Back to the Begining

Greetings from Missouri. You may have noticed I have been away for a while. It’s a long story but I have been dealing with health issues and felt the need to be close to family while I recover. I’m still working on recovering and it might be a while. In the mean time I’ll be in my own stomping grounds until I decide what my next steps will be.

Before I go on however, I have to introduce you to the newest member of my family. Say hello to Ezra!

He was born on July 2nd, 2015 to my daughter Megan, his father Brendon and big sister Clara. We could not be happier to have him in our lives and I was happy that I could be here to greet him.

So for a while it’s back to painting Missouri landscapes with my friends from the Missouri Plein Air Painters Association. I’ve thrown in a few paintings that I have done on location with this group.

As for my future plans, I really have no idea. Without belaboring my health issues I am dealing with multiple symptoms and maladies of unknown origin. Most of my problems are related to my digestive system and an infestation of parasites. I know…parasites…how crazy! I have learned that they are much more common that you may know and cause a lot of chronic illness. I was fortunate to talk to three different people who all recommended the same doctor. One of my co-workers actually struggled with the same issues. I got an assessment from Dr. Yu a few weeks ago. He practices integrated medicine, western, Chinese and homeopathic. He is a good fit for me as I don’t want to just manage symptoms with medication but I want to get to the heart of the issue and heal. This is always Dr. Yu’s goal. Based on his assessment he said I have a lot going on and he has the impression that I had been dealing with health issues for a very long time. Chronic pain, insomnia and fatigue have plagued me for many years. Maybe my body just got too worn out from years of these issues. I’m currently on Dr. Yu’s protocol and I am learning that the cure is worse than the disease. I’m feeling pretty crummy these days but I’m in this for the long haul so I plan to stick with the program. Dr. Yu does not focus on diagnoses. He focuses on the the systems within the body that are not functioning properly and works to repair them. I like this approach. I am waiting for results from other tests so time will tell what those uncover.

I am sad to have left Ely and all my friends. I’m not sure if I’ll be back to stay but I know I’ll be a regular visitor. I do want to say a special thanks to the people with whom I have gotten very close. Thanks to George and Mary Kay, to Tony and family, to Brett and family, to Kelli and family and to Rory and Linda. Special thanks to Sonja, Laura and Barb too. You have all been remarkably kind and for all you have done for me I will remain grateful.

Currently I have 19 paintings on display in downtown Ely. I am bummed that I could not be there but another friend, Cecilia is managing the show for me. Thank you Cecilia!

I have hopes of going back to Minnesota in September. I was excepted into a plein air painting competition in Grand Marais, Minnesota. Unfortunately, as I am learning, the elimination of parasites is a slow and uncomfortable process. Currently my pain level has been pretty high and my energy lever is pretty low. Driving back up to northern Minnesota will be the biggest challenge. I hope that come early September I’ll feel well enough for the trip.

I said I would not belabor my health issues but it seems that I have. My health problems have definitely put a damper on my plans but I feel confident it will all pass and I hope to feel better than I have in many years at some point in time. I’ll wrap up by showing you a couple more paintings from outings with my Missouri friends.

Take care and stay healthy!