Saturday, August 2, 2014

Roses, real and ribbon, hurting widows and unkind words

 

Good evening Folks ~ It’s Saturday, right around 6:30 p.m. My heart is heavy, my eyes keep filling and overflowing. It’s that kind of day.  Thankfully these kind of days are not the norm.

My heart is burdened for widows that I’ve talked to in the last couple of days, who are missing their husbands dearly. One has been a widow for 5 years, one for almost three, one for around 7 I think, one for a little over a year.  There are other widows I know online and in real life that are going through the valley right now too   Our hearts ache with loneliness. There is an empty space in our lives where our husbands used to live. I don’t know what to say to ease their pain, I cry along with them and pray for them.  We do our best, taking each day as it comes trying to be brave, asking God to be our strength. We have decisions to make, we worry, we are growing through our pain. We will make it, it’s just that some days are harder than others.  Keep us in your prayers.

Here are some photos of the lovely rose ‘Granada’.

God’s beautiful creations help to soothe and to lighten hearts.

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Here are two more ribbon embroidery roses.

I ordered more ribbon yesterday morning as I’m running low. I really enjoy making these. Using the alcohol ink markers is fun too for coloring the ribbon. These are around 3 inches high.

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This morning I was looking at Pinterest and got inspired to keep creating and to get pieces into my little Etsy shop, hoping they will sell to help supplement my income.

Soon after, I checked Blogger for comments and there were 4 new ones left in my FlowerLady’s Creations blog. All by the same person, and all nasty and hurtful! I deleted them and don’t even remember what they said, except for part of one and I won’t repeat it here. Needless to say, I felt like I was punched in the gut. I don’t know this person,  I checked and they do not have a blog. May God forgive them and may I not let their negative words discourage me from doing something I love doing.

Our words can wound or they can heal. They can break or they can mend. They can discourage or encourage. They can anger or they can spread joy.

Let us watch our words, let us be kind one to another. This world can be cruel at times. Let us not be cruel back.

Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady

26 comments:

Rebecca said...

I can't imagine what someone was thinking, Lorraine. I'm so sad to hear of this happening.

And know that I DO think/pray for you and a few other precious friends who, too, are widows.

As usual, I am uplifted by the beauty of your flowers and the artistic needle work that you do so well...

Jane said...

I'm so sorry someone hurt your feelings sweet Rainey. I always say there are two choices in life: either be an encourager or a discourager. Who'd choose that? The old adage about if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything is very wise advice. Your flowers are lovely as always. At last I don't have to be envious as my garden is thriving this summer.

Jean Campbell said...

There will always be those who try to take from you, whether it be your peace of mind or your valuables.

I had one of those scam calls this week from a young man who pretended to be my grandson. As the conversation went on, I realized that his 'upset voice' was not that of anyone I knew. As it evolved into him needing money sent to another state, I asked his middle name, flustering him. "Uh, Dave." I called it a scam and hung up as he spluttered. No harm done but I keep thinking about it.

Morning's Minion said...

Surely if we visit a blogger whose views don't interest us or with whom we disagree, we can quietly strike that from our list of places to visit. If we enjoy the blog most of the time but occasionally are at odds with the opinions presented we can forbear to criticize and perhaps return another day when there is something we can affirm.
I've not experienced widowhood--although I know several who have. Its a particular kind of loss. I think you are doing all that you can do--accepting that tears and loneliness are part of the situation, but continuing to delight in natural beauty and to do the creative things you enjoy and do well.
I am amazed and heartened by the projects you have valiantly tackled.

Annie said...

Thinking of yo and your. Friends in difficult times. I had a dalliance with ribbon embroidery years ago, and loved it. Words are so powerful and some people don't think very hard before sprouting off. Don't let thoughtless people discourage your wonderful spirit.

Corner Gardener Sue said...

I'm sorry to hear about someone leaving mean comments. I just don't understand people who do things like that, and I know you have no mean bone in your body. It is a blessing to be able to forgive others.

I enjoyed your blooms and admire your ribbon and other creations.

Yes, I need to be praying more for widows, as my mother is now one. Sometimes while gardening or doing something in the house, I will pray a general prayer for those who have asked for prayers on Facebook, in blogs, or on our prayer chain.

Nancy J said...

Lorraine, your heart is as beautiful as all your flowers, let the hurt be ignored, that person cannot have any love right there. Lovely creativity as always, and your rose photos, was that after some rain or morning heavy dew? Superb colour. Hugs and more XXX Jean.

Betty said...

I don't think we can ever have a day, month, or year without tears for our loved ones. Even though I have lost alot of friends, and relatives my biggest heartache at this time is losing our grandson. It has been 14 years and I still cry for him. He was only 5 1/2 months old and it was because of a Drs neglect.

As for that horrible person who left the comments. Just ignore them and not give them a second thought. Just as there are so many lovely bloggers out there. there is also the nut cases who get joy out of trying to hurt others. Don't let him do that to you. You are a wonderful and loving person and remember that always.

Gary said...

Good afternoon Lorraine,
I am so sorry to hear of the stupid twits who thought it clever to speak so viciously. On the same day I also had a similar message that is too cruel to mention here. Best to just spam in my book, and trust in all that you hold dear to your heart. Your garden is really lovely as always. Have a good week.

FabricandFlowers said...

The internet has so many wonderful things but it allows cowards to say things they wouldn't have the courage to say to someone's face. I hope you know in your heart how much people care for you. I am only a blog reader but you have positively impacted my life. There are far more kind people in the world than unkind people.

Wishing you a peaceful Sunday.

Becky said...

I LOVE YOUR HAND WORK! And I or one know exactly how much time and love goes into each piece. You are a talented and loving soul and I thoroughly enjoy your blog.

Sandra said...

Oh Lorraine, I am so sorry you had to receive such nasty comments. Unfortunately I've been through those too and it's never easy, as much as I tell myself that it doesn't matter because I don't know the person and they don't know me, some words are still very hurtful.

There are some crazy ones out there who get pleasure out of posting insulting and hurtful comments on blogs. Just delete and move on. But I do know how you feel.

I will keep you and all the other widows in my prayers, my friend I can't even imagine what it's like to lose a husband, I would be lost without mine.

Lots of love and hugs to you,
Sandra
xoxoxox

Rose Mary said...

Flower Lady why there are mean people in the world no one knows, but forget them they are not worth one minute of thought from you. I too am a widow and it will be 11 years this month. You will struggle and cry and ask God why, but you will heal so that your heart will heal enough for you to go on. I am fine and very comfortable with living alone. I have friends that I sit and stitch with and my family all are close. I am so sorry you are grieving, but grieve the way that feels good for you. Cry, scream, talk to him, but it will take time for you to start healing. You are in my prayers.

sweetbay said...

Ignore the trolls. I know that sounds pat but I mean it sincerely.

Your handwork and your roses are lovely.

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Ignore the trolls....I LOVE that. It is so appropriate. That troll must be jealous. Perhaps that you are getting along without your loving husband. Perhaps that you have friends to talk about your grief. Perhaps that you have a lot of support from your friends that read your blog. Who Knows? What we do know is that THAT Troll is unhappy and feels a need to spread their unhappiness. DON'T LET THEM STEAL YOUR JOY.

Your hearts are so lovely. The heart shape is a metaphysical symbol of love and you have a lot of love to share and a part of it is in every heart you stitch.
xx, Carol

crafty cat corner said...

Lorraine, I know that your God will help you to rise above those who like to hurt, but all the same it takes time to get over something so horrible as that.
Tears are good healers so let them go and feel better after.
Hugs
Briony
x

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Oh Lorraine, I wrote you a very long comment earlier this morning and when I went to press publish, my connection had already kicked me off! This happens far too often with my ISP.
I was outraged about the comments left at your blog, perhaps enabling the blog owner approval feature is the way to go?
Only another widow truly understands some particular feelings of a fellow widow.
I've been missing a bit in blogland lately due to feeling a little sad with the 11th anniversary coming up next month and this month holds symbolic dates as well, so most times lately blogging just seems too much effort.
Thank you for calling by dear girl. I've promised myself to put all of my efforts into positive and happy things today!
Hugs
Rose

Rose ~ from Oz said...

PS: Silly me you've already got the blog owner approval feature enabled. :)

Susan said...

I am so sad to hear of the nasty comments left on your blog. There are a lot of unhappy and hateful people in the world. Keep sharing your gifts with the world despite any naysayers. You are such a warm and sweet person and I wish for you and your widow friends peace and comfort.

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

That's why you have to use approval to screen out all that nonsense! Just remember you have The Herbal Husband's and my support, FL! We send a big hug and kiss from each of us! Don't worry better days are on the horizon! xo

Sally said...

Some people are so miserable that it spills over onto everyone else. Imagine what's going on inside that pathetic person!
Your roses are beautiful and so are you! God Bless,Sally

Mrs. E said...

I'm so sorry you were hurt by comments of thoughtless people. I have a former student whose pictures of her kids are also used in unkind ways. (They have Down Syndrome.) I guess technology opens us up to the ugly--but it also opens us up to the beautiful--which is what I always get when I come here. Bless you.

Diana Studer said...

small hearts, and even smaller minds. Rinse them away, like mud off your garden shoes!

Jillayne said...

What a lovely post Lorraine, full of love and compassion and even sorrow... there are no words that ease the pain of losing your love, they can only maybe make it a little easier to bear.
I'm so glad you refuse to allow the mean-spirited to get the better of you... gut-punch, yes, but look how you have pushed past that and strengthened your resolve to be a light for others.
Big hugs,
jillayne

Darcie said...

I simply truly, completely...don't understand unkind people! I don't get it, I don't get it, I don't get it. I have to remind myself...its' them not us. You deserve all the kind words that someone can speak, just remember all those that do love you. ((((hugs))))

Debra Howard said...

Praying for you dear to be comforted. I know it must be so hard to lose a beloved husband...I can't even imagine how hard it must be. I am also so very sorry that someone felt the need to leave nasty remarks. I have had a few but they were usually spam so didn't take them personally, Some think they can provoke you into clicking on their web page link. I don't give them the satisfaction.