Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Healing

I trust my body's urge to heal. I don't have to make it get well. All I have to do is support it. I am becoming healthier every day.

After my last doctor appointment on Monday I was told I can start using the computer a little. One hour a day to either sew in my studio with a machine (no close hand work), use the computer or similar tasks. I can start adding an hour a day, as long as my eye doesn't get tired, up to six hours.

I was mistaken about cholesterol being the culprit of causing my retinal tears. Cholesterol DOES affect your eyesight and I have to get mine down for that reason but my doctor, Dr. Gloria Wu, insists that my tears happened from lifting heavy things. I am really puzzled by this. I don't lift heavy objects often and things I do lift seemed easy enough. She said that perhaps what I could lift at age 46 I can't lift at 56 but ............ ?????? I can bench press 50 pounds easy enough and often load my car with all the items I need to teach with. I usually have someone load and unload the two microwaves so I just can't believe I've lifted anything heavy enough to cause this. I guess I'll just have to be careful about that from now on, but how do I know what's too heavy? Confusing huh?

It's been weeks of resting my eyes which meant doing almost nothing. It's been a frustrating journey but I've had lots of time to philosophy about my life. I had to cancel teaching at Create in Costa Mesa, I had to cancel a show in Santa Cruz I was suppose to participate in this last weekend, and I have to cancel my trip to Missouri. Is this a wake up call for me to slow down? Can I do that? Do I want to? All these questions have come up for me to ponder I often wonder about the classes I teach and what it is that students really want to learn from me. There are deadlines for 2012 proposals that are approaching. I would love to hear from all of you who would be interested in taking a workshop from me, what class would you like to see me offer? I've been interested in teaching some natural dye workshops but that could not happen in a six hour hotel setting classroom. I would love to work with a small group to take a vintage or used garment and help them upcycle it by dyeing fabrics to create embellishments, tea dyeing, dyeing the garment itself, and/or dyeing vintage laces and trims. I could do small or individual workshops in my studio in the Santa Cruz Mountains. If any of this sounds interesting to you or you have ideas please let me know.

I'm getting off the computer now so I don't waste my two hours of time today doing this. I'm anxious to get back in the studio!!!

I'm on the mend and while it may take several more weeks before I'm back to normal I am grateful that my sight was spared, that the technology today is so amazing to repair eyes and to all those who have sent cards, called, sent positive energy my way and well wishes. I do so appreciate this. Thank you.

7 comments:

The Creative Beast said...

Congratulations on the continued healing and the ability to being working in your studio or computer for an hour a day!

I would love to attend one of your workshops but it's a bit of a drive so I will have to look for you teaching closer to Los Angeles sometime...maybe you could teach the class you have proposed (dyeing and up-cycling a vintage garment) at Artful Journey sometime??? I would love to do a class like that =-)

Judy Streger said...

It's good to see that you are on the mend.

Joanne Huffman said...

Hooray! Glad to hear things are on the mend. Fran and I are interested in a private class at your studio in 2012!

Connie said...

yay yay yay! call anytime- i love to chat!

lilylovekin said...

I'm glad you have some limited "eye" time. I'm sorry you've had to cancel so many commitments. I hope you are better by Art Unraveled-I plan to be there.

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you are better. Redo contracts for classes and send stuff ahead by shipping. Take care of yourself your art is much too beautiful to lose. Another weaver Carol.

Jill Berry said...

Thank goodness your eyes are healing. What a scare, geeze. I am sorry you had to cancel your workshops, especially since I know what work it is to get them in the first place.
love to you, and best wishes for more healing, more opportunities...
xooxo