Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Verdant River Valley

Verdant River Valley, L. Daniel, 30 x 30
SOLD

This river runs through a valley in the Adirondack Mountains where I painted last summer for a week. It is such a gorgeous area of the country and painting at this ambling body of water was a highlight. I posted the plein air piece then, but recently finished this larger studio piece. Misty storm clouds were wafting away (it rained a lot that week) and the sun was breaking through in the distance. Ahhh... I do love it when the sun breaks through. 

AND, speaking of sunny breakthroughs... I finally reached the end of my radiation treatments. YAY!!! For those just tuning in, I was diagnosed with breast cancer this past November. I had a lumpectomy in December followed by 6 1/2 weeks of radiation every day. Last Thursday, I got the final blast. Indeed, a HUGE breakthrough!! Though it wasn't fun, I am so very grateful for each and every dose, and am feeling great.  

My sweet husband took me away to a spa weekend in San Antonio to be pampered... here we are celebrating on the Riverwalk. As if that wasn't enough, tomorrow I am heading out to paint at Big Bend for a few days. The celebrating just doesn't end!!! Again I say, YAY!!!

21 comments:

Nancy Van Blaricom said...

What a beautiful post. Wonderful new that you have the radiation behind you now. What a great guy ... a spa weekend, wow. I had to laugh, in the photo of you two it looks like you are ignoring your beer, but have your hands on his, like you were going to sneak a drink of his (something I might do *giggle), then I see you are holding hands. Ahhhhhh. A happy ending. Painting Big Bend sounds great too.

SamArtDog said...

Way to go, Laurel! Congrats on making it through the long haul. I admire your perseverance!
I'm so happy you're getting to go paint Big Bend. I'm very fond of your vast landscapes and towering cloudscapes and look forward to the results of this next trip.

Randall said...

Awesome news Laurel and what a nice painting. Your an inspiration to all. happy painting!!

~Kirby

silentwitness said...

Laurel--I am so sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis and treatment. I wish for you a complete recovery. Your painting is gorgeous--the sky is stunning, as usual. Congratulations on getting juried into Salon International 2012!!!

SYLVIANE said...

Nice to learn that your treatment it's over, I share your joy -I had the same, + the other attached to that, in 2008-.I am sure you'll go well, now.
You look so happy on the picture, with your husband, it's a pleasure to see you, I am as usual looking forward your new paintings.

John Farnsworth said...

Gorgeous sky, beautiful painting, great news, handsome couple! Congratulations all around. Stay well.

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

HUGE Yay, and best wishes for a restful and restorative, yet exciting trip to Big Bend! Grab it all, Laurel. Looking forward to your work from this trip - or not, as you choose!

psharpe said...

This is such good news! Way to go, husband! So glad all this is behind you and you can do WHAT you love. Happy painting in Big Bend.....LOVE your work.

Linda Nickles said...

So happy for your wonderful news, Laurel! You've handled your ordeal like a real trooper. yay for you! Looking forward to seeing you soon.

juliefordoliver.blogspot.com said...

I love the painting.
Thank you for sharing about your ordeal. Your husband is to be congratulated for being a wonderful, caring partner.
Have a great time in Big Bend. Wear layers!!!

juliefordoliver.blogspot.com said...

I love the painting.
Thank you for sharing about your ordeal. Your husband is to be congratulated for being a wonderful, caring partner.
Have a great time in Big Bend. Wear layers!!!

Virginia Floyd said...

Fabulous skies! Love the light breaking through the clouds.

And congratulations on completing your treatments. I'm sure it's a big relief! Have a great time in Big Bend!

JohanneMorinFineArt said...

YAY, YAY, YAY! I'm very sorry you had to go through that, but that's a great news!
This is a very beautiful sky.

Debbi Smith Rourke said...

Just breathtakingly beautiful!!! A 30x30" too -can't wait to see it in person. You and Bill look fabulous. Take in every sweet joy and you float down the river of life with ease and delight. Lots of love.

Amy said...

Gorgeous painting! And truly awesome news! Sending best wishes from Jersey!!

Carol Flatt said...

I rejoice with you!

Unknown said...

So so so happy for you Laurel. Loved the Riverwalk and perfect area to celebrate!

Amy Hillenbrand said...

So glad this is all behind you. Thought of you many times this winter. I bet your happy optimistic nature had a lot to do with your recovery. Absolutely love this big beautiful piece. Really love the sky and clouds.

Barbara Muir said...

Yay,

I love your painting and the photo. Thank goodness. I've been having trouble with my computer, so haven't been able to reply properly, but will.
Major hugs to you,

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOBarbara

Unknown said...

Congratulations Laurel-the-brave! The painting is wonderful, and shows your delight in the "sun breaking through" in both ways. Sounds like a much deserved get-away,i'm happy to hear that you are done the radiation treatments and the lumpectomy.

Donna T said...

Wow! I peek in at your blog sometimes and am so happy to read about your good news! Congratulations and best wishes for health and happy painting trips ahead.