Monday, June 16, 2008

Poppy Field

I'm really struggling at the moment. I don't know why but I just seem to be shattered when I get home from work at the moment, MIL's health isn't improving and with dh's sister being worse than useless when it comes to her fair share of the caring that leaves us trying to do most of it. My Dad has announced that he is moving again so that is another thing playing on my mind, and sadly my sister lost an early stage pregnancy which is so upsetting as she was very excited, as we all were, about the prospect of a new addition to our family.

Before I was ill none of this seemed so hard and I found time and joy in picking up needle and fabric but at the moment I'm just finding it frustrating which is why yet again there has been very little blogging going on this week.

I did manage to complete an ATC for Anna's washer challenge (which should have been completed months ago, sorry Anna). I'm calling this one poppy field. I painted the washers red and then added lots of black seed beads to the centre.

I also made a little bit of progress on the cross stitch. As this is mostly half stitches and outlining it doesn't take too long to come together. Here is how I left it last week. And this is what it looks like as of today. So basically I've added the other side of the planet. I have the rest of the background to finish but again this is only half stitching and beading so I'm hopeful that this one won't take too much longer.

Nothing else on my to do list got done. I half quilted a block on my red cat quilt but decided that this is totally the wrong time of year for hand quilting I got so hot under all that fabric that I just gave up. This will get sidelined until winter I think.

I also started on some postcards but totally hated the way they were coming out so I've trashed them and it will be back to the drawing board.

I love to look at all of the wonderful blogs out there to see what everyone is up to but have to admit that where I usually find so much inspiration I'm just feeling downright depressed by the fact that my blog has become pretty boring and I can't seem to get my creativity flowing.

Next week dh and I are off to Cornwall for a holiday so I've decided to take a break until then. I will have no to do list for now and don't expect I will blog again until I come back. Hopefully my batteries will be recharged and I will feel like me again. Hope to see you when I get back, that is if I haven't scared you all away with my whinging and depression!

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Love the poppy field washer card and hope you are taking care of yourself. I know what its like to get so tied up with family you forget to look after yourself. Keep stitching and keep your chin up, have a lovely week in Cornwall.

Donna said...

hope your creativity muse comes back refreashed from her break soon :-) Truly, if you can, simply enjoy the break -- the muse will return.

Vicki W said...

I love the poppy postcard - very creative! I'm sorry to hear everything that you are going through. Don't forget to take care of yourself!

Anonymous said...

IUll still be here when you get back. I get depressed and whinge on my blog too -good to know Im not alone. have a good break, and I hope you get some more help from you know who. i liked the washer poppies

Vi said...

Love the Poppy ATC. So sorry to hear your MIL isn't improving and hugs to your sister. Enjoy your holiday and take care of YOU. Hugs, Vi

Unknown said...

Angela - poppy field looks great! We all have 'down' times - A friend said that this time should be called 'composting' like the Amish say you need time for ideas to brew, absorb and then become useful - just like compost! I do a lot of composting!! Have a good rest, relax, enjoy the 'summer' and when you are ready the ideas will be there!! Come to the Urchfont exhibition for ideas too!!. Lv anna

Sue Krekorian said...

Things will get better - we don't seem to allow time for recuperation and recovery these days - convalescence. Hope Cornwall works its magic on you. If you want to stop off for a cup of tea en route on either journey, let me know. Then I can give you a real hug! Too much happening at once for you, I think. You could do with a sheer pleasure project to lighten your creativity low. Cyberhugs for now, Sue xxx

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you need some time off Angela. Time to decompress and recharge and take care of you. Just take one day at a time and the creative spark will show itself again. Enjoy your time away :)

Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamese said...

Enjoy Cornwall, you really deserve a holiday. Love Anna's idea of composting... great... I could become a permanent member of the composting club. ;0)
Hope to see you at Urchfont on 6th July..... worth it even for the tea and delicious cakes, better bring your flexible friend, some awesome traders wil lbe there too.
Take care
Maggie

Whats New said...

Angela, I was wondering if I would ever find you again! You are into a whole new area of crafting. Love your cross stitch. Your poppies are beautiful and you are just so talented. Love your stuff..
Hugs
Aeron

Helen in the UK said...

Don't be so hard on yourself - you've been ill and it is going to take a while for your body and mind to recover. Add to that all the family difficulties - no wonder you feel run down and depressed. Give yourself a breather ... enjoy your holiday ... soak up the sea air and come back refreshed :)
PS: Love the poppy card

Anonymous said...

Oh my,

I have been a caregiver (10 years' experience) so I know whereof you speak. Don't force the creativity but *do* try to take time for yourself. Long walks and quiet times in cafes, journalling...these can be helpful. Don't worry about the 'muse' or 'being productive'; just make/do what your hands want to do. Sleep (naps) is good too.

Hugs,

Anonymous said...

Beautiful beautiful work.
Enough said.

Be well.

Alma

Unknown said...

hang in there girl...sometimes you just need a break! It sounds like a lot is going on right now....take care and I will keep checking on you! Melinda