Day 102 Back in the Haze

Not as bad as before but the chemo haze is back.  Yesterday was great.  Nausea made it's scheduled 1:30pm appearance but I have learned something.  It is sort of like when I was in grade school and two kids had hold of a long rope at either end during recess.  The would swing it round and round and I stood on the side waiting for the right time to jump in with the other girls to keep time jumping rope.  What I have learned is to wait for the break in the cycle of nausea to use that break to jump in and eat and get in painting or vacuum or load the dishwasher.  It's all about timing and I'm getting pretty good at it.

On Facebook today, Wendy Rodrigue who is married to Blue Dog artist, George Rodrigue, writes about their unexpected stay in Houston this summer for treatment of an illness George is dealing with.  If you're familiar with his art, you know the charm of his Blue Dog paintings and other paintings of Louisiana bayou country.  Wendy quotes George during this time and I think it's a significant statement that I can identify with.

"I'm recycling my life.  I didn't expect this new experience, and we should make as much of it as we can, because we're all living in the moment, whatever that may be."

She speaks of his not being able to paint this summer and how he misses it.  I understand.  I don't mean to say that misery enjoys company.  That's pretty shallow.  But I guess in a way there's a comfort in knowing that I am not the only artist dealing with this right now.  To read more of Wendy's musings, follow her at www.wendyrodrigue.com . 

Artist friend, Hannah Dreiss, who is fighting her own battle with this enemy, just posted her latest creation on Facebook.  She made this piece from recycled aluminum cans.  You can follow her on FB at Hannah Dreiss.

She is working now on one of Frida Kahlo.  Can't wait to see that. 

So, here I am at the computer and I can honestly say that I feel better having written this blog today.  Maybe it's taking the focus off myself for a while.  I try to do that daily and Focus Up but sometimes I fail at that.  I'm excited for George and for Hannah and for the creations that they are working on now to share their joy of creativity with the world.  I'm excited for me as well as I get up from here to go into the studio and start to work on my own creations. 

Precious Lord,

I thank You for this day.  I thank You for the strength I have to paint and to write and just be in Your world today. 

I ask special healing blessings today on George and on Hannah and on me.  Thank You Lord for that creative spark that You placed within me and for opening the Heavens, the storehouse of Your bounty, to bless the work of my hands. 

You are the first and the ultimate Creator and You, above all, understand the joy of a completed piece.

Thank You Lord.  Thank You. 

In Jesus' name,

Amen