First post of '25

Last October, I planned to do a post a day.  I got to the 23rd.  It started in earnest, but I lost steam along the way.  The whole year is kind of a blur.  But I'm starting to see the light.  Starting to see so much more clearly.  And slowly but surely my 'steam' is returning.  Ever so slowly, but steadily.  

You see, last year-- for about 3 months I couldn't get out of the recliner/chair.  I was bed-ridden but couldn't lay in bed!  From February 2nd until mid April, there I sat.  I couldn't cook, shop, do laundry, clean my house, attend Mass, anything.  Couldn't, couldn't, couldn't.  And I couldn't even read, crochet or watch much tv to pass the days.  Fortunately, I learned the value of napping!  

But it's a new year and here I am.  Here, when a few times I didn't think I would be. I have a confession to make right here, right now.  As a Catholic, we are taught to pray - "Thy will be done".  But I couldn't bring myself to tell God that if it was His will that this was it for me, let it be done.  I prayed instead for healing, another chance to be here for my loved ones.  Another chance to live out my days to a ripe old age.....older than 65.  

As I look back, that was selfish.  Selfish, because I am all His.  He is my Creator and I am His creation.  I would not be in the first place had He not given me my life.  My life is His, not mine.  

In June, as my health was continuing to improve from the earlier issues, I underwent the first of two thyroid surgeries.  One side had cancer, the other didn't.  But the good one had to go as well, to prevent further cancer.  You can't have thyroid cancer if you don't have your thyroid!   And as of my last ultrasound on the 3rd, no further thyroid tissue problems are showing themselves.  Thanks be to God!  The thyroid replacing meds seem to be leveling out my fatigue and other issues.  

I see only good things for my future!  The road has been a long and winding one, but it's brought me straight to this day.  I'll be having blood tests regularly to monitor tsh and adjustments to my medications.  Occasional ultrasounds.  Still being monitored by the blood doctor to see when I can get off the blood thinners (because of the blood clots which kind of was the beginning of it all.)  

My point?  Never give up.  When it feels the river is rushing you out into the open ocean, sometimes you have to close your eyes and allow it to move you until God shows you that He's there and will never forsake you.  Yes, it is a lot easier to pray 'Thy will be done' when you're not on that fast-moving river heading straight into the sea.  But, remember Jesus calmed the sea.  We are never lost if we keep our eyes focused on Him.  Don't ever forget there is not a storm He cannot calm.  

kellie

Oct prompts ~ Suspended

 

I thought I could do it, but I don't have it in me to do this right now.  There is just too much going on.  So, no more daily posts for the time being.

Please keep my family in your prayers. I'm grateful. 

kellie 

Oct prompts ~ a pic on phone

 

 

Good Tuesday morning friends!  This morning's prompt is based on the 11th picture in my phone.  Oh, I was so happy it landed on my current crochet project. 

I learned this pattern many years ago, and I don't need to read directions anymore as I work it up. This pattern, called 'light and lacy', has become one of my favorites.  The colors are from Hobby Lobby (Crafters Secret brand) in very neutral grey and off white.  I think it's turning out quite pretty! 

It measures 38 inches wide, and final length will be approximately 60 to 63 inches.  It's a perfect 'throw' size.  Looks lovely draped at the end of the bed or on the back of a chair.  

I still have one WIP (work in progress) I'd like to finish by Christmas; and another I need to finish before the end of January (which is yet to be visualized in my head). But I'll get there.  🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶

Until next time, friends.  Happy crocheting! kellie  

October prompts ~ career

 

Instead of a whole story about what was and what is no longer ---- we ran our own business from 1979 until August 2, 2021.  

Retirement rocks!  I do not want to turn back!  

I'm a little miffed with fb for removing my link to the blog on a post last week.  I'm keeping today short, but until next time, I wish you peace, kellie

October prompts ~ Kellie trivia

 

Today's prompt was silly, but I'll play along: things about me.

* am 'six of seven' in the sibling combo

(star trek reference, anyone??)

* learned to crochet at 15 -- it's been a blessing.

* HATE to cook.  I think it's not the cooking so much as the mess it makes. If I had someone clean up after me, it might be different. 

* love animals; favorite probably dogs.

* I'm a WOS (Oh, that means woman of size)

I'm not a skinny minnie; more like a chunky monkey.  I've made many efforts, and had many failures at trying to change that. At barely 5 ft tall, this combination has always bothered me.

* I am a convert to the Roman Catholic Faith; and have attended the TLM (traditional Latin Mass) exclusively since the early 90s. Led a women's schola until my recent surgeries. My voice is not and may not ever be the same. 

* growing up, I aspired and trained to become a secretary. That career served me well from 1976 to the middle of 2021.  

* the Mr. and I have been together 50 years; dating for 4 years, married for 46.

* favorite color is blue.  My eyes are blue.

Maybe that's a coincidence.

* Scorpio - I'll leave it at that

* a bit of a clean freak; organization is life. 

* favorite band growing up and now:  BeeGees.

* homebody

* I don't sew a lot anymore but used to be a seamstress; made a lot of my own clothes as a teenager into adulthood.  Made my own wedding gown and attendants' dresses. I made the suit the Mr. wore to his high school graduation. 

* I love being retired and the age I am right now.  Growing old is a blessing not given to everyone, and I'm grateful.

* I love seeing my children all grown up and seeing the lives they have made for themselves. 

* Wishing you all have a happy and blessed Saturday.  Until next time friends! kellie    

October prompts ~ can't find the right word...

 

I am usually not at a loss for words.  Just ask my husband......or any of my sisters for that matter. 

But today, I can't quite put my finger on the word(s) that describe how I'm feeling right now.  

I'm:  GRATEFUL that baby Kastl had his surgery this week and is beginning his healing journey.  Thank you, God. 

I'm:  HAPPY that it's a lovely day, that the moon was full last night and it was quite beautiful.

I'm:  HEAVY hearted on some news I just heard but it's not mine to share. 

I'm:  EXCITED that my birthday is a week away, even though we have no plans.  I just like my birthday. Maybe because it is in the Fall of the year. 

I'm: HAPPY (AGAIN)for Alexander who is enjoying a guys' trip to Colorado for a friend's bachelor bash.  He works hard and deserves this little respite from the norm. 

Today I'm not particularly anxious about anything.  (Not even the upcoming election!!)

My energy level is pretty steady and I'm able to get out and enjoy this sunshine. Most of today and tomorrow, I'm basically on my own here.  That's ok, I have plenty to do to stay occupied. Lulu and I will just hang out.  

Mostly, I'm just looking inward for knowledge that this 'weird-nameless-feeling' will pass and everything is ok.  And that it will be.  Always.  Everything works to the good for those who love Him.  I know that.  

Until next time, friends.  

"Cast thy burdens upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee."  Ps 55:22  Love you all.  kellie  💕

October prompts ~ learning about myself

 

I realize that after retiring, I have a lot more time to recollect and think about things. I mean, before, there might have been a few minutes here and there, but nothing like having a clear schedule to boggle the mind with thoughts. In fact, sometimes I look for stuff to do.  

There is always something that needs tidied up, a bill paid, a shelf dusted, laundry to tend.  But, of course, I spend a lot of my 'down' time crocheting, when away from domestic duties.  

In recent months I think I've learned something about myself.  Maybe I'm a little OCD about certain things. When I was very ill this last February and March -- pretty much confined to the recliner -- I would look up on the shelves and be repulsed by the dust.  I wanted to get up and clean it but literally didn't have the strength to walk across the room, let alone get out of the chair without help ----- or dust the shelf! I literally couldn't understand why it wasn't bothering anyone else! Hahaha.

But it bugged me none-the-less! It shouldn't have mattered.  My husband even told my son that he didn't know I was such a picky and particular person.  (I'd tell him the soup wasn't warm enough, the toast was too dark).  I didn't realize I was looking ungrateful.  I appreciated all his efforts. He was there for me 24/7.  Cook, chauffeur, personal shopper, housekeeper, everthing!

Then it struck me, maybe I am picky! Being the first time I'd really ever had to rely on someone else for literally everything, I didn't realize I was coming off as complaining.  Before, I could take care of things to my own liking! During those months I was at the mercy of others. I guess I wasn't the best patient.  

Of course, now I'm back to caring for myself, my husband, my home.  Things are back to normal, so to speak.  But I am learning that I'm not quite as meek and humble as I should be in all circumstances!  Learning hard truths can sting a little.  But they should always make us grow and strive to be better.  

Until next time, friends.  Grateful and blessed.  kellie