Unearth what matters most to you.

If you're an artist (or a "shadow artist"), and overwhelmed with life at large right now, I encourage you to think about doing something creative, hands on, mind engaged, right now. Join me online in January. Just put your name on the wait list. No obligato. Space is limited.

As I compose the three new courses I am teaching and developing this year, I'm up to my neck in the history of painting, the lives of individual painters, their particular social and economic situations, patrons, culture, religion and serendipitous changes of fortunes; their contributions, output and influence.

I've spent other years of my life doing much the same thing but rather focused on histories of music, song form and themes, architecture, cities, people, legends, and places and things I've forgotten for the moment.

Looking at ourselves as a species, or even just a civilization, through the lens of being creators, is far more enlightening than our political and military histories. Although, that being said, it is exceptionally instructive how creators have interacted with politics and power down through the ages.

As an artist, I resonate, of course, with the painters and poets and composers of music who have come and worked before me. And now that I'm old (though it doesn't really feel like it!), it's interesting to look back to see what I've done.

Which brings me to my personal funny pages this morning. I was going to take this post in an entirely different direction when my dear, dear, long time, steadfast friend, Carole, forwarded me a blog post featuring napkin art I made in 1982 at the Seagull Bar in Mendocino when that particular block of, I guess it was Kasten Street, had been taken over by the production team for the filming of Stephen King's Cujo.

Anyway, the Volunteer Fire Station (thank you) on Kasten Street was re-dressed for the film (I have photos in storage), and, at the time, I happened to sit down at the bar with a napkin and pen. I remember, distinctly, making this drawing and what fun it was. But I have not seen it in 35 years.

If I had not been reminded with the image, I would have forgotten altogether the expression of this experience. The amazing surprise is that it's survived all these years and has featured as headline image in the original Seagull owner's current blog. What a great delight!

My friend, Carole, recognized the "e" of (the first name only) of my signature and forwarded the image and blog post to me. This is the stuff of history. Personal history. The history of drawing and painting. This history of personal memories.

Looking through the long lens or the personal scrapbook, we learn something ephemeral but vital.

We are who we are. We learn by self examination.

And, of course...​

"This morning, I anointed my heart with two of my favorite essential oils. First  Ylang Ylang, then Geranium. 

Ylang Ylang, the Oil of the Inner Child "is a powerful remedy for the heart", reminding us that "joy can be felt and experienced more fully by allowing the heart its full range of emotions".

Geranium is the Oil of Love & Trust, restoring our confidence in the innate goodness of others and in the world".

For guidance on the use of essential oils, get in touch.

I swear to god, if I wait any longer to start this blog and write this post, I'm going to pop! Every time I intend to restart my blogging life, my online writing and posting, my whatever this is I'm trying to express, something comes up and offers interference. I have succumbed to that interference so far but no longer.

One week ago, shy one hour, I was rear-ended by a distracted 22-year old and my life turned into smashed cars, pain and suffering and doctors visits and hours on the phone with insurance agents and arranging for and picking up rental cars and adjusting to new circumstances and intending that all of this interruption and challenge is a blessing in disguise. Yes, this is a blessing in disguise although I'll only recognize the blessing in retrospect.

That's how life works. The strikes and folds, the bends and curves of whoa! this roller coaster our souls have bought a ticket to.

But moving back a bit, had I not been rear ended while waiting patiently with my brake lights and turn signals on, with my spirit uplifted and motivation intact, I would have started this a week ago. But, to be honest, there have been interruptions of different sorts arising for months that I've allowed to hold me back.

If I'd moved through any or all of those interruptions, I would have said, I started this year in the throes of an illustration project for which I was also hired and charged with designing the book and managing the project—an illustration project of 60 fruits and vegetables. It was a mighty task and I loved it—the challenges and victories alike.

Here's a glimpse of what the end product looks like:

"Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life."
~Oscar Wilde, 'The Decay of Lying: An Observation', 1889 

In late spring, as I completed the illustration phase and moved into design and project management , I found a few trays of organic tomato and pepper seedling on top of the trash cans at my apartment project. 

No, no, I thought. This will never do! I rescued the seedlings, adopted some out-of-date recycling bins which I filled with good dirt and started a garden project outside my bedroom window. One thing led to another...

"At first, art imitates life. Then life will imitate art.
​Then life will find its very existence from the arts."
—Fyodor Dostoevsky

Sock Season
It's time to keep your tootsies warm.

I have to tell you about my new socks! One thing I love is finding a new article of clothing that doesn't shrink, pill, pull apart at the seams, or otherwise disappoint after one wearing or washing.

Although I've probably spent one-third of my life in flip-flops, I now like to wear good socks year round. They're easy protection from cooties and help to keep my skin and personal thermodynamics in good order.

I found awesome socks in the 6 for $12 bin outside of Twig in Chapel Hill recently. After my wear and wash test, I liked them so much that I went back for another half a dozen. There was no brand on the socks or tag (how refreshing) but I learned that they're made at a small mill in Graham, NC called Best Knit Hosiery Mill, Inc. I brought home pairs in two greys, white, and my favorite color green. (To prove that last point, see 2010 post on my first pair of Keen Newport H2Os.)

​Although this blog has been primarily devoted to drawing and watercolor for a decade, my most visited post (by quantum leaps and bounds) is How to heal your fractured foot and ankle. And so, I revisit the subject.

5 Tips for Healthy Feet
Follow these steps...

Massage your own feet!
Find a reflexology chart or let your thumbs and fingers, intuition and pleasure be your guide. Don't know where to start? Rub the soles of your feet together vigorously on waking, after napping, (or any time you need a quick pick me up). Feel the heat and tingly energy. It's good for your whole being!

Soak 'em.
Fill a dish bin with warm water and epsom salts (or sea salt and baking soda) and sit still for 15 minutes or so with a good book or magazine.

Exfoliate your skin.
The best time to exfoliate the skin on your feet is after a good soak. Pumice stones are too harsh for me. If you're the same, try a wash cloth, loofah, or nail brush.

Moisturize.
Most folks have a favorite moisturizer. Mine alternates from season to season. I love Mountain Ocean Skin Trip but am also an Udderly Smooth fan. This season, I'm trying out their Extra Care 20on both my feet and my hands. Also, moisturize your feet before bed then don some clean, lightweight socks.
Point, flex, and rotate (in both directions).
In the morning before you get out of bed and at night before you sleep. This will help keep your joints and muscles flexible, and your blood and vital energies circulating.

Come to think of it, all of the above will help to circulate your blood and vital energies.

Add your favorite essential oils to any of these steps for even greater benefit.

​Speaking of which...

Good for your feet
Mmm, mmm, mmmmm!

After standing on my feet for all day teaching stints
or local art markets, there is nothing like settling down at home
to massage my feet with Deep Blue oil.

This blend of the essential oils of Wintergreen, Camphor, Peppermint,
Blue Tansy, Blue Chamomile, Helichrysum, and Osmanthus,
penetrates deep and continues its healing magic long after the massaging
has stopped.

Want some for yourself?

Click here for my online store. Deep Blue Oil is also included as one of the top ten oils in the
​ Family Physician Kit at a super value.

​Need help? Click here to email or call to schedule a chat.

My Left Foot
Watercolor pencil, 4 x 6 inches

I am not a doctor. However, I've enjoyed a lifetime of learning how to heal myself and keep myself relatively healthy. It's fun for me. Herein, I'm sharing the healing measures I've taken for my own foot and ankle fractures with hopes that some or all of this information may be of help to you.

I am somewhat of an expert on ankle sprains but, after a recent fall, not only did I suffer a massive ankle and foot sprain but also fractured my 5th metatarsal (a Jones Fracture) cracked my medial tibia from mid-calf straight through the ankle bone and cracked something on the outside ankle bone. I did not have any displaced bones and did not require any surgery. You can read about the details of my injury on my left foot posts.  In fact, I recommend that you read these related earlier posts on healing!

Upon Injury

R.I.C.E.

Rest. Ice. Compression. Elevation. Stick to this tried and true formula for the first 48 - 72 hours to which I'll add...

Immediately apply Arnica Gel or Traumeel.  Begin taking Arnica Tablets internally. Take the recommended dosage of any pain medication. Apparently, Ibuprofen is "off the list for mending bones" (it interferes with process) but helps to reduce swelling in sprains.

Ask for help. Have x-rays taken so that you know what's injured. Ask for a ride to the E.R. Bring a good book. Ask for print copies of your x-rays. Why? A succession of doctors did not notice that my medial tibia and ankle were fractured for one month. I had to tell them that I thought I had additional breaks.

Do not try to walk on your foot. I mean it!

Your healing regimen

Attitude is crucial. So, first off, Count Your Blessings! Fractures and sprains are temporary. Become aware of any whining or complaining. Whining and complaining do you no good whatsoever. In fact, engaging in this crankiness will probably make you feel worse. People will expect you to complain. Surprise them. Be of good cheer. You won't always be able to feel chipper but make a go of it anyway. It'll make you feel better. All things considered, you're experiencing a rather minor issue. But if you do not properly care for yourself, you'll make matters worse and add to your recovery time.

Do NOT walk on your foot. I still mean it! I am off my foot for 12 - 14 weeks. When I first sprained my ankle at age 11, it was placed in a plaster cast. Within a week, I'd removed it with my father's hammer and chisel. I know you want to walk as soon as possible. Do not do so until your bones can support you. Deal with it.

Do NOT smoke. Trying to walk on your foot before the bones, ligaments and tendons are healed and smoking are the absolute worst things you could possible do. Frankly, I was a closet smoker. Just two or three cigarettes in the evening. When I broke these bones, and I smoked... I could feel my inner self compromised at the cellular level. I don't know how else to express it. I have not had a cigarette since, nor have I desired one.

Rest. And I'm not talking about for one or two days. You must plan on resting more than usual throughout your recovery.

Do your research. Educate yourself. Ask your doctor as many questions as you can think of and then learn about your particular injury or set of injuries. It's interesting, fun to learn about and empowering. Make it a creative project! Go crazy on google. You're not going to be able to do much else for the first little while.

Expect a few pitfalls. Immobility, crutches, and slow going can be a pain. Like the learning curve, the healing curve is not straight up. You can pretty much plan on having a couple sets of downer days. If you're prepared, you can work your way through them more easily. Just relax and let it all wash over you. You're not always going to be laying around.

Accept your situation. What's done is done. Surrender. You are healing. It's going to take some time. Be Brave. You can do it! You are not actually healing your foot and ankle, you are creating the optimal conditions under which your bones and tendons and ligaments can heal at the cellular level. 

Exercise. What? Yes. It's really important for your body but also for your mental state and general well being. You'll be much happier during and after recovery because of it. Swimming is your best bet and non-weight bearing yoga poses are wonderful.

Swimming: Find the schedule for your nearest pool and plan at least two lap swimming sessions per week. Ease into it. Don't force your injured foot to do anything it doesn't want to. Start with a kick board if you have to. Make it a game to increase your number of laps and time in pool per session. Be very careful with your crutches on the wet floors! Ask for whatever help you need getting in and out of the pool.

Yoga: I have created a sequence for you of non-weight bearing yoga positions. Obviously, you will have to modify some of these positions to accommodate your injured foot and ankle and you don't want to try anything you are not already secure with. This sequence will give you a basic routine to add or subtract from. 
Click here for my PDF of non-weight bearing yoga sequence. 
(Click here for further information on poses).

Remedy List

Arnica Gel 
Arnica Tablets
Comfrey Tincture
(or Comfrey Leaf to make a poultice)
Juniper Oil
Olbas Oil 
Garlic and Ginger Capsules 
Vitamin and mineral supplements
(a good multi-vitamin, Calcium Supplement , Vitamin C and B Complex )

Does this seem like a lot to buy?  All of these items should live in your medicine cabinet or kitchen at all times. They are part of fundamental first aid and you should be taking the supplements anyway (imho). Think about doctor bills.

Speaking of which, if you want to add essential oils to your medicine cabinet, kitchen, and cleaning supplies, visit my essential oil store for the highest quality and my hands down favorite essential oils of all time.

Regarding the matter at hand (or foot!):
Arnica acts as pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. Application prevents or hastens healing of bruises and reduces swelling and works especially well if applied immediately after trauma (though is helpful to prevent pain and inflammation throughout healing period). Homeopathic Arnica pills and tablets taken internally have same effect.

The main active ingredient in Comfrey is Allantoin which generates cells and promotes cell replacement. Bones knit themselves back together on the cellular level. An old folk name for Comfrey is "knitbone".

Juniper (especially), Rosemary, Wintergreen and Peppermint help to promote circulation. Circulation helps to promote healing on a cellular level. So does massage. Healing on a cellular level helps to knit bones. Foot bones (especially the 5th metatarsal) have limited circulation (they're far from the heart), therefore, trouble healing.

By the way, I only recommend what I consider superior products at good prices that I, myself, use and love.

My triple threat treatment!
3x per day:
Slather a thin layer of Arnica Gel over your fracture and sprain areas
Drop Comfrey tincture on fracture and sprain areas and massage into skin
Gently massage adulterated* Grampa's Therapeutic Massage Oil into foot and ankle for 15 - 20 minutes (or as long as you can -- some time is better than no time!).

*Add additional Juniper Oil and Olbas (contains juniper, rosemary, peppermint oils) to Grampa's Garden Therapeutic Oil to help further promote circulation.

I slept with a comfrey poultice on my foot and ankle during the first ten days. I could actually feel it working but the whole thing was a bit time consuming and messy so I switched to the tincture which I think is less effective but still very helpful.

Nutrition
Steer clear of sugar and caffeine (especially coffee), (if you can).
Do I have to say to not drink alcohol?
Eat well. Fresh vegetables and fruit. Real food. Drink pure water. You'll feel better.

Healing Stones
(couldn't hurt!)
Infinite
Faden Quartz
Rainbow Obsidian
Labradorite
Blue Kyanite
Green Kyanite
Apatite

You can find these in new age shops or ask a massage therapist where you might buy some or check ebay. You can sleep with these stones under your pillow and carry them around in a little stone pouch as you go through your daily life.

And one more thing! Buy yourself a good pair of knee pads. Sometimes you might have to climb, foot and knee (careful!), and sometimes you might just want to crawl. I recommend Fiskars Contoured-Fit Knee Pads.I've been using them all along and they've really helped.

As I stated at the outset, I am not a doctor nor am I in any way liable for any harm or injuries sustained if you choose to follow any of my leads in this post. However, I do have a load of personal experience and this has been my share on it!

Happy healing!
​