Patti Gibbons Art

It is hard to write a review. I always want to be nice and say everything is good, when in fact, sometimes it ISN'T. I think it is a habit of mine which I have had for a very long time. As I have gained wisdom, however, I am more inclined to call a spade a spade. Being sensitive, if there is bad, I balance with good, if it is excellent, then it is a no-brainer. My trip to the Emerson was delightful. It was a sunny, cool, early November day. Some of the trees have forgotten to turn color, especially some of the maples. There are many trees that have lost their leaves, while others still think it is late summer. We arrived to be astonished that the woods and mountains surrounding the spa had a dusting of snow. It was quiet and peaceful, the only sound being the cars traveling Route 28. I had been to the Emerson once before, when the new spa had been opened. It needed a few finishing touches, but it was lovely. Yesterday we arrived, and checked in at the desk. Oh. We are told that we ...

My birthday started out with a severe drug reaction from a medication I was given to try for my foot/hip pain and also deals with anxiety. Though I was reluctant to go on any sort of medication again, and I have been treating my pain and mood swings and anxiety through supplements and taking really good care of myself, I felt I should give it a shot. I was told it had very little in the way of side effects, did not affect weight or sex drive, and was a promising drug. Oh my God. It was the worst reaction that I have ever had from any drug I have ever taken. (remember I was a teen in the 70's-in Woodstock NY no less, hahaha)I became manic, heart racing, speeding my head off, my muscles were twitching. I only had taken it for two days and by yesterday morning I knew I was in trouble. I got online and discovered horror stories of withdrawal and drug reactions from this drug, Cymbalta. I know it has been a miracle drug for some, but I also know that the doctors hand these sample...

It is late morning. I have been doing some research online, sipping on the coffee that Larry has kept refilled and hot on my bedside table. I am moving slowly, taking in the day and relaxing. A few phone calls have trickled in wishing me Happy Birthday. I actually took the time to enjoy talking on the phone and bask in the well wishes. I have had a hellish week, topped off by starting medication which I am immediately stopping due to adverse reactions. I have not slept in a few days, and feel like I am crawling out of my skin. Instead I am going to the health food store, getting more supplements, and starting a collection of meditational CD's, DVDs, books, and need to take a yoga class that will be easy on my broken body. After work yesterday a group of my coworkers met me out downtown for some laughter, snacks and drinks. I have a supportive group of friends I love and cherish dearly over the past 16 years. Afterwards, I met a few more friends with their dates for dinner at one of...

I think when I am undergoing great stress, I find relief in my humor. It has saved my ass in the classroom, it is saving my butt right now as we speak. Because of the nature of the situation, I cannot disclose certain facts out of respect for my family. My heart aches, but I know there is little I can do or control, and have to believe that there is a reason for everything. So back to my humor. I meant to write about this a while ago, as it has been bothering me. We have these automatic deodorizers in the faculty bathroom at work. They are on some kind of timer or have a sensor that periodically releases a spray of scent into the air. Very cool I think, EXCEPT that every time I go in there, and pick up my skirt, or pull down my pants, it goes off. I hear a distinct spray and smell whatever the scent is wafting over me. At first I though it funny, but now I am getting neurotic. I dunno..maybe it has a motion sensor that sets it off, and by golly, I am going to find out what it is. Inqui...

Lately I have been blogging a lot on my laptop. I take it into bed, plug it in, fire up the heating pad for some aching or cold part of my body, catch up on a few emails, and write my blog. Occasionally a friend will be online and IM me, and we will chat in between paragraphs. Occasionally as I prepare to write, I draw a blank, and think, what the hell do I have to say that is so important? Then I think about a few of the amazing/appalling/disgusting/scary/sensual things that happen to me in the course of a day, and I type away. Today was ALMOST the last part of my series of doctor's visits that one must endure in the name of "preventative maintenance". In light of the health history of my parents AND children, I do keep up with my doctor appointments on a regular basis. A few weeks ago it was the mammogram, where someone I never know is handling my breasts and squashing them between plates in various angles. Today was the "internal" exam. I had fit it in betwee...

Perhaps someday it will be safe for me to tell all of my stories. Some of them no one would believe. Stories about family, the government, the Public School System. I know more secrets that I care to admit, and being the trustworthy can't-take-the-Catholic-out-of-the-girl type, I keep my mouth shut. Mostly out of respect for others, but let's face it, I don't want to be ostracized from my family any more than I already am, and I need to keep my job, and don't want the CIA hauling my ass or other's asses off for saying too much. I have had a wild ride today. Too many crisis, too many injustices and too many futures at stake. And throw an intense therapy session in to boot. Yowza. The wonderful thing is, I am learning how to stand strong, hold my own, speak my mind, while doing it with grace, dignity, and love. And to take a long hot bath, have a glass of wine, and all but tell the stories..which I KNOW you are all dying to know. Maybe you will buy the book. Oh and ab...

It is Monday night, and I am alone. Larry is teaching, and I relish these nights when I come home and the only responsibility I have is to feed the cats and myself. After Larry leaves, I decide to work for a few hours in the studio while the light is still good. My favorite and most productive time is when there is still light. I have a large picture window that faces the west. I get lovely late afternoon light, and if I am lucky, a Hudson Valley sunset to muse upon. My studio is 1/2 of our 2 car garage, has a hip roof, windows on three sides, an excellent efficient gas heater, A/C, gallery style off-white walls, and tons of ephemera and paint to keep me in art for a very long time. Larry has left me soup in the fridge, but since I am free I call up a friend to meet for a glass of wine and some sushi at my fave place, Kyoto in Kingston. We have a great time, and I come home about 9, and decide that I am going to give myself a treat: blog in bed, and then watch another Episode of Rome v...