It’s not all cheese and wine

Given that the purpose of this blog is to talk honestly about life and feelings then sometimes it is necessary to talk about the darker side of life. This summer has contained a number of those issues. And today I have been feeling a little down.

When my husband went back to the UK it was because his father was diagnosed as being terminally ill and it was thought that he only had weeks to live. About 6 weeks ago he did seem close to death, bedridden and almost incoherent. Strangely since then he appears to have under gone a somewhat remarkable recovery. He will never get completely well again; however he has been out visiting friends and family, to a garden centre and to the shops a few times. Two days ago, he was even caught up a stepladder by his daughter and had to be told off! We know this won’t last however it is to be celebrated whilst it does.

My trip to the UK was more complicated. I had a phone call to say that my mother was in hospital. It appears that on two occasions she has suffered what can only be described as a collapse. She has no warning and is only aware that it has occurred when she is trying to get back up. This 2nd collapse has been much more serious given that it appears to have impacted her memory. She has been stopped from driving, swimming and bathing whilst she undergoes further tests. Unfortunately this is not likely to be a quick process. She is currently staying with us because she is also very underweight and needs supporting and building up.

This morning I woke without the sound of kittens, which I found quite disconcerting. On searching the house it became apparent that they weren’t here. We thought that they were shut in last night however they were actually shut out. After much searching Zebulon was found and I brought him in. A while later Florence was spotted. She came very close to me but then a machine started up and a car came past and she retreated in a  scrubby overgrown area near the house. I am hoping that she will return when she gets hungry.

As I am sure you will appreciate this summer has been very challenging. My craft activities are something that really help to allow me to feel calm and to allow me to relax. As you can imagine I haven’t just wanted to work on projects but I have needed to work on them. The process of engaging in various creative activities can support mindfulness. So my activities will continue.

As I said yesterday nothing is currently completed however I have included some photos of some of the projects I am currently working on.

Until tomorrow…