Monday, January 11, 2016

I'm Still Here!

Wowsers, have you seen the January Linkup for Quilty 365? We have 49 links! Thank you to everyone sewing along. It's so much fun to see all the different interpretations. I am still sewing circles, only one behind as of today, but honestly the past week has been a lot overwhelming to me.
My new solids applique project I've dreamed up
This is block 1 out of 9--all with the same non-solid background
Earlier last week, the older cousin I sometimes sit with for the past year has passed away. It was very sad as she's been in my life forever, but also somewhat a relief as the quality of her life had really gotten to her sunny good nature. Her funeral was Friday and then on Saturday my mother fell and broke her leg. It's sounding like it will take at least 8 weeks for her to be up and around, so quite a challenging next couple months ahead of her. {And probably for the rest of us as we try to keep her off her feet and out of trouble.}
Just playing around with the antique block I bought on our trip last summer
I dug through the leftover applique and have this to stitch together for a mini quilt....
And last but not least, my husbands aunt whom I was helping take care of back in October/November, has steadily been going downhill as well. Last week saw her having more mini strokes and now she is a complete invalid. Which means I will be needed there as well since most of her family lives elsewhere or is practically useless. Oh, did I really say that out loud?

So... the moral of this story is that I am going to be taking my little handwork bag out at odd random moments, hopefully still circling even if I'm not staying current day by day and yes... being a slacker on this blog. I'm hoping to find time to have something to post about at least once a week and YES, I will still be doing the circle linkup at the first of next month. Please bear with me until my very chaotic life has a chance to settle down once again. As my husband is so fond of saying, 'This too will pass'.

42 comments:

  1. Your post reminded me of another saying, When it rains, it pours. I am sorry to hear of the loss of your cousin. It is hard to see someone we love suffering. Your poor Mom! I sure hope she heals up quickly. A very good idea to have some hand stitching near by, it helps if you can takes a few stitches each day.

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  2. So sorry for the loss of your cousin. Hope your Mom's leg heals well, and you get some help with your husbands Aunt. And yes, you did say that out loud lol. Some people are just useless.

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  3. I am so sorry to hear of all that is happening in your lives, trusting in the Lord to look after you and your family; very selfish of me but I will sorely miss your regular blogging eye candy which I absolutely love !

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  4. So sorry to hear about all this. Hope you'll find moments to sew. For me those circles and hexies are the best medicine when life is hard. Thinking of you.

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  5. Your husband and I have the same saying! You are doing a wonderful thing, sitting and being there for the ones you love has got to be the most rewarding and at times frustrating and definitely not easy......but knowing you were there towards the end of a life well lived, priceless. I too am at that age when parents and relatives need more support, we are indeed in the middle. Don't forget to take a break when you find yourself running low on energy...you are important too! I am steaming along with my circles and its sparked something in me.....watch out I may just finish things this year.

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  6. Audrey, I'm sorry that your relatives case of an accident. It's sad, but that's life. Your husband is right. My mother has an age of '91, and I am also very worried. I sew you Quilt 365 and made 10 blocs.

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  7. sounds like your plate is full and nearly overflowing...you are blessed to have these opportunities to be an angel for those you love....

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  8. So sorry for you Audrey, courage.

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  9. Prayers and encouraging thoughts coming your way! When I was in a similar situation, my handwork kept me sane.

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  10. So very sorry to hear that your family has suffered these losses and setbacks. Prayers for your mom's complete and swift healing. It is said the Lord never gives us more than we can bear; He has also given you the gift of quilting, to help ease those quiet moments of discouragement and fatique. Be well my friend, the sun will shine again.

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  11. Oh Audrey so sorry to hear about your dear cousin and the aunt and then your mama' leg...it's certainly been an awful week for your family!

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  12. Dear Audrey, I'm so sorry for this loss...and for your mom ! I hope she doesn't suffer a lot ! Good luck for both of you....
    Congrats for your SAL !

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  13. Oh Audrey so sorry to hear about your dear cousin and the aunt and then your mama' leg...it's certainly been an awful week for your family!

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  14. sounds like tough times so many things happening at once. I do hope your mothers leg will heal up fast. Sorry for the death and the decline of the aunt. some families are pretty useless and sometimes that means we have to take up the slack. My late best friend had that saying "this too shall pass" I always have to remind myself of that when the going gets rough.
    Keep the sewing tote ready and when you leave the house everything will be in it and you might be able to get a little calm from stitching.

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  15. Sorry to hear about all the troubles in your life. It looks like you will be busy for a while. I always find a little stitching helps me stay calm.

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  16. I'm so sorry for your loss and I hope your mom will make a speedy recovery. My mom broke her leg the day before I gave birth to my first child. So I can relate! Your hubby sounds like a smart man...good advice! And I love those flowers.

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  17. Ah. the painful circle of life. Keep your stitching close at hand- I find it is good therapy. Wishing your mum a speedy recovery.

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  18. At the end of the storm look for the rainbow. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss and hoping your mom has a speedy recovery. Taking care of a relative is a kind action but draining none the less. Take care of yourself and I'll look forward to a post now and then. Your flowers look cheerful!

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  19. Audrey cuantas asuntos difíciles juntos!!
    siempre digo
    ¡¡las mujeres podemos con todo!!
    animo y adelante,
    saludos

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  20. Your family is very fortunate that you're such a caring person and you're a great example to all of us. You manage to do what you love while still doing what you have to do. Thanks!

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  21. Oh I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds as if you will have a very full plate this month. I know it is often difficult for us to take time for ourselves when life hands us all these extra duties, but do try to take a little time just for you. We are all with you in spirit and are thankful for your inspiration and enthusiasm.

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  22. Sorry for your loss. As the 'designated' caretaker of family 'needs', I so understand what you are going thru. Just be sure to get some ME time.

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  23. Wendy Caton Reed just said everything I wanted to say - only she said it better than I ever could have.
    My daughter has thanked me for teaching her the phrase 'This too shall pass' - it has gotten me (and her) through a lot of rough times. Wishing you joy and strength.

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  24. I'm sorry to hear about all of your recent stress and loss. I have a feeling your little handwork bag will be a sanity saver for you in the weeks ahead. Your solids applique flower is so cheerful - I love the background idea :0) sending hugs

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  25. The handwork bag will be your savior at this time. Then it will take some time for you to get over the stress. But have faith because it all gets better a little later down the road.

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  26. I have seen little circles blocks everywhere, as I stroll through blog land!! So much fun!! I love the Indigo one. I just wanted to say something happy, knowing what you have been through lately. Sorry about your Sunt's passing. Glad you spent time with her!! I will say prayers for your Mom, to have a good recovery on her leg. Guess you need to keep that stitching bag close, for more visits. It is a hard task, but she is lucky to have "one" family member, who respects life. Blessings on you Audrey!! May your life slow down a little. I like your new flower applique!!

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  27. You've got so much going on! In times like these I always worry about the caregiver - do take care of yourself. Get yourself some fabric therapy - quilts don't talk back, but they sure do listen . . . take care!

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  28. Oh my, your life has been in a turmoil. Hope things settle down a bit for you and that you find a bit of stitching time here and there!

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  29. I thought maybe you were having more computer trouble. I'm sorry to hear about all this! Right in the middle of winter, too. Your Mom will need lots of sewing to keep her distracted. :D Best wishes to everyone, and don't forget to take care of yourself too!

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  30. My sympathy on the loss of family and the meaningful relationships. Good luck keeping your mother "out of trouble." We try to do that with our mother, too. Not too effectively!
    I'm glad you have some handwork to keep your hands occupied in the odd, off hour.

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  31. Oh my gosh well this isn't a good start to 2016 Audrey!! Don't run yourself ragged! Things can only get better?!! There'll always be sewing xxx

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  32. Oh Audrey, life is hard sometimes. I am sorry for the loss of your cousin and the difficult situation concerning your husband's aunt. It is hard to let someone go even when they are ready. Wishing your Mom a quick and full recovery and that you will find some time for yourself.

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  33. May your stolen moments for stitching help soothe the stresses you are dealing with. Keeping you in my thoughts...

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  34. So sorry to hear of all your life's difficulties. May you find peace in your stitching. God bless.

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  35. Oh gosh Audrey, hang in there. I know firsthand how draining it can be when there are relatives needing care. Keep stitching girl!

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  36. So sorry to hear about all these issues. Take care of yourself, and you will get through it.

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  37. Oh Audrey, I'm so sorry for all your sorrows and concerns at this time. Sending you hugs. Please take good care of yourself (I know it's easier said than done) but you will need extra resilience to get through this time. We'll still be here when you can fit in a post. Extra hugs for your Mum and she's to behave herself or she'll just prolong her recovery - tell her I said! (From experience!)

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  38. PS Love the new appliqué solid on patterned background project!

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  39. It sounds like you are doing some wonderful caregiving. Sorry for the loss of your cousin - a loss like that is hard. Keep your beautiful hand applique stitching close...

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  40. My sympathy on the loss of your cousin and your other family issues. You certainly have a lot on your plate right now, and in my experiences mothers can be pretty hard to control! I hope you manage to keep a little stitching going, just to nourish your soul.

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  41. Remember that you need to just get through one day at a time! When things get overwhelming, we need to remember that (and pray a lot!)...thoughts coming your way! (and a speedy recovery for your mother!)

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  42. Oh Audrey I'm so sorry to read this, what a difficult start to the new year. Appliqué will be a good project to carry around with you, and these blocks are lovely. Take care of yourself too. Thinking of you x

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