Ok, here goes. My ACL is indeed torn and I have some micro-fractures on top of that. The surgeon looked at me and said, “well, you knew it was torn”. Yes, I did. The micro-fractures means more recovery time. So, I’m about to embark on a new chapter. I wonder about making art and how I will adapt. I know I will adapt and am actually curious about how that will take shape. The way I work now is pretty physical, so will I quiet down, be more inward with the work, work smaller or slower??
How will this change manifest in the work? I start tomorrow!! I’m actually not afraid or that sad. I’m sad I won’t be dancing with my buddies, but know how wonderfully joyful it will be when I get to rejoin them!! I’m not afraid of the pain or the hard work ahead. My main concern is that I will undoubtedly have to rely on the help of friends and family. This is the hardest for me, but I will have to learn to be better at this too.
I’m sure the lessons will be many…humility, compassion, self-care, patience all come to mind. I will soon learn of many more I’m sure.
Now I do some physical therapy and strengthening to get ready for surgery. I have about four weeks to wait and one workshop trip to make beforehand. Then I have a good ten weeks to rehab before my next trip and probably six to nine months before I’m back to regular routines.
But tomorrow, I paint.
3 Responses
Sending you healing thoughts and prayers. It's funny how these things appear in our lives (well, not exactly funny!) and the messages we get from them. Is someone telling you to slow down? Will you develop something new in your painting as a result? Will it lead you to new and interesting people? As you said, there are often hidden messages or lessons. And sometimes it's a good thing! Wishing you the very best!
(I'm also starting physical therapy this week; a rotator cuff issue with bursitis …my painting arm! Not nearly as bad as what youre going through, but a nuisance.) Take care, Marla!
I wish you the best in your recovery and healing. I am an artist that broke my leg 4 weeks ago, and the expectations about having more time for art were not completely realized. The logistics of being able to get comfortably into the studio, or to plein air, are incredible. I can not do anything without help,or adaptations, and yes, it needs humility. I so appreciate my friends! And art after pain meds, well, interesting to say the least. At least for me.
Marla, I am so sorry to hear of your injury. It really puts a cramp(no pun intended!) in your dancing and a little in your art. But as you say maybe you will discover something else new about yourself and your art. I wanted to let you know I linked to your blog in my own post today because I wanted people to know about your demos at IAPS and the fact that I am attempting to do a variations series. I titled my series "Doing The Marla" to give you the original credit. I am struggling a little with getting my final composition down, but had fun today. So thank you again for the inspirations. My best wishes for your speedy recovery and continuous great art from you.