Nora Kasten Artist Oil Painting "Pansies"

"Pansies"

Oil painting on linen on board  (5"x 7")  From the archives

"This morning I'm sitting here in a hotel room close to my son, Jason's, home.  Yesterday, I ventured out for the three hour drive up here to visit with him and his wife, Tish.  We had a nice dinner and good visit last night but I still need to be alone.  We'll all get together again before I head back to Naples this afternoon. 

I was managing life better than I ever thought I could without Karl but this past Friday and Saturday a black cloud hit me like a ton of bricks and my emotions just went haywire.  The tears have come in buckets full and nothing seems to mean anything anymore.  I know logically that everything will be ok and work out in time.  Faith and actually "the power of now" continues to sustain me.

Please forgive me for not answering so many e-mails and comments.  Your words mean so much to me right now but I'm just having a hard time.  Does that sound like self pity  . . . .  I can just hear Karl telling me that.  How I miss him."

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Nora Kasten Artist Oil Painting "Karl"

"Karl Kasten"  1931 - 2010

Oil painting on linen  (40" x 30") Artist's Collection

"This is so very sad and yet amazingly there is much peace.  Yesterday, August 13, we were in the Naples Community Hospital and Karl was scheduled to be transported to the Avow Hospice House here in Naples this morning (Saturday) at 9:00am.   It wasn't meant to be and he went very peacefully last night (Friday) at 9:05pm.   How thankful I am that I could be with Karl to the very end.  His last words to me were overwhelmingly precious.  The Love and Joy Karl gave to me in our twenty six years of marriage seems to continue and I know that I am most blessed . . .  .  I just miss him so much.   Later, there will be a private memorial and his ashes will be buried at The National Cemetery in Sarasota, Florida."  

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Nora Kasten Artist Oil Painting "Autumn In Indiana" / Karl Update

"Autumn In Indiana"

© Nora Kasten

Oil painting on linen  (20" x 24")  From the archives  SOLD

"The new med has not helped Karl yet.  If possible, he will take it again next Tuesday.  Karl is still my hero.   He continues to be his old self, being kind, considerate and even some humorous wit as his body is declining and he struggles to breathe.   His voice is a strained whisper.   Mostly, he is in and out of sleep now.   I can't write any more."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Nora Kasten artist Acrylic Painting "Floral Combustion" / Karl Update

"Floral Combustion"

© Nora Kasten

Acrylic painting on gallery wrapped canvas  (6" x 6" x 1")  From the archives

"Yesterday and last night was not easy for Karl.  Yesterday morning the home health tech from The Moorings Park helped him take a shower but his feet are so swollen, it's hard for him to stand.  The "miracle" diuretic Karl took yesterday along with the regular diuretics doesn't seem to have helped much but hopefully we'll see improvement later in the day, today.  His breathing is still quite labored but he is sleeping right now in his recliner in the family room."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Nora Kasten Artist Acrylic Painting "Apples & Oranges" / Karl Update

"Apples & Oranges"

Acrylic painting on gallery wrapped canvas  (30" x 36" x 1.5")  From the archives

"First, we went to the doctor's office today and then Karl to the hospital as an out-patient.  There was 1.8 liters of fluids removed and the doctor honored Karl's wish not to be admitted to the hospital. Tomorrow he will take a one time a week super dose of a different diuretic med along with extra potassium in hopes of gaining more time and relief.  If it works he'll do the same thing next Tuesday, the 17th.  Thankfully, Karl is not in pain but he's very weak and and his breathing is labored.  There really is power, living in this present moment and peace continues to abide within." 

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Nora Kasten Artist Acrylic Painting "I Like Pink"

"I Like Pink"

Acrylic painting on gallery wrapped canvas  (6"x 6"x1")  From the archives

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Nora Kasten Artist Oil Painting "Artist's Model"

"Artist's Model"

Oil painting on gallery wrapped canvas  (48" x 12")  From the archives

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Nora Kasten Artist Oil Painting "The Knitting Basket"

"The Knitting Basket"

© NORA KASTEN

Oil painting on gallery wrapped canvas  (10" x 10" x 1")  From the archives

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Nora Kasten Artist Oil Painting "Blue Vase"

"Blue Vase"

© Nora Kasten

Oil painting on gallery wrapped canvas  (24" x 20" x 1.5")  From the archives

"For those who are new to my blog, the paintings posted are from the archives now.   Since the middle of June being the caregiver for my dear husband, Karl, is all I can manage.  As much as I love to paint Karl is my main concern today . . . .   There truly is a time and season for everything."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Nora Kasten Oil Painting "Seven Cousins"

"Seven Cousins"

Oil painting on gallery wrapped canvas  (36" x 60" x 2")  From the archives

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