Following yesterdays exploration of maquettes, I've found a better link to all of the Artlog's blog posts about makers of maquettes. I find it hard to pick a favorite, they're all so unique. Share a response if you find a favorite, I'd love to read the who's and why's.


 Following the train of sharing thoughts, I'd like to share a bit about my journey, starting way back in 2004. My life prior to that point was the life of a wife and mom, working part time in a job I loved. I was a nurse case manager for at risk seniors, mainly people with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. My career had been nursing, for 30 years or so. Working in many different functions as an RN. Home health and hospice were how I spent many working years. Hard and difficult work at times. Humorous and fun times also, like the time one of my clients who lived in a secure assisted living facility told me as lunch time was nearing, "The food on this cruise ship is so delicious, I love it" Did I mention so rewarding also?

However, sometimes life happens, shaking you to the core and bringing new insights to your life. Fortunately, I don't have memories of my particular experience. I'm grateful for that. I was rear ended on the interstate near where I live. Not just rear ended while I was slowed down due to road construction, but hit from behind by a flat bed semi truck traveling about 45 mph. A new driver, looking down at a map on the floor, looked up to see my car, and couldn't avoid hitting me.

I was also pushed off the highway and my car flipped end over end. A road worked who saw this unfold, said at my deposition that it was better than watching an action movie. He was surprised to learn that I was still alive.

I went through a couple of years of rehab and six months of cognitive
therapy. It was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. I'm so grateful for all of the healthcare professionals who cared for me. They were terrific for the most part. I've come a long ways, on a switchback road, never sure of what lay ahead.

 It's hard for anyone to understand a brain injury. Each injury is unique. There are similar characteristics depending which area of your brain is affected. My primary affect area is my frontal cortex. "Executive function" The part of your brain that can plan, follow through, and keep all the plates spinning and balanced at the same time. Maybe not perfectly, but well enough.

 Because of this injury I wasn't able to return to a career in nursing. My multitasking hard working brain came to a stop. Not renewing my RN license was hard for me.

 Enough sharing for today. I'll stop for now, sharing this art quilt that I created, my first one following the accident. Titled "Your Wishing Heart"  Shown in the 2006 exhibit "Indelible Spirit" The quote reads "It's important to follow your wishing heart.

Wanderings

I love to wander during my online adventures. The same as I enjoy poking around in thrift/second hand and antique stores. Looking at the possibilities of what's there. Not exactly knowing what I could use it for or in what way/form. One of my favorite people is Rima of The Hermitage. Her most recent post about her life at the moment included maquettes she created as compositional aids for future works. Rima's work is so "her". Her expressive method of portraying folk tales, fairy tales and lettering. Her life's a mix of music (both hers and others), puppetry, interesting people and places and the otherness of living on the outside of "regular" life. I always leave her site, having spent much time relishing her most recent post. After reading today, I was interested in learning more about maquettes. If you'd like to learn a little more, here are some of the places I explored. Gathering Moss Clive-Jenkins Hicks Artlog if you like what you see, make sure to read parts 1-4 also. I'm loving these. Henry Moore Perry Green Enjoy your travels. Cheers!