In lieu of the usual “Tips”, I’d like to take a moment to share my sadness with you. My mom passed away yesterday afternoon after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer over a year ago. Many, many of you have written to ask about her, so for those of you who care to know, I’ll tell you a bit about her journey.
Mom had already undergone chemo twice in her life – once for colon cancer and again for breast cancer. So, when they told her breast cancer metastasized to the lungs was not curable, she opted to not have chemo again. At that point they gave her only a few weeks to live, but she was one determined little gal! We suggested, and she was very willing, to try several alternative treatments along the way. None cured her, but we do feel like they gave her precious extra time.
She and I had shared that ‘breast cancer kinship’ the past few months while I, too, have been undergoing treatment. It sounds weird, but it did draw us closer. It was nice for the both of us to be able to talk about it to someone who knew what we were feeling. I am grateful.
Anyway, I think that’s all I need to say. I wanted to offer some information because so very many of you have asked about her, or written to her – and sent oh so many birthday cards a few weeks ago. THANK YOU! She received over 100 of them and was thrilled to tears. She said that I am very lucky to know so many wonderful people and I totally agree.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
None of us knows what the future will bring, of course. This year has certainly been proof of that for me. But I can already see some of the good that can come from bad situations. Sometimes we don’t see it at first while we’re embroiled in the turmoil of the situation, but good does come. We have only to watch for it and there it will be.
I am determined to make needed changes in my life that I could not have made had I never been diagnosed. So, it brings me to this: I know that when one writes a blog, one should always be consistent and post on a regular basis. Those are the rules. But right now, I feel I’d like to be able to write at my leisure. You know, if I’m feeling stressed over it one week I don’t write – if I feel like my goofy self and want to share something with you, I write. I’d like to rename the blog “Tips on Some Tuesdays”…just for a while.
Thanks from my mom and me to all of you, from the bottom of our hearts.
Kathie xo
Your words are a tribute to your mother and show the beautiful, true person you are Kathie…. To be able to take our final journey surrounded by love and kindness is the greatest gift we can give. You did that for her…
“It is such a secret place the land of tears.”
The Little Prince
Dear Kathie, Please know you have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mom & empathy for all that has been happening in your life. It is completely understood that the blog is not your highest priority right now. Just take care of yourself, and give yourself plenty of time to heal. Mary Kay Buckner
Dear Kathie
So sorry to hear about your Mom but. Am sure she is in Gods hands and watching out for You! Any time you write will
Be wonderful. I’ll be looking forward to being able to receive your words of whatever. May God bless you and give you the strength not carry on!!????????
That should have been to
Carry on sorry fingers too big
Oh Kathie, I am so sorry about the loss of your mom! Please accept my sincere condolences.
You have gone through a lot this year; but you’re right, it does make you look at everything differently.
No matter if you write once a week, once a month or whenever you want, everyone will be thrilled to read whatever you say! It’s time for you to relax, heal and think about Kathy. One thing….it’s all your friends and students who are lucky to know and love you! ????????
Those were not supposed to be ? They were suppose to be hearts! I couldnt edit it!
What ever we can do to relieve your stress and sorrow, just ask. Sending love.
Kathie, dear Kathie and dear Mom, know that my thoughts and prayers are with you both. God Bless You Both….and He does.
Good Morning Kathie
my heartfelt sympathy is being sent to you. Prayers to you and your family. So sorry you lost your mom. It is good that you had time to spend with her. Take care of yourself and i will be looking forward to messages from you anytime you feel like sending them out.
Dear Kathie,
So very sorry for your sad news. You’ve had enough sadness in one year to last a lifetime. My prayers are with you and your Mom, and I thank you for your wonderful perspective on life.
Judy
KATHIE, Please know that I am so sorry to hear about your Mother, no matter how old we are we are never
ready to lose our Moms. I know how you feel, I lost my Mom over 8 years ago & I miss her every day. Please
know you are in my prayers. Bell
What a sweet mother and daughter. I pray that God give you the peace and comfort that passes all understanding. ????
I am sorry the question marks are there they were suppose to be a rose icon.
kathie I am sorry for your loss
My sincere sympathy and condolences on the loss of your dear mother. Yes, you did have a lot in common and I’m sure – even though not ones you would have chosen – they were able to bring you closer. She is at peace and in no pain now and for that you must be grateful. Life goes on, no matter what it throws in our paths, and yours and that of your loved ones will resume in time. What a lot you’ve had to deal with this year, Kathie. You are very strong and make sure you stay that way. Posts from you, whenever you feel like sending them, are always a welcome addition to any day, Tuesday or not, so do what you can and we all appreciate it so much.
Kathie, I am so sorry for your loss. But these are just words. My heart goes out to you at this time. I know the loss of a mother; particularly when there’s a personal journey. Again, my condolences for your loss. I love the first comment from The Little Prince. So perfect.
Lauri
Kathie…so sorry to hear about your Mom. Mom’s are extra special people and I hope that you let your memories warm your heart as the days go by. Hugs.
I think ‘Some Tuesdays’ are great – when I don’t see your tips I will send heartstrings your way and when you feel like sharing I will appreciate the messages even more.
So sorry for your loss. I know the closeness you have with your mother will bring many healing memories. God’s Peace.
Dear Kathy, So sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. Prayers go out to you and your family. Take time for yourself to heal and we will be nearby anytime you want to share your blog with us. May God Bless!
Love you Kathy even though I don’t “really” know you. So sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom, I know you will miss having her actively in your life, however she will always be in you heart. Be happy, even on our worse day we are blessed and have so much to be thankful for, We can sit down at the easel, listen to beautiful music and mentally go anywhere we wish. Look forward to hearing from you when you have something you wish to share. Be safe and let your mind go with God.
Dear Kathie,
My sincerest condolences on your loss. I am sure it is very hard.
Take whatever time you need to grieve and also to get all better. We are here for you!! And, we understand totally. Life does take unexpected turns and rolling with the punches is the only way to go, it seems. Hang in there! Do what you need to do FOR YOU. The rest will fall in line…. LOVE!!!
My sympathy in the loss of your mom. I lost mine three years ago this October, and it is hard to know I can’t just pick up the phone and call her about things. Your blog should be back-burner now. Write as you need to…we all will adjust. Share your feelings with us if that is all you need to do right now. We all understand!
Dear Kathie, we have shared our similar life. You are so good that you were able to spend the last few days with your Mom. I know that it made the passing easier for both of you. Thanks for your sharing of your talent and your life through these tough times. Tips any day will keep me on my toes to watch for it. Remember you are loved. See you soon. Prayers. Pat Greene
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Kathie, It is so hard to lose your Mother. My Mother was my best friend, best painting student, most exuberant cheer leader and closest confidant. she passed away in 2002, and I still long for her every day. But the good memories and laugh filled times now overtake the grief and tears. You have had such a difficult year, but you have come through with a smile and more great friends than you can count. Like your dear mother, you too are one strong little lady and you will always be in my prayers. We all love you!
What a beautiful writing, Michaelin!
I am so sorry for your loss of your Mom. It was so nice to meet her at one of your seminar’s in Chicago. I remember her big smile she always had on her face. She will always be with you in spirit no matter where you go.
I lost my Mom 2 years ago and in Spain I know she was with me one time. I will tell you the story next seminar I take with you.
my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very hard time.
God Bless,
Carol
Kathie, there are no words. My heart goes out to you! It makes me want to get in the car right now and give you a REAL hug! Your mom was a beautiful lady, and it’s easy to see where you got your big heart and good looks. You have taught me to be grateful for every day, and every nice thing that happens to me. Your words of wisdom mean so much to me. Yes, “Tips on some Tuesdays” is a great name too! I just post when I have time. That’s it! Done! Love you lots!
Dear Kathie,
So sorry to hear about your Mom. She sounded like a brave spunky, lady – just like the daughter she raised.
Thank you for letting us know what happened and that you won’t be sending out the weekly blog – now we won’t worry.
Hold the memories of your Mom close. Honest, one day you will be able to tell her stories without that terrible pain. And you will cherish all the traits you have in common. One of may favorite compliments is when someone in the family says “you’re just like Mom”.
Hugs
Jo Ann
Lovely tribute to your Mom Kathy. I know she would have loved it.
I’m feeling your pain and your joy as I remember my Mom.
You are a remarkable woman and I admire you greatly.
Dear Kathie,
I am so sorry for your loss of your mother. You had such a wonderful relationship with her. Please know that I am thinking and praying for you and your mom. Tips on some Tuesdays is fine. I always look forward to what you have to share with us. You are a wonderful, kind, and inspiring person. Love you
I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom. Moms are always special in good times and bad, hard to lose, but remember she is now on a new journey and having fun. She will always be watching you from above and smiling because you are a wonderful loving person to others. You’re idea about the blog is great. It will always be special when you send it.
“Great Women raise Great Women”
This certainly applies to you and your Mom. Keep memories of her in your heart.
Oh Kathy, I am so very sorry. I still turn around and want to call my mom on many days, and she has been gone for four years now. It is such a hard thing — but I am grateful you had good and close times together. I hope you are also doing better — what a year. One of those you want to erase. Please know thoughts and prayers are with you. I am looking forward to doing another trip with you in the future — or at least attending one of your workshops! May all your bright smiles be returned to you tenfold!!
Kathie, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. Please know that you are in my thoughts & prayers.
Much Love,
Ro
Kathie, I am sorry for your lose, I do appreciate that you shared your Mom’s story with us. What a blessing to have had her here when you needed her and she needed you for love and support. She must have been an amazing person, because she raised you and in my opinion and many, many others, you are an amazing person as well. As for the blog, I know from experience, that stress can really be hard on not only us mentally, but physically, so please don’t worry about the blog. We will all still be here whenever you feel like dropping by. Thank you for, well, just being you. I’m sure your Mom was very proud of you..God Bless.
Dear sweet Kathy, I am so sorry that you have lost your mom. It will always leave a hole in your heart but you have so many good memories that will keep you going. You are right. It changes your entire perspective either to go through it yourself or have someone that you love go through the difficult process of an illness. Know that you have so many friends who are thinking of you and praying for you. You are loved and your mom was loved. that is what counts.
Thank you for sharing your Mother with us. Our prayers are with you and your family and friends.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. It is hard when you loose your mom ,especially when she cared for you and you shared a journey with her. Remember tears heal. Hold on to the fun times. God bless. Patty
Dear Kathie and Family,
I extend to you all my deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mother. My sincere thoughts are with you. Just remember, Mother Love is Forever. Fran
Kathy, your tribute to your Mom and your validation of life is so inspiring to me. You came from tough stock !
Much love,
Judy
Dear Kathie, Even when expecting it, losing a love one is heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take all the time you need to recover from the many challenges you’ve faced this year. We all love you and will always be here. Hugs
Kathie
So sad for your loss. I know that we are never prepared to lose our Mothers. So glad you had this time with her. The forced slow down had a greater purpose perhaps. Delighted to hear you are giving yourself permission to drop some of the self-induced expectations. I have worked hard at that this past year and little by little it gets easier.
Like others, I will cherish your tips when they arrive, but I am happy to have the blog become less of a burden for you just now. Sending hugs..Elaine
Dearest Kathie, my sincerest condolences to you and your family. I never met your mother, but do know what a kind, wonderful daughter she raised, so I know she must have been very special. For you, the memories of a lifetime and especially the last year will comfort you for many years to come. Having lost my mother at 17, I still think of the wonderful memories we shared. Thinking of you with prayers and love.
Linda
Dear Kathy:
I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mother. When I lost mine, I felt it profoundly changed my life. Mothers teach us everything in life, except how to live without them. Your Mother was so proud of you and that little bit of extra time, was the last precious gift she could give. Just think…she will always be in your heart. Prayers for you. Joan
Kathie, what a blessing you are to us. It’s like you to worry about everyone else when you are grieving your mom’s passing and your struggles. I felt a bond with you the first class I took, which I’m sure everyone does. You are some special lady. I am so thankful for the time you had with your mom, every extra minute. I am also thankful that she got to experience how much you are loved by so many people around the world.
As Dahli Lama said, “We can control every day of the year but two, yesterday and tomorrow.” May your today be filled with peace as your mom passes to her resting place in the hands of Jesus.
Dear Kathy, so sad to her about your Mom. She was such a sweet lady, loved having lunch with you both, also so fun when she joined us for a seminar. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
THANK YOU ALL so very, very much. I’m going to pass these comments on to my siblings because there are many words of wisdom written here. You all have certainly been there for me this year and I will never forget that.
xoxoxo
Kathy we all want you to spend the time you need to heal, make changes in your life, and just spend time for yourself. So whenever you post, we will be waiting to hear from you. So glad you had those precious moments with your mom. She is with the Lord now, pain free with a new body. She is looking down on you with love. Just know that through God all things are possible. Keeping you and family in my prayers. Sharma Zollinger
Kathie, Your” Tribute to Mom” was beautiful. She was certainly correct that you are a lucky girl , special in so many ways and have wonderful giving friends. Sure that it comforted her knowing all cared so much for you. Know she will be in your heart forever. I must admit that I had breakfast with you every Tuesday and I loved all that you shared with us. Thanks, I will cherish that info forever. I think you are needing to have” Kathie Time”. The big C changes our priorities and that is the way it is to be. Thanks for all the giving, sharing ,caring you have given us all. Have been playing with my tjaps ,silk scarves and sharpies! I will send you some pictures later. You would be so proud of your students! Look forward to the next time we paint together. Make room for all the” wonderful life” to experience , spend more time with those we love, do all the things we want to do,!!. Hugs, Barb
My sincere condolences on the death of your mother. Rest assured that there is a bond that is never broken there and she will continue to be with you in your heart. I think “Tips on some Tuesdays ” sounds wonderful. It is so important in your continued recovery that you do what you need to do to ensure your own health and well being. Take care _hugs
I am so sorry for your loss. Allow yourself to grieve and heal, and know that it will take some time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathie,
My condolences on the loss of your mother. It is such a huge hole in your life when you loose the one person who has known you the longest, cared for you the most, and sheltered you from the worst as best she can. I will say a prayer for both of you.
Kathie, This picture is so sweet. Two beautiful ladies smiling and sharing each others love. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I really like the new blog name as it is very important for you to have time for yourself. Take care of yourself. Love ya girl.
Dear Kathie,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. That’s a tough one, and though you are scrappy, there’s no reason to carry on as if it isn’t. Tips on some Tuesday’s sounds like a great plan. Our art practice and even our art careers should ideally be an enriching and fulfilling extension of our real lives. Sometimes that line gets blurry for talented perfectionistic people. You are such a fantastic teacher that I’m suspecting you may have that perfectionist tendency. I know I speak for many when I say you are still going to be loved and followed even if you’re not perfectly dependable on Tuesday’s. You’re worth waiting for…and besides that, you’re an artist! That means you’re allowed a little quirky-ness. Sending you a big virtual hug with prayers for you and your mom! Xo
Kathie —
I’m so sorry … our Moms are not supposed to leave us – ever. I can remember my mom talking about missing Her mother, who passed away at least 30 years previously … and I wondered about that. Well, it’s been 26 years, and I miss My mom just the same. Good for you that you were able to spend time with her before she left you… She looks like such a little cutie … I’m sure she was a special soul.
Thinking of you.
Lynne
Prayers and heartfelt sympathy to you in the loss of your mother. Her spirit and strength will guide you through every challenge you will face. Hugs- Diane Crean
Dear Kathie-have never met you, but have enjoyed your art, and your inspiration. So sorry for your loss; my heart aches for you. The time you were able to share together with your Mom will surely be of comfort in the days ahead. Take care of yourself now, and will look forward to your blog– whenever the appropriate Tuesday comes along.
Dear Kathie – all of the above!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful outlook on precious things!
I look forward to a whenever Tuesday…..
So sorry for your loss. Both my mom and sister had breast cancer and I miss them both but know their spirits are with me as your mom’s spirit is with you. May God Bless you and yours and give you peace during this time.
Kathie, I send my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Your Mom attended a few seminars in Illinois with you and we had so much fun. You both laughed and giggled your way through the weekend.fond of the mother daughter team. So glad that you had time together.i know how you feel as my Mom passed earlier this year
You’ve shared that special bond and memories will bring a smile to your face again and again. Like you said there was a special closeness near the end that was so special as God opened his arms to your Mom as she completed her journey here on earth. You and your family have a very special angel smiling down on you and watching over you as she guides all of you through the rest of your journeys.
May God bless your family and help you through the coming days. Heartfelt condolences- your friend always, Mary Ann
Kathie, you are just beaming with such pride of your Mother in the picture you sent to us . She was also so proud of you too!
Kathie, As I read through your message of your shared experiences with your Mother I thought I am thankful and grateful for your time with her and the support you were able to give each other over this year. These memories, I hope bring you comfort over these next days.
You are much loved and my hope as you share what you want, when you want,is that you know we will be thankful for whatever you give. No pressure for a certain number of words on a certain day. Just a happy dance when you feel so moved.
I am so sorry! Sending HUGS and my deepest sympathy!!
Kathie, I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Dear Kathie, I am so sorry for your loss. Please take time to feel sad and also to remember all the wonderful times. Take care of yourself and don’t worry about a thing. We look forward to your messages whenever you feel like sending one. You and your family are in our prayers always. Big Hugs!
May God wrap His loving arms around you and give you the peace and strength that you need. Remember all of the good times with your mother and find comfort in those blessings.
Looking forward to whenever you feel like sharing again. May God bless you and keep you until then.
So sorry to hear about your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kathie: please know that you are cared for and loved by so many. I too, know the loss of a wonderful mother but I still feel the love she gave to me and my sisters over many years. You never truly get over the loss and I feel she is still guiding me in my life choices. I too, appreciate when I am told I am so like her. I was willing to give her over to the Lord, 4 years ago to ease her suffering when she was accepted into Paradise and she returned to let me know, in my dreams that she was ok and would be watching over us. I hope you find peace also in your grief. I just lost my Dad also 2 weeks ago and his passing was also a blessing; he grieved so over my mother’s death. I know they are both at peace now and together again. Peace be with you now. Love, Pat
Because your dear mother was such a special lady, YOU are a very special creative lady! Knowing you and learning watercolor batik has been a wonderful blessing to me. I thank you for sharing your artistic gift with us. Fondly, Jeanne Wagle
Kathy, what a gift your mom was to you and you to her. She will always be with you and you will hear her say, “Just be still my child and listen.” And you will feel her arms around you. Thank you so much for keeping us all in your circle of love and sharing “Tips on Some Tuesdays”.
God’s comfort to you Kathie. My condolences.
I am so sorry for loss of your mother, Kathie. Pat Scribner
I am so sorry for your loss and for the difficult time she had to go through. Unfortunately you shared this terrible ordeal together but that it brought you closer to her was a blessing that you can keep with you. Thank you for sharing her story with us.
I am sorry for your loss and the difficult time your mom had. At least you had some precious time together and shared the difficult time as well. Take care of yourself remember we love you.
Anita
I think the hardest part of living is losing the people we love. I am often struck with amazement at how much love your heart can hold. You haven’t lost that love Kathie, it is with you always. Love you
Celena
thinking of you all in this difficult time! much love, Linnea
So sorry for your loss, Kathie. While our moms are here, they are our greatest cheerleaders, the person that always listens and understands, the one who makes us feel like the most-loved person on earth. My mom is 87 and I bless every day that she is here with me. My heart is sad for you. Will keep you in my prayers. As an artist I have learned so much from you. When you feel like doing your blog I will gladly receive it. Take care of yourself and take all the time you need to heal your heart. Do your art just for yourself for awhile. So healing.
Love and a hug.
Sending my heartfelt condolences to you dear Kathy. My prayers for grace and strength be with you and your family. Much love, joan
Dear Kathie: i am very sorry for your loss, my heart and prayers are with you and your family . Even if you don’t get to write every week on your blog, it doesn’t matter because you are in our thoughts all the time and fully understand that there are a lot more important things at this point in your life, all what matters to the people that love you is that you are ok
Plenty of hugs
Dearest Kathie, I am so saddened to hear of the passing of your Mom. This has indeed been a year to test our endurance. You will get beyond these difficult days as you have through your illness. Stronger and wiser. Know your mom is in the arms of angels steering you through your next journey. Susan
Dear Kathie, everyone else said it all so much better than I can. Mothers are so special and will be ingrained in our hearts forever. The good feelings that your mom gave you will never go away. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Dear Kathie, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It is so hard when your parents are sick and you can’t do anything to make it better. I am going through that with my mom right now. Remember all the good times.
Karen Fenter
Dear sweet Kathy, what a precious tribute to a lady who must have been truly fantastic. After all, she produced YOU! As you know, I lost my daughter to colon cancer almost a year ago. Take all the time you need! Write when you want to and don’t when you don’t. Meanwhile, there are countless numbers of us who are crying with you and praying for you. Big hugs!
Kathie, So sorry about your Mother, I know you were going to spend time with her after MISA, I hope you and your family had times of sweet fellowship and love as you had to let her go. My husband and I have had you and your Mom in our prayers everyday, I hope you can feel God’s loving arms around you as now you grieve. God will be there to walk with you if you just ask. Thank you for a wonderful week at MISA, I learned sooo much. Paul and I stopped off on our way to the cottage at Karlyn Holman’s studio/shop. Our bad luck, she was teaching for some one who became sick and couldn’t do the job. I just love to see how painters rally around one another when one of us is down. Still keeping you and your family in our prayers and yes some Tuesdays are great, we love any time you can send us some thoughts. Much love and big hugs,Christie
Dear Kathy,
My heart aches for all of the sadness you and your family have had to endure this past year. Life’s challenges can be too much to bear and they often seem to come in waves! Just know that life will once again bring you wonderful times full of family, friends, love and laughter and they will be all the sweeter for the sad times. May God bless you and your family.
Joanne Neff
Art & Soul
So sorry to hear about your mother. Always hard to lose a mom. I, too, just went through a lumpectomy and mastectomy and totally agree with your statement that good always comes from bad situations, but sometimes, you can’t see that good for quite a while. It does come however. You just have to hang in there and trust the process. God bless.
What a year doll. Know we appreciate your insight and sharing your heart. Healing hugs.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Try to remember all the wonderful things mom brought to your life and the wonderful things you were able to share with her. It certainly has been a tough year for you and you have shown us all how to be strong & courageous.
Bob & Linda
I am just so sorry for your loss. Moms are really special. Their influence in our lives is far and wide. My thoughts are with you.
So sorry for your loss, Kathie. I’m praying for you and your family. God Bless you.
Such a sweet picture of you with your Mom. I am so glad you were able to share your struggles with each other. So important. So sorry for your loss.
I was in your class just over a year ago and a few months earlier had been diagnosed with breast cancer. I understand your situation and remember how kind you were to me. I keep you in my daily prayers.
I wanted to let you know that I’m saddened on hearing about the recent loss of your mom- I know she had an impact on your life & you’ll miss her greatly. God wrap his arms around you, with every hug received.
I took a Batik class in Huntsville & the Pink Flamingos sheets with your information, although I can’t find the lady’s information & lost touch.
I found your page online- your Mom was probably proud of your works of art- thank you for allowing others to learn by your work. My degree is in Fine Arts, and I wanted to say thank you. God Bless & take care. Sincerely, Wendy in Huntsville, AL
Dear Kathie, I have been wondering about your mother. Thanks for sharing her journey with us. We all love you and look forward to tips on some Tuesdays.
With fond memories and appreciation for all you have taught us.
Wanda McGill
HI Kathy, our prayers are with you in this time of sadness. The journey time youi spent with youir mom will be youir treasure. so glad you had extra time with her.
Taking one job off your list of things to do is getting rid of the stress
Great Job