Posted by sherryjoiner …

NAMI MENTAL HEALTH LOBBY DAY

The picture, is taken several years ago, but significant. It was taken of me when Oregon’s Governor John Kitzhaber was being sworn in. While I was at the State Capitol Building for NAMI’s Mental Health Lobby Day in Salem today, news was circulating about Governor Kitzhaber’s resignation. I’ve yet to hear the results. I and a few … Continue reading →

‘Healing and Moving On’

Over my birthday weekend, I finished my oil painting “Healing and Moving On.” 20×26. I want to share it with you. At sixty-six years old that is just what I’m doing, healing and moving on. I wish to thank everyone in the US and my family in Brazil for the kind sweet birthday greetings that you sent my … Continue reading →

My Review of ‘Resilience’

Over the weekend, I finished reading Resilience: Two Sisters And a Story Of Mental Illness by Jessie Close with Pete Earley. The story delivered a powerful message for those who face a life long struggle with reality, addiction, and Bipolar Disorder. I have a deep appreciation for Jessie’s story. Her struggle has been doubly difficult … Continue reading →

A Book I Made in My Youth

Before my teens, I learned how to write at Rose School, Roseburg, Oregon. Since February 2nd was close to my birthday, I made a book called Ground Hog’s Day. I illustrated a figure that looked much like a beaver and as the pages unfolded, I captured the likeness of the mayor of the town and the … Continue reading →

Participating at the OSA Exhibit

I had the wonderful experience of exhibiting my artwork at the Oregon Society of Artitsts. Theresa LoMonaco, I, and the “Old Master” and “Amy,” my paintings, are in these photos. The art show began January 11, with a reception and ended January 30th. I met a long term worker named Bill and his friend James, … Continue reading →

Aquarius, My Hippie Years

In my hippie years, I was a rising star of the Zodiac sign, Aquarius. It began when I went to Southern Oregon College, now Southern Oregon University in Ashland, 67′-69′, and someone coined me with the term, Aquarius. My birthday is in February. I could have settled for the titles of Miss Universe or Miss … Continue reading →

ARTWORK Rose

Oil Painting Schizoaffective and Bipolar Disorder   I received a gift- a beautiful ‘Flowers and Blooms’ painting book from my sweet dear friend, Susan Williams Hammer. I painted the ‘Red Rose.’ Over Christmas time, I found a painting of a ‘red rose’ catching my eye. I carefully tore the picture of the flower from the … Continue reading →

A visit with my Brazilian Aunt Deanna

Going to visit my beautiful Aunt Deanna from Brazil this week. She is in her 90’s and is still as young as ever. She is my mom’s sister. She is a beautiful woman of many talents, sewing, swimming, caring for people, and raising a family of six. She shares her sweet self in everything she does. Her … Continue reading →

A Gift From Africa

A beautiful surprise I received in the mail yesterday. A Pay it Forward gift from Judy Fardig. It is an apron made in Africa in honor of President Obama. I will cherish it forever. Thank you, Judy!