The last month has been difficult; I have been diagnosed with a malignant melanoma and surgery is coming soon. The whole experience has been a test. My sewing has been my main therapy. My family has been a great support; my family doctor has been my champion. The insurance company has approved surgery at Sloan Kettering in NYC; they have paid for everything. I found a capable surgeon who will be taking care of me. My son tells me I am stronger than I know. The week at Quilting by the Lake was important. Time away to just enjoy; the heat was unbelieveable- 90's every day with no air conditioning. The bed was lumpy and the food was good. My instructor Emily Richardson was just great; she was pushing me into art composition and expression from an abstract point of view. She had a slide presentation every morning and then we had exercises to practice what she had just discussed. By the end of the week we were asked to complete 4 pieces (18" x 24" average) using solid colors in black/white, 6 shades of one color, several colors of our choice, and one piece based on a word or idea (passion, doubt, strength, anticipation, nervous.. etc) I believe It really turned me around so that my work will have some new direction. She is more the consummate artist than quilter. I gave her a big hug. Next year I want to take another course of this type of work. I do have some work to show from last week which I will put on the blog tomorrow.
