Yesterday and today: November 2010 to April 2011

 














Life as it is today, April 18, 2011

On November 29, 2010, I was diagnosed with Leukemia - ALL - acute lymphoblastic leukemia. My life from that time to today has changed 100%. The focused artist I once was is now focused on getting through each of my chemo blasts at UCSF, enduring some of the side effects and dealing with the snail pace of continuing with my treatment. I have had five varying series of chemo treatments since my initial diagnosis in November.
 
Last night I returned from my latest series. Side effects were minimal and it was only a week visit. I am grateful for these short visits. I now question the doctors frequently with requests to go home. Sound childish? Amazing how you revert when being kept inside for too long. I welcome my escapes / break-outs from U.C.: I can sleep in my own bed,, no 2am vitals, no 5am weigh-ins, no connection to pumps or the “ball and chain “ pole thingy you are connected to and privacy! Being home is heavenly!!

I am trying to live by the 12 Step Credo, “One Day at a Time.” Unfortunately when you’ve been poked, prodded, pumped more times than you’d like to say, it is not so easy. Bad days mixed in with good days are common. I am incredibly anxious, impatient about finishing my chemo regimen. I believe I have 4 more treatments to go. The way I feel today, the day after returning from treatment, I might as well have 40 treatments.

I am a strong woman. I will get through this. I want to have many. many years left to enjoy my children, grandchildren and my husband. I want to buy a second home in New Orleans. I want my artwork to thrive and grow. I am grateful now for what I have in my life but I want more of it. This is what propels me through these chemo treatments. Am I frightened by all of this? Of course. I’m terrified the chemo won’t work. I’m living with these fears in the hope that my determination, love of my family and friends will steer me to a healthy life. Time will tell. I remain hopeful and forever impatient to see where this takes me. Through this all, life is very good.

Back to hospital - NO! SOMArts Pop-Up Shop (today), YES!

I was supposed to return to the hospital this past Friday for a four day stay. My husband began calling for me on Friday to find out when I should check in. The charge nurse said there was no room available and that there hadn't been one available since Thursday. "Call back on Saturday." Saturday we called and we were told that there would be no rooms available until Monday. Okay. The nurse at U.C. was very apologetic, saying this hadn't happened before.

What to do?

Enjoy two more days at home. In fact I signed up for an open house / pop-up store at SOMArts. My husband Gary was going to work it for me. The big surprise was that I could be there too. I haven't done a show since November and I'm honestly excited about this. Since I haven't been able to get into the studio for painting or working with upcycled items, I'll be showing mostly jewelry - rings, necklaces and earrings. I also created some handmade greeting cards, original watercolor paintings, of calavera burlesque women dressed in various sexy attire. Very fun if I do say so myself.

If by chance you're in the area, here's the details on the SOMArts show:

By the by....

Haven't posted any new pics of work I've done lately. Since my time is spent mostly at home and in the hospital, I've taken to working on jewelry. Its so much easier to transfer around from one place to the next. Painting, sanding, transferring images just doesn't make for a easy use in a hospital room. Here's a peek at some of my latest jewelry designs.

MY WORK WILL BE AVAILABE AT THE SOMArts Open House & Pop-Up Shop

SOMArts Open House & Pop-Up Shop

For the first time, in about four months, I'm going to have some of my jewelry and accessories on sale at this SOMArts pop-up shop this coming Sunday. I'm thrilled. Lots of one-of-a-kind items will be available all for $25.00 or under. AMAZING! Although I won't be there in attendance (going back into the hospital tomorrow for a four day stay) my work will be for sale. If you are in the city or will be in the city on Sunday, please stop by. Besides the pop-up shop, all of SOMArts will be open for an open house with activities listed below. Stop by!
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Sunday, April 10, 2011 - 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm | Cost: FREE
SOMArts | 934 Brannan Street
San Francisco, CA


SOMArts Open House & Pop Up Shop | SoMaSOMArts opens its doors for a Sunday of art, food and entertainment. Stroll through the community garden, grab lunch from a local food cart, take a free origami class, free yoga class and buy artwork ranging from $5 to $25.

Open House Workshop and Demonstration Schedule

2:00-2:30 Origami with Jeremy Shafer of Bay Area Rapid Folders
2:30–3:00 Chrysalis Studio Printmaking Demonstration with Katie Gilmartin
3:00–3:30 Darkroom Q&A with Rene and Tom of Sixth Street Photography
3:30–4:00 Yoga Meditation led by Crystal Nelson in the SOMArts Dance Studio AND Origami with Jeremy Shafer of Bay Area Rapid Folders
4:00–4:30 Chrysalis Studio Printmaking Demonstration with Katie Gilmartin
4:30–5:00 Darkroom Q&A with Rene and Tom of Sixth Street Photography
5:00–5:30 Yoga Meditation led by Crystal Nelson in the SOMArts Dance Stu

A night out with friends and ancestors:

me, Maria Sanchez, Alejandra Palos, Roxanne Quezada Chartouni

Compañía Mazatlán Bellas Artes

Compañía Mazatlán Bellas Artes

Compañía Mazatlán Bellas Artes

Compañía Mazatlán Bellas Artes

Had a night out with my hubby Gary and 3 girlfriends: Maria, Roxanne and Alejandra. All artists we create paintings, sculpture and photography. A wonderful mixture of talent. A wonderful night out seeing the Olmec exhibit http://deyoung.famsf.org/deyoung/exhibitions/olmec-colossal-masterworks-ancient-mexico at the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. Along with the fab exhibit were the dancing genius of Azteca dance troupe Danza Xitlalli and Folklorico dance troupe Compañía Mazatlán Bellas Artes de Sacramento. What a great night. It felt so good to be out again with hubby and friends. Happy to be strong enough to have a night out!

~ Martha