If you’ve found this site, you know who I am but are probably very surprised about my breast cancer diagnosis.
So am I.
Also surprising is the amount of travel I’ve enjoyed during the past year as part of my responsibilities at Fund for Teachers. I attended a workshop in San Francisco, an event for Connecticut grant recipients in New Haven, a brainstorming session in Boston and a partnering organization’s conference in Detroit. At the same time, my son’s prowess as a lacrosse goalie took the two of us to Denver and Dallas, and Houston’s world-class cultural offerings regularly beckon my daughter and me.
Along the way, I finagled visits to San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art and de Young Museum; Boston’s Museum of Fine Art and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum; the Yale University Art Gallery; the Detroit Institute of Art; the Denver Museum of Art; and the Nasher Sculpture Garden in Dallas. Off the clock, I love being a member of the Rothko Chapel Guild and last year began a Masters of Liberal Arts program with an emphasis in art history on the Philip Johnson-designed University of St. Thomas campus, which was funded through the generosity of John and Dominque de Menil, my heroine.
What does any of this have to do with a cancer diagnosis?
Absolutely nothing, which is the point.
I refuse to have a Caring Bridge, because those sites rarely seem to end well and this cancer experience will. I decided to combine my recent diagnosis with my mid-life discovery of art in order to:
1) Provide those interested with a way to know what’s going on and,
2) Continue focusing on what I love.
Therefore, this is really a venue for me to chronicle my past year with art, with a few medical updates thrown in.
This picture was taken by Sarah Caton Wynne at Houston’s Smither Park. I highly recommend checking out Sarah’s work and also taking your family to Smither Park for a picnic, especially on Wednesday – Sunday from 12-5 pm when the Orange Show is open. Here are some more pictures from our fun day there:
The Art of Cancer Blog 
Carrie:
Please get well soon! We are praying a lot for you and love you and your family even more.
We miss you at CTK, but what a wonderful place to be – at St. John the Divine. There are lots of praying and loving persons in that place and we know you will be blessed daily.
I know there is not a lot we can do – except prayers; but then we take that seriously and we will pray continually.
Love & hugs,
Midge & Frank
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I love Midge and Frank! I miss you, too, and hugging your necks. I covet your prayers. I’m not afraid, just ready to start. Much love…
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Carrie,
We are on this journey with you, sweet friend. So wish I could fast forward this to be behind you right now. Lots of love, strength, and prayers.
One of your Prayer Warriors,
Romy
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Carrie,
We are on Gris journey with you, sweet friend. So wish we could fast forward and have this behind you already. Lots of love, strength, and prayers.
One of your Prayer Warriors,
Romy
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This project is so awesome and I would expect nothing else of you: fighting darkness with light.
Casa Jonsson is in your corner, Carrie!
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I just really really love you.
I’ll be praying.
And reading. And having my art love rekindled and my Carrie love redoubled.
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Sweet Ang, WE TALKED ABOUT YOU in chemo yesterday. Very proud of your daughter’s art posing skills and your gene pool that 100 % marks their faces and hearts. Love you.
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Only you, precious Carrie, could speak so eloquently about cancer, not allowing it to take over your life as you battle (and beat) it. I can only imagine how difficult this must be. Thank you for sharing your life with those of us who love you. Stay classy, my Houston friend. I’ll be following your blog, cheering for you every step you take. Much love and Light!
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Love having Betsey Bright mojo going for me! XO
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Dear Carrie, you graciously let me stay at your home more than 10 years ago, when my mom was having a double mastectomy. My memories of that time are filled with God’s grace and sweet friendship. My mom has been cancer free since her surgery, and I’m claiming the same result for you following whatever course of treatment you are pursuing. I know you walk with Him. Thanks for embracing your journey in such an edifying way. Love and miss you still.
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Jamie! Hi! I totally forgot about that. So glad that your mom is doing so well and I will agree with you in your claim. So good to hear from you.
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Yes, I am one of those who had no idea about your diagnosis. I also had no idea we share the love of art. I was at the Nasher myself a couple of months ago. God speaks to me through art. Art can highlight God’s beauty. You also are a beautiful woman of God. I am praying for you and miss seeing you. But you would be amazed at how often I pray for you. Love you, Anne Pouns
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Sweet friend, I am praying for you! I love your attitude! You will beat this. God has healed your body, we are just waiting for the results to match that! God’s glory is shining right through you! I love you friend! Please let me know how I can help you!
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Carrie – I had no idea. I know you have tons of friends and support and you will beat this. I am here to offer anything you need having just finished my chemo in August. I am also just minutes from MDA. If you will let me, I would love to be there with you. ❤️
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Dearest Carrie,
I just learned of your battle in “making cancer history!” I am so sorry you are undergoing this trial, but am not surprised in how valiantly you are fighting! I love how you are already conveying how God is weaving a beautiful tapestry in sharing your love of the arts with all! You know the Flemings are praying for you and will be cheering you along the journey. We are ready and willing to move to the front line whenever and for whatever you may need from us. I am right around the corner ready to drive, cook, clean, run errands and carpool for you. When you are ready we will go to Chicago and see the new Contemporary Art Museum wing with Mary Frances as our guide!! You will LOVE it and I noticed it wasn’t on your list. It’s a must see! Much love and prayers to you and your precious family! Alison
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THANK YOU, Alison! I appreciate your prayers and so want to take you up on your offer. Eliza looked at a couple of colleges there recently and I would LOVE her to end up in the Windy City with MF!
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Carrie,
Glad to have a way of keeping up with you.Although my cancer battle dos not include the same treatment you are, my empathy is with you. Denise & I are on your prayer team, and lift you and your family up continuously . We are here in Dallas to help on this end any way we can.
Love to you all.
Franklin & Denise
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Praying for you, sweet Carrie. Please keep me posted of your victory stories along this journey. Much love, debbie
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Okay missy…here’s what I pray for you this day, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”, Ps 51:12 You were so special to me 25 years ago “down under” in that EDS computer room, and seeing you in that picture still touched my heart. Go for it Catie Cate!!! You are such a beautiful woman inside and out. Sally Wood Beil
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I never thought I’d be called “Missy” by Sal Pal again! Love it and you and your prayer.
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