Upright and Breathing.

I never knew it could be so hard. People keep telling me, "Michelle, you've had heart surgery." And so I have. On September 11, I had my mitral valve repaired. Such a little structure. Had been leaking very badly, slowing me down all summer. Fixed now. So where is all my energy? 

What has amazed me the most is how hard it was to paint again. I can understand becoming exhausted going to the grocery store, but standing there moving my fingers? I thought I was going to spend my recovery time painting! But painting takes a whole level of energy greater than needed for other things. It's not that physical, but expends huge mental and emotional energy. I'm finally feeling better, and have been able to paint almost daily (if I don't have to go to the grocery store, too). Not for long sessions, but even a short session feels good and makes some progress on a piece. I've been finishing up some starts, and reworking pieces that, well, needed work.

Nap time.