Today is one of those days that we all seem to have at one time or another. Getting older. Things are changing. Things are appearing and growing in places they shouldn’t be growing, yet falling out of places that I wish they’d stay. UGH.
And then there’s the surgery that has certainly made things interesting. This morning, I really didn’t feel like looking in that mirror, know what I mean? Ever had a day like that?
So, what’s a girl to do? (SPOILER ALERT: Men, you may want to just scroll down to the photos at the bottom).
What happens if you start to like the new (implanted) breast better than you like the old one right there next to it? Do you dare admit it to yourself? I mean, it’s sort of a shock because I thought the old one was pretty nice – until this new one came along. Now I find my loyalties changing, and I feel a bit guilty about it. Will the other one know what I’m thinking? Does it already know and does it feel sad? I mean, it looks sad.
Adding to this conundrum is the fact that I can have this new one any way I want it! Whatever size I want. But that old one is dragging me down. Literally. What good is having just one good, perky breast, I ask you?
Hmmm…note to self…after the next ‘fill-up’ be sure to allow people to see only one side of you at a time. Wear a scarf, strategically draped over Mr. Woebegone.
In the meantime, this apron does wonders, don’t you think? If any of you would like to borrow it, just ask. I highly recommend it. It will put a smile, albeit temporary, on your face…and your husband’s face, too.
BATIK SCARVES
We had one heck of a time last week at the Villages Workshop in Florida. We painted scarves. There are SO many ways to batik scarves and it’s a lot of fun.
I’d like to just share one small tip with you today. It’s a super easy way to get softly floated color onto your silk scarf. There will be no hard lines to worry about. Information about where to buy the scarves and dyes are on a previous blog post. Here’s a direct link for you: http://www.kathiegeorge.com/need-a-fun-and-easy-gift-this-holiday/
Here’s what we did:
STEP 1: First off, spritz water all over the scarf. Just enough to wet it lightly, don’t soak it.
STEP 2: Now scrunch up the wet scarf and place it inside a clear plastic bag.
STEP 3: Choose two colors and only two right now. Colors on the same side of the color wheel (analogous colors) work best. (Colors from opposite sides of the color wheel tend to make grays or mud, by the way). Squeeze up a pipette full of fabric dye.
STEP 4: Then just squirt it into the bag. You can do it blind, or if you are a ‘must-have control’ type of person, squirt in the exact spot you think will be perfect. Then squeeze up a pipette of color number two and squirt that one in willy-nilly.
STEP 5: Close up the bag and rub the outside of the bag with your hands. You can try to turn the scarf inside the bag…or not. You are blending the fabric dyes onto the scarf, of course, so it’s okay to open the bag and take a peak to see if it needs more churning.
STEP 6: Finally, open the bag, remove your beautiful scarf and lay it out. You can let it dry or keep painting at this point, depending on what you are trying to achieve.
Either way, you now have a wonderfully soft and interesting background on which to continue building!
HERE ARE SOME OF THE SCARVES PAINTED THIS PAST WEEK. WE HAD A BLAST.
(Yes, I will be teaching this technique at a couple of other venues this fall, one of them being the Madeline Island School of the Arts in August at the special, “How to Paint your Own Batiks’ workshop They are giving us a discount on this class thru March 6th – CLICK HERE for more info.)
LIFE GOES ON…
I have my first chemo treatment this Thursday. Not sure what to expect, but what I do know is that all of you, dear friends, are all a girl needs to get through something like this. You have been AMAZING and I thank you. I’ve read each and every comment you’ve made on this blog and on Facebook. Many of you have sent cards…mystery angels have showered me with cards with hand-painted angels and they are all lined up in my studio, along with each and every memento I’ve received. Mike calls it my “shrine”. I LOVE IT. It makes me smile and it makes me brave. I cannot thank you enough.
Yep, Thursday’s the day. Now where’s my apron…
Kathie xo
Top of the World Workshop – all dressed in Pink!
I am teaching in The Villages now and Everyone is raving about your workshop, Kathie. The scarves are beautiful. Can’t wait to get mine done! Thank you for giving me the scarf material! Wish we could have seen each other! Get well, my friend. Love you lots!!!
You are so funny. Your sense of humor will get you through this ordeal. and I LOVE your apron!! I painted one like that for myself…can I wear it to the beach??? but I guess I need a swim suit underneath it.
Lots of love,
Bj. Grey
Funny lady – I think we’re doing scarves with you in November in Myrtle Beach – look forward to seeing you.
Kathy, I love reading your post and love you! Your workshops are my fave. Excitedly waiting for you to come here in September. I know you will do well with the Chemo . God is watching over you. Stay strong and wear your apron to your treatments. It’s awesome just like you!
Love the batik scarves. And yes your humor will help get you through this and all our love and good wishes,prayers continue to flow your way
Hello Karen! and hello to all of my friends in the Villages. And hello to Clare, Deb, Barb and. BJ – special ladies, all of you. Thanks so much.
those scarves are beautiful, might have to try one, love to you
Morning Kathy, The apron will be great, but the love of all your friends,God, and family will get you through all that comes your way. Glad your shrine is bringing you comfort. We wanted to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers. A little angel power never hurts just to watch over you. We will all be with you on Thursday. Barb Ficacci
Know you will get through this bump in the road with your spunk and humor. Took my 3 scarves from Villages workshop to art class at Wellington yesterday. They were amazed and asked if I could make them one. No, I said go to Kathies workshop and be creative doing your own! Love and best wishes
Love the apron!!! Great idea and how funny to go get one like this! Glad to see that you are hanging in there so well. As others have said, your sense of humor will go a long way in helping you get past this ‘little bump in the road’. I sometimes wonder if all this social media is a good thing, but for situations where you need support, I think it is perfect as long distance friends can check in to help cheer you up when you need it. Thanks for the batik scarf idea! Wish I were seeing you in a workshop soon. Keep on smilin, dear friend!!! hugs and warm thoughts!!!
you have such a wonderful spirit – you will brighten the days of those chemo nurses and everyone in the room! My daughter had a double mastectomy – she refused the chemo, and drugs – took an experimental one, and four years later, she is perfectly healthy and happy. If you want info on what she did, she would be happy to share what she has learned about the process.
But sure to turn to your paints and brushes -they will keep you in bliss as you travel this new path!!
And I like the idea of wearing your sexy apron to your appts
Kathy – you are sooo funny. Will be thinking of you on Thursday – you will do fine – and you will be a breath of fresh air to the medical staff taking care of you.
Kathie, oh girl friend you are doing so great and looking so great. Humor is the best medicine. When I had my surgery I decided that Rita and Louise had come as pairs and should go as pairs. So they never used the old jealousy thing with me. Oh, you are asking “who are Rita and Louise”? You mean you never named yours? My girls and I were very good friends and companions. Had grown close over the years. They served me well. Then one day we had to part ways. I have never looked back. Humor has served me well. My attitude has always been, “Never get separated from your humor.” I love you Kathie George. I have since the first time I saw you. I will send up prayers for you each day. Please keep us informed of how things are going. Sent from Kingsport, Tennessee with love
Thank you for brightening our day with your blog post. Your positive attitude and the support of those near and far are the key to successful treatment. Take care of yourself, let the professionals do their work, and let those of us who follow you, have taken classes from you, and care for you keep you lifted up with good thoughts and prayers.
Sweet Kathy, chemo is scary, but honestly it isn’t as bad as we imagine it. It’s a long process, especially the first time, so bring a good book and Mike to hold your hand! You are such a positive person, you will do great. Keep smiling and painting! You have thousands of friends Sending healing and loving thoughts to you, especially Thursday! xoxo
Here I sit with a smile on my face do your humor and tears in my eyes hoping you the best and easiest of times during this very difficult time.
Big hugs.
Ann
May you be filled with God’s peace and know His presence more than ever. You are in my prayers.
Can’t wait to teach this! Thanks so much!
Your humor is wonderful and, it seems, endless. I will be with you in spirit on Thursday and every day throughout your treatments. See you in November.
Hi Kathie – wishing you the very very best in the next phase of your treatment. – you go girl!!
Looking forward to trying these scarves – so fun!! Will purchase some scarves from the link you gave us, could you please also direct me to the proper ink to buy (newbie!!)??
Thanks so much, and good luck this week!!!
Ellie
You look beautiful in the apron. I am envious! I pray that the chemo goes well. Wish I could make it to your class. You are a wonder.
l will be sending positive thoughts and prayers your way on Thursday!
Hang tough, Kathie, …you can do this! You are one amazing lady.
Dear Sweet Kathie-you are in my thoughts and prayers. Think positive and you will be right back teaching your beautiful techniques real soon.
Love and prayers to you and Mike.
Wonderful apron! Your sense of humor and zest for life will bring you through this “bump” in the road. Our prayers and love are with you every moment of every day. You are our angel, also. Thank you for sharing your inspirations and talent with us all. Keep smiling and thinking positive thoughts. Love and hugs, Karen
You can do this, Kathie! You are strong and funny, and your sense of humor will keep you going. My daughter exercised through her entire rounds of chemo. It made her stronger, she insisted. Of course, there were some days right after the infusion that she had to rest. That makes sense. She didn’t miss a single day of work, except for her double mastectomy and later reconstruction and hysterectomy. (She has the dreaded BRCA2 gene mutation, so that was the reason for her radical surgeries.) Her radiation treatments, however, did stop the exercise for a while, but that was expected. YOU GO, GIRL! BEAT THIS THING! (And enjoy your new booby! Make them lift the other one to match! lol!)
Hang in there Kathie. I think the apron is just perfect. So funny, it shows your great spirit. Love the scarves as well, Can’t wait to try one myself.
Kathie, your words are such a combination of whit, honesty and insight… To allow us to make this journey with you says so much about the wonderful person you are. We are with you and love you dearly!
Kathie, I enjoy your Tuesday Tips and love your humor! You’ve taught me a lot. May God give you tremendous strength during your treatments and heal you very quickly. Know that you’re in my prayers.
Lots of people are pulling for you, Kathie. Lots of prayers going your way.
I can tell you one thing that I know for sure, if you wear that apron on Thursday, some will think you are ready for chemo and others will just think you are a nut. I say wait til chemo #2 then wear it LOL. Thinking of you and hoping it goes smoothly. The first one is the toughest for the person going with you because they are afraid too.
Kathie,
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. You are a very special lady and God will see you through this challenge. You are an inspiration and ray of sunshine to all of us. Sending you lots of good wishes and love, Barb V.
Kathie, you know how much we love you in Charleston. All my prayers are with you, I know with your great determination you will come out just fine! I would love to paint scarves, they are beautiful.
I am one of Kathie’s sisters and I am so glad to see that she has the support and love from so many of her good friends. Thank you all for being there for her. I know it really lifts her up!
Hi Kathy, I love your apron! You are my heroine : you have an indomitable spirit, a sassiness unequalled and you will win! Fight and never let the “Bad guy”, affect your dignity. I am with you and praying for you. Mucho Hugs, Judy
Kathie, we are all keeping you covered in prayer, God be with you and Mike until we meet again. I have signed up to go back to MISA this year, trusting by that time you will be healed and back to your old sassy self. Looking forward to the silk scarves they look great. Thanks so much for keeping us all in the loop, we love you , blessings and prayers, Christie
Kathy, love your apron , I had one like it myself. I wore it once to do some redneck canoeing ( inner tube floating
down a creek) you should try it sometimes, very relaxing. The apron turned quite a few heads from a distant, as I got closer one person said , I like your apron & my response was ” If God didn’t give you what you wanted just
buy it”.
You have such a positive attitude, I know you will come through with glorious results. My thoughts & prayers are with you at this cross roads in your life. I know you will come through with flying colors. Looking forward to seeing you when you come to see us again.
All my prayers
Bell
Keeping you in my daily prayers!
I love the scaves. I wish you were coming somewhere near me. Wishing you the best. Remember that miracles happen everydayLove you,
I wanna play, too! Wow! How would a class in painting sexy aprones sound…..we could even do batik bikinis – he he.
Kathie, looking at the smiling faces from your workshop, seeing all the joy you brought to this workshop & continue to bring everyone & knowing how my heart skips a beat when I see an e-mail from you- it’s just so evident how much you’ve impacted all of our lives & showed us joy in new experiments & techniques in painting. Now from all of us -gratitude, prayers & love to you. Now it’s your turn to draw (like the pun? ha ha) from all of us- draw the strength that will make this easier for you from our prayers and hugs across the miles. Because you’re #1 & right now it’s all about you. We’ll be thinking of you Thursday & every day! Love you!
You go girl! Show those bad cells where they can go- Will be thinking of you on Thursday.
What inks/dyes did you use for the new scarves? I tried the pens/alcohol but didn’t get the results I wanted, so I will try again. If at first……
Will be in prayer for you on Thursday. Loved your comments about breasts–the good, the bad (or baggy), and the perky. Before I had kids I was a 42C, but now I’m a 42 Long, so I can sympathize! And by the way, God still loves you and is caring for you even if you’re down and tired and hurting. I know it’s not always easy to keep a stiff upper lip or have a sense of humor about all that’s happening to you. Don’t be ashamed to admit it to your closest friends and to God himself. That’s when you’ll experience the blessings of “learning to lean!”
I came into the workshop at OTOW and MarieLouisa introduced me. You have a wonderful attitude and are surrounded by beautiful people. That is half the battle. God bless you.
Hi hottie Kathie! Love that apron and how you are modeling it
Hello Dear Gifted Kathie! And that you are my dear… a very special gift on the road to recovery…PRAYERS and All WELL WISHES! Donna
The love and prayers of your many admirers’ will lift you up and over this little bump in the road of life…which will be long and creative! Looking forward to seeing you again either in Raleigh or here in Hiawassee, Georgia. Take Care.
Be brave my dear friend. And when your Hope is diminishing know I have enough for the both of us! I have seen God do marvelous things.
I can’t wait to see you living and thriving on the other side of Chemo. Wait a minute! Why wait till then, I’m sending prayers for you mike and medical team to stay strong and focused on healing soon!
Love, pam
Sending healing energy your way! Swift recovery, so you can get back to creating and teaching ‘magic’! =]
Hugs,
Sally
Kathie, can you put your Tuesday Tips on a separate pdf so it can be printed off ? In order to get your tips, I have 10-15 pages of blog feed back to you, and I am not into reading all that stuff and it uses a lot of ink to print it off just to get your tips, which I treasure and keep. Your artsy-fartsy painting pal, Dale Parkey prayers are with you hope all is well with your cancer, luv your classes.
Dear Kathie,
A big virtual hug to you. I took a workshop with you in Buffalo, N.Y. a few years back and was just looking at some of the things I did there.
I’m sorry you are going thru this. You are my hero!
Love to you.
JoAnn
You’ve got this, Kiddo!! Love to see your sense of humor still coming through. Lots of prayers coming your way from so many lovely ladies.
Hang in there, Sweetie!!
Been there, done that. Sixteen years ago! You can too – God is your provision. Thanks for sharing your talents, expertise and passion with all. And remember, you will always be permentally perky on one side!
With an attitude like yours nothing can keep you down. Amazing girl just keep doing what youDO. Love you articles. Hugs
Hope your treatment is going well and that test results are showing improvement.
Thing of you often.
Hugs,
Ann Lanham
Katie I admirire your spirit and your beautiful scencek of humor. Love your and send hugs to hold you tight. I was with you on Karllyn’s trip to Italy.