2003 Introduction to the blog group Belle Papier

Forever young at 54 I live on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia with my wonderful DH of 20 years, a view of the ocean and cedar trees that sway in the wind in our yard.  Our 30 year old son lives in Vancouver (a 35 minute ferry ride away) and works in the movie industry.  And the good news is I am approaching early retirement next May (YAHOO!!!)  we broke ground on July 15, 2003 for my new studio.  From this 600 sq. ft. addition I will be able to pursue my passion.  Making and teaching book arts.  I have "created" in some form of art all of my life - weaving, spinning, dying was an earlier passion.  I've dabbled in fimo, sculpting, painting, always creating in various forms of paper art.  I have made it, painted it, pasted it, stamped it, folded it, scultpted it, cut it, printed it and collaged it.  And for the last few years I have been making books.  I love making books, altered books and recycled books.  I teach book arts and travel to workshops and classes where I learn and share and gather inspiration.  I include found objects and collage in my pieces.

 

Vancouver Art Gallery

Every child has their '1st' visit to an Art Gallery.  Luke had his.  I'm not too sure he was as impressed with the work of Lawren Harris (Group of Seven) as we were but he covered the first two floors before he let us know it was time for a break and a breath of sunshine.

 

What have I been doing since I was diagnosed. Well lets see....

Family 

                                                   

   

Spending Time with Little Luke (20 months)

Drinking Smoothies

Knitting 

Special time with Chloe and Sage

Spent lots of time back in the studio

Missed the Aquababes in the Desert

Radiation has begun

I started my radiation treatments on March 26th.  It will all be over on Wednesday, April 16th.  Yep, that's my 65th birthday.  16 treatments - I have 6 to go.  I haven't documented much about this journey.  It's been a long winter here in British Columbia.  There have been medical exams, xrays, specialist appointments, surgery's (2), tatooing, and a lot of waiting.  It's been frustrating but it's almost over.  I've maintained a positive attitude.  What better diagnoses than to have a small lump, found early in my right breast - called insitu.  Ofcourse there is a lot of medical jargon that goes with that, but let's keep it simple.  I'm going to post some photo's and maybe a little story here and there - maybe not.  But I've been away from my Blog for way too long so this might be a 'beginning'.