Something Good Is Always There
Each painting I create has a piece of my heart and a part of my life. In 2003, soon after beginning my dream job of being an elementary school art teacher, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember getting a “kicked in the stomach” feeling when I heard the words. My life as I knew it was over. After a year of chemotherapy, many surgeries, radiation treatments, losing my hair twice, and some life-threatening complications of the cancer treatments, I was ready for some inspiration and something new in my life. My old life certainly didn’t serve me any more.

The Aha Moment
Someone very dear to me stood in my living room one day soon after my cancer treatment was completed, looked around at the walls and said, “Beth, you are an artist and an art teacher…where are your paintings?” There were none.I had not done my own artwork for many years. That comment stayed with me.

My Self-expression Began
Gradually I looked for opportunities for inspiration, and now, after thirty years, since I graduated from college, I am doing my own art again. The neuropathy caused by the chemotherapy does not allow for fine motor control that I would like to have. I have developed an intuitive, heartfelt, expressive style to compensate for the inability to paint in details. My life matters now in a truly expanded way. I am helping people by using my experience as the foundation to help others learn about themselves and to have their own dreams come true.

The Time Is Now
Life isn’t always cutesy hearts. But it can always be about Love in the greatest sense. Life is so precious. If you love someone, hurry up and tell them. Live your life as if each word you say, and each deed you do, is your last. Be generous and be grateful.