This week's view of the faded Hydrangeas reminded me that some call autumn the season of bronze.
In the back yard too, more of the bronze where a couple of weeks ago were all the pinks.
Though down by the pond, there are still golds to be found amongst the rusts.
It is consistently freezing or flirting with freezing overnight. I've begun feeding the birds and red squirrels, just the small feeder so far. There was a warning that a black bear was around and to hold off on the bird seeds which I did till now.
Inside I'm continuing slow stitching these appliqued Everglade blocks. I'm especially enjoying choosing the fabrics for each block.
This project below came to light when I moved the sewing room. I stitched it years ago to celebrate our wedding back in 2011. I personalized it with lots of initials and numbers that had meaning for us. Rex and Murphy, our dogs at the time are included as well as Mitzi, the cat. That's the beauty of quaker designs. Terrible photo...this is 25 count snow white lugana.
So many of you ask how I am doing. Yes, I'm still hearing from some of you in response to my post about feeling so out of sorts I didn't know what to do with myself. I want to thank you-yet again for sharing your stories of feeling tired, sad or fearful. Besides making me feel less alone, I learned a lot from what some of you do to see your way through. And I guess many of us have our "moments". One of you mentioned to me this line- a burden shared is a burden halved and in one of those strange life coincidences that happen now and then, it was a line in a Margaret Laurence book I reread recently and how true that can be in some circumstances. In my life, I never practise this...I always kept/keep burdens to myself. Sometimes it makes for a heavy load for sure.
My mood- it is still fluctuating but I think I'm doing better overall. Perhaps this is the way it will be moving forward so I do need a strategy. I'm still trying to stay in the moment, keep big thoughts at bay, keep busy, and also treat myself too.
And speaking of distractions...we have this fellow with us this week and Ned is in heaven to have his brother here. Petey is the most loving dog and wonderful houseguest.
Hope you and yours are all doing well!
17 comments :
Those hydrangeas are stunning!
I was unaware that it was illegal to pick up feathers...why, I wonder. I can see it not being legal to pluck them from the bird (haha) but why would it matter if you picked them up off the ground.
You have reminded me that it's time to get out my 'happy light' and start using it. The past three or four days have been dull and yucky so I guess it's time.
We've had our flu shots and a trip to the doctor this past week yielded two more shots (pneumonia and tetanus) to bring us up to date. Still waiting for Pfizer boosters to be available and we'll get that done too. Starting to feel like a pincushion!
Take care of you.
the bronze colors of fall look so neat! love them. Do you copy your stitch work from other photos in books too? My daughter will find an old fashioned stitchery that she likes from books on Russian art or old European designs and enlarges them on a copy machine and goes from there
There are many of us here in the States struggling to deal with our emotions about the incoming administration. I follow a meditation app and one of the phrase used is "never worry alone". Good advice that can be hard to follow. As we age, we lose trusted confidants. My philosophy right now is "One day at a time".
Pat
Love that photo of Petey - he does look like a very happy dog! Your autumn view of the property is just gorgeous, Jocelyn. Those hydrangeas are so beautiful - even as they fade. I enjoy seeing what you're stitching, too. Do you use the book of motifs to design your own samplers? Those are some lovely designs! Looking forward to hearing about the bird you saw!
Lovely nature photos! One wonders why it would be illegal to pick up a feather from the ground. I like your quilt blocks very much, was wondering about piecing them rather than applique, which might be easiest. We had snow a couple days ago, though just rain since. I can't say we're anxious for more snow just yet!
I hope your breakfast was delicious! Your stitchery is very pretty! Of course it is, blue & white! Have a good week of stitching.
Cafe breakfast, a treat indeed. We have had 2 in all our lives, both times after taking Hugh's brother and s-in-law to Wellington Airport.Those autumn colours surely say summer has gone, and winter is nigh. Josh is further North at Mackenzie, 12 days in the bitter cold. I hope he still enjoys Canada after this work trip. p.s. He did take one neck warmer from here.!!!
I think what scares and worries me most is what the world is becoming. That almost terrifies me, so I end up staying home as much as possible and working on my various projects to settle my nerves. Seems to work for the most part.
I love those quilt blocks and your stitchery is gorgeous.
Petey looks like he is happy to be with you and his brother.
God bless
I'm so glad that others have helped cheer you up a bit. I think we all go through these periods of time and it is always nice to remember that we're not alone! I do agree that dogs are the best for us when we're feeling low. I came home today and spent a half hour with my dog. It wasn't until my son showed up that I realized I had pet him and left a pile of fur on the couch next to me. Nothing that a sticky tape roll can't remove, but it was completely a surprise to me. I was "in the flow" just hanging with my pup and forgetting all the problems of the world and issues on my mind. Thanks goodness for dogs!! (I know some will say that cats do that for them. As a former cat-owner, I agree. In fact, cows, squirrels...whatever brings you joy...that's a gift!
I love the colours of Autumn, and the colours on your cross stitch.
You have such beautiful scenes and colors in your landscape year round. Your blue cross stitched motifs are just beautiful! Did you stitch it in 2011, or is that when you married? How did you and Tony meet?
I rarely practice sharing burdens, and yes it can get overwhelming. My mood has lightened considerably since our election. Yes I am one of those rare conservative quilters, and I feel hope for the first time in a long time.
Hope you enjoyed your cafe breakfast! I love photos of Petey and look forward to your birdie photos!
Jocelyn, I enjoy each and every one of your blog entries. You’ve been stitching for a long time! The piece you stitched in 2011 looks like the Quakers we see today. I was away from it for quite a while, back when it was ‘outline everything’. I like it so much more today. I too have to control my focus to keep the fears away especially at 4:00 a.m.! It is a struggle right now. I think after Thanksgiving and visits from all the family I’ll be better. I like our quiet, boring life!!!! Take care and keep blogging!
lovely stitchery...i love those quaker designs and have made a few small ones for myself...after my heart surgery i didn't want to exercise but the PT told me i had to push thru...so i did and it made all the difference in the long run...it's what i continue to heed in most every difficult situation...it's been an awful year for me but i have persevered....still not wonderful but at least i am continuing on, making steady progress forward...sometimes it's the best and the only thing we can do...
Petey! How can you not smile at that face! I love seeing all your projects. The out-of-sorts stuff is no fun. I have no advice, but hope that you can find some equilibrium.
I love reading your blog. It is always so interesting. Your stitchery looks like fun with all the bright colors.
Gosh your cross stitch is lovely! I love your applique too, such wonderful colors together! I am now reading about picking up feathers in Canada. How interesting! Anyway, wishing you and hubby a wonderful weekend!
Your view of the faded hydrangeas is stunning!
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