Saturday, February 1, 2014

Finding My Way Back

Yes, I am here, finally, trying to find my way back.  The last eight weeks have been short and long, stressful and restful, sad and happy, filled with tears and surprisingly, some laughter.  Finding your way into a 'new' life after becoming a widow is a test.  I'm not sure how I'm doing on the test, but I'm still working on it....so that seems ok for now.  Some interesting things have taken place over the last weeks....lots of paperwork, lots of surprising reactions from people who think they know what you should do with your life, lots of memories popping up from out of nowhere, lots of decisions to make, and lots of hours to fill with something meaningful.  

I think I'm dealing with it fairly well.  I haven't run down the street screaming yet and have managed to complete most of the tasks that fall to a person in my situation.  I have always been the kind of person who likes to keep busy, which helps, and I also am a complete 'homebody' so being alone isn't that difficult for me.  Now, I would love to have the company of the old navy man....miss it dreadfully, to tell the truth, but that's not going to happen, so I am learning how to cope with that.  A 'rest of my lifetime job,' I do believe.  It isn't easy.  I have good friends and helpful children, so, slowly but surely,  I'll adjust.  And, I also have YOU... thank you all so much for the lovely messages of condolence, the emails asking how I'm doing, a gift or two coming my way....all thoughtful and all from such nice people who stop to take the time to read my blog~

Now, about the blog...amongst all I have thought about the last several weeks, whether or not to continue the blog was definitely one of the questions running through my mind.   I have decided to continue....but want to make it a stress free thing, so you may find me just rambling on about the silliest things when you visit here.  OR, you may find no words at all, just some photos I find interesting, or some new/old thing from the flea markets.  I'd like to include more of the actual things I have made (or will be making) as being a 'maker' is something I've always been and the old navy man encouraged me to keep that up.  At this point, I don't know what you will find here...but I hope you will continue to visit me.  Reading your comments is always fun...just the fact that you take the time to make a comment is amazing to me....and I do look forward to them.  I hope you will continue those too.  And, if you just want to drop in for a look-see, that's okay too.  I hope to have some giveaways from time to time as I used to do and will give those some thought right away.  

So, thank you for sticking with me, if you choose to do so, and I hope we all have a better year in 2014.  


Now, a few words about the work you see here.  It's one of those pesky UFO's we all have, begun a couple or three years ago and left to sit in a drawer while I was doing more important things.  It surfaced again recently as something I could just dive right into both to keep busy and also to take my mind off my troubles.  I know you understand that.   This is just a small part of the project.  One day, hopefully, in the not-so-distant future, you will see it finished.  A vow I've made to myself and am now saying 'out loud.'  I hope you enjoy seeing this little bit of embroidery....a lot of French Knots...as you know, one of my favorite things to make!!!




And, yes, there are some of those teeny tiny little hearts I love to make....right here and then - there...where you can't see at the moment.  You will see more and more of it though, until I can show you the final completed  project.

I will post again very soon.....maybe with another peek at this piece...maybe not, but do expect something as these winter days bring us closer together via the 'internet machine' (as someone I think a lot of always calls it...humorously, of course!)

And now, here are two quotes on my mind a lot during the last few weeks....both from Dr. Seuss....who knew?  They have inspired this old person to face the music, pick myself up and keep on going, just like my hero, the old navy man, would want me to do:

"Don't cry because it's over...smile because it happened." 

 and then,


"You have brains in your head
  You have feet in your shoes,
  You can steer yourself any direction you choose."

The second one is embroidered on a small pillow, given to me by my friend, Brenda, several years ago.  Who would have known it would mean so much to me NOW.

Y'all stay warm and take care out there....big hugs and much love, pat









12 comments:

http://thankfullga447 said...

Hello friend, so glad you posted. Post went you want - I see other bloggers stress over their blogs - that isn't good. I love your piece of work. I am working on some stitching and hexies and I am in heaven. Good to hear from you.

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Hello dear Pat
I wasn't sure what you meant when you said you were thinking of changing your blog.

Post about whatever pops in your head and we will share our thoughts about it. Share a picture silently and I bet we'll comment on that too.

Because we are friends of a sort and we love you and we love to visit and we hope to hear more from you.

Be well, stay warm and smile.
xx, Carol

BrenWall61@gmail.com said...

Welcome Back "enough said"

Anonymous said...

Dear Pat,
((((HUGS)))) <3

Julie Fukuda said...

Always happy to see you Pat, Friendship does not always require words.

Jeanne Gwin said...

:) WTG Miss Pat. I am so glad you could share with us today. xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Welcome back! I was told once after I lost a loved one that grief never leaves it just changes shape. I found this to be true.

Take Care,

Kaye

Tina Marie the Willow Witch said...

Glad to see your post

Vicki Boster said...

Dearest Pat- I'm so happy to see you back at your blog-- I think that to continue blogging will be a help to you. You've so many friends who love you-we are here for you always.

The embroidery is gorgeous-- I imagine that you've got lots of beautiful projects tucked away just waiting to be shown to us--

Sending you love
Vicki

Vivian said...

So glad to hear from you again. I wished I lived near you. I so enjoyed our visit when I was there. I'm not even taking classes at the college any more, so I am never in your neck of the woods. God Bless you.

Jaybird said...

Hi there girlie....I am so glad to "see" you!!
We will love hearing from you no matter what you have to say or show!!
Blessings to you and a big ol' hug!
J

Christy said...

Hi, Pat! I'm so glad you decided to continue the blog. I'd miss you very much if you decided not to go on with it. I'm sorry I haven't been here to support you but my Mom had a stroke in mid-January. She's been doing very well, though, and will have a full recovery after therapy. She's strong and I think you are a strong person, too. Take care and be at peace.
Christy
botm2@yahoo.com

A Bit of Heaven

A Bit of Heaven
An original designed wall quilt with my vision of heaven on earth.