So, I have some explaining to do because I have been silent for far too long.
Like many creative people, I tend to expect a lot out of myself, which leads to working way too many hours and ignoring other things that really need to be done. Like cleaning the house. And doing the laundry. Or writing a blog. And I know that I can ignore those things for only so long before they too start to become another source of stress. Funny how that works.
And my way of dealing with it? Go into hiding. Or more specifically, become silent.
But because I have had several people ask where I've been, I guess it's time to come out and explain myself. And in order to do that, I need to back up to October, when you last heard from me.
As I was frantically getting ready to leave for Quilt Market, my family got some shocking news..... that my younger brother was diagnosed with cancer. And as you can imagine (or maybe relate to), this was very difficult to absorb. Tad (my brother) got the news on a Friday that he had cancer, had surgery the following Monday, and started chemo two days later on Wednesday, which was the day that we left for Houston.
So picture this..... I am leaving as Tad (who incidentally lives just down the road from me) is starting treatments, I'm not at all prepared for market, going without my book being done, having planned my booth just two days before and feeling as if a blurry haze had fallen over me. Not a pretty picture. So if you saw me at market and wondered where my head was, I can tell you now that it was NOT there.
So, where have I been? I have been here.
Spending some time with my sister, who I don't see often enough. Making trips with my brother to chemo. Enjoying the time with my kids while they were home from college for the holidays. Going out dancing with my husband on Friday nights. And yes, still working on my book and projects. Basically trying to find a healthier balance in my life, which is not an easy task for me. But what I remind myself every day is that it's all a matter of perspective.
I'm still here.
My brother is still here after 14 weeks and 26 infusions.
My book is almost done.
And we have another day to live.
I am blessed.
Tad, looking good with no hair!
My sister and I with Tad..... all smiling!
Having some fun with family!
Now, I can't make any promises, but I am going to do my best to keep you more informed. There are a lot of other things that have been going on here that I hope to share with you. I just need to get it through my head that my blog posts don't all have to be a magnificent work of words, and my facebook doesn't have to be all about my work. Again, it's that perspective thing.
Oh yes, and about that book.....
I hope to have it to the printer next week, so be watching for it! I'll be posting pictures of the projects here and on my facebook page, so be looking for it sometime next week!
Thanks for hangin' with me!
