Keeping It Real

Some of you know I've been experiencing pain these past several months and that after numerous doctor/specialist visits I finally underwent surgery on my nose and sinuses. The doctor had hoped that it would relieve my pain although she was up front and said there was a chance the pain might be nerve related.

It has been five weeks since my surgery and I was trying to remain hopeful but over the last four days the pain has been increasing in intensity.  I managed to get an emergency appointment with my doctor yesterday and, given that my nose and sinuses check out ok, it would seem that I might have some form of atypical neuralgia (nerve damage/pain).

The next leg of this journey will involve a visit to a neurologist . . . my search for answers and pain relief continues.

Mushroom Magic

It's been raining cats and dogs here the last few days which seems to have brought out a number of different mushrooms.

They always bring to mind childhood images of fairies, goblins and garden spirits.

Art Festival Preparation

This Saturday you'll find me at the Art On The Avenue Festival held in Del Ray, Alexandria.  It's been a long time since I've done an outdoor event so I'm both excited and a little overwhelmed.

Yesterday I collected the art I had on consignment . . . . .

. . . . .  and priced everything up.

Now it's just a case of packing everything up . . . . .

. . . . . and making sure I've got everything I need.



If you live near DC and find yourself at the Festival this weekend be sure to stop by and say "hi".

Texture Tuesday - Love

Linking up with Kim for this weeks' Texture Tuesday.

Image of artwork and clouds, textured with Aurora.

let yourself feel

and allow time to heal 

 for the pain will decrease

 as you find a sense of peace

Dad should have turned 71 today.  He's been gone over 8 years now but he's always on my mind.  His death changed me in so many ways and strangely it ended up being the catalyst for my creativity.  I'd never been artistic growing up but I suddenly found myself drawn to it . . . . needing it.  They say art has the power to heal and I truly believe that it does. 

Human Barometer

People usually laugh when I say I'm like a human barometer but it's true.  Each time a storm rolls through and the air pressure increases I end up with a migraine.  I seem to be getting a lot of them lately and spent the weekend suffering with not one but two.



More thunderstorms are predicted this week but I'm hoping that they pass through quickly, that my head lifts and that I start feeling a little more human soon.

How was your weekend, hopefully a lot better than mine?

Weekend Reflections - Seabirds

Sorry I couldn't resist sharing some more seabird shots from our vacation in North Carolina . . .  enjoy.



Have a great weekend everyone.

Linking up with James for this weeks' Weekend Reflections.

New This Week - Dyche Designs

This week I've added two new pieces to my Etsy shop.  The first is a 5"x7" mixed media textured art canvas containing lips that are wired shut . . . . .

 'Don't Speak'

by Kathryn Dyche Dechairo



. . . . . and the second is a new 6"x4" textured sketchbook journal.  I love these and have a couple that I use myself.

'Blue Tree Sketchbook Journal'

by Kathryn Dyche Dechairo

Linking up with Artists In Blogland for this weeks' Show and Tell.

North Carolina - Part III

As we drove through 'Duck' one day I noticed all these birds perched on a pier.  The Royal Terns look a little funny but are striking with their black caps and bright orange beaks.

We experienced gorgeous weather for most of our stay but on our last day some dark ominous clouds settled in and the wind really picked up.



It didn't stop us from taking several walks on the beach though.

On our last walk I came across what felt like the shore's parting gift to me . . . .  a pelican right there on the sand in front of me.

He didn't seem frightened by my presence . . . . .

. . . . . and was happy just hanging out at the waters edge.

Isn't he gorgeous?

 

I just couldn't believe how close he let me get, making eye contact with an animal is always such a magical and special moment.