3.16.2017

Have You Missed Me?

Have you noticed I've been absent from the blog?  If not, it's ok, I don't blame you.  I know there is always so much going on in everyone's lives that it is sometimes hard to keep up.  I finally had to just take some time off this winter.  First I got really sick with bronchitis and couldn't keep up with my weekly posts.   It took the better part of 5 weeks and 2 doctor visits to feel better.

Then I had to make an emergency trip to California for some family issues.  My aunt had an aggressive and fast spreading tumor in her lungs.  By the time the doctors caught it, the cancer had spread to her back, liver and esophagus.  2 weeks later she passed away.  I was fortunate enough to make it down in time to see her one last time, as soon as my bronchitis cleared, about 48 hours before she passed away.  I was getting ready to see her again before my flight home when we got the call that she had passed in the night, so I stayed a few more days to be with my dad (it was his younger sister) and the rest of my family.  






On top of that I have other extended family in the area dealing with health & emotional issues, so I was able to spend time with lots of family members I don't get a chance to see all that often. Lots of hugging and a few tears were shared that week.  Thankfully I work from home, and could take this time off, but I need to get back to work to build up that emergency fund again.  My hope is that the next time I go down to visit CA it will be for a happy reason.  I was able to get some snuggles, and laughs in with my niece.  She is always good medicine for the soul.



Meeka loves cell phones.  She especially loves seeing herself on camera and helped me take this selfie.  :) 

Before I left I started a quick prayer quilt for my aunt and cousins.  I didn't realize before I got down there that my aunt is/was an avid quilter.  She has always been so creative and has made each of us blankets, scarfs, mittens, socks, hats, etc.  While I was working on this quilt I was hoping it would keep her warm in the coming months, but I also hoped it would bring her daughter comfort long after she was gone.  I prayed for both of them as well as several of my other cousins and uncles as I worked on this quilt.  I wasn't sure where this one would end up, but I was on a deadline to complete it.  I'll share more soon on a Sew Saturday, but here is one of the pictures I posted on Instagram. 


It's been hard to get back in the swing of things. I haven't been back in my sewing room since I returned from CA last week and it just dawned on me as I'm typing this why that is.  The last thing I worked on was Aunt Cathy's quilt.  I need to get back in there and work on my charity blocks for the Courage Circle at #dogoodstiches

My design team card for StampNation was due this week, so I have made 1 card.  Here is a sneak peek of the card for the Natural Elements challenge.  If you are a StampNation member you can see the full picture along with inspiration from the rest of the design team and other members HERE.


In addition to all of that I have also just completed our family taxes.  First for me and my hubby, then for our kids.  Perhaps I should ask for a commission.  ;)  I used turbo tax because it makes it so easy for me.  The program walks you through each category step by step.  I highly recommend it.  I needed a downloadable version because my desktop doesn't have a disk drive, and I found it on Amazon, so I thought I would share with you.



And then, because I was on Amazon and saw this adorable little dress that I think would look darling on my niece, I had to share it with my brother.  It comes in a dozen or more different colors.  I thought it might be perfect for her for Easter.  Unfortunately the smallest size it comes in is 2T, and she is barely in 18 months, but I am thinking it might work for her birthday.  ;)  Retail therapy truly does help when it comes in the form of pretty little things.  




That has been my Feb-March so far.  I'm need of some serious creative time to get my mojo going again.  I think I'll start by binge-watching youtube videos from my favorite crafty people, and visiting a couple of challenge blogs too.  What do you do when you find yourself in a creative slump.


5 comments:

Preeti D. (aka Dutt Preety) said...

So sorry to hear about your aunt and the health issues, sending prayers, love and panda hugs your way.

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Yes, I missed you. So sorry you have had so many challenges so close together. Glad you are feeling better, and will be back to your creative self.

Gwendolyn said...

So sorry to hear that your Aunt passed Heather. Hope that crafting gave you some comfort. I look at all the challenge blogs to give me inspiration and bring my mojo back when I hit a slump, but that rarely happens! Its usually the opposite, trying to make as many cards as possible with different new techniques!

Anonymous said...

I actually did notice that you were not posting. I'm so sorry it was for such sad reasons. I've been behind myself, but my condolences on the loss of your aunt.

Carol Held said...

I am so sorry to hear that you were not well Heather. I am still having side effects from the pneumonia I had in December. These bugs linger, and make us weak, and difficult to recover. I pray that you will feel better with each new day. May I send out my condolences to you, and your family. Travelling is tiring as well. Please know that I will keep you in my prayers. Your quilts are amazing. What a talent you have my friend. God Bless