The Art of Aging
I am aging, there is no doubt about that. Of course, we are all aging from the day we are born right up until the moment we die. However, when aging confronts us with impediments, especially in doing what we love tough decisions must be made.
Surgery It is
I have known for at least a decade cataract surgery was on the horizon. In fact three different eye doctors over the course of several moves have been “watching” my cataracts. All three agreed, surgery wasn’t needed yet. But wait, I shared, “then why do see multiple moons, can’t drive at night, in the rain or if the sun is in my eyes?” The answer was always the same, “Your cataracts aren’t bad. We’ll check again at your next visit.” Then I reached the end of my thread – literally. No amount of well aimed light and high-level magnifiers worn over my prescription glasses allowed me to see my work and attack it with confidence.
And She’s Back
I made the tough decision that my aging eyes simply weren’t up to the task of creating artwork with ease. Working in the studio was loosing its appeal. Fortunately, knowing cataract surgery was in the offing I had already identified the surgeon I planned to consult. What grabbed me, beyond his stellar reputation, is that he believes the time to surgically correct your eyesight is when it impacts your quality of life. My aging eyes definitely qualified.
Hurrah! I am back McTavishing. More importantly the joy is back. I still have the other eye to go. That happens 11 days from now. But I am feeling optimistic. I may not have the eyesight of my youth, but it is good enough to do what I love. Not bad for an aging septuagenarian.
Rainbow Scrap Challenge
Last week I added the stem to my orange flower. This week I joined the flower with its neighboring blue buds. I’m having such fun creating How Does Your Garden Grow flower by flower.
I’m linking up to the following posts:
I am so glad you had this done!! I am in the same boat – “we are watching this cataract”. It really doesn’t bug me yet but when it does, I will have it fixed. Hurrah for you! Hope the other procedure goes just as smoothly.
Me too, Bernie. I had heard from others that post cataract surgery colors looked so much brighter. Not so in my case, except strangely black. I first noticed it printing something from computer. It looked like had changed the ink cartridge for a sleeker, deeper more sparkling black. One of the advantages in waiting for me is the advances in surgical technique. I had my lens removed and replaced by a surgeon guided laser. Requires a smaller incision and thus heals faster.
Oh I love MacTavishing too, so fun to do. I’m dragging my feet on getting cataract surgery, I should book now as the wait is almost a year.
What particularly appeals to me about McTavishing is how versatile it is. Precisely why it is perfect as filler motif for the Pillars of Creation with so many odd edges.
Where do you live that the wait for cataract surgery is 1 year? I think I got in from call, to evaluation to surgery in less than 3 months. This was with an in demand surgeon affiliated with the Mass Eye and Ear in Boston. People come from 100 mile radius to have him do their surgery. Depending on the traffic I am 60 – 90+ minutes from his office. I confess I was surprised I got the appointment(s) so quickly. I even dithered a bit after meeting with him since he also said my cataracts weren’t that bad, so it was up to me. Bottom line – I’m glad I booked the appointment.
Glad to know you’ve had your first surgery and it’s gone so very well. Hoping and trusting the second will too! I have my eyes checked every year and so far, so good. My cataracts remain too small to be bothered with — and I’ve no problems to speak of re: driving, magnification or multiple moons…But yes…aging happens to the best of us! And you are aging well, my friend!
You are very kind. Most days I realize how fortunate I am to be able to do all that I do at my age. Other days – well it’s struggle. Can’t tell you the number of times I had to ask for “vision” help during my trip to Toronto and back. What a fabulous conference! You seemed to be enjoying yourself.
Your McTavishing is fabulous. You have really perfected it.
I had cataract surgery and it was not very successful for me. On the first eye I had a flashing strobe light affect that lasted for almost a year. it gradually got better but I didn’t have the second eye done for three years. No bad affect on that one but I still need glasses for near ad far. Not terrible, but not perfect as most of my friends are. I’m glad that yours is going well.
Never give up and keep on making beautiful art.
My cataract surgery will require glasses. Although supposedly only readers. Prior to surgery I needed different prescription glasses for different tasks. You aren’t the only one I have heard of where the surgery wasn’t successful. I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you.
As I said, I do love McTavishing. I tend to give it my own spin depending on the shape I am trying to fill or where my fancy takes me as I guide the quilt under the needle.
that was a leap of faith, and acknowledging change to your body and I admire you for both!!! Celebrate with you the positive changes to come. You’ve always been a fine artist, and now you can relax into it again!
LeeAnna
I needed your comment. The healing process is proving to be a tad erratic. Typical improvement followed by set backs and then improvement. Thank you for the vote of confidence.
So glad to hear about the good results of your surgery!!! And your McTavishing is gorgeous!!! Best wishes for the next round, Gwyned!
Thank you, Nancy. Especially appreciated because I admire your quilting.
I’m so glad you got one of the cataracts done successfully and the other scheduled. Yay!! I struggled with color, and with threading a needle before my cataract surgery. It was easy, painless – and what a HUGE difference it made. The flower blocks are all going to look so gorgeous together!
Thank you, Sara. It was testimonials, such as yours that gave me the courage to do it. I am having fun attaching one flower block to another when I have two that are side by side.
After the 2nd eye of eye surgery,the Dr asked if I could tell a difference,I told him after I looked around the house I just thought I’d did spring cleaning🤣those blocks are getting prettier & prettier,this is going to be one glorious quilt!
Darn, I wish my house looked as though I just done spring cleaning. What a delightful outcome for your surgery. Can’t wait to find out what June’s color is, now that I have finished the orange blossoms. It is tempting to work ahead.
Your quilting is beautiful. I am so happy you went forward with the surgery and it was successful. Getting that joy back to do the things you love in life is very important.
Thank you, Deb for your understanding and support.
Your work is amazing. Thanks for sharing photos.
Thank you, Sharon. That is kind of you to say.
I had new lenses in both eyes on the same day for my cataracts. I am seeing clearly and no triple vision anymore. So much better for sewing and reading too. Nice garden that you are making.
Triple vision is no fun. I am pleased that your cataract surgery was so successful. I’m having fun watching my garden grow, too.
Wow, your McTavishing is wonderful, I love how you are filling the spaces on “In the Beginning”. Thank you for the link! I’m so happy for your eyes, all the people I know who had cataract surgery say it changed their life.
Pretty flowers and buds 😉
Thank you for sharing, and linking up!
McTavishing is the perfect space filler. I appreciate the atmosphere it is giving In the Beginning, too. I’ve heard from many that cataract surgery was life changing. Fingers crossed mine will continue to be similar.
Beautiful orange flower for your quilt!
Thank you, Pat. There is something cohesive about the RSC. The palette helps to make a cohesive statement. I wouldn’t normally plant or sew orange flowers, not my favorite color, but it works here.
Your flower is blooming delightfully and truly sparkles next to the blue buds. Who doesn’t love a colorful garden? Congratulations on your new-found eyesight! We quilters have just GOT to have the best eyesight possible in spite of our age. Good luck on the next one too. Just think how much better AGAIN it’ll be!
So true, Sue. Eyesight is crucial for quilting. Once glasses don’t do the job intervention becomes a necessity.
I was truly surprised how combining the orange flower and blue buds brought both blocks to life. This is just one more reason why continuing to quilt is so vital to me.
So glad you are back doing what you love. Sometime we have to make decision that contradicts the ‘experts’, I’m glad you did. Your quilt looks marvelous as always. Hope the second procedure will be as smooth as the first.
Me, too, Margo. It has been such a treat quilting In the Beginning this week. I’m surprised how much I can get done in a day now that I can see better. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.