sister4sister

“Sometimes when things are falling apart they may actually be falling into place”.

Author: Smallanchors.com

Like so many women, my earlier diagnosis of invasive breast cancer resulted in my and my family’s life being picked up and turned upside down.

Any scary life diagnosis can be both challenging and frightening at the same time. My sister (pictured here with me) and I followed in the same diagnosis as our Grand Mother and Auntie. Sadly, more of our friends face a similar or different diagnosis as time goes on. For many, it is when your life becomes a stark reality.

I recognised early into my diagnosis that I could not afford to focus solely on the health challenges which lay ahead. I had to leave my body and treatment in the hands of the professionals to take care of my mind.

I drew strength from my family, friends, and my sister and girlfriends (hence sister4sister) whom I continue to waste an enormous amount of time and often talk food. I found great comfort in chats over coffee and cake with a girlfriend or two. I still do!

This blog is dedicated to any woman facing her health or life challenge. It is a gift of sisterhood and a constant reminder that these friendships make us better people and make us stronger.

This blog is designed to bring together women with a shared passion for entertaining at home, done with ease, fun and creativity. We need to permit ourselves to take our minds to a more enjoyable place. There is no better time to talk about the heart of entertaining while also remembering to be there for your sisters when they need you!

“Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside”. Coco Chanel

Art | Women & Their Silent Courage

I had been painting for twenty years, yet it was not until my breast cancer diagnosis that I started painting women. My sister’s granddaughter continued to express a love of these new paintings, telling me that they weren’t sad; they were expressing themselves. Charli has become my art critic, the only one whose comments I genuinely care about.

My paintings are never intended to be necessarily sad. They were not intended with any purpose at the time other than to paint what I feel. I let my inner thoughts unfold on canvas. Looking back, I was inspired to capture the true essence of a woman, demonstrating both her strength and courage and at the same time capturing her inner beauty.