I met Aunt Dorothy as a newlywed just as her irascible husband entered his retirement years at the age of 55. I was quite intimidated by this mother of four grown children who seemed to have the energy of a washing machine constantly on the spin cycle.
Meals on the table with the precision of a mess cook in charge of an army of one, a bite of food not homemade ever touching the lips of Uncle Roy.
Baking, canning, cleaning, sewing, crocheting, church pot lucks and retreats, a home kept immaculately clean. I was worn out by her energies, I couldn't possibly imagine what her secret must be.
As I share my second post of the day, laundry folded and put away, pets fed and walked, house spic and span, I am struck by the amount of energy that seems to fill my days.
Aunt Dorothy's secret no longer one, empty-nest life stretches before me like an endless winding road.
Just an explanation offered for the crafts that seem to pour forth from my craft room without end. It's not that work and other things don't occupy my day, it's just that my mind seems to constantly be on speed dial!
I will say to my husband, "At least I'm being constructive!" and he will in turn reply, "Yeah, but it doesn't earn us any money!"
There wasn't a moment of any day spent with Aunt Dorothy that she didn't greet me with a warm smile and a piece of pie. And so this is where I am in my life's journey, a very happy place to be.
31 comments:
Lovely project!
Remind Hubby that it's cheaper than therapy, and you're not driving him nuts being his shadow.
OMGosh. Yours are so adorable. Such detail. Mine looks pretty shabby next to yours. So cute.
Sounds like something that would come right out of my Hubby's mouth.
Yes, it is cheaper than therapy, hah.
HA! Anytime I feel guilty for working in my art room, my Mom always says, "It's cheaper than therapy" and I add, "And at least I'm not at the bar picking up guys."
Art is food for the soul! The day you stop creating, is the day YOUR HUSBAND is going to need therapy!
I just read your note. I am a little sad but understand. If you want me to come your way or meet in the middle, that would be okay. Think about it....if not we can be good ole computer buddies, hah. It was so nice to talk to you on the phone....we can do that once in awhile as well. ((((HUGS))))
What a wonderful post. I loved every little bit of it. You are so talented.
Genie @ buttonsforbaga.blogspot.com
Elizabeth, are you telling me that I should expect to have lots more energy and a clean house now that I'm (only just) post-menopausal??? Yahoo! I think I may have to wait for my son to finish growing and be on his own before the clean house part will happen. That's OK, my nest will be empty soon enough. For now, I'll enjoy every minute of my family and ignore the mess.
Such a wonderful banner. I know it's not even August yet but I'm ready for my favorite season. These Autumn crafts just make my heart sing.
You are something else kiddo! I got my Wild West tags done for Paula, now I am taking a bit if a breather.....SUre enjoyed doing a little something outside of the box! :):) Your fall tage is so ...YOU! LOL
Your fall banner is cute and I agree that blackbird is perfect!
Cheaper than therapy...now that I can use.
(~~)
Julie
Nice photos! Love your BLOG!!! It's fantastic! :)
I love this post...The banner is adorable, your room is my kinda happy place and my husband says the same thing..."how much can you charge for it?" It's not about the money, it's about the process. My line is -It's cheaper than shoes-Have a blessed week, Patty
Your banner is adorable. ME would be proud to know you!!
Hi E!
Oh my! The little blackbird is just the sweetest! I MUST have the pattern? PLEEEEEEEEEASE? He's so completely adorable...and THAT fall banner is so much more YOU. The scotties in the sweaters kill me...I MUST make some scotties (I like to fancy they are "Websters") in sweaters!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! I have "fits" of boundless energy...but they don't seem to be nearly as productive as yours are! Of course, working with folks and their problems 8 hours a day takes it outta ya!
you're an inspiration!
That is the sweetest banner! Love the blackbird!!
Elizabeth..thank you..for showing the gals some ideas. I guess my thoughts on paper..don't transcend on paper. I need to make my ideas before..suggesting anyone else make them!
I do love the crows!! The banner is very..very cute.
I get more done when no one is home!!Twice tonight I had to move stuff for my hubbie to use the table for his work..argh...I will have to pull some late late nights.
Hugs..Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham
Love it...
Hi Elizabeth,
The best thing about your blog is seeing your beautiful Craft room. I just love to stop by when you are showing. The sun is shining through, how beautiful!
Keep Crafting Elizabeth your work is truly gorgeous!
Hugs Suex
post menopausal myself, I know exactly what you mean! I can't wait to get up in the morning... I've turned into my mother!! regards Jenny,sending xx from the UK
Elisabeth, I am so glad that you are in a *happy place* in your life right now. YOu deserve it! You are blessed with a kind hearted and loving spirit and you spill it out onto those of us who cross your path! Thank you for sharing your bright spirit with us!
much lov!
vivian
Elizabeth you just blow me away! Each project better than the last. As I have said before, "You inspire me"!
Michle
Old Machala Farm
Thanks for filling my mind's eye with so much fun1 The apron with the upside down tulips is so sweet!
I always think it's funny when blogging girls will say I have lots of energy! I guess it all depends on who you're comparing too. Up until recently, my MIL could run circles around me! My DIL is the same. I am who I am, though and I actually do like me. :) I like you too, Elizabeth! ♥
I love your crafts and craft room, but more than that, I love the stories you share. You are so positive and uplifting. Thanks!
Hi Elizabeth!
I'm on my iPad - such a pain in the patootie to type on!!
I googled my blog and saw your message as big as day - thank you, I have deleted the comment. I don't know why I am being hit on each thread???! Wah!
Were painting over here and I don't know when I'll be able to get to the computer and scanner - I'm going into blog withdrawal.
Happy week to you,
Sally
Thanks for clearing up that mystery. I am somewhere in the middle (I think, who knows :) of this menopause thing and haven't noticed any bursts of energy yet. LOL.
Your banner is so sweet. It would be a real shame if you didn't bring your wonderfully creative ideas to life. They bring such happiness to so many and so do your charming stories.
Elizabeth-love your banner!! This swap has been so much FUN!!! I'm finishing up my part tonite and tomorrow nite--it's time to add all the "jewelry" like trims and buttons and stuff!!!
Cheaper then therapy-yup! I don't smoke, drink, do drugs or have an expensive sport hobby--crafting is my "thing"
Adorable, adorable! Thank you, also, for visiting my site. I really feel honored when you do because you are a pro!!!
Hugs,
Suz
Dear Elizabeth,
Thanks for today's post. I am in the middle of menopause apparently as I feel like doing not one thing. Your post gives me hope. Hope that one day I will feel like doing all the things I want to do now but can't. Hope that someday I really will wake up and be happy. Thank you. Your blog is a daily dose of cheer for me. I am not in a position right now to have either a craft room or even do crafts, but I see yours and can at least dream. I visit daily and leave with a smile, so thank you. Can you answer one thing for me though, what do you all do with all those tags that you send back and forth? A banner, a scrapbook, wallpaper, what?????? Oh, another question, sorry. If I don't have a blog of my own, but would like to participate in one of your tag swaps, how would I do that. I have all kinds of ideas, but no way to share them as I have no blog. Looking forward to hearing from you. Like I said, Living in Hope, Love Ya, Angela
Wonderful post today, Elizabeth! Especially after I realized that I am most likely in the beginning of peri-menopause. I wasn't sure because I also quit smoking a couple of months ago and the "symptoms" I'm having I was attributing to that. I'm waiting on that energy! {I think my current tiredness IS attributed to the quitting smoking, though}.
Hi Elizabeth! Enjoy your down time. You certainly deserve it as you are always a whirlwind of activity, inspiration and creativity. I imagine, though, when you do come back, you will have much to share. Best wishes always, Tammy
Hi Elizabeth! I look forward to stopping by your blog. You're an inspiration! Love that banner.
Getting ready for the fall and Christmas craft shows here in Ohio.
.....slowly.
Have a nice break!
Thanks to your site I just appendre several things. Keep going!
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