The sumi-e you see here is THE very first attempt at my painting with my non-dominant left-hand. This painting does not even have a name. It's untitled. Maybe I should call it 'Grateful'. Anyway, I thought it would be appropriate to share this painting with you today, the first day of 2010.

I had used drawing to recover from my massive and devastating stroke and this activity literally saved my life. I was an artist and a high school art teacher before the 'big event'. However, somehow for years, I felt I would not be able to paint again. That, thankfully, was all in my head!

About five years ago, I tried. The painting above was my first painting attempt and my first sumi-e in 20 years! I thought to myself, 'Huh, you can still paint' and 'It's not a masterpiece, but you can paint' and 'You better get practicing girl'. So, I did. Along with my day job of counseling at the college where I currently work - I painted. And, I painted.

Three years ago, I launched my personal art website and then began entering local and country-wide painting competitions again. Last year, I started my first POD and this summer really expanded my art sites, adding more PODs, started an art blog, and joined Facebook and Twitter. I'm on a roll now! My artwork is showing and selling all over the country. This is a wonderful blessing.

To read my entire story of stroke recovery, view my drawings, and learn more about recovery art, visit my website and view Healing with Art.