Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Backbreak and Heartache

Hello hello....

Apologies to all who have treasured, convo'd or emailed me recently and didn't receive a timely reply.
I've been remiss as of late, I know.  I haven't intended to ignore your kindnesses, thoughtfulness or humor.

Here, let me explain where I've been ......

Saying so long to the temporary digs




a place where
 found treasures unite the past and present in delightful ways.
and where the first, second or third most interesting man in the world
continues to find interesting uses for empty plastic jugs........

yup, he's a keeper!
but why would that keep me from all of you and from
good ole blogger?
well, you see, there was also this....
I found myself
in a literal sea of boxes



and what else I've been doing, as you can see, is hanging by a thread.


this is or should I say "will be" my studio at the new place





Now imagine every room of the house looking pretty much like that.
Yeah, you guys have moved too.  You know the drill.

we had funny movers who left this for us in my studio

yes, exactly how I feel when looking at all of these boxes.
GASP!
Only I wear clothes when parked in front of a window.
But I digress.



That's the backbreak part.
Sadly, there is a heartache part to this post as well.
The day after all of these boxes arrived,
my dear wonderful father passed away.
A man of true gentle compassion, wit, warmth and kindness.
A man liked by all who met him
and adored and loved by all who knew him.
As you can imagine, all of my pictures are in that sea somewhere.
So I can't share my favorite photo of my dad with you.
But there's this one that was shared by a family member....which captures that
beautiful and gracious smile
A deeply profound loss for so many.
My father lived his life and showed by example,
how to see the beauty and delight in each day.
To look for the best in people and the best in your circumstances.
To be grateful and content.
I would like to leave you with this thought,
that even in the midst of this mountain of stress and grief,
there are moments of joy to be seized and cherished,
when family and friends gather
to celebrate a life well lived.
This is but one of them.
Be well.


21 comments:

  1. My deepest condolences on the loss of your dear father. Sending *hugs* your way.

    Best of luck with those boxes! Your new studio space looks great (what I can see of it.) ;)

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  2. Welcome back. You were missed.
    Bright eyed cutie in the box!
    All best wishes and oodles of more hugs.

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  3. My thoughts are with you my friend, I am so sorry.

    Happy you have a more permanent place to call home and it will come together in time, as all things do.

    Take care,

    Sue

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  4. What a nice smile your dad had...
    Good luck with unpacking and settling in to your new home.
    All best to you and yours,
    Other Janet (the willow one)

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  5. So sorry to hear about your dad, but that picture of him is a beautiful commemoration of his spirit. Wow, while the boxes may feel like forever right now, look at the beautiful space you have, brand new and waiting for your creativity.

    Love to you and your family,
    Juliette

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  6. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. I lost my dear mother last year, and the sadness is only relieved when I think about all the wonderful memories we shared for 49 years. I know through the coming days your own memories of your wonderful father will help you smile more and cry less.

    Best of luck unpacking. Please make time each day to grieve the loss of your dad. It really helps to give yourself permission to let it all out. Hugs to you and your family.

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  7. how sad to have a father pass on. mine passed on when i was 17. prayers are with you. but also, what a celebration of life in its many forms you have shown us! xoxo

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  8. So very sorry to hear of the passing of your dear father. Hugs sent your way from California. Xxx Cynthia

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  9. So sorry to hear about your dad. Sending hugs to you.
    And good luck for all thoses boxes, this new place looks exciting!

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  10. Hello my friend, (you have been missed), thank you for sharing the warm memories of your father, "gentle compassion, wit, warmth and kindness" are the traits of extraordinary individuals. Much love and hugs to you right now, I wish I could dive into those boxes and help out. <3

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  11. Very, very sad to hear you've lost your father, prayers and thoughts for you and your family.
    The new year would be a perfect time to set out your new studio, it'll bring lots of positive energy.

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  12. aw, sweetie! Just sending profound love vibes your way from grey ol' chicago. He looks like such a sweetheart and he certainly did a good job as a dad, that is evident. The picture of your mannequin made me laugh.
    hugs and more hugs
    blogmom

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  13. Heart-felt condolences. Thank you for sharing so beautifully.

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  14. You poor darling. What a year this has been for you. I just couldn't beleive it when you told me your news. He looked such a lovely man, and as fanci said, his sweetness is clearly evident in you.
    Your new studio looks wonderful, despite all the boxes, and I'll look forward to seeing what beauties emerge from it, in what has to be a brighter and better new year.
    So much love to you
    xoxoxoxoxoxox <3

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  15. My prayers and condolences are sent to you and your family along with air hugs and a shoulder. I was wondering where you have been...missed you. That is a lovely picture of your Dad. Thanks for sharing him with us. You can see there was always a twinkle in his eyes.

    Your studio is going to be the envy of all of us. I'm too familiar with seas of boxes. Just take it a day at a time and it will soon be gorgeous. Your fans expect seas of pictures when you're done! I agree with fanci... your manne made me laugh... she's now on my mannequin envy board on pinterest.

    Missed you and sending lots of LoVe,

    LuAnn




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  16. Oh Janet, I just saw your post and wish to send you love and hugs. I'm so sorry to read that your Dad has passed away. I see that he has left you with a lifetime of cherished memories. Be well dear friend.
    Hugs and condolences.
    ...Jackie

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  17. Thank you all so very much for your kind and caring words of comfort. Please know how much this means to me. I wasn't sure about sharing this sad news on my blog, but I also didn't want to just disappear while I worked through this and leave you all wondering if I was ok or not. It's apparent that I made the right decision. I will treasure up these thoughtful words and marvel at the generous concern so evident in our artistic community. Thank you.

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  18. hi janet...have not touched in since whenever i last did... until tonight and am so sorry about your dad. my father passed away 30 years ago and there isn't a day that he's not in some thought or other..the ache softens with time and good memories, but not quickly...your dad looks so gentle and kind and sweet. blessings to all...lucia

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  19. So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad but wonderful to see all the loving support you have. When you send love out into the world, it returns to you threefold...

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  20. Hi, Janet! So sorry I've been remiss in checking in. Your post made me laugh and cry. I am so sorry for your loss, but it's apparent that your dad instilled in you an appreciation of life and, dare I even say, a sense of humor. Your new studio looks like it's going to be gorgeous and I have a feeling that favourite photo of your father, once found in the wreckage, will hold a special place of honour in your new home. Wishing you peace and prosperity.

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  21. Aw, Janet, I just now read your blog and am so sorry about your dad's passing. What a giant loss it must be. Your new studio is beautiful and I imagine you're having a nice time arranging it! Wishing you peace and good times,
    Wendy A

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