Blog

I had expected to post a blog update in January, but all I managed was a quick newsletter.  My mom fell on January 2 and sustained a compound fracture to her left femur.  This has left her largely incapacitated and permanently at a nursing home.  She has lost a lot of her former vigor, and now sits sleeping in her wheelchair, uninterested in therapy.  To make things worse, shortly after she was transferred, I came down with a severe sinus infection, which prevented me from visiting her for about ten days.  During that time, I talked to the social workers and nurses, each time reminding them to tell her I was sick and would be in to see her soon.  I don't know if she got those messages, but by the time I got back yesterday, she had declined considerably.  Was it my fault?  No, I didn't plan to get a sinus infection.  Do I feel guilty?  Maybe a little, I am my mom's only visitor most of the time.  But I truly did not want to send my germs in her direction.  And the whole thing:  ER, hospital, nursing home, sinus infection, kept me away from my art work.  What a start to the new year.  

The good news is that I was able to attend my weekly figure drawing class since her break and my illness conveniently fell between classes.  I started three new paintings right before I fell ill, and I'm scheduled for an abstract workshop next weekend, which I'm very excited about.  Getting my entry ready for the 45th Arts & Heritage Festival as well.  Hopefully I will get a painting into one of the two shows sponsored by the Westmoreland Art Nationals - wish me luck!