Necklace by Amanda Davie sent as a giveaway

I confess: I read a lot of blogs. I enjoy meeting people and getting to know them through their daily lives, their artsy endeavors and blogs. Sometimes, of course, bloggers offer fabulous give-aways. Amanda Davie’s blog is one I read regularly.

About a month ago, Amanda posted a giveaway – a lovely necklace she made. Amanda describes it “Lots of wire wrapping, Swarovski Crystals, antique chandelier crystals, freshwater pearls, quartz, semi-precious stones, and a handmade bird cage pendant.” I was in love with it and I immediately commented as such. Well, earlier this week, I received an email from Amanda lettingme know that I had WON this gorgeous necklace. Yesterday it arrived in the mail in a lovely handmade art-quilted pouch. It’s even more gorgeous in person and tomorrow, I have a family brunch where I will wear this beautiful piece of art proudly.

Sneak Peek at Crazy Quilt - hand-stitching

Thanks Amanda!

In other news, I’m getting stronger each day, and the past two days, I’ve even been out to run some errands and I’ve not needed major naps soon thereafter – significant progress, let me tell you!

While at home, I’ve been working on hand stitching a crazy quilt. I’ve never done one before, but I had all these brightly colored scraps and fat quarters and I was inspired to just start putting the quilt top together just before my surgery.

Sneak Peek 2 at crazy quilt in pogress

I had thought I would stitch it during my convalescence. It took longer than I thought for me to be comfortable enough to sit up and stitch, but I’ve been working on it daily for the past week. I have always found stitching relaxing.

Monday is my treatment again. I suspect it will hit me pretty hard, as I’m just starting to get back into my regular routine. But it’s all good. We’re counting down two weeks until our vacation in Italy, so I’m more than happy to relax next week and get my strength up for the trip.

Now I’m off to learn Italian phrases and to stitch some more!

]]> http://www.fransaperstein.com/2009/04/18/a-beautiful-gift-and-a-quick-update/feed/ 6 http://www.fransaperstein.com/2009/04/10/finally-some-art/ http://www.fransaperstein.com/2009/04/10/finally-some-art/#comments Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:59:27 +0000 Fran http://www.artsyfran.com/?p=758

Tree Trunks - Pen and ink in journal - Fabriano CP 140# paper approx 5" x 7"

I just realized that with all my health stuff, I haven’t posted any art in quite a while. Well, there’s a reason – I haven’t done much. BUT, my wrist is out of the splint, I’m no longer in pain from the post-surgical stuff, and I’m starting to come out of the fog, despite a setback of vertigo.

But that’s neither here nor there.

I have a trip to prepare for! Because of our upcoming trip to Italy, I have felt a great need to get back to drawing. It’s the only art I will bring with me and it really helps me to get more out of my trip. So, I’ve been working on making a few journals and some drawings. To the right is one of my latest drawings. I went back for my post-surgical appointment and drew this while waiting for the doctor.

I learned an important lesson while sitting in the doctor’s office and drawing: When I’m at home, the tv lulls me into a bit of oblivion. Oh, I read. And I do some crochet. I’m listening to My Daily Phrase Italian Podcasts…  but usually, the tv is on. I find I can’t really when I’m watching tv. The drawing takes all of my focus. It takes complete concentration to just sit and draw what I actually see. It’s like meditation for me. I’m so glad I have my drawing back.

Have an awesome holiday weekend, everyone!

The good news is that I’m healing well and I’m doing very little other than reading, watching tv, and sleeping. That’s pretty much all I can do for at least the next week until I see the doctor.

I’ve not left the house since returning from the hospital. And I’m completely OK with that. I tire easily and I have an Italy trip to rest up for!

More updates some time next week. Again, thanks for all your support!