“I paint a slice of life, whatever it is that day.” – Geoffrey Holder
Pretty much all I could think about today was my ribs. They decided to remind me that I have Ankylosing Spondylitis – something I try to forget most days. But it’s been a strange spring in Colorado and we’re still getting snow flurries so maybe it was the weather, or maybe the amount of time I’m spending in my studio at the computer. Whatever the “cause” – it was taking up a bit of mental capacity today so it started me thinking of images of – you guessed it – ribs.
I had thoughts of fish skeletons and spinal columns turned into apples. So I sat down to sketch my thoughts and I was not feeling the groove of the initial idea.
Sometimes that is when a really interesting image comes out. Some of you may remember the closest I’ve come to failing my 365 days journey was on Day 4 – yes – a sad truth. On Day 4, midnight was bearing down on me quickly because I had the idea to make a mosaic with 400 tiny pieces of magazine images! I managed to get my image posted but it was down to the wire. I think I may have quit on that day if I had failed to get it posted in time so I thank my dear, sweet husband for rolling up his sleeves and slicing up colors for me.
Tonight when I told him my plan – at 8:30 pm he gave me that look. That wonderful, annoying and knowing look – because he was put into service again tonight bless his heart. I consider him a bit of a sous chef on occasion!
Now that is a slice of my life !
Until tomorrow.
Jenna
Day 214 was created in sliced of magazine ads. Vogue, Costal Living, and House Beautiful mostly 🙂
I literally feel your pain this morning, so I let out a laugh as I read your post. Sorry- I shouldn’t laugh reading about how your ribs ache but it just feels good to know someone gets it, can understand. I woke with mine squeezing the breathe out of me with a deep hot ache circling my lungs. We’re expecting rain tonight, but who knows?!
Love the apple, always do, Mary Cay
Mary Cay,
I laugh at this disease all the time – bet option available right?
I’m sorry you know what I’m talking about 🙁 but I’m glad you could get a giggle out of it!
Love,
Jenna
“Annoying look”? I think it was an “annoyed look.” I get annoyed because you push too hard and don’t get your rest.
I know sweetie – without you telling me to stop or at lease slow down I’d be a true mess.
I love you!
Jenna I love these pieces. As an AS sufferer myself I know how comforting creativity is when dealing with the pain and discomfort.
I think you have managed to do this beautifully.
I have just posted a blog about a recent poetry competition win with a poem based on my life with AS called ‘Mr Glass’.
Hope you have time to pop over and check it out.
http://anthonycowin.blogspot.com/2011/05/poetry-winner-mr-glass.html
Best of luck,
Tony
Tony,
Thank you so much for comments. I had such a difficult time being creative – when I was in the worst years of my AS before getting on the medications that changed everything for me. I had no desire – it was scary really.
I went to your blog and the poem ‘Mr. Glass’ was so real and raw – it’s no wonder you won a competition with it! Spreading awareness all the way!
Hope you stop by more often,
Jenna
Thank you for not quitting on Day 4 You have produced the most amazing Apples, and brought the cause of AS into the spotlight with your words.
Thank you Vic – more good AS awareness days to come my friend – I’m so glad to have you on this journey with me! 🙂
Jenna its Stephanie. Thank you and we WILL get ours up today and a fundraiser will happen I have the perfect idea ; )
Hi Stephanie,
You are an awesome AS warrior for all of us as well as your husband.
I thank you!
Jenna