Crazy Times

This last month has been a bit stressful. I got the news near the end of September that my mammogram came back suspicious. Off to the hospital for a re-check, where the radiologist confirmed that there was “something there” called calcifications. I would need to have a biopsy on my left breast. 85% of them are not cancer, but because mammography can find things so small nowadays, it’s best to get things checked.

My first instinct is always to pray, and to rally the teams of prayer warriors in my life. I believe strongly in the power of prayer and I’m not shy about asking for it. It works! Even when an answer to prayer is not necessarily one you were hoping for, you will find in the asking so many doors open. God uses us to counsel one another and bless each other with our experience and wisdom.

I am fortunate to have an amazing church family who is super supportive. Family and friends who are good to me, caring and full of love.

So off to the Lemmen Holton Cancer Center I go, to meet with Dr. Melnik, Oncologist.  Dr. Melnik decides to biopsy both breasts, the radiologist saw something on each side but only one was suspicious. I agreed. Why go through it all again if you don’t have to.

 Ladies:, I’m here to tell you that even if the THOUGHT of having a biopsy is scary, it was not as bad as one would think. Aside from climbing onto a  table which resembled a giant toilet hole from a third world country, the actual procedure, (once numbed up) was painless. Even the numbing with Lidocaine was less painful than Novacaine administered at the dentist. Once I realized that it was not hurting me, I relaxed and joked through the procedure. (Those poor woman at the Betty Ford Breast clinic must think I am a goof)

Being told that you might have breast cancer during “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” has not been easy. While it’s awesome to see how much support there is for the charitable side of things, I could not pick up a pizza ad without  being reminded I might have breast cancer. Pink garbage cans on the curb stand out like a flashing light – look at me! You might want one for your house too!

Even knowing that strong faith is the best coping mechanism I have, I admit to letting the final outcome get to me. The day I was supposed  to “know” came and my usual calm and cool self started to melt down. After crying in front of a co-worker, being assured it’s ok, normal and human to feel  this way, I still have a hard time not believing I should be STRONG enough to handle this. Of course, not alone, only with God’s help. Thankfully, it was benign, simply “fibronomotoid” due to being a woman over 50. I give  God the Glory for the things he has done.If you ever need prayer, please ask me. I'd love to support you in that.

I live in a cool city

ArtPrize has rocked my world. If you don't live close enough to pay Grand Rapids MI a visit before Oct. 10, I'm sorry but you may need to weep.

Over 1700 pieces of art from living and working artists from all over the world have converged in one place to celebrate God's mighty gift of creativity. Creativity, the only real evidence that we were created in His own image, as far as I can see. God has endowed mankind with the urge to create. The massive differences between how we each choose to express those urges is what makes each one of us unique.

I've seen an udderly cool cow created from all kinds of tiny cows, a fountain of light, a flower mosaic made of trash, and an entire church space covered with some of the most beautiful art pieces honoring God. That was just a fraction of what I saw tonight. And we've been down to view 5 days so far. We haven't even scratched the surface!

We've had lovely talks with artists on the street who have come from far away to share their vision with the people. We saw people hanging out on bridges, playing music, singing and enjoying the crisp nights. I've struck up conversations with other patrons over pieces...and everyone is smiling. You'd think someone put Prozac in the city water system.  Ok, so that's another conversation.

How does one turn an entire city into an Art gallery? I'm just blown away by how many venues have been willing to let total strangers come in, alter their spaces and willingly staff and stay open often past normal business hours. I get that there is money involved, but deep in my heart I think people would participate in ArtPrize, even if money wasn't a factor. The real prize is how alive my city is. Thanks to all who made it possible!

Dag Blame It!

Or some other colloquialism that means I wish I hadn’t… I just forgot about my blog again. And honestly, the last time I went to log in I forgot my password. So after all of that, here I am - back again. Since last post we have attended two weddings and two funerals. Matt’s dad passed away in March and his Aunt Mag passed away Aug. 1. Janine and Curt celebrated their nuptials in June and Amy and Robert in July.

 

This summer has been busy busy! We had two family reunions in August for my family and one In July for Matt’s – in honor of his Grandma Margarita’s 100^th birthday!

I created a cool scrapbook in her honor, filled with pictures dating back to 1911! What a BIG life she has lived. Hat’s off to you Grandma Marge (or Marge Simpson as she is known). 

 

We went up North (or northern Mi for those of you who don’t inhabit the Great Lakes State) and visited friends Beth and Jeff. We also went to Frankenmuth and ended our journey in Rochester Hills, where I used to live. We met Linda (haven’t seen her in 15 years) for lunch. We got to visit with my grand-God child, who will be a year old in Sept.! Mackenzie, what a little doll! Her mom Kristen, dad Paul, Grandma Leslie and Grandpa Tom. We enjoyed a show of a tornado just missing our outdoor picnic by a couple of miles.

 

With all that business there has been little time for art, but lately I have found some. I made some fun wall art assemblages and collages. Will post some as soon as I get them photographed. Working on some Halloween art as well, tis the season after all. Love those black cats!

Family

My husband's dad, Martin had a  massive stroke this week, in FL. The kids had a hard time reaching him. (unusual). Matt decided to call the police and they found him lying on the floor, non-responsive but still breathing.
That same night the hospital performed surgery on him and removed a clot which had formed from the hemmoragiac stroke. He is still on a ventilator, although his breathing is getting stronger.

No one but God knows what lies ahead for Martin, but he is holding his own for now. While family takes turn being at his side, we know he can hear us but can not speak. Many thanks to the warriors who are praying for Martin to recover.

Expect a miracle.

Some New Work

It's been a long while since I have added new work to the site, so I thought it was about time. I've been motivated to make some tiny collages from Paint Sample Chips and Masonite counter top samples that I had left over.
I scanned a couple of the fun ones in, you will find them here - titled "Madamoiselle" and "Exploring the Ruins". Thanks to Itkupilli for the cool image of the man with a cane. Some other elements were purchased from Artchix.