My 70th Christmas went by in a flash. All of it enjoyable and very thankful for that too.
Though I will admit now that I had several very low days before the holidays with no accounting for exactly why. My mood was down in my boots. I worked at it though -spent extra time in the woods walking and with my camera, went through my photos, emailed friends, took my Vitamin D and exercised. I have no idea if any or all of that was what righted my mind. Perhaps it would have happened anyway if I'd put myself to bed for the duration.
Hubby thought it was because of the new variant and lockdown talk. I really don't know but I will say again I have a new appreciation for the suffering that depression brings. It is definitely not a "snap out of it" or "buy yourself a new hat and you'll feel better" kind of experience. My wish for you who read this is to never ever have to experience it.
Here is an ebook I recently read and enjoyed very much; the short story format really suited my mood. I got my copy from the library but Thriftbooks has it in paperback for less than $5. I also enjoyed reading the essays from the jurors about what influenced their choices for the prize.
I got these lovely red flannel pyjamas for Christmas. I am going to use them for something I'm pretty sure my grandmothers never heard of-
lounging.
Since passing the shortest day of the year here, our light will now lengthen by approximately 20 minutes a week. I am reminded of the old saying, As the days lengthen, the storms strengthen. My parents used to say As the days get longer, the cold gets stronger. That is definitely true for here in the Ottawa Valley, Ontario. Have you heard this or something similar?? Hopefully there will be no truth whatsoever in these old sayings this year.
A few close up photos of my Jewel Box quilt which is now a flimsy. Someone thought the bigger blocks were in blacks but they are a mixture of dark colours.
This is a really fun block and the possibilities with it are really endless it seems.
I've chosen the backing and will get it layered today. I haven't decided if I will add it to my hand quilting pile or not. My Quantum Singer should be able to handle the quilting.
28 comments :
I'm with you on the depressive feelings over Christmas - it seems to happen to me pretty much every year. I've struggled with depression many years ago so I certainly recognize the symptoms. I think this year it's compounded with the latest on the news about covid and couple that with the fact that we can't see our family, it makes it doubly hard. Take care of you - and snuggling in those lovely red PJ's is most definitely a good thing.
a lot of people get seasonal depression - the virus and that it won't seem to go away bothers me a lot - I will feel a little down in the dumps and bored with being home but I wouldn't say it was a true depression. I will be so glad when it starts to get much lighter out and the days get longer. I am glad my days aren't as short as yours are in the north. I guess we need to wind up our 2021 projects and get new things started for the new year
I think short days have a lot to do with our feelings, walking, having a new project, and not too much to look at and think " I really need to get this finished" helps me . Someone once told me that having tall trees too close to your windows doesn't help.We have never had that problem, and further away tall trees to walk under are always so restful, except in a storm. Happy New Year, if I don't get to read some more from you in the meantime.
I think the change in routine with all the 'extra' holiday things and stress (and of course what is going on in the world) really does a number on peoples well being. I have been avoiding my sewing room for a few weeks now..... probably a bit of what you were experiencing as well. Lets hope 2022 is a better one for everyone. Keep taking those walks in the woods with a camera - I do so love seeing those snaps as they brighten my day.
Jocelyn, I'm so sorry that you were experiencing those low feelings. I'm getting some of that from the constant Covid news - it is depressing and feels like it will never end! So much to worry about when it comes to our loved ones. It sounds to me like you did all the right things. Exercise and fresh air always helps me, reading to get out my universe into someone else's and sewing to focus on something different always help, too. Your Jewel Box quilt is a lovely combination of colors - enjoy quilting it, however you do it!
I think sometimes the blues just have to run their course, Jocelyn. Life is not all "Hee, hee, ha, ha." (from a movie I saw.)
Sorry to hear about your funk, but I can relate. I got pretty down thinking we were going to spend Christmas alone, but when Son-1 and DIL had to cancel their trip to the Northeast, they spent the day with us instead. Around here we forecast the weather by the wooly worms -- the broader their stripe, the more severe the winter.
Sounds like you kept yourself busy so you didn't stay down for long. Putting Christmas decorations away after the holidays are over is always a downer for me. That's what I've been doing today. But, I'm looking forward to more sunlight each day (like you said) and making plans for projects for the New Year.
Dear Jocelyn, I'm so sorry to read that you have been feeling so low. Hopefully life is looking a little brighter now. Longing pyjama? Who would have known they were a thing. Guess your granny would say, "get out of those pyjamas, get dressed, and go and milk the cow".
Those feelings are never good, no matter where they come from. Good that you overcame it. I bought my daugther a flanell pyjama myself for chilling in the house.
Nana
I usually feel a bit down after the boys leave for their homes. One left today, he is stopping in at a friends, and the other is still here. I have a feeling he may be heading home tomorrow... That is if we don't have another snow storm. We were hit with about 10 inches of snow yesterday and it was still lightly snowing this morning. While we need the moisture here in my corner of the province I just wish it would have come over time.
We are also in the deep freeze, it will be going down to -38 C tonight and not getting much warmer tomorrow during the day.
God bless.
More daylight tends to help the mood some, or lots! Your Jewel Box quilt sure is pretty!
I'm sorry you've been struggling with depression. I'm glad you're feeling better.
Your flimsy looks lovely!
I'm sure glad to have this strange Christmas that wasn't behind us too. I'm thankful our family here in the Ottawa Valley is well, but worried about the children in the GTA. I'm looking forward to snugging down with the quilting, knitting and some good books...and tea. Lots of tea!
Als de dagen gaan lengen, de winter gaat strengen.
When the days are getting longer, the winter is getting stronger.
Thats what we say in Holland.
Stay Healthy.
Love your blog and your quilts
Janny
I'm grateful that you recognize that you are depressed and doing something about it. I know all too well how that darkness can engulf you. I find walking really helps me too. Sending you love and hugs and glad you are on the other side of it for now. Your quilt top is gorgeous and really hits all the notes! I love it! Love those pjs too! Have a safe and happy New Year's Jocelyn! Hugs!
Well, it has turned very mild and wet here after a couple of bright frosty weeks. The weather seems all upside down. Anyway, we are travelling to UK in mid January so we are hoping the mild weather continues. Your new pyjamas look very cosy and your jewel box is looking good. I wish you a very safe, happy and peaceful 2022. Lin xx
I'm so glad you are feeling better, and I'm glad you could blog about this. It helps all of us to know that we are not alone in having times of depression or just feeling blue. I think the holidays are sometimes unrecognized as a trigger for feeling depressed. So many hopes and plans and insistence on everything being happy and full of family and friends and love. It has been especially hard this year to deal with all those holiday ideas and visions while we are in the midst of a new spike in COVID infections. I think we are all fatigued from the stress of the last two years and counting.
Best wishes for 2022, and enjoy those red pjs and a good book!
Well, I think you are not alone with the seasonal depression. I've certainly felt it more this year, or at least more keenly than other years. Aside from that, those lounging jammies are pretty cute, and they look cozy and warm. Take care, and I hope you enjoy a Happy New Year!
The short days do affect our moods. Living in the north is a challenge that way. I think the Christmas lights help, but when they come down it seems so dark, I visit the sunrise web site a lot this time of year! You kept yourself busy and that does seem to have helped lift your mood; I hope it continues!
Awww Jocelyn, I'm sorry about the depression. I'm guessing you've lived in cold all your life, so I assume it isn't the cold weather? Love those PJs, wishing it was cold enough to wear them here. I can't believe you already have a flimsy with your Jewel Box blocks! I hope you have an enjoyable New Year's Eve and a wonderful 2022!
Those new red Jammies are the perfect thing to wear to New Years this year, at home, enjoying time with your sweetie!
I know what true depression feels like and I would not wish it on anyone. It creeps up on you when you least expect it and nothing can get you out of it easily. My problem was I was not sleeping well and during the day I would worry about not sleeping and it was a vicious cycle that kept repeating itself. I finally had to take sleeping pills prescribed by my doctor and I have been sleeping like a baby ever since and my depression disappeared. Now quilting and knitting and my pups keep me happy most days.
Happy New Year and may depression never enter your life ever again!
Jocelyn - very brave of you to share your depression in your post. I think it really helps others to know that it is perhaps more common than we think. A problem shared is a problem halved??? Our son has had depression issues in the last couple of years, and like you, I have a new appreciation for it and how hard it can be to "solve".
I love winter and don't mind a deep freeze one bit! But I have not heard the sayings you mentioned ... Happy New Year to you!
Hi Jocelyn! Your Jewel Box quilt is so pretty. I have always had this pattern on my list of to-be-made soon. Your new lounging PJs look warm and comfy. The pandemic that never seems to end is a lot to carry lately, isn't it? I never would have imagined that we'd have a second year of not gathering together. I do wish you and your family a very Happy New Year. I hope 2022 is much better for all of us. {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne
I'm glad you are feeling more like yourself. The fresh air and taking photos helped a lot I am sure. Love your bright red "lounging PJ's" It's a great idea I may have to copy! My old sweatpants are getting are getting too baggy on me! I need new loungewear! Can't wait to see Jewel Box quilt all quilty. Whichever way you decide to do it, will be fabulous.
So sorry for your rough patch. Winter and holidays can definitely be hard on occasion. I'm usually okay if we have enough sunlight, but otherwise, life feels a lot heavier. Your holiday bouquet caught my eye. My daughter brought home a very basic one this year and we have enjoyed it so very much. Am thinking that needs to be a new tradition!
Sorry, sad and sorry. Wish we could control those feelings with a quick fix...but no...xoxoxo
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