(posted on former website 10.24.17)
I have been away for awhile, dealing with 'venturing into the unknown.' In fact, if you look at my past post, it was about a year ago. A year ago, I was a special model for at last year's Fashion With Compassion. It was a major fundraiser for Sorrentino's Compassion House; which was the house I stayed in while I had my radiation treatments at the Cross Cancer Institute.
As I said before, I have been away for awhile. It has been awhile since:
As I said before, I have been away for awhile. It has been awhile since:
- I posted on this website
- I posted on the 'what advice would you give your younger self?' (www.articulating.ca) site
- I painted... drew... collaged... played with my art supplies
- I wrote, and played, consistently in my journal
- I taught my wonderful students, the wonders of Art, at EPC School
- I kept contact with my special, 'Breast' friends, from Compassion House and Cross Cancer Institute
- I logged on, liked, commented and watched what was happening in the lives my friends, close by and around the world, on FaceBook
- ... and there is so much more.
I have been away dealing with my cancer treatments, the growth on my spine, other medical appointments, depression, social anxiety and therapy (for body and mind); for years, my life has felt like I have been 'venturing into the unknown.' I must admit, I have been focusing on myself and the healing of my #MindBodySpirit . First of all, the strong side effects with my cancer treatments and medications are still being worked out. Secondly, my Pain Doctor has helped me find medications that have helped ease the pain caused by the growth on my spine (10+ years in the making!) and body. And lastly, I have found a therapist that is helping me with my grief and sense of loss in my life (my mom dying, the growth on my spine, breast cancer, my dad being very ill et al.). I feel like the fog has been lifting as I have started to think about my art, analyzing other's art creations (how did they do that?!?), writing, journal play and losing the weight I have gained. During my time away, I comforted myself with food, but as you know, eating food for comfort only lasts for a short time.
Last month, Melissa Kraft, from Sorrentino's Compassion House, asked if I would be willing to share my journey, at the House and after, at their amazing fundraiser called Fashion With Compassion. I immediately said, 'Yes!' My immediate reaction actually surprised me, NOT because I didn't want to help, but because I wasn't sure I was ready to share my story in that manner. Her request made me step back and see that this could be the 'push' I was needing, and that my sharing could help others. So, I began looking through past journals to help me create my presentation.
Last month, Melissa Kraft, from Sorrentino's Compassion House, asked if I would be willing to share my journey, at the House and after, at their amazing fundraiser called Fashion With Compassion. I immediately said, 'Yes!' My immediate reaction actually surprised me, NOT because I didn't want to help, but because I wasn't sure I was ready to share my story in that manner. Her request made me step back and see that this could be the 'push' I was needing, and that my sharing could help others. So, I began looking through past journals to help me create my presentation.
This year's Fashion With Compassion Gala is focusing on 'Venturing into the Unknown.' The Compassion House Foundation has seen the need to help cancer patients with depression. Did you know that depression is a common experience for cancer patients and survivors? Compassion House is wanting to hire a full time therapist to be, and work with, patients in the House, and when they return home. So, now, I began "Venturing Into the Unknown" to help this wonderful organization and their present, and former residents.
Last week, I was interviewed by Carmen Leibel, of CTV Edmonton; the interview was titled "Breast cancer artist forced to put work on hold." (Click on the previous sentence and the highlighted hyperlink to view the video).
So this Thursday, on October 26, this cancer survivor will share a snippet of my mental health story. The 'Syncrude present Fashion With Compassion' Gala will have two events on that day; there is a Lunch event (from 11am - 2pm), and the Gala Reception (6pm) with the Dinner & Program (7pm). This year I will be one of nine special models (former residents of Compassion House), and share my journey in both the Lunch and Dinner shows. It is my hope that the Gala will continue to provide 'Sorrentino's Compassion House the funds to help ease the distress of the cancer journey for women,' who live in rural Alberta and elsewhere. And then with my sharing, I hope that I will help and change their lives as well.
Last week, I was interviewed by Carmen Leibel, of CTV Edmonton; the interview was titled "Breast cancer artist forced to put work on hold." (Click on the previous sentence and the highlighted hyperlink to view the video).
So this Thursday, on October 26, this cancer survivor will share a snippet of my mental health story. The 'Syncrude present Fashion With Compassion' Gala will have two events on that day; there is a Lunch event (from 11am - 2pm), and the Gala Reception (6pm) with the Dinner & Program (7pm). This year I will be one of nine special models (former residents of Compassion House), and share my journey in both the Lunch and Dinner shows. It is my hope that the Gala will continue to provide 'Sorrentino's Compassion House the funds to help ease the distress of the cancer journey for women,' who live in rural Alberta and elsewhere. And then with my sharing, I hope that I will help and change their lives as well.
Former Comments:
from Marilyn J: It's so great to hear from you again, Barb. I think of you so often, especially the last month while I've been planning the Christmas in the Pines Art Show again. I am so happy to hear that you've been inspired to pick up your brushes again and also to venture out in support of this amazing fundraiser cause for cancer survivors. I continue to send out prayers and positive thoughts your way and hope that we'll be able to touch base again, when you are up to it. Take care, Barb.
from Jackie A: I'll be thinking of you tomorrow, Barbara. I know that your story will help others and in the telling and sharing it will help you, too. Take very good care, my dear.
from Susan R: Thanks for sharing your journey Barb. Wishing you health and full recovery soon! Thanks for your courage and updates
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