Thursday, January 6, 2011

Floral Blooms

I have seen a few folks sharing their Christmas Cactus, and I wanted you to see this beauty. Honestly, I take no credit for its blooms, it does as it pleases. I water it sometimes. It was a gift from Vicky last Christmas, 2009.
It is still in the paper it came in last year, lol
! I know, I have no shame. *vbg*



I guess at this time, I should remind you that I live in Southern California. I know that does make a difference.





Here is the little progress I've made on the crumble squares. I was going for a wonky setting, but I bet there is an easier way. I was kinda thinking along the lines of this one, but Amanda Jean did the smart thing of beginning with the same size square, mine are all different sizes, and some are rectangles. Ah, well, gives me more to think about, and keep my mind active. Busy hands keep you distracted sometimes....









My design wall is the bed, if you haven't noticed.





I've struggled as to whether to share this, so forgive me. I've been feeling like such a "Wednesday's Child" of late. I'm referring to the nursery rhyme,
Monday's Child:
Monday's child is fair of face,
Tuesday's child is full of grace,
Wednesday's child is full of woe,
Thursday's child has far to go,
Friday's child is loving and giving,
Saturday's child must work for a living,
But the child that's born on the Sabbath day,
Is fair and wise and good and gay.


I've not posted this, it has been so hard to deal with, but I lost my Dad. He fell on Christmas Day, and died about 12 hours later of subdural hematoma on Sunday, December 26. He lived in Virginia, I'm in California, and there is so much more than the 3,000 miles between here and there.

I've been so sad, I have barely been able to speak of it. Thank you to those who know, and are praying for us, truly. I'm gettin' better. I'm back to school, and slowly I'm dealing with the loss. Sometimes better than others. I do believe in a Father God Who has a plan, I know He loves me enough to give peace, that passes all understanding.

I think it's been a rough year. I think some of the difficulty is that I've just had my Larry in the hospital and with all swirling around that sorrow and medical bill stress, I just haven't been on a better level to deal with all the loss. I'm seeking the Lord. He has sent such love through others, it's been humbling, comforting, and - emotional.

My little brother has taken on most all of the responsibility and it has been a real gift to talk things over with him. We were left a few items of the household, and when Hap (my brother) asked what I wanted, I told him to look for the useful things.

The sewing basket I grew up with. The mixing bowl we would use for making dressing at holiday time. A few quilts, and quilt tops never finished, made by previous generations of our family. I will quilt them. The rockers. The wall clocks. Momma was a painter, so a few of her paintings. She took oil painting lessons from one of the top rated artists in Japan, when we lived there while Daddy was gone to Vietnam 1/2 of the 4 years we lived there. They are lovely reminders of the artistic dna that flows in our family.

Hap is on his way to my house tonight, driving the family memories here, from our rural Appalachia home, before he heads on to his house in Washington. I am biding my time, typing this, waiting to hug him, and be thankful for another reminder of God's love.

I have to admit, I'm looking for a better year in 2011.


Thanks for looking in. Lord willing, we will get back to the creativity.
Blessings, Pokey

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31





"Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." Romans 12:15

26 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm so glad your brother is on the way. That'll help you tremendously. I lost my Dad in 2002 and I still miss him every day. I'm not grieving, he was just such a great Dad.

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  2. I am weeping with you.

    Love both verses you gave.

    I feel so badly for you, I know it is such a shock. I am sure the items your brother is bringing you will be a source of comfort, sometimes just having reminders around helps. Hope you have a nice reunion with your brother.

    Just know you are loved and cared for.

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  3. Hi Pokey! I'm saddened for you to lose your dad, and so unexpectedly. I cannot imagine how painful that must be. The great distance from home must surely make it seem a little more surreal. My deepest sympathies. I will definitely rejoice WITH you in the beauty of that Christmas cactus and in your progress with those pretty crumbles, and I will also mourn with you, offering prayers of peace for you. May God pour his abundant grace into your life now.

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  4. My dear friend - my heart hurts for you. I know this is a terribly painful time. I'll be keeping you in my prayers.

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  5. I so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Hugs and prayers to you and your family. It sounds as if your brother is bringing you many family memories.

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  6. Oh, Pokey...I am so sorry. You really have been through a lot. I fear this evening will be tough for you and I fear next Christmas will be really horrible as well. You will need lots and lots of prayers. You will have them.

    Big HUGS!!

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  7. Ahhhhh, Pokey, I am so sorry about the passing of your dad....so unexpected, but it sounds like his passing was fairly easy on HIM. What a heartbreak for you to bear. Sometimes the ONLY strength I can find is in God's name....the ONLY comfort in quietness, letting him envelop me.
    I KNOW that having your brother come will be a healing time for you both. And these little tangible items full of memories will ease you through this time of grief. Praying for you, and praising our LORD..........

    Dolly

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  8. I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dad, and am sure it will be wonderful to see your brother and have some wonderful family things close to you. Thanks for sharing your beautiful cactus..stunning! You are one amazing woman!

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  9. I am so sorry to hear this Pokey. What a difficult time for you and your family. Praying God's grace and peace will fill your heart with the comfort that only HE can give. Remember the sweet memories of your Dad.

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  10. I am so sorry for your loss. It's never easy to loose a parent, been there done that. Hang onto all the good memories and of course you're lucky to have a great brother.

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  11. Oh, Pokey, I am so very sorry for your loss. You really have been through a lot lately. Will keep you in my prayers. Be gentle with yourself.

    Your Christmas cactus is incredible. Such beautiful fuchsia blooms! Love how your flowery crumble squares quilt is turning out too.

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  12. I'm so glad you will be able to hold those objects dear to you--and your brother tops the list. And I'm glad you're finding the comfort you need.

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  13. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss xoxo
    And so suddenly. and so close to the holiday.
    xoxo
    Love your pics! He will always be there~in spirit. Prayers for the entire family.

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  14. Hi Pokey ,

    Im so sorry to hear about your loss. Sending good thoughts your way in this very stressful and sad time.

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  15. I am so sorry! I wish an easing of your sorrow in 2011.

    Your cactus is gorgeous. I bought one for my new home and I need to pay some attention to the poor thing.

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  16. I, too, am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I am encouraged by your positive comments although I know there are many times of ups and downs. Mostly I am thankful that you know where our strength comes from! Prayers to you and your family. Love to you new friend, Judy

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  17. So sorry. Sending hugs and prayers, Pokey.

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  18. Oh, Pokey, I am so sorry to read that you lost your father. You have had such a stressful time of late and I pray that the good Lord gives you the strength to carry on and hope that each day gets a little easier. God bless you and yours. Carol

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  19. My deepest sympathy on the sudden loss of your father. This, coming so close on the heels of the health scare of your husband's, it's shaken you badly, I can see. Virtual hugs and heartfelt happiness that you are to have the gifts of useful items so close to all your memories, brought by your brother. You grieve, now, no need to be brave with us.

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  20. I'm so sorry for your loss. Lovely cactus and quilt...take care only time will help your grieving. Trish

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  21. Let's see now, just WHY have you left Nebraska??? LOL - what a change between your post from our weather. Nasty here! Your flowers are just lovely!!!

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  22. Oh, Pokey, my heart is sad for your pain. I'm trying to send positive thoughts and prayers your way.

    I do love your Christmas cactus and think it is blooming vibrantly and longer in an attempt to send you a special message and on-going support.

    Hugs, many hugs.

    SewCalGal
    www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

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  23. I'm thinking of you Dear Pokey.

    Big Hugs

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  24. I'm so sorry for your loss Pokey and I'm thinking of you and praying for you.. I lost my mother 2 years ago and a brother just over one year ago, I know it's a very difficult time. Virtual hugs to you and your family. I'm so happy to hear you'll have some of the family keepsakes. On a brighter note, your cactus is lovely and I love your beautiful floral blocks.

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  25. Sorry I am only reading your post now, my thought are with you and I am very sorry for your loss.
    quilting hugs
    Christine

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  26. oh Pokey! I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. You poor thing...what a shock. Prayers for you.

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Hello! Thank you for taking time to peek in! If you say hi, I do my best to send back the love :-}pokey