Changes, Changes

Things have been a little more than hectic around here, and while I never meant to neglect my blog, I’ve simply lost track of time.  I feel like so much has changed in the past couple of months that I barely know where things begin or end.  But there are definite beginnings and some definite endings.

As for new beginnings, the most obvious expression of this is that I’m moving, a bit unexpectedly.  After dealing with a rather unhappy flood, I have less options to stay here than I thought.  The new place is going to be a temporary rental, and is quite small – even smaller than my already little home.  It will be a real challenge downsizing and making room to live comfortably for however long we’ll be there.  In a way, it’ll be refreshing to de-clutter.  In a way, I’m kind of looking forward to that.

The bonus to this is that I have a blank slate with which to decorate!  For all my love of crochet and art, my actual degree is in interior design and that’s the profession I worked until I had my kids.  I think, sometimes, that designing for smaller houses is even more challenging than designing elaborate, sprawling ones!  Right now, my home is done in romantic pinks and lace.  But I think for this new one, I’m going to go with a more colorful, retro theme.  I found this great inspiration photo on Pinterest (with no source; do let me know if you come across it).  I love the juxtaposition of the burnt orange and sea foam green with the 70s feel to it, and I’m going in this direction for design.

Through all this, while packing up boxes and making bags for donation, I’ve had some sadder news to deal with.  My son’s godfather, and my dear friend Jimmy was diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal cancer last month.  We found out last week that it has spread to his lungs, kidney and brain.  He starts radiation soon and then chemo will follow.  I have been helping out as much as I can with little things like cleaning and helping him get to his appointments.  I am the eternal optimist, but my heart is heavy.  This world would certainly be a darker place without him in it; please send him your brightest thoughts of healing.

Our homeschool year is winding to a close and we’re selecting materials for the upcoming school year (homeschooling means my boys can school all summer long, and we do!)  I’m also finishing up some college courses that I’m taking online, which means papers are coming due soon and finals loom ahead.  It’s more time-consuming than it is difficult.  Sometimes, I daydream about time stopping just for about two weeks, where I can catch up on everything I have that needs to be done!

But I haven’t stopped crocheting, either (and more info on that to come in the next few days).  Although my camera has been collecting dust, and it hasn’t been so motivating to take pictures in these dark and dreary days of rain, snow, and more rain, I have several projects just waiting for their moment in the spotlight.  I also have a kitchen full of meals and recipes that I’ve been putting together, and the spring air which promises to finally be on its way is inching closer and closer each day, luring us all outside in the muddy ground, full of melting snow and sprouting bulbs and milder breezes.  It’s been such  a long winter.

For those of you who have sent me emails or left comments, I’m in the process of slowly going through and answering them all.  If you haven’t heard back from me in a few days, get back with me.  My spam folder sometimes eats these emails.

I’m looking forward to sharing all of it with you, and taking you on my mini-journey of designing a tiny little space.  There’s lots of sewing, baking, painting and crocheting to be done (and a lot of cleaning, working, and praying as well).  Hang in there with me!

~Mellie ★