Quality of work recently

[Jean Kelly]

I'm unable to type much as I've torn a muscle mid-back (low and mid trapezius), but just wanted to congratulate everyone for all the exceptional artwork I've seen lately. I read daily and have seen every post, just can't do the typing to reply to everyone I want to.

So I'm not going to name names (cause I'll forget someone), but to all the new people, welcome, and thank you for sharing all your exceptional works. And Kim! You rock girl!

Jean

[Kimberly Dow]

Jean! I hope this will heal soon! What size palette were you trying to lift anyway?? Hope to see you typing away soon!

[Patricia Joyce]

Please, be well Jean. Will keep you in my prayers. I have missed your posts and am glad you touched base today!

Hang in there

[Jean Kelly]

Hi Kim and Pat,

This is the 5th month that I've been fighting with this stupid muscle. It's in the wrong place and easy to reinjure. I wish I could say I was doing something interesting (like skydiving or biking across Canada) but all I did was hug my dog. I've worked on one dorky painting of a swan and have been trying to work on a portrait commission but can't hold my arm up for long. We're changing my painting setup to see if I can paint longer when everything is on the same level. I finally gave up and bought a food processor so I can cook again (without having to chop).

Enough whining, thanks for your well wishes I do need the sympathy. I miss posting, but just wanted to let everyone know I'm still here and enjoying all the incredible work that has been posted lately. Sharon, Kim, Allen, Carlos, Jimmie, Pat, Linda Nelson, Amy, Holly, Heidi, and on and on and on (if I forgot someone it's only due to my bad brain function right now.. And the new members are blowing me away with the raw and in some cases extremely polished talent.

What an amazing place this is!

Jean

[Kimberly Dow]

Jean -

You poor thing - I hope your husband is babying you! Muscle things must be the worst - there is no surgery or anything to fix that. I knew all those animals of yours would be a problem some day.

[Allan Rahbek]

Hi Jean,
Good to see you on the forum but sorry that you cannot paint.

I came to think of a Norwegian fly-maker, for fly fishing, who have made herself a contra weight to take the weight of her arms while she is working with the hooks and feathers. Maybe you can use one.

Her

[Holly Snyder]

Hi Jean,

I'm sorry to hear about your injury. Allan's suggestion sounds like a good one. Another possibility is to try doing some of the things with your left hand that you used to do with your right (assuming you're right handed and your injury is just affecting the one arm). I've had consistent problems with my right elbow after overdoing it in tennis several years ago, and do a lot with my left hand now. It takes time to teach your brain, and I have to admit I haven't tried actually painting with my left hand yet, but switching some tasks over has been worth it. Hey, and if the injury is affecting both of your arms, you could always learn to use your feet. I saw a tv show once on someone who had been born without arms and it was amazing what they could do for themselves with their feet!

Best wishes for quick healing,

Holly

[Jean Kelly]

Thanks for all the suggestions, they are under consideration. Allan, a pulley system attached to the ceiling would work if this were a simple problem of just keeping my arm up. But, because of nerve irritation, my arm and shoulder jerks and I end up putting lips on eyeballs!

Holly, I'm left handed and the side that is hurt (of course) is the left. I'm already using my right hand and trying to teach my brain the fine motor control needed. Since I already am somewhat ambidextrous I may be able to pull this off. I believe that the knowledge and skill is all in the brain anyway, this should be possible. I don't know about my feet though, that would take some doing! So, if I post a really messed up portrait be kind, I probably used my right hand, or my teeth.

Kim, hubby is doing an admirable job. Does all lifting, reaching, driving, helps with meals, massages almond oil in my back every night, and still loves me. And, animals aren't the problem, my stupid body is the problem. I could have done this hugging my husband instead of Zoe (my GSD).

Thank you everyone, it hurts to type, but I've really missed you all.

Jean

[Linda Brandon]

Hi Jean,

Gosh, I sure am sorry to read this post, which I just spotted. You are hurt worse than I thought, and I'm so sorry to hear that you're not painting. I hope you're taking lots of painkillers.

[Jean Kelly]

Hi Linda,

None of the good painkillers because they screw up my brain! And I don't drink either for the same reason. But I may end up with a nerve block if this doesn't resolve soon, the tear is near my spine.

Linda Nelson, I'm amazed at your progress! Absolutely beautiful work.

Valentino, your portrait is breathtaking.

I'm feeling jealous and frustrated at my lack of progress, but today was a better day, maybe I can paint tomorrow.

Jean