Hello! Just popping in very quickly in amongst wrapping a big parcel, making a packed lunch, sorting laundry, dashing out to the shops, and packing for a few days away (and trying to remember to breeeeathe). Life is busy. Sometimes hectic, but mostly just the kind of normal busy that comes at this point in the summer. Haircuts and new school shoes, outings and a birthday and mini holidays. Squeezing the most out of the last week of the summer holidays, making memories, and prioritising family time. The latter isn't easy, both J and I have been very busy with work lately - lots of problem solving for him and obsessive crochet for me. My new blanket is coming rapidly towards the finishing line, although I'll be glad of a few days rest now because my hands are very sore (arthritis in my joints).
I was away for a week down in Dorset earlier in the month and that wasn't easy, but still, I did try to make the most of my time close to the sea. Things with my Dad continue to be highly emotional and more than a little stressful, so much happening and I don't feel prepared for any of it.
I desperately want to squirrel myself away somewhere peaceful and quiet to write here more, to share, to connect with you all again, you maybe don't know it, but you are my therapy, and I've really missed being here. I crave solitude and quiet thinking time, but there just isn't the opportunity. Solitude is a scarce commodity at this time in my life.
Anyhow - so sorry this is rushed, I am in a rush. I've got an hour to get packed and ready and I'm still in my pyjamas haha!
We're off to the seaside today, so life is good. I'll be back to share with you as soon as I can carve out a niche of time
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You need to take time out for yourself,life is hectic,at times,and anxiety is tiring,look after yourself and enjoy your break,the blanket looks amazing Thank You Lucy
Posted by: Pam | September 25, 2023 at 09:34 PM
I meant CAL of course.
Posted by: Belinda Sadler | September 19, 2023 at 02:07 PM
Hello Lucy. As the summer comes to a close I am looking forward to the new year CAD blanket. I have asked my daughter for the wool pack as a Christmas gift. When will she be able to purchase what I am sure will be another amazing project for us all to enjoy in the coldest months.
Posted by: Belinda Sadler | September 19, 2023 at 02:06 PM
I have been catching up with reading everyones posts over the summer while I had a blog break. I am sending lots of love to you Lucy, in all the things that are going on in your life right now.I hope you have managed to get a little rest.
Your little crochet cover zip bags are great. I loved the pastel bag and my lovely daughter (D) loved the bright colours. The little flower finishes the bag perfectly.
Beverley (formally meandmysmallcorner)
Posted by: Beverley | September 10, 2023 at 07:13 PM
By all means...go to the Seaside!!! I am always calmed down by the water, air, sand and nature. Enjoy your stay. I've missed you too!!
Posted by: Lynn E. Claytor | September 09, 2023 at 06:44 PM
Sending you love, Lucy - you're doing great!, and I know you have the support of your family, community and routines (as well as all of us).
It's lovely to see you here - I'm at work atm and had a little pop of joy thinking "I wonder what Lucy's doing?" and seeing that comforting view from your attic window and knowing you're doing your best, and getting some sea-time is a sweet little blessing. Hugs!
Posted by: Jill in Oz | September 06, 2023 at 03:29 AM
Muito lindo seu texto, eu tb as vezes me sinto assim, aqui no Brasil chamamos de "solitude", as vezes precisamos de SOLITUDE. Beijos.
Posted by: Rosana | September 05, 2023 at 06:44 PM
I"m glad that you get to get away. The prep seems to take more time than the actual trip. Hectic or not, try to enjoy this last bit of time with the family. My heart goes out to you concerning your Dad as one who is living the dementia life right now.
Posted by: Doris Bradshaw USA | September 01, 2023 at 10:47 PM
Never underestimate the power of your blog. I don't do social media so it's extra special to have you there, chatting away like a friend, sharing your life and crochet. I so look forward to your posts and believe me when I say that my life is very much happier with you in it. Looking forward to the next blanket. Who knew I needed so many but I do. Xx
Posted by: Jill | September 01, 2023 at 04:34 PM
oooh enjoy a trip to the seaside!
Posted by: Jill Davidson | September 01, 2023 at 11:12 AM
Oh, boy, a trip to the sea! It doesn't get much better in my book. I'm sure you'll enjoy every salty breath and crunch beneath your feet. So happy for you!
Posted by: Debbi Robertson | September 01, 2023 at 12:02 AM
Thank you for taking the time to write. Enjoy your seaside time, I know you will. Like me, it’s in your blood!
Sympathy with your problems with your Dad, and I hope your break actually gives you just that, for a short time anyway.
Looking forward to the blanket reveal ( me and many others)!
Take care xxx
Posted by: Ruthie | August 31, 2023 at 11:40 PM
It's really good to hear you are (relatively!) OK. It is so stressful looking after an elderly incapacitated parent, whether they are really close by (my situation), or far away. My heart goes out to you, Lucy! Hope you got dressed, packed and off to the seaside. It's amazing what you can accomplish in an hour if you have to! Cx
Posted by: Charlotte | August 31, 2023 at 09:28 AM
So nice to hear from you, and a lovely picture from the attic into the bargain! The end of summer is always hectic. But it's a nice kind of hectic, isn't it? Children to be readied for school, last minute holidays to savor the wanning days of summer, projects to work on and/or complete. The circle of the seasons. There will be a wee breather, and then comes the onslaught of the holidays. I like that little breather. I hope you enjoy your days by the sea -- the scent of the shore, the feel of the breezes, the sound of the waves and fog horns and seabirds. Pea green with envy is what I am! Oh, and please don't worry so much about what you can't do; concentrate on what you can do. Let it bring you joy. Life is good!
Posted by: Elizabeth | August 30, 2023 at 11:59 AM
Thinking of you. Enjoy your time away by the sea and just relax.
Posted by: Julia | August 30, 2023 at 12:24 AM
Thank you for the update Lucy! Enjoy, your time by the seaside!! Warm wishes, Angela xx
Posted by: Angela | August 29, 2023 at 11:31 PM
I feel for you Lucy & although life isn't the same for all of us, many have walked difficult routes over the years & our thoughts & feelings are there for you. Pace yourself with the crocheting & have quiet moments smelling the roses & relaxation with the family & friends.....& pets. Take care & hugs from down under.
Posted by: Susan | August 29, 2023 at 09:57 PM
Enjoy your time at the seaside. Remember to breathe and relax
Posted by: Liz | August 29, 2023 at 07:18 PM
You are such an amazing person and I can't thank you enough for all that you have done for us with sharing on your blog. One of the happiest days of my life was when I stumbled across your blog many, many years ago! Learning how to crochet with you and making so many beautiful projects of yours have brought me great joy. Please take care of yourself and know that I am sure, you have had a profound impact on the lives of many such as myself!
Posted by: Elisa Melan | August 29, 2023 at 06:47 PM
Just enjoy your little break!
Posted by: Jo | August 29, 2023 at 03:30 PM
I hope you have a nice and relaxing time by the sea!!
xxx /Anna-Karin
Posted by: Anna-Karin (from Sweden) | August 29, 2023 at 02:09 PM
Maybe to save your joints a bit, it is time to have a break from big things like blankets? Perhaps hats, scarves, vest tops, ponchos/wraps, pencil cases, book covers, drawstring bags etc. Even jumpers are smaller. If selling yarn packs or kits is important then you could put these projects into collections and have packs of maybe six colours and enough yarn to cover all the projects in different colour combos? Say maybe 4 projects in a collection. It would take time to plan out but slowly in advance and less crochet time. A blanket is too much for some people to commit to as well, or others also have physical reasons why a blanket is tricky, or they already have many. Smaller packs would be affordable for more people too. An attic 24 jumper could be so nice, couldn't it?
Posted by: Sandra | August 29, 2023 at 12:25 PM
Thank you for the update Lucy. I do hope that the next few days are full of happy moments, treasured memories, and breathing space, and no conveyor belts!!
Posted by: Dawn | August 29, 2023 at 12:19 PM
Sympathy for your arthritis. I too have arthritis in my wrists and hands. I have found it is important not to overdo the time spent on crochet. Sometimes it is enough just to change to knitting or vice versa. Hope it doesn't restrict your creativity though. You create such wonderful things.
I think you are right to prioritise family time. Children grow up so quickly. One day you may have more quiet time than you want.
Posted by: Jane | August 29, 2023 at 11:12 AM