The Change of 2010

December 14, 2010

Dear Family and Friends
This has obviously been a year of Great Change for me. I am amazed at how much time has already passed since The Great Spirit moved my life in its current direction. While it certainly has been a challenge I did not expect to face, it is one that I have accepted and currently move through as if it were any other challenge life presents us.

So many of you have expressed your concerns and blessed me with prayer, cards, words of courage and support and I am just now sitting down to express my gratitude for all you have done. Each and every one of you bring me great joy and it lifts my Spirit with your concern and generosity.

At the end of July I was diagnosed with a pretty good sized tumor on my right ovary. Within a week, I was at Mission Hospital set to have a hysterectomy which was my surgeons recommendation. No problem for me ... whatever you need to do was my response. This surgery took place on August 2 and its estimated 2 hour time frame ended up lasting over 5 hours, where not only did I have a total abdominal hysterectomy, but since the tumor wasn’t the only thing my surgeon found, I ended up also having a whole lot more done - a Bilateral Oophorectomy, an appendectomy, an Omentectomy, an rectosigmoid R&R (which is partial colon removal), About 45 lymph nodes removed, some debulking (which means removing minute cancerous tissues) and had my diaphragm repaired. Whew! A whole lot of stuff as they say .... During surgery I obviously lost a lot of blood and had to have a transfusion. I spent 2 days in icu and a total of 12 days in the hospital. I felt like Frankenstein’s Bride due the stem to stern vertical incision on my body. They use staples these days rather than stitching you up and with the weight loss, I was a sight to behold in the mirror. I will say though that my surgeon did an excellent job and my body jumped right up to the challenge and it began its healing process very quickly. Today the incision has faded considerably and looks really good (if that sort of thing can look good )

I took through the end of September for home recovery from the surgeries. While I couldn’t move fast, at least I was moving. I spend most of that recovery time reading tons of novels and books. A great passing of time since I was spending most of it in a very large recliner. My animals were amazing, always gathering close to me and giving me endless hours of love and affection. I was up mentally and spiritually and in the overall reality of this situation, I didn’t even think about it.

While I had been diagnosed with Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer and I had gone through surgery and hospital stay, my mind and emotions stayed on life in general. I honestly can say that this dis-ease and all of its “supposed connotations” didn’t enter into my thought processes and that attitude continues today. All due to the positive way I was raised and my belief that Spirit has a plan and this challenge was just part of my life’s mission. I must say, though, it has surely changed the direction I was taking and pushed me into the direction Spirit needed me to go. A Blessing for me in so many ways..... I originally had determined that I was not going to do Chemotherapy and that was my intended plan since I have always been a healthy individual... never sick (not even a cold in over 30 years), ate fresh and most always organic food, drank very little, etc. I couldn’t see adding toxic chemicals to my already invaded physical condition. This decision was reversed after a nice discussion with my surgeon who told me it was “now or never” as they couldn’t do anything for me if there was still some of those so-called invisible cancer cells floating around in my system at a later date. It was zap em now or possibly be wearing angel wings in 8 months ... hummmmm .... sounds like I had better zap-em then!

I began Chemotherapy the first week in October and I am currently on my next to last treatment. This particular method is only 6 treatments, spread out over an 18 week or 4 month period. The treatments themselves last over about 4 hours where they very slowly introduce the chemo drugs into your system. A proven more effective treatment than mega doses. These treatments are done in Asheville at The Hope Women’s Cancer Center. A beautiful, totally healing place where during treatment you look out expansive windows to a wonderful garden. Relaxing, healing and a good space.
My first treatment “kicked my butt”. All those horror stories you hear about chemo I think I experienced. I can only say it was The Pitts! I was ready for someone - anyone to put me out of my misery. I had determined that if the treatment was going to make me feel this way, I was quitting! Fortunately for me my support team came to the rescue and made certain I took my meds as prescribed, etc. They really do make a difference! The last two treatments have been a breeze. No sickness, no pain, no real fatigue, with my energies high for the most part. I still get tired and there are days where I can’t seem to do much of anything.... On those days I watch a movie, read or just basically rest rest rest. I have also been polishing up my computer skills by studying and learning new things since I have the time and motivation. And its fun too!

My relationship with David went south too as they say and he left and returned to Oregon to pursue his life as he saw fit. I would like to say his timing could of been better  but to wait until I was well was not on the agenda, but it was actually better for me as I look back on it.

Once again, thank you so much for your words of concern, encouragement and the many prayers sent my way. They really do work and I know if it were not for those of you who pray for me that this challenge could of been much worse. God Bless you and may the peace of spirit fill your hearts with joy and love. Remember, life is truly short and today really is the Only day you have ... make the best of it and tell those close to you that you love them and appreciate them - it really does make a difference.

Lots of Love, Karen   

My brother Gary, my Mom, me and my Sister Kathleen

Close encounters of the Terrapin Kind

Yesterday I came across 4 different turtles beginning with a snapping turtle I found under my Japanese Maple tree. Not sure where he came from exactly or how long it took him to trudge up my hilll, but there he was in all his splendor which I promptly convinced to get in my bright yellow bucket and go for a ride. He didn't want to go but with all those cats of mine, I was concerned for their curious little noses. Down to the bottom of the hill and tromping through the woods to set him by the creek and lo and behold there was a very nice box turtle giving me the eye. Not a good place to leave Mr. Snapper, so I hiked up stream a bit and let him out of his yellow prison.  On the way to Cashiers I came across another box turtle crossing the road and out I jumped to usher him along before someone ran him over but the prospects for survival looked thin so instead I took him to a very nice wooded parcel with creeks and a nice pond. He was very tiny as you can see by the photo of him next to my foot. On the way home, there it was - a box turtle - looking to cross the road..... Helped him I did.... I think I need a bumper sticker that says I brake for turtles! 

Wildflowers in the Smokies

   

The arrival of Spring presents tremendous opportunities for wildlife and wildflowers. I am always looking for native wildflowers in the hopes to capture something new and it is always a delight to make a find. Spent a couple of weekends cruising the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and was very excited to find wildflowers en masse everywhere. This particular spot was just a few feet from the road, but couldn't been seen when driving by. Luckily we decided to venture up a dry creek bed and found a wildflower paradise. There were literally hundreds of various types as far as I could see. This was my first experience with Yellow Trilliums, Dutchman's Breeches, Spring Beauties and Squirrel Corn. Ah, Spring in the Smokies......

Tour de Cashiers 2010

Spent the day along Peeks Creek photographing the Tour de Cashiers riders as they came through in the morning and early afternoon. The morning group were on the 62 mile ride, while the afternoon group rode 100. In either case, a long way to go when you are in the mountains.  Strength and durability are surely needed in either case. It was overcast and a perfect day to ride!

         

Complete Gallery Tour de Cashiers 2010

Winter's Palate

We've had a lot more snow than usual this year which has made for some great photographic opportunities. Here are a few of our latest snowfall from Western North Carolina. Hopefully, Spring will be arriving soon.

Loss Of A Pet

I lost one of my felines today to old age. Cookieface came to me from the surrounding woods where after several months of just "checking the territory and myself out" came to stay with me for 5 more years. My vet told me when I first brought him in that he was an "old cat" so the fact that I got 5 years of companionship from him was a good thing. I knew he was getting close to his "time" as over the last months he had lost most of the luster and shine on his coat and it became a bit more ragged. He lost most of his weight and was just a whisp of his former self. Yesterday I realized his time was very short and today I stayed by him until he took his last breath. I sat him in the cat tree by the window where he could feel the sun coming in and see the birds feeding right outside. While I don't think he saw much as his eyes were getting pretty glazed over and he was already standing on the Rainbow Bridge by this time. Eventually, I laid him on the bed in front of the same window and lay next to him for the next couple of hours when he finally went to the other side at 12:30 this afternoon. He is now laid to rest in the garden (with the others) to romp and play and chase mice on the other side. I will miss him and his sweet face. I have attached a small series of photos in memory of Cookieface.

Slideshow of Cookieface

Cookieface's Last Day

The Little Tennessee River Needmore Tract

There is a great tract of land that runs along the Little Tennessee River purchased by The Nature Conservancy known as "The Needmore Tract", a favorite place for me to spend time. Close to home and is the collective name for multiple parcels totaling 4,400 acres on a 27-mile stretch of the Little Tennessee River between Franklin, NC and Fontana Lake. The largest parcel, 4,000 contiguous acres, consists of 3,400 acres in Swain County and 600 acres in Macon County.  Biologists call Needmore, which straddles the Little Tennessee River, one of the most threatened and biologically important areas in North Carolina because it represents one of the last remaining Southern Appalachian river systems with viable populations of native aquatic species. The properties are home to outstanding biological resources, including two federally endangered mussels, the Appalachian elktoe and the little pearlywing, as well as an endangered plant, the Virginia sweetspire. The Little Tennessee River supports populations of four federally-listed and 12 state-listed species of animals and plants. The area is also rich in cultural history.

Personally, I have always loved the drive along the river which can only be done at a nice slow pace, as well it should be. I saw my first "wild" Eagle in North Carolina along this stretch of the river, something I thought I would never see here in the south, as I always considered Eagles to be more to the West. Much to my delight this beautiful Eagle was hunting the river and I managed to get out of my vehicle and hoof it up the dirt road about 100 yards to where he had landed. He didn't stay long, but long enough for me to get his photo.

Another great experience was the "puddling" of several butterflies alongside the river most of which were Swallowtails but there were a couple of different species gather in there as well.

Harris Lake, Highlands, NC

By the time I completed my frozen waterfall excursion the other day, I ended up in Highlands where I usually stop by Harris Lake to see if I can get any good duck/geese photos. As I rounded the bend there were cars everywhere! It seems that Harris Lake was frozen enough to skate on, something the locals say it hasn't done in about 14 years. Some were on ice skates, some just their shoes. There were mother's pulling their kids on slelds and dogs pulling their owners on skates. Some were playing ice hockey and others just watched from the sidelines, like me. 

    

It's An Adventure - The Frozen Cullasaja

The Frozen Cullasaja River Gorge

 

The Cullasaja River is a short river located entirely in Macon County, North Carolina. A tributary of the Little Tennessee River, into which it flows near the county seat of Franklin, it originates to the southeast, near Highlands, where it flows from man made Lake Sequoyah. A two-lane curve filled highway called Mountain Waters Scenic Byway, (aka The Gorge Road) is the combined route of U.S. 64 and NC 28, through the Cullasaja Gorge. This gorge is mostly protected as part of the Nantahala National Forest. Several former Cherokee towns were located along the Cullasaja River. "Cullasaja" is a variant spelling of the Cherokee town name "Kulsetsi". This Cherokee town's name is also the origin of the name "Sugar Fork". One of the largest and most important Cherokee towns, known as Nikwasi or Nucassee, was located at the confluence of The Cullasaja River with The Little Tennessee River, which runs along the Little Tennessee River Greenway, where Franklin sits today.

I have been driving this stretch of road for over 20 years between the town of Franklin (where I reside) and the town of Highlands, which is a small, very upscale resort town. The river has several waterfalls that can be viewed directly from the road (even from your car without getting out) or at least a short walk to an overlook (as is the case with Dry Falls). Then there are those places that hide secret or hidden waterfalls as they lie deep down in the gorge, far from the road above. If you are brave (or crazy as the case may be) you can stumble upon some great locations that others may never see. An adventure for sure as we scrambled our way down a (probably 85 degree embankment) with slippery ice covered leaves to the river where we found what I call "Hidden Falls". Well worth the ride down on my butt to get there. The climb out, however, was a bit more of a challenge but I made it in tact without crashing any equipment or my behind. This is a gallery of photos of The Cullasaja River after being gripped in two weeks of near freezing or below temps.

The Frozen Cullasaja River Gorge 

Pet Portraits

Love pets and working with them. After photographing them in a natural setting, I paint in Photoshop and print on canvas for a great personalized pet portrait.

Pet Portrait Sampler Gallery

Freezing Tempertures Make For Icicle Beauty

Hasn't been much above feeezing for a couple of weeks with no real relief in sight but with that cold comes some of Mother Nature's beautiful sculptures in the form of dripping/running water off of the sides of our wonderful granite mountains here in the Blue Ridge.

Fire In The Sky

As winter settles in, the sunrise and sunsets seem more intense than any other time of the year. This view was taken from my deck. This is a sunrise shot.....

Ole Man Winter

The cold weather has settled in early this year. We have not seen above freezing temperatures for at least a week now with the temperatures dipping into single digits at night. Not fit for man or beast as they say but brings a beautiful landscape to the Blue Ridge Mountains with the blanket of snow that has accompanied our cold chill. It also tends to freeze the waterfalls too. This is Bridal Veil Falls just outside of Highlands, NC. this week.