Monday, January 8, 2018

Finding my way...

Thank you so much for your supportive emails and comments on my previous post.
Many of you wrote about your personal tragedies and situations that are much more dire than what our family is going through and upon reflection this past week I have been able to regain my sense of perspective
coming to terms with my feelings of helplessness.

I've put my energies into action 
working on domestic chores
focusing on the jobs at hand.

It is not a cure all but it feels good to accomplish something that needs doing.


I am glad that my kitchen does not look like this one
but it CAN look rather messy if I do not stay on top of the cleaning.


Thank goodness for the auto clean program...
it makes the job so much easier.

I've been chiselling away at my "to do" list...
the feeling of accomplishment 
is a reward
when I am able to cross another job off the list.


Maintaining leather 
Coach bag, shoes and boots pays off as they look better and last longer.


 Fresh Shampoo
for  
my make up brushes once a month...
a simple routine that takes just a few minutes.


This wee orchid was a gift from a friend 
when Mom died on my birthday last March.
It is blooming again!


This orchid has a double row of blooms...
speaking of blooms our Amaryllis is absolutely stunning!


Each stem has four flowers!
There is another stem about to bloom.
We have never ever had an amaryllis like this one.


Low WW point lunch yesterday
after a busy day working in the Humble Bungalow.

Did you watch the Golden Globes last night?
Oprah's speech was so inspiring...
I watched it twice.


A stack of books await...


Speaking of inspiring.

I found this wonderful quote on Pinterest...

Hope that you find some comfort and joy in your week.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

34 comments:

Sydney Shop Girl said...

Be well, my dear, kind Leslie.

Thank you for sharing Corrie's quote here today. It is what I needed to read.

SSG xxx

Susan said...

I loved Corrie ten Boom's book when I read it as a child. Such good advice she gives. I am so glad to hear that you are handling your sadness in the way you describe (this doesn't mean you cannot cry) and are finding comfort in the words of all the people in your online community who care about you. I was so happy to read this post today.

Anna of Mutton Style and Years said...

We went through a tough family time a few years ago. Not fully resolved but 90% better now than a year ago. I wish you peace and a comfortable resolution.

Pondside said...

I have that very quote hanging over my desk. It has been there for 18 years and I have had need of it these past months. I am glad to read that the everyday tasks are balm for the soul. My experience is the same.

DaniBP said...

Focussing on domestic tasks is really soothing and rewarding. When I've had times of extreme anxiety and feelings of helplessness I find that tucking into chores and cooking really does improve the situation: less anxiety, and a feeling of accomplishment and caring for others.
Keeping a vibrant and comforting home is not to be underrated, that's for sure. Sending my best to you and I really appreciate that quote you've shared, so true! XX

Anonymous said...

Lovely quote-and so true!
It is really rewarding to see immediately effects of one's efforts. Beautiful flowers in your immaculate home and everyday rituals could be a good sadness shield
Please,don't read A Little Life right now-it is a very,very,very sad and overwhelming book with a deep dark atmosphere.
All the best
Dottoressa

Polly said...

I’m glad you’re finding your way, one step at a time. That is such a meaningful quote, as a worrier I should take heed of it.

Jeannine said...

You are definitely doing the best you can under the circumstances. May things resolve in the best possible way and may you find peace in that resolution. Thanks for sharing today - we all need the wisdom of those words.

Madame Là-bas said...

That is such as wise quote! I read a Corrie ten Boom book many years ago. I'm happy that you are feeling better about your situation. Sometimes there is no resolution and all we can do is accept. I talked to my brother yesterday and his little grandson is losing patience with his illness and striking out at his mother (my niece). How can a 7 year old understand his condition? Everyday pleasures (flowers, books, a healthy meal) can help us to be strong when we don't know what else to do. Take care of yourself.

La Contessa said...

LOVED OPRAH SPEECH!
OPRAH FOR PRESIDENT OF THE USA!!!!!!!

hollybholly said...

It is amazing how simple chores can not only keep idle hands busy but bring a peaceful rhythm to a day. Chin up friend. The sun always reappears to bring warmth and clarity.

LPC said...

I am so glad to hear that you are finding a little peace.

Taste of France said...

I was mostly offline through the holidays and only now saw your earlier post. It grabbed my heart. Wishing you strength to carry yourself and your family through the difficult time.

Rosie said...

Such an inspiring quote Leslie and definitely one I need to take note of ... I've been thinking about you and it's good to hear how you are feeling and the "coping mechanisms" you're using. Feeling helpless is such a difficult emotion to deal with, I feel, especially with regard to our loved ones ...
Take care, Rosie

Patricia said...

Your amaryllis is indeed splendid! For some reason ours did not flower last year, which was disappointing considering we have had it about 30 years. However, I read today that 2016 was our hottest recorded year ever, so perhaps that had something to do with it. I am happy for you that you are finding solace in the everyday routines and your lovely orchids. I am always at my best when the house is sorted too. Have a good week.

Lorrie said...

I admire Corrie Ten Boom very much and her quote is very apt. Your amaryllis is beautiful. Maintaining rhythm in your days is a good way to cope with life's challenges. Hope you have a good week.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Corrie has some wonderful quotes about life...and she has written quite a few inspirational books...she sounds like a wise woman.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Which book of Corrie's did you read as a child do you remember the name? I see that she was quite a prolific writer.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Anna...
BTW I am really enjoying your IG posts!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Ah we are kindred spirits :-))

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Simple tasks that keep our hands busy are so helpful...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

The quote is just what I needed to read and I thought it so wise that it may ring true for others...
The Little Life will be shelved for now...it sounds quite dark and depressing.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I am a worrier too...its a great quote!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Jeannine...I know that you have been through a tough time and appreciate your observations.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Your nephew is so young and it must be very confusing for him to be dealing with such a drastic diagnosis...I hope there is some support and perhaps some counselling available for him as well as the parents.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I wonder if she would consider it?

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

The sun came out yesterday for a brief time and it was lovely to see it!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

The chores are getting done faster than usual around here!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

We can only hope for the best of all possible resolutions....

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Helpless is not a great feeling is it? I am an action kind of person and I like to fix things and this is not a situation that we can fix...lets just hope it works itself out soon.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh how disappointing but to have one for 30 years is totally amazing! I am impressed...you must have a green thumb!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Corrie's quite a writer I had never heard of her until I discovered this quote and now I want to read some of her books...

Anonymous said...

Corrie wrote of her early life in Holland in "The Hiding Place". They sheltered Jewish people during the German occupation. They were discovered and Corrie was the only member of her family to survive the camp.

Anonymous said...

Corrie Ten Boom has an inspiring and profound story that everyone should read!