Wednesday, March 13, 2013

plan b ~ life

 Life doesn't always go as planned.

When the phone rang at almost midnight on Monday, I knew it was bad news.
No one calls that late unless something is wrong.
In this case, it was the news that one of my sisters-in-law had passed away.
Granted, she had been very ill the past few years with complications from diabetes.
But still.


 My sister-in-law was a very private person and didn't want a wake or any kind of
memorial service, so of course, we are respecting her wishes.


So, I had to cancel my plans with meeting Jane from Blondie's Journal and 
Penny from At Home in English Valley this week. Of course, they were very
understanding. We will meet another time.

It's been quiet here, just puttering around the house, running a few needed errands,
and dealing with the stress of making plans for cremation with Brian's family.

Keeping busy ~ even just puttering, rearranging, and creating ~ is good for the
soul. I took some pretty dishes and glued them to simple candlesticks. You could
use these in so many ways: in the bathroom to hold soap or cotton balls; by the
kitchen sink to hold a sponge; in a display on the kitchen table to hold candles;
or, in this case, on a dresser top to hold jewelry.



A simple rearranging ~ took the crocheted aqua garland (bought from
 Claudia of Mockingbird Hill Cottage's etsy shop) that I had hanging
across the ladder bookcase in the living room, and moved it to the dresser
in my office. Love it here!


I need to get out of the house now and get some fresh air and sunshine ~
yay for sunshine! After a few cloudy days and sad news, it's good to see the sun.
I'm heading up to TJ Maxx to see if I can find a rug for the front entrance,
a small blue pillow for a chair, and possibly some art work for both the bathrooms.

Linking the plated jewelry holders over at Cozy Little House.
 

22 comments:

  1. So sorry for you loss. It's hard no matter even if its expected. Puttering helps me also and I'm glad for the sunshine and fresh air. Big Hugs, Linda

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    1. Thank you, Linda - I really appreciate your kindness.

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  2. Sorry to hear about your sister-in-law.

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  3. Ooh, TJMaxx sounds like fun. Can I go too?.

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    1. Of course, Diane! Although I didn't find what I was looking for today.

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  4. Hi Melanie, I am sorry about your sister in law.

    I do like your saucer on candlestick pedestals, your arrangements always look pretty

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    1. Thank you for your condolences, Rhonda - and for the compliment.

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  5. I'm so sorry about your sister-in-law. I think quiet puttering sounds like a very good way to spend some quiet time.

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  6. Melanie,

    Very sorry for the loss of your sister-in-law. You made good choices in finding ways to take care of yourself. Keeping busy and focusing on creativity and inspiring activities is just what you should have done. Your candlestick pedestals are darling and just look at your plants!!
    Hugs!
    Jemma

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  7. Melanie, I am so, so sorry about your SIL. That has got to be hard and not to have a memorial service for closure is hard, too. But I understand about respecting people's wishes.

    Thank you so very much for sharing your story with me about your son. You are so right. This is very, very hard, and the fact that he is an only child makes it that much harder. A few years ago, another close friend lost her daughter, and I have never seen my husband that upset because he adored Kelly. And we feel that way about Stephen, too. It's just so very sad. The shock is starting to wear off, and I find myself getting teary at the drop of a hat. I finally made it to Publix at 7:30 tonight. It took all day to get the motivation to go, and I needed things which was the driving force. But having the Lord has really helped me because I find a great deal of comfort there. And also in sweet bloggers like you who have been so kind. I really appreciate it.

    XO,

    Sheila

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    1. Thank you for visiting me, Sheila. Allow yourself to grieve for your godson ~ there is no timetable. Hugs to you.

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  8. I'm so sorry for your loss, Melanie. Even though it may have not come as a total surprise, the emptiness that is left when a loved one dies can be difficult.
    Your little pedestal dishes are so pretty and fun to use around your home.
    Mary Alice

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  9. Dear Melanie, Sorry we won't meet today, but we will, and soon. Take care. Love, Penny

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    1. We'll be meeting on Saturday at the Midwest blogger meet-up though, right?

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  10. Melanie, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I am close to most of my sister-in-law on both my husband and my sides of the family and it would be difficult for me, even if there was some sense of expectancy.

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  11. I am so sorry for the loss of your sister in law. I hope you get together with your blogging friends soon. Thanks for stopping by to visit me.

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  12. So sorry for the loss of your sister-in-law. We're never prepared to get one of those phone calls.

    Your little dishes are adorable as is the crocheted bunting on that FABULOUS piece of furniture! Enjoy the sunshine while you can. :)

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  13. Thank you for your condolences as well as your compliments, Vickie.

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