What I’ve been doing, gazing upon and generally up to the last few days:
Sorting, listing, keeping track of, packing, sending: our heart shaped earrings. On Monday, I spent a couple of hours wrapping, writing shipping labels, and packing all the earring orders. On Tuesday, I took them all to the Post Office and they are now winging their way to you. We have a few more in the shop if you’re interested.
I love them.
Quilting in the evenings. I’m more than half way through. Maybe almost 3/4 of the way through!
Tending Riley’s Dish Garden. I’m trying not to over water these succulents. I’ve been missing my boy so much lately. I’ve always sung a lot to my dogs and sometimes I find myself singing a lyric that includes “Riley and Scout” and I stop short, with a jolt to my heart of missing my boy and the realization once again that he isn’t here for me to pet and love and take care of.
Putting down the bathroom floor in the dollhouse. Lots more to do in that room. I don’t know why, but every toilet, bathtub or sink that I find looks silly. There are so many miniatures for other rooms that are completely realistic, but bathroom pieces? No. This is a problem.
Thinking about spring and birds and nests. We had a little dusting of snow overnight. More snow is due on Friday. Spring cannot come soon enough.
Thinking of ‘freshly sharpened pencils.’ I will be working on the script for Twelfth Night soon – that means a batch of pencils needs to be ready and waiting. And maybe it’s time to watch You’ve Got Mail again?
Hearts. It’s the season. Earrings. Rocks. They’re everywhere.
And painting. The jury is still out on Chalk Paint.
An update on my parents: Dad called 911 yesterday morning because of chest pain. They discovered a blood clot in his lung, so he’s been admitted to the hospital where they are working to dissolve the clot. Mom had some sort of episode over the weekend – we think it might have been another Transient Ischemic Attack. She’s had at least one in the past. She’s better now, but we were rather worried for a while there.
Aging parents = worries.
Happy Wednesday.
Good Morning Claudia and Scout,
I understand completely you missing your boy. I think of my Blue Boy every day and wonder about him. I loved the this and that about your post today. Yes aging parents == worry,
Have a great day
Suzan
Ladybug Cottage
You too, Suzan!
Prayers to your folks. Hope they are both feeling better soon.
I always sang songs with the doggies names in it to my dogs too! Now I sing to my granddogs the Bonnie and Clyde song and put in Tessa and Thai instead. When I come to the line “they were the devil’s children” I always scratch both sides of their necks and give them a kiss.
Hope your snow is light.
Tana
Friday’s snow is already being labeled “Heavy Snow” anywhere from 6 to 12 inches. Yuck.
Even more now than right after our Penelope died I say her name when calling Katie Belle. Her ears perk up and she looks around and then we’re both sad. You think you’re doing fine and then something makes you fall apart. But life goes on and other worries pop up to distract you. And there is always beauty in the little things around you, as you have shown today, to soothe you.
Yes, you can suddenly be overwhelmed with sadness, can’t you?
Morning…we are again waiting for more snow. I too am wishing for Spring, and hoping your parents will be fine. Do they live far away from you? Next question…are those tiny flip flops on your bathroom floor? Too cute! Stay warm, keep busy, and don’t overwater the succulents!! When is Don coming home? ;)
Yes, those are tiny flip flops – given to me by my pal Jill. My parents live in Florida- very far away. Don is coming home in less than 2 weeks.
I am sorry to hear about your parents. I lost my father at a young age, but went through the trenches with my mom, who really wasn’t that old. Oh well. The circle of life. I hope they are both on the mend and doing well. I also sing to my birds every day. Happy to know I am not the only one! One of them whistles back, the other just yells. These little dustings are on my last nerve. xo
It’s good to sing to our pets!
Claudia the aging parents thing is so hard. I’m saying a prayer for your parents. I worry about my Mom so much, but thankfully right now she is doing well. Can’t wait to get my heart earrings! Sounds like you have been very busy. I know you are missing your boy. It’s so hard isn’t it. I think I’m feeling like I need some Spring weather also!
hugs,
Linda
Your heart earrings should be there tomorrow or Friday.
I hear ya on aging parents! Dad=dementia (louies syndrome), mom=massive stroke! 5th wheel still parked in the mobile home court in their town to help them. I am still thankful that hubs can work from wherever we are parked which allows us to help mom and dad in these later years!
I have a couple of dogs that I really miss too. They take a little piece of your heart but return so much more! Their lives are just too short and they are truly missed!
Like your heart shaped rocks! Good finds!
I’m so glad you are able to be there with your parents. Mine are far away.
It’s so hard when we lose our fur babies. I especially miss George, my kitty that passed over two years ago. Our Chloe dog still misses him too.
You’re such a busy person. Earrings, gardens, quilts, pencils, dollhouses, scripts. You are indeed a woman of many talents.
It’s so difficult when our parents age. I lost my mom when I was in my 20’s and my Dad just a few years ago. It’s never easy. I watch my friends care for their aging parents and always say a prayer for them for grace to carry out this difficult task.
Blessings,
Betsy
Oh, for some grace. It can be especially challenging.
Lots of loveliness going on around your place. Hope your parents recover quickly.
Thank you, Lorrie.
Looks like you are keeping busy while Don is gone and it’s so cold up there!! Sorry to hear about your parents. Does your sister live close to them? I really don’t think the absence of a beloved pet ever goes away. I still sometimes open the front door and expect my little poodle to be there and she’s been gone a long time. It’s just special little times and things that bring them right back into your memory. Good memories.
Judy
My sister lives one mile away from them.
I wanted to let you know that you are culturally educating me! I have never been one to know literary or theatrical works – I just have never really been exposed to it much. But, it all started with Don and “Pygmalion” – I had heard of the play before – but knew nothing about it and was curious. I checked out the 30’s movie version of it – and hubby, son and I watched it and really enjoyed it. I saw your book review of “Expats” – I just picked it up yesterday from the library! And now, Twelfth Night? I just put a hold on the DVD at the library. Hopefully I’ll become a little more culturally rounded thanks to you Claudia!
You may have featured it before, but what is that bowl in the top photo? I just love the color and design of it!
Aging parents – it seems like so many of us are going through similar tough times right now – it is SO hard. You are staying busy (as is evident in your post!) and I’m finding that staying busy on things important to my family & me is clearly the best way to keep my worrying at bay. Remember “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of it strength”. Take care Claudia.
Oh how wonderful Deb! I’m glad you are enjoying the plays and the book.
The bowl is by Homer Laughlin pottery – it’s a mixing bowl. The pattern is “Orange Tree.”
I know how you feel about Riley – I still miss my Gwinnie!
The earrings are so lovely – I sent Meredith a note and we chatted back and forth – what a sweet person! I am so glad I found her blog, thanks to you!
I will keep both your parents in my prayers – it is hard watching our parents age.
Finally, I hope that Don has completely recovered from his recent illness!
I’m glad you and Mer had a nice chat, Paula.
Don is fully recovered from the flu. He’s still tired, but that’s to be expected.
I hope your father is on the mend soon. Thank goodness they called 911. I miss my parents everyday, nothing prepares us for the grief, as you found with losing Riley. And there is no time limit on it.
You really are keeping occupied, your days are interesting and varied. How much longer until Don comes home? I hope he has recovered from that nasty bug. Snow predicted here, too, just when the old stuff has melted!
XO,
Jane
Don will be home on the 18th – less than 2 weeks away! Yep, that darn snow is coming here – lots and lots of it, they say.
I have aging parents also and it’s hard. Especially if you don’t live in the same town with them. All you can do is worry long-distance. I think of you often as I look at my two beautiful best-dogs. The idea of losing one of them makes me tear up instantly. I also sing songs to my dogs!
It’s hard being far away – and especially hard on my sister, who lives nearby and has to shoulder everything.
I really enjoyed today’s post, Claudia!! The dollhouse floor is adorable and the flip-flops make it so sweet!! I am sending prayers and good thoughts for your parents. I know this is hard on you – so many of us know exactly how you are feeling, and being far away makes it all the more worrisome. Sending you a hug and know I am thinking of you… I don’t ever think we get over losing our beloved pets… I swear I still hear my little poodle coming down the hall and she’s been gone over 10 years… Speaking of spring, thought I heard some spring birds this morning… they probably don’t know about the snow coming… but I really enjoyed their chirping.. Francine
I have been hearing birds, too, Francine. Maybe the snow will be less than predicted? One can only hope.
I love those earrings but just think I can wear them because of the wool. They are beautiful.
So sorry that your parents are having problems. I can relate to that for sure.
I thought of my dog that has been gone for 4 years just this morning. She loved frosted flakes. i would sprinkle some on the floor and she loved them. They are such a bug part of your life for so long and you miss them forever.
Love those tiny flip flops and those heart shaped rocks.
How is your Hubby feeling.
It’s good that you are both getting work now.
Have a good rest of the week.
Don is feeling better. He’s still tired, and he has 9 shows to do this week. But the flu is gone, thank goodness!
I need to proof my comments. I can’t wear them because of the wool. Our pets are a big (not bug) of our lives. I need a secretary.
I’m so sorry to hear about your parents, Claudia. I know it must be so worrying. I hope they will be alright and get through these recent health scares. xx I love all these images today, and the projects you’re working on. I have been knitting each night and it’s been such a nice way to spend these winter evenings. I’m sorry you’re missing Riley so. Losses like that stay with us, I think. I hope you find what you need for the dollhouse. I can easily picture a pedestal sink and old clawfoot tub. (And aqua-blue towels, of course!!) Take care.
I’d like both of those things, but the ones I see in Miniature catalogs have flowers painted on them or some such thing!
Maybe you could paint over them? (With a teeny, tiny brush!) This is VERY pricey (to me at least!) but is this the kind of thing you’d like? http://www.reallygreattoys.com/product/58577/deluxe-bathroom-set?gclid=CNmw09vVorUCFQyZ4AodDAcA9A If so I’ll keep my eyes peeled!
I have a feeling those pieces aren’t to scale, Haworth. I think they are for little kids to play with. The dollhouse pieces need to be 1″ = 12″ – 1 to 12. But thank you, my friend.
Hi Claudia, Have you looked into the Chrysnbon bathroom kit? In my opinion, it’s the most realistic miniature bathroom set out there. It’s plastic, you paint it, and it looks sooooo realistic! Now, whenever I see a miniature bathroom that looks REAL, I see that it was made from one of these kits. You can even age the bathtub with a ring around the drain, if you want! Very fun! xo Jennifer
Love the earrings. Just read of two bloggers who are on the verge of losing their beloved pets. And another whose husband died of cancer. Such sad times for some. Sending healing wishes to your parents. Blessings, Tammy
Oh, such sad news. Loss is devastating, no matter who – beloved pet, spouse, friend, family. My heart goes out to them.
A few years ago I had a Cocker and my new husband had a Springer. We hadn’t been married long, when one morning I heard him singing to his Laddie. He had substituted his own words to a simple little tune. It was the same song that I sang to my Maggie for several years. We looked at each other with puzzled faces…how could that happen? We still talk about that and sometimes even sing that little tune… to remember them both.
Balisha
Oh Balisha – that is the neatest story! Who would have thought? You were meant to be together.
Two things.
1. I have the same bowl that is in your top photo. It was my grandma’s.
2. I agree. Spring cannot come soon enough.
dear claudia, you have my thots & prayers during these times when your parents are not well. my brother phoned today saying mom was not having a good day at all, had fallen twice in the nursing home( has just been there 3 weeks), no less, and was in the bed today. i’m 135 miles away, thinking i should run but realizing she’s being properly cared for, they’ve called her doctor & i need to breathe & save my trip…aged parents = much concern. hugs to you, i know how you are feeling, pam p.s. when is don home and is he well???
I love seeing the daily details of what my blogging friends have been up to. I’m really sorry to hear about your parents. My dad passed away over 14 years ago; he was only 63. My mom is 72 now, but in excellent health. My FIL and one of my sisters-in-law are in very poor health though (both physically and mentally), so they’re always a worry.
Can’t wait until I receive my pink heart earrings. I’m sure they’re even cuter in person than they are in the photos.
Your succulents look beautiful. Remember – they only need watering about once every two weeks.
Of course you miss your Riley boy…keep on singing to him. :-)
Oh gosh, hugs to you and your parents. A worry indeed. Great snippets of your day, so sorry still about Mr. Riley. :( On the upside, you may busy yourself creating a miniature outhouse until you find the right bathroom fixtures! xo
Hi Claudia,
It’s so nice to be able to stop by now that I am home from San Diego. Baby is doing well and I’m a happy Grammy! My trip was a lengthy one with baby two weeks overdue. I’m home now with the flu, but today I have the energy to do a bit of blogging.
I’m sorry to hear your parents are struggling. My Mom just settled into a care facility a week ago. These are difficult times for our loved ones…and, they tug at our heartstrings.
I just ordered two pairs of your sister’s amazing earrings. They are darling…She is a master! I can hardly wait to wear them!
Have a wonderful weekend, my friend. It’s good to be back.
Carolynn xoxo