I Have Lost My Heart...

I haven't reached that age yet but wanted to say you have been and still are ab inspiration to me Harold.

So sorry to hear Hal, I know you've been struggling with this for some time..I'm holding my own but in constant pain which saps my drive.. I feel for you brother I know I will be there someday and it's not a pleasant thought..My eye site is failing but slowly for now..Good luck with surgery and perhaps we'll have that beer this summer in New York..rj

I won't give you any motivational speeches or pat answers Harold - sometimes it just gets tough. I have a big problem with a vitreous detachment floating around in the right eye and if it happens in the left eye too, photography might not be my thing anymore. Some days all we can do is laugh at it all. Every week or two I get together for beer with a bunch of friends my age, and that's pretty much what we do - laugh. Wish you could join us.

I just saw a TV piece about Matisse - when he couldn't paint any more, he started doing paper cutouts, and found he really liked that medium. It became a whole new stage of his career.

Oh Harold, wishing that I could find few words to say to provide you with some comfort and peace.
We have all at different times " lost our hearts" for various reasons . As Artists what do we do when there is no color in our worlds ?

May your pain subside with your surgery, & be on your way to healing. I hope you can find your joy again soon in a looser type of rendering.
Picasso had a few styles - why not you ?

We all know where the road leads, Hal, and our hearts are breaking with yours. You're loved and admired today, would you have taken it easier and risked that even if you knew it would keep you together longer? How important can what we didn't get to do be?
-- mary ellen anderson

Sorry to hear this Hal. I have struggled with some minor physical things, such as arthritis and some neuropathy and it can be discouraging. I have read posts by others on here that have been battling some severe physical challenges and I do not know how they cope. I think the creative spirit is probably much more a part of an artists identity than the skill sets of some other careers that you mentioned. I also thought about Matisse and his paper cutting when I read your post. I do not have any good answers, but ,I hope that you can find something that nurtures you creative spirit.

Very sad to hear.......hope you can find peace and relief.

Harold you are such an inspiration not just to myself alone but everyone here at FAA. Your work is extraordinary and masterful. As you know I am terminal but fortunate for myself in remission. It makes my heart heavy when I read of others inflictions and what I can say or offer is, Keep Hope, Keep Moving Along, Let Go Of What You Need To Be Gone, Keep Moving Along, the lyrics from Rod Thomas. the song title is Grace. As much pain you may have suffered and suffering mentally and physically now I could take some of that pain from you so you can enjoy your life.

As Mary Ellen said "How important can what we didn't get to do be", how true, what really matters is the here and right now. I have always lived every second, every minute, every hour and every day as if it were my last.

Harold, you have not lost your best friend, but have a zillion more here at FAA. I will keep you in my thoughts for a speedy recovery. I am in the process of wiring my memoir every chance I can get to pass along when completed. And if you were to lose eyesight or hand motor skills, you could always you a tape recorder and proceed with that. You can also use your artwork as a reference of producing videos explain particular techniques of your completed masterpieces You seem to have lived life to the fullest and certainly worthy of preserving your legacy to share with everyone. Try not to think about the what if's but concentrate on the right now there is so much more which lies ahead.

Have you been back to see the movie Interstellar? When you posted that, I was thrilled to take part in that discussion. Just remember its the here and right now that matters the most!


Cheers and Keep Moving Along! Michael Hoard, Actor, Artist, Photographer.

Hi Hal,
I know you have heard from me before, It has been a while, don't loose your heart, it is still there, my heart goes out to you.
Your challenges are different now, I teach in a therapy pool daily and help many people with some of the same challenges, if you can you should ask your Dr. for a prescription to work with an Aqua Therapist. The exercises in the therapy pool will help you with your back,arms, hands, etc...the warm water gets deeper tissue and joints, keeping the muscles strong will help you with your arthritis and before surgery. As soon as you are healed from the surgery. Go back to aqua therapy. You will love it!
I sincerely hope there is somewhere near by that you can go to. If not some physical therapy can help. Aqua therapy is the best if you can get it. I do feel your pain and frustration. I am also certified with the Arthritis foundation. We encourage everyone to keep moving no matter what.
I hope I can be of some help.
You are a great artist and yes, things have changed, just keep on Truckin' my friend.
Big Hugs!
Joy

Hal, I've always used you as an example of what a true artist should be. I'm so saddened that your infirmities have encroached upon your ability to create.

A year ago they took my heart out of my chest, fooled with it, and then but it back. It's been working well ever since, but I still contend with blood pressure, diabetes, heart rate, and the rest. Fortunately, none of that has affected my ability to create. What has affected it, though, is the knowledge that my body of work will die with me. So why bother?

Your work, on the other hand, will outlive you in the hearts and minds of those who've seen its beauty, and those who've been enticed to view the films it promoted. Being the creative soul that I know you to be, is there not some other way that you can satisfy the creative drive within? I dearly hope there is, because the thought that the miraculous artistic voice within you may be silenced is among life's great sadnesses.

{{{HUGS}}} and prayers, dear man...

Hal,

The good news is that you're still with us and have these issues. This is life and a very important aspect of life. Life is a "bell curve" and you're on the other side,where you don't get a grade adjustment. You're doing good,you just don't realize it. "I complained about not having a shoe,until I saw a man with no foot".

I'll be 66 in a few weeks and there isn't enough letters on this keyboard to list what I can't do anymore.

My 86 year old mother, has the same issues as you. She is totally blind in one eye and has very limited vision in the other eye. We got her a 47" TV and she can sit right next to it and watch most things, she needs to pause and sometimes repeat a scene, but she watches Netflix and all her Soaps, everyday.

At 85, we got her a tablet, 13.3" tablet and for the first time in her life, she has and can use the Internet! At 85! Legally blind! She has a reading machine for her bills,medical stuff,etc. and she is doing fine. She lives alone!

Buck up Buttercup! The best is yet to come. This is just a new "journey" you started and you just need to find your new path! The old "path" doesn't and won't get you where you want to go, but the new path will.

You may not be able to create like you used to create, but you can still CREATE! You've been handed a new "outlook" on life, so go and do soemthing with it!

Rich

Hal,
Michael and I had the same thought......writing. You could even dictate into a machine if writing/typing hurts. The words you used in your post were honest and thought provoking. It has touched emotions not only in the people who know you well but in those of us who do not really know you.

We may not know you personally but your words have provoked emotions in us just the same. Sadness, compassion and a desire to help in even the smallest way. In my opinion that's one of the attributes of a great author!

Have faith. Keep hope in your heart (it's still there, it's just hurting!). Hang in there. Many of us will be praying for you.

Please keep us updated on your surgery, recovery and your plans for a new direction.

Kathy

Harold, my heart goes out to you. I pray your operation is a success and the pain will subside.

Upon recovery, may you begin a new chapter and return to painting even if it is a different style from your past artwork.

I'm so sorry to read about your troubles, Harold. You've been very encouraging to me. Sometimes I agree with the saying "Youth is wasted on the young". Just when people spend enough time living life to learn a few lessons, they start to lose their health and resiliency. Doesn't seem fair at all to me. My thoughts are with you. I hope you feel better soon.

Don't know what to say...

Will keep you in prayer brother.

Thank you guys,

It really helps to know that the weight of the yoke around one's neck diminishes with every friend one can have. From the amount of friends I have here makes me realize that my yoke is not that heavy.

JC, I thank you. Although I will be 73 years old in just over a month, March 3rd, right now my body feels like it's 83 years old. But you guys tend to use that FAA magic and it makes me feel a lot younger.

@Robert, I'm looking forward to having that drink with you Robert but since I;m a retired alcoholic my drink of choice for the past 20 years or so is coca-cola on the rocks. :)

@Janine, that's exactly what I am trying to do Janine. Thank you.

@Mary Ellen, no, I'm not the type to take it easy. Every Wednesday night I set up a whole art class including chairs, tables, easel, paints and applications. The next day, Thursday, my wife lets me rest all day because of the pains in my back and shoulders. So Thursdays are my days of rest.:)

@Ann, instead of paper cutting, I am trying to teach. Hopefully I will leave behind some ideas, thoughts, techniques and tips on how to translate one's dreams to canvases.

Thank you Sheena. All isn't that bad. I can still see all of the art posted here on FAA pages and that is like sparks in my heart.

@Michael. My thoughts and prayers go out to you my friend. I have thought a lot about writing and have gotten to the third chapter of my book One day I hope to finish it. Yes, I live in the present. In AA when I was going through my DTs I had to live in the very second of each hour. I feel if I could get through those days, which I have, I can handle anything. The pains that are crippling my body are secondary to the loss of skills which I am trying to get use to.

@Joy, I will be taking therapy after my operation but I am limited to certain therapeutic exercises Joy. I have 6 long metal spikes in my left ankle which prohibits me from doing any walking. But that's OK because I have my trusty canes to lean on and when I forget to take one, my wife lends me a shoulder.

@Murray. My old buddy. You have a stronger heart than I do my friend. They put a stint in my RCA in order to keep me ticking but what I am going through is child's play next to what you have had to endure.

@Rich, of course you're right Rich. I am trying to loosen up my painting strokes and I am trying to concentrate more on form and what the artist is trying to say rather than searching for details which escape me.

@Kathy, thank you Kathy for your kindness. I will definitely keep you guys updated. I am even practicing typing with my left hand. About the only thing I ever used my left hand for was when I drive my car I use the finger on my left hand to - point with. What were you guys thinking?:)

Harold, I'm very sorry for your troubles. I have a friend, also a painter, who is in the early stages of macular degeneration and she is understandably fearful. It's hard to know what to say. I just happened to come across this video which I found inspirational and I thought you might get something out of it as well...it's about a legally blind painter by the name of Sargy Mann. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9vHwCIaSwM

Dealing with pain is an art unto itself. I honestly don't know how people manage but I know people who do. I really feel for you. If you can't enjoy the things you've enjoyed in the past, I hope you find new things in life that will make you happy and content.

Harold,

AIN'T IT THE PITS!!!???

As we get older our faculties keep diminishing...Our eye site, Our hearing, Our strength, Our coordination, and sometimes Our brain.

EVERYTHING except our ability to feel PAIN, which seems to increase precipitately, day by day .

As we move slower, and as time speeds up, it all seems to be a cruel,cruel joke.

It's not a joke, it's LIFE

And to truly live, we must keep on moving.

I know, Harold you will always strive to Truly Live!.

And I see, that, now, you are using your left hand more and more, and by doing that, you are now becoming more and more Right Brained.

That can't be all that bad.


We must all TAKE HEART and hold on to it for Dear,Dear LIFE.

Harold, all my best, hope you can return to enjoying art soon. Was down in Southern Cal. not long ago visiting an artist friend who is in constant pain from his back. He is now 86 and the doctors are able to do little for him. Great artist, abstract expressionist, sad to see this happening to him. My grandfather told me "don't ever grow old". Only problem he did not offer an alternative I liked.

Harold,

This time last January my dad had a terrible car crash. He broke both his wrists.
He had gone unconscious driving to work at 6:30 am. He turned 75 a couple of
weeks after the crash. He needed a pacemaker.

I had never seen my dad sick. How I see age in others and my self has changed completely.

Time is passing for all of us.

Dave

Hal, I had no idea you were 73 wow, I am 63, I have no doubt , we will still be talking about this thread when you are 83,,and I will be 73. Wising you all the best and a speedy recovery.......don't forget we have a couple of pots of coffee to drink or hot tea.....

Cheers, Michael Hoard Actor, Artist, Photographer

No criticism intended, David, but what did you think when you saw older people struggling through life prior to your dad's accident?

Michael, I'm 64. All us oldsters should start a club. Oh, wait . . . AARP. ;-)

Murray,

My family is long lived. I had no reason to focus on this before.

My grandmother on my mom's side lived to age 98, her sisters often into their ninties as well.
Her closest brother to age 94.

On the other side of the family we live into our 80s. Late 80s at that.

My dad is a massive over achiever. He went to med school dropping out of high school age 15 and
enrolling at Trinity Dublin age 16. Irish culture sees doctors as men of steel.

I just had never seen him ill ever. He never took much of his vacation time. He worked 50 hours per week.
He only kept his hours reasonable to keep his working standards ultra high. He was one of the few leaders
in his field for decades within the Hartford area. He had most of what would be his top positions years earlier
than all of his peers. The peers voted him the best of his specialty for two decades. He was the most
recommended doctor among them.

I did not think of his passing. I never had to.

I might add Murray, that I was the closest of the grandchildren to three out of four of my grandparents.
One granddad died when I was 1 y/o of complications involving prior alcohol abuse. My Gramps spoiled
me day and night as the only grandson on that side. My grandmothers and I spent a lot of time together
in each of their last years. I do well with older people. I understand the aging process. I culturally can accept
people with age passing on, but I had a very different view of my own mortality till my dad's accident.

Dave

Hal, you have an artists heart and I cannot imagine how you are feeling right now. Your art has given joy to many and, so have you. You know, art Is not only painted and photographed, it is the essence of how we live. It is in the way you talk, feel, taste, and see. No matter what happens you have art and art is you.

WOW Brooks, you are so talented. Your work shows so much creativity. Each piece could be made into a poster. I will be browzing some more but right now I have to run. I love this one.

Sorry that you are going through this, Harold. I will keep your healing process in my thoughts.

I'm 36 but I've had a decent share of physical issues since a car accident over a decade ago. Almost every day since then, I've felt the repercussions of that accident in one way or another: in the choice of what footwear I have to what I eat for breakfast to how my computer desk is setup to my relationship with my wife and people around me to my decisions about my career or to have children...the list goes on. Over the past decade, I've slowly come to the realization that it happened for a reason - that everything happens for a reason and the best I can do is learn from the experience and cherish the blessings I do have. It's not easy and it doesn't seem fair but that's what it is. Most days I need to remind myself about this...like yesterday, I was in a Qigong class and I couldn't even sit down for more than 5 minutes due to back/neck pain. I wondered how I ever got to this point - and why - but I didn't really have an option other than to keep working on the healing process. By the way, I really like what Brooks said about renewing and regrouping.

I wish you well in your healing process and hope that all the support you've received here helps lift your spirits up!

I just returned to FAA after a month-long absence--ironically, for health reasons. But I had two sales today and wanted to thank the buyer. There's still something that compels me to share good news and accomplishments, even when my new camera sits in the bag and I feel pretty crummy. (More like "crumbly," for it feels like my body, at 68, is falling apart!)

Harold, the paintings you posted here really blessed me. I need to go back and soak up your initial post more thoroughly. I only had time for a quick read, but I care about your struggle. Brooks, you and I have more in common than I realized! As time permits, I want to go back and read each post. We shall find encouragement in one another, and be comforted with the same comfort with which we ourselves have been comforted. I believe that, and have found it to be so true!

I have been astonished to learn of so many on this site who are dealing with serious health issues. May we individually be given the grace to live each day to the fullest as we are able, and draw courage, in part, from each other as we continue to create. Surely Grandma Moses struggled with physical problems when she began to paint--in her eighties, as I recall.

Harold, thank you so much for your comments re my post above. It's true, photos do not show our pain, loss & tragedies in life. I/we put on a 'happy face' all too often. But, even with all my 'issues', I'm still blessed with a happy spirit which, thankfully, translates well via my work & smile! Amen. So kind of you to visit my gallery & share one of my paintings here in your thread. Appreciate that & your kind words re.
It helps to know we are NOT alone, ever. And, when we actually begin to share our own stories, as painful as they can sometimes be, it's amazing how many out there are also experiencing their own struggles, who can either relate on a personal level or empathize in a way that offers some relief, if not physically, then emotionally, which is big!
Blessings to you, Kunal! Much healing to you on your journey of health, creativity & creativity. Appreciate your comments & insight.
My friend, Connie, good to see you. Our bodies, our bodies, it's always something, especially as we age! We need to rebuild & fortify, not crumble! Appreciate reading your post, full of truth & grace...plus, the part about Grandma Moses, just what I needed to hear. Hope!
Harold, thank you again for your encouraging words. Happy to hear you are up & running about today. That's a good sign!

So sorry to hear this Harold. Sending healing thoughts your way.

Thank you Kunal,

I'm very sorry about your accident Kunal. But it sounds to me like you need to take some rehab and therapy on your back and neck. Take care of yourself Kunal because you are too young to have to experience what you are going through.

My foot and ankle have become so weak that I have to wear a shoe fitted with metal braces on either side that go all the way up to my knee. The metal braces have started to squeak so much now that my wife said she could hear me coming from room to room. Get some therapy Kunal.

Thank you Connie, from these boards at FAA, I have found that when creative people loose one sense or movement, they fine tune another. With me loosing the ability of walking any distances, I have found that I can play pick-up sticks with my butt cheeks. :)

Brooks, you are right about our careers being very similar. I only hope you don't start falling apart when you reach my age.

Thank you Terry.

Me, too, Harold! Yikes.

Brooks you are much too pretty to fall apart like me.

Harold, that sounds like a really tough and awful situation having macular degeneration. A lot of us will get that as we age. I'm just at the beginning of aches and pains at age 51. I hope you feel better soon! Still, your amazing achievements and a big heart to share all your ideas that benefit all of us are so appreciated. Thank you for sharing your struggles and successes with us, but please take time to relax and take care of yourself. It's okay to feel some pain if it's real.

Lisa, it's entirely my pleasure. I was in the Verizon store today getting ready to take a new phone program with Iphone 6s for me and my wife and when the salesman asked me what computer platform I was on, I told him the Mac program because I was a computer artist. He asked me what I had done in my career and when I told him he got so excited. He was more excited about Star Trek than The New York Yankees. He made my day just like you guys make my day, everyday.

Hello Hal

if you enjoy what you do with your art just keep at it

Hiya Andrew,

Andrew I do just that with every breath I take. Art has been my whole life since I was 9 years old some 63 years ago and always will be. When I die and meet St. Peter at the Pearly Gates I hope he hands me a new set of acrylics and says, "OK Harold start painting, there's a lot of people up here who want to see your art." :)

Hi Harold, I'm so sorry to hear of your situation. I read this a few days ago and you've been on my mind for a while. I can't imagine how frustrating it is to want to create but not be physically able to. I work fulltime and get so upset when I don't have the time to paint. Creative people have a need to express themselves. Sometimes I think it's a physical need, not merely an emotional one.

I do have a suggestion, if I may be so bold. You have a lifetime of experience. There are so many on here, myself included, who look to others for feedback as well as inspiration. Perhaps you could play a mentor role. You seem like a kind and generous soul. Maybe helping other artists would be fullfilling to you in some way.

Your work is beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Thank you Karyn,

I have offered help and advice to young artists here on FAA and will continue to help anybody who asks for it. I only wish that my advice for struggling artists offers them some hope as well as help.

Harold this is LC
I am feeling a kind man with a great heart behind your words. Your artistry goes with you where ever u are whether it be in your pictures or your words. I have found poetry to help in times when my heart is low. You are in the palm of gods hand......right now surrounded by all these great folks here

Thank you LC,

I have been one of the most blessed artists ever. I have been called a name dropper many times but it's impossible for me to talk about my friends without being a "name-dropper." Most of my friends I obtained in the business end of art These "friends" were responsible for Star Wars. Batman, Iron Man, Green Arrow, Conan The Barbarian, Spider-Man, Superman, and many movies. Whenever I needed some help or ego boosting, all I had to do was ask the artist standing beside me. So you see, I would be somewhat of a hypocrite if I didn't return the favor. LC all I'm doing is sharing what was shared with me.

Truly sorry to hear about your health issues.
I have both RA and Osteo Arthritis.. and if it wasn't for an excellent doctor - my hands would be a mess. The fingers started twisting back in 1999-2000. When I saw Doc.. he put me on Methotrexate which STOPPED my fingers from curling and even returned a number of them back to normal position (the strength is pretty well gone). But then Cancer entered the picture and I was in for more changes. The Chemo blessed me with neuropathy in my feet and hands. And the other side effect was vision that was not the best and CHEMO Brain - which can void out a lot of memories.. the part I hate the most is it takes away some of my vocabulary.
During Chemo, my biggest fear was that I would have to give up my art.. that THANK GOD - was not the case. my work has improved!
First you've just got to see an Arthritis specialist..and I wish you a doctor as good as mine.. then you MUST limit the time you spend working.. get some nice "warming" gloves (they really do help).. and then hope for the best.
Hal.. for me, the loss of my art would have been devasting.. all I can do for you is pray you find the help you need and that - whatever that may be - you can live with the results.

Hiya Barbara,

So happy to see you here at the boards again. You are truly one of this country's icons in wildlife art and I was very concerned about you since your battles with cancer. I wasn't aware of your arthritis problems. I have both arthritis brothers dwelling inside of me too. It seems that we have walked similar paths. My fingers are already curling and every morning I get out of bed I sound like somebody rattling a bag of bones.

I can live with that for as long as I have to but the problems with my eyesight are getting me down. I am living with the aid of one eye and that one is slowly deteriorating to the point it is one third gone. Because of your battle with cancer, my health problems are miniscule compared to yours. I followed your problems you had way back then and a lot of us here at FAA thought God was tugging at your hands saying it's time Barbara. A lot of prayers and good doctors have done miracles with you and I'm hoping the same for me. Thank you Barbara. Next week I trod off to my cardiologist to start preparations for my next shoulder operation. This is one I am not looking forward to.

Still checking in, Harold. Wonderful to see all the support, but sad to hear that we all have our 'issues' to deal with, especially as we age. Need as much encouragement we can give one another; that's a big deal in itself. Sharing stories is one way, talking about it, relating things we've found that have helped, etc. Btw, you are sweet to mention beauty!
Hope this day is a good one. Wish you all the best with the upcoming shoulder surgery. Seems a lot of my friends & family are having physical problems these days, lots of surgeries, biopsies, an un-welcomed diagnosis. So, we journey on...and don't give up, or in!
Re name dropping, I think it's okay at the ripe 'young' age of 71! Lol. I'm not sharing my own number, but needless to say, I really can't believe it when I do! A big hug coming your way. Over & out.

Please Please Harold, do some research about eating only RAW veggies, no processed foods, no diary.. it could change your life and stop the inflammatory process that arthritis is! God Bless!

Harold, Sorry to hear about your problem. I just made it through an ongoing hernia for almost two years, and even after a butcher job surgery, it was questionable about if anything would hold and heal (being a diabetic)...but I am like a young bull again at 62. There is HOPE, and I hope and pray your surgery goes well, brother.

Sorry to hear Harold. I have a autoimmune disease, and I started reacting to all my paint materials so much so that I had a artery collapse to my brain. I survived, but lost some creative abilities, and vision in my left eye. I was so depressed after I recovered that I didn't create any art for fifteen years. Eight months ago I decided to give art a try again with digital tools, and I found that I had no problem adapting to it, and creating work that sells.

I volunteer my time at a local hospital to help rehabilitate patients both mentally and physically. It's tough when you body dictates what you can and can't do. I have struggled for years with pain because of the autoimmune issues. I have inflammation all the time. I've learned a few tricks to help with the pain that I give to patients. Complex carbohydrates, sugar, and salt always = pain! You have to cut them out. You can use trace minerals drops in water, tart cherry juice, and vitamin A to help. It really does make a huge difference. More so then most medication in my case, and a lot of the patients I suggest it to. None of those thing should interfere with any medications, but talk to your doctor to make sure.

If you need anything feel free to contact me.

Hang in there!

Hi Harold.

Im sorry to hear of your troubles. I do understand the fear and worry of losing your eye sight and the ability to do what you love for so many years. It is happening to me at an accelerated
rate.To say im sad is an understatement . I cherish the memories of what was and worry about what is and is going to be. Everyday there is something failing and im finding it harder
and harder to do many things at all. I had all but given up on art...and then depression pushed me back into it to keep my mind occupied. I cannot say anything to make you feel better
but know in your heart you are not alone and many of us here are experiencing things that keep us from our beloved art. I just try to do what I can everyday and hope for the best. Aging they say is a privilege but as I was telling my wife today ....what is extended life if there is nothing worth living for.? Good luck to you and keep the faith. Everything will be the way it should be and where one door closes another will open for a creative and talented person such as yourself. Jean

For what it is worth Google macular degeneration and frankincense. I have had severe shingles breakouts in my eye and after fearing going blind I did some research and came across frankinsense and myrrh which have saved me. I wonT go in to all the details. But I have seen many accounts of people reversing their eye condition with frankincense especially macular degeneration. I am not one to go around giving advise but after reading your story I would feel irresponsible not sharing my story of positive results with frankincense and myrrh. If you have questions please don't hesitate to contact me.

Hiya Brooks,

I was at the eye doctor's toady and we talked extensively about Macular Degeneration. Although he felt I looked great for my age (72 yrs. young) I told him that he should see me from my point of view. All my abuse I did to myself with the excessive drinking didn't affect my physical body but it did a lot of damage to my inner self. I guess it's true about what they say, you will pay sooner or later for your lifestyle. Brooks I may be loosing my eyesight but I'm not blind yet. From the looks of your avatar you are one pretty lady.

Hey Bill old buddy. Thanks and I'm sorry to hear about your hernia operation. I hope it heals completely. I have a very small duodenal hernia - too small to operate. At least that's what my doctor told me.

Hiya LC,
You certainly have had your share of difficult times. My God, years ago one of my friends in Art School told me that to be a great artist one must first have to suffer. From the looks of all these comments there are a lot of great artists here at FAA. I wish somebody would tell me how to be a great artist when you have little very eyesight. Thank you LC I am going to give some of your treatments a try.

Hiya Jean,
I have no fear about what is happening to me, only frustration. After suffering from the DTs 6 times and having more Panic Attacks than I can count, nothing scares me anymore. I know that if I become a stumbling blind person my wife will take care of me. She has done that many, many times. When I picked her to marry I picked a winner. I am already dabbling with digital renderings.

Hiya Ginette, Thank you. I have already located some Frankincense and tomorrow I am checking out a few stores in my neighborhood. I have heard about frankincense. I plan on giving it a try. What the heck, it can't hurt me.

Hope things are going better for you, Harold. As you can see, you've got a lot of groupies here, LOL.

Hi Harold,

I completely understand .also I am lucky im blessed with a caring concerned wife that also watches out for me and takes good care of me. Take care. Jean