Rock Bottom Gallery

Hello, My name is Cheryl Layton, I am a 57 year old, mentally and physically disabled crafter. I would like to share with you why I am so very grateful for what was lost...on my way to finding me...
I moved to the Valley to enjoy retirement and my empty nest.
My second, as a kitchen, bath and electrical designer/estimator and project coordinator, in the busy world of condominium development. I was constantly on the go, a world class multi-tasker...busy was my middle name and who I identified as.
When I got up on the morning of January 7, 2013, little did I know that in a split second, my life would be changed forever . I slipped on ice and struck my head on the concrete driveway; I had a concussion, 7 to 10 days I would be good as new...I would be fine I was told. Well, it has been nearly 3 years of hard work and rehabilitation; the Cheryl that I was has been permanently altered.
I can still to do many things that I used to; just in a different way. Although my vision has improve, I can no longer read, writing is difficult at best, because of cognitive impairment. Thanks to assistive technology, I now have the tools needed to enable me to compensate for these deficiencies. My short term memory is bad, on a good day I can focus on one task at a time. I lost 60% strength in my left side and when my brain gets over tired, I fall down. I feel as though I have no filter in my brain anymore; I live in a constant state of sensory and emotional overload.
The hardest part by far...my disability is invisible, I still look and sound exactly the same.. All anyone sees is the good old Cheryl, afraid or unwilling to try.
I am slowing getting to understand how the new me operates. (If only my "Brain Under Construction" came with a manual.) I have learned that slow and steady really does win the race. No matter how frustrating the challenge may be.
My life has changed in many ways; but I am blessed with the love and support of, my amazing daughter Jill, her husband Dan, family and friends.
I have always been creative, and folks has always said...“You missed your calling as an artisan".
I have been granted this opportunity, to pursue my true passions and share my creativity others. I am so very grateful because, I have come realize...I have not lost Cheryl. I was just going too fast to find me.
Focusing on my creativity gives me a chance to escape from what is, my reality; to the place where everything is calm and quiet. A place where, I am able to express what is in my heart, without any challenge. What I first viewed as a curse, has become my gift. Sometimes the blessings are not in what he gives; but in what he takes away!
I have had the opportunity become involved with the Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia, Valley Support Group and recently gave a presentation on assistive technology at the Tools for Life Conference. I am truly blessed to be given a chance to share my experiences with others; I am hopeful my challenges may help others in some small way.
I now know there is always have hope, because my brain continues learning and evolving.
Who knows where this path will lead, for me and my "Brain Under Construction".
" Life never goes according to plan. That's okay, because often our plans are much smaller than life intends. Probably EASIER, but smaller." ~ Stacey T. Hunt