Happy Easter to y’all from the Sunshine State! I’ve been here in Miramar Beach, Florida on vacation for the last two days, though unfortunately, the state hasn’t yet lived up to its nickname; since my arrival, it’s been raining cats and dogs most of the time!
Luckily for me, I packed my “Choose Health” journal, along with a tote full of paper, fabric, and assorted art supplies, and it’s kept me busy while we’ve been stuck indoors. This morning, in my makeshift “studio” on the kitchen counter of our rental condo, I completed the first page of the journal, which is entitled, “Choose Pain Free.”
This page, which features a Chinese acupuncture chart clipped from the pages of a vintage holistic health text, celebrates the ways in which this alternative therapy has significantly improved my health since I started with it a few months ago. It’s greatly decreased the frequency of my chronic headaches and the level of pain associated with them, and it’s certainly a course of treatment I plan to continue in the future!
The page was created with patterned, embossed, and handmade papers as well as old book pages, a vintage doctor’s scrip, canvas, burlap, mica, fabric trim, die-cut paper, yarn, sewn buttons, and text generated on an antique typewriter.
Apparently, the forecast calls for sunshine the next 2-3 days, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the predictions are true. Whether they are or not, I plan to keep working on this journal before heading home at the end of the week.
Have a wonderful week, wherever you happen to be! 🙂
Starting Over Studio 
This page is beautiful. Your attention to detail is spot on-like the background papers dealing with stress and life event changes.. I’m paying attention to your subject matter too. I’ve been considering alternatives. My friend’s recommendations lead me to doctors and practitioners who do not bill insurance. Private pay only.
I’ve had a headache all day. First one in years. Before we left for my SIL’s house for Easter dinner, I had to spend some time with my journal at my art table. Gluing. And writing. So therapeutic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a bunch, Cheryl! It’s been really fun looking through the vintage medical texts, to find different topical pieces to put into the background collages. One of the old books was used by a medical students back in the 1950’s, and he underlined a lot of things and wrote/drew in the margins, so that’s provided some added interest.
My acupuncturist and massage therapist don’t bill insurance, so I have to pay them directly as well. Luckily the prices aren’t too bad. The acupuncturist rewards patients who book multiple appointments by giving a discount, so that’s helped.
I agree 100% with you that art journaling is one of the best kinds of therapy. For me, just the acts of collaging and painting make me forget my stress and troubles, and that’s truly invaluable! 🙂
LikeLike
This is gorgeous and I love that it’s so symbolic of your journey back to health as well. Wonderful textures and love the fabric adds especially. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Laura!! 🙂 It’s been a lot of fun to combine all of the different elements and create something new! This is the first time I’ve ever worked with a predominantly white color palette, and sticking with that has challenged me to find collage elements containing a variety of textures to add interest. I’m amazed at all the different wonderful fabrics that are out there, just waiting to be used in this kind of project!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a fantastic piece Jenny! I am glad the treatments are working for you. I was a chronic migraine sufferer for years before my stroke (I just started getting headaches again a few months ago – but keeping my fingers crossed they stay away) and I wish I had known so many things about migraine/stroke/treatments. It does run in my family (two of my children get them)…hope you enjoy your trip too!
P.S. Dunno if you would consider signing up for Blog Lovin feeds …but I love those as all my art friends are condensed in a daily update to my email box each day. Just a thought 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Nancy! So far, so good! Chronic headaches run in my family, too; my mother has suffered from them her whole life, so I wasn’t really caught off guard when I noticed a similar problem myself. I’ve heard of Bloglovin, though I don’t know much about it. I will look into it, though! Sounds like a convenient way to enjoy following blogs. Thanks for the tip! 🙂
LikeLike