18 Comments
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Kim Nelson's avatar

I've been absent here for a while, Maureen and happily did some catch up reading this morning. Hearing your voice through the page was, again, such a pleasure. Hope your Thanksgiving was one of good food and companionship!

Maureen C. Berry's avatar

Hi Kim! How nice to see your message! I hope all is well in your world and that you had a relaxing Thanksgiving. I look forward to catching up with your writing. xo

Jeff pattishall's avatar

I have thoughts on this piece… and your art to share.

Maureen C. Berry's avatar

Hi Jeff & Gloria! Thanks for reading and sharing! ❤️💋Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Karen DeBonis's avatar

The waiting is the worst, isn't it, Maureen? (Not that I've ever had to wait for scans like yours, but still, I get it.) I'm sorry the stress is having such a significant impact on you, and I'm glad you have your beautiful art to distract you. Did I say how beautiful your art is?

Maureen C. Berry's avatar

Yes, the waiting is annoying! And yes, art is the perfect distraction! Your kind words make me smile! XO

Anne Lewis's avatar

Maureen - with all the anticipatory anxiety and then schedule changes around your upcoming checkup, no wonder you are in alert and easily amped up.

Thanks for your honesty.

I wish you good results.

Maureen C. Berry's avatar

I appreciate you Anne and back at you!

Heather Sweeney's avatar

Thinking of you and sending lots of love, hugs and good vibes!

Maureen C. Berry's avatar

Hi Heather, I’ll take that! It’s nice to see you check in! Book stuff is time-consuming! xo

Heather Sweeney's avatar

I try to come up for air sometimes! lol. Sending you big, warm hugs from afar!

Nancy Jainchill's avatar

Love the art!

Maureen C. Berry's avatar

Thanks Nancy! I appreciate you saying so!

Anne Lewis's avatar

Glad you're intentional and stubborn about doing your art and staying on top of your health.

I find it hard to be open about health issues that here.

Any thoughts?

Maureen C. Berry's avatar

Hi Anne. You know, that whole health update was initially at the top of the letter and then I thought oh, people don’t want to hear about my health issues, lol, so I dropped it to the bottom! Though I know there are many people who are in my corner as far as my health goes. And my Art also. My advice? Be genuine and not try to underscore the seriousness of health issues. Because we all have them. And as we get older, it’s much more common. I think toxic positivity is a thing and it’s not helpful or beneficial to anybody, including the person writing. Also, if you’re referencing yourself, remember, while you have health issuess, you are much more than that. xo

Carol Gregor's avatar

Love you and I am thinking of your health and creative life and send love your way, xx

Maureen C. Berry's avatar

Morning Carol! Love you too. Thanks so much. Hugs to you all xo

Kate's avatar

Thanks for this candid and illuminating update about many facets of your life. Stress leaks out in spite of our best efforts. I love that you have Cooper, your sweet husband, your beautiful surroundings and your art to help cushion the harder bits, although worries can be a nagging Greek chorus that refuses to pipe down. For me, focusing on creating is the only thing that drowns them out.

I wish I could express the joy I feel every time I walk into my living room and see my Nirvana pieces. To say that I see them is insufficient. I feel them reach out and pull me in. I'm invited, surrounded, embraced. The experience is changing my relationship with the walls in my house, and I am finally framing and hanging things that have been waiting for years for their moment.

Thank you.