May 12, 2015

Quite a Ride


We have been neck deep in living life around here. There has been good, bad and everything in between. My Sweet Man's mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer and died 10 days later. 10 days! Luckily he made it to North Caroline in time to say goodbye. I will forever be grateful to the woman who brought into the world, the man who has meant the most to me in my entire life.


There have been lots of other things, but somehow I feel like I'd rather not rehash them. I am shifting my focus on today. A much needed shift. I was feeling rather half empty instead of my usual half full, so some joy reminders were much needed to pull myself out of the fog.


I made a wonderful discovery while I was gone. Embroidering on the porch is good for the soul! Well, my soul anyway. Maybe yours would prefer a margarita on the porch or a glass of wine in a jam jar. Or a good book, or a nap. Or just whiling away an afternoon staring and swinging. I think my point is, everything you do on a porch is good for your soul. I've been spending as much time out there as possible with my trusty side kick who was recovering from surgery but who is back to normal now. She is just ridiculous.


 I've finally gotten back into the studio. It makes such a difference in my attitude, to make the time.


I finished this pillow which was a custom order for Maddie. We DO NOT need to talk about how long it took me to get this pillow made for her. The point is, it's done and she loves it. And hopefully in time she will forget how long it took and will forgo giving me a hard time about it because she loves her pillow so much!


I'll be honest, it was kind of hard to let her take it because I was so happy with how it came out. But since it would be unkind to keep it, instead a couple of days later I whipped up a little project that had been in my head for ages using the same fabrics. I'll be back to show you that in a day or two. No. Really. And DO NOT tell her that I finished my project in one day because I may never hear the end of that one.

 
It's hard to stay down for long in spring. I've been taking my daily garden walks to see what's blooming. I long for those (not-so) long ago days when Emma used to take them with me. Now it seems we have to bribe her out of her room with food or a trip to the bookstore. We have 4 peony plants this year and there seems to be a race to see who will bloom first. My money is on this guy but I will get back to you with the results. It's a real nail biter.


I've got big plans for this day. There are so many flowers sitting around waiting to be planted and I need to get them in the ground before I can justify making another round to the local nurseries. I love this time of year. I love having flowers sitting around waiting to find their new homes. I love watching things I planted in previous years come back and mature. I love the way time passes differently in the garden. I love getting lost in what I am doing with no room for anything else.


So I will plant and weed until my back says that's enough, and then I have this stack calling my name. You will find me horizontal on the glider, open book laying on my stomach while I catch an afternoon nap. If the dog will share her spot with me, that is.


23 comments:

  1. Hey! I still come over here and check up on you...although I haven't blogged myself in forever. I love the pillow...your embroidery talent is just wonderful. That would have taken me years, so if you get in trouble about your timeline, just remind your girl that she is lucky it didn't take longer. ha. Is there anything you cannot do? Seriously. I read A Place At The Table...and while I don't remember details, I do remember it was a good one. Life is blowing by fast for me. We moved out to "the country" last year and I have been going through a season of isolation...and porch sitting, so perhaps I should take up embroidery. I took a 3 year side street working at a gift shop and am now back working at a preschool 3 days a week. I think my blogging mojo may be sneaking back in. My sympathies to your man for the loss of his mother, but what a nice man she gave this earth. Love you, Julia

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    1. Miss Julia! I've been trying to email you and the address I have for you won't go through! Can you give me your new one? I sure have missed you lady!

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  2. This is such a sweet post. I think I may share that porch swing with you.

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  3. I just adore that pillow! Your embroidery is amazing. Love seeing your reading stack too. I'm reading a great book right now and for some reason very excited about summer reading. :)

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  4. So glad to see you are back. I am so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law! We lost an uncle last year in just the same way. Shocking isn't it? I am glad you've come home and found some food for your soul. Reading, stitching, making and reading are the perfect antidote to the sadness that death can bring. Take care of yourself. Thinking of you!
    www.queenbcreativeme.blogspot.com

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  5. Loved reading your narrative. I like to know how someone is spending their days. That is a gorgeous pillow! Sure to be loved. And I envy your time on the porch. I live in an apartment, and my front porch is about 2 x 3 feet. But then I have my gorgeous patio, so I am thankful for that. From which I just came in after moving plants about, taking my spade and deciding which pot or little pocket of dirt they looked best in. Your MIL must have been a fantastic mother, for she gave you your husband, and I can tell he is much loved.
    Brenda

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  6. Oh my -- I am so very sorry for the loss of your hub's mother. Glad to see that you are keeping busy with all the things you love and that pillow!! Wowee -- that is gorgeous! Looking forward to some blooming peonies here too! They are a fave. Take care of yourself now and give your pup a nudge so he shares the glider with you!

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  7. So sad when we lose a parent, so suddenly and at this time of year for your husband! These marked holiday's can be tough! Sorry for your families loss! Like everyone is saying your embroidery is beautiful....Love that pillow! I too am a porch person and enjoy my mornings, ok anytime, on my porch. So far this week has been too wet and too cold. Kind of has me in a slump! But, enjoy yours and share whenever you can!

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  8. I am so sorry for the loss of you mother-in-law. My heart goes out to you and your husband. I'm also sorry to hear that your dog (and oh my, she is gorgeous!) had surgery, too. Hope your fur baby is healing well. I don't know many people who can embroider...it's one of those rare art forms, I think. Yours is swoon-worthy! I *love* the pillow you made for your daughter. Just gorgeous. Looks like a great stack of books you have to read. The titles intrigued me, so I looked them up on amazon. A Place at the Table sounded especially good and I found it on half.com for only 75 cents (plus media mail mailing costs), so I ordered it! Happy porch time to you, Jen.

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  9. So very sorry to hear about your husbands mother. These kind of happenings are never easy. Hugs to you all.

    Love that pillow! Excellent job on it. I'm sure it is very appreciated no matter how long it took to finish it. : )

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  10. I am so sorry to hear about your husband's mother. My thoughts are with all of your family.

    I too prefer doing needlework over margaritas for relaxation. I have not been able to do any crafts since my carpal tunnel surgery and I have recently be wondering if I can pick back up my embroidery.

    That pillow is adorable.

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  11. I am so sorry to hear about your husband's mother, my deepest condolences to him and your family. The pillow you made is stunning. Well worth the wait I am sure :) The garden is my joy this time of year, creating, reading, gardening, all help fill me up when I am feeling depleted by events. I pray the rest of your Spring is serene.

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  12. What a wonderful start to my day, JJ!
    So sorry about your mother in law. I can't imagine the shock, but grateful he made it to see her.

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  13. I'm sorry to hear about your mother in law. It's one of those shocks that takes quite a while to sink in. I've recently taken up needlework again. I agree, it's a wonderful pass time. As you go along you see your piece evolving into a whole. I just love your choice of colors. If anyone purposefully designs a life to be cheerful and welcoming it's you hands down! You truly embrace each season. I remember the days when my children went through the stage of holing up in their rooms. A priest said one time, it's God's way of preparing all of us for the time when they leave home. It's a gradual process over years. Even so I still miss my adult kids hahahah a.

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  14. I am so glad that your hubbie was able to make it to see his Mom. I'm so sorry for her passing. What a difficult time. It soothes the soul to embrace the simple things that bring you joy. May you have much joy this week.

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  15. I am so glad that your hubbie was able to make it to see his Mom. I'm so sorry for her passing. What a difficult time. It soothes the soul to embrace the simple things that bring you joy. May you have much joy this week.

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  16. I am so glad that your hubbie was able to make it to see his Mom. I'm so sorry for her passing. What a difficult time. It soothes the soul to embrace the simple things that bring you joy. May you have much joy this week.

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  17. Hugs and prayers for your wonderful man about his mom. On a happier note, I am totally swooning over Maddie's pillow! It's simply FABULOUS!!!

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  18. So very sorry for your family loss. Thank goodness your mate was able to make it to say goodbye.
    Your porch stitching is pretty amazing.
    May life return to half full for you. :)

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  19. I am deeply sorry to hear about your family loss. :(

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  20. I am so sorry for your loss..keeping you and your family in my thoughts.

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  21. Oh Jen. I'm catching up on your blog and so sorry to hear about your sweetheart's mother. My sympathies to your precious family.

    And the pillow! Such a special gift and project. I love your embroidery--come teach me how! :)

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  22. Your pillow is exquisite. You do wonderful work !! I'd find it hard to part with....:)

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