Tuesday, January 5, 2016



Hello Friends ~ It's been gray for a couple of days, some rain, chilly and windy. The cooler temps are really nice. I hope you all are enjoying the start of the new year.
I came across the you-tube-video below a little while ago. A real treat to watch. May it brighten your day. It spread a little cheer into mine.
Enjoy.
Carol Klein's Plant Odysseys - 1. Roses  
  Keep me in your prayers as I've been somewhat depressed since the new year began. I am missing my dear husband so much.

I found out yesterday that my Mom fell and fractured bones in her left foot. She's in rehab, but my dear sis and her husband left their home further north yesterday and are trying to get Mom out of the rehab and then will be taking care of her in her own home. (text just from my sis, 5:33 p.m EST, Mom has to stay in rehab as she has to stay off that foot. They are giving her lots of therapy.)

My dear sis in law Sue, has volunteered to take me out to see my Mom again, we went in August, and it was a good reunion with Mom. We will probably go on Sunday when the traffic is lighter. My Mom has been having problems with her legs holding her up and does not want to use a walker, and is having a bit of dementia too. Her husband is 96 and has been doing the best he can, but he's to the stage where he can't lift her anymore. Keep my Mom, her husband and my sister and her husband in your prayers too, that all will go smoothly and that they will be strengthened at this time with God's love & peace.

Miss Rosie has come into heat, as of yesterday morning with that yowling they do, and I've come to the painful decision to put Miss Rosie up for adoption at a nice place. I plan to take her tomorrow morning. After making the decision yesterday, I went out this morning to trim the front hedge, and what do I find but a dead kitten, probably her sibling, as it was about the same size, except not as big or as loved on like Miss Rosie has been for the past 4 months. I really don't want the responsibility of another cat, as I already have 4. It will be a relief to not have to worry about her being outside, even getting her fixed, or trying to make her fit into my little family here. She's in a nice wire cage right now that I bought at Walmart yesterday, here in the living room, and Miss Tork occasionally comes close to the cage and hisses. :-) I've been playing cat lullaby music that relaxes all three of us.

Miss Tork and I have a good thing going on here in this little cottage. She is not a normal cat in that she does not jump up on counters, etc. She just jumps onto the sofa, bed and chairs to sleep. She scratches on an old crate that I have some books in, does not scratch any furniture. I've been blessed with her calm spirit and am very thankful for that.

So that is what is going on here, heavy heart and ever ready tears, a perpetual lump in my throat. This will pass, but it is what it is at the moment.

God is bottling all of my tears, and one day they will all be wiped away, no more pain or sorrow, only everlasting joy & peace. He is my strength when I am weak, He is my comfort when I feel down. Sometimes it all seems too much, but He is always with me, working all things out.

Here is the latest beaded project I am working on. I started it 26 Dec. It is a joy to work on. It has seed beads, bugle beads, mahogany obsidian star beads, fresh water pearls, a lucite cameo, a mother-of-pearl button, 2 charms and antique rhinestones. Click on photos for a larger view.



Love, hugs & prayers and thankfulness for all of you ~ FlowerLady

32 comments:

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Love and hugs for you, your mom and everyone else taking care of each other.

Jane said...

You're in my prayers, Rainey. It's probably for the best that Rosie finds a new home. From experience I know that it's hard to get cats to get along. And pets are an expense. We've decided that when Georgie goes, we won't get another. Hopefully it won't be for a while but he is getting old. Your beaded hearts always remind me of sailor's valentines. So sweet!

Big New Year hug,
Jane

Ruth Hiebert said...

Sorry to hear about your Mom's fall.I trust all will go well.

Deb J. in Utah said...

I hope your mom heals up quickly and that you can visit her again soon. I love your beaded projects. Will pray for you and your mom. God bless you!

Joy Junktion said...

First, that is a beautiful piece you are working on, Rainey! I absolutely love the cameo! I'm sorry that you have been feeling down. Sometimes, we just get the blues after the holiday season is over, seems a bit sad when all the 'hype' dies down and everything is put away. I know I've had that happen many times over the years. I also know what it's like to be missing out beloved! You are in my prayers dear friend! Praying that God fills you with peace and Joy in the days ahead! You are loved! Blessings, Cindy xoxo

Nancy J said...

Your Mum, Rosie, and your darling man you miss so much.Too much to handle all at once. You have given Rosie a massive start to being a homely loving girl, and a new home will be good for her. Your Mum, sadness, but reassurance that she is so cared for.And for you, hugs, and so many loving thoughts winging your way northwards. XXX

Connie in Hartwood said...

Sweet Rainey ... it's perfectly normal to be down, when you have so much to handle. Just the let down of the end of Christmas is enough, without the added worry over your mom, missing your husband, and the feelings you have for Rosie.

Thinking of you.

Jessica Jarrell said...

I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling down FlowerLady, I can sympathize. Something about the holidays. I was saddened to hear that Ms. Rosie will be going up for adoption but it sounds like the right choice. It might not feel like the right choice at the moment, but it is. Every time I pick up a stray and it's decided they won't become part of the family, I feel that way too. Panic and hurt in my chest, constantly on the verge of tears. It goes with the territory. Doesn't make it any easier, but know that it will pass. You and Ms. Rosie will be in my thoughts :-)

Janice said...

Sorry for all your troubles, it's no wonder you have a case of the 'blues'. As you say, 'one day at a time', and the heaviness of heart will lift somewhat. I pray that soon you'll be on the bright side of things, once again.

Celestina Marie said...

Lifting prayers for you, your mom and family. Love your beautiful new designs.Love the cameo!!
Rosie will do well. You gave her a good start.
I am sorry you a feeling a bit down. It happens after the holidays to so many of us. With God's help we can find the joy in the winter days ahead. Creating certainly helps, doesn't it?
Sending hugs your way sweet friend. xo

Rebecca said...

I'm sorry to hear about your mother's fall and condition. I can imagine that being away from her increases your emotional heaviness. And sometimes, there are just simply not easy or quick solutions to our problems.....

Hope your kitty gets adopted soon and that you are able to find distraction and fulfillment in creating more beautiful hearts. ♥

Unknown said...

So sorry that you have been feeling down. Christmas can be hard can't it because it is a special time of year, filled with memories and then we have to pack it all away and start all over again with a new year. It can be a bit overwhelming, especially as you have had your mother's fall to worry over. It may take time but hopefully she will rehab well and you can rest a little more easily over her. Sounds as if you have made a sensible decision over little Rosie and you have spent time socializing with her so I am sure she will be very adoptable.
Much loveliness in your handiwork and the lovely video. Isn't nature wonderful?! Enjoy your beautiful projects and garden. Spring will be here soon and that always brings a sense of joy.
- Kate xx

shadesofidaho said...

Flowerlady your bead work is Gorgeous. You really have developed such a fine style. so sorry to hear about your Mom's fall. I hope her bones heal. Sad she will not use the walker. I can understand but it makes it so much safer for them.

Hope today went well with the kitten home transfer. Always hard and honestly I wish I did not have 8 myself. but I am too attached to them now to give any of them up.But they are so expensive with food litter and vet bills.

Prayers for all of you. Be well my friend.

Chris

BeachGypsy said...

You have given littlr rosie an excellent and healthy start and that will benefit her all her life and she will remember you always for your kindness. I hope you get thru this "blue" period very quickly and things start to look up. I think of you often and sure do look foward to your posts about your life there at the sweet little cottage and your gorgeous plants and flowers... Learn alot of things from you! Blogging brings so many varied and interesting new friends and enriches our lives doesn't it?

susie @ persimmon moon cottage said...

This time of year can be difficult for many people. I am one them. Maybe it is the lull after the holidays, lack of sunshine and being outside (around here, anyway), and/or missing loved ones that have passed on.

I hope your Mom will heal quickly so that she can get out of the Rehab.

It must be hard for you to give up Rosie kitty, but will probably be easier for you in the long run. She is a beautiful little kitty and you have tamed her and taken care of her so that she will surely catch the eye of the perfect family for her.

Your new cameo heart is lovely. Your design with the cameo and little charm and various beads and rhinestones is wonderful.

I hope you will be feeling better soon.

Take care.

susie @ persimmon moon cottage said...

I forgot to mention how much I like your header picture on this post. The perfectly pink rose with the pretty green stripy effect (maybe some sort of plant stems?) made for a great photograph.

RockWhisperer said...

Well, Rainey, it IS that time of year when depression can easily set in. I struggle to stay out of The Black Hole each year, myself. I try to get some exercise several times a week, stay busy and interested in something and it helps.

You are such an artist, each one of your projects is one-of-a-kind and it seems like you never run out of beautiful ideas.

That is probably the best decision for Miss Rosie. So sad that you found that kitten. We don't have pets anymore and we will not be making any changes to that status. It just hurts so much to have them put to sleep even though it's the kindest thing to do when their health gets such that they are suffering. The other end of the spectrum when a pet outlives its owner is just as sad. They don't understand and think they've been abandoned.

Hang in there and count your blessings, this period will pass. Hugs xoxoxo

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Beautiful Beading. Such a lovely heart. I was sorry to read that your mom is hurt. It takes old bones so long to heal. It is good that you are taking your little kitty to find a new home. Life is not kind to street kitties. I know how it can be to upset the pet cart by adding a new member. Best not to rock the boat!!
Best wishes for safe travel.
xx, Carol

Susan said...

So sorry to hear that you are feeling down and that your mom is experiencing some health issues. In due time, this all shall pass but for now just know that you are loved and that many of us are lifting you up in prayer. Enjoy your visit with your mother. Hugs!! Susan

Melanie said...

I'm so sorry to hear you're feeling depressed but it's understandable with all you're going through right now...missing your husband, your mother's fall, having to bring Rosie to a shelter, finding a dead kitten. I will keep you in my prayers for peace and comfort. {{hugs}}

Unknown said...

Oh, Lorraine, I'm so sorry you're feeling sad. It's so hard some days to choose to be happy. I have to keep reading inspirational thoughts to banish the negative ones. I just joined in the penpal craze that's apparently been revived ( I haven't written a letter in ages). But it sounds like so much fun to meet people from different places and to receive actual mail again in the letterbox instead of just bills and ads. My first penpal is from England and I'm so looking forward to it. I just mentioned this as I'm enjoying the feeling of expectation and wondered if it might be a hobby you'd enjoy too. Anyway, your new work is just beautiful! Big Hugs!

Deb said...

That heart you are working on is beynd beautiful, I wish your mom a rapid recovery.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Oh my goodness, Lorraine, it is no wonder that you are feeling a bit down in the dumps, as my Mom used to say. It is difficult when you are worried about a loved one and having to make difficult decisions, although for the best. I will pray for your Mom's recovery, bless her heart, and for you my dear, missing your loved one so badly and having to give up your Rosie, but it is so understandable why. The rain probably doesn't help, as things are so gloomy when it rains, and then finding the little dead kitten. My oh my - I wish I could jump through the computer and give you an encouraging hug. Hang in there, poor dear. Your beaded heart is absolutely exquisite! You are a true artist and it must help to take your mind off your troubles while you are absorbed in your craft. I will be thinking of you and wishing for a little bit of sunshine and kindness to make your weekend bright. Hugs xo Karen

camp and cottage living said...

I'll be praying for you and your family, Lorraine. It's hard to see our Mom suffering as they age, I know.
Also praying for your heartache from missing your husband-May your feel God's comfort and love.
Big{{hugs}}

Debbie - Mountain Mama said...

I'm so sorry to hear that you are feeling blue, Lorraine - what struggles you are going through at the moment. I will certainly keep you and your family in my prayers.

Here's to the year improving for you and yours.

xoxo

Sandra said...

I will keep you in my prayers, I'm sorry things have been hard for you, seems a lot of us out here are struggling one way or another.

Hope you have a better year.
Hugs,
Sandra

Darcie said...

My dear friend. I wondered a bit about you, and how you were doing...just had a feeling. Wish I would have reached out to ask you if all was okay. This is a hard time of year for a lot of people, but with the absence of your dear husband I know the ache is more acute. Remember you are loved, and you are prayed for!

Debra Howard said...

I am so sorry about your mom. I will definitely be praying for her and you and everyone involved. I am so sorry about the kitten and Miss Rosie too. Sometimes we have to make hard decisions but I bet you can find her a great new home. Too bad you are so far away because I am ready to adopt some kittens at the moment. I am down to just Mr. Buttons and it is getting a bit lonely around here.

Terra said...

There is a lot of tough stuff going on for you at the beginning of this new year, with your mom, the extra kitty to give away (4 is enough, I agree), missing your husband, yet you created this lovely heart from a wellspring of creativity.

M.K. said...

Wow! What gorgeous bead work you're doing! Those hearts seem to get more and more lovely.
I'm so sorry you are down. That is so common this time of year -- Adam often suffers that way in January. I think it can be a let down after the holidays, and we think we should be happy about a new year, but instead we feel at an end instead of at a beginning. I hope your spirit will feel refreshed soon, feel peace, and then a little spring of joy. It will pass.

I hope your mom improves soon and can be at their home. It seems to be more restful in a real home. I hope you get to visit with her.

That lady on the video is really something! Great roses and lovely filming. I had to giggle though when she looked at a pretty hedge rose and called it "a masterpiece of evolution and design." You can have one, and you can have the other, but you can't have both!! haha :)

A Joyful Cottage said...

Gorgeous beadwork, Rainey. I'm sorry about your mom's fall. She and your family are in my prayers. English accents always make the tour guide seem even more authoritative don't they? LOL xo

KathyB. said...

Your handwork is so pretty and exquisite. Does it help calm your heart when you work on it ?

I know finding a new home for the kitten is best for all of you but I suspect you'll miss her.

Prayers for your mother and family. You've been blessed to have your mother with you for so long. The heart-hurt you have missing your beloved though will probably never leave you until you're reunited with him in eternity. Blessings.