In 2002 we ran away from Illinois where we were born and raised, and started a new life in SW Florida. This blog is about me (an eccentric old artist), ROM (my Real Old Man), Isabella (our neurotic Standard Poodle) and Emmy (our crazy snake killing Jack Russell Terrier). Oh- and the neighborhood old people. Life is good in Florida!

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Monday, February 3, 2020

What A Difference A Day Makes...

So, we now have a rough patch behind us and today has been a good day. The weekend nurse warned me the new meds may take a few days to kick in completely but after my second dose, I already feel an improvement. Perhaps it's psychological, but whatever the reason, I'm going to ride with it. This past weekend was a learning experience and I think we needed it. Our Midwest roots ingrained in us the attitude we should be self-reliant and not look to others to solve our problems. Midwest people are a stubborn stoic bunch, sometimes to our own detriment. People and situations change and I'm now at the point in my life I need and am willing to accept help. Mike is more than ready to help me, but I must allow him to get the assistance he needs to care for me. Watching Tidewell go into action this weekend after we called has reinforced my trust in them. Today, I spent a comfortable day at home, wearing my favorite bright turquoise soft cotton tee shirt and capris, my cold feet kept warm in slippers and socks gifted to me from Zappos, with the doors open to the lovely Florida weather we're having. Or I could have spent the day in pain, undergoing well-intentioned treatment that has at the best a very slim chance of achieving anything positive. Sorry, but I would choose a day in-home hospice care every time, hands down.  

(A note about Zappos... they happened to see some tweets between some of my Twitter friends and me about my cancer etc. Privately in dms, they contacted me to tell me they were gifting me new slippers and socks. They didn't do this for PR or attention, no one would have ever known they did it if I hadn't made it public. They did it because they have good people with big hearts working for them on social media. My friends- this is a company you want to support!)

This is to some of my artist friends who may be wondering if such a life-altering event has given me a boost of creative inspiration- (Sue, I saw your comment and got misty-eyed, thank you, my friend.)  When I found out I had advanced cancer and it wasn't going to go well, I thought about using art to express my feelings and journey on this last adventure. Surely something so intense would stir my creative juices. Oddly enough, it hasn't it. In fact, I have zero interest in doing anything artsy or even finish the WIP sculpts sitting around. Maybe I'll send them on to someone to be completed- hint, hint, Sue? 

Instead of grabbing a brick of clay, a canvas or watercolors to express myself, I've fallen back on an old tool- words. I've always been wordy, and now you just can't shut me up. Mike says he walks in the room at times and sees me asleep sitting up and talking my head off- LOL! 

So I've turned away from my unfinished artwork...
 

... and taking moments to enjoy the artwork I've completed...





16 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks, Renee. Having art to focus on when my son died saved my sanity.

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  2. ♥️♥️♥️ zappos is the bomb.

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    1. I think of them every day when I look down at my slippers. This has reminded me how a simple kindness can stick with people- I wish I had done more of that for people that crossed my path over the years.

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  3. What a lovely sentiment by Zappos and we love your writing! Your art is gorgeous now if only mike would bring you that monkey ��. (PS I think I caught Mikes cold too- it’s a hell of a pain in the rear I’m glad you got some meds ASAP!). Mochi

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    1. I've been begging Mike for a monkey for 36 years-LOL Poor Mike always has to be the adult and save us from my whimsical impulses.

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  4. Thanks for sharing pics of more of your pieces with us. It really eases MY anxiety knowing you're in a good place, having a good day. The weather was great here today, as well. It was 71 degrees & sunshine. I can see you padding around in your capris & t-shirt...turquoise/aqua/jades are my favorite colors. They make me think of the ocean & beach.

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    1. For most of my adult life, red and gold were my favorite colors. Since moving to Florida, my favs have changed frequently. I went through a pink phase a while back.I even talked Mike into painting the house trim a pinkish hue. Now I'm into turquoise/aqua/teals. Color is my passion. And yes, like you, my favs are now influenced by the beach and ocean.

      I vowed to myself that if I started sharing my story publically, I would follow it through as long as I could. I don't want to leave people hanging or be left without news after investing time into following and sharing this journey. I've seen it happen, and it leaves people feeling they were cut out of the loop.

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  5. It's very YOU to be thinking of us at this time. That's why we love you. Just don't worry when you need to let it go. We understand & are thankful to have so much you have given to us now.

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  6. ROH,
    I keep your page open 24/7, i look forward to your words, art and pictures. I am so appreciative of everything you share with us.
    You have really touched my life, and for the better :)

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  7. Oh my I absolutely adore your turtles, amazing, I realise you put your painting skills down but woman that is just the very best you have done!
    And no kudos asked for but hugz to Zappos for gifting a very useful pressie to our friend goodZappos really hugest hugz
    The mad aussie xxooo

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  8. You really are very talented and that's amazing what Zappos is doing I am going to go their website tight now and by something

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  9. Very clear here how much you are cherished. Xo

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  10. May God have mercy on your soul! Lots of people love you, no doubt. However, you had a mean streak and were horrible to a lot of people. That’s now between God and you!

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    Replies
    1. Same could be said of you, who decided they just *had* to leave a miserable comment like this. Couldn't just let it be I suppose? Hopefully no one does this to you when you have no ability to speak back.

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