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Corinne Meharg's avatar

So happy that your surgery went well and proud of you for doing it! Will make taking on those challenges much closer. Go Lesley !!!!!!

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Yes, all is well. There's just one stitch/incision. Bruising is normal. Can't wait to get back in the studio.

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Jimmie Stephens's avatar

Jimmie Stephens

Surgery? I also hope you are doing fine! Your message was very inspiring this morning. As a ranch person and animal caregiver, I’m well aware of your old saying, “Use it or lose it!”! Many a cowboy lives by such. It is so evident in our lives as we try to age gracefully! Thank you for pointing out this dedicated artist and making us face the facts of growing older. We have choices!

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Lesley Riley's avatar

It was an easy one, Jimmie, with minimal to NO pain. Doc said if I didn't have it done I would lose the use of my hands, so that defeats my whole mantra, right?

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Jimmie Stephens's avatar

We cannot lose the use of our hands! Life would go on but our value and self-esteem would be lost! Follow the doctors orders! And keep being productive and real. Good luck!

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Linda Warschoff's avatar

I've admired Sheila Hicks for a long time but had never heard her talk about her work. That was a great video clip and totally inspired me. I want to be as vibrant as she is when I'm 90!

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Lesley Riley's avatar

I've seen her work and found the interviews enlightening. Glad you did, too.

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Lynne Oakes's avatar

WHOA! This was quite the post, my dear Lesley. Having been sidelined for 3+ months from a fall, I really get the 'if you don't use it you lose it' thing you've written about. I am teaching again, and that may save me. Ms. Hicks is a work of art in herself, as are you. Now I'd better get going. Again. And again! Love, Lynne

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Lesley Riley's avatar

I hope you are recovering. The older, the longer, right? But yes, a little bit a day will keep the flow going. I wish you well.

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Lynne Oakes's avatar

Many thanks, my friend!

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Lynda Heines's avatar

You and Shelia are such inspirations. Glad your surgery went well. I can't wait to see what you do next!

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Lesley Riley's avatar

How lovely to be mentioned in the same sentence as Sheila. Thank you, Lynda. This down time with my hands is giving me a lot of time for contemplation and new ideas.

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Susie Dahl's avatar

Congratulations on your carpel tunnel surgery. One down, one to go? A bit scary but here again your desire to create with your hands ( pain free) is worth the fear.

Thank you for introducing Sheila Hicks to us all. My favorite quote ( until today) has been “ when you are through changing…….. you are through”. Your post elaborates as to why change and risk taking is essential for a life filled with inner joy and passion. Artists are channeling an inner vision, an elusive sensation that connects all the dots inside of us. Sure, I have my scrap pile. But Momma Mia I have pieces that amaze me and bring a meaning to life I had not previously felt.

I love your posts and appreciate you so much.

Happy holiday to you. May your hands heal and continue to amaze you for years to come.❤️

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Yes, one to go Jan 8. This one was a breeze. Yes, we must keep changing. There's so much of us left to explore.

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CeCe Sullivan's avatar

Thank you so much for this Lesley. And for sharing Shelia to us. So wise and inspiring. And timely for me. I’ve been a little down this holiday season…thinking about giving up on my art. But her words, and the quotes you shared, convinced me to keep going. Heal well. So glad you are not feeling pain.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

I would be saddened if you gave up your art. I know you've had a setback, but 2025 will be your year. I feel it in my bones. Take care.

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CeCe Sullivan's avatar

Oh that’s so encouraging Lesley. Thank you so much.

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Margaret Abramshe's avatar

The pillar of inquiry is wide open. If I ever have decided to tattoo myself, that might be an option. Thank you, Lesley as always.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Hmmm, I've considered a tattoo, but I'd want it big and noticeable, so I know I'll never go through that.

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Margaret Abramshe's avatar

The tattoo window may have past. 😉

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Maggieinsc's avatar

Sheila gave us plenty to think abt didnt she? If she isnt doing that you are. As an ENFP we view life as an adventure looking for new mountains to climb. There is something to that when u master one skill its time to move on. Learning something new. Maybe thats why i havent painted a portrait in two plus months or maybe its a reaction to the Hurricane Helene disaster that flattened our town. Time will tell.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

I can see how Helene has literally and figuratively stopped you in your tracks. It is our positive outlook that keeps us striving and going...even if you do need a time-out once in a while.

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Marian Beaman's avatar

Jaw-droppingly beautiful. Best motif ever for stretching upward.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

👍🏻

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Wendy DiMicco's avatar

I’d like to be like Sheila Hicks when (if) I grow up! If you haven’t seen it, check out the YouTube video of her interview for Textiles and Tea 100. I just loved listening to her talk about selected works, including her collection of small pieces, “les minimes.” (Lesley, your fragments came to mind. . . you’re in excellent company!) To me she exuded a wonderful aura of wisdom - self-knowledge, self-acceptance, and curiosity.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Thanks for the video recommendation. She's pretty powerful isn't she - an inspiration.

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Orly Avineri's avatar

I love these messages Lesley. So uplifting and energizing. So well written. I realize lately how my life holds a million lives in me. That it is not one continuous life. I imagine this to be anyone’s reality if we wish to see it that way. It helps. 🙏🏻🤎

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Thank you for reading and sharing your insight. It means a lot knowing you love my writing. Our lives do hold a million lives, don't they? Good food for thought.

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7WordsWorth's avatar

For as long as my eyes have blinked I have seen faces in any sort of pattern or shadow, tile, spill. Faces with personality and detail, and stories to tell. They’re dying to get out. Begging me, really. I wonder if courage and neurodiversity are intertwined. I bet it is so. Sheila Hicks sounds exciting. I’ll read more.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

What a blessing your special sight is. Bring them out!

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