I’m resorting to already-seen photos of the dollhouse. There isn’t much time in my days here in which to take pictures and I’ve only got my iPhone with me.
I had so wanted to drive down to the big miniatures show in Philadelphia this coming weekend. It’s called Philadelphia Miniaturia. I’ve never been to a miniature show and I’ve always wanted to attend one. Now that I have a reliable car, I was all set to go. But life intervenes and I just can’t do it. Maybe next year?
I see so many wonderful posts from my fellow dollhouse lovers that chronicle the amazing mini treasures they find at these shows. I, in fact, have been the lucky recipient of several miniature show treasures – gifts from my blog readers.
Waaah.
Patience is a virtue, Claudia. Patience.
I’ve been canceling accounts, finding out what bills my Dad had on Auto-Pay, making all sorts of inquiries and sorting pictures and memories into three piles for my brother’s children. We found a lot of pictures of my brother when he was a little boy, along with letters and cards he sent to my mom and dad, and we thought they would like them. My brother died in 1991, when his eldest child was 16. They’ve been without a dad for a long, long time.
We’ll be doing more work at my dad’s condo this afternoon. It’s very hard being there – it’s very hard seeing the cats waiting for him. It’s very hard seeing my dad’s oil paintings hanging on the wall. Let’s face it, it’s just plain hard being in a place that, not all that long ago, was a haven for both of my parents.
Life continues on, but I find I have very little desire to read blogs right now. I’m trying, and I do read some posts, but I have no interest in the latest fall mantels, if you know what I mean. I’m reading some blogs but I haven’t left any comments. I’ll get back in the swing of things, but it will take a while.
You know how it is; you’re aware that life is going on around you, but you can’t quite partake in it. That’s how it is right now.
I had a little boy sitting on my lap this morning and that sure helps.
Happy Thursday.
Oh, Claudia; what a difficult task. On so many levels, from the belongings to the cats.
When you do feel better, take a look at a blog called Backwards in High Heels (maybe you already have?). Written by Tania Kindersley from Scotland. Absolutely wonderful writer, and she reminds me so much of you; lovely stories and lovely writing from both of you. Her mother recently passed away, and her words echo so much of what you’re feeling.
Wishing you the best.
Elle
I have read that blog, Elle, but not lately. I’ll make sure to read her posts about her mother. Thank you.
Claudia, No advice here except enjoy your nephew. Children can make us laugh and forget our problems during time spent with them. Doris
Absolutely. He is helping us all.
These are the hard tasks that must be done and it’s draining to say the least. I know it helps to have little Z there! Other things just don’t matter all that much right now. I am sorry you have to miss the miniature show but there is next year :) Continued hugs and prayers.
Linda
Next year for sure, Linda.
Just a simple hug for you. I have been where you are. Words don’t help. So, a hug.
Hugs are always welcome, Debbie.
those little ones can certainly help ease the grief.
Praying for you and Mere.
Judy
Thank you, Judy.
Children are wonderful medicine. The are the gift which definitely keeps on giving. Your nephew looks so sweet!
Praying for strength for you and your sister.
He is very sweet – and lively. Thank you, Sue.
I’ve been where you are and all I can say it is very hard and you are graciously sharing your experience. My thoughts are with you.
Thank you, Annie.
Hurts.
Blessing you from here.
Nothing like a little boy in one’s lap.
Mantels are for calmer days.
I’m with you, “Wah!” Oh, well.
:)
Mantels are for when I actually have a fireplace!
Thank you, Aunt Lou.
I have no mantel, but they are lovely. Just don’t feel like looking at them or tablescapes or front porches (don’t have one of those, either) when life is overwhelming.
Now, dollhouses – I can always enjoy dollhouses. Just found one for $15 at Goodwill. Solidly built and in need of rehab, if not actual reno. It’s as hidden as such a huge thing can be, waiting for January. :)
Bravo! Good find, Lou!
:) My dear husband was not impressed. He had to admit it is well built. He schlepped it for me and I got rid of the darling little vintage printed-on-somekindaboard dollhouse I had, as I promised.
Hope I’ve added a smile to your day. <3
You sure have!
Patience, and perseverance seem to be the words of the day. Thank goodness for Little Z! Hugs! ;)
Thank you, Donnamae. Little Z is helping all of us.
I so know what you mean. Our father’s memorial is tomorrow, our mom’s was 2 years ago. Nothing else about living seems important right now (including, for me, dollhouses and quilting.) We cleared out their home earlier this year, and that process produces feelings we never knew we had in us.
Hoping for peace for you and Meredith. It’s so hard.
Gail
Sending you and yours lots of love as you remember your father, Gail. xo
In time all things come, as someone used to say to me, you have to feel the feelings. So just feel how it feels and in time things will come round again, different, but OK. xx
I’m letting myself feel the feelings. I suspect more of them will surface when I head back home and have more free time.
Hi Claudia,
No one expects you to blog. Goodness sakes there isn’t a gun to your head. This is time to reflect and be with your family and take extra care of yourself.
Namaste
I never said I didn’t want to blog, Karen. I just said I didn’t have a new picture. And that I don’t want to do much blog reading. If I don’t want to post one day, I won’t. I find blogging and writing therapeutic and it helps me. That’s why I keep writing every day.
One day, one task at a time. I remember feeling as if my feet were mired in quicksand. The list of things to do kept getting longer, and I felt like I was getting nowhere.
Sometimes the best thing to remember is “just breathe.”
And some Little Buddy time never hurts, either. ❤️
Little Buddy time is the best thing right now. He makes me laugh a lot. (I think he’s an angel!)
A few days ago I typed out a long message to you, not only to say how sorry I am for your loss, but also how I felt when my Dad died (1974) He was only 69. My Mum died in 2000 aged 97. In the end I couldn’t send the comment, because it hurt too much. Take care of yourself, it’s very easy to make yourself ill. I was pregnant with my daughter when my Dad died, and it still hurts to know he never saw her. I adore cats, and would willingly look after your Dad’s if I could. I hope you find them a good home. It will be one less worry. I hope you find peace of mind my friend. Blessings
Thank you, Lesley.
The mundane and routine things of life seem so trivial when you are dealing with the loss of a loved one. When my son passed away it took me a long time to begin to enjoy those everyday things around us that make up the fabric of our lives. The heart needs quiet and peace to heal.
Beautifully put, Ann – “The heart needs quiet and peace to heal.” Thank you.
I don’t mind looking at your dollhouse pictures anytime Claudia…the one above is so nice with the pottery and tiny books…Hugs..
They do make me smile, and if the make you smile, all the better, Nancy.
Hello Claudia. It’s never wrong to need or want “time out.” I certainly understand and can relate, as I’m sure most everyone else can as well. And, so good you have Little Buddy (or that Swaggering Pirate) to help you through these times.
He is the best, Vera. Thank you.
I would say, take some time and let Life circle around you for a little while. Do what you can, as you can – and do what’s right for YOU – now. If having a goal like posting every day is helpful, then keep on truckin’ and more power to you. But if you’re feeling like you really need some time away from your keyboard – to breathe deeply, to think, to NOT think – then by all means take it. We have all been there, and we understand. Post a few of your Greatest Hits from time to time – in place of a brand-new post. If you feel like it. Hey, good writing – is ALWAYS good. ?
PS – just an idea but one I recommend from my own experience. My niece & nephew were very young [7 and 4] when my parents died, and we wanted to do whatever we could to “capture” their memories of Mom and Dad, so in the days and weeks after their deaths, we asked them questions about Grandma & Grandpa – and TAPED THE REPLIES. I don’t know why we didn’t think of video, but we didn’t. Anyway, my brother & SIL did the majority of this of course but we’re a fairly close family and get together regularly so we aunts and uncles got in on this too. At the time, of course, both kids had lots of strong recent memories of them and they jibber-jabbered about all kinds of things, fun times they’d had together etc. You would’t believe how wonderful it is to listen to those tapes NOW. I actually think the kids themselves, now 23 and 20, enjoy them most of all of us. My nephew especially has told me he knows he would have forgotten a lot if we didn’t have it on tape.
Thanks, Janet. xo
Thinking of you.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Thank you, Susan.
Just want you to know I am thinking of you and Meredith and saying an extra prayer, too.
Thank you, Dottie.
A big hug from me, too.
Thank you, Wendy!
Bless you, Claudia. I lost my mom at the end of June this year and I still haven’t been able to partake in everyday life as I had it. I am not rushing it either. The heart takes as much time as the heart needs. Losing your parents is devastating. May you be surrounded by all your loved ones through this difficult time. Hugs to you.
Thank you, Patty. And hugs to you, as well.
It must be heartbreaking to see the cats waiting for your dad to come home, take care of yourself Claudia, sending big hugs.
It is, Caroline. Thank you.
Please take time for yourself to grieve, to remember,to honor all you feel. Your dad was so lucky to have you for a daughter. (please don’t feel that you must respond to this email. You must be exhausted)
Thank you, Terry.
You must get to a miniature show at some point. There is nothing like it. :D I am lucky that there are many shows several times a year here in my area.
I’m so sad that I can’t go, but money is very tight, so I’d probably be frustrated, Brae! Next year.