Journaling My Caritas Journey

June 28, 2009

Caritas Factor #8 Providing for a supportive, protective, and /or corrective mental, social,spiritual environment.

It is Sunday morning, my brother Howard and I are visiting our Mother. Howard is behind the wheelchair and I am behind the camera. My Mom has been isolated in her room for a week now. It is Howard's idea to change her environment on the "physical level", he said she needs some fresh air and warm sunshine. So we kidnapped her out of her bed, picked up a new bottle of portable oxygen, waved goodbye to the staff and we were off on a pleasant journey down the sidewalk by the river. She was a little confused but she loved the warm sunshine on her head and gentle breeze blowing through her hair. As stated by Jean Watson "caring begins with being present." We were present today.

Caritas Process #8 Creating healing environment at all levels(physical,nonphysical,subtle environment of energy and consciousness whereby wholeness , beauty, comfort,dignity, and peace are potentiated. (Being /Becoming the environment)

Connecting Art and Wellness, Patty

Journaling My Caritas Journey

June 25, 2009

Caritas Factor #1 Humanistic-altruistic values.

Feeling stronger today Mom wants to finish her ladybug plaque. Keeping her company on the over bed table are the items painted by my sister's and I yesterday. Her mood is serious and the fighter instinct has weakened. We have seen this happen before, but she always seems to rally after a setback. Her physical therapist recently praised her tenacity and drive to live. I think it has been the support of the family that has sustained her this long.

Love is the medicine that accelerates the process of healing. There is no other medicine but unconditional love. Don Miquel Ruiz. 1999, p.170

Caritas Process #1 Practicing loving-kindness and equanimity for self and others.

Connecting Art and Wellness, Patty

Journaling My Caritas Journey

June 24, 2009

Caritas Process # 2 Instilling/enabling faith and hope.

The above painting was done by my Mother. When I ask her to explain it to me she identified the palm trees,rainbow,clouds and sun. I asked about the angular object below the rainbow and she said it was the gates of Heaven. She closed her eyes with fatigue so I did not explore further at this time. But when she is ready, I will address her "Heavens Gate" again and be available to listen.

Is this a prophetic painting created by my Mother? I think it may be. This art work has possibly opened the door for end of life conversation. I want her to feel comfortable to talk about these isssues and I want to support her during that process.

Caritas Process #2 Being Authentically present; enabling /sustaining/honoring deep belief system and subjective world of self/other

Connecting Art and Wellness, Patty

Journaling My Caritas Journey

June 20, 2009
Caritas Process #5
Promoting and accepting expression of positive and negative feelings.

Another setback in the care of my Mother. My two sisters and I visited our Mother today in St. Catherine's Rehabilatation Center. Upon entering the room, we saw that all her belongings were packed up an on a cart in preparation for transfer into an isolation room. We were informed that she had respiratory MSRA. It was not the happy reunion we had hoped for. We were anticipating discharge this week. Mom felt supported by having all three of her daughters present at one time, especally at this time. After settling down in her isolation room, to lighten the atmosphere we all participated in a bedside art activity . I pulled out of my pocketbook four unfinished wooden winged creatures, ranging from ladybugs to butterflies. I enlisted Occupational Therapy for some acrylic paint and brushes, then off we flew. Each of us applying colors to our project seem to cause a calming and directed focus. I know for me, I was better able to handle this negative news and feeling of discouragement in regards to Mom's further decline. As for my Mother, she gave it all she had, but tired very quickly, so I painted the strokes she was unable to make. Mom was so happy to have her daughters engaged and supporting her. We acknowledged Mom's disappointment with her health status, but kept the environment lighthearted to help us all process this unwelcomed news. I would like to do this again at a time when my brother could also be present. It was a time of focus and a genuine expression of caring and support of a family. We also participated in her bedside physical therapy with her . Quite a sight , a room full of masked face women doing leg lifts together , even floor staff got into the rhythm. Caring out the Caritas Process, being present to, and supportive of, the expression of positive and negative feelings.

Connecting Art and Wellness, Patty

Journaling My Caritas Journey

June 19, 2009

Hey that's me and my poster presentation for The Art Center at the " ACE Marketplace" at the University Of North Florida Summer Institute for Teachers. "ACE " stands for Arts for a Complete Education. What Caritas Process did I experience today ? Perhaps that teachers really do care for their students. I will say, Caritas Process #4 Developing and sustaining a helping-trusting, authentic caring relationship. Connecting Art and Wellness, Patty

Journaling My Caritas Journey

June 13, 2009



Caritas Process #1 Practicing loving kindness and equanimity for self and others.Caritas Process #4 Developing and sustaining a helping trusting authentic caring relationship. Caritas Process # 7 Engaging in genuine teaching and learning experience within context of caring relationship.



For my community project this month I collaborated with my grandchildren.Our project was to bake chocolate chip cookies and take to our community fire station. I believe this experience will be one that my grandchildren will never forget. It was this image that brought the most questions. How do they get the sick person in back of this truck? Are there any germs back here ? Where do they take them ? Do children ride on this stretcher? Our fireman escort could not have been more appropriate in his explanation. He explained in detail to my two grandchildren and assured them by saying, "now that you have seen the inside of a rescue vehicle, if you should ever get sick and need one, there is no reason to be afraid." A caring relationship was established that day and exemplified through the many (above and beyond) the call of duty strategies used to make the children feel comfortable in this strange setting. The children were allowed to try on the fireman's cloths, spray water from the fire hose, get inside the firetruck and take a complete tour of the firehouse. By the end of our visit, confidence and trust was established. If ever these two precious little one's require services from a hospital, it is my wish that these Caritas process's will be extended in the same manner as seen demonstrated by our fireman today. It was a learning experience for all three of us. Healing environments within the community can be discovered with a plate of cookies, as we care for others, we are cared for. Matt.7:12
Connecting Art and Wellness, Patty

Journaling My Caritas Journey

June 1, 2009

A very good way to start out the month. I have an exhibit starting today at the "Five Points Theatre" the feature movie is "Angels and Demons" with Tom Hanks. Proceeds from the sale of my art work will be donated to the American Cancer Society . www.5pointstheatre.com

Also hats off to J.D. Pennington, Pharmacist,
4075 AIA S. Suite 102, St Augustine Fl .
We have a very unique relationship. You see he also "Connects Art and Wellness." He promotes Wellness by dispensing prescriptions and he promotes Art by selling my paintings. Who could possibly imagine a "Fine Art Pharmacy." Thank you J.D. you're the best!

Until then,
Connecting Art and Wellness
Patty

Journaling My Caritas Journey

May 31. 2009

My submission for the month of May is complete if you read down it is in reverse chronological order, you will be able to determine that by the dates. Tomorrow is June , at the end of the month I will send another personal invitation for you to view my blog as we travel this path together. Until then, Connecting Art and Wellness, Patty

Journaling My Caritas Journey

Mini Art Exhibition

May 30, 2009

Above is a photograph taken in my Florida Room, of a collection of miniature art that I entered today for exhibition purposes. The entries could be no larger than 4"x5". Judging for the show is tomorrow. I thought you might be interested in my Caritas Creations and a description of each since they are so tiny.

Painting #1 "Opportunity for Silence" This is a painting of a sailboat paused and quiet in the water, much like we are when focused on patients who need to have a listener.

Painting #2 "Caring Arts" a terracotta cup of Geraniums, green plants are therapeutic and aid recovery. They also make a big difference in the atmosphere of a patients room.

Painting #3 "Compassionate Forgiveness" a floral arrangement, perhaps an extended method for strengthening a professional relationship or developing mutual understanding to a love one, Painting #4 "Inviting Creative Emergence" dancing Tulips, creativity, food for the soul and stamina.

Painting #6 "My Gal ,Val" my daughters portrait.

Journaling My Caritas Journey

SAFE HARBOR BOYS HOME
May 30, 2009











Today I participated in painting a Mural at The Safe Harbor Boys Home. Posed with me in front of the mural also wearing paint, is Annelies and Marsha. ( Lt.) We were so happy to complete this project in one day. Tonight the movie "Safe Harbor" will be featured on TV starring Treat Williams and Nancy Travis. Marsha and I (Rt.) are holding a DVD of this movie. Yea! we get to watch without commercial interruptions. Safe Harbor Boys Home is celebrating their 25th anniversary and the organization started right here in Jacksonville, Florida.
The philosophy is "Waves of Change Start with a Ripple" and "Saving the World one Boy at a Time". That triggers my thoughts to another worthy cause directed in making change, "One Nurse at a Time". Until then , Connecting Art and Wellness, Patty

Journaling My Caritas Journey

SAFE HARBOR BOYS HOME

May 29, 2009

Tomorrow I will meet with other local artist from The Art Center. Our mission is to paint a mural of a seascape at the Safe Harbor Boys Home. http://www.boyshome.com/ The boys that live here need encouragement and passionate forgiveness. Until then, Connecting Art and Wellness, Patty

Journaling My Caritas Journey

ART AS A WAY OF CARING

May 27, 2009

Last evening I sat down to begin my reflections of my Caritas Journey. I was going to write about my evolving CARING attitude. Pen and paper in front of me I was busy writing when the phone rang. It was my neighbor who feared infection and wanted me to examine her recent surgical incision. My first thought was the project I had just started. Then I said to myself "you hypocrite." I could tell by her voice that she was anxious and needed some reassurance. On the way out the door I grabbed one of my prints titled "Weaving Wellness" as a gift for her.

She met me at the door with an expression of anxiety on her face. I examined her incision and saw no immediate threats. Reassurance was offered to both she and her husband. We visited about an hour. During that period of time I experienced all dimensions of the five caring processes. My focus was on my friend, allowing her to share her feelings, comforting, supporting and maintaining a hopeful attitude. What a timely phone call. Coincidence or Miracle? I will let you decide.

Journaling my Caritas Journey

May 18, 2009

Today I am focused on what I can do for the planet, starting right here in my city. This little fellow to the right is my watercolor painting titled "How much is that Doggie in the Window? " I have donated him for silent auction. Along with other artist in the area, we are hoping to raise the funds necessary to benefit 'First Coast No More Homeless Pets." I will tell you more about this later. Until then. Connecting Art and Wellness, Patty

Journaling a Caritas Journey

May 15, 2009

My Caritas friend Marliene Goldin from Greensboro, NC emailed me this photo of myself and Jean Watson. Looks like a Caring Moment to me.

To learn more about Jean Watson

this is a good place to begin.

http://www.watsoncaringscience.org/

Until then!

Connecting Art and Wellness, Patty

Journaling my Caritas Journey

May 13, 2009
Mom is better and will be moving to a rehab center. Believe me she knows the difference when I am authentically present and when I am not. Trying to do something experiential with her each time I visit and I'm always looking into the aesthetic appearance of her room. There are therapeutic effects with a green plant in the room . It produces oxygen and represents regeneration and renewal. Keeping up with floral arrangements in her room has been a pleasure for me. I like the designing aspects of this project. Mom is never ready for me to leave. Life's spiral continues.
Until then,
Connecting Art and Wellness, Patty

Journaling my Caritas Journey

May 6, 2009

Today my Mother, soon to be 91 years, old was hospitalized with a septic infection. We traded roles many years ago, however I still have a reverence for her decisions and opinions. Our families presence with her is very important to her. In the quietness of her hospital room, I began to use Healing Touch (energy-based therapy) . In spite of her claim that I am preforming "voodoo spells" on her, I know it creates a sense of well being in her. I can tell in her respiration's and in her facial expression.
Until then,
Connecting Art and Wellness
Patty

Journaling My Caritas Journey

May 2, 2009

Using Art for

Stress Management

Thanks to GOLA staff of Flagler Beach, this workshop was made possible. We had an herbal tea party, talked about ways to manage stress and maintain wellness . The participants were absolutely authentically present and creative emergence was promoted. I challenged this group as I was challenged to create 6 month goals for self, others and the planet. The participants wrote these goals in my Caritas Note Cards and I will mail back to them in 6 months. I hope this learning journey was as introspective to them as it was for me. A lovely group of people on this Caritas path. Until then.
Connecting Art and Wellness, Patty

Journaling my Caritas Journey

International Caritas Consortium

Charleston , South Carolina

April 23-24, 2009

It was so rewarding to meet other nurses all over the globe. I attended the Caritas Coach Class after the ICC. I'm excited and hopeful regarding new adventures yet to come. The landscape you see to the right of the text is a very loose watercolor I painted of the Carolina " Low Country" for Saint Francis Hospital . This image was used in all participant's notebooks with inscription of location and event . My next assignment is for the Wyoming Medical Center. My paint and brushes are telling me to think and feel the mountain air. I can't wait until I put it on canvas. Until then,

Connecting Art and Wellness , Patty

Hey, I'm having a Tea Party

Tea with Patty Magee

An Invitation


Saturday, May 2nd from

4:00pm-5:30pm at

Gallery of Local Art

208 S Central Avenue, Flagler Beach

Join local wellness coach, nurse and visual artist,
Patty Magee for tea (herbal and otherwise)
as she shows you how to relieve stress through art.

Cost: $8.00 (includes tea and snack)

My next Art Exhibit is in Flagler Beach. Please come to the opening on the first Friday in April.

THE ART OF CARING
Posted: 11 Mar 2009 07:25 PM PDT

The Art Center Cooperative, Inc. is one of the Celebration of Service 2009 Award Recipients for outstanding service to the community.
CONGRATULATION ARTISTS
for volunteering in our community.
THANK YOU HANDS ON JACKSONVILLE!!!

Some of the creepy crawlers made at art camp in my home on Feb. 16,2009. A spider was also painted on the children's faces after the echo reading of Eric Carle's The Very Busy Spider.

Coming events :

What: Art Camp for Children
Where: Home of Patty Magee
844 Whisper Cove Trail,
Jacksonville, Fl. 32221
When: February 16, 2009 from 1pm-2pm
Who: Children ages 3-12 years
Why: In recognition of Mayor Peyton’s initiative to encourage children to read The Art Center presents an Art Camp on Presidents Day. The featured book is Eric Carle’s The Very Busy Spider. A contemporary classic, the simple picture storybook is about the satisfaction of working and completing a task. Readers follow a spider through the day as it creates a web. The web is actually a raised line of thin plastic that can be felt when tracing it with a finger.
After story time the children will participate in designing their own spider.
Poppy the clown will be around for face painting.
Admission is free!
Limited to 12 children call 786-6854 to reserve a spot.
One parent is encouraged to remain with child during activity.

Monday, January 26, 2009

NEW BEGINNING ARTISTS

The Art Center Cooperative, Inc.
held it's first juried art show on Sunday Jan.26 for Jacksonville's next generation of artists. The show titled "New Beginnings"

This is a watercolor painting use to commemorate the Caritas Consortium inspired by Jean Watson . The event took place October 2-3, 2008 on Amelia Island, Florida. Nurses came from all over our country and the world, meeting together to advance the Theory of Caring developed by Jean Watson.

Partial Hospital Door at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, Fl. This door was painted with patient involvement as a therapeutic modality for healing. The clients viewed an ocean setting as one that brings relaxation and reduces stress. Less stress means increased healing.

The Weaving Wellness exibition will be presented by the

Reddi Art Gallery 1037

January through February 2009.

1037 Hendricks Avenue

Jacksonville, Florida 32207

Childrens Art Exhibit and Workshops

Calling all young artist. The Art Center presents NEW BEGINNINGS a juried art show for emerging artist . January 25, 2009.

POPPY SAYS

Let's make art a part of our childrens world. Visual art is essential for our children to see the world in new ways. Art provides a way to express feelings, hopes , and thoughts. Talk to your child about art . If you are excited your child will discover and learn. Art can help children become better students by helping them analyze,interpret and work hard to finish a goal.

Wish You Where Here

Working with Hands on Jacksonville

ART CENTER COOP STARTS MURAL

Some members of The Art Center @ Sally B. Mathis Elementary
working on a very large painting of
the solar system.

5 Skinny Palms

This print seems to be favored in South Florida. The blue ocean is so inviting for rest and relaxation. I think that is why visitors to Florida like it.

5 Skinny Palms

original Watercolor 22"x 30"