photos by Elaine A. Russell

ABC Wednesday is a blog posting with a twist. The host (Mrs. Nesbitt) hails from Great Britain... and there are participants from all over the world. Each week, people focus their post on a letter of the alphabet. They started with the letter "A" --and each week you post something in regards to the next letter of the alphabet. It is a fun, imaginative exercise... and it is great to see what everyone comes up with. This week's letter is, "V".

I have chosen to "focus" on the word Vision. The word Vision, is both a noun and a verb.

Function: noun
Meanings:
1. a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality
2. a series of often striking pictures created by the imagination during sleep
3. the ability to see
4. the soul of a dead person thought of especially as appearing to living people

Function: verb
Meaning: to form a mental picture of

I have always had issues with my vision. I started wearing glasses in 3rd grade because my teacher pointed out to my parents that even though I was in the front row of the class; that I could not see the chalkboards. Over the years, it progressed to the point where --for years now, I have been considered legally blind, with a fairly pronounced astigmatism.

Back in October, I went to my local eye doctor's... who told me that my eyesight was at the point where they could no longer give me an accurate prescription. So, I went to an eye surgeon. He clarified things for me. My prescription is such that I can no longer wear lightweight lens... which means coke bottle glass lenses. And... I am at the point where I probably would benefit from wearing trifocals. eesh.

But... my other choice... is eye surgery. Not Lasik ( my eyes wouldn't benefit from that particular surgery).. but another laser surgical procedure. With that surgery, my eyesight may not be perfect... but I would be able to see my clock when I wake up at night... which I have NEVER been able to do.

The catch? It's not a procedure covered by insurance, and I would have to come up with the money myself. The really good news?? Payment plans.

So... after the first of the year.. I will be making an appointment to see about having the surgery.

I mention this all.. not just because it's a perfect word for ABC Wednesday... but because I am an artist, photographer and jewelry maker. My vision (being able to see) is essential to my work. But also my vision (images created by the imagination) is foremost in my thoughts as I create pieces of art. Both have been a bit lacking lately... and it is my hope that with the new year coming.... this will be my new "focus."