Adjust - : to adapt or conform oneself (as to new conditions)

[Martha Rodriguez]

Adjust - : to adapt or conform oneself (as to new conditions)
subtitle: My work is available for shows and readily available for sale 

Took a whirlwind trip to L.A. over the MLK weekend. Visited family (and particularly the Fusco side of the family) and had a great time. We drove down in a rented 12 seat van. We collected my mother in San Jose, and from San Francisco came my husband, daughter, son and his wife with my grand kids Leo and Isabelle. All of our luggage plus baby stuff for Isabelle (she's only 6 months) was packed into the van. It was hysterical. We stayed with my sister in L.A. and brother-in-law J.D. I'd compare the experience to an urban camping trip. It was a memorable event with lots of fun thrown in.

Since my return, I developed a horrific cold. In my post hospitalization state, I am still considered immunosuppressed,  So, colds can lead to pneumonia, etc. BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!. I just have to be careful, rest and not push myself until the symptoms clear.

Part of my post hospitalization treatment for Leukemia involves taking multiple meds: Chemo, anti-viral and others.There are a total of six different types I take at various times of the week. One type, Methotrexate, is taken one day a week for a total of 16 pills. Fortunately the pills are small! Another drug, a Sulpha drug, I take twice a day on the weekend. The other four pills I take every day. WOW...THAT'S A LOT OF PILLS!!! I've experienced minimal side effects but primarily  experience fatigue.

So, I haven't been into the studio for 11 days. The temperature in the building these days is closer to a refrigerator. No heat of course other than our space heaters. Its slightly (only slightly) funny when you see fellow artists walking around in full layered attire: multiple shirts, sweaters, jackets, leggings under jeans, jackets, scarves, hats, gloves. Yes, that's working in the winter months.

Let me just say I miss my studio time terribly. Since my discharge from the hospital, all I've wanted to do is paint. My jewelry making, gift making is still happening but its my painting that I long for. With eleven days out of the studio, I started to have my "failure dreams."  I dream I'm either in high school, college or performing on stage. I either haven't done my homework, studied for my finals or rehearsed my lines or dance. I'm a complete failure!! Anxiety. My anxiety of not being in the studio is showing up in my dreams!

So, I'm adjusting.  This is all new territory. How do I fit my health issues into my life? How do I  adjust to living with blood cancer, Leukemia, now in remission? The answer is I don't know. I'm figuring it out as I go along. The one thing I'm clear on is in order to maintain my health, I have to take care of myself. That involves trying to stay healthy, eat well, try to exercise and learn to let go of those stressful situations that always took their toll. They are totally not worth my time or energy!

Webster defines the word adjust as:  to adapt or conform oneself (as to new conditions). Yes, indeed. That is my life.

I am still creating, I am still promoting. My work is available for shows and readily available for sale! With my Leukemia in remission I am simply adjusting to my new, renewed life.

Martha
January 22. 2012

[Martha Rodriguez]

Sol, what a beautiful story about your sister. What an inspiration she was, She made the most out of what had been given to her. In many ways, a serious illnesses can be viewed as a gift - a tough gift to accept for sure - but a gift that helps you to re-evaluate just how precious life and living really is.

Gloria Irene's life was a vibrant, spark of light! She lived it to her fullest extent. That is my hope also!

[Martha Rodriguez]

Thank-you Maria, sweet friend. Your support has helped me through these times.

All  my love to you and the familia!

[Wink Artisans]

Martha:

What a brave soul you are! Like we say in flamenco "Ole Tu!".  Reading your story, reminds me of my young sister Gloria Irene (RIP).  

My sister had a condition called Beta Thallassemia, a blood disorder, which was diagnosed when she was three months old.  She lived with the condition every single day of her short 18 years.  Nonetheless, she was a vibrant and happy soul determined to have fun, and make art.  And art she made.  

On the down days, she loaded fuel... she had to have blood transfusions for about a week every month, so she took it slow and often drew or got inspirations by observing her surroundings.  On the up days, she would go through her inspirations to make them happen. Sometimes because of lack of energy, she made small and quick projects. When she was more energetic, she would venture into more intricate work. Nevertheless, she  radiated and made sure to have the best time possible.

You'll find a new way of life, a new balance and set of priorities.  This might be your "time to fuel" so that you can soon be radiant and in your studio again playing with paint. 

I send you a heartfelt hug and will keep you on my prayers.  I'm cheering for you!

Sol (from San Diego)

[Maria Sanchez]

praying that you get your energy back and for warmer weather to arrive soon... love you my dear friend... adjusting seems to be a life long pattern... we adjust to what life brings us. xoxo