How I have missed you all! I am ever so sorry to have been gone so long without a word from under the rock I crawled under... I must admit, it's strange what being absentee from the world of crafty internet-ness can do to ya. Good things and odd things.
Long story short:
The GOOD things about being away are I've been sleeping!!!! Well that and getting more done around the house. Our land of boxes and messes is almost organized if not really ever 100% clean (between battling bad migraines and oh-so-low energy).
Miss Mouse expresses it best:
YAWN!
By far, the loveliest thing is that C and me and Mouse are making lots of time for each other and all 3 of us are more in love than ever. :-D GRIN :-D (I know: BARF! hey?) ;o)
But the ODD things are that... after I fell of the map, I somehow lost my creative self almost entirely (maybe it was the extreme guilt about falling off the map? not sure)... the most surprising & odd thing was that I lost my "internet self" (I lost my online voice) so much so that I quite honestly didn't know how to even begin to write a post to you all--even though I must have thought of writing it hundreds of times. I was just so sadly STUCK.
However, I think perfectionism & insecurity habitually scares me away from doing what I want (and need) to do--and it may be a very long while until I figure out what is making me generally ill-- so my new motto is...
"make yourself"
(make myself face challenges one crawlin' step at a time, make myself work through illness, make myself over anew... all while making myself take time for the stuff that I never used to...)
hence I thought I'd just make myself write to you sweethearts, already! ...even though it is sort of scary after being gone so long. [And despite the possibility this may not be remotely coherent or complete, since I'm writing it during a migraine extraordinaire.]
Anywho, I don't know if/when I'll be back to blogging/crafting, but I am dabbling on the computer again, experimentally:
- ..I'm trying desperately to answer new & old emails (I am so very sorry if I have missed yours!)
- ...I put some old project photos up on flickr, because I wanted to be a part of the new Little Paper Shop flickr pool there...
- ...I added a new page on the ol' blog (called my clips) I'm using clipmarks to gather inspiration online & hopefully get crafting again.
- ...my aunt Maggie (who is way way WAY too good to me and extremely artistic) gifted me with the summer course flying lessons by Kelly Rae Roberts. A course on finding your creative wings and building a creative business. It was a delight. (I am so lucky!) I'm looking forward to trying to put it into practice. I dream of collage making (and selling) and gathered all the supplies , but am at the chickening out phase. How to get started...? :o)
My touchstone lately is a philosophy shared by a lovely friend in email: WYC, WYC "what you can, when you can" so I'm going to go with that for now...
Well, that's my ramble on where I'm at. I'm sorry it's been so very overdue and that I don't have plans for a new blog schedule at all...
...but I am most certainly thinking of You
With Love,
Mel
93 comments:
oh, Mel...Mel...MEL!! how I've missed YOU!!!! I've started to email so many times just to send a hug and cheers....OH IT'S SO GOOD TO SEE YOU again!! I'm pinching myself to see if it's really real what I'm seeing!!! =)
So glad to hear from you, whenever you can!Hugs from Michigan.
Welcome back Mel! I can't tell you how i have missed seeing your creations. I hope that you can heal and i believe that for creative people, art can do that. So don't give up. You have such true and unique talent! Many blessings, Mary in Wisconsin
Just knowing that you are doing better is great. I still haven't even made a card since I was ill over a year ago, but I am thinking that in time the desire will come again. It just takes a while to regroup, I think. Thanks for popping in and letting us know you are still here. Take care of yourself and check in once in a while. Jane
Oh, I've missed you so and truly thought about you often. I knew you would be with us if you could, if you were well, pain-free, energetic and inspired. Man, that's asking a lot! So, I'll just keep praying for you. You do your part and enjoy home, family and rest. We'll be waiting when you get your mojo back!
Mel ,So glad to hear from you.I have really missed your email updates.Have you tried a chiropractor for your migranes, I know thing arn't spelt right.I used to suffer really bad wit those headaches also now that I'm older I don't get them as much.
Hoping to hear from you soon or when ever you can.
Jocelan P
Welcome back to the land of blogging Mel, I must admit I had butterflies when I saw that you had posted something - I was just so excited. Sending you big "Get Well Wishes" and sending you some crafting mojo - Take care
So sorry you're still battling the migraine demon! But really happy you're still around! Everyone was worried about you!! Glad to hear you're taking care of YOU and doing WYC, WYC!!!!!!!! Do what's best for you!!
Welcome back! All the best.
Mel I have missed you! I have been checking daily hoping you would be back. I hope you are feeling better.I know how horrible migraines can be...I get them too!!!!
Please take care!
So great to hear your voice! Wishing you well -
It is great to have you back...you have been missed!
Feel better soon! We'll be here when you get back.
Mel, thanks for coming back to us. Whenever you post, my heart smiles. Don't be a scaredy-cat--about anything. Just give it a try. And if you are lucky, you can try again, and if you are very lucky, you will learn something valuable. We're all here for you, virtually wishing you good health and good crafting.
Migraines are nothing to sneeze at. Rather a sort of hell on earth. WYC WYC is the perfect philosophy. Glad to hear that you are working through it. We'll all be waiting. Do miss your craftiness. Hope that in time Mr. Migraine will be replaced by Mr. Mojo!
Till then,
R/
Hi Mel! Wonderful to hear from you! Keep cool girl and do what makes you happy!
Sweet Mel. So wonderful to see you post again. I lobe the WYC/WYC motto! That is what you need to adhere to, and take care of you....and I will be keeping an eye out for posts from you...WYC ;-) Blessings girl.
Oh it is so good to hear from you. I was just thinking of you 2 days ago. And here you are. Iam sorry that you have to find your creative voice again, but keep trying. Odds are it is hiding, and not actually lost. We all love to hear from you. Take care!
Thanks for checking in and letting us know how you're doing...sending big get well and craft mojo wishes. Just do WYC,WYC and only when you feel like it...never let anything take over your life.
Have your migraines been better since you've taken a break from the computer and the desk lights? I just saw a documentary about people who are hypersensitive to electro-magnetic energy. Even light bulbs and active power outlets can make them have migraines and general pain and lethargy...may be something to investigate. Just spend a few days out at a lake cabin with no electronics and spend as much time outside as you can (provided there are no huge electric towers nearby) and see how you feel. Just a thought...
It's good to hear from you again.. I've been concerned about you. Hope you soon recover and your creativity returns. It's difficult to be creative when you don't feel well.
It is just so good to hear from you Mel, I too have missed you and keep checking to see if you have posted,(just in case I missed an email update).
I sincerely hope that you find a reason and a cure for your illness.
Enjoy your little family, your creativity will come back when its ready.
Hugs..........Baukje
Mel welcome back I know how you feel as I too have taken and extraordinarily long break from my blog for no real reason other than time constraints- hope you are feeling better and back in the swing again soon -do a few blog stalks and see what inspiration comes- hope to see you soon
Hi Mel,
it's so nice to hear from you. Just be...find your pace and be well.
Sending you all good things and a hug.
Chriss
I have missed you more than I can say and am SO glad to hear from you! You are such a smart creative soul, so just give yourself the time you need and it WILL come back!
Joyful thought to be reading your post. May you find a centering of comfort. We will be here - waiting patiently and thinking all good thoughts to be sent your way.
Good to see you are making your way back! Hang in there and take it one day at a time. Hugs, Maria
Mel, you're in my prayers. It was so good to see you post. Looks like the healing has started already.
Welcome back - and please just take one small step at a time. You will get there in the end
So good to "see" you!!!!!
Well you already know how much I have missed you but please remember WYC WYC!
Patricia
the PaperTemptress
Oh Mel!
I am happy to see you back again! I am glad you are working on you and what you need for you! That is what is most important!
Creativity is an outlet, so I am sure that will come back to you as well.
My thoughts are with you!
MEL-A-LICIOUS!!!! You're alive ... and somewhat well! Sooooo good to hear from you, Kiddo!
You're greatly missed ... and loved ... and hope you're safe, warm, happy, and as headache-free as possible.
I think of you often, my friend! Stay in touch!! Sending hugs!
Sweet Mel, what a huge relief to hear you're doing okay! Every day I come check to see if you've posted anything and worried something bad had happened (I'm a worrier). Glad you're taking care of yourself and hope you continue to heal. xoxo (P.S. Hubby and I will be cruising by your neck of the woods next week on a Carnival Alaska cruise--I'll wave in your direction). ;-)
Just nice to know that you are still around blog land as you were one of my inspirations to get started blogging and i have cased so many of your wonderful ideas. Wishing you a speedy feel better and just do it "when you can"
smiles
Paola
http://paolaspaperhaven.blogspot.com/
Welcome back! I am one of your blog stalkers and I have missed your sense of humor and your great designs! I'm so sorry about your migraines. I get them too, but never with the frequency you do. You have my sincere sympathy. I hope you feel better!
Hi, so good to hear from you again ^-^ been missing your blog. i find your blog very inspiring ALL THE TIME >.<
i can really identify with what you are going through...i was there too...being absent from the blog and finding it so difficult to come back, just couldn't find any creative juice flowing at all ... hope you'll find the inner strength to move on ... definitely hope you'll get better too
*BIG HUGS* So glad you're well! I too miss your blogging and amazing creativity, but I think your health must always come first. I'm still recovering from severe PND and most days it's a struggle to even want to exist, let alone do it. I love the new motto - "what you can, when you can"... if I was feeling crafty I'd embroider it on something... ;-)
Danielle
xx
Welcome back!
don't urge yourself to much into crafting - let the power flow slowly back into your heart & your fingers!
Wishing you all the best!
I have really missed your email updates. Welcome back!
Welcome back, Mel - even if only sporadically for awhile. I've definitely missed you. Nevertheless, I agree with your motto - WYCWYC. Great advice, and I'm happy to let you do just that. But I'll also be very glad when I know that you're REALLY back.
I sincerely hope you find a way out from under the migraine beast and can send it packing for good - and soon, if possible!
Soooo glad to hear from you! Please don't rush in the way you were before and just enjoy life as it is now! Just create and blog as you feel like it and we'll be so happy to share it.Welcome back, Ruth x
Mel, you have been missed. I am so very happy to hear from you. Remember your the artist and we have been blessed that you shared your talent with us. In the end you are all that matters. We all care for you very much. Fall off blogging, blog every day, blog once a year, take a break from creating but never stop being an artist. :) I took a break too. It was the best thing I ever did for my creative self. Even though I took a break I never stopped being an artist.
Hi Mel,
So good to hear from you! Sounds like you're trying to take care of yourself, which is the most important thing! We do miss you, but with the wonderful creativity you have, I'm sure we'll see it in some form soon. The important thing is to do it because you want to. Art should not be a burden, but a plesure.
Massive MASSIVE hugs to you Mel! I got so excited to see you pop up on my blog reader again :) We have all been thinking of you and please take all the time in the world, we don't mind if you only post once a month as long as we know you're still there and ok :)
thank you for the update, and getting life in order is what life is...i know many of the feelings you are sharing and that takes courage and strength, so you have it in you but yes WYC WYC will help you along the way. in the meantime i am trying many of your tips and techniques and templates that you have gathered, so while you were/are absent from the blog, you were not absent in our hearts and minds. take care!
I had to come back this morning to make sure I wasn't dreaming and it was reeeeeally YOU! lol!
super hugs and best wishes on whatever you end up doing...a hug for C and Mouse too for taking good care of you!!
WYC WYC...I like it!
xoxo
I was so happy to see your new blog post in my reader! I'm so glad you are ok (generally speaking) and I know exactly how you feel. If I just take a long weekend off from crafting, it takes me forever to get going again! You will get your creative self back, she's just slackin' as long as she can get away with it! Take care of yourself, and I look forward to your next post.
Mel, I'm so glad to see you! I've miss you terribly! Oddly enough, I was just visiting your blog yesterday because I couldn't remember how long you had been gone. And lo, and behold, here you are! I do hope you feel well enough to visit with us more often! Take good care!
Cathy
Oh wow...so glad to hear from you...it feels good to hear that now ur taking care of ur health..:) Missed u a lot ! Really....glad to hear ur gaining ur creative self back...god bless and come back...!
oh my gosh girl, I've missed you and been worried too! I wrote you an e mail to inquire about you and when I didn't hear anything back I did begin to worry. I'm glad that you are okay - in fact you sound better than okay! It's so GOOD to hear from you!
There are simple steps to take always.....like Hello.....I missed you.....glad to hear from you.......hope you are well and most important know that we care. Know that people care. Know that you matter. Know that you should do WYC WYC! Each day is a step. One at a time. Hugs!
So, so, so good to hear from you again!
Hi Mel. I have missed your posts and hope you can find the time and balance to at least post once in a short while. Welcome home! Jane
ohh MELLLLL!!! Thank you sooo much for writing!! I have missed you and your creativity so so so much! I hope you are doing better, and i am so happy that all of you are so happy with eachother! take loads of care!
hugs to mr mouse!!! :)
Much love to you, Mel! I've missed you and I'm glad you gave us an update. Take good care of yourself!
I sure have missed you Mel, you have always been such an inspiration to me. When I can not get my juices flowing I would come by here and see how details you do and I am up and running. :)
Mel, thank you so much for the update. I have thought of you and your struggles so much over the past few months and hoped/prayed you were taking the time for yourself that you need.
Interestingly you and I both used to be neighbors on the Technorati lists and I jumped off the internet right about the same time you did (Us BC girls, never know what we'll do) for a lot of the same reasons. After my surgery at the end of January I tried to keep up and it was all too much. I quit my DTs, switched to posting weekly (or less), sometimes more if there is something to say. It was like my creative wings have been clipped.
Now I'm trying to figure out who I am, where I stand, what matters. It's a good thing - imagine all the possibilities.
Anyhow, all this is to say, I think I know where you're coming from and I am super, super glad you are taking the time to take care of yourself and the ones you love. That takes all sorts of courage and I have a whole lot of respect for you and what you're doing.
Take care of that migraine. Ugh. I hate the things. Since having my spinal cord severed 1/22 they've been a constant albatross for me too.
Wishing you wonderful things!
So glad to hear from you, any message from you is good to see. All the best from Colchester, United Kingdom xxx
So very wonderful to hear from you! I missed you! Hearing about how well you are doing inspires me to "get at" my organizing too. I hope those migraines leave you soon...I used to have bad ones too & I think "I've aged out of them". Bless you and Thanks for all the inspiration you share with us.
NancyK in WI
You are missed big time Mel, however the good thing about Blogland as i was recently told by a special blogging buddy of mine is that you can dip in and out as and when... and we'll all be here ready to say 'hi' and send love and hugs whenever the fancy takes you! Take care of you, Jo x
Hi Mel, I am so glad you took that leap and let us know how you are doing. You can see by the comments how loved you are whether you are creating or not... remember wyc wyc and I think a bunch of us are going to take up that mantra as well... I really appreciate your updating us on how and what you are doing... keep on keeping on and know we will all be here whenever you write again.... many hugs and prayers!!!!
Wow, I did a double take when I saw it was an email update to your blog. Take baby steps girl and hope to see you back here once in awhile!
I was sooo thrilled to see a post from you a few minutes ago (it took a day to come to my emails!!!). It sooo great to hear from you. You take the time you need to figure when you are going. If that includes us fine, if and when you are ready know your flock will be here with open arms to welcome you back. Take care of YOU!
I'm glad to see you back. I discovered your blog this summer. What a treasure! It will take me a long time to browse thru it all. I pray that God helps you find relief from your migraines. I know how debilitating they can be. I look forward to seeing more.
Hey Mel!! I am so glad you are alive and kicking. You are loved and thought of by so very many Websters. I am tickled that everyone in your nest including Mouse is steeped in love. We will still be here for you whenever your spirit and creativity returns.
Hugs x ♥,
Kendall
Hi Mel,
it´s so nice to hear / read from you and all your planes and wishes may go like you want them. :-)
Hugs Kathi
Hi Mel, and welcome back! So sorry to hear how you've been suffering with your migraines - totally miserable for you and I do sympathise, having suffered very badly when I was younger.
Your latest post is very timely for me - I struggle with very low energy levels and feeling constantly poorly, and then feel guilty because I'm not in my ARTHaven creating!!! "What you can, when you can" has got to be my motto too! thanks so much for that!
Sometimes I think I just can't get going, but once I do, I have such fun - so I need to make the effort.
Hope you feel better soon!
It's so great to see your name and read your post. Enjoy life and blog when you feel like it and have fun with it.
Welcome back Mel, hope your Migraines will get better and that you will get your mojo back. Enjoy your time with hubby and Mouse
Chantell - South Africa
We're thinking of you too Mel, and wishing you well <3
WHEEE! You are A-L-I-V-E!! You've been missed! Baby steps, Missy. Baby steps. And thanks for the update!
Take care!
OMGosh welcome back!! You were greatly missed, but please take it slow I'm sure everyone will agree with me we don't want you to disappear again. As to the creative woman in you she'll emerge soon enough. It's good to read that you and you family are doing good. Once again welcome back!!!
Oh Mel, glad to hear you are working your way through this.. look forward to your recovery and creating again. What a wonderful gift from your friend to help you find your creative wings.. and WYC,WYC... priceless. Hugs and prayers!
Sharon Field
Hello!
I am SO HAPPY to see you back posting! I have checked you almost daily to see how you are and what you are doing and now your back! :<)
Please do take care of yourself and when the creative urge hits you again - you go girl! Forget the perfectionism - I understand it very well, but it doesn't belong in creation! :<)
Wishing you all good things! Just want to see you feeling better soon! The rest will follow!
Hugs,
Barbara Diane
I have been checking your blog DAILY for an update!!! I hope all goes well for you and your creative juices begin to flow!!
Jenna in VT
Such a perceptive comment about "perfectionism!" We do that to ourselves, and I understand that being away for so long, it is hard to get back~~you are not alone there are thousands of us out there, TFS and welcome back!
Mel, I've never posted on your blog, but have watched and learned for a very long time. I think it's easy to get lost, lose ourselves on the internet and in our art. Perhaps you have felt driven to create for us, maybe it's time you create for yourself...as little or as much as you feel like it. Perhaps you'll choose to share it with us on your blog, and perhaps you'll make art just for yourself...and take the pressure off the teapot my friend. Take care of yourself. Julie S
So glad to see you back, even if it is just updates on how you are doing. You will craft when you feel the need.
More importantly, you are back!
Continue to take care,
Mareda
Dear Mel,
I just discovered your blog the other day when I saw the Cauldron Shaped Box post from Halloween. I was floored at how amazing it was. I look at a lot of papercrafting on the web (A LOT) and you are something special and unique for sure. I am so inspired by you. Do what makes you smile, what makes you proud of yourself, but know that we care and appreciate you a lot!
Mel: I just found your blog and read your story. May I suggest a few words to live by:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Phillipians 4:13
Hi Mel ! Yes I've missed you. But I'm glad your fine and I'll like the WYC WYC philosophy. Good luck and take your time.
Mel Mel, sweet heart!!! @e love you and so happy to see you blogging! I have been struggling as well this summer and WYC WYC is what is needed sometimes! Take care!
Mel! Mel! I'm so happy to hear from you!
Happy to see you back! Take care of yourself and post WYC! Love your blog and the ideas you share with us.
DeniseB
Good to hear from you Mel. Glad you posted and I'm glad you seem o be sounding more positive even if you have a migraine right now. You'll find your place in time. Whatever is best for you.
Hi Mel, me again... I'm glad to hear you're feeling a bit better.
Your WYC, WYC has definitely become my motto! If people think I'm a bit mad when I go round muttering "wick, wick" out loud, let them! It's liberating!! "Wick" is also Yorkshire dialect for "alive" which makes it even better!!!
Hoping those dreadful migraine demons keep away!
If we don't take care of ourselves, who will? So glad you are tending to you. You have been missed tremendously.
Most importantly, it's great to hear from you. Sending huge hugs, Peggy x
Mel, it's good to see you back on the map again, or in this case, on internet!!! Missed you much!!!
Greetings from the Netherlands
Marja Rolfes
Hope you get better soon Mel! It sucks that you have to deal with those migranes.
So glad to see a new posting here! I have wondered if all was ok with you and I am glad you are back on the blog!
Hugs to you,
APm
Hey girl! Glad to see a post from you! Was wondering what happened and what adventure you were on. . .:) Well, I'm glad you have been able to spend more time with C and Mouse. . .it's always good to spend time with loved ones.
I've been sort of stuck myself. . .I call it crafting depression. . .LOL! Actually, I started crocheting and well, my card making sort of went out the window. I love crocheting because there's no mess! Just a hook and a yarn. That's it! Wow! If it weren't for the DTs I'm on. . .well, I'd probably just crochet. Been loving learning something new and different. I also want to learn to sew. . .I bought a new sewing machine.
Anyway, sorry for the long story. .. I'm just happy that you are doing well and I missed seeing you around in blogland!
Maria
missed u sweetie head. xo
Love WYC.
god bless you .let pray your on the way to better health i really missyoposting thanking you sorry much
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