Life after Death

This is a picture of my Daughter Jenny, taken a few months before she passed away. She is looking quite pensive here but beautiful.

Not even a great quality photo, but I love this candid moment...

When she passed, a piece of me was taken and it left a huge empty space inside me. I had a breakdown and was admitted to the psychiatric hospital for about two weeks. 

They offered art therapy at the facility I was in. The first thing we did was collage playing cards. There were all kinds of paint colors, images, and magazines. The first piece I made was torn pieces of an image of a beautiful woman. Then I put the word "Madness" across it. That collage was the epitome of how life I felt after Jenny's accidental death in 2004, at age 20.

Art therapy coupled with my rawness at that time made for some interesting art. And now besides being my Husbands full time caregiver, I am also a full time artist soon to open a shop. Art helped me heal. Art gave me a way to express myself and "glue" if you will, all the pieces of myself back together.

Just like gluing a broken vase back together... 
Where the pieces were broken is still visible, and it can't hold water anymore, but it can hold silk or dried flowers!
 An adjustment to the vases purpose...

In my case Art replaced Nursing...
I'll talk a little more about this some day, but right now I'm wondering if you have ever grieved something, or someone? What helped you cope? I'm very interested in how you or others you may know have coped with loss.

Have a great weekend, and remember to get help if you need it. I look forward to your comments! 

Tanya

Stumbling

This morning I was Stumbling on Stumbleupon.com and found this gem. This fantastic list is from www.lifeonpaperco.com  the worksheets are under the heading "Free".

I have adapted it to my needs, such as Toys. No kids here, and I put my toys away after using them. Instead of  toys in their place..Mine says put all clutter in basket (to be sorted later). Anyone could fill in their own tasks, but this is a great place to start. Being a list oriented person, I love this and wanted to share. 

Happy Cleaning! 

Do you have any cleaning tips or tricks? Please comment. I'd love to know.

Have a great Monday.

Laura

Into Pt.1

So, life drastically changed for "The Hubs" and I since his 2 strokes and ongoing therapy. We are rolling with the changes tho, and have been reminded to be grateful for little things. Like just being home together, after his 3 month stay in the Hospital and in patient therapy.
 Now, I am his full time caregiver and part time artist. I love to paint children's art and abstracts, my favorite mediums are acrylic and guache.

 I quit Nursing and became a full time artist after my oldest Daughter passed away in an accident in 2004. She was 20 years old. I went to a mental hospital for about 10 days, because at her funeral I had a complete melt down...
At the hospital we had art therapy! It saved my life at that time. I now know my true calling. Art! My soul....poured out on canvas.

Everyone has struggles, changes, and obstacles...
What are some of the ways you cope with these things? I love hearing  how others cope with changes in their lives. Sometimes devastating change can bring about a whole new part of a person that they didn't realize was even there before. I'd love to hear from you! Questions and comments are always welcome.

Hope you have a great week.
Laura Rettig Bishop