feelings, sensibilities; susceptibilities.

10. Fine emotional endowment.

11a. Emotion or sympathetic perception revealed by an artist in his or her work.

11b.The general impression conveyed by a work.

11c.Sympathetic appreciation, as of music.

 

Wow! Who would have thought that a simple word like Feelings could be described by so much, and yet when I examine my own feelings at this present time, they are as complicated and varied as those listed here, if not more. 

 

My feelings right now revolve around so many things....I "feel" such gratitude for my health getting so much better to the point where I am now allowed to drive again. I "feel" such  gratitude to be in the place where I am growing as a person and as an artist. I "feel" such gratitude to have an over-abundance of love in my life, which is both expected and unexpected. I "feel" so happy to have a renewed vigor for life and all that it can hold for me. 

 

A WORLD OF BLACK AND WHITE

 Things in life aren't always "black and white", and neither are feelings about things - at least for me. I am one of those people who looks at the whole picture and tries to paint it bright and having good intentions rather than seeing something dark and hurtful. I have been called a "Pollyanna". I wear that name proudly because I feel like if I give the next person the benefit of the doubt, and kindness, that they might, in turn, give that to someone else, and on and on. I want my feelings to be responsible for happiness in the world. I want my feelings to be responsible for joy in my own world. 

 

I heard and participated in a conversation today about loss of loved ones. Instead of making me feel sad, it made me feel even more grateful to be alive and to have purpose in my life. It made me even more grateful to have people to love and to be loved by. I am a very lucky person to have these things in my life and I will never, ever take them for granted. As I grow older, life becomes more precious and more of a miracle. It also rushes by so fast that I can hardly believe the change in seasons goes by so quickly. 

 

So, feelings, yes there is still the ever present pain from the degenerative discs in my back and the nerve endings that yell at me that I am alive, but....my feelings are full of grateful emotion as I write this....so thankful for those I call my friends and family and loved ones. 

 

Janie

 

MY LADY'S SLIPPER