Monday, December 13, 2010
Dear Santa: A Time Machine Please
Yes, I need a Time Machine. I do not want to go into the past, although it would be good to be able to go back and correct my mistakes that haunt me today. I do not want to go into the future...it is coming fast enough. That is the problem. I want a Time Machine to slow time down. It is almost the middle of December and I am frantically attempting to complete the hand crafted Christmas cards that I started making last Christmas! Ah! "Procrastination" my critics say. I am not denying that, but what about my great-grandchildren who are growing up all to quickly? Can't I slow that down a bit? There are little boys I never had the chance to cuddle, who are now too big for that sissy stuff. Beautiful girls turning into beautiful young women that I would like to still be buying dolls for. Daughters who now are grandmothers. It was just the other day I was sewing prom dresses. I am aware I have an allotted time here on earth, but please, dear Lord, couldn't that time be slowed down a bit? Yes, my very own Time Machine would work quite well--will it fit in my stocking?
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
IT'S ME AGAIN!!!
Two years ago at this very same time of year I became afflicted with Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR). I won't go into detail about the symptoms of PMR, except to say it is very painful and debilitating. Anyone really curious can "Google" it. The remedy was immediate large doses of steroids--Prednisone. The steroids make one's face puffy. Since I have a round, fat face anyway, I looked like a Halloween pumpkin. After the initial large doses of Prednisone, it is given in diminishing quantities until one is weaned off it. Two years later I am down to just one gram, a single pill, a day. This morning when I looked in the mirror I could actually see my cheekbones and jaw line! I'll never again look like I did at thirty and fifty pounds ago, but at least I no longer will be mistaken for a chipmunk!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The Sprit is Willing but the Flesh is Weak
Last night I had a revelation! For several months, with the encouragement of artist friend, Betty Miller, I have been working on, although rather listlessly, two projects of art to submit to the Houston Art Convention held in July, where, if accepted, I would teach them. Betty wishes so much that I meet her in Houston, as she and I have been good friends ever since we met at the Las Vegas Creative Painting Convention several years ago. It is not financially possible for me to go to Houston, unless I teach in order to pay my way. The deadline for submissions is today, December 1.
Yesterday evening as I was clearing the dinner dishes from the table and putting the leftovers in the refrigerator,a tremendous feeling of fatigue came over me. Taking a step or holding my back upright seemed a tremendous effort. It was necessary to retire to my recliner, turn the back heat on, and just rest. After an hour, I was able to get up, finish my chores in the kitchen, and head for bed.
As I lay in bed, after the lights were out, I thought, "How ridiculous for me to even consider standing in front of a class and moving about the classroom for three or four hours teaching an art class!" This is not the first time I have been overcome by fatigue such as this in the past year. Let's face it! My mind and spirit is young, but my body is wearing out. As much as I like teaching my art to others, I would be a fool to try to do it in a formal setting.
Four years ago, I taught two three-hour classes at Creative Painting in Las Vegas. During the second session of class, I had experienced the same sudden fatigue and back pain. At that time I blamed it on the fact that I had shoulder joint replacement surgery just two months before. Now, looking back, I realize it was an omen of things to come. I have had seven joint replacement/repair surgeries--now I need to get in line for the first total body replacement!
My prototype art I prepared for teaching will now become gifts. I will continue to create, but without a deadline hanging over my head--and only for my own pleasure without thought of needing monetary gain.
Yesterday evening as I was clearing the dinner dishes from the table and putting the leftovers in the refrigerator,a tremendous feeling of fatigue came over me. Taking a step or holding my back upright seemed a tremendous effort. It was necessary to retire to my recliner, turn the back heat on, and just rest. After an hour, I was able to get up, finish my chores in the kitchen, and head for bed.
As I lay in bed, after the lights were out, I thought, "How ridiculous for me to even consider standing in front of a class and moving about the classroom for three or four hours teaching an art class!" This is not the first time I have been overcome by fatigue such as this in the past year. Let's face it! My mind and spirit is young, but my body is wearing out. As much as I like teaching my art to others, I would be a fool to try to do it in a formal setting.
Four years ago, I taught two three-hour classes at Creative Painting in Las Vegas. During the second session of class, I had experienced the same sudden fatigue and back pain. At that time I blamed it on the fact that I had shoulder joint replacement surgery just two months before. Now, looking back, I realize it was an omen of things to come. I have had seven joint replacement/repair surgeries--now I need to get in line for the first total body replacement!
My prototype art I prepared for teaching will now become gifts. I will continue to create, but without a deadline hanging over my head--and only for my own pleasure without thought of needing monetary gain.
NOTE CARDS
UNIQUE, FUN, FAST & EASY
"When I am an old lady, I shall wear purple..."
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| Watercolor w/Pen & Ink Embelished mat for framing Jenny Joseph's poem "Warning" |
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