About

I am Rachel Groves from Lichfield, Staffordshire in Britain. Amongst my many labels in life I am an artist, a blogger, and a ME/CFS sufferer. Oh, and a giggler come belly laugher (whenever I get the chance).

Artist

I've found distraction and happiness in my art and it's helped me so much whilst struggling to live with a chronic illness. You can see new examples of my art posted regularly on my art blog.

As well as my drawings, paintings and photography (which you can get a taster of her on my web site) I sometimes work on sculpture, poetry and cut-ups (including recycled spam poetry).

Art (and blogging) keeps me sane, keeps me happy and gives me a way to express my joy (and sometimes some darker things too).

I love it when my sense of humour comes through my work and my style is simple, quirky and fun. Something about my drawings and paintings seems to make a strong connection with many who see it. The work can be emotive, sometimes unsettling but usually fun.

Blogger

I am a blogger - primarily of my art and artistic explorations. I never used to understand the attraction of blogging but now I am a total convert.

You can find a lot more of my work and get the latest news over on my blog.

Please take a look and leave me a comment if you're so inclined - I love reading them.

http://rachelcreative.wordpress.com

My Chronic Health

In January 2007 I was formally diagnosed with M.E. or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) although I have been ill since mid 2005. This condition is also sometimes called Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS) and in the USA is called Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome (CFIDS).

I am, what they call, a moderate sufferer, though on some of the scales I am borderline severe. I am fortunate not to be bed-bound but I am still very debilitated and poorly. My condition can be variable and severity of symptoms ebbs and flows - but I never have the energy to run about and do "normal" things. I suffer with a long list of variable symptoms which I'm happy to talk about if you want to know. I'm blessed with a loving and supportive husband, family and set of friends.

There's a huge amount of information on the internet about this condition but still no cure and treatments can be a bit hit and miss. If you have just been diagnosed, suspect you may have this illness or know someone who does, there's a lot of research and reading you can do. Be careful - much of it is conflicting and can make you more confused! But for me more knowledge has allowed me to make my own judgements about how to assist recovery.

I have collected (and continue to collect) many links to CFS/ME articles and resources which you can see for yourself http://del.ico.us/rachelcreative/m.e.

If you are a sufferer (and I wish you all the best if you are) above all I believe you need rest, patience, good nutrition, a sympathetic GP and laughter. If I find a magic cure I'll let you all know!

Me On The Web ...

My Flickr photos www.flickr.com/photos/rachelcreative

My Twitter http://twitter.com/rachelcreative

My MySpace http://www.myspace.com/rachelcreative

My del.ico.us links http://del.icio.us/rachelcreative

My art blog here at http://rachelcreative.wordpress.com

Email rachelcreative@yahoo.co.uk