At last I have my new pacemaker, or as they are described by the medical professionals, a pacing generator! With Bluetooth no less. Technology these days is amazing. I'm feeling good, which is exciting, my pacemaker "talks" to the special app on my iPhone and in turn if the app spots anything of note information goes straight through to the Cardiac Unit. It's rather like a Big Brother is Watching you scenario but I'm tremendously grateful.
So, what have I been doing since my last little post, nothing much, reading, sleeping and watching a few good TV programmes, oh and my usual moon gazing and catching sunrise and sunrise when possible, this was sunrise the other day
the cloud formations always fascinate me, especially when the rising sun catches the underside of the cloud.
You might recall I was making a start on Fonthill quilt, Wanda was also working on the same project, she had come up with the idea a few months that we could both work around the same time frame, she made tremendous headway whilst I was stalled! I hoped to continue on after my hospital visit, I had found beforehand that I wasn't coping with the many small HSTS involved - hands not good. Sadly I'm not going forward right now but hope to perhaps think again in the New Year. So what now, well I have three boxes with projects ready to go and from now on I'm working on patterns with good size pieces and also strips, I'm keeping things simple.
The boxed projects below were put together quite some time ago
the bottom quilt project - Japanese Brocades - is quite a change from my usual fabric choice, I just felt like making something a little softer
I had made a start on fabric for The Hannah Quilt a little while ago, I've had the pattern from when it first was released, and was inspired to make a start after seeing the quilt Koselig made by Julie using this pattern. Appealing to me was the fact that Julie had not used a light solid colour as the "background" strips shown in the pattern but had used a beautiful Tula Pink fabric, macaws on a pink background. I have yardage of the same design but in the turquoise colourway. Two day ago I found two fabrics to choose from as my background. Choice not yet made.
A few days ago I was told by a friend that she was having a 'mental health day' just doing something she really enjoyed, and had missed out on in recent times, she might read or paint, two things she really enjoyed but found she couldn't find the time any more to enjoy them. This had me thinking seriously about the past two years I have had, the result of which has affected my wellbeing enormously, both physically and mentally, to this end I have decided I shall have not one mental health day but a 5 month Mental Health break!!! Blogging often as I used to, spending more time in my little studio enjoying my fabrics and the view of camellias outside of the window, sitting outside in the sunshine with hand sewing and listening to the birds, moon gazing, catching sunrise and sunset, reading, going for walks now that I have the new pacemaker, reading blog posts daily again, seeing family more often - we're going to be great grandparents soon which is thrilling.
Reading -two books below have been sitting on my bedside table for around three months, the cover of the first book - Phosphorescence - drew me in straight away, as did the title of the book. I hasten to say it is not a book about depression but the beauty around us. I used to love the streams of phosphorescence in the wake of the boat at night, also by the bow, when we sailed to New Zealand in 1962 and back to the UK in 1963, the glow is stunning.
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Next in line is Miss Dior - A Wartime Story of Courage and Couture. The title says it all, Christian Dior and his beloved younger sister, Catherine who inspired his famous perfume. I am so looking forward to reading this biography.
I think I have exhausted my news here now, apart from apologies for having, once again, missed your posts over the past 10 days, I had to take things easy.
Oh, making a start on my 5 months mentioned above here is a photo of one of the most beautiful camellias in our garden, can't recall the name unfortunately!
Before I sign off we have been reading and hearing of the horrific weather in the USA, in fact all over the world I think, but reading our news this morning I was horrified. Hoping that you re all safe and well, along with all your family members.
Keep safe
Maureen
12 comments:
Oh my, so glad you are feeling better and have so much to say and show. Glad you had choices to readjust your quilt plans. Lovely sky and flower photos. I definitely could use a day to work on just what I want to- some idea of my own. I know people have bluetooth hearing aids, but did not know about the pacemakers.
HOORAY for medical technology and the fact that you are feeling so much better! Your nature photos always make me happy weather of the moon, the sun, your flowers, a nearby beach, etc. Mental health is so important - and blogging is a part of our wellness but it needs to be done when we choose to (not when we feel compelled because it has been a few days more than "usual" since we posted). Take care and enjoy your new feeling of wellness.
I am so glad to hear that this is working out for you!! And that you are feeling so much better, too. Be sure to take your time and only do what gives you joy--life has enough ups and downs for us to deal with without any pressure...
Hugs, Julierose
I'm so glad you are feeling better--physically and mentally! I can't wait to see your quilt idea for the Hannah quilt take form. Those brocades are so beautiful. Hooray for lots of intentional self-care!!
There was a study a few years ago that determined that people who worked with fiber (all kinds, yarn, fabric, etc) were the calmest, happiest and healthiest people. I hope you spend many hours with the things that make you the happiest. Now that your pacemaker is working full steam again you will have more energy.
I’m glad you’re doing better and delighted that Bluetooth tech is incorporated into the new devices. IPv6 makes many things more useful, doesn’t it? Thanks for the reminder to take mental health days. There seem to be endless calls on my time now that I’m “retired.” Better to plan what I want to do and where I can help in the ways that work for me.
I look forward to sharing your garden and skies!
Happy to hear such good news from you. I commend you for deciding on a 5 month mental health break. And I'm glad continuing your blog posts is part of that. I really enjoy your photos, and getting a glimpse of your quilt projects. Wise to put aside the Fonthill quilt. No sense in working on something that frustrates you, and we all know, no one can keep up with Wanda anyway.
Pat
I can hear the joy and contentment in your written word. I'm so glad you are feeling so good. Lovely fabrics and that Camilla is gorgeous.
Great news. Hope you continue to remain healthy.
Those boxes look very organised. We'll look forward to lots of progress now you are feeling better.
I sense the bounce in your step and it is so good to see! Enjoy your 5 months of Mental Health Days!
Yay for technology! It IS pretty incredible what medical technology is capable of these days. Honestly, like me, you’re probably as grateful for improvements as I am. Having severe P.A.D. as I do (a genetically-inherited condition), I’m extremely grateful for advances. My Grampa died from “hardening of the arteries,” and I surely would too, if it had progressed as his did. I’m also happy for you to take a five month mental health break. Curious about why you chose five months. Is that a weather-related choice? In any case, enjoy that star-gazing time. And I hope slow stitching gives you peace too. Hugs.
Happy to hear from you and happy to know things are looking up. Allow yourself the time it takes to rejuvenate your mind and soul. Enjoy life. Peace.
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