There are days in winter when we can’t imagine when we might feel the warmth of the sun again. When we can’t remember the last time we stepped out of our pyjamas, and when illness, pain or fatigue has laid us low and vulnerable. All life is happening to other people, we are left behind, we are empty pages in the diary.
And despite desperately wanting to be in full bloom, our colours have faded. There’s a 50p sticker on our pot. But what if; just when we think we have lost our leaves forever, perhaps we are simply wintering, and slowly nurturing new, even healthier growth?
In recent weeks I have spent an absurd amount of time creating and editing photo books. It has been a monumental labour of love.
The company I have used for 18 years have changed their uploading methods and for a relic like me ( my daughter would tell me,) this has messed with my previous understanding of a system which I had become very good at using and could do without really thinking about . Now, I found myself clunking my way through hundreds of images over and over, re- uploading, re editing, and swearing a lot. Automated technology was making the job so much harder, and it became an unwanted never ending mountain of a job.
Initially I was getting really sick of seeing the same images, only to find them disappear, having to go back, do the job again. So I started to chunk the task up, and edit it in sections, paring the groups of images down as I went. I began to realise that I was starting to choose pictures based on the ones which truly caught our best moments, and in doing that, my cinema reels started to play. It stopped being annoying and from my bed, started to make me more grateful.
I persevered for weeks, and finally finished, dividing up the albums into categories to share with different people.
Everyone could focus on their important bits !
And sometimes we need to savour every part
Some favourite presents at Christmas.. Saving the best for last.
Coffee at Cotehele with my friend
Beautiful moments to slow down and re-cherish, secret treasures, unexpected happenings, appreciating Art and a night at the ballet
Since making the books, I feel relieved to have ticked off a long awaited task but more importantly enjoyed reliving plenty of poignant and hilarious memories. Moments to treasure and draw on when life has other plans..
From A Rock Choir party at the NEC, to road trips in Elsie, friendships in the Art classes and treasured times with family.
And of course, a dress for every occasion..
Like so many of you, there are days when my rheumatoid, lupus and arthritis pain are overwhelming, Especially in the damp, cold months. It can be so easy to believe when we are in pain that there is no end to it. That it will stay dark. I know that what gets me through is connecting with the amazing people in my classes, who have become friends. When we create and share stories, feeling empathy with others, our minds don’t get to focus on just our stuff. We feel more than just a body. We take courage from each other. And singing does the same. Endorphins are great pain relievers. Many a night would have been so easily spent in bed, but car sharing to two choirs is a way to boost morale and is restorative and so beneficial to our health.
The light and warmth we feel from our tribe, whoever they are can help get us through. I am honest if asked how I feel, although I might not always show my pain. But When people know you, they know, and on a pain day they do the bending! And the kindness and camaraderie of friends is the best medicine.
Highweek Art Group
It has been a busy few months of Art and craft here in Devon . Our Art class Artwork is showcased on the gallery below every Thursday. And also includes work from Artists in Scotland in a previous Art group as well as individuals working from home.
Sea Sparkle – Art and Adventures by the Sea
Cosy Craft Club
Every other Sunday, between September and Easter, my living room fills up with lovely ladies trying out new craft projects. This year it has been needle and flat felting .
Drawing and Painting
And in the quiet moments, is when I allow myself a little Art !
Choir
Between singing in Rock Choir and Choir 86
And Poems!
A new poem- ‘ Tracy’s Nails’ read at our choir 86 dinner dance.
Many friends have been unwell in recent weeks. A couple of my closest friends are still very poorly. We carry them in our minds and prayers and live more fully on our better days, for them and ourselves.
As below the damp, cold earth at Imbolc, valuable growth continues on whether we can sense it or not, our roots are extending, grounding us, stretching towards the future warmth of sunnier days, preparing for our next bloom; and our strength our patience, will reap rewards.
Check out some proper pictures, between selfies. Some things are better below the cloud.
Keep safe and warm.
Spring will come.
Keep Sparkly
All my love, Liz at the Beach Hut xx
