I've been all sixes and sevens lately. No real surprise. I'm dealing with grief, and I just have to admit it.
I'm having a hard time getting into the studio, and working on the second bird quilt doesn't really thrill me at the moment, so I may set it aside for a bit and do something to get my creative juices flowing.
ANYWAY...
I removed everything from the top of the bureau in that corner of the living room. I cleaned the wall, and the top of the bureau. I cleaned and dusted every picture, photograph and anything I would put back on display.
I rewired the big drawing of The Fontaine Sisters.
It really should be moved over an inch or two to the right, but that's a pretty easy fix. The diamond shaped frame on the right with the four portraits needs to shift too. Again, an easy fix.
I should move everything on the left of the drawing up a bit higher too. I can do that a bit later, when I'm not so much full of emotion.
So this is the finished arrangement (minus the fine tuning I have yet to do.)
This is the same picture as at the top of this post. As you can see I found a frame for the photograph of my Dad and I. It's over on the right. In the back left is my college graduation photo. There's a picture of my son and I when he was about 8. There's a picture of me with my grandparents at my first communion on the right. Gizzy and Jasmine are there, and Millie's card tucked into the frame of the drawing is no accident.
There are some small objects on display too. One is a tiny rocking chair one of my coworkers gave me when I announced I was going to become a grandmother. There is a small brass bell that I hung in the Christmas tree to try to deter Millie from climbing in it the first year I had her. It did not deter her in the least. I remember hearing the bell tinkle at all hours of the day, and smiling to myself. There is also a small ingot of 10 troy ounces of sterling silver. It has a serial number on it, which means I can actually turn it in for money if I ever choose to. It's more fun as an object. I think it was given to my son, but it lives in my house. Oh well.
I visited The Framer's Market this morning and dropped off some things I wanted framed (you'll see them later), and I also left the postcard my dad sent me.
I decided framing it would be the best way to preserve and honor it. I'm happy with what we chose, and it isn't at all what I thought I might do when I brought it in, but the guys at the shop were terrific. I can't wait to see it all finished. I don't know where it will go yet, but I'm not worried.
I also saw this painting by a local artist, so I bought it. I put it in my bedroom, so I can see it every day and smile.
Right now I need all the smiles and hugs I can get, so please bear with me while I flounder around getting back to "normal."
There is some really good news and something wonderful to look forward to! My friend Julie will be visiting me in June. We are going to visit a couple of quilt shops, we will go to the Seacoast, and we will look at barns. We will also do some sewing. We may collaborate on a quilt or two. We will talk. It will be great.
7 comments:
Grief is different journey for everyone. It seems that no two of them are the same. At our church I have been a Stephen Minister and have walked along side several people who have lost loved ones, those included long time pets. Pets are family with fur on. Make sure you talk with friends and share your grief. Find a Stephen Minister if you can. I have found that talking does help. You had a double whammy with losing both your dad and Millie. It will take a while to process all that.
When an older friend of mine was struggling, she took everything out of the linen cupboard and rearranged it all.For you, this will all be part of the healing, and the card from your dear Daddy, that is so special.I have one my Mum wrote to her Dad, in about 1908 or so after he had come to New Zealand and they were all still in Scotland.I am guessing he came out with assisted Immigration, and he had to earn the money to pay for my Grandma, Mum, my aunt and uncle.
Admitting you are in grief is much preferable to denying and supressing it. It is hard work to deal with grief, but it is healthy. You and Julie will have a blast!
I don't know if I've ever commented here before, but I do enjoy your posts, your forthrightness, and your beautiful quilts. Putting one foot in the front of the other as best you can and accepting your feelings as they bubble up, while hard work, is so necessary. I'm glad Julie is coming to visit - what a good distraction and change of pace. Sending you a hug and healing thoughts.
I am sure it must be hard at the moment Lynne. Like miss M, poppy is a quiet soul but I like having her around the house. I am sure it seem quiet at home. I like that you honor your family with all those lovely pictures and photos.
Julie and poppyq Xxx
Going through a season of grief is so very difficult. Please know there are many of us out here that would wrap you in our arms to cry and grieve with you. I am thinking of you and grieving with you from afar.
Will be praying for you, and your peace in this. So very sorry for the pain of loss you are experiencing. Love and hugs!
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