Monday, February 20, 2012

On a wing and a prayer and the big C



Finally, I feel satisfied with these little bronze pieces. I've been working on them for a while.  I love these little birdies.  I saw these plump little beauties out my back door all summer and fall. They were feasting on the bird feeder just outside my studio window. They looked wren like but so big compared to the house wrens I am familiar with. They have the most beautiful song. A little internet search and there they were. The mystery of the large plump wren. I present the Carolina wren, at least my version of one. My new studio friend.

The nest with a single egg fairly flew off my pen to paper when I first heard the fantastic news that I will have a new grand baby at the end of June. It's a celebration of the gift of life that babies bring. By the way, it is a boy that we will be greeting and loving into this world.




A 'wing and a prayer' is a phrase that I often turn to in times when I am having a hard time navigating life.  But I never really knew where it came from. A little research and I find that it comes from a British song/poem about a WWII fighter plane coming home after a mission on a single engine, ..'we are coming in on a wing and a prayer...' It means essentially that I may not be operating at my optimum but I'm getting the job done.

In fact, I haven't been operating on all my engines lately. You know, I'm pretty much getting there. I'm making it home.  But the results of all of those medical tests that came about after this year's physical are not all that fantastic. Yep, it is the big C. I have breast cancer. It will require surgery soon and most likely chemo and radiation therapy. I so debated whether or not to share that on this blog. But then this blog is about the intersection of my studio with my life and .... well this one is a biggy that is going to spill over into most everything I do.

But I do feel a little like that bunny. For me bunnies are a symbol of spring, of the beginning of summer. I remember watching them as a child hopping through the back garden at dusk. I loved going out there and quietly watching them being busy foraging for their dinner. Usually that was my mothers vegetable garden. She did not share the same affection I had for the little fellows.

Spring is just around the corner.....Spring is a new beginning and I'm ready for a new beginning.


48 comments:

Barbara Lewis said...

LeAnn, I'm so sorry to hear this. :-( No one wants to experience cancer. My mother is a 15 year breast cancer survivor. I'll be praying for you. :-)

adlinah said...

I'm very sorry to hear the diagnosis. It seems quite a few of us are facing health issues at the moment. I have to go in to the doc's on Wed to discuss the results of my own breast ultrasound. I hope all goes well with your op and treatment. Take care.

elisabeth said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you :-)

Jenny said...

Leanne, you will be in my thoughts. I have other friends battling this disease, and while a diagnosis like this is devastating, I think it's also worth noting that our ability to treat it is better than ever. A childhood friend is currently going through this, and I will, each day, send good thoughts your way, as I do with her.

Izzy said...

wrapping you up in a hug filled with love, light and healing.

Patti Vanderbloemen said...

So sorry to read this post...but you are in my thoughts and prayers for a swift recovery. And...I am so happy to hear the news of the grand baby!

Shannon Chomanczuk said...

Oh I am so sorry to hear this news. I will keep you in my prayers. I have many clients who are survivors and if you need anything please let me know.
Blessings,
Shannon C

mairedodd said...

one of those life changing moments is upon you & they can be terrifying... i admire your courage and grace... that you are open and sharing this part of your journey... you are a very special woman... may all of the goodness, kindness and compassion that you have put out into the world come back to you in bucketfuls... you are adored - reach out whenever you need support...

Marcie Abney Carroll said...

Our hearts are with you on this journey toward healing, may the Spring truly bring the Spring you want and need.

Katie said...

So sorry to hear the news! But know that you have a wonderful family and a bunch of beady friends who are thinking of you and sending you the happy healing thoughts to get you safely through to the victory lane :o)

*hugs*

TesoriTrovati said...

This will change you for sure, Miss LeAnn, but truly only on the outside. You are still you. You are still loved. You are still living the life you were meant to live. You know already that you are in my daily thoughts and prayers. I am proud of you for sharing this with your online family. Let us be there for you.
Find your 'something good' in this every day, Miss LeAnn.
Enjoy the day.
Erin

Mary Newton Designs said...

I wish I had something original to say but I echo all of the above sentiments. Peace be with you.

Laura Twiford said...

Oh LeAnn, I am so sorry to hear these results. I have been praying for you and will continue. I too am glad that you chose to share here to be able to draw upon our strength and support when you find you need it most. Big comforting hugs, Laura

jessememan said...

LeAnn, my sweet friend, I am sending lots of love and hugs and many prayers! Hang in there! We are rooting for you!

sharon said...

I am so sorry to hear this Leann, but I know you wel enough to know you are strong, corageous, and powerful, and you will rebound like that bunny. Your strong spirit will carry you through. I am sending much love, all my prayers and good thoughts to you. I hope we can help you somehow in our own little way here.
Your bronze pieces are so beautiful, like you.

Gardanne said...

I LeAnn I am so sorry to hear your news, and I so admire your attitude. I don't know one woman that does not have a friend and/or family member that has not been touched by breast cancer. I too am happy to report that all my friends with breast cancer are also 5+ year survivors.
Keep hugging your grandbabies and making beautiful things, and thanks for letting us support you through this.

Erin Siegel said...

LeAnn, my dear friend, I'm here for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much for letting us know what is going on with you. Please keep us updated on how you are doing. I will be sending you good vibes, love and light.

Babs said...

LeAnn, My thoughts and prayers are with you friend.

Amy F said...

So sorry to hear about that - sending you positive vibes for your recovery. *hugs*

momster said...

hugs and prayers - and awe in the face of your grace and courage.

Vintajia Adornments said...

Oh LeeAnn that's a tough hand fate has dealt you. Sending you strength and love

Linda said...

Sending you heartfelt
♥இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—...இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—
.*♥*...║║║║╔╗╔╗*♥*
...*♥*.╠╣║║║╗╚╗.....*❤*
*♥*....║║╚╝╚╝╚╝.........

Lisa Peters Russ said...

so sorry to hear about your health issue, I think the arrival of your new grandbaby will help you get through all the days ahead until you are recovered fully to enjoy time with the new member of your family,

sending you positive and healing thoughts,

Lisa p.

Lorelei Eurto said...

ACK! I dont know how I missed this earlier today, distracted maybe by the sweet little charms.
I am hoping you will keep a nice positive outlook with this news... and the baby will surely keep you distracted. We are all here for you during this long journey ahead of you. Love you LeAnn. Stay strong. Call if you need us! xoxoxoxoxo!!!

SummersStudio said...

Thank you all for your kindness and support. This loving community is one of the best things that has happened in my life. Please know that all of you do make a difference in how I cope with the road ahead.

Marla James said...

Hugs to you from your BOC family. We are here for you always.

Shel said...

So sorry to hear your news. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and I'm sending positive, healthy vibes your way!

My Life Under the Bus said...

Oh LeAnn my heart goes out to you. It's a bumpy road ahead but not impossible. I see bunnies the same way you do - a harbinger of longer days, brighter sun, greener grass. I can only send you some Internet hugs and thoughts and prayers XOXOX

Colleen said...

I'm so sorry about this diagnosis. Sending lots of Rocky Mountain hugs & positive, healing thoughts your way.

Marie Cramp said...

I am so sorry about your diagnosis! My mother is a survivor, and I have faith that you will be too! <3 All my love and prayers are with you, keep us up to date <3

Cindy said...

LeAnn, my heart goes out to you upon hearing the diagnosis. You are truly surrounded by a community that loves you and are here to support you however we can. I'll keep you in my prayers.
Congratulations on the news of the new baby.

Cyndi J said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your health crisis. BUT! I know many women who are breast cancer survivors so after your treatment, I'll be able to include you in that category. My thoughts are with you. And you will be here to see that new grandbaby take his first steps, graduate high school, get married, and have children of his own.

And the new charms are adorable. Love plump wrens!

Carol B said...

LeAnn,
My thoughts are also with you. I hope you are among the very many who beat this disease to live a long and healthy life.

Barb Fernald said...

Ditto Mary Newton Designs.

You know I'm thinking about you LeAnn. By sharing your cancer news, it gives us all a chance to be supportive. I love this community of artist/bloggers. And I love that you have a grandson on the way!

Thank god for happy distractions during the rough times.

stregata said...

Oh my - devastating news. I am sending you much love and healing energy... I so admire your positive additude, you are such a strong woman, my friend. You are in my thoughts always.

Lori Anderson said...

You totally know how much I love you -- I'm glad you decided to share and now we can all send you heaps of prayers and love.

Lori P said...

Leanne, my prayers and hugs go out to you. I know that you'll be this. Please keep everyone posted as often as possible.

indigo heart said...

leanne, i'm so sorry to hear your sad news. your attitude will make all the difference in the world. thank you for being brave enough to share with us. praying for a swift recovery. life has so many gifts for us, and i know your spirit knows how to receive them. hears to spring!

Kathleen Lange Klik said...

Your positive attitude and spirit is the first step in the battle. Being surrounded by love and support is the foundation. You have both of those! Sending heartfelt wishes your way. The beading community is here for you.

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studio said...

Oh, man! LeAnne - I am SO sorry to hear that you are going to have to undergo surgery & possible radiation & chemo. I don't have the words to express how this news makes me feel (can I go kick some dirt and yell a bit into the wind for you?). Just take it step by step and keep a positive outlook on life and you will make it through this side tracked journey. Sending you positive thoughts continually. Hang in there! {{{{hugs}}}}

Donna Bradley said...

So sorry to hear your news! Hugs and prayers to you for successful surgery and a speedy recovery. I hope you'll keep us posted on how you're doing. Stay strong!

lunedreams said...

LeAnn, I'm so sorry to hear you will be having to do battle with the big C! It is starting to seem like a rite of passage for us...I am sending fervent wishes to you for strength, great doctoring, and healing!

(And on a different note, congratulations on the grandbaby!)

Patty said...

LeAnn, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Cancer is not an easy thing, but you have what it takes to stand up to it. We'll be with you every step of the way. ((Hugs))

Pearl and Pebble said...

Oh LeAnn! You have been on my mind these last few days too. We will include you in our prayers. My mom is is a 14 year survivor and my friend will be going on 10 years. Keep that positive energy around you as much as you can, you are a strong strong beautiful woman!!!! Congrats on the boy-love love love boys!!! And I love the little bunny charm:)

CharmN Jewelry said...

nature almost always inspires...the small little sweet animals look so very beautiful...the rabbit especially is very cute and they could be perfect gifts for the young ones too.Charm Bracelets

LLYYNN - Lynn Davis said...

Thoughts, prayers, e-hugs. Please put on your blog things that can be done, said, sent, to make you know how cherished you are, and how closely held by so many.
Lynn

Lisa Cone - Inspired Adornments said...

I was where you are now at this time last year. This was my second go at BC and I chose to have all tissue removed and reconstruction using stomach fat! Please email me if you ever need to talk about all of the details and decisions. There's also a great message board - breastcancer.org - that has lots of info.

lisacone@inspiredadornments.com

Unknown said...

Oh! A Baby Boy is coming! Congrats on your new family member and I know it gives you comfort to know he will be sooooo loved through his childhood.

Thank you for sharing your diagnoses of breast cancer, I know that was hard. And I know you need to be prepared for hard. Please know you are not alone, I am thinking and praying for you daily.
Shannon