Monday 4 December 2017

The ups and downs of life......

I have been mulling this post over in my head for a few days now, and trying to work out what to say, and a title for it. I have settled on the Ups and downs of life, but it could also be "Behind the scenes".... or Life goes on....

The weather has been very unseasonal, with temperatures going from very hot, to quite cool again. There has been lots of rain, which some farmers are happy about, and some, who are in the middle of harvest, not so happy about. My garden is thankful, and it has saved me the job of watering.

I have managed to get a few quilts finished, that have been picked up by customers, and have reported on a wedding, and some family time, and posted about my farming history. It must be time for a few photos of quilts.

First up is one made by Jenny, using a striped fabric, and quilted allover with a pattern called Exploding Stars.



This stack and whack quilt, also made by Jenny, and quilted allover with a pattern called Cottonseed.



Sherrel made this quilt, designed by Michele Hill, and called William Morris Revisited. This was custom quilted.




This quilt is one made by Margaret at a Pick a Case Mystery retreat, and quilted allover with a floral design.



There are still more photos in the files, but they can wait for another day. I am about to commence another custom quilt, which I hope is finished by the end of the week, so that I can deliver it when I head up to the city again. I should be standing by Max by now, but am still sitting at the computer. I am struggling a bit with motivation at the moment, and feel a bit flat.  I had planned on getting the bookwork up to date on the weekend, and did achieve some, but admit to spending quite a bit of time sitting in the recliner and reading a book. Reading is something I love to do, but have not done for ages, mainly because when I start, I need to finish the book. I have been striving, unsuccessfully, for awhile now to find a balance in my life. Maybe this is it??

In between the quilting, there has been a lot of "life" happening, which does not get blogged about. There are many people I know who are dealing with things at the moment, and my heart, and prayers, goes out to them. A special friend is coming to terms with her son being diagnosed with cancer......another friend has lost her sister this weekend, only 2 months after the death of her mother.........another is going through the roller coaster ride of the premature birth of a grandson........and I know 2 people who are coping with partners with dementia.... a special couple who are hurting after losing their baby in a miscarriage a few days ago........and a special lady who has been battling illness now for a few years.

And behind the scenes I have been dealing with my own health issues. A routine blood test managed to show up some unusual results. Many blood tests, and other tests later, I was sent to a Haemotologist for further testing. This was a bit of a shock to the system, and even though you say, deal with a day at a time, the mind and thinking goes off in lots of directions. What if.... ?? Suffice to say, that although this abnormality is still present, it will be checked every 4 months, and there is only a small chance of a problem in the future. Lots of quilts to do yet!! And an upside to this experience was having good friends who went with me, or drove me to appointments when I was unable to drive myself. And a special, very rare, time spent with my sister (who is 16 years younger), who came to the last appointment with me, when I received the final results. I am very blessed indeed.

With all this, and what's happening in the world today, it is easy to get down, and depressed and lose hope. Looking back on some of the things in my life, now I can see a purpose and a blessing that came from it. I will continue to trust and believe that God is in control, which gives me peace.
 And as we lead into the Christmas season, I am reminded that God sent his son, that we may have hope, love joy and peace.

Blessings, From Jude

6 comments:

Joy from Days Filled With Joy said...

There is a lot of life happening behind the scenes of our quilting life isn't there.. glad your test results are manageable.. you hang in there my dear.. sending prayers your way xx

Susan Smith said...

Sending lots of love and huggles. Yes, we do all have a "life" outside our blogs and some of us can write about it and some can't. Prayers and well wishes to you and all your friends who are battling with problems. Hot, cold, wet? I wonder what the weather wizard will send next. Take care.

Sue SA said...

So much going on, other peoples grief is hard to ignore and difficult to comfort, especially this time of year. Thinking of you and hoping that the abnormality just stays like that and doesn't morph into anything the doctor needs to do something about! It doesnt make it easier to live with, I think the waiting to find out is the hardest, as your mind does dwell on the unknown. The known you can research, talk about and process and grieve over. The unknown is a heavy burden to bear. I hope you find more solace in reading a book and ignoring the things that must be done, they will be there tomorrow!

Michele Hill said...

So much of life is out of our control and it is definitely a time to cherish all that we have and the people that we care so much about......hugs as always dear friend x

Jean McGee said...

We are very fortunate to have such loving, caring friends who help us get through the bad times, and give us the support we sometimes need. Judy, you are the "tie that binds us all", without you I certainly wouldn't have met such wonderful people and am very grateful for that. Keep positive and all will be well.
Big hug from me. 😍😍xx

Linda Steele said...

Sorry you have been going through some tough times. Hopefully you will get some rest time over Christmas and feel better after a break. We women always want to fix things and sometimes we just have to go with the flow. xx