Nearing the end of September

Looking back over the month of September I can say that I feel satisfied with the progress I have made. I actually had TWO finishes. Amazing, for me!

First, I finished the Knit for Kids Sweater I had started months ago. That will be shipped off to Guideposts as part of the Knit for Kids Project. This project provides sweaters for needy children all over the world. After I finished it, I started a second one. My goal is to complete two to send off by the end of the year.

Second, I finished the Penelope Blouse, by Oat Couture. I am modeling the newly finished blouse in the photos here. I used Lana Grossa, "Basic" yarn that I bought in Germany last year. This blouse took me months to do. It was frogged over and over again, until I finally "got it." I am not very experienced at lace knitting, so it was a big challenge for me to do this. After many starts and frogging escapades, I finally got it going and finished it. I will definitely make the next one in this pattern in the small size, instead of the medium you see here. This yarn is stretchy, and the pattern runs BIG. I have already started a second one using a fine wool blend by Dale of Norway.



September has been a pleasant month for me in many ways. I have worked at my research on Hildegard of Bingen, and I have been working like mad on my encrusted bead works. When I am reading about Hildegard, I can barely stop my reading to pursue the rest of my day. I keep saying, "Just one more chapter." She is giving me insight into life for a young lady of noble birth, in the High Middle Ages. I love it.

I am using the months of the year as motifs in my bead work. I am picking up on images and colors that are particular for the month. I have completed a couple of pieces for "August." They are periwinkle purples and lively vivid hot pinks with ameythist and Mother of Pearl.. That is the colors I see here in Western PA in August. The colors of chicory blooming along the roadsides amid the Queen Ann's Lace, and other blossoms. Each lit by the brilliant sunshine.

I did a stunning bracelet for "September." In September things become more subdued. The fields retain a deep blue green, but at the same time the landscape becomes golden, a pearly pink mingled with the very soft tans as the flowers become softer and the plants turn from strong greens to russets. Punctuated here and there are the soft ivory whites, and the softest pinks of the wildly blooming morning glories on the hillsides. I have posted the September bracelet for you to see. It is created using gem stones, fresh water pearls, lots of crystals and Japanese and Bohemian glass beads.

I plan to create October next - and I will be watching the landscape to choose my palette of colors. October will be blazing and ROARing Oranges and Reds, I would think.

I am so thankful that I am a creative person. What would our lives be like without ART? Art is everywhere. It is in every direction that you cast your eyes. It lives and breathes in all seasons. Art is life. And, life is art.

19 Years

Here I am enjoying my life on a trip to Puerto Rico last year. My daughter Heidi snapped this photo. I was feeling good because my Life is good and I am glad to be an active participant in it.
Well, the real topic of this little message is that there is LIFE after tragic events and physical difficulties. I want to share that a little bit here today.

I went to Pittsburgh (PA) yesterday to have my annual breast exam at Hillman Cancer Institute. It has now been 19 years since I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I had surgery and then radiation treatments in 1988. At that time I worried that I might not have another five years of life. There were so many things I still wanted to do. I wanted to complete my education.I wanted to make lots of art and work in my studio. I wanted to travel to Europe and other places I had only read about in books. Most of all, I wanted to see my grandchildren growing up. I wanted to celebrate with my family members and be here for them to spend holidays with them and to be around to give some motherly advice and encouragement. I wanted to uplift other people and give encouragement to those I met who were struggling. I just wanted to BE. And, I was so afraid.

I am delighted to report that it has now been 19 years of good reports. I never take it for granted. And, I try my best to be an encourager of people who need it. Each year I wait anxiously for the results of my mamogram. I sit there in the little waiting room along with a few other patients, and we wait. There is not usually much interaction among the ladies waiting. Sometimes, the group is talkative and jolly. But, yesterday it was a very quiet group. But, we smile at each other. Somehow, we know, we have something in common. We have a bond. We are waiting and hoping for a good report. I got mine. I went away very happy.

My husband always accompanies me on these yearly trips. After we left the hospital he took me to my favorite bead shop, the Crystal Bead Bazaar in Lawrenceville. I did a little shopping for beads to make something special for me. I love the color orange - the flaming brilliant color of orange. The kind of orange that screams. I bought a lot of orange beads and I intend to make a nice orange celebration necklace. Every time I put it on I will be thankful for my 19th year of good reports and healthy living. I have been blessed beyond measure.

If someone you know is facing this dreaded disease, please let them know that I am now in my 19th year - it will brighten their day. I am always willing to talk to anyone who might need to be in touch with another Breast Cancer survivor. I am glad to help in any way I can.

And, here is a website that might just help someone else, too. CLICK HERE

If you like to knit or crochet, or even weave, then you might like to make a scarf for a Chemo patient. My cyber friend Shelly has organized a wonderful project called Scarves from the Heart. People from all over the country are making scarves for these patients who so desperately need the love and comfort they give. You can read about it all - HERE
Shelly recently lost her sister to cancer. And, Shelly's daughter is also fighting for her life as a cancer patient. Maybe you would like to make a scarf and give some love to another person who needs it. How about it?