From the movie 'Tin Cup'

"When the defining moment comes along,

you define the moment or

the moment defines you."

Wow

That made my heart sing abit,

So I have to acknowledge

I have know idea what I'm doing...

so I'm going to start fresh.

My journey started over 10 years ago,

a lump in my neck,

that kept growing and growing.

soon I could no longer swallow any food or drink.

My weight kept going down and down,

on a good note that would be great.

Soon came all the doctors appointments and

tests and more tests, and more tests.

Biopsies at least 3,

one biopsy I lost my voice for 1 year,

because they nicked my jugular and in that moment

my left vocal cord was damaged.

My voice never has been the same.

The last surgery they put in a trach and stomach tube.

I've had both for 9 years.

To look at me you would not see anything,

other than I wear a scarf around my neck.

I can eat almost anything because my family doc, I had at the time,

encourage me to do so.

That way I would not lose the muscle I had left.

I took it easy at first then kept on going.

So I've been on a quest,

for a more meaningful life.

One thing I know for sure...

there are some fantastic people out there.

Grateful can not explain the blessings I've had.

Maybe if I said 'Grateful' a million times.

That's why I've plunged deeper into my creative life.

I have discovered I have not just one block it seems more like

 a whole wall, preventing me from breaking out.

Breaking free from these chains.

I am so GRATEFUL to Kim Klassen,

she charged me up.

I still feel lost and not sure but the motor is going.

That's a good thing.

Through Kim I joined "Big" with

Connie Hozvicka.

http://www.dirtyfootprints-studio.com/

She is so so so incredible.

Can't wait to start.

I like her approach to art.

So onward and upward

I feel a little lighter.....aaahhh

that's a story....I don't... tell... very often.

Thank you for listening...Universe

kim klassen inspiration staycation: can you say BURST?

kim klassen inspiration staycation: can you say BURST?: "thank you hildefor letting me share your groovy 'peace out' image...... happy monday stay-cation friends. it's finally here. oh my gosh, ..."

Challenge

I have taken Kim Klassens Photoshop course, www.kimklassencafe.com/2010/04/firstgear-photoshop-skinny.htm, really have enjoy it.
So I was thinking I would put it to good use and make a calendar and put some of the techniques in each month, then give for Christmas gifts.  Its so hard to find something to give someone, that you don't know intimately, a thoughtful gift.  I always try and give something I have created in some way, I don't know if they like it, but I thoroughly enjoy a homemade gift.  Them making it with there own hands and with the intent of giving it to me, is so wonderful.
The best gift I have gotten, as of late, was from friends of ours......they were on a road trip up in northern Ontario and stopped in front of a big rock cliff and while one watched for cars......the other SPRAY PAINTED our names on the rocks, " Maurice loves Gail".  Then took a picture of it!!! They framed it and when I received it....well tears filled my eyes.
Reasons: - Just the thought of someone putting that much thought into a gift, just filled my heart with joy.
                - these couple are in there late fifties, the image I see in my mind of them spray painting the rocks and looking out for cars, makes me smile. Wish I had a picture of them in the act.
               - simple inexpensive gift with so much power

Ironically I thought the picture was photoshopped :~)
P.S. They use water based paint