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This past week was a study in contrasts.  I returned home from a wonderful trip to Charleston for a successful art show. The gallery was prepared, artwork showing to its best.  The weather was lovely, and the attendees were definitely in an acquiring mood.  It was a group show, and all the artists sold work, so happiness all around. It was a reminder of why I love all this - seeing the final creations framed, speaking with the collectors, touching base with the other artists, painting as I enjoyed the sunshine.  I was introduced to a fabulous restaurant that serves Southern cooking, and will add it to my "must visit" haunts (hint: Paige's Okra Grill, Mount Pleasant, SC). 

Tuesday night was spent with a dear friend and a concert.  I hesitate to admit it, but I am a Parrothead from way on back, and a Jimmy Buffett concert practically in my back yard was too good to resist.  The evening was warm, but not uncomfortable, tailgating abounded, the crowd was friendly and laid back, and Jimmy was at his best.  For the first time in a LONG time, I laughed, danced, and sang along with fellow fans, and it was FUN.  Never underestimate the value of wearing flower leis around your neck, and glow-in-the-dark bracelets!

Friday came and the weekend beckoned.  I was looking forward to some "me" creative time in the studio, completing a small commission, and just playing with paint and canvas.  I was still feeling all the love from the show, and the fun from the concert, so this looked like an epic, laid-back, "create all you want" time.  Ideas were bubbling in my head, and I was itching to get my hands on brushes and paint.

Then I hit the wall.  Extreme chest pain, nausea, and profuse perspiration. The pain was spiraling out of control.  Nitro and aspirin gave a little relief, but I was in trouble.  Thankfully, I was at the office, where I was surrounded by a first responder, a hospital board member, praying friends and across the street from the fire station.  In short order, I was in an ambulance and on my way.  A night in the hospital, many tests, and a parade of doctors who were incredibly efficient followed suit. The episode hasn't proved too damaging, and I am recovering.  Whew. 

What struck me was this -- we are all surrounded by angels, unaware that they are there watching over us (not in a creepy way!), there at a moment's notice.  Some  share our success, our achievement, while others are there to encourage us to be children again and dance.  And then there are the heavy-hitters who lift us up and get us through hard, scary moments.  We are never truly alone in this world.  Whether they take the form of friends, encouragers, or trained professionals, or take the form of prayers and positive thoughts, we are supported often in many ways we take for granted.

I'm looking forward to going to the studio again.  I will gingerly start to get back to normal.  I found out my art is precious to me, more than ever.  I found out that the priorities I often think are set in stone are not.  I have a renewed appreciation for my children and their love for me, and for their caring and support for my husband. I was reminded that friends care about each other, and I was humbled by their responsive actions.  I know that life is a gift, each moment, each thought.  I renewed my commitment to make a difference, no matter how small, to bring beauty to those I meet, be it a smile, a kind word, or a beautiful work of art.  And I am filled with a grateful spirit.

Thank you to my angels, not so unaware now.