I've been an infrequent blogger lately, for one reason or another. I'm trying to keep up with Tai Chi, both classes and park; I've been reading a fascinating biography of Voltaire; I've tons of new books; I've been to see my grandchildren; I've been catching up on chores and errands and phone calls and doctor appointments and meetings and.... As it is for everyone, periods that feel relaxed and leisurely are often followed by a storm of activities and necessary tasks.
Returning from my weekend in Baton Rouge, I was met with more decisions, questions, frustrations that have kept me busy and frantic. Our meeting this morning with the nurse practioner of a Geriatric Psychiatrist went very well, I think. New options, a more informed opinion, possibilites for improvement in certain areas. I'm more hopeful. One problem that she hit on is that older people often have trouble getting "bundled" sleep - they sleep in fits and starts, without getting the 6-8 hours needed rest in one bundle. This was one of our major concerns, and I feel more hopeful on this score. I'm grateful that this is a family affair; my brothers have been marvelous, and although it will never be an easy task, I feel so sorry for people who have no family members to help them.
Talking to someone who loves her work and has more to offer than commiseration is a remarkably encouraging experience. My brothers and I came away feeling less stressed and more prepared - well, at least I did!
Deb at DebGeyerQuilts has a post about a children's book about quilting, Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria. I found it a timely post as I've been "collecting" posts about quilting with children recently (and wish I could remember all of the posts on the topic I've seen in the last year or two).
Sooo...I'm going to share some of the links:
Most recently, and I love the pictures in these, Nellie of Nellie's Needles posted pictures of "quilters in training." And Joyce shared these pictures of her grandchildren. Gerrie over at http://www.thecraftstudio.com/qwc/
http://www.thecraftstudio.com/qwc/picture.htm
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/435402578MWADsA
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/cr_quilting_blocks/article/0,,HGTV_3299_1371590,00.html
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/QuiltingKids/
http://www.carolhurst.com/subjects/quilts.html
http://www.mcps.org/linkous/creativity/quilting/
Some examples of classroom quilts:
http://www.mcps.org/linkous/creativity/LiteraryQuilt.html
http://www.mcps.org/linkous/creativity/quilting/Bates.html
http://www.mcps.org/linkous/creativity/quilting/Guinn.html
http://www.mcps.org/linkous/creativity/quilting/Stith.html
Simply Quilts has done several fascinating shows on the topic, and Alex has a book, too.
http://www.amazon.com/Kids-Start-Quilting-Alex-Anderson/dp/1571201416
http://www.carolhurst.com/titles/keepingquilt.html
I love keeping up with Fast Friday Fabric Challenge. Their latest challenge references the first or last line of a book, but all of them have been interesting, creative, innovative.
It's never easy caring for an aging one. They have so many special needs. Just commiserating, you know...
ReplyDeleteI can especially relate to being enmeshed in a flurry of activity. I hope it calms down for you soon. You sound tired.
Glad you were able to get away to see your grandchildren.
Take care of you now.
Thank you for contributing to the shawl. I appreciate your cares and prayers.
Thanks for the link to the Fast Fridaqy Fabric Challenge. What fascinating works and creative people.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found a helpful and sympathetic professional. That can make such a difference.
Rian - I've watched and read through your experiences with Jim's mother and have benefitted from your experiences as I sympathized. Deb H. and Deborah (the Librarian) have also been unknowing sources of strength.
ReplyDeleteThis strange internet community has provided so much in the way of knowledge and empathy. The shawl, another of that marvelous Debra's (YEA! Ms. Spincic) brainstorms, was a union of prayers for you and Jim.
Kay - Oh, good! I'm so glad you checked it out and enjoyed it. And I loved your "Wake up and smell the coffee"!
No poetry. OK. I love quilts. My Poetry Thursday uses a a dialect style, then I add my own at the end.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm always looking for bloggers over 50.