I am really good. I have been overwhelmed by several things this week: most of them good things. Very good things.
Well, it turns out it wasn't shingles or they don't think it was: they think I now have a slipped disc. OMG the pain! I'm better than I was though and the meds are doing their stuff. I can now walk and even managed two hours at my local craft group today. So all good!
I also had a surprise package from Karyn in the post. It is amazing.
It was a real tonic for someone struggling with pain at the moment.
Do you want a peek?
I got candy: chocolate, peanut butter hearts, jellie babies, Valentine's hearts, Peeps Marshmallow mice, and a box with the nicest chocolates ever!
There is a beautiful heart magnet for holding charts on frames and you can't quite seem them here but two place marking pins which are totally cute.
There are hand dyed threads AND some USA magazines. Now, I don't buy magazines and I never watch reality TV so I don't really recognise the people in them but it's all good. I can't remember the last time I laid in bed and relaxed and chilled and didn't think about work.
So tonight it will be magazines, a hot chocolate and ..well not the chocolates cus they are already gone rofl....ah, the jelly beans! Oh and the pain killers but it's ok: reading about the rich and famous will be a perfect, PERFECT distraction!
Karyn, you are so very, very kind...and your threads have inspired me...can't say more at the moment haha! Watch this space!
I've had the second entry for my butterfly competition! Don't forget pepes, I need all entries in by March the first.
This beautiful butterfly was stitched by Elaine (lanybleu) on black fabric! Black! In this light?? She must be wonderwoman! I think it is absolutely gorgeous...stunning. What do you think?
She has made it into a project box. I really am amazed at how beautiful these butterflies are coming out!
On a stitching front, I have been asked to design some charts for beginners for Loopyloo's Place. And today I took Spring (A Maid for all Seasons) to my craft club and a lady there saw it and has asked me to make a chart for her. My second commission!
I am very flattered!
My hubby also offered my services to design a wedding sampler and stitch it for our neighbour's son's wedding...which is in two weeks!
Are you kidding me??
I said yes; have designed something based on her bridesmaids colours and wedding flowers. Simple but hopefully effective. I've sent it Elaine, super stitcher to do. She will work much neater and much faster than I can!
So it is all working out though I really do need to get organise with my time..I have so much to do, so many things to make and stitch and design!
Oh, one more thing. About 18 months ago I found a HAED chart which I totally fell in love with. I've never stitched a HAED and wasn't really keen on them but this is me down to a tee!
I fell in love with it, but was so scared the cancer might come back, I just left it alone. I've been having a few issues dealing with the after effects of cancer, including psychologically. My GP had a lovely chat with me this week when I went again with my back and he told me it was really common for people to have issues after a cancer diagnosis, not just because it is such a big thing, but because they act so quickly to treat you. You fly through surgery, chemo, radiotherapy and it is all POW POW. Which is a good thing as it increased your survival rates and chances but it takes a while for the brain to catch up with events.
Anyway, he is refering me to a cancer-specialist psychologist to learn some coping strategies for the panic attacks etc, which I never had before at all. As a biologist I have no issues discussing these things. Hopefully someone who needs to know they are not alone will read this and get help or find comfort. Mental health issues are biochemical inbalances triggered by traumatic events (reactive depression).
Now I am not seriously depressed but there are some bits which need to be twigged to get me out of that rut of fear. And seeing someone who can help me is a good way to go. I need some coping strategies because every moment I spend in fear is a moment of life wasted! The Dr. was very funny as well. He said when I see the psychologist I have to remember I am the patient and to shut up and listen. He knows me well!
And I thought I would help myself to get out of this fear-ridden rut. So I bought myself my dream chart.
Want to see?
I am a huge, big kid I know haha. I LOVE fairy tales, especially Hans Christian Andersons.
I haven't worked out the material etc for it yet but I'm really looking forwards to stitching it. And DH is thrilled because it means I am starting to look ahead, something I haven't done in a long time. In buying this I am reinforcing the point that I do have a future, as much as anyone has a future and it is ok to buy something which could take me over a year to finish!
Right, I will love you and leave you. If you are on the West Coast of Ireland or in the South West of England, please, please keep safe. I feel for you all. I have friends in Cornwall and I know it is a really traumatic time for them.
Keep well, and thank you for your comments. I really do enjoy reading them. I don't reply simply because I'm not too sure how too, but I do pop over to your blogs xxx Thank you.
First of all, God bless you and keep you Gaynor. I am so sorry to learn of the slipped disc. As a person who suffers from daily, chronic pain for almost 10 years now, I sympathize.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Looking ahead to that awesome HAED chart! Yay!
Aww, how super sweet! So glad you got a smile from our dear Karyn.
ReplyDeleteAww, how super sweet! So glad you got a smile from our dear Karyn.
ReplyDeleteKaryn's goodies are awesome!!! You can get high on sugar and gossips!!! I love Elaine's box finish. I think she kept the butterfly design simple but is beautifully finished with dark fabric and box!!! Haed design is lovely and will be quite therapeutic! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. Great gift from Karyn. I love Reese stuff. Yummmm. Beautiful butterfly and HAED too. That will keep you busy for sure. I have completed a couple of Quick stitches from HAED but nothing of that size. x
ReplyDeleteLove ya kiddo…enjoy it all!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous chart! I'm so glad that you treated yourself…and I can't wait to see it progress. :) I am so proud of you for seeking relief and council, as you deserve to embrace life with all of your heart and soul…
Elaine's finish is gorgeous…I'm almost finished with mine and will share pics soon…
XO
Ma
I saw this butterfly on FB yesterday, it's stunning
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you are feeling better! What a wonderful package of treats. Doesn't that make everything better.
ReplyDeleteKaren's box is stunning!
I think it is really interesting about you going to the psychologist! I hope that it will be a very good thing.
That is one big a** design, amazing colors.
Hugs!
Such a lovely parcel, lots of tasty treats in there for you.
ReplyDeleteThat's a magnificent HAED design, wishing you good luck stitching that one.
Congrats on the commissions for your lovely designs.
Hope you have some of the lovely sunshine that I have streaming in my window this afternoon, its so welcome after the dreary wet stuff recently.
Love and {hugs} x
My goodness, you have certainly have had a time of it with medical stuff over the year. Sending you lots of healing vibes via cyber space. That was such a lovely care package you received, I hope you enjoyed some fluffy reading, sweet yummies & relaxation. Congrats on purchasing your first HAED. I have 2, but have yet to start them.
ReplyDeletewhat a yummy surprise xx
ReplyDeleteWow that butterfly box is gorgeous! I'm glad to hear you don't have shingles!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my Gaynor, I hope you are okay from the slipped disc. I bet those lovely goodies helped...those chocolates look so yummy. Very sweet gift! The butterfly box is beautiful! Stitching on black is something I've done twice. I like it but need a lot of light...so it's more a summertime stitching thing. As for the after effects of cancer, my mom went through the same thing. She had panic attacks and was very depressed. Thankfully she isn't now but she had wished there was some sort of support group for cancer survivors. I think it's so important to be a part of a group of people who have gone through the same experience as you have so you can commiserate and feel not alone. The HAED chart looks like it'll help! Sending you prayers and hugs!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful package from Karyn.
ReplyDeleteI am happy for you that you are starting to look ahead again.
Looking forward to see this HEAD started! :)
I know what you are going through nerve pain from back problems is very difficult to deal with. Glad the meds are helping. I have permanent spinal cord damage due to transverse myelitis..its a rare neurological disease...anyhoo. I totally understand the panic and fear that kind of pain causes. You are in my prayers. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteI know what you are going through nerve pain from back problems is very difficult to deal with. Glad the meds are helping. I have permanent spinal cord damage due to transverse myelitis..its a rare neurological disease...anyhoo. I totally understand the panic and fear that kind of pain causes. You are in my prayers. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteI know what you are going through nerve pain from back problems is very difficult to deal with. Glad the meds are helping. I have permanent spinal cord damage due to transverse myelitis..its a rare neurological disease...anyhoo. I totally understand the panic and fear that kind of pain causes. You are in my prayers. Hang in there.
ReplyDelete