Karen's Muse and Musings

September Is Ovarian Cancer Month

Over a year ago, I joined in with almost 100 other artists to collaborate on an art doll to raise money for ovarian cancer research. Each of us made a charm or decorated a man's tie, and Jan Brown put together a gorgeous almost life-size doll that was raffled off. Later my friend Aileen Roberts created a beautiful and inspiring book about the project, and, once again, all the proceeds from the sale of the book go to ovarian cancer research. I purchased the paperback version, and I treasure it, but I wish I had bought the hardback version. You can see the book — inside and out — and find out how to buy it here on Aileen's blog. It would make a loving and meaningful gift for someone special or for yourself. After all, you're pretty special!

Happy New Year!

Here's to 2010! I pray that this year will be filled with peace and joy for us all.

As I look back on 2009, it has been a little rough for many of us, at least financially. Of course, Warren and I had a new grandchild this past year, and we're definitely thankful for our little Kathleen plus all the wonderful times spent with Bobby during 2009. Watching them both grow and develop has been the highlight of our year.

For me, another happy, exciting part of my 2009 experience was losing 45 pounds. For the first time in years, I can ignore all the weight loss ads on television, not wondering about their products and if they would work for me. (I have wanted to share this with you, but it is hard to write about. I don't want to come across as preaching.) I have tried to lose weight and keep it off for several years now, but I believe I finally found the secret — walking! Yes, I did watch what I ate, especially at first, but I found that by walking at least 4 miles a day, I could lose weight and get plenty to eat. I know — you may have exclaimed "4 miles a day!" unless you are a true athlete which I am definitely not. When I first started walking, I hated every step. Even walking a mile was a challenge, but I kept it up, and now I often walk 6 miles a day. Yes, it takes time, but it's time well spent. It's been not only good for my physical health but my emotional health. When I walk out my front door into the fresh air, I feel free and unencumbered. I escape for an hour or two with my music or with audiobooks — books that I would never have found the time to read otherwise. So, if you are making a resolution to lose weight this year, you can do it. Just take that first step and keep on walking.

I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream

Years ago I read Harlan Ellison's short story with this title, and although the story has faded a bit from my memory, I'll never forget the title. From what I remember, the human body had evolved into a blob with a functioning brain but no limbs ... or mouths! I felt a little mouth-less a few days ago. My cellphone died a quick and merciful death, followed closely by the demise of my modem. I was cut off from the world! Yes, it's true, I had contact with nearby family and friends, but what about my online friends? How could I survive not knowing what they were up to? Or, how could they survive not knowing what I was up to? What did we do before this world of instant communication? Yes, it has its pitfalls. Sometimes, I wish I could escape the ring of an ever-present phone. But ... when I don't have that phone, I'm nervous about driving without it. What if my car breaks down? What if I have a wreck? Thankfully, the cellphone and the modem have been replaced. Once again, I have a mouth, and I can even scream ... if I need to.

(Yikes! I've been cleaning house all day, sat down at the computer for the few available minutes I have before starting dinner, and my husband calls. "I'm on my way home. Didn't get to eat lunch. Fix me something." Hmmm ... maybe I need to rethink this need for a cellphone.)

Our New Angel

We have a new grandson, Robert Jacob. "Bobby" made his entrance into the world yesterday, September 8, 2008, weighing 8 pounds and 15 ounces. He's 19 inches long and perfect in every way.

Glass Houses and Tornadoes

With tornadoes blowing and baseball-sized hail falling all around our area today, what did I choose to do? Build a glass house, of all things, while watching the TV weather coverage all day — just in case I had to run down to the basement. My husband and I had this strange conversation that only a married couple could have. You know the kind, when you're only half listening to each other? He comes up the stairs talking about the huge hail just reported on the TV. I'm thoroughly engrossed in my little glass house, so I say "guess what I'm doing, I'm building a glass house." Suddenly we were aware of what the other was saying, and we both burst out laughing.

I'm sure most of you have heard of the terrible storms that have blown through the Atlanta area over the last 24 hours. The force of nature is amazing. My family and I are okay, but my heart goes out to the people who have lost their homes and, in at least 2 cases, their lives.

Memorial

Last week my mother-in-law, Kitty, passed away. She had Alzheimer's disease, and in many ways had left us several years ago. Still, it is very sad to know that she is no longer with us in this world. Kitty was a remarkable woman, beautiful with a bold spirit. In 1939 she became one of the first stewardesses for Delta Airlines at a time when being a registered nurse was a requirement. This past Saturday, the Atlanta Journal Constitution printed a lovely article about her along with a gorgeous photo of her in front of an old Delta airplane. I scanned the article, and hopefully it will be readable when I insert it at the end of this post.

In one of those interesting twists of fate, this week's theme for Gothic Arches is History. This gave me a perfect opportunity to use this historic photo of Kitty and make a little tribute to her.

Now here's the article. Click on the image to enlarge it.

Autumn Glory

We are at the peak of autumn color in the Atlanta area. I was worried that our extreme drought would affect the leaves, but Mother Nature has prevailed in a spectacular display of riotous golds and reds. Wednesday night we did get a little rain followed by windy, colder weather. I picked up a bunch of splendid leaves on my lawn, arranged them on my scanner, and created the above piece of digital art.

Yesterday morning, I pulled my car off the road to capture this beautiful line of trees with my camera. At home, I was struck by the light coming through the canopy of yellow leaves on our huge ornamental cherry.

Last night we attended a charity function, The Experience, sponsored by Code Red Atlanta. Code Red raises monies for Atlanta children with HIV/AIDS, and not just money because these young professionals actually get involved with these children at camps and days at the park. I'm very proud to say that my stepson, Buddy (Warren IV), is very active with this wonderful group. In fact next year he will be the chairperson. We're so proud of you, Buddy!