08/23/2026
Brain Surgery & Faces
Hello Friends,
Sharing my journey....
I’ve been running the gamut of emotions since I found out my date for brain surgery last month.
The first reaction was efficient, businesslike.
I felt the urge to purge; organize, delete, clean up everything, simplify life.
Then emotions shifted a bit into apathy: "If I didn’t wake up, would it be such a big deal?
What am I waking up for? Am I living the life I want?”
Only partially; there’s so much more I want and can’t seem to grasp…
As is usual, with a Gemini mind, there's always a dichotomy going on. ♊️
At the same time, I had completely rejuvenated my diet, eating clean. Food fresh from the farmers market, fresh from the seafood market. I also ramped up my exercise; wanted to get as strong as possible before surgery.
That felt really good.
Then some anger snuck in.
Really?!
Another thing?
Have I not gone through enough?
What lesson am I missing?
A week of slight debauchery ensued, which for me meant opening a bottle of champagne that had been sitting in my refrigerator for years. The expensive one I had been gifted and never touched because I don’t really drink anymore (not good for my body). I then bought a little bag of Cheetos (which is a big no-no for my gut issues)!
Both those things made me feel awful; thankfully, that phase only lasted a few days.
Late first week of August anxiety decided to join the party.
It was a gorgeous Sunday when it hit. Not a feeling I get often; it was quite crappy. Talked it out with friends. Def. helped. It's normal, I was assured.
I started holding stress in my body. Sleep got bad. Every day was a struggle to get through; exhausted physically, emotionally, spiritually.
This past Wednesday, exactly 2 weeks before the event, I had meetings with my surgical team. It was a very hard day. Worst one of all so far. Hearing all the variables that could happen, that could affect my quality of life moving forward, possible pain to endure ...
But then something shifted overnight...
I woke up the following day and was elated!
I got to teach art!
I went to the observatory that evening and witnessed the meteor shower & galaxies light-years away!
I found the perfect acorn on my walk last night, and it brought me so much joy.
It may seem cliché, but colors are brighter, nature is more amazing, I want to wear my party clothes every day! I want to do everything!
And of course ART vaulted into the picture.
For the last several days, all I've wanted to do is draw self-portraits.
This is VERY rare for me (like, never!).
I’m not 100% clear why I'm doing the portraits, but I’m following the feeling. Art always helps process emotions, letting the pens, pencils, and colors flow.
And what I enjoy, I like to share with others.
So in the final week of August, I’m offering an Abstract Face Drawing Workshop for all of my friends here in California who can join me.
NOW HOLD ON, STAY WITH ME!
There's no more fascinating subject in the world to draw than faces. Faces are emotive and tell stories like nothing else.
With the squint of an eye, the turn of a lip, or the tick of an eyebrow, you can catch the story of your subject! Add color, and you have a whole other dimension yet!
I want to challenge and encourage you to come join me! Anyone can do this. I promise.
If your immediate reaction is "NO", ask yourself why.
And don’t tell me you can’t draw. I can show you how to trace & how to color (that will be one of the options).
Let's instead ask...
Who is the ideal version of you? Let’s bring him or her to life!
Does she wear a headdress of flowers and gems?
Are you feeling black-and-white today?
Would you like to see yourself in geometric shapes & shades of purples?
Let me guide you on how to begin the journey of drawing faces.
We'll use a simple oval & cross format to place features, then we'll have a blast adding color & design!
Don't want to draw yourself?
Draw your kids, your parents, your partner, your lifelong friend… what an amazing, unique gift everyone would love.
MORE INFO & JOIN IN BELOW
Let’s explore, create, & stretch our boundaries. I look forward to making art together.
Happy to receive all the good vibes, juju, prayers & love you can send my way on Sept. 2nd, 9 AM - 2 PM PST when the procedure is scheduled.
💜💜💜🕉️
