Susan started painting back in 2004, as both therapy and as a temporary solution to fill the walls of her new home. The move came just a few months since Susan had started her two-year chemo treatment and four months since her brain cancer diagnosis and surgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Painting helped take her mind off the nausea and life changes. With several large canvasses painted, Susan started thinking the colorful drop cloths that laid on the floor were more fun and colorful than the paintings. It was then a friend came by to show Susan a burlap beach bag she had made. Susan suggested they add paint so her friend sewed up a new one and Susan wore it to meet friends for lunch.