Monday, September 9, 2013

Checking In

I feel like I've haven't posted for AGES.  But, in reality, it's only been a few days.  Go figure.  I think the reason I feel like this, is that I haven't posted "personally" as such for a long time?  Well, here's a catch up on what's been happening in this corner of the world for the past few months.....

My kids are growing up.  Like, seriously growing up, and out, and around.  We've celebrated a couple of birthdays..... Cadyn's cricket cake was a hit, and Chloe had a Rainbow themed party for her 5th birthday - and it was an absolute blast!



My biggest boy had his Confirmation.  Seeing him look so smart in his "proper" trousers, a dress shirt and tie almost killed me!  He's so grown up!


And Ms Chelsea?  Well, she is finding a style all on her own!  At ten years of age, she is able to walk out of the house in some "interesting" fashion choices, and works them like nobody's business!  Although her mood swings and delightful eye-rolling are driving us all insane, she is certainly growing up to be a fabulous individual.


Apart from the kids, I have been kept busy with work and a little bit of play.  I'm over my strange little bout of mystery illness that saw me spend a couple of days sitting in hospital, but still curious to find out what on earth caused it.  My husband has put money on stress......

And yes, I have been stressed.  I've been going through a - up til now- rather private battle.  A battle with the much maligned mental illness.  Not my own, but my sister's.  I've said before that it's not my story to tell, however, this past few months have given me my own story - one of a sibling struggling to keep their head above water, whilst paddling relentlessly, and not getting anywhere fast.

I am almost consumed by the need to help my darling sister and her beautiful little family.  I just want things to be better.  To be calm.  But I'm finding it's a battle that just isn't there for me to win.  It's something that yes, I can help to facilitate, but no - I can't fix it.  And that's hard to swallow.....

But on a brighter note......I thank my husband every. single. day.  Many years ago, he told me I needed a hobby.  My interests at that time were relegated to sitting on the lounge watching Oprah and Dr Phil, whilst wrangling multiple young children and a part time job.  The need for library bags and art smocks, when my Chelsea girl was starting primary school, has literally saved my sanity.  It was the beginning of a hobby that had been in hiding for almost 20 years.  I grew up watching my Mum sew.  Day and night.  It was her day job (she worked for many years in the wardrobe department at Dreamworld!), but it was also (and still is) her beloved hobby.

Library bags and smocks lead to frills and frocks.  The frills and frocks lead to quilts.  And the quilts have now lead me to a place of sheer bliss.  Sewing, and quilting, is my saving grace.  It's the place I go to when I need clarity.  When I need to just sit and chill - and the only worry I have is fabric placement and thread choices.

So thank you dear husband.  For the hobby that you told me I needed.  And the hobby I asked you the other night whether you regretted I had?  Your answer was perfect.....

"If it makes you happy"


***  P.S.  To all of the wonderful people who have left comments on my last few posts - I truly appreciate you taking the time to give me your encouragement and cheer me on in my sewing and quilting efforts! I literally have not had time to sit down and reply to all of you - so please forgive me!  I shall be back to replying asap. xxxx

5 comments:

  1. I'm so thrilled you have a wonderful husband who supports you and encourages you. Good luck on finding balance - it's hard! Thanks for blogging. I truly enjoy reading about all types of sewing during my lunch hour.

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  2. my thoughts and prayers are with your sister, and with you. quilting is my calm in the storm as well. It's such a blessing that your husband is so supportive.

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

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  3. Your kids are all gorgeous!! So glad you are finding some peace and taking the healthy road to encourage and facilitate your sis rather than trying to fix; healthier for you and her. Sounds simple enough but it really can be such a difficult thing to do. Happy quilting!!

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  4. You have a beautiful family! Thank you for sharing about your sister's illness. I, too, have a close family member with mental illness and know what a toll it can take on the rest of the family. I appreciate your being candid about it - that is great step toward helping to reduce the stigma surrounding such disorders. Sending lots of good wishes and positive thoughts to you, your sister, and the rest of your family.

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  5. Sounds to me like you have your hands full. Open hands are the ones that work the best. Taking time for you (and your hobby) will help in keeping things in perspective. Thanks so very much for sharing a portion of your journey. Remembering you....

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Thanks for taking the time to leave me a comment - I read each and every one of them! xx

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