Time flies by so quickly lately. At least more quickly than it used to. I can’t be the only one who feels that way, right?
Remembering Another Time
Not only is it December already, but today Facebook thoughtfully reminded me that it has been exactly nine years (!!!!) since I broke my ankle. You can read my rather humorous account of my brilliant idea for capturing a snow photo for that year’s Christmas card on my very old blog here, but that day had a more lasting impact on my life than I ever could have imagined. I didn’t get medical assistance immediately which resulted in the fracture separating more than would heal on it’s own. So now I permanently host a plate and three pins, which still cause discomfort when the barometric pressure changes. I don’t wear pretty shoes and walking on uneven ground for more than a few minutes means I’ll be suffering later in the day. Walking downhill is scary and being outside in icy conditions is terrifying.
I was wheelchair bound for several months and then in the mother of all protective “boots” for another couple of months. That meant I had to find something not golf to fill my days. That’s how I discovered digital scrapbooking; learned how to use Photoshop Elements 2 (!!!); and made online friendships that have endured to this day.
Time to be Grateful
Gratitude turns up in the most unexpected places. Digital scrapbooking (and the encouragement and support of those online friends) led me to start designing digi kits. That, in turn led me to start exploring physical art. I know I’ve said it before, but never in my life did I ever expect to discover that creating is an outlet I really need. I was 54 when I broke my ankle in December 2009. By the time I’d turned 55 the following February, a new passion had been born. Now, at 63, I’m sitting in my own little studio surrounded by my own artwork and a craft unit stuffed to the gils with art supplies.
Now, nine years later, my first class “Mixed Media Techniques” for the Digital Scrapbooker at The National Association of Digital Scrapbookers seems to have been very well received. And I have been booked to teach “Journaling 101” in January and another class at their annual Summit in March. I have taken tons and tons of online art classes and been introduced to intriguing art styles. Now I have even more wonderful online friends and way more than enough art projects to keep me busy forever.
So, as crazy as it may sound, I’m grateful for breaking my ankle on December 7, 2009 and for the totally unexpected journey it led me to. And if you are one of my online friends, I’m grateful to you, too, for your support and encouragement. What are you grateful for today?
Thanks so much for sharing your story. I love hearing what brought people to their calling and I can always use the reminder that things happen for a reason. On my desk I have a quote from a Kay Hooper book: “Some things have to happen just the way they happen.” It sounds like a simple quote, but it says so much to me and to all of us who try to live the moments of our lives with mindfulness.
I love that quote, Grace – and it so very true!! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! It means a lot to me that you took the time to comment! xo
Loved reading this Vicki and learning more about you! 🙂 Didn’t realise that is how you came to digi scrapbooking and later on to designing. I remember I ‘met’ you when you had a different design name, and I can’t for the life of me remember what the site was called now, but it was owned by Cilenia!
I began digi scrapping in 2009. As an IT Trainer at the time I was creating a lot of training manuals and I remember wanting to create a calendar as Christmas gifts that year. During my ‘working hours’ I used to play hooky sometimes and Google for tools for calendar making and that is how I came across digital scrapbooking! I think my heart skipped a beat when I first saw a whole bunch of gorgeous layouts in the Oscraps gallery! Haven’t looked back since and still love/enjoy/HAVE to create something each day! Like you I didn’t realise that I had that arty ‘need’ in me way back then, but I certainly know that I have to do something each day…… it is such a large part of my life and I can’t see me letting it go in hurry! 🙂 Like you I have met some pretty amazing and lovely people in the digi world during the years and the greatest thrill, back in 2012 when I went on an overseas holiday, was to meet up with some of the girls I had met online. It was just so thrilling!
While I am happy that the universe found a way of introducing you the wonderful world of digi scrapping, not happy to read about the pain and suffering you have had to go through! In closing, sending lots of love from your Aussie ol’ chook friend, Ona. xxxx
Yes – I was “green eyed lady designs” when I started. No one used their real names back then! So cool that we have so much in common – I was in IT for a very long time! I love your work girlfriend – and I’m so thrilled that we’re “ol chooks” together! xo
I too can relate to your experience following your fall. My parents were always doing something creative so I learned early on how satisfying it could be to make something with your own hands, Over my lifetime I’ve taught myself just about every form of art or craft. Couldn’t master tatting without someone to watch and oil painting didn’t suit me but otherwise, had my hands in multiple projects besides working full time. Until . . . About a year before my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, my own health went into a downhill slide. Eventually I was diagnosed with severe fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue immune system disorder and a couple other things. Intense pain made me retire early and most of the things I’d been enjoying were out of the question. Especially troubling was not being able to continue quilting or writing for any length of time. Then my son who was in art school introduced me to Photoshop and collage. Creative, not messy, and I could sit as long or as little as my body allowed, then take a break. The digital world lifted my spirits and continues to do so even though I have returned to more hands on projects at times. The digital art world has been and continues to be a wonderful source of inspiration and emotional support for people like you (everyone who’s replied here) and me.
Oh Sherry! I’m so sorry to hear about your Mother and your own medical issues. I have several friends with different combinations of those illnesses so I know. A little of what life is like for you. I’m so happy that you are still able to craft some and that you discovered digital art. And I’m thrillled that you’ve joined the AJ group on FB. I say it over and over, art heals – and I’m happy it gives you some joy! Hugs!
Vicki, I am grateful I found you and your beautiful products. I am grateful we both survived the horrible fires this year. I am not an artist. I am learning and welcome all suggestions.
Thank you for sharing “the fall” story. I am pasting it to the refrigerator as a reminder NOT TO FEEL SORRY FOR MYSELF during the bad times.
Stay warm and safe.
Nitabobita
Nita – thanks so much for your comments; you. have no idea how much they mean to me. Let’s hope the New Year brings us all safety, healthy and a roof over our heads. Big hug. Vicki
I am grateful, extremely grateful for receiving an early Christmas pressie. Have very recently been diagnosed with an invasive cancer after a recent colonoscopy. A CT scan then showed a golf ball mass in my neck which is pushing my oesophagus & breathing tubes back into the thoracic spine. One minute life is cruising along splendidly, the next, WAMB, you are knocked off your feet! Needle biopsy shows NO cancer in the golf ball mass, even though has to be removed. Has been a few weeks of roller coaster rides, & I have no symptoms at all! I am truly grateful for this early diagnosis & hopefully after all the surgery I will be carrying on with my amazing life.
I am new to Digital Art & so pleased I found this journey, I am having a ball, producing art pieces & learning new things daily. Have been retired now for few years & have no problems filling in my days. Vicki was inspiring reading your gratitude story. Wishing all a very Merry Christmas.
Rossie
Oh my gosh, Rossie! You have really been put through the wringer, haven’t you? I’m thrilled for you that things are starting to look up – a reminder to us all to take life one day at a time and to stop sweating the small stuff! Happy Holidays to you and yours and continued better health for the New Year and beyond! Hugs, Vicki.
I well remember your fall. Your photos were already becoming popular. I think I first found you in the Den and/or Elements Village. I have enjoyed watching you excell at all the wonderful creations you do. I love your studio.
Kay! You’re so sweet! I was at the Village and the DDD way before I started designing – and I count you among those long term online friends! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog!
I am extremely grateful for the art of transplanting organs. One family member donated his heart and kidneys and 3 people lived as a result of his gift of life.. Now, years later, another dearly loved family member received a liver that saved his life. Donations and transplants save lives. I am grateful.
Oh that is indeed something to be grateful for, Marilyn! In one of my many “lives” before I retired, I worked in the Kidney Transplant Unit at UCSF Med Center in San Francisco. Though I was just helping out in the outpatient clinic, it was one of the most inspiring jobs I ever had. The people that donate organs, the patients that receive them and the doctors doing the actual transplants – well, I too am grateful for them all! Thanks so much for sharing this!
I am grateful for surviving 2 brain aneurysm operations. I am grateful for the friends who told me that all was not well and I finally went to see the doctors before the 2nd aneurysm burst. Without such friends I would probably not be alive now. I am very thankful to God for giving me such friends.
Oh, Jo! I have no words – other than to say I’m relieved for you and also thankful that you listened to your friends. I can’t imagine what life has been like for you. Much love and a big hug.