"Make what you want to make, and make it the way you want to make it." Gwen Marston

Thursday, September 22, 2011

2011.09.22 Back to reality

Today was the final day of my little adventure.  I slept in a little later than usual because I had trouble sleeping during the night.  I'm not sure why - the bed was comfy, it was quiet, the room was dark and it was a comfortable temperature.  But I was only a couple of miles away from my first destination, so sleeping in was okay. 

Last year I discovered a large Antique Mall but it wasn't open when I was in the area.  I went back one Saturday, but hubby was waiting in the car so I made a very quick trip, knowing that I would be back someday.  Today was the day.  This place is so huge and packed so full of stuff that it's just overwhelming.  I spent about two hours, and that was all I could take.  I'm not even sure I would go back.  I think I prefer the smaller places.

Patchwork Plus was my next stop.

Yet another quilt shop located in an out-of-the-way place.  It was a very nice store, and unlike the antique store, I will definitely be going back.  They had a sample on the wall for sale and didn't have any patterns available, so I may look for this online.

I spent some time at a farmer's market right next to the quilt store.  Hubby had requested some country ham for sandwiches, so I was in search for the ham.  He can't eat it, so I'm not sure what he wants it for, but if it motivates him, I'm all for it.
Here's the major scenery for today.  Not quite as nice as the last couple of days.  And despite the doom and gloom weather forecast for rain all day, nary a drop fell on me.  But I suppose if I had planned an 'outdoor' day, the rains would have come.

There were some interesting clouds, but they don't photograph well from a moving vehicle.  Fortunately I had just put the camera down when I passed a State Trooper!

Here's a picture of the loot from my three days out and about.  I may take more tomorrow when I'm organizing and putting it all away.  I had to take this one quickly before the hubster came home.

If you look closely, you can see Zoe to the left of the bags.  She's blending in with the plants.

And this?  This is my favorite pillow.  On my own bed.  In my own little house.  Where I'll be resting my head tonight.  Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.

Gratuitous picture of flower inserted here.
So what have these past few days been all about?  I mean, besides shopping and sightseeing.  I have not been in a good place lately.  I do not have a job.  My husband is dealing with serious health issues and I am dealing with my husband.  I need to figure out what I want to do with my life.  As awful as my job had become, we are defined by our work in today's society.  So without a job, am I nothing? 



I feel motivated, inspired, creative again.  The time away was good.  I feel ready to begin anew.  I think it's time to get a little more serious about finding a job.  I want to paint my kitchen.  I want to spend more time sewing.  I'd like to read more. Remember this?
 I need to spend less time on the computer and more time participating in real life.  I just started taking an online Journaling class.  Maybe journaling more will help me find my way.  Maybe my blog posting will become more 'real'.  Maybe I'm just rambling now and I should say "Good night" sign off.

One last thing.  I did not shed a single tear all weekend, which is very good for me, especially when considering how much time I spent alone in the car.  The only exception was when I read a blog that I linked to.  Go HERE if you haven't already read about this and you want to help.

counting my many blessings......Sunny


16 comments:

  1. Hi! I found your blog from the inchy hexagon swap. I understand your frustration with being unemployed...I have just gone through a 6 month period of unemployment. I am back to work now, at a job for less than I was making before...but better than unemployment!! My positive thoughts are winging their way Eastward to you!!

    Good job on taking some time to refocus and reframe. It sounds like it was worth it!!

    Deb

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  2. The end of your adventure - sigh! I enjoyed it so much - thank you for taking me along.

    You're a very important person, Sunny and definitely not defined by a job. (Hugs)

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  3. Sounds like you had a good few days Sunny. Sometimes you just need some "me" time to recharge yourself or else you're no good to anybody.

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  4. It sounds like you had a great little get away and that it was very much needed . I wouldn't focus too much on not having a job , that will come , just try to focus on you and being creative , I know for me all the rest just disappears when I get in that creative space . Thinking about you . hugs

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  5. It was a good thing for you to get away. I'm so glad to see that you're refreshed and ready to tackle whatever the future brings. I had to laugh when I saw the picture you took of your 'haul' before your hubby came home. It reminded me of my purchases from last week's wool festival. We gals love to shop. Looks like you have lots of projects to work on.

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  6. Now I am SERIOUSLY thinking about a little excursion of my own. Nothing like a getaway to rejuvenate yourself!

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  7. Yes there is always someone worse off then we think we are. So sad.

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  8. How sad that what we do to live defines us instead of what we live to do........

    Sad but true..... Retirement can be hard for that very reason........ But being unemployed is much worse........

    Still praying for you.........

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  9. I've been to an antique store like that before. And I don't want to go back either! Just too much, it's overwhelming. Which is how it sounds like your life was getting. Having a plan (which it sounds like you are doing) helps greatly. You're been doing really good going through this hard times in your lives. And you do realize - that for me you have not been defined by your job. But by your wonderful sweet spirit (as seen in your blog posts). I'm so happy to have you as a friend.

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  10. Hey Sunny, I struggle with being 'defined by my job' too. I am a nurse who works very very part time, but I can still say I'm a nurse. Truth is, I don't love being a nurse. I love people, but not the nursing aspect. My dream job is to retire and become a volunteer. Then I can say "I'm a retired nurse, but I do volunteer work at blah, blah, blah!" haha I hope you are feeling better and I wish I could have been with you on your shopping trip!!!

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  11. Bless your heart Sunny....Life does have away with ups and downs but you have your best friend by your side....and together you two will get through this one...I'm happy that you had a nice and refreshing outing.

    Look forward to seeing what goodies you have in your sacks! :)

    Hugs, Carolyn

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  12. Oh, Sunny, *big hug* I define you as a quilter, because that's what you are in your heart. It's so hard to go through unemployment. I lost my job a few years ago and that was the impetus for my horrible divorce. Unemployment often means a large magnifying glass on your life and it's easy to get caught up in negative thinking. I hope this time was good for you to clear your head and look at the future as an opportunity. In the meantime, you get to spend quality time with your husband. I send healing thoughts to him everyday. Looking back, losing my job was the one of the best things to ever happen to me. It meant I had to start a completley new life (in one summer I lost my job, house, and marriage), but I am in such a better position now. I can honestly say that right now I am Happy. And I know you will be saying that soon too. Jobs may come and go, but quilting is forever. Now I'm just being silly.

    Good for you for posting this. It took courage. You are such a strong, inspirational woman and I'm sending you big hugs and happy thoughts right this second :)

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  13. I don't think there was a better way for you to de-stress, girl....and sweetie, you are SOMEBODY, with or without a job, you are special, you are loved, you MATTER. You're not lost, you're just on a new road, a new adventure. And I hope it only takes you good places.

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  14. I wish you all the best with your soul searching, and getting through this very difficult time. My theory is that what defines you is the type of person you are, not what you "do".

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  15. Sounds like so much fun . I bet you have a lot of fun shops Today I could use a day away. Laura

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