I've debated on whether to submit this piece to Collage Mania - American Cancer Society for Virginia Spiegel. I mounted a piece of two-tone pink batik; purchased in Grenada on one of my Caribbbean crusies, as the base. I sponged gold fabric paint onto the batik for shine. A glittered dryer sheet is added to give more texture and glitz. Only a deception. My forest pattern was an accident after cutting out another project. The forest fabric is a commercial woodsey-type fabric layered with fusible web. Stamped on the trees are words of endearment like when one carved their initials in trees to signify their love for each other. The lady is hidden behind the large tree with the gentleman in front of another tree. She has extended her hand to him one last time for a kiss. Black fibers are running down trees and across the bottom of the forest. The last thing attached is a found red bearing.My friend, Ruth Salzberg, lost her battle with cancer two years ago. The collage is in memory of her life and friendship. This is an enchanted forest, symbolizing the "other world". The lady is behind the tree representing her passing from this world. Her husband stands in the foreground longing for another touch, another kiss from his sweet love. Its his way of saying "goodbye until." For now he knows it is impossible for either to cross over to the other. The beauty and enchantment is shadowed by the black growth of fiberous cancer taking over and choking out life - in the forest and lives of people. I mounted a red found bearing, thus the name "Bearing With Me." The pain and suffering of losing a loved one to cancer.