Breathe deep- Spring is here, within and without

I really do thrive on the sunshine, the greenery and the re-birth and new birth that comes with spring. I am also working on my power point slide show for Riddle Hospital in Media, PA www.riddlehospital.org The Cancer Experience through an Artist's Eye on Thursday June 4. Going through images over the past 7 years and revisiting my journey from the cancer diagnosis to the work that came forth has been interesting. Much of that work lives on my walls here at the Okie Gallery but putting into chronological order and giving thought to the linear and non linear way the work evolved helps give insight and perspective on the experience.

I am also fully engaged in my Koi series which comes from a different experience which may be an obvious statement but again, not really. Working intuitively the koi in the water are about color, movement and what lies below the surface. Maybe not so different than the cancer work. My body was the vehicle to explore what lies below the surface as well.

It Takes a Village

Last Sunday was the Komen North Jersey Race for the Cure. I ventured up to NJ from my PA hideaway with our new 3rd Edition (!) books in tow. Set up was on Saturday - beautiful sunny day, the park a buzz with anticipation for their 2nd Annual Race. That evening, I stayed with my dear friend Nadira Husain- poet, photographer and fabulous cook. Dinner that evening was actually prepared by her mom- be still my heart- all my favorite Pakistani flavors lovingly prepared. Following dinner, the whole Husain-Ali Kan clan went to work cutting out butterflies for the following day.

The event itself was a huge success. Not only did thousands participate for the Race- the weather was perfect, stories exchanged, inspiration abounded and money was raised. Nadira and I could not help but muse on this incredible foundation that grew from the relationship between two sisters- Nancy Brinker and Susan G. Komen. Nadira and I got to spend quality time together, Gloria Gaynor performed her signature "I will Survive," Mr. Ray performed in the kids tent, I reunited with a high school friend, Stacy Weisman, met new friends and celebrated all that is good.


Bonnie St. John was at the event signing her new book Live Your Joy. www.liveyourjoy.com
We exchanged copies of our books with each other. Her book is worth the read- inspiring, noteworthy and memorable.

Below are shots from the event and the night before- thanks to Nadira!