We are three weeks into Dad's living with us and it has been enlightening, to say the least. He has masked just how much he needs to be with someone who can supply the nursing/physical care he needs and how profound his loneliness has been. We've had a trip to the hospital, Dr. visits, managing the care of his wife who is in an assisted living facility, bills to pay, medication runs, assembling of a bedside commode and a bunch of other stuff I'd rather not talk about here. Let's just say that I am happy to have him here where I know the care he is getting is very good.I was able to sneak away briefly to work out some of the things that Emy and I are working on together. The bag has the leather trim that I wanted on it and the skirt is completed. The top for the skirt is still "in the works" but will be coming soon. It seems that everything has to be done the way one eats an elephant....one bite at a time.
After weeks of moving, carrying, cleaning, arranging, re-arranging, moving, throwing out, selling, transporting, boxing and un-boxing two households, I had a down day. During my 'down", the phone rings to tell me that two students had cancelled due to illness, and would I still teach? I said of course I'd still teach if there were only two....and by the way, when is the class. I don't have it on my calendar? TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What! End of down time and started packing the car. I had so much fun with these gals. They dyed their scarves, laid out their wool, rolled them and then after the fibers had started to migrate, we headed off to the local laundry mat, where they saw their project transform into highly textured nuno works. They were a delight and I needed to be around folks making felt more than I knew. It was a very good day.
Personally, I've no idea when I'll be back making felt. I'll be teaching a good bit and am always open to workshops within the mid-west. I'll be teaching at the Nature Center in Kalamazoo, Midwest Felting Symposium, Michigan Fiber Festival, Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival, and Colorado, Ohio and a few other places this year. A lot depends upon the road we are traveling now. My family comes first.
I will make felt again...I will make felt again....I will make felt again.
Shalom and Happy Feltmaking~
Suzanne
9 comments:
Every parent needs a loving daughter like you:) Love the purse!
Suzanne I think you are truly blessed to have your father with you no matter what the work load or his needs are.
This period in your life is maybe called 'payback time 'and when this period comes to an end as it will you will grieve not for time to do as you want but for the man who fathered you and has given you the joy to being back in your families daily life.
I would give up every hobby I have, every ounce of fibre to have 'my father back again with me .
You are on the right path, it will happen for you at the right time.
Life will fall into place again and your felting will be part of that.....funny how life leads us where we need to be.
Take time for yourself....care for the caregiver and all that.....
You are a dear heart. Big hugs! Although family comes first remember that you must take care of yourself and your needs too. Make sure you find that time to connect with your creativity because you need that peace and energy to keep you centered.
The change is constant, isn't it? One day at a time, one bite of elephant at a time. Despite the chaos, I cannot help but think... Lucky Dad, Lucky Daughter.
Love the purse! It's so wonderful that you are able to take care of your dad, what a gift of love! I'm glad you'll be teaching at the Midwest Felting Symposium too. :-)
I love the bag at the start of your post really interesting texture!
It is wonderful that you are taking this time for your Father. Enjoy the time you have with your family. Life is lonely when you get old and have a lot of time alone. The photo of the bag is lovely.
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