The Divine Miss Debi and I Picked These For You

"The Divine Miss Debi" - mixed media on reclaimed (Irma) wood, 13" x 48".  Inquiries.

"I Picked These For You" - mixed media on aquabord, 16" x 20".  Ready to frame, or can be leaned against a wall on a shelf.  Available on Artfinder.

October.  A cool front.  A package of autumn leaves in the mail.  Windows open (in Florida, we close them against the heat, and re-open when it cools off).  Clouds, gray skies, pumpkins.  Breast cancer.

Breast cancer?  Yes, it is breast cancer awareness month.  Which happens to coincide with my annual mammogram.  This way I won't ever forget to have one.  Just like our wedding anniversary is on Valentine's Day, which I believe was designed just so people won't forget when they got hitched. :)

I was pondering this annual ritual as I sat in the waiting room.  Every year, sitting here.  Wondering if I have cancer.  This isn't something I would normally even contemplate.  But on this day, every year, because I sit here, I wonder. It is an excruciating emotional exercise.  Especially if your mom died from breast cancer.  I sit here wondering what I would do, what treatments I would choose, whether or not I would bother with reconstruction, with a tattoo'd replacement nipple, if I would have any sensation remaining.  If I would be alive to know it.

The results arrived in 24 hours.  I don't have cancer.  This time.  But many do and have.  

One of them, for which the first painting is named, is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit, the exuberant joy of being ALIVE and the determination to choose a vibrant existence surrounded by positive people.  She exudes ferocity.  And her hair is a gorgeous mane. It isn't flowers, but it could be.  And isn't it perfect that she is painted on reclaimed wood from Hurricane Irma - something strong surviving a tempest.

The second painting is a completion from the recent demo.  This one a little contemplative and studious.  She has a story, but she hasn't whispered it to me yet.  Did she tell you?