I wish you a weekend filled with at least a few special moments for yourself because you certainly deserve them. It’s been a hard week for many of my friends, one watched her relationship end, another is watching his end, my brother-in-law had his 11th surgery and is in a lot of pain, and I got word from a relative that my dear mother is suffering depression because I moved away and well, that made me feel pretty sad because I didn’t even see this coming and wondered how I could have missed it. And I haven’t a clue what to do.
Sometimes it’s hard to be a grown up, I think we all have days when we wish it was all as magical as childhood made being an adult out to be. It made me think of this song by James Morrisson called Once When I Was Little. The lyrics are here, I invite you to read them and listen/watch him perform the song here. It’s very touching and true, something we all can relate to. Especially for me this week.
“I was the one, who would always jump in first. Didn’t think twice to look behind. Got such a good feeling, just from playing in the dirt, Once when I was little….” – James Morrison.
But I won’t end this week on a solemn note. I will leave it on a positive one. I think you’re lovely, just as the illustration says above by the talented Gemma Correll. I will see you Monday and make your weekend a great one.
(image: Gemma Correll)
February 19th, 2010 at 6:04 pm
Oh, I dream of those carefree childhood days! If only we had known how easy we had it!
.-= Maleah´s last blog ..Breath Of Spring – 8×8 Fine Art Photography Print =-.
February 19th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Hi Holly! Love that image, so true! Hugs to you, and have a lovely weekend!
.-= sideoats + scribbles (Lisa)´s last blog ..This weekend, live, laugh, love! =-.
February 19th, 2010 at 6:29 pm
I’v moved to a different country 14 years ago (is hard to believe is that long!) and my mum is also very depress beacuse she misses so much,so I know what is like being in that situation.
February 19th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
James Morrisson has a great voice. Loved “Once When I Was Little”. I listened to his version of “Man In The Mirror” and thought he did a fantastic job singing this Michael Jackson song.
As always, thanks for sharing such wonderful links!
Genelle
.-= Genelle´s last blog ..Vellum Blooms =-.
February 19th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Take care, Holly!!
February 19th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Hi Holly, I’m so sorry you and your friends have had a hard week. It must be very difficult knowing your mum is going through such a tough time and not being able to be physically with her. My mum lives a short walk away from me and I sometimes forget how difficult it must be for those who are close to their parents yet live far away from them.
We lost my dear Nana last weekend and it’s been a really tough week over here too. Like a little piece of my universe has stopped revolving. It’s been a time for reflection, introspection and of course … lot’s of hugs. The latter seem to help the most. So, sending you lot’s of (((hugs))) and hope that next week gets a little brighter.
Allison xx
February 19th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Oh…I hear you darlin….the image is so very sweet & beautiful. I am sorry you feel sad about your mom, I know how hard that is. But, you must know that she will be okay. She obviously wants you to be so very happy & I am sure doesn’t want you to worry. Time will take care of that & maybe she needs to come out for a visit! :) I hope you have a wonderful weekend my friend, I am so sorry that all is chaotic around you….I think tea, a fun movie & rest are in order.
xo
Melis
.-= Melissa de la Fuente´s last blog ..Closer to home: the bedroom =-.
February 19th, 2010 at 6:55 pm
Oh dear, sounds like a really rough week. I can relate. I hope things get better soon!
February 19th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
Hi Holly, I hope you don’t feel too bad about everything, it does sound like a very hard week. I just wanted to say thank you for being such a bright spot in my day every day! Your continually positive outlook shines through in your writing and is such a breath of fresh air in my internet meanderings. It has been a hard month for me too with family things, and I live across the country from my family so I understand what you are going through! Sometimes it’s so difficult when you can’t physically be there for people. But I think your e-presence is so sweet, your friends and family must be very comforted to have you in their lives even if it is through phone calls and letters!!
February 19th, 2010 at 7:09 pm
not that it makes it any easier, but there seems to be a major seachange happening in the realm of relationships. it seems many people i know are in some state of flux in their relationships, rather they be personal or familial. hopefully we’ll all come out of it on a positive note.
February 19th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
hang in there Holly…some days are like that ~
hope your weekend is Lovely to you… :)
February 19th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
Hope your troubles, and those of your friends and family, are soon gone.
Best,
Stephanie
.-= Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita´s last blog ..an oldie … =-.
February 19th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Kind thoughts go to you in this very emotional time.
February 19th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Great graphic! I particularly enjoy the thunder cloud..and even when it is nasty weather…there is a chance to see a rainbow.
Matti
.-= Matti´s last blog ..Rocky Succulent High =-.
February 19th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
love your writing…all is so true…think to you and send you a lot of positive thoughts and sunshine…a big hug…have a lovley weekend…;)…
.-= frauheuberg´s last blog ..…a sweet weekend… =-.
February 19th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
I’m so sorry to hear that about your mother. I wish your family the best.
.-= Katie Stephenson´s last blog ..art wall fix from lucy snowe =-.
February 19th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
When friends and family are hurting, it’s hard not to be able to do anything other than listen. I know how you feel and have been there too. Thank you for bringing even the difficult things to light in a beautiful web-environment.
February 19th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Loving the song!
.-= Rachel´s last blog .." Grow old with me! The best is yet to be."-Robert Browning =-.
February 19th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Oh to be a child again! To the days when a lollypop would make me so happy. Although, I’m off to have a glass of wine with friends – adult life aint that bad.
.-= Kate Collins´s last blog ..ETSY Shops I love =-.
February 19th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Holly… you’re just the bees kness! Sending you smiles from across the miles. :)
.-= Uncle Beefy´s last blog ..Neck Tie vs. Mai Tai =-.
February 19th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
I know what you mean about childhood…sometimes I wish I could go back, too! I hope you have a good weekend and that things start looking up for your friends and family!
p.s. great print!
February 19th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Hi Holly,
I hope you have a lovely, restful weekend; you really do deserve some special indulgences after all the hard work you put in here and over at the BYW course (it is SO appreciated!)
It is a hard thing when a parent is depressed, but we have to remember that we’re not responsible for anyone else’s happiness. We can do what we can with phone calls or sending care packages or the occasional visit, but don’t let it make you feel guilty, or that you should have done anything differently. Being a grown up is being true to yourself.
.-= lilie´s last blog ..~ Love List Friday: 02.19.10 ~ =-.
February 19th, 2010 at 9:50 pm
i wish you a lovely weekend too!
.-= cheryl oz´s last blog ..Venice Window Watercolor Print =-.
February 19th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
Oh, Holly. I’m so sorry that you’re going through this. I don’t have any good advice for you, other than that you should apply the same love and care that you put toward your blog in tending your family. But you know that already. My heart is with you today.
.-= Brigitte´s last blog ..Insert Witticism Here =-.
February 19th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Hi Holly! It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve discovered your blog.
Sometimes, when life is being hard on us, it can be good to hear something good about ourselves, so here I am to tell you that your work really touches me, and that I love the things you post here. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLVywY5EwoA
“Don’t carry the world upon your shoulders” :)
Hope you have a great weekend!
February 19th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Keep the positive attitude! The one thing that makes me smile when I am having one of these days is looking at this blog – so thank you!
February 19th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Some weeks are solemn. What makes life so interesting, I think, are the contrasts and you’re having one. Or four. Have you tried video conferencing with your mom? That worked for my sister when her son and his family moved across the continent. Just a thought.
Have a nice weekend.
February 19th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
holly, i’ll be thinking about you this weekend and sending good vibes your way! take some time for yourself, and do something rejuvenating (maybe a bubble bath and some jt??). ;)
.-= bonnie´s last blog ..the kitchen roost =-.
February 19th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
I hear you, Holly, it’s hard to see difficult things happen and feel powerless to stop them. My mom is struggling, too, and I don’t know how to help her. I’m trying to be the best daughter I can, but I’m not sure it’s good enough.
Thanks for your honesty here. Have a relaxing, palliative weekend.
.-= Meredith from PenelopeLovesLists´s last blog ..The Legacy Letter: Journaling for the next generation =-.
February 19th, 2010 at 11:25 pm
*Big HUG* for you Holly! I definitely wish that sometimes I could shirk all my adult responsibilities and be carefree like a kid again… I guess that’s what my honeymoon was for… I need another one! I hope your weekend is lovely as well and hopefully things only get better for you!
February 20th, 2010 at 1:15 am
It is hard. I too long for the easy days of childhood sometimes.
I hope you have a happy weekend. Thanks for the thoughtful blogging and beautiful imagery you give every day. :)
February 20th, 2010 at 2:45 am
Oh my dear! What a lot to have on your shoulders. How wonderful that you can see sunshine amongst the rain! Have a lovely weekend.
.-= Annie´s last blog ..Weekly what:nots… =-.
February 20th, 2010 at 4:37 am
We have had a tricky week with my baby boy running a high fever…but thank goodness it is coming down. It is so true that sometimes it is hard to be a grown up…and agree with maleah about those lovely carefree childhood days…I feel blessed that I am again reliving it through watching my son and his funny ways…Hope your weekend gets better and so does everyone else who has had a tricky one!
February 20th, 2010 at 4:37 am
This was a really nice reminder for all. Thankyou for posting this and sharing your thoughts on the not very nice sides of life as we know it.
.-= wendy´s last blog ..slowing down =-.
February 20th, 2010 at 4:45 am
You have a lovely weekend too! :)Thank you so much for your inspiring blog & the positive vibes you send out, Holly.
February 20th, 2010 at 6:21 am
I agree, a visit might help. Your mother could see for herself that you are doing well and are happy and would also feel that she is still as important to you as well as being part of the new life.
As for pining for childhood… we mostly remember the rosy bits and tend to forget that there was usually plenty about childhood that was not so fun (not being allowed a lot of what one wanted to do for example, not being tall enough yet, old enough yet, had anything else than a little pocket money, difficult other kids at school and high expectations of teachers etc., and that is just a ‘normal’ childhood without any traumatic experiences). Instead, I think it is more fun to just take time out of grown up life now and again and do something ‘childish’ to our whole heart’s content, as being grown up you call the shots… so take a day out to the beach and eat nothing but ice cream, go have fun at an amusement park, spend a sunday painting with your fingers or whatever you enjoy and have not done for ages. Nobody says we have to completely grow up, as the most interesting elderly will surely agree…
February 20th, 2010 at 6:29 am
Take care Holly! I hope your weekend is lovely to you!
kisses :)
February 20th, 2010 at 7:10 am
Karen — I’m not really pining for my childhood as you’ve stated, more like a simple Friday afternoon reflection on when times were simpler as some of my friends are really suffering right now and I can’t help but think of the simple days. There really isn’t much deeper to read into my post than that. :) :)
I can’t go see my mother anytime soon either — I just saw her in August so it will be at least until the end of this year until I go back but I’m sure we can do things that will ease her pain — I currently send cards and letters and call as we both have free phone plans so we have to make what we have work you know?
February 20th, 2010 at 8:27 am
I’m so sorry to hear about your friends’ trials. We all have to go through painful things in order to get onto the track we are supposed to be on. When I go through hard times, I remind myself that something really awesome is waiting around the corner and that takes some of the pain away. As for your Mom, I can understand how she’s feeling. One thing that helps us is using I-Chat/AOL Instant Messenger with video chat (or Skype). My Mom got a little netbook (pretty inexpensive now, considering previous prices, with a camera built in…she had no clue how to use the I-chat, (and only recently learned how to turn on a computer and use email) but once I showed her and she got a login name, etc. she was able to use it. Now, we can chat over video and have “dates” and it fills that void.
.-= Megan´s last blog ..Helpful =-.
February 20th, 2010 at 8:57 am
Hello Holly, i wish your mom gets better. Have a nice weekend.
February 20th, 2010 at 9:01 am
It’s hard when a parent suffers from depression. My thoughts are with you (and your mom.)
February 20th, 2010 at 9:15 am
Hugs to you, and have a lovely weekend!
.-= *EMMA*´s last blog ..Onkel-Emma-Laden … =-.
February 20th, 2010 at 9:16 am
Hi again
Please don’t get me wrong, I was not trying to ‘shoot over the mark’ or tell anyone what to do. Just trying to suggest a positive way to get over the oh-life-was-easier thoughts (which also some other commentators hinted at having).
As for not being able to see your mother until the end of the year, that’s tough indeed. It sounds like you are a wonderful daughter to her though and if she is into the internet and follows your blog too she has more insight to her daughter’s thoughts than most mothers have! :-)
Thanks for all your posts, they are an inspirational, colourful and soooo stylish! Have a wonderful weekend!
February 20th, 2010 at 9:20 am
Hi Karen – You’re so kind for coming back to say something… thank you and have a great weekend!
February 20th, 2010 at 10:29 am
I am sorry to hear about your friends and mom. When I had moved to the states and had left the whole family behind, I was so depressed that I slept and slept for days. It’s so hard to be away from your loved ones. I hope you and your mom feels better.
.-= My Owl Barn´s last blog ..French Connection Tee Giveaway! =-.
February 20th, 2010 at 11:59 am
I completely understand your worries about your mom. My mom went through the same thing, not just because both me and my sister live here in the U.S. and she’s still in Bolivia but because a lot of changes happened all at once a few years ago. She has recovered a lot since, but I never know exactly what to do to make it all better.
Just show her love in all possible ways at the distance. Don’t feel guilty, I’ve come to terms that it’s just part of life… sometimes parents love us too much to let us go.
I hope you have a good weekend, or at least try to have one.
February 20th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Being an adult is hard at times, I feel you there. But sometimes it has it’s perks. As a child I hated being the one that always had to sit in the back seat of the car, wedged in the middle-feet on the hump! Now I get to drive or be in the front! Love it. Also, I get to eat cookies for dinner if I so choose!
February 20th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Best wishes to you… grown up life can be so hard at times… but I hope you find beauty and joy this weekend and that you are able to share your positive energy with your family and friends who are suffering now…
.-= Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas´s last blog ..Lovely Las Vegas: Happy Weekend =-.
February 20th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
My heart goes out to you and your mom! I moved so much as a child and know the pain of leaving loved ones. I remember when my family moved to London and we left my older sister (who was in college) behind. Just the memory can make me tear up again, but then I remember all the wonderful experiences I had in London…so enriching! And I will not end this on a sad note either…I think you’re extremely talented and a true inspiration…I am totally addicted to your blog! :)
.-= Danielle´s last blog ..Summer house =-.
February 20th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Holly, I very rarely comment here (not sure why!) but I wanted to comment today, because I’m so sorry to hear about your Mum, it must be hard for you. Of course, I don’t know the details but when I moved abroad, my Mum had a really hard time, she only got better after she came to visit me and could see that I was doing well on my own. Of course, England and Spain are much closer than USA and Germany, but still… if she hasn’t been to see you, this may help her?
.-= B´s last blog ..Thanks! =-.
February 20th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Oh i’m so sorry to hear this too. I totally agree that things were simpler when we were younger. My mother (who has always been a vision of health!) is having some health problems, as is Greg’s father and two of my friends parents….it just makes me realize that we’re all getting older.
I’m sorry about your momma being sad…did you see each other a lot when you were back in the states? While I only see my mother several times a year I suspect if I moved it would be an even bigger psychological divide. (Meaning, even though I don’t see her every day being in California, I think she’d miss me even more if I were in Berlin or Amsterdam etc!).
Have a lovely weekend, Holly Bird…..thank you for the sweet final note. I think YOU’RE lovely!
February 20th, 2010 at 7:18 pm
Hi Holly,
We all think you’re lovely too!
I hope everything gets better soon.
A big hug,
Amy
.-= Amy – No.15´s last blog ..Photo Friday + Guest Blogging =-.
February 20th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
Hey Holly,
You are always so brave – your posts are often so moving, and clearly your readers respond in kind to your sharing the deepest part of you.
I moved to New York alone (from South Africa) after high school and heard for months afterward from my sisters that my mother would cry bitterly as she did the laundry, or washed dishes – any time she had to herself – because she missed me. Things did get much easier for her with time and she now lives in Ireland and is quite happy. Our parents feel our loss but they surely want us to be happy. My mom and I don’t get many opportunities to see each other (maybe once a year if we’re lucky) but as some of your other readers mentioned, we do Skype occasionally and I call her every weekend. I miss her terribly but (lo and behold!), the old gal can actually take care of herself.
As for missing childhood, not everyone enjoyed a rosy one, so adult life can be liberating and joyful, too. Seems like you’re doing very well, Holly, and you bring joy to others. We all suffer in this life, we’re fragile and tender creatures but we have to live for the sweetness, don’t you agree?
Wishing you a restful weekend.
xo
Silvana
February 21st, 2010 at 1:45 am
it’s usually at these times i give advice – i seem to have that role amongst friends – the advice giver. but here in blog land i feel like it’s best not to unless it’s specifically asked for!! so instead, because after reading this i can’t help but write… i will be sending positive thoughts your way. when i first moved to canada (a great distance from where my family lives in the states) i know it really was tough on my dad… and i felt so sad and bad about it. so i can’t say i know how you feel but that in a small way i *might* be able to understand what you’re going through (and maybe not – don’t want to assume)… but i really do hope things are on the up and up very soon for your family and friends and for the best for you during this time!
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Window Shopping… =-.
February 21st, 2010 at 2:36 am
Hi Holly,
I can only imagine how hard the distance must be for both of you. It made me think about being away from one two someday when they are old enough. Luckily, today there’s skype and twitter — they may make the pond seem a bit smaller. Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend.
February 21st, 2010 at 3:48 am
Amy thank you for being so sweet. To be upfront, I’m not depressed or even missing anyone yet. Sometimes I feel guilty about that (ha ha) like what is wrong with me? But it’s only been 6 months and I’m so busy with work, learning the language, my family here, and trying to get established that I’ve not had much time to really miss anything. The only thing I miss is having some FREE time to not think about all the things that I have to do. But I heard that after a year or so that the “honeymoon” period of a major relocation ends and one starts to miss what was left behind. I told my mother that once we move and there is space, she can come stay with us for a month — all inclusive — and she just may do that. What makes it hard is that she doesn’t have a computer and really has little interest in them so video conferencing and email is out of the question right now. I’m hoping she’ll start missing me so much that it will motivate her to be online, I offered to buy her a computer and told her where to take lessons on how to use one. I felt sad learning of her depression, I love her so very much, but I also know how “set” she can be in certain ways and I almost want her to get to a point of feeling forced out of her comfort zone to try something new. I think it would be wonderful for her to get a computer, learn how to email, find and read my blog, learn how to do video conferencing/skype — all of that. She is still very young (62) and very energetic but she’s not going to find her way out of this depression until she tries some new approaches. I feel she will, but if I just jump on a plane and go see her all of the time, she won’t be motivated to make those changes and I know they’d really enhance her life. I love her so much, I want her to be happy.
February 21st, 2010 at 3:56 am
Monica P – On my goodness your comment REALLY hit home for me. Wow. Thank you for leaving your comment. Okay so now I’m understanding this. My mother lost her mom the month that I relocated here, and exactly one year before, her father died. Now I understand this a bit more, she is going through a lot of change involving more than just me.
Alex – We didn’t see one other often, that’s the thing. But yes, I was an hour from her whereas now I’m over an entire ocean in a new country so it must be that — the fact that she could see me anytime before whereas now she cannot.
February 21st, 2010 at 8:17 am
hello Holly,
Depression can be overcome, I am a living proof of it!
My advice : you seem to be the *sunshine* of your mom’s life, why not offer her a special lamp that mimicks dawn light in the grey winter monings and brings in *sunshine* in her life?
just a thought.
Don’t hesitate to email me about depression if you have any more personal questions.
BM
.-= Beautymist´s last blog ..Oh, and happy, happy Friday! =-.
February 21st, 2010 at 8:58 am
Hi, I can relate to you in so many ways.. I`m having a very hard time on the few past weeks (different issues from you) and I also moved with my husband and baby from Brazil to the US and miss my mom (and she misses me), and my sister and my friends..
I try to talk to my mom everyday, skype and all but it`s not the same.. sometimes you just want to be close.
You have to be strong and remember that the little girl is in you.. Sometimes when things get really hard I take a deep breath and remember that yes, things are hard now but somehow everything will be ok, tomorrow is a new day :)
I also try to see the good things that happen in my day, even the little ones (like a smile or a pretty bird).. and keep them close to my heart.
Try to invite your mom to stay at your home for a few days, show her where you live, the people that are around you and show her that you are happy! She will be happier once she sees you are happy!
Hope it helps you!
Remember: everything is gonna be alright (just like bob marley`s song)
Have a wondeful day (somehow)!
.-= ThiliBlooms´s last blog ..Teal and turquoise =-.
February 21st, 2010 at 9:26 am
Hi Holly
I too live far from home and see my parents and siblings maybe once a year – it is hard and brings on quite a bit of guilt at times.
However, I finally convinced my mom to get on FB – a blog post in the making:) so she could see pictures and videos of our five year old. It has made her feel a bit more connected (and very cool among her girlfriends) maybe your mom will eventually give in find the fun in it all.
~Renee
.-= Renee´s last blog ..WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND? =-.
February 21st, 2010 at 9:54 am
You are right about growing up… when is it that we as adults lose a part of our innocence of childhood?
Beautiful wishes to you and your mother…
.-= laura trevey´s last blog ..Home Renovation: Siding and Framing =-.
February 21st, 2010 at 10:25 am
Sweet blog friend Holly,
You are a very loving and wise daughter. Glad the weekend has given you some clarity on this situation.
hugs,
Kristin
February 21st, 2010 at 2:38 pm
Dear Holly,
I just read your post and all the comments. I really feel for you. I have had some tough breakups in my own life and have witnessed my closest friends having hard times with realtionships, too. I know how much hurt life sometimes brings.
My mother also has 2 kids living on different continents than herself. And I think it is a HUGE help for her, that she knows how to email, skype and send sms. She is in touch with my siblings much more frequently than she was when they still lived close to her. She talks with both of them weekly, and sms and emails are sent daily.
I am sure things will get better one day. For her, for your friends, for your relative with all those the surgeries… Please always remember not only to be there for them, but also to take care of yourself! You can only give to others if you are good to yourself.
February 21st, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Sweet Holly, Thank you for the beautiful song. It is lovely.
I’ll be praying for you and your mom. I believe it’s gonna get better.
.-= Kate´s last blog ..Weekend Pretties… =-.
February 21st, 2010 at 7:35 pm
Dear Holly
My mother has had bi-polar all of her life. She was suffering depression over Christmas and stayed for two weeks at my angel-of-a-sister’s house (as Mum lives two hours drive away).
Being with others and reading – lots and lots of reading – as silly as that may sound, helped her enormously. She read the entire Anne of Green Gables series. Books like that which are ‘lovely’ but still contain real life events have shown to help with depression.
I spoke with her the other day and she is concious to be taking care of herslef and staying away from stress! Maybe I should get her tips on how to do that. :)
Lots of love to you
mj (formerly vintage girlfriend!)
.-= mj´s last blog ..~* dala love *~ =-.
February 21st, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Holly, I’m sorry to hear of everything that’s happening in your life. I don’t know how I’d cope if I found out about my mum being upset and not coping with me moving. It’s a hard line isn’t it? Living your life but still loving your parents so much. Hope this week is much better xx
.-= Kylie @ All Things Lovely´s last blog ..50% Off Closing Down Sale! =-.
February 21st, 2010 at 9:33 pm
Oh dear Holly…I wish all the hard times pass by so quickly…My sister got divorced a few months ago and it broke our hearts seeing her sad…I always think childhood days were like a dream…but we need to find a way to make everyday a better day. I agree with Karen (Comment #63), my sister is in Iran and she is all by herself and all of us are here…she can’t even come for a visit here(because of the political situation of Iran, Iranians can’t get a visitor visa easily) But we talk on the phone a lot and it really helps. Calling is great thing and will fill the empty space :)
I hope your brother gets well very soon too. Please be happy and positive, which I know you are :) Big hugs!! xoxo
.-= Afi´s last blog ..Illustration Friday – Propagate =-.
February 21st, 2010 at 9:54 pm
Watching your kids grow up and become successful adults is a little bittersweet….exactly what you wished for but still hard. Especially when they’re so far away…I’m sure she’s both extremely proud of and happy for you. And, you’re a daughter, which is just a little bit more anxious.
That said, maybe you could offer to buy (and have someone who still lives near her install) a webcam! It’s ‘the next best thing to being there,’ as they say. :-) I found this link online….I had no idea they’d gotten this cheap.
http://www.skype.com/allfeatures/webcams/.
February 21st, 2010 at 9:56 pm
Holly, so sorry to hear about your brother-in-law and mother. Best wishes to them both.
.-= Tricia McKellar´s last blog ..polaroids: day trip to the beach =-.
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:13 am
hey holly – i hear you on feeling guilty… i sometimes have to remind myself that in a way we are all responsible for our own happiness, though that does have limits. but one way i see it too is when you are happy you are able to buoy up other people’s spirits which is so great. emotions can be contagious – they’ve done some studies recently that prove it definitively! it would be so great if your mom got a computer – it seems like we all spend so much time on them these days – i really don’t know what i’d do without one now – i love being able to google just anything and the answer is there… i’ve always loved them as my family were early adopters in the 80′s. though any time in the last couple years when i get a half day or more away from the computer i do feel so alive and happy to be amongst people “in person” and so happy to be out walking around!!
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Window Shopping… =-.
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:39 am
We all think you are lovely too. Wishing you a brighter week.
.-= Morgan´s last blog ..:: canadian etsy week – bags & a giveaway from obleek :: =-.
February 22nd, 2010 at 1:58 am
Hi Holly,
sad to hear about your problems and about your mum… Personally, I think I would jump on a plane, one of those silly things that does not solve anything really, but still… Nevertheless I know each situation is deeply different and each of us can (and must, in my opinion) find the right way to show love and care to each important person in our life.
Whatever you do, Holly, be sure that the world can STILL “get better”, like when we were “little”… :)
Wish you inspiration and peace in this monday morning!
Ciao!
Suze
.-= Suze´s last blog ..DailySuze gets a facelift! =-.
February 22nd, 2010 at 2:12 am
Hi Holly
I do hope this week is a better one for you. It’s hard feeling other people’s pain is somehow connected to us..maybe a little care package with ‘i thought of you’ trinkets and goodies from your new home will brighten her day? I am sure you are a kind and loving daughter and that in time her acceptance of your life shift will fit into a place that’s more comfortable for her. I guess if she WASN’T sad about you going at all, that would be cause for concern!
Thank you so much for the masses of input you put into the BYW class…i read through three weeks of notes last night and was amazed at the sheer immensity of valuable insight and experience you so readily share, it really is appreciated.
V x
February 22nd, 2010 at 2:46 am
Vicki this is so great to hear, and thank you for the encouragement. :)
February 22nd, 2010 at 2:48 am
Amy I know, it’s so true about guilt huh? But it’s really unhealthy to carry it around so I try not to but it can lurk still from time to time. I’m thinking when I go back to Boston (I have an office In Portsmouth NH so I should go back sometime this year) that I’ll spend a few days with my mom and see if now that I’ve been gone if she’ll take me up on my offer to get her a computer and teach her how to use it. :) We’ll see. I would really like that, I think she’d LOVE the computer too – she’s super creative and I’m willing to be she’d love some of the same blogs that I follow.
February 22nd, 2010 at 5:08 am
This is a nice adjustment! I hopy you enjoy youre weekend!
February 22nd, 2010 at 3:15 pm
hey holly – just an idea i had… maybe if you can some how integrate time on the computer in the time you spend together when you visit (maybe looking up crafts, peeking at friends/family facebook pages or photos), she’ll see for herself, firsthand how great it is/fun it is and start to want one. i know a lot of people find computers/the web overwhelming at first but if you take things really slowly with her maybe that will also help? i have heard that for people who are feeling isolated in any way (including those of us who work from home) and folks who are getting on in years it can be so invaluable to staying connected so i think you are so on track that it could be great for her! though if it doesn’t work there are other great ways to feel that human connection… volunteering/bridge nights etc etc etc. i have been “having the talk” with my parents who are just about to retire, just asking them frankly – ok what do you plan to do with all the free time you will soon have as i really hope they enjoy being retired b/c i know for some it can actually be kind of a “boring” time…
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Kove – One to Watch =-.
February 22nd, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Holly, I feel so bad that I missed this post earlier…been a little wrapped up in “me”, sorry, bad follower. :( I wanted to encourage you to keep on top of that computer gifting for your mom. My mother 64, had never touched a computer before and wouldn’t have thought to until just recently when we started a blog for our family store, and I started to do more online. She was intimidated at first, but now she LOVES it! She is Skype-ing with all her family back east, and she just bought a Kindle! She just loves it all, and would never had done this if it weren’t for our coaxing. You have to understand that my mother never even graduated from High school, so this was a major jump for her. I hope your mom opens up to new adventures so that the two of you can communicate like crazy. Wishing you a wonderful week, and will keep your mom in my prayers. :o)
.-= Trisha´s last blog ..I Love making earrings… =-.
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:19 pm
I understand how you feel about your mum being depressed. My two children moved more than 1000 miles away for college, and it was very hard for me to adjust. However, I love them dearly and know that they have to experience life away from our small town. I’m sure your mother feels the same. Just stay in contact with her as much as you can.