Starting a New Drawing as I Recover

Well, my two days of "do nothing" are up today and so I began a new drawing. This one is of Jean Luc, my son's wonderful Golden Retriever.

I took about 2 to 3 hours 

deciding what colors to use on him. 

I watched a video my teacher made 

on Golden Retrievers and for the most part 

I will be using the colors she suggests. 

There are a few changes in his coat colors.

Here is my color chart 

which doesn't include eyes or nose.

 Lots of colors in a Golden Retriever!

Before I drew on the Pastelmat, 

I did a quick mock-up with pencil

 on printer paper, 

just to make sure I had the right size.

Next I drew the cartoon on Pastelmat.

Then I began by working on his left eye.

I just wanted to feel like I had started.

I will get much more done tomorrow.

But here is Jean Luc for tonight:

Today is the 19th day 

since my Double Mastectomy.

I'm healing up well.

I have good range of motion 

and can move my arms in most directions.

I have to move them slow 

when reaching above my head,

and if I put my hands behind my head 

to make "chicken wings" 

it is difficult to open the elbows.

So I do need some physical therapy 

and stretching,

but don't want to do too much 

too soon

and split my incision.

I tend to lift things, 

then realize I shouldn't.

It's hard for me to be still so much.

I'm generally a very busy person.

I'll be happy to get back to the pencils tomorrow.

As far as pain goes, 

it's weird. 

Most of the pain I feel now is 

under my arms, which are swollen.

My chest over the incision 

is still numb, 

though it feels like when you go to the dentist

and get a shot, 

and feeling is just starting to return.

I plan on doing a lot of massage

to get those nerves to reconnect.

I believe it can be done.

But I need to be patient and wait

until my incision is healed completely.

I still have the steri-strips on the incision.

They are supposed to fall off on their own.

I shower every morning 

and "hope" they'll come off,

but they must have superglued 

those suckers on!

Anyway, that's the update.

I have an appointment 

with my surgeon on Monday.

I'm hoping she will send me 

to Physical Therapy soon.

That's all for now.

Stay safe!

Love,

Annie