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| Two Turtle Day 24" x 24" acrylic on canvas |
It's been months since my husband went in to Seattle Cancer Care Aliance for a stem cell transplant to treat Multiple Myeloma, a cancer of the bones and blood. I became his care giver, and set aside everything else. It was important to let go of art because when I paint, I get forgetful...loose track of time...get absorbed in the process. Michael needed me to be fully present, so I set aside painting and teaching.
We moved to the Pete Gross House in Seattle near Lake Union to be closer to the clinic, and set about to go step by step to save Michael's life.
Living a short walk from the lake allowed me to meet several of the residents. I counted how nice the weather was by how many turtles lined up on logs. A "two turtle day" showed promise, a "ten turtle day" was the nicest day of the year. My other favorite resident of the lake was a gorgeous great blue heron who was so engrossed in fishing that he completely ignored my presence. On lovely days between cancer treatment appointments, my husband and I would stroll down to the lake and watch sea planes , sail boats, kids splashing in the water, and the heron in his slow motion fishing beneath the watchful eye of the Space Needle amidst the roar of urban traffic.
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| On Stilts 24" x 12" acrylic on hardboard |
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| Patient Fisher 24" x 12" acrylic on hardboard |
So here we are two months post transplant...home on Camano Island. Cancer is in remission. Now I am beginning to paint again. My classes are scheduled to begin soon, and I can't stay out of the studio. Right now I am painting the images from South Lake Union that kept me refreshed during a stressful time. Thankful and blessed that my husband received wonderful medical care, and that we are home again, putting our lives back together.
I don't think my note to you got published-senior error! So here is my message:wow Diana-such a powerful post About the challenges you have faced and why that has impacted your art flow. I am happy that your husbands care has taken you both to a successful place in his recovery, and am very moved that your time together in the recovery process has inspired you in new directions with meaningful back stories. All best to you-Karhy Cunningham
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that life is beginning to return to a somewhat 'normal' routine. Sending you both our prayers and blessed happiness. We love you both. Hope to see you soon.
ReplyDeleteSuper paintings, painted with subtleness of color and shape and depth of understanding. Perhaps a silver lining on a dark cloud....that has drifted away. Happy for the both of you.
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