Down Shifting

Thank You for all the support and sweet words of encouragement for my humble book project.  I appreciate it so much and everyone who stopped by.  I was (and still am) in the process of wrapping it up, but picked up a flu-bug and haven't done much this past week except drift in and out of misery.  After seeing the Mister off to work yesterday, I wanted nothing more than to take my tea and head back to bed, with the intention of spending the morning warm and idle, maybe even flipping through the latest issue of Marie Claire Idees.  But my head was pounding and laying down just made it worse, so I staggered outside and napped in the sun instead.  Hopefully the worst is over.  The girls have been sympathetic and helpful, yet keeping a healthy distance and so far no one else has succummed.  I am feeling much better today. 

Chicken soup works wonders.  More specifically, egg flower soup.  Which seems to taste best in proper bowls.   Recipe here.

Picked up my embroidery and downloaded a few movies while Grace took my car and drove to a friend's house.  That still feels strange.  I think I'm starting to get used to it.  Deep breathing helps.  "Sarah" and I watched The Ballad of Lucy Whipple together.  There's a book too.  It brought up questions and dialog that's sometimes hard for a tween to approach.  We had thoughtful conversation afterwards.  Followed by lemon popsicles.  It's hard to believe how much my girl has grown up this year.   I won't wax poetic, but it's bittersweet when the youngest of the brood is suddenly no longer "the baby".  If we're lucky grandchildren soon fill the gap.  I'm grateful to have a couple of them to take the edge off what feels like such a huge loss.  In some ways it is, I guess.  It's inevitable and natural and amazing, but also a little sad.  The end of childhood and the tender mothering that is no longer needed after that. 

So as expectations shift and new chapters begin it's nice to have a few crafty diversions to help, and I'm having fun with these.  They're part of my new bonus transfers up on the website now for September.  That little lass looks like my four-year-old grand.  I couldn't forget blackberries.  I'm still picking them.  And it's my birthday month! I love coming up with new designs throughout the year and find the inspiration for them all around me.    I'm particularly proud of that fawn.  It looks just like the one that has taken up residence in my backyard.

 

What a wonderful summer this has been.

Comments

[Velma]

My heart goes out to you. I hope you are feeling better soon. I'm so glad you have your family to look after you, and to give you the comfort you need.

[Maria Stahl]

I love the book The Ballad of Lucy Whipple (and all the others by Karen Cushman) and thought I'd love to see the movie, too, but bleah! that preview! Ick. Doesn't sound ANYTHING like the book, which is hilarious, brainy, subtle, all kinds of good things. I think I'll go get it out of my Netflix queue.

I hope you feel better quickly. The flu that's going around here seems to be a 24-hour thing. Yours has been longer, obviously.

[sara]

your blog is so delightful! I am new to embroidery and enjoying your posts. But! I am so making that egg flower soup tonight, looks delicious!!!!

[Lena]

I'm so sorry to hear that you've been sick. I always think summer is the worst time to catch a bug. I'm glad that it has been a wonderful summer despite your illness.

Somehow, we manage to survive the first years of driving, but I remember how hard it was, and I still miss my "little boy", but the grown up that he has become adds immeasurably to my life as well. Life is one big circle, isn't it? Sometimes, I wish I could slow down the merry-go-round.

I still love all that you share.

Take care Vicki.
xoxo

[Barb]

I, too, love your blog. Hope you are feeling so much better.

Without getting too personal, would it be possible to tell us a little about your eldest daughter and why she was living in southeast Asia? and is she back home permanently? I can only imagine how happy you must be to have her home. Truly, I respect your privacy and your family's, but living there sounds so exotic, so I was just curious. Thanks so much.

[Angela]

Thanks for the recipe link. I had egg flower soup at a a local restaurant today and was going to search for a good recipe tonight. Perfect timing.

[Naomi Michelle]

You have been given an award! Please stop by to get it!
Cheers,
The Bella Modiste

[clarice]

I am very excited Vicki to see your book. Clarice

[Amanda]

Vicki~

Hope you are feeling better soon! I think going out in the sun should do it! Love the picture of Ginger and the kitty! Oh, and thanks for the sweet comment on my new blog! Your blog is still my favorite!!!

~Amanda

[Linnea]

I hope you're feeling better. What a dear little fawn! I can't wait until the new issue of MCI gets into the shops here! Take care & have a great Friday.
xox,
Linnea

[Cathy Santarsiero]

Feel better! ((((big hug))))
Cat ^..^

[Yin]

boy, i go on one little 3 month blog-reading hiatus (not self-imposed; i had to take the bar)and i've missed so much! congratulations on your book! i cannot wait to read it!

[Alice]

I hope you are feeling better soon. I adore you blog and that little fawn in the yard looks like something straight out of your embroidery!

[Karen]

I can relate! I've done it already with my first two, but my children are so far apart, I'm going to have to do it again. Thanks for mentioning the movie. We don't watch TV and I get out of the loop for finding a good movie. That looks like a really good movie! Karen

[Rosa]

You sure do get a lot done when you're sick. Sure hope you're better soon. That fawn had to make the heart pitter patter. I saw a bunny today! Does the same thing. Aw.

[Suzanne]

Speedy recovery to you! Thank you for the soup receipt. I like my traditional one but sometimes when your sick one that is a little lighter hits the spot:-)

[Em]

What a cool thing - a fawn in your backyard! Your photos are wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing that recipe for the soup!

[Judy]

I've not been visiting for awhile, bad me. I'm sorry you weren't feeling well. The soup looks good, thanks for sharing the recipe.

[merry]

It really is wonderful having a fawn in your backyard, unless you are trying to grow a garden! I really like your embroidery sampler.
Merry