One of the first lessons of medicine is that healing a wound of any kind must happen from the depths of the wound and repair itself all the way out to the skin or surface. We heal from the inside out. That’s the reason you can have those drains placed often after you have a surgery. If there is any possibility of any disgusting drainage being released, the surgeon wants it out of your body, not in. Infection must be avoided for healing to take place…new growth not old must be laid down. The intricate design of cell growth demands replacement and healing in all living things.
I’m taken by the idea that this same form of healing of our spirits, our attitudes and our efforts must also come from within. Many years ago, long before I was born, a famous actress named Lillian Russell asked the very talented French sculptor, Rodin if it would be very difficult to learn to be a sculptor. He replied, “No, Madam, it is not difficult. It is very simple. All you have to do is to buy a block of marble and knock off what you do not want.”
I’ve always found that a fascinating thought. It was also Auguste Rodin who said, “Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.” Life was not always easy for him, born in the midst of the 19th century; he was extremely near sighted and did poorly in school because of his visual impairment. Since that occurred long before the famous eye chart and routine eye checks for children, he soon became discouraged and lost his confidence and belief in what was possible for his life. He began to unleash his ability to draw because he could see the paper and became less and less interested in school work. After being rejected twice by art schools, he lost all confidence in his artistic abilities, as well. He turned to decorative bricklaying for two decades before trying his skills at sculpturing. Now considered to be the father of modern sculpture, perhaps in this country he is most well-known for his sculpted work titled “The Thinker.”
I always find it fascinating to see all famous people and also those less well known, as human beings with challenges, heartaches and disappointments as well as having attained triumphs. They are basically just like me. They are basically just like you. There is so much, always, for us who suffer daily pain to learn from those who suffered in one form or another and to use the experience wisely, oh my, what sage advice. Even as a young girl I loved to read biographies about all types of individuals. Overcoming any event shows wisdom. Destructive behavior does not.
I’m certain many of you think, when I mention healing from within that I am referring to physical healing and actually, in the case of surgery or other invasive events that is true, but for many of us who have conditions which will always be with us, the healing takes the form of relief, overcoming and rising above the pain which often threatens to pull us down and stomp upon our little heads. I sometimes have imaginings of these little gremlins that are trying to do just that to me as I have to bat them away from me, like pesky flies, determined to undermine by joy and fulfillment in a compromised life. Pain wants to take a bite out of my life, in the form of these tiny monsters. They not only want to do you and I physical harm, hammering on you with their tiny hammers of pain and discouragement, but they want to pull you down and make you less than you were meant to be. Pain and its tiny minions steal your inner confidence, make your talents invisible to all, especially yourself and rob you of all the joys in life. We must not let that happen. Your pain is physical and you should do all you can to make it less but there is much more you and I can do to heal from within.
We live in a world of mayhem and noise. We need time alone and in silence to hear the still small voices within our inner selves. Each of us was born with enormous capacity for interaction, creativity and production. When our schedule or plans are interrupted by pain and or disease, we are easily distracted and led off into the bushes of our minds where we become lost, confused and we believe, without worth. You and I have a design, an implanted map of who and what we are capable of achieving. Even those who are totally well do not always achieve what they are capable of achieving and they do not have the excuse that we have. We can’t possibly be all we are capable of in this life but most of us give up the struggle and don’t even try. I hope when I die, I have a long list of things I planned to create, see and do but will be striving until the end. Like Walt Disney planning on his death bed, by studying am image projected onto the ceiling above his bed, I would be honored to have that said about me. “She lived until the end and always made me laugh.”
Now as long as I’ve gone down the path of epitaphs and such, I’ll reveal to all of you that I’ve been telling my dear husband that his tombstone will read, “AND HE SAID HARD WORK NEVER KILLED ANYONE. HERE HE LIES.” If I’m really feeling ornery, I think I’ll add, “GOTCHA.” His toughness and tenacity often inspire me to keep on clicking these painful joints and to strive to keep our life in sync. Okay, so much for that because we’re here and we’re still able to bitch and moan so we must have life within us. When you pinch us do we not screech? When you tick us off, do we not complain? You bet we do. Signs of life are all around us, even in our pain.
The tragedy in a life of chronic pain is not the pain, although that can make your eyes bug out at times. It’s not in the damaged relationships which were probably “cracked” to begin with nor is it in the daily depression which is wrought by this constant battle. The greatest tragedy of all is to give up and not even try. You and I have things that only we can accomplish in this short time on earth. Hidden deep within us, covered by our pain and daily battle, lays the ability for great accomplishment. We have talents that lie dormant. When we find the time for silence and whatever you want to call it…be it reflection, inner searching or writing a diary to one’s self, many of these secrets can be revealed. It’s a very personal matter, those secrets which hold the ability to heal us from within. My magic bottle of soulful longing and dormant ability is different than yours. That is truly the beauty of this discovery.
I am constantly amazed by all of the outstanding individuals who have lived and are living who have overcome great odds to be and do what they have. There is not room here to go into the names or details but so many come to mind like famous artists who overcame, people like FDR, George Washington Carver, George Washington, and thousands of others. There are also the quiet everyday folks like most of us who put one foot in front of the other each day to love a child, feed their families, befriend a neighbor or just keep functioning without self-pity or over powering sorrow.
When we are open to the source of all life, all of this comes to us, one measure at a time. Laughter brings us a healing power much like the warmth of the sun. A gentle breeze or a brisk one, preferably off a body of water, can fill us with such a healing touch, it is hard to believe and momentarily takes the breath away.
I constantly ask myself if I am all that I can be. The pain? Oh, yes, that. It is always there and at times it is overpowering and ominous but it will not win if you and I don’t let it. You see, it doesn’t have to because we have the sun deep within us. Are we different than a plant which exists and replenishes on light and photosynthesis with water and soil? Answers implanted in each of us offer help, life and pleasure. There is little in life as pleasurable as production. A pan of cupcakes, a painting or photograph, a clean floor, a bouquet of fresh flowers you’ve picked; a poem you have written or a simple act of kindness for a friend or family member. There is healing, happiness and life in all of these things. They came from and through you in spite of your pain and perhaps, a bit wiser, deeper and more beautiful because of your suffering.
Let us agree not to waste this experience and do all we can to gain wisdom from it. Let’s not miss out because we have an excuse to “skip the class of life.”
Weekly Dose of Sue 
Ms Sue:
Quite the inspirational thought. So true. Reaching inside we not only find hidden strengths but the sunshine you speak of. Doing for others is an outreaching of our inner sunshine that floods us with goodness. I pray you are feeling better my friend and that you are steps closer to being finished with the upgrades. Take care.
Love
Tonie
Tonie, a bit closer. Cement mixer ran all morning. Heater problems yesterday now fixed, $600 later. UGH. Had electrician out to put up new porch lights. They look great. No rain for a few hours, thus far today. Still puddles on the porch. Hope those chickens are behaving after their free day after you mowed. Yum. Sue
Hi Tonie, hope all is going well for you too. It is quite the inspirational thought. I do believe doing for others is an outreaching of our inner sunshine that fills us with goodness. I pray that you are feeling better cause it seems to me last time you were having hard time of it.
Love, Suzanne XXX
Really great Sue…thought provoking in my little life here
I’m working on my 20 things
Busy day today drs apt this morning with new bp tabs for DH.alpha blockers,but he is on those too for his prostate ..see how it goes
Then hosp,appt with general med spec. He was good…went thru all .more bloods and another 24 hr bp,monitor.
On the other bp tabs he went to get the car to pick me up and took the road home instead.had to get to the roundabout to turn round!..so he had to come off those
Rain here today,but gives it 20c for the wEnd
Mind full of something at the moment can’t think..load of nothing as usual I suppose
Be back tomorrow
Chris
Chris dear, this whole maintenance for us as we age…lots of work. We often to take the time alone to think about all of this. So much of who we are gets worn down by the problems of life. Hope DH stays safe. We haave a turn around or whatever here and it’s always a challenge. Glad he’s getting someone to look at his blood work. Sue
Hi Chris, thought provoking indeed in my little life here too. That’s country living for you. LOL Hope things go well for you. Did you ever try my e-mail? Gee, wish we could get through to each other. Would love to see your garden, but of course I have pictures in my head , the way I thinks it looks like. My sunflowers are still in blooms and so are my marigolds. We still have tomatoes but had to cover them tonight as the are calling for a ground frost. Brought one of my pumpkins in cause as I turned it I broke it. Looks cute on the shelf with my other plants in my big sunny window. I have so many plants in the house I’m running out of space. Love them all. I will be bringing in lots of my herbs and hopefully they will happily live under my plant light. They all bring me such joy.
Hope you will be able to think again real soon. I know I have days like that also. Guess we all do. I’m sure it’s something my dear, or you would not be feeling that way.
Do take good care. Love and blessings. XXX
Hi Suzanne
I haven’t had an email for you as I’m not on Facebook and therefore sue said it wouldn’t work for me .have you got one thats not a facebook one that you could send to sue ….obviously don’t put it on here just incase
Your garden sounds lovely and I am always amazed at pumpkins they fascinate me along with gourds ..if that’s hw you spell it
I think my garden must be so much smaller than yours it’s a postage stamp really and it’s main feature is garden furniture!
Well thinking…..I suppose it makes a change not to think I’m usually guilty of over thinking!
It usually happens with me if I’m exhausted ,or done too much as well
Well try and get back to sleep its 1,45am here
All best Chrisx
SUzanne, where do you live ?? You have a wonderful garden from the sound of it
Oh Sue, you did it again, and why am I surprised, you always leave us with something to think about which is wonderful. You give me strength to carry on. FABULOUS. See my doc (GP) on Oct. 9th, hopefully she will have an appointment set up with the Rheumy. If not then I want a referral from her so I can call that Rheumy I was telling you about. Something has to give and I will never give up. I have too much to live for and feel blessed that I do. Keep having more trouble with constipation, pain seems to be all over my body now, and at least 2 hours in the morning before I can really do anything. Walking very slowly but still walking and I’m proud of myself that I’m still able to push myself to do little things that make me happy. Of course when I do, I pay the price, but hey LIFE IS WORTH LIVING. I would like people to say that about me also, ‘SHE LIVED UNTIL THE END AND MADE ME LAUGH.” How great would that be. Love to you Sue and everyone on this site. Blessings being sent your way. XXX
Suzanne, You are a plant lady. I love them so much as they represent life, beauty and renewal for all of us. Speaking of herbs a young friend told me today to use lavender and rosemary to get rid of the flea problem. She also told me this spring to use rosemary leaves in my porch plants to keep the neighborhood cats out of them; they were making a mess with their digging. It worked great. I am now going to sew little bags of lavender and rosemary into George’s little bed…have to hide it so he won’t eat it.
I love your attitude and yes, you do have a lot to live for.. Love of all life is a wonderful place to start and to keep our engines revving. Always wonderful to hear from you and yes, you get to that new rheumy ASAP. Love, ya, Sue
Thank you for the inspiration, Sue. You’re another one of God’s many blessings in my life.
Karen dear, you know most blessing work both ways. Hearing from so many others helps me as well. Hang in there my dear…Sue
Sue-
You spoke from a heart filled with deep conviction and wisdom~~~this can only come from one who has “walked the path of Life” and facing sudden Changes to body, mind, spirit. As I read this posting, I heard so much–but TWO things stood out to me~~~I felt your “Inner Strength” soar! What a joy it is to experience that feeling—especially during times of crisis or illness that weaken the body and mind.
I have lived through many health scares which took me to a place of fear, doubt, and anger in having to
face changes to my life~~giving up so much of me and NOT liking it one bit! Chronic Pain changes you-
there is no mistaking that fact—but as I have gone through my own journey with Pain–I am pleasantly stunned as to what can happen when I give myself a “Inner kick in the Pants” because it feels like I am re-starting an old motor that has simply sat idle for too long!
The climb back is HARD—for me it almost feels at times like I am “Climbing up that silly TREE again” but now the aches and hurts in my body are stuck to that TREE. I have made this comment many times since that long ago day–“If only I could have One Do Over” and it has hit me–time to move on and RELISH all I do have in my life.
Thanks Sue for allowing me to “chatter away” as I left this long posting, but your words reached into my heart and I was very touched. Keep sharing!! Lol,Martha Herden
Martha, indeed, moving forward is all we have. It’s not possible to go back, wish as we might; we can get stalled and that is pretty fruitless and unrewarding and leads only to death which will come anyway, so it’s moving forward. I like your kick in the pants idea although it does sound like a bit of an ouch. Went to lunch with my dear daughter today, and it was wonderful as we do it far too seldom she is so busy with work and kids, but it ceased to be wonderful when my legs became numb. That’s the bell that rings to tell me lunch is over.We ate at an English pub overlooking the water of the Columbia River, watching the great ships come and go. Wonderful and worth any price.
Thanks for your kind comments dear lady. Fondly, Sue
Hey Sue!
Beautifully said. You so easily put into words what I’m feeling. Thank you. It helps me understand it all a little bit more. Weather changes here in Lubbock have really challenged me this week and it hasn’t been very drastic a change at that. Speaking of headstones and what to put on them… My Granny always said she was gonna put this on her daughter in laws headstone…”Here lies a pile of truth, cause she never used any of it!” Lol! Granny was quite the joker! Thanks again Sue!
HELLO,
THANKS SUE, I THINK THAT IS ONE OF THE BEST BLOGS YOU HAVE EVER WRITTEN, AND I HAVE TAKEN A LOT FROM IT.
HAD SOME BAD NEWS, OUR LITTLE JO, SHEWITH THE ALCHOLIC BROTHER MARK, AND SHE HAS YOUNG RONNIE, IS IN HOSPITAL AGAIN, I DON’T KNOW IF SHE HAS HAD ANOTHER STROKE OR NOT, I GOT TO KNOW FROM TIM TODAY, SO WAITING TO HEAR, RONNIE IS BEING TAKEN CARE OF BY FRIENDS FOR NOW. SO IF ANYONE FEELS A PRAYER OR TWO COULD HELP, I WOULD BE MORE THAN GRATEFUL.
I LOVE THE COMMENTS YOU HAVE ALL SHARED, I AM SO PROUD OF YOU ALL THE WAY YOU SHARE ALL YOUR UPS AND DOWNS, AND ESPECIALLY GRATEFUL TO YOU SUE, FOR MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR US ALL TO KEEP EACH OTHER CLOSE………HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND AND GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALL SAFE……..JENNIE XXXXXXX
Jennie, oh I am so sorry to hear about your young friend in England being hospitalized again. I also pray it is not another stroke in one so young. Poor little Ronnie. Prayers for certain, you know that. So you talked to your son? How are things going for them? Thought of you today over fish and chips…actually, crab cocktail and prawns and chips. Unfortunately we weren’t in Brittany and had to settle for good old Astoria, OR.
There is so much strength in sharing as fellow beings, don’t you think? To feel alone, is the worse pain of all. Hope your weekend is a good one. Mine will at least be QUIET. I have greatly learned to appreciate that condition. Do be good to be yourself because you have great worth and we love you. Sue
Sue, my brother ROcky was in this week. I was talking of you and all we go thru. He was up that way several years ago and said he had the BEST chowder he ever had in your area. He thinks it was Astoria he was in. Wow fresh seafood, yummee. Glad you got to go to lunch with your daughter. I still have had no word from mine. Please keep her in your prayers all of you. I know her life can be turned around.
Well got to get some work done.
LOve ya
TOnie
HI SUE,
I SPOE TO JO IN THE HOSPITAL THIS MORNING, SHE TOOK HERSELF OFF THERE WHEN SHE GOT A BAD HEAD/NECK ACHE AND A DILATED PUPIL. THEY KEPT HER IN AND GAVE HER AN ANGIOGRAM AND A CT SCAN.
TOMORROW SHE WILL BE HAVING AN MRI TO MAKE SURE SHE HASN’T HAD ANOTHER STROKE. SHE SOUNDED CHEERFUL BUT MISSING RONNIE, HE, THE POOR LITTLE CHAP IS BESIDE HIMSELF WITH WORRY.
SHE IS VERY BRAVE AND ASKED ME TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS, SHE CAN’T BELIEVE PEOPLE WHO DON’T KNOW HER AND ARE ACROSS THE POND, ARE PRAYING FOR HER.
I WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED OF HER PROGRESS SUE.
THE KIDS ARE FINE SUE THNKS FOR ASKING, TIM HAS BEEN WORKING SIXTEEN HOURS A DAY TO MAKE UP FOR THE TIME HE HAD OFF TO WORK ON THE HOUSE, BUT THEY HAVE GOT THE WORST BITS DONE.
ITS TURNING DISTINCTLY AUTUMNAL HERE NOW, STILL MILD DURING THE DAY THOUGH AND THE GARDEN IS A MASS OF COLOUR. I WAS GLAD TO HEAR OF THE PROGRESS OF YOUR HOUSE SUE, FEELING MORE LIKE HOME NOW HUH!!
MY LOVE TO EACH OF YOU, HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND……..JENNIE XXXXXXXXX
Thanks, Sue, so much for this blog. It was truly one of your great ones, so very inspirational and so touching for me today, it made me cry while reading it. I also loved your last blog…read it over and over to let the words sink in. I am so happy to have you back writing especially right now since I have been going through a particularly painful phase with my back. i have so many problems with my sacrum/tailbone/s.i. joints. Some days it is hard to walk, and that scares me. It seems unbearable at times, and I wonder what else I could do to make things better, as my coping skills are not what they used to be. I know that you really understand that, and your writings give me strength and courage to keep fighting and digging in deeper for some inner strength.
I hope your back, the house, and all the other situations in your life will soon turn around for you. I so admire your fortitude….you are teaching me everyday how to live with my pain issues, which right now have been very hard. Thank you again, Sue. God bless you…you are a true blessing to us all. And you do make me laugh, too, (Not just cry!)
Jo xx
Josephine, My dear, I make myself laugh. Last night when Jim insisted on bringing in all the groceries in one trip through the mud and muck, after a long, long day, he told me he lost a cantaloupe along the way…it rolled away. We do have a hill on both sides of the house and in the dark? Who knows. It may have rolled under a truck outback that has not moved all day.I guess I choose to think a family of raccoons rolled it home and is feasting today.
Jo, you know, without physical therapy I have had over the years and all they taught me to do, I would be even worse off than I am now. It’s finding the discipline to do it on a consistent basis that is difficult for me..hey I’m only human. It’s a difficult problem we share because most people don’t realize it is one of the most miserable of all conditions. Most don’t realize how often one sits during a typical day. As for me and my body, I usually lie down as I am right now or stand to fold laundry, cook, etc. I hope you have been evaluated by an excellent physical therapists because it can make a great difference in your life and pain. Love to hear from you dear girl. Fondly, Sue
Oh, Sue, you just made me laugh and smile picturing the canteloupe rolling down the hillside. I, too, like to think it is feeding a hungry family of raccoons and they are having a party.
You are so right that most people don’t understand how debilitating and miserable having problems in these areas can be and how it affects every little thing you do.. anything involving sitting which is a LOT of things. How do you write laying down?? I must learn how to do that! Do you write with a small I-pad?
I finally got a script for physical therapy . I go on the 11th for my evaluation. I have to do something. I had p.t. years ago but it was not successful. In fact it made me worse. The p.t was too rough and I should have spoke up. But I will give it another shot. I looked up Don Tigney…I had heard of him before from an osteopath. He i s the expert in p.t.for sacroiliac /pelvis dysfunctions.
Enjoy your much needed and deserved QUIET weekend, Sue!!
Jo xx
Suzanne
Hope you get my post replied to you up above.someties I miss some if there has been too many names on the recent comments section Chrisx
Chris and Suzanne, actually Chris I didn’t say that you couldn’t use that address for Suzanne. That was your thought. It is just the only one I could find. Okay you two…if Suzanne can’t reach you with the one I sent her then Suzanne, how about sending me your regular email in a message on FB? Sue
Chris, I loved your list of things that give you joy and make you say AWE. It is so you. I think all of the lists so far have been so enlightening and so personal…Get to sleep girl. Sue
Sue
Could you send me that email we talked about when you have time.then I will have a go to see if it gets there
Ta chrs
Josephine, I also have had PT that made me worse. One of the ones I will never forget…was early on in my illness. He was convinced I had scar tissue around my tail bone from a fall and was well meaning BUT His treatment was to put on a rubber glove and go into the rectum and move my tail bone around to break up the “scar tissue.” I used to cry and limp home and sit in a hot tub for about an hour. Finally I called it quits. As it worked out it was an inflamed sacroiliac set of joints and it didn’t do it any good. We must stand up for ourselves but they have come a long way in recent years and a big part of it is the R. Don TIgny exercises. I have his video and if you find his methods helpful, I’ll get a DVD made of it and send it to you because I can’t find one online anymore. I don’t even know if he’s still living but his methods are miraculously effective. Interview your new PT to see if they know what they’re doing. Ask me if you need help. Love you, Sue
Sue..oh my..I cringe just thinking about the tailbone treatment you had. Believe it or not, a similar thing happened to me last year. Only it was done by an osteopathic dr. whom I trusted, and I suffered and cried for months afterwards with more pain!! Even tho I told her I did not want it worked on, she was convinced that the fractured tailbone was part of my problem.
Thanks for offering to copy your DVD . It means a lot to me your support and advice . I value it greatly. I will soon know how Tigney’s methods work for me and plan to question the p.t.on the 11th whether she is familiar with him.
Wow..it is a cold morning here in AZ..feels wonderful after a long summer. By “cold” I mean it is 58 degrees right now. A good day to plant the petunias and panseys I bought.
Have a peaceful and restful weekend, Sue.
Luv ya, Jo x
Oh JO !!
I remember those COLD days !:) It has been that way here for a while, but I am loving it. The back DR gave me a RX for PT, but not sure if I can take it because of no insurance. I have to check with theclinic on Wed and see if they cover it. Maybe they will. I have been worthless this week, just feeling so yuk…But got to get out and do some things this afternoon. 🙂 It is a beautiful day here supposed to be in the 80’s. Next wekk we start cooling down with a rainstorm on Mon (from the hurricane) and then normal fall weather.
Sue I hope you are feeling better, take it easy this weekend.
Chris how are all you doing ??
JenniePoo, not seen you in a while
Love to you all
Tonie
Jo, I greatly identify with all you are and have experienced. What is it with some of my fellow medical folk…did they go to the Marque de Sade school of medicine? Sometimes we have to be assertive and that’s hard to do in certain positions, both physically and psychologically. We all get to a point at times where we are desperate to try anything and that makes us so vulnerable. Hang on and you’ll get there. Sue
Sue, I would love to have a DVD of the Don Tigney exercises if you are going to make one. I will reimburse you for postage or shipping. Thanks,
Annie
Hy all
I remember having the tailbone treatment too . Horrendous ! Very vulnerable when your on your front and they jst say about it and you don’t really know about it all to make a choice
Tonie
Still here..DH ..Dunno on the new bp tabs
My dad still about the same but better when he’s not taking sleeping pills
DD seems all ok there and family
Well it’s good weather here.20c and sunny
Oh I forgot me…..still got the reflux stuff.
Been out in the garden,reading the papers .went out for b.fast earlier on.just had some homemade soup for late lunch ..parsnip and chic pea . Left overs!!
Gotta go over to my dads later to fill in some forms for him
Sorry to hear your none too good…you rest and pick up……I know you won’t! We don’t do we?,!
Ill say a prayer for your DD,I know how it feels when you can’t help them
Be back tomorrow Chris
Chris, your weather sounds wonderful. I’ll send number when I get it….Have a good weekend yourself. Sue
Hey Chris:
So glad to hear you are having a smooth spot at last ! Been worried about you too. I am glad your dad is hanging in. It is so hard when you are the caretaker and your roles are reversed. But, he is blessed to have such a daughter. Do you have siblings ?? I love soup, but I don’t like chickpeas !!
Feeling better tonight.
Love
Tonie
HI TONIE,
I AM STILL AROUND AS YOU CAN SEE FROM MY POST EARLIER, I AM SORRY YOU ARE FEELING BAD CHUCK, I HOPE YOU CAN HAVE THE MEDICATION YOU NEED, HOW ARE FOLKS SUPPOSED TO MANAGE IF THEY ARE NOT COVERED FOR ESSENTIAL DRUGS FOR GOODNESS SAKE??? HOPE THE RAIN DOESN’T CAUSE YOU ANY PROBLEMS MY FRIEND, YOU LOOK AFTER YOURSELF OK? THINKING OF YOU……JENNIE POO!!! XXXX
Hey Jennie
I saw your post AFTER I posted and then forgot to post again :0 Feeling some better tonight.
Take care
Love ya
Tonie
HEY HAPPY 59,
JUST SCROLLED UP TO YOUR POST, I KNOW ITS A BIT LATE BUT I LOVED HEARING ABOUT YOUR GARDEN ETC. AS YOU KNOW I LIVE IN FRANCE, AND I AM TOUCHED BY THE WAY WE ARE TREATED HERE EVEN THOUGH WE CAN’T STRUGGLE WITH THE LANGUAGE, WHEN IT COMES TO THE GARDEN WE SEEM TO BE UNITED WITH OUR NEIGHBOURS. LAST WEEK MY HUBBY WAS GIVEN A LARGE BAG OF PEACHES FROM AN OLD GUY HE PASSES THE TIME OF DAY WITH, THEN TODAY WE HAVE A YOUNG COUPLE NEXT DOOR WHO ALSO GAVE US PEACHES, AND IN RETURN WE GIVE THE MAN OF THE HOUSE ELECTRICAL WORK AS HE ONLY HAS PARTTIME WORK, SO ITS A CASE OF WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND….NICE TO SHARE ISN’T IT, SHARING CUTS THROUGH THE LANGUAGE BARRIER……TAKE CARE ……..JENNIE X
Tonie, Yes indeedy our seafood is wonderful. They moved our only seafood market to the adjoining town and I have to drive a spell..not much of that lately. When I see it at Safeway in the case and ask them how fresh it is or when it came in they always say, “Fresh today.” I suspect that means it was taken out of the freezer today and it’s not the same at all. Our chowder is some of the best in the whole state when they have those restaurant ratings survey’s. It’s thick with crab and potatoes and often other vegies but always with cream. Oh my…
My dear, I know or at least try to understand your heartache involving your daughter and ache for you. Prayers most certainly. Hpe you don’t get too much water and hope you as well as the rest of us can keep our wits about us when we don’t feel well and are faced with duty to perform. It’s hard to ignore certain things, I know. Other chores, well, we just do them anyway and pay the piper. Know how much we all love you…Sue
Jennie, Oh dear. Your friend Jo in England (not to be confused with our Jo here on the blog) is in trouble. Dilated pupil in one eyes and the massive headache…not good. She is fortunate to have Tim and Claire so close. Poor son, Ronnie. Prayers of comfort for him and I hope he gets to see her for reassurance. That’s wonderful to hear positive progress from Tim’s house project. SLowly but surely I guess for each of doing just that this summer with all those little pitfalls along the way. It’s funny but yesterday both my daughter and Jim said, You know we are in the worst location in town for the noise and the inconvenience. It’s true because of our intersection. Oh, lucky us. Our street is the longest and largest project but they do have other road jobs all over. This will definitely be the summer of the detour in Astoria, OR.
I loved your description you gave to Suzanne about your garden and life in France. The very simple acts of kindness can be the most blessed don’t you think, to the giver and the receiver? I know the language is a problem at times, as several of our painters and carpenters speak little English, mostly Spanish, but one can communicate in many ways. A smile, a nod, a cold drink on a warm day…so many ways. Do take care dear one and remember, peaches are good for your diverticulitis compared to the unnamed fruit in your freezer. Love you, Sue
Hey all:
Well I have a FREE horse in the pasture. A bunch came riding down the road and she had jumped out of a pasture and followed them. Judy told them to put her in the pasture. I think she is in heat as she was running around like crazy. Beautiful Sorrel mare. The studs across the road have been down sniffing as well. So ….think I am right.
I went to Carol’s tonight and we uploaded a lot of her stuff to the Etsy website. There is a cute little Victorian picture you might like Sue. We sat and looked at so much of her old stuff. She has some hardback Harper’s Bazaar from the 1880. It is remarkable ! They bought me a burger and as I pulled up home there were 2 deer standing in the road. I almost got to the camera but they took off running up thru the field.
As for the horse, we have no idea who she belongs to. I told them if no one claims her in 30 days she is mine !!
Have a restful night all
Love
Tonie
Tonie, Oh my. They may never get that horse back. She sounds beautiful. Wish she was yours. Please dear girl, share your new store address here for all of us again. It saves going back over other entries to find it. I want to see what you put up today but didn’t write down the site after I checked it out last week or so. Didn’t I tell you you two were sitting on a goldmine? Love ya, Sue
Sue: Here is the shop address: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Virginiagirls?ref=search_shop_redirect Or you can search Etsy.com then type in Virginiagirls. The mare is a young colt, she still has a fuzzy tail at the top, so maybe not in heat just wild. I am gonna try to catch her after church. I need to get her away from the cattle, keep her in Judy’s lot. I had a cow in my yard this morning. Sweet little guy they belong to, he came running when I called him. He is so afraid he is going to inconvenience someone. He had a rough childhood but he has straightened up. I am so proud of a lot of these men who have come up from poverty to make something of themselves. Ya’all have a great day.
Love
Tonie
Sue
If you google….. etsy Virginiagirls …. It will come up
Chris
That’s strange when I said about the web site .Tonie hadn’t answered by then and it went before tonies .then later Tonie replies and mind slotted after…it looks odd!
Chris
HEY CHRIS…YOU OK, NOT HEARD FROM YOU FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, LET ME KNOW YOU ARE OK….HOPE EVERYONE ELSE IS TOO, NOT HAD TIME TO CONTACT EVERYONE INDIVIDUALLY AS ITS BEEN QUITE A DAY, BUT WILL POST TOMORROW……SORRY, LOVE YOU ALL …….JENNIE X
Hi Jen
Yep fine busy w.end.doing nothing really
Went out for bFast ,read papers ,cleaned out ready for the week to come.seemed to take some time Washed my hairSo Im free for anything ,as usually something occurs
Lovely weather here today..oh i also went to town to look in M & S. nothing there …but guess what I bought a scarf!
Trip out with the drainage board this week.! All day ,coffee then lunch outDH will take photos for them…hope Im not bored and gotta look interested ! all the pumping stations and then the farms…mite be ok Can’t really take a book it will look like I’m not interested 😄
Well going to look at tv and then watch some Downton Abbey
Chris
A bit late to the game, but I wanted to share my list of 20 things that bring me joy:
-Singing worship songs with beautiful harmonies that make me feel as though I might be caught up to Heaven that very moment
-Sewing simple dresses for our missionaries to take to little girls at an orphanage in Honduras
-Watching my darling goddaughter Isabel toddling around and blowing me “besitos” (little kisses)
-Hearing the laughter of little children chasing soap bubbles and popping them
-Laughing so hard that my tea spews out of my nose
-Arranging flowers, fresh cut or silk
-Siiting out on my balcony with a good book, listening to the rain
-Waking up to the song of little birds chirping ou their good morning song
-Surprising a friend with a card or small gift “Just Because”
-A beautiful sunset with hues of coral, purple and gold in a clear blue sky
-Reading stories to my little friends using different voices for each character
-Designing Isabel’s Christmas dress and anticipating her delight: “oooh, pretty!”
-Spending a day in the mountains, or looking at photos of trips I’ve made there
-The sound of water tripping over the rocks as it runs downstream
-A long chat over coffee with a good friend
-Music so exquisitely beauiful it makes me cry
-Watching a kitten stalk and pounce on a crumpled piece of paper
-Shooting stars streaking across the night sky
-A ballerina spinning effortlessly across the stage
-An inquisitive child asking countless questions about how things work and drinking in knowledge like cool water on a hot day
I lost count, might be more than twenty, but it was a fun project. Thanks for the idea, Sue!
Annie, Lovely and like the other shares on the last blog, very revealing about you and your values and joys. Thanks so much for taking the time to share it with all of us. Glad you’re enjoying having a wee patio and hope you’re getting settled. Love you, Sue
Annie…that was just beautiful. Thanks for sharing your list. It speaks volumes to your spirit and values. I loved reading everyone’s list..Sue, Jennie’s . A great assignment, Sue….still working on my list.
Have a wonderful day to all!!
Jo x
Annie:
Good to hear from you. Thanks for sharing with us. You have been quite the stranger of late, Miss seeing you on here. I know you are probably busy. Glad you took time to talk to us.
Love
Tonie
Rainy days and Mondays !! It started storming sometime last night, I remember hearing it. I slept like the dead !! YEAH !! Haven’t slept that good in quite a while. Needed it . It is dark and dreary today. But that is okay too. Even the dogs aren’t up yet. I do need to grout that little bit of flooring I laid on Sat. But that won’t be much work. And I always have apples to peel. (You notice I left out the house cleaning 🙂 Anyway I pray you all have a wonderful day.
Love
Tonie
Tonie, I suspect the new meds are helping you sleep better. Project sounds nice..Love ya, Sue
HELLO EVERYONE,
FOR EVERYONE THAT PRAYED FOR JO (JOANNE) SHE WISHES ON HER BEHALF TO SAY A HEARTFELT THANK YOU, SHE SHOULD BE HOME BY NOW, THE MRI WAS FINE BUT THE EYE IS A MESS AND THE DOCS SAY IT WAS CAUSED BY STRESS…..STILL FEEL UNEASY, I DON’T KNOW WHY!! ANYWAY, SO FAR SO GOOD.
TONIE …..YOU STILL HANGING ON TO THAT HORSE? ARE YOU SLEEPING ANY BETTER, I HATE THAT DON’T YOU, WHEN YOUR EYEBALLS NEED PROPPING UP WITH A COUPLE OF MATCHSTICKS AND YOU HAVE ALL THE CHORES STIL TO DO….NEVER MIND SWEET FRIEND IT WILL ALL GET DONE.
ANNIE.. HOW NICE TO HEAR FROM YOU, YOU HAVE BEEN MISSED.A GREAT LIST YOU PUT ON THERE. X
CHRIS, I WILL CALL YOU IN THE WEEK.
SUE, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT JOANNE, RONNIE WILL BE OVER THE MOON WHEN HE GETS HOME FROM SCHOOL AND SHE IS WAITING FOR HIM…SO MUCH LOVE THERE, I THINK THE STAFF FROM THE HOSPITAL SHE IS ALWAYS IN, THEY KNOW ME NOW, YOU CAN HEAR THEM IN THE BACKGROUND SAYING ” ITS THAT AUNT OF HERS FROM FRANCE”, I HAVE TO SAY THAT AS I AM NOT FAMILY, AND THEY WON’T TELL ME ANYTHING. IT IS CERTAINLY A LONG ROAD YOU LIVE ON, I NOTICE THAT WHEN I WAS ON VPIKE LAST YEAR, BUT I LIKE THE AREA, WHY DO THEY SPOIL THE LOOK WITH BLOODY INTERSECTIONS, I KNOW SOMETIMES THEY ARE NEEDED, BUT THE CHARACTER OF THE PLACE GETS LOST. I HOPE YOU ARE FEELING BETTER THAN OF LATE SUE, THINKING OF YOU. X
WELL STUFFED TO THE RAFTERS NOW, HAD A LOVELY ROAST UP AT LIZ’S PLACE, TOOK DESSERT AND WINE, HAD MORE THAN I SHOULD, WHICH IS WHY I AM RAMBLING ON..HA HA!!! OFF NOW OR A SNOOZE, ABIENTOT TILL NEXT TIME….JENNIE XXXXXXXXXX
Jennie, You sound so good…full of roast, wine and dessert.That if good news about Jo but it does sound like a bit of a cop out..poor old stress, a natural faction of life gets blamed for everything. I’m grateful as you are that her MRI was okay but the severe headache and eye? Time will tell. Good for little Ronnie. I loved your last comments the other day about the neighbors bringing you peaches..it sounds so folksy and kind. Street here is typical. We’re just on a curve with a yield and a stop sign. One day it will all be lovely. Rain today so not quite as noisy as usual. Hope you’re both doing as well as possible. Fall is indeed in the air here also. Much love, Sue
HI SUE,
OH MAN! I ATE TOO MUCH YESTERDAY, SO PAID FOR IT AS I WOKE UP WITH DREADFUL ARTHRITIS PAIN, ESPECIALLY IN MY WRISTS, COULD BE I TOOK ON TOO MUCH ACID DO YOU THINK?? YES I AGREE, I THINK STRESS IS A COP OUT WHEN THE DOCS CAN’T BE BOTHERED WITH FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS, AND AS ITS ON THE NHS AND SHE WASN’T PAYING, SAYS IT ALL HUH?YES FOLKS HERE ARE KIND BUT IT STILL BOTHERS ME THAT I AM NOT FLUENT IN FRENCH, I DO MY BEST AND GOING TO TRY HARDER, AS SOMEONE IS GOING TO LEND ME SOME BOOKS.YES I AM SURE WHEN ALL THE ROAD IS SORTED OUT THINGS WILL LOOK NICE, ITS BEEN QUITE A JOURNEY HASN’T IT? HOW ARE YOU FEELING NOW? LOVE YOU jENNIE X
Hey Pooster ! So happy to hear about Jo. God is so good ! I am sleeping better dear friend. The new meds are helping a lot. THey are also an antidepressant and that is helping as well. I got lots done today including the grocery shopping. Your dinner sounds good. You sound like you are warm and fuzzy like a tomcat ! Just don’t lick yer paws (or anything else) like they do ! Love you much !
TOnie
HIYA MATEY,
GLAD TO HEAR THE NEW MEDS ARE WORKING FOR YOU, YOU NEVER DID TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED ABOUT THE HORSE…..YOU STILL BENT ON KEEPING HER/HIM. TONIE SWEETPEA, IF I COULD LICK PARTS THAT THEM THERE CATS DO, WOULDN’T I BE SUPPLE AND NOT NEEDING MEDS, OH THE THOUGHT, HE HE!!
WHATS STILL GROWING IN YOUR GARDEN MRS? STILL MAKING SOUP HERE FOR THE WINTER, DONE WITH THE APPLES AND PEARS NOW THOUGH, I HATE IT WHEN YOU SEE ALL THE SUMMER PRODUCE GONE FROM THE SHOPS DON’T YOU? STILL WE HAVE HAD SOME GOOD CROPS THIS YEAR SO MUSTN’T GRUMBLE. KEEP WELL LOVELY…….JENNIE POO X
Jennie, I’m not sure about the acid bit. Are you referring the idea of tomatoes, et family being bad for arthritis. I can’t say I ever found any difference. It’s probably more closely related to what you did with your hands yesterday. Sounds like your neighbor Liz is a good cook. Seasonal changes are wonderful..even though we do lose certain foods, we do gain new ones. I am pleased for Jo that she got to go home to Ronnie. What a lot she has had to deal with.
Okay, now for you and Tonie..you naughty girls. Sure glad I don’t have a dirty mind and am such an angel….Ha,Ha.Loveya, Sue
Jennie ! Listen to Sue accuse us as being naughty !!! 🙂 The horse got picked up the next ajm. A nosy neighbor went golf carting up the road and told the guy she belonged to. HOWEVER, he is a friedn of my sisters and she is gonna get on him cause there is no shelter for her. I know where she is now and will go and visit. I still have my order in for a horse 🙂 All in GOd’s good time. Nothing in the garden now. Still working on apples. then Judy and I are gonna make soup. Fall has fell and it is lower temps. It was 38 @ 8 this am. But gets up in the 70’s during the day. Gotta go let my whiney dog out. !! Take care. Love ya
Tonie
Annie…that was just beautiful. Thanks for sharing your list. It speaks volumes to your spirit and values. I loved reading everyone’s list..Sue, Jennie’s . A great assignment, Sue….still working on my list.
Have a wonderful day to all!!
Jo x
Josephine, I liked the lists also and more are always welcome. Been a busy day for me, sorry to be so slow in commenting. Fondly, Sue
SUE………CAN’T THINK WHAT YOU MEAN……MOI…NAUGHTY, NEVER!!!! MY GUT IS A BIT UP AND DOWN TODAY, AT LEAST THE ACIDITY HAS GONE, SO THAT’S A BONUS. HANDS AND WRISTS IN A BIT OF A MESS THOUGH, SO TYPING IS NOT TOO EASY. YES YOU ARE QUITE RIGHT, WE DO GAIN OTHER GOODIES IN THE AUTUMN/WINTER, PLENTY OF CASSEROLES HEARTY WARM FOOD, JUSTPUT ONE IN THE OVEN….YUM, YUM.
TONIE……AH! THATS ROTTEN, FANCY LEAVING A BEAUTIFUL ANIMAL WITHOUT SHELTER, THEY DON’T DESERVE TO HAVE THAT HORSE, BUT YOU DO. WOULD YOU BELIEVE, I FOUND ANOTHER LITTLE CROP OF THOSE FRUITS I AM NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE, JUST AS I THOUGHT THEY WERE ALL FINISHED, SO MY DH HAD A NICE DESSERT LAST NIGHT…HMMMMM. YOUR CLIMATE IS ABOUT THE SAME AS OURS RIGHT NOW, ITS VERY COLD EITHER SIDE OF THE DAY, BUT THE BIT INBETWEEN IS NICE, IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS I AM TAKING MY CAMERA OUT TO TRY AND GET SOME NICE AUTUMN SHOTS. TAKE CARE LOVE……….JENNIE XX
Jennie, it seems I remember this happening last year when those gorgeous forbidden little bits of red SEEDED fruit kept popping up. We are also having cold nights and today, a sunny day. Yesterday I took George to meet the schoolbus, decked him out in a new turtleneck sweater and just as I locked the door of the house and began to carry him to the car the skies opened. I had on my hat but he got pretty drenched. I tucked him down in jacket as he began shaking..what a pitiful pic he made. GD got off the bus without her jacket and there we were, a parcel of drowned rats. I’m glad you’re feeling better.
I am facing a very busy day. Heater guy here to replace new part he just put in last week, cable guy coming to switch our phones, and email over, and need to get the children again today. Beth and SIL have taken their dear chocolate lab into Portland to see a specialist. He’s critically ill and we’re all very upset. Prayers please. Well dear, I have to rush it because I’m going to be unplugged for awhile today. Love you and think of each of you often. Sue
HI SUE,
OH DEAR, YES I CAN QUITE PICTURE ALL OF YOU STANDING IN THE POURING RAIN, ALSO “YORKIES” TREMBLE NATURALLY, I HAVE NEVER FOUND THE REASON WHY, HAVE YOU? I DIDN’T REALIZE THE CHOC LAB WAS A PART OF YOUR FAMILY, I GOT A WEIRD HALF MESSAGE THROUGH TONIE ASKING FOR PRAY FOR A CHOC LAB, SO I GUESS THEY ARE ONE AND THE SAME??????? ANYWAY PRAYERS BEING SAID “NOW” AND EACH DAY TILL WE KNOW THE DOG IS OK. YOU SOUND TO STILL HAVE A LOT GOING ON AT YOUR HOUSE, BUT ALSO IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THE END IS IN SIGHT YES? MY DH IS CRACKING ON WITH THE DREADED PATH, ITS BEEN SO HARD ON HIM, THERE ARE JUST THE STEPS AT THE BOTTOM LEFT TO DO NOW, HE IS TRYING TO COMPLETE BEFORE HIS CYSTOSCOPY ON THE 22ND, I KNOW HE IS WORRIED, AND HE IS TRYING TO GET THINGS FINISHED IN CASE HE IS ADMITTED. I AM PRAYING ALL WILL BE WELL, AS TIM IS SICK AGAIN, HE HAS BEEN WORKING THE CLOCK ROUND, TRAVELING BACK AND FORTH FROM COUNTRY TO LONDON EACH DAY, THEN EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS ON THE HOUSE…..SOMETHING HAD TO GIVE, YOU KNOW WHAT BLOODY MEN ARE LIKE, CLAIRE AND I BOTH WARNED HIM HE WAS DOING TOO MUCH. ANYWAY HOPING ITS JUST SHEER FATIGUE, AND A GOOD REST THIS WEEKEND WILL STOP HIS TUMMY GOING INTO SPASMS. OK I’M DONE HERE, GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALL SAFE……LOVE YOU’S JENNIE XXXXXXX
I agree with Jen, about that poor horse. I hope Judy makes progress with the owner to get her some shelter. I believe you will that horse you want so badly but for now, you’ve got to cuddle with the pups and there’s always Chickie Sue. I never heard of a chicken who likes to cuddle. Do take care of yourself as best you can. Love, Sue
We had a Back Cochin Bantam rooster as a pet. He followed my husband everyplace like a dog. when Sig would sit down Blackie would sit on his shoulder and talk. It may not have been cuddling, but was a close second. I never would have believed a chicken could be a pet, but Blackie made a believer out of me. Since then I have found that quite a few people have made chickens into pets.
Janet:
When I was just a little tyke we had chickens and I always got one of the widdies as a pet for a while. One of them after it was grown hen used to still follow me around and would sit and stay just like a dog. My mother was amazed 🙂 But Chickie Sue will come to me, let me pick her up and pet her, lays her head over on me like a pet. They will come when I call them and go home. THey are like an extended bunch of pets that have th bonus of EGGS !!! I would love to let them set this comin gspring and have some widdies ! THey are so cute. None of these hens have tried to set, they just lay it and take off. But they are still sweet and dear to my heart. My rooster Rufus is a big Rhode Island Red and so handsome. He takes such good care of the girls and is such a gentle soul. He listens to me when I talk to him and follows me. You take care now
Love Tonie
Janet, I love this. Blackie is memorable that’s for sure. How fun. All of God’s creatures are such individuals, aren’t they? Hope you’re okay and all is well in TX. Love, Sue
Jennie, Yes, our dear chocolate lab is Beth and SIL’s dog and they got him before they married so the children have always had Herb in their lives. They even had pics taken with them at their wedding in the trolley, where they got married. He has a marvelous personality, so loving and fun. Thinks he’s a lap dog and every time I visit he sits all 90 lbs in my lap. When we eat over there, he always sits next to Jim and drools signalling to all of us that Jim is the schmuck who is going to sneak food to him. Herb is currently in hospital in Portland. They took him there yesterday and will go up again today. Nana is kidsitting again.
I am sorry to hear your DH is concerned about his colonoscopy..do you feel like sharing his symptoms? And Tim, indeed men can be such a frustration…never say die, keep truckin’ and all that. I pray they both will be healthy. Your pathway sounds lovely. What kind is it? We have a brick patio and I love stone walkways of all kinds. We do have a new cement curb and very soon a new partial sidewalk. The roads are still gravel and dirt but the noise has abated over the last two days, thank the Lord. As soon as the rains let up a bit, my dear yard man is coming out to help me put our rubber mats back onto the porches, lay new bark in the dog part of the backyard and help move some plants around. House is almost completed except for the downspouts being painted to carry the rain off the roof. Feels so good to have it completed. I know you have much on your mind and pray for peace of mind for you, safety for your men and joy along the way. Love you much, Sue
OH YES, JUST FOR THE RECORD, WHEN I WAS LITTLE, WE HAD A PET JACKDAW THAT SPOKE, A MAGPIE THAT SLEPT IN THE HOUSE, AND MY MOM HAD A BURMESE CAT THAT SHE TOOK SHOPPING ON A LEASH…..WE WERE ALL POTTY. HA HA!!!!!!!!!! XXXXXXXX
Tonie, We all get so much fun out of your stories of your extended animal family. I’m so proud of Chickie Sue, my namesake acting as a substitute for me and giving you a cuddle. I know there’s a horse out there that needs you as much as you need to have one…believe. Sue