Two years. It's a milestone that shimmers with a mix of joy, relief, and a quiet, persistent strength. Two years since my last breast cancer treatment. Two years of navigating the complex terrain of recovery, of learning to live with a "new normal." And while the champagne corks might not be popping with quite the same gusto as I initially imagined, the quiet satisfaction of reaching this point is profound.
My initial vision of this anniversary involved triumphant hikes through vibrant landscapes, camera in hand, capturing the beauty that has always fueled my soul. I pictured myself scaling mountains, breathing in the crisp air, and celebrating my resilience with breathtaking photographs. Unfortunately, the reality of post-treatment life has been a little less...cinematic.
The lingering physical challenges, the unexpected side effects, the persistent fatigue – they've been a constant companion on this journey. Hiking, my beloved escape and inspiration, has become a frustrating dance of a few steps forward and several back. The weight of my camera gear, once a joyful extension of myself, now feels like an unbearable burden on some days. The very activities that used to nourish my spirit now serve as a stark reminder of the limitations my body still faces.
There have been moments of genuine frustration, of feeling robbed of the very things that defined me. Moments of wondering if I'd ever truly regain the strength and stamina I once possessed. Moments of grief for the life I had before cancer, and the dreams that now seem so distant.
But amidst the challenges, something beautiful has emerged. A rediscovery of a different kind of creative outlet. A return to my artistic roots.
Before photography became my primary passion, drawing and painting were my first loves. As a child, I’d spend hours lost in the world of pencils and watercolors, creating fantastical landscapes and intricate floral designs. I was even voted most artistic in high school. Cancer, ironically, has given me the space and the impetus to reconnect with that inner artist.
While my body might not cooperate with long hikes and heavy cameras, my hands can still hold a stylus. My mind can still conjure images of the natural world that inspires me. And my heart can still find solace and joy in the act of creation.
So, I’ve been exploring the world of digital art. It's a new medium for me, a different way of expressing my connection to nature. And it's been a revelation. I can still capture the essence of a windswept coastline, the delicate intricacies of a wildflower, the majestic grandeur of a mountain range – but now, I do it with pixels instead of photographs.
The transition hasn't been without its learning curve. There have been moments of frustration with the software, of struggling to translate the images in my mind onto the digital canvas. But there have also been moments of pure joy, of discovering new techniques, of seeing my visions come to life in vibrant colors and intricate details.
My digital artwork, like my photography, is deeply rooted in the natural world. It's a celebration of the beauty that surrounds us, a reflection of the resilience of nature, and a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. From delicate botanical studies to sweeping landscapes, my art reflects the places I long to explore, the beauty I yearn to capture, and the gratitude I feel for every moment.
And I'm thrilled that my artwork has found so many homes over the years by creating Pi Photography and Fine Art. It's a wonderful space for sharing my creations with a wider audience than just my local art fairs, and it's incredibly rewarding to know that my art can bring a touch of nature into other people's lives.
This two-year anniversary is a celebration, not just of surviving cancer, but of thriving in the face of adversity. It's a celebration of rediscovering my creative spirit, of finding new ways to connect with the natural world, and of embracing the journey, wherever it may lead.
Rustic Black and White Photo Mountain Nenana - Beetle Field Alaska - Prints coming soon
The road to recovery is long, and there will undoubtedly be more challenges along the way. But I’m learning to be patient with my body, to listen to its needs, and to celebrate the small victories. I may not be conquering mountains just yet (I did drive through them during our Alaska excursion 😊 prints coming soon), but I'm finding my own way to climb. And I'm doing it one brushstroke, one pixel, one heartfelt creation at a time. And that, in itself, is a triumph.
Tee Shirts with this graphic are available for purchase at: 2 Years Breast Cancer Free Anniversary T-Shirt Pink Ribbon. To see all of the designs we offer to help the cause please visit our Breast Cancer Awareness Collection.
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