Wandering Thoughts

5/22/08

Well, today is my husband’s birthday so first “Happy Birthday” to Nick.
Lots going on for wandering minds, Laura has wandered back into the studio more frequently lately (yippee!). I have been teaching a little which I love doing, and hope to do more of soon. My darling little boy (ha, ha, he’s not so little) Nicholas is graduating high school and going to Wentworth in the fall.
I had two paintings accepted into the Danforth Museum’s “Community of Artists Show” This will have its opening night on graduation night! That’s Murphy’s Law for you.

I have been painting a lot lately (see new silver dollar plant study). I’m doing a series of studies using a money plant, partly because of the way it catches light and is interesting to capture as it is always changing, and partly because I’m using it to symbolize money, greed, poverty, etc in society. The latest one “Good Intentions” is a little crazy, but I think therapeutic and reflective of my current state of mind, worrying about finances, my children, feeling a lack of control. It might not “match the couch” and look good with anyone’s décor, but it felt great to purge a little stress while painting it and took on a life of its own. I hope to post on this more frequently (though not sure if anyone ever reads it), so see you soon! Sarah

10/29/07

Well, Laura and I have been to Mayo and back and it was amazing! We painted in Abby’s, by the banks of Doo Lough (Black Lake), and all kinds of beautiful places. We had a charming Irish host named Olcan (also a talented musician) who serenaded us with his penny whistle while we worked. Artist Becky Haletky, so energetic and full of mischief, guided us through some intriguing locations. We were also blessed to share a house with six other women artists who were all so special. It was a diverse group, but everyone got along so well. We saw many of the castles belonging to pirate queen Grace O’Malley (who’s story is an inspiration), and ate wonderful Irish food. I could go on and on about Ireland, such a magical place!
I am also once again recovering from another eye operation (#9), a cartilidge graft to my lower right lid, and have to go back for the other eye in two weeks! They used cartilidge from behind my ear, so just call me Van Gogh!!!! I should have yet another black eye this weekend at Open Studio, nothing new there. I’m very excited and full of ideas for Ireland paintings, and should have plenty of material for this winter.

8/13/07

It’s been another long lapse between entries, so please be patient with me!
A lot has happened; Laura is doing well, though it has been a tough year for her. As of the present moment she is Ok and getting back to life as usual.
I had my eye muscle operation (finally!) and it went well. I can chuck the prism glasses for now, and though it’s not “over”, it’s stable for now. Most of the double vision has been corrected. I still have stitches in my eyes and they are bloodshot so I look like a drunk!
In any event we’re hoping for better times ahead! In September Laura and I will go to Ireland with artist Becky Haletky on a ten day painting/photography workshop in County Mayo. It is something we’ve both wanted to do for a long time. This past year has taught us that life is short so why put off your dreams and goals for “someday” when we can make things happen now. Carpe Diem!!!!
Hopefully we’ll have new work from this adventure in the Emerald Isle, so visit us at our November Open Studios and see what we come up with!

1/17/07

So much has happened since our last journal entry. Where do I begin? I (Sarah) am still experiencing double vision a year after my orbital decompression surgery. Thanks to prism glasses I am able to function fairly well. I was scheduled for eye muscle surgery to correct the problem, but had to postpone it due to increasing problems with other muscles.
Laura has been through yet another battle with cancer. This time it is Breast Cancer, which is the third time she has had to deal with cancer. To make matters worse she fell and injured her knee and ankle delaying her return to work. It has been a sad and difficult time for us wanderingminds.
Last week was to be her ten year anniversary of being cancer free. She is currently recovering from surgery and her prognosis is good.
We are having a benefit for Laura on March 10th to help raise money, and her spirits, and to ease the burdens that this battle has put on her.
We are also searching for some kind of music or entertainment if anyone has any ideas or suggestions I would be eternally grateful!
For anyone wishing to make a donation, there is a fund set up for her c/o the Milford Federal Savings Bank 246 Main St P.O. box 210, Milford MA 01757-0210 Checks can be made payable to The Laura Williams Recovery Fund.
Those of you who are interested in attending the event can e-mail me for more details. I’ll post an invitation when the details are finalized.
Some of you have promised silent auction items, and what I'm going to need from you is a confirmation, and description of the item with an estimated value by February 25th. When fliers are available I'll make sure to get them out to everyone.

earlier journal entries

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