Drawing thanks.

It started off as a casual exchange of texts. 

I had asked a former coworker/friend from work for some advice about things and the discussion turned into me looking for job opportunities. Then I e-mailed her my resume for some feedback. She ended up completely redoing my resume--and a great one at that.

That was totally unexpected. I just wanted some pointers on how to make my resume better. She went above and beyond.

To show my appreciation, I gave her a couple slices of chocolate chip banana bread I had made with a thank you note attached. 

BUT a plain old note just wouldn’t do, so I drew a butterfly on the backside (brought to life with a highlighter) to make my thanks that much more known.

Inspired by the butterfly I created ten years ago!

I thought this would be the perfect thing to share on this of all days. 

When someone goes above and beyond for you, you should try and go above and beyond for them.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!

She endures.

"I feel like I'm getting weak," my aunt told me. 

"But you were able to do a lot of walking over these past few months," I replied. "I think you're doing better than you realize." 

"Not physically weak," she explained, "but weak in spirit." 

Next week will mark a full year from when my oldest aunt was admitted to the hospital. That was when a large tumor was discovered and later uterine cancer diagnosed. 

My aunt started receiving immunotherapy treatments back in February of this year up until now. Always in cycles of three with a week off, sometimes more of break when testing was being done. It sounded like it was working yet the treatments always kept coming. 

I have never heard my aunt complain about the process but I'm certain it's hard for her. Behind the positive demeanor she puts on, she must get discouraged and frustrated. 

Within the last month or so, her treatments increased in potency and her hair started thinning because of it. Now she has to wear a wig. How much more does she have to endure? 

Her very last treatment should be next week. Judging on the test results after that, the doctors will decide on how to proceed. 

Earlier in the month I created some more Mail Art to help keep my aunt going. A bit of encouragement in her mailbox. Something she can look upon as a reminder when needed. 

 Markers and ink on standard mailing envelope - 5" x 7"

The front side merges our addresses with the definition of the word endure. And as a blogger once told me in the past, I placed all she endures within the cross on the back of the envelope. 

 The backside splattered with gouache to create a glowing effect.

With the coming holidays being so close, I am hoping for really great news in the weeks ahead. 

You're almost there, Auntie! Don't give up!! Endure just a little longer.