Thursday, December 19, 2013

In-lightened

Dear friends, fellow artists and art lovers,
It has been a whirlwind (hurricane!) of a couple of weeks. You may have noticed I haven't posted anything here for a while. This isn't easy news to share, especially in such an impersonal way, but I wanted to tell you myself why this blog has been lacking as of late.

I've heard lots of anatomical, scientific and medical words over the past week, but the bottom line is I have metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. I begin chemotherapy treatment (I prefer to call it "Elixir of Life!" therapy) after Christmas.

Painting has always been a meditation for me...one where blissful hours pass unnoticed. As time and energy allow, I fully intend to continue that joyful meditation.

We all know that it's not the circumstances that are important but how we choose to respond to them.

I choose comfort.
I choose happiness.
I choose peace.

Bren
oil on panel, 6" x 6"
SOLD

29 comments:

Joanie Hall said...

<3 I love you Bren... will be praying for you. Joanie

Art Maine said...

Iris
Youris.
You rise
past the C
seeing every day
flowering, you, Iris,
both astounding
blooms of life this day,
every day. Iris is
one of your best.
Wonderful colors
will surely brush
your canvas
every
day
in
the
art
of
life.
Paint on...

Unknown said...

I wish and comfort and peace. You can do it. All the best....Helen

Anonymous said...

Wish and praying you comfort and healing with your treatment. Your work is very beautiful. Thank you for sharing such beauty with others.

Susan Whiting said...

Brenda,
I remember you as a bright, driven, child blessed with many special talents at 10 when I first met you.
It has been a pleasure to view your paintings ( meditations) as you create lovely image after image. Some have moved me very much and I thank you for that gift.

May your natural vitality and your positive outlook serve you well as you undertake the next phase of healing.
Wishing you blessings and all my best.
Love,
Susan Whiting

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

dearest Brenda,
thanks for sharing this.
I am with you.
Keep us posted.
and paint on.
therapy is doing
what you love.

suzanneberry said...

It is indeed what we do with the circumstances and I know you will do whatever it takes. You have become a beacon of light and comfort to me over the past year and I am so fortunate to have you as my dear, dear friend. Every day and in every way I will try to be a bit of light for you. I love you.

Dottie T Leatherwood said...

I am so sorry for such awful news! I will be thinking and praying for you! Wishing you peace and strength now and in the days to come!

Fay Terry said...

I love you, Bren! I have no doubt that the Elixir Of Life and your beautiful spirit will work together for you as you begin your healing journey. I will pray for your comfort, happiness, and peace.

Suzanne Roberts said...

Gather family and friends and surround yourself with love
I will keep you in my prayers for a quick recovery.
Hugs,
Sue

Roberta said...

Brenda, I've enjoyed your beautiful blog posts and paintings for the last year. I was so sad to hear that you are facing a battle right now, and I have hope that you will respond well to treatment. Keep painting and loving life :-)

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

May you and yours have the happiest of holidays! You are in my prayers for full recovery.

Lynn said...

Beautiful paintings, I especially enjoy the chickadees. Sending well wishes and prayers.

Unknown said...

You have so many who are praying and sending healing energy your way. Your talent is amazing, and I'm happy that as an artist, you can share your talent with so many. Namaste.

Monica Burnette said...

Thinking of you and sending good thoughts your way. Love.

Autumn Leaves said...

Brenda, I am so sorry to hear what you are going through and I think your positive attitude is the right way to go. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that you continue to paint and gives you many hours of peace from worrying.

Martha OLeary said...

Your beautifully written words as well as your amazing paintings reflect the strong and insightful person I'm sure you are. We have never met and I'm not sure why I clicked on your site but after reading your blog, I understood. My Sister in Law, was just diagnosed with stage IV squamous cell cancer and has begun her treatments at Dana Farber in Boston. She is strong and brave and is facing the beast with grit and determination. I will add you to my daily prayers and send you healing energy as you start your journey.

Linda Popple said...

You and your family will be in my thoughts. Wishing you strength to face this challenge. Cancer has entered into our family, too. Your positive attitude wll help carry you through your journey. Sending love and hugs.

Diana Moses Botkin said...

I got here from Suzanne Berry's post and am so very sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I will be praying for you.

And this painting is LOVELY! Irises hold a special place in my heart.

Linda Yoder said...

Brenda - I too got here from Suzanne's post - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family - your work is beautiful. May you feel healing and peace as you continue to create. I wish you all the best.
Sending a great big hug!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

You don't know me,, but I read your words of what you choose,, and so I am going to sit beside you while you soak in happiness, comfort and peace.
I am a friend of Suz's,,, and now I sit beside you,,,
love
tweedles

Mary Valente said...

Brenda, what hard information to receive and to deal with. Yet reading your blog, your choice of comfort and peace reflects the same grace and perspective which is found in your paintings....in your lovely birds and flowers. You are not alone in this journey. I, like so many of your other friends and admirers, send prayers and blessing to you.

Wendy Barrett said...

So sorry to hear what you are dealing with Brenda. I hope your art brings you a lot of comfort and happiness and helps to hasten the healing process. Thinking of you.

Susan Roux said...

Oh Brenda, I'm so sorry to hear of your news. I just stopped by Suz...

I wish you the best in this very troubling time. May your elixir for life heal you and bring you peace comfort and happiness. Blessings. You'll be in my thoughts...

karen s stitt said...

I think Art Maine said it best. Keep on.

Sheila said...

I will keep you in my prayers. Elixir YES! Focus on the positive, give Thanks each day for the healing that is taking place.

Merry Christmas, Happy and HEALTHY New Year Brenda!

Studio at the Farm said...

Hi Brenda,
I am here via Suzanne Berry.
I sense that you are a strong and brave woman, and following your chosen path of comfort, happiness and peace you will find health. My thoughts are with you.
Kathryn

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

Brenda, I have always been a fan of your work, and I will absolutely remember you in my prayers. Horrifying to me how MANY of my friends are struggling with cancers right now. My sister-in-law is dealing with exactly what you are. I choose joy for you, as well as comfort, happiness and peace. ((hugs))

Carol Flatt said...

Brenda, prayers are coming your way for strength and healing. I so admire not only your beautiful, delightful work and your endless creativity, but your forceful determination to seek comfort, happiness and peace. We are all with you, Brenda, with love!