Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Sometimes Time Gets Away From You

Hi Everyone!

IHSW was a total bust. On that Friday evening, very late at night, at around 1130pm, a very good friend of mine called to tell me that his mother had suddenly passed away. I spent the following 16 hours making sure he was handling things as best he could, reminiscing and just being there for him. I was sad. His mother was younger than most moms of friends my age and it all seemed surreal. Not to mention, she was the cool mom I wished I had when I was in my early 20's. She listened to me. She allowed me to spend endless hours and sometimes nights in her home. She was a confidant. She was a wonderful person and it saddens me that my friend had both his parents pass away within four months of each other. Both much too young. I was too sad and distracted that weekend to stitch or be super social but I was lucky to spend the rest of the long weekend in the company of a friend and his super pup. Dogs have a way of being the best therapy you need. They are happy to see you. They want to run and play. They sense that you're sad and want to lick all the makeup off your face to give you kisses and cheer you up. Sometimes, you let them because in the end it does make you both happy. I wish I could have a pup of my own but I'm happy to be close to this pup by association.

Obviously stitch group didn't happen but I was able to get some stitches in and finish the top third of Jane. Here are some photos. I tried pressing that crease but it really doesn't want to come out! I know that the stretching during the framing process will fix that though so I am not too worried about it right now.

Jane in full view:


Close up of top third:

Close up of the birds and the funky planter. This part is my favorite in the top third section:

Since the news of my friend's mom, time has been a blur. I've been keeping busy to not dwell and be sad and I've upped the socialness although this creates issues with the condition of my apartment. The projects are not getting done and neither is any stitching! I've gone out to dinners. I took a short class with Jeannette Douglas who is a complete and total doll. I was even sitting at the same table with Ann of Gloriana and didn't even realize it because I am completely oblivious sometimes. Oopsie! I celebrated a friend's birthday. I participated in the Chinese New Year Treasure Hunt and had so much fun and walked my fanny all over Chinatown and North Beach in the midst of a parade in the search for clues. I watched the Oscars. I looked for and tried on many eyeglass frames. It's been busy. I kind of wish things would quiet down so I am hoping to keep this coming weekend pretty free to catch up on tons of responsibility stuff.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Until next time...

30 comments:

Jackie's Stitches said...

So sorry to hear of the passing of someone who you obviously cared for and who was a great support. Sending you a hug...

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Val. ((((Hugs))))
Your Jane is beautiful!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Barb said...

So sorry to hear of the loss of your friend's Mother. I'll be sending some good thoughts your way. You are doing the right thing, keeping busy.Jane is looking beautiful!

CalamityJr said...

So sorry for the loss of sush a good friend. Dogs really do know when you need love. We have a really special one and I couldn't imagine life without him.

Peggy Lee said...

So sorry about the passing of your friends mother. Sounds like she was a super sweet soul!
Beautiful stitching.
~hugs

Margaret said...

I'm so sorry about your friend's mother. She sounds like she was a special person to you as well as to her family. You are a good friend to stay with your friend and help him through a difficult time. Your Jane looks great. Good that you are staying busy, but it sounds like you are ready for some quiet time. Hope you get some, not just for the responsibility stuff you need to do.

Melissa said...

Valerie, I'm sorry to hear the loss of your friend's mom. It's good that your friend has you to help through this sad time.

Jane is so pretty!

Ann at Beadlework. said...

When you need to be there for someone the chores and other things can wait. You'll get to them eventually. Lucky you taking a class with Jeannette Douglas.

cucki said...

I'm so sorry for your loss...((((Hugs))))
Jane is beautiful! Xx

Katrina said...

Very sorry about your friend's mom!!!!! That's so sad.
Your Jane is gorgeous and I love the repetitive action of stitching when I am sad. It's soothing.

Anna van Schurman said...

So sorry for your loss.

Ariadne said...

I am sorry for your loss and your friend's. Indeed sudden death is something we rarely can handle!I have a puppy now and I can feel what you say!Get one!It makes a difference in our lives!AriadnefromGreece!

Julie said...

Jane is looking very pretty.

It is so sad to read you have lost a special person in your life.

You are so right about animals and their sixth sense.

{big hug}

Giovanna said...

So sorry to read about your friend's (and your) loss - my condolences. The sampler is looking gorgeous.

Siobhán said...

Oh, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, and your friend's loss. :( Big hugs.

Your Jane is looking wonderful.

~Narita said...

Awwwwwww! I'm so sorry! big hugs my friend
p.s. your stitching is looking so pretty, I can't wait to see it. Maybe you'll drive down to Madonnas next month?

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

I am so very sorry to hear of your friends loss...to lose both parents in such a short amount of time...devastating. I will keep him in my prayers and you too...as it is clear your were close to them. So very sorry...
Your Jane, is stunningly beautiful Valerie. Gorgeous!

Laura said...

When my best friend's mom died a few years ago I felt the same way. All my high school and college memories, 90% of which involved being at their house, came flooding back and I just felt lost. So sorry for your friend and for you. ((hugs))

Ruth said...

Hugs to you and your friend. The stitching can wait (not that your progress isn't beautiful as always). The projects can wait. Go pet the puppy some more.

Catherine said...

So sorry to read your news. Sounds like a very sweet soul ~ so glad you were there for your friend.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. It was great that you had such a good influence in your life.

That stitched piece is going to be huge. It looks beautiful!

Lanie said...

Valerie, my sincere sympathy on the death of your friend's mom ... she sounds like she was a lovely person and a good support for you.

Your Jane is looking terrific. She looks like such a joy to stitch!

Carol said...

Oh, what a loss for you and your friend, Valerie. His mom sounds like a wonderful woman who passed way too soon. I'm happy that the darling pup could give you some comfort...

Your stitching is looking as lovely as always and I'm glad you've been doing such fun things socially. The Chinese New Year Treasure Hunt sounds like such fun!

Hope you can "catch up" on things this weekend--be kind to yourself...Big hugs to you!

Christina said...

That's really sad Valerie. I can't even imagine the pain of losing a parent. Sending lots of love to you and your friend. His mum sounds like she was an amazing lady.

Anne said...

So sorry to hear about your loss Valerie. It sounds like she was a wonderful woman and like a second mother to you. My heart goes out to you and your friend ((HUGS))

Melanie said...

So sorry for your loss! Hugs to you and your friend. (And his family.) *hugs*

Meari said...

Sorry to hear about your friend's Mom.

Jane looks good.

Jeanne said...

Jane P is looking awesome Valerie - I just love that border and have put it on my wishlist (you enabler you....). Sorry you had a loss in your circle of friends. Sounds like you have been one busy gal all year so far.

Sue said...

Sorry to read of your friend's mom. It is so difficult...

Your stitching is beautiful.