In Praise of a Different Kind of Artistry

I am two and a half weeks post op following my hip surgery and I just wanted to offer a quick update. First of all, I'm doing well. I'm now able to walk without crutches and I'm into some pretty intensive physical therapy with "homework" each day as I regain strength and mobility in that leg. I anticipate getting back in my studio and being able to work in front of my easel within a couple of weeks. All in all, things have gone better than I could have hoped.

Frankly, I'm amazed by what my surgeon, Dr. Wael Barsoum, was able to do. At the risk of sounding like some hypochondriac who prattles on endlessly about her maladies, I want to share a bit about this experience because I'm just so impressed and astounded by how well things have gone. After years of low back pain and stiffness in my leg, I was diagnosed earlier this year with a labral tear in my hip (a hole in the cartilage lining) as well as cysts in the joint.

It was getting so uncomfortable that it was becoming difficult for me to work in my studio or out in the field. So all this past summer, I debated whether to undertake surgery to (hopefully) fix the problem. I sought various medical opinions and got the whole gamut, ranging from "Egads! Don't do it" to "You'll be on crutches for eight weeks."

EIGHT weeks!

As someone who's only had a few dental cavities in her life, this was a big deal. But after the conclusion of my art show season this year, I took the plunge and elected to have arthroscopic surgery because I couldn't stand the pain any more. Now I have just two small incisions on my leg, each of them barely a centimeter in length. But most importantly, I already feel better!

I'm looking forward to getting back to my artwork soon and I appreciate all of the well wishes that I've received. Currently I'm able to work at my computer, so for the first time in my life I can tell you that I'm totally caught up on my bookwork. But more importantly, I invite you to watch for a few cosmetic updates on my web site as I get ready for 2010. In addition, stay tuned for new works beginning in January - I have lots of ideas from this down time.