Since I haven't truly experienced a mastectomy, I wanted to imagine myself within the mind of someone who has. I remember from my [nursing] experience this summer, women that go through such an operation are not only physically scarred, but [often] also emotionally scarred. I could not imagine going through this by myself and this is where I began my lifeline. The way I decided to place the clippings was based on the fact that I wanted to demonstrate that in my mind I wanted to fight this disease; not let it get the best of me.
I put the quote, 
"if anything is sacred, the human body is sacred," 
to represent the fact that the breast is not the only thing sacred about the body. The body as a whole is very important to me and that is how it should be with everyone. 

I put two roses on there to represent life and being thankful for mine. I put family and friends on there to represent my thankfulness of their support and love. The last thing I put on there is "reflection is good for the soul." This represents what I am doing right now. I think reflecting upon something so big in your life is good. It helps you come to terms with life's obstacles, and puts in perspective your own experience.

Next Exhibit

Click on image to see full-sized photo