Live Simply Simply Live
  • Blog
  • Studio
  • Home
  • Cards
  • Coronation Wood

Simply..weathering storms....

2/2/2016

19 Comments

 
I wasn't sure whether to continue with the blog just now, while my husband is ill.

What would I write about?

Would I feel like writing anyway?

But I love writing the blog, I always say it helps me think, it is a focal point in the day and the friendly and supportive conversations with commenters always give me more to think about. In recent days for example (from the comments) - the power of positive thinking and goodwill, the comfort of routines and ordinary things in times of stress, the instinct to nest to feel secure, the obviously innate desire we have to support each other in difficult times, the idea of silver linings, virtual hugs (almost as good as real ones!), the downsides of country living, looking after oneself, finding the balance between waiting and putting things on hold and still living one's days fully............there is plenty of scope there, do you think?

And since we all experience illness and stress at sometime in our lives maybe it will be relevant to keep blogging.

Here are three things I am very grateful for today -

Our National Health Service here in UK

Mobile phones

Holiday insurance   (Oh Venezia....)

When you experienced difficult times what were the things you were most grateful for?
19 Comments
elaine link
2/2/2016 01:39:15 am

You just have to keep going don't you Freda. Life throws us these little hiccups. Will this mean your Venice trip is off the cards now - I can only repeat my good wishes for you both - it is good to keep remembering the little things that keep you going and realise that good health is more important than anything else. Keep your chin up my friend.

Reply
Freda
2/2/2016 11:53:10 am

Kept my chin up till the glass blew out of the greenhouse - then I let it drop!!

Reply
rusty duck link
2/2/2016 02:03:27 am

Keep blogging for as long as it is a comfort and not an additional burden. Take care x

Reply
Freda
2/2/2016 11:53:51 am

I will Jessica thank you.

Reply
Lotta link
2/2/2016 03:18:24 am

Yes, thank goodness for all those things Freda and also that you weren't in Venice when this happened. I do hope the ferries are running now and you get to see Barry today.
The things I was most grateful for in difficult times:
1. Kind, wise people who helped me stay more grounded.
2. My own space to retreat into and the normal, ordinary, practical things that are so comforting.
3. Nature - doing simple things out in the garden, daily walks in all weathers and flowers in the house.
4. Taking photographs - I think it makes you look for the beauty in things.
5.Doing something creative, even if it was just making a collage of favourite images - beautiful, inspiring, uplifting etc. It reminds you who you are again.
I'm glad you are continuing to blog if it feels helpful, but I agree with Rusty Duck - do whatever you need. Take good care Freda - sending some sunshine your way. x ☀️

Reply
Penny L
2/2/2016 10:24:25 am

That is such good advice Lotta. The only thing I'd add is that it's fine to feel fed up and have a good cry about the unfairness of it all. I know that you are very good at seeing the positives and counting your blessings Freda, but feeling cross and letting your feelings out can be very cathartic. Then afterwards you pick yourself up and keep going with all the positive things. Wish I could make you a cup of tea! (my answer to everything)Lots of love Pennyxx

Reply
Freda
2/2/2016 11:57:56 am

I shed a few tears when the glass blew out of the greenhouse today...I will make a cup of tea and pretend you made it for me :-)

Freda
2/2/2016 11:55:46 am

Doing most of those Lotta, it is a lovely list.

Reply
Mary
2/2/2016 05:26:16 am

For just under 3 months now I have been recovering from ankle surgery which meant I was non-weightbearing for 6 weeks and only just now free of a very tall CAM boot and regaining the ability to walk without a limp (not yet). In fact today is the first time I am going to attempt to drive post-surgery. I am grateful that my husband works at home and was able to care for me during the initial phase of recovery. Grateful to a church community that brought us meals several times a week. Grateful that I have good insurance (live in US) and enough money to buy some much needed equipment like a knee roller/walker to get me through this period (ever tried to carry a cup of tea when you are on crutches?). Grateful that I have short term disability at my job so that I still receive full pay during this period. Grateful I am an introvert and have been fine staying home-lots of reading accomplished. As you can tell, I have much to be grateful for. Of course, the fact that I haven't had to do my daily 100 mile RT commute into Washington DC each day has been a little added bonus :). Haven't missed that one bit!

I do hope that Barry will be on the mend soon and that you will be able to get to him as often as possible while he is in hospital. Illnesses have a way of bringing our lives into a very tight focus...of finding out what is important and what isn't. Praying for a good recovery for Barry and solace for you.

Reply
Freda
2/2/2016 12:01:38 pm

Brava Mary! (And what a commute. I am lucky to work from home.) I do agree with you about the tight focus. Thank you for your good wishes - I send you ours for a full recovery.

Reply
Teresa
2/2/2016 06:11:51 am

Things I'm grateful for in difficult times:
- cups of tea (many).
- a walk outside in the fresh air.
- knowing I'm not alone -- even if no-one else is experiencing the difficult things exactly as I am -- there are people who care about me and are wishing me well.
- something funny -- an unexpected laugh -- it's good for you.

We are thinking of you. Take good care, Freda.

Reply
Freda
2/2/2016 12:02:34 pm

I do need some laughs please!

Reply
cath
2/2/2016 08:01:11 am

Agree with Rusty Duck, keep blogging as long as it feels good, it is a comfort and not a burden. Adding, please don't question the relevance of your blogging, Freda. I find a depth here that I have come to cherish.

Things I am grateful for in difficult times:
The support from family and friends; nature: a blackbird sitting on the hedge, sun on my face, spotting a Lakenvelder (variety of cow I adore) in a meadow, my balcony plants making new shoots, reading a poem that resonates within, feeling the presence of wise and creative people through the books on my shelves when I sit at my desk, experiencing the commitment of experts I trust, going very slow with everything I do and thus creating space for being mindful and present.

Reply
Freda
2/2/2016 12:04:54 pm

A most comforting list Cath. Thank you for sharing it.

Reply
Lucille
2/2/2016 09:39:15 am

I was told (by someone I trust) that I would never be sent more than I could bear.

Reply
Freda
2/2/2016 12:05:41 pm

That too is a very comforting thought Lucille.

Reply
Sarah link
2/2/2016 11:46:39 am

When my husband fell ill I found the support that blogging friends gave me helped me through those difficult times. I have been thinking of what impact there would be on your holiday. Sending you lots of virtual hugs. Sarah x

Reply
Freda
2/2/2016 12:07:03 pm

I know what you mean about blogging friends support Sarah. It's wonderful! Venice will wait for us....

Reply
Trish
2/2/2016 06:14:41 pm

I'm so sorry to hear that your husband is ill. I will keep you both in my thoughts. I hope you will continue your writing.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Categories

    All
    Live Simply
    Live Simply
    Simple
    Simply Beautiful
    Simply Bin It
    Simply Chill
    Simply Christmas
    Simply Christmas
    Simply Do A Good Deed
    Simply Draw
    Simply Draw
    Simply Eat
    Simply Fitter
    Simply Fun
    Simply Get Rid
    Simply Grow
    Simply Headspace
    Simply Holiday
    Simply Home
    Simply Home
    Simply Inspirational
    Simply Laugh
    Simply Learn
    Simply Listen
    Simply Live
    Simply Low Maintenance
    Simply Money
    Simply Move
    Simply Move
    Simply Organise
    Simply Paint
    Simply Routine
    Simply Seeing.. Or Not
    Simply Stylish
    Simply Venice
    Simply Write

    Categories

    All
    Live Simply
    Live Simply
    Simple
    Simply Beautiful
    Simply Bin It
    Simply Chill
    Simply Christmas
    Simply Christmas
    Simply Do A Good Deed
    Simply Draw
    Simply Draw
    Simply Eat
    Simply Fitter
    Simply Fun
    Simply Get Rid
    Simply Grow
    Simply Headspace
    Simply Holiday
    Simply Home
    Simply Home
    Simply Inspirational
    Simply Laugh
    Simply Learn
    Simply Listen
    Simply Live
    Simply Low Maintenance
    Simply Money
    Simply Move
    Simply Move
    Simply Organise
    Simply Paint
    Simply Routine
    Simply Seeing.. Or Not
    Simply Stylish
    Simply Venice
    Simply Write

    Categories

    All
    Live Simply
    Live Simply
    Simple
    Simply Beautiful
    Simply Bin It
    Simply Chill
    Simply Christmas
    Simply Christmas
    Simply Do A Good Deed
    Simply Draw
    Simply Draw
    Simply Eat
    Simply Fitter
    Simply Fun
    Simply Get Rid
    Simply Grow
    Simply Headspace
    Simply Holiday
    Simply Home
    Simply Home
    Simply Inspirational
    Simply Laugh
    Simply Learn
    Simply Listen
    Simply Live
    Simply Low Maintenance
    Simply Money
    Simply Move
    Simply Move
    Simply Organise
    Simply Paint
    Simply Routine
    Simply Seeing.. Or Not
    Simply Stylish
    Simply Venice
    Simply Write


    Author

    An artist seeking a simpler life - (but not too simple!)

    All words and images copyright Freda Waldapfel 2010 - 2020

    Archives

    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.