Over the past few days I’ve started a new sketchbook journal, adding a bit here and there. This time I’m trying out a Stillman & Birn Zeta in landscape format, 8.5 x 5.5”. First is a quote from Cathy Johnson on keeping art journals, with a random stack of sketchbooks.
Then, as always, I drew some sketching tools on the first page — this time, a collection of granulating pigments I put together (listed to the left of the palette). Autumn is approaching and it always puts me in the mood for earthy granulation in watercolor.
We are still “living” at Scott & White hospital in College Station following Bill’s second bypass operation. A new bypass procedure was required when one from his surgery five years ago failed; they also found another questionable area forming a possible future blockage and decided to take care of that while they were in there. He is recovering much quicker than the medical personnel expected — this surgery, while much longer and more complicated than his first bypass, has been a much better experience with considerably less pain and discomfort.
Bill brought home one of these insulated water mugs when he had disc surgery, and has loved using it for iced tea. But that mug is finally separating and broken. I thought this a rather drastic way for him to get a new one!
We are so thankful Dr. Kirby was able to fit Bill’s surgery in an already busy schedule! From everything we’ve heard, he is the very best heart surgeon in the area, practicing at all three hospitals. Bill’s surgery was on Thursday; on Saturday, Dr. Kirby had an accident on his bicycle . . . and now he is a patient here as well, dealing with some very painful broken ribs. (He is the same age as me, 64. Maybe he should slow down?)
Sorry for the doctor's mishap, but so thankful that it happened AFTER the surgery and not before! Bill got the very best surgeon! Praying continually for his recovery and yes, I do agree that he didn't need to go to all of the trouble of a bypass - just for the new mug!!!! ha!
ReplyDeleteWe agree — so thankful to have had the best surgeon, Dr. Kirby! We mentioned to his colleague who had weekend rotation how grateful we were that Dr. Kirby used the smaller flex chest tubes rather than those rigid “garden hose” tubes he suffered with after the first bypass surgery 5 years ago . . . The colleague admitted that he was old fashioned and still used the garden hoses. SO glad we didn’t have him!
DeleteI love the way you started this new journal and your Fall palette. I'm so thankful that Bill is recovering well and that he had a great doctor. I'm sorry that his Dr. was hurt and we'll pray for a quick recovery for him too, but like Leisel said, I'm glad it happened after Bill's surgery. Please let us know when Bill's new cup starts showing the slightest bit of wear and we'll be glad to send him a new one!! LOL!!
ReplyDeleteLOL — maybe I’ll do that!
DeleteActually, the nurses gave me one to use for a large mug of brewed tea so he can also have mine.
We were planning on being released today but delayed due to surgeons being swamped . . . While we were waiting, the heart monitor began going crazy; he had an unexpected case of atrial fibrillation! Possibly brought on by the surgery / manipulation of his heart. So we are still at the hospital one more night as they give him medication thru a vein. Sinus rhythm already corrected but it wore him out, like running a marathon.
Hopefully home tomorrow . . .
Oh wow! Such a blessing your surgeon was still well when you needed him for your husband's surgery! So glad he is recovering well. I really like the look of your new sketchbook. Stay creative!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a “God thing” that Dr. Kirby squeezed Bill’s long surgery into his already packed schedule (only 2 days after meeting him; he tried to make room for Bill ONE day after our meeting!)
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