VHL/NIH Neurosurgery Update

I just got back from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland for testing and evaluation in the neurosurgery clinic.  As many may know, I have four brain tumors and seven spinal cord tumors that are being monitored by this clinic (my abdominal tumors are monitored at the NIH National Cancer Institute).  My tumors all look stable on the MRI film.  I have had a lot of numbness in my hands and the neurosurgeon said it could be a symptom of one of my spinal cord tumors that sits at the top of the cord, just below the brainstem.  Although I got an "everything is stable" report, that particular tumor makes me nervous because my beloved Dad died of a brainstem tumor and kidney cancer.  But, as all of us with VHL know, stable is the best we can hope for, so I am grateful!  Thank you to all who pray for me and who support my family and I through our ups and downs with VHL. Special shout out to Lisa! And Cindy K who is my HERO!

Studio Heaven, My Haven!

This is where I spend as much time as possible.  I feel so blessed to have a studio in which to work and many thanks to my wonderful husband for finding various shelving for my many supplies.  Thanks also to my beloved Dad who made the wooden shelves--he gave them to me when I moved out of the house at nineteen and they are the best-made shelves I have ever had.  He would have loved to know they are now being used in my favorite place in the world!

First Art Post! Mostly Art Journal Pages with One Canvas

Abstract Art, Unfinished

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Blocks

Life Is Eggcellent!

"To gain your own voice..."

I got the idea for this spread from another artist who posted a video creating a similar page with a differing quote.  I will try to find out the artist's name to give her credit where credit is due.  During my early art journaling days, I looked at many, many other artists' work and techniques as I discovered my own voice and style.  I try to indicate pages that follow a similar form as another artist's work as pictures are posted.

Butterfly Detail from an Art Journal Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Happy Life

On the Street Where You Live

Mixed Media, On Canvas

Illuminate

Self Portrait

This art journal spread is the product of a class I took from the fabulous Tamara Leporte of Willowing.  She is an amazing artist and I have learned most of my portrait techniques from this incredible, creative soul.  She is an amazing teacher and currently I am taking her LifeBook2013 class, so more art to come of this nature!  I also have been working on lovely, happy little whimsy characters, inspirited by Tam's art and techniques.

 

My Beloved Elphaba, like me, is so MISUNDERSTOOD!

 

 

 

Girl in Green

 

Survivor

My journey with von Hippel Lindau disease (VHL) has altered my life significantly.  Four and a half years ago, I lost my beloved Dad to VHL; he succumbed to a brainstem tumor and renal cell carcinoma.  At the same time my Dad was dying, I was fighting for my life after having a Whipple for pancreatic cancer.  I currently have four brain tumors, seven spinal cord tumors, and tumors throughout my abdomen.  I am monitored closely and treat my tumors as necessary.  It is a very difficult life, but I choose to focus on the amazing parts of my life, like my phenomenal husband, daughters, best friend LL, the beautiful Loveland, Colorado, my writing, and my art! This page was inspired by my fight with VHL. (For more information on VHL, or to donate to cancer and VHL research, please visit vhl.org).

 

Please Check Back Soon!

I am delighted to begin this blog! Please check back soon, as I am currently gathering new content to post.  Upcoming posts include a book review, an update on my trip to the National Institutes of Health and my tumor growth (I leave this week, which explains the delay in posting...I should be packing, not typing!), and many pictures of my recent art journal pages.