The Decontaminator: A Sterile Processing Drawing

Sterile Processing:  Raising Awareness of their Value through Art

Sterile processing is a critical aspect of healthcare that involves the decontamination, sterilization, and preparation of medical equipment and instruments. This process plays a vital role in preventing infections and ensuring patient safety.

In healthcare facilities, medical equipment and instruments come into contact with patients' bodily fluids, tissues, and other potentially infectious materials. Without proper sterilization and decontamination, these items can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. This can lead to infections, complications, and even death.

Sterile processing helps to prevent these issues by ensuring that all medical equipment and instruments are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized before use. This process involves a series of steps, including cleaning, inspection, assembly, sterilization, and packaging. Each step is carefully monitored and documented to ensure that all equipment and instruments meet the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.

In addition to preventing infections, sterile processing also helps to reduce healthcare costs by prolonging the lifespan of medical equipment and instruments. By ensuring that these items are properly maintained and sterilized, healthcare facilities can reduce the need for costly replacements and repairs.

Overall, sterile processing plays a crucial role in healthcare by ensuring patient safety, preventing infections, and reducing healthcare costs. Healthcare facilities must prioritize this critical process and invest in the necessary equipment, training, and resources to ensure that all medical equipment and instruments are properly sterilized and prepared for use. By doing so, they can provide the highest level of care to their patients while minimizing the risk of infections and other complications.

Goodnight, Sun; A short piece of prose

 

Goodnight, Sun

The sun slowly descended towards the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the sky. As it dipped below the line of the horizon, the sky was set ablaze with fiery oranges, pinks, and reds. The clouds were painted with shades of peach and lavender, their wispy tendrils stretched out across the sky like delicate brushstrokes. 

The world seemed to hold its breath as the sun disappeared, leaving behind a tranquil peace. As the colors faded into the darkness of the night, the stars slowly began to appear, twinkling like diamonds against the deep blue canvas of the sky. 

The sunset's magnificence persisted, a momentary burst of utter majesty and awe.

Looking back at fall...

The environment changes into a riot of color as the season changes from the warmth of summer to the cool crispness of fall. Fiery oranges, dazzling yellows, and deep reds now decorate trees that were once lush and green. As far as the eye can see, a tapestry of color is created by the leaves as they glisten in the sunlight. Each tree appears to be competing with its neighbors to provide on the most spectacular show of the outdoors' splendor.

The leaves start to weaken their hold on the branches as the days get shorter and the temperature drops, eventually dropping to the ground. The ground is covered in a thick layer of crunching, crackling leaves. A gentle and muted palette is created by the interplay of the leaf hues, which seems to perfectly capture the spirit of the season.

Fall has a certain quality that uplifts the spirit and serves as a reminder of life's beauty and fleeting nature. It is a period of change and transformation as the environment around us prepares for the upcoming long winter by shedding its old skin. It is a period of introspection, letting go, and discovering beauty in life's ephemeral moments.

The world around us becomes more tranquil and quiet as the leaves keep falling. Nature appears to hibernate in preparation of the approaching spring as the vivid hues of the fall gradually give way to the bleakness of winter. However, the beauty of fall is all about us right now, reminding us of the strength and wonder of nature as well as the never-ending cycle of life and death.

Padma Mudra and Sparking Creativity

 

Padma Mudra, or Lotus Mudra

A symbol of the ability to rise above challenges, spark creativity, lift you up to the light and rise above.

On this, the first day of the new year, it is a fitting representation of what I hope to accomplish in 2023.  I want to reignite my creativity and spark all sorts of joy in my life.  A few months ago, I experienced something, a sort of new muse, that inspired me to create in a way I never had before.   I started drawing again, but not in the same manner as I had 15 years ago when I last drew anything seriously.  It's been feverish and intense, interchanging pencil and pen and charcoal and testing my limits.  There's been some good, some bad, but all have been a cautious exploration into my mind.

This Mudra isn't finished: my mind has further goals and dreams for what it will be before its done.  Those are still blooming and growing, and will come over the next few weeks or months, but it ignited something in me for sure.  I'll bring you all through the journey with me, through each drawing and canvas that is growing in my mind as a full exploration into my soul.  Hopefully the end product will be as beautiful as the creative emotions swirling in my mind.

Inky colors

 

Trying out some color with some new pens, this one was a fun piece!

Color is a powerful tool for self-expression. Whether we are creating art, designing a space, or simply selecting our wardrobe, the colors we choose can communicate a wide range of emotions, moods, and ideas.

Color can be used to express a wide range of emotions. Bright and bold colors like red, orange, and yellow are often associated with energy, excitement, and passion. Cool colors like blue, green, and purple can evoke feelings of calm, serenity, and relaxation. Colors can also be used to express more complex emotions like sadness, nostalgia, or even anxiety.

Beyond emotions, color can also be used to express different moods and themes. Warm and earthy colors like browns and greens can create a natural and organic feel, while metallic colors like gold and silver can add a touch of glamour and luxury. Bright and neon colors can create a playful and vibrant vibe, while pastels can add a soft and dreamy quality.

Color can also be used to express our individuality and personal style. The colors we choose to wear, decorate our homes with, and even use in our artwork can communicate our unique tastes, preferences, and personality. Whether we prefer bold and vibrant hues or subtle and muted tones, the colors we choose can communicate who we are and what we value.

Don't be afraid to bring some color to your atmosphere!

Baking Beauty

 

Baking is many things to me-  it is therapeutic, a science experiment, a feeling of warmth and home.  Every year I make these pumpkin cheesecakes and spread the love throughout family and friends.  Aren't they pretty?

Recipe: 

Ingredients:

2 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

dash of ground cloves

dash of ground nutmeg

1 ready-to-use graham cracker crumb crust (6 oz.)

Instructions:

Heat oven to 325°F.

Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with mixer until blended. Add eggs; mix just until blended. Remove 1 cup batter; stir in pumpkin and spices.

Pour remaining plain batter into crust; top with pumpkin batter.

Bake 40 min. or until center is almost set. Cool. Refrigerate 3 hours or until firm.

Store in the refrigerator to keep it fresh!

Ink drawing fun

Ink on 50# paper

This was just a fun distraction.  I wanted to try out some new patterning and just see what I could come up with, and this is what ensued. 

Do you ever just start with swirls and see where they take you?

Nexus of Thoughts

It is on static sand bed 

only that waterfalls 

and jumps joyously Same 

is the nexus between 

mind and thoughts

 -Dr D Vizai Bhaskar

light and sound

 

We are slowed down sound and light waves, a walking bundle of frequencies tuned into the cosmos. We are souls dressed up in sacred biochemical garments and our bodies are the instruments through which our souls play their music.
Albert Einstein

Happy Halloween!

Zombie

Nicole Hoehn

The sorrow dies 

And the living cry 

The dead walks beneath our feet 

Under ground 

The non-breathing live upon us 

Their pulses do not beat 

They are the nightmares of our dreams 

They are the ones 

Who make our skin crawl 

But they are only our future 

Disgusting beasts 

Dead may they be 

They are one of a kind 

Because without them 

What story would be left behind

I hope you enjoy this creepy scene that I made for Halloween.  All supplies came from the dollar store, minus the paint that I already had at home.  Total cost, $6 plus tax.  Endless amounts of fun painting creepy baby dolls.  :)

Bloom

"One day you will look back and see that all along, you were blooming"

-Morgan Harper Nichols

SOOC photo

Nature is so beautiful, with no effort required.

Nature is a stunning masterpiece that surrounds us all. Its beauty can be seen in the majestic mountains, tranquil lakes, lush forests, and colorful gardens. The vastness of the oceans, the variety of animals, and the ever-changing weather patterns are all a testament to the beauty and complexity of nature.

One of the most fascinating aspects of nature is how it can inspire awe and wonder in us. Standing at the foot of a towering mountain range or gazing up at a star-filled night sky, we can't help but feel small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Yet, this realization can also be incredibly humbling and liberating, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all things.

Nature has the power to heal us, both physically and emotionally. Research has shown that spending time in nature can lower our stress levels, boost our mood, and even improve our cognitive function. Whether it's a walk in the park or a hike through the woods, being in nature can help us feel more alive and connected to the world around us.

In a world where we often prioritize material possessions and technological advancements, it's important to remember the simple beauty and wonder of nature.

Study in Charcoal

"Loneliness, like any other emotion, is just a chemical reaction in your rain.  As is possible with all emotions, you can control it... Unfortunately, we oftentimes lack the power to do so."

-Aedan Clarke

Charcoal on 50# paper

Study of similar drawings, working on hands

Drawing is a powerful instrument that may help us express ourselves, foster our creativity, and even enhance our mental health. It is not only a talent or a hobby. Regular drawing practice has several advantages, regardless of your level of artistic ability.

Drawing has several benefits, one of which is that it improves our capacity for observation. Drawing requires meticulous attention to the forms and details of the subject, which can aid in our understanding of the outside world. A deeper understanding of the intricacy of the human form and the beauty of nature may result from this improved perception.

We can sharpen our focus and concentration by drawing. We are compelled to quiet our thoughts and concentrate on the subject at hand when we sit down to sketch. Finding a sense of serenity and tranquility via doing this can be a terrific way to get away from the incessant distractions of modern life.

Drawing has the added advantage of being a fantastic stress-reliever. We can direct our feelings and thoughts into something uplifting and useful by engaging in creative activities. This can make us feel like we have more control over our lives and less anxious or depressed.

Finally, drawing often can help us feel better about ourselves and more confident. We can have a sense of pride and success when we develop our abilities and observe our development through time. This carries over to other aspects of our lives and enables us to face difficulties with more bravery and resiliency.

Beauty in Solitude

On a recent road trip, I found this amazing place...  I sat on that bench for a good hour, meditating among the flowers and plants at an incredible botanical garden.

"All that we are is the result of what we have thought.  The mind is everything.  What we think, we become."

Buddha

Meditation is a practice that has been used for thousands of years to promote inner peace, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular in Western cultures as more people recognize its many benefits.

One of the main benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. When we meditate, we enter a state of deep relaxation that can help us let go of our worries and concerns. This can be especially helpful for people who struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.

Another benefit of meditation is its ability to improve focus and concentration. By training our minds to focus on a specific object or mantra, we can improve our ability to concentrate on other tasks in our daily lives. This can be especially helpful for people who work in high-stress environments or who have busy schedules.

Meditation has also been shown to have physical health benefits. Studies have found that regular meditation can lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation in the body, and even improve immune function. This can help us stay healthy and prevent chronic diseases.

Perhaps one of the most powerful benefits of meditation is its ability to help us cultivate a sense of inner peace and well-being. When we meditate, we connect with a deeper part of ourselves that is calm, peaceful, and centered. This can help us navigate the challenges of life with greater ease and resilience.

In conclusion, meditation is a powerful practice that can help us improve our physical and mental health, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of inner peace and well-being. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced meditator, incorporating meditation into your daily routine can be a great way to enhance your life and improve your overall sense of well-being.