Dear friends,
The past two months since my last post have been so very, very difficult. I am in the midst of an upheaval which is bound to bring about some changes. I will not put my thoughts into words here as I wish, above all else, to protect those I love and respect. It is quite simply not solely my story to tell. However despite the challenges I face I marvel at this opportunity to learn and grow. And, despite the pain I face, I am determined to choose colour over darkness and smile...most of the time.
I will be back soon, dear friends, I promise, with a cheerier and slightly longer post. In the meantime if you have any advice for getting through uncertain times I would love to hear from you.
The pictures above are of a kitten named Miss Tea Rose and a springtime Vintage Bouquet by Dani Sunshine (my fourth).
Sending you kind thoughts and prayers and hope that this painful transition soon smooths out. Not sure what you're going through, but with everything, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and a lesson. Take it one step at a time!
ReplyDeleteThank you dear Heather. Your kind, supportive words mean so much to me. Your artwork is also a source of pure joy. Happy weekend to you and your lovely family.
DeleteStephanie
Awe Stephanie, sorry life isn't good for you at the moment. I do admire your strength and however long it takes things will be good again!
ReplyDeleteTake care lovely,
V xxx
So sorry to hear that you are going through some pain and changes in your life Stephanie.. Life is a journey and when we have to make choices it can be sad but we all have to go on and in time life will feel better.
ReplyDeletesending hugs
Rosezeeta.
Sweetheart, the only words I can offer are those that have got me through the recent bad times (friends murdered, relationship end, loss of my job and my health) and those words are 'This too shall pass'. Ive had bad times before, obviously, and i have recovered from them, so whenever i feel my world is ending I remember those words and i just know all will be well, maybe not today, but soon. i'm always around if you want to chat about anything or nothing. sending you all my love xx sam xxx
ReplyDeleteOh dear Sam! Thank you, again and again for you constant support. I will be in touch very soon. I'm sending you a huge heartfelt hug.
DeleteStephanie
dearest Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI hope everything will turn out all right for you and your beloved ones.
Your are more beautiful than ever and this pale spring pink is most becoming.
No need to say that Miss Tea Rose is adorable.
Let's fill life with pink and flowers !
Take care, dear Stephanie.
Much love, from
Amélie
Dear Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear that upheaval is in the air around you now. Of course, I have missed seeing your posts and thank you for your graceful words sent to us here.
May I send you my very best wishes that happier, more carefree times will arrive for you soon.
xo
Dear Stephanie … so sorry to hear you are going through difficult times at present ….sincerely hope you will be over it soon. Writing has always helped me even if it is only to my self, it helps me to put things into perspective. I find if I have a clear picture of what is happening I can at least fight it or look for a solution. Clarity is the path finder …the way to go ….on the other hand I get lost in a fog . Sending you my most vibrant vibes from the City of Light to help you weather the storm.
ReplyDeleteAmanda xx
Thinking of you dear Stephanie. No advice can really help, you just have to find your way somehow. Words and nature help me, I think it's the same for you. One of my favourite poets wrote beautifully about the constant flux of life in terms of nature, and I often read this particular poem to remind myself that we're all on the same journey, engaged in the same struggles - its just the particular circumstances that differ: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/171818 Much love xxx
ReplyDeleteI have missed your posts, but truly appreciated your comments when you appeared at my blog.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for whatever it is you are going through. Life can change in an instant - I know that. You certainly have the heart and soul and - I'm sure of it - the resilience to weather this hard time and come through to the sunshine with your spirit intact. In the meantime, know that there are people out there who send you warm thoughts and encouragement. You will come through.
YOU are a gorgeous soul with an equally gorgeous and lite up being. You are strong, you are special and upheavals are unbearable at times, but we were meant to learn.
ReplyDeleteAs always Stephanie, your creations express who YOU ARE - bright, hopeful, playful and most of all, loving. My dear friend, I wish you peace and much wisdom. Anita
My dearest Stephanie
ReplyDeleteI don't know what troubles you are having to face right now but I do know that a rainbow follows the rain and the sun will shine again my dear. I will pm you when I can think of the right words to say but for now, I 'll leave you with this poem...
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won if he'd stuck it out.
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow -
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out -
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are -
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -
It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit
Love and Hugs, Mandy xxx
Beautiful photos of a beautiful person (as well as her gorgeous handiwork). And your words, while sad, convey as always your wonderful strength of spirit. As for words of wisdom, oh goodness, I am searching for those myself. At the moment what works for me is to remember, "breathe in, breathe out"... We're a bit battered and worse for wear, but we're here! Thinking of you, xx,
ReplyDeleteDearest Diane,
DeletePlease trust, despite my silence, that I am with you in my thoughts every single day. I am grateful for receiving your news shortly before I left for England end of February. I will respond very soon. Yes, breathing in and out, almost audibly, helps me through many things too.
Stephanie x
Dear Stephanie - your spirit and strength shine out of this post like a brilliant beacon. Whatever upheavals you may be facing, I am confident that your positivity, as revealed by you here, will overcome and be triumphant. Sending you my best wishes and know that you are in my thoughts♡
ReplyDeleteSweet, sweet Stephanie, one day at a time and choosing color over darkness is certainly good for your soul, hold onto your beautiful children and know it will all be right again xxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteStay strong. all things will pass and you will come into the light again. Within Dr Bach flower remedies you will be sure to find the right help from Nature to get you through. Walnut for change, Mimulus, Aspen to name but a few of the 38 remedies. It's for you to look and find. The plants that you love will provide help when you need them to.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you xxx
Dear Stephanie, thinking of you as you choose colour over darkness.
ReplyDeleteGo gently sweet one, nourish your soul.
xxx
Dear Stephanie, you have made the most important choice, to deal with your challenges with dignity and strength. I hope things the very best for you. Hugs, Teresa
ReplyDeleteI don't know what problems you are dealing with, but yes, just as a reader above said, 'This too will pass." When we are in the midst of a tragedy, it just seems as if things will always be in such a mess, but they won't. Things change, you will come through the other side a wiser, stronger person. And as for practical, every day advice--a way to get through each day: one time a friend told me to "do the next thing." If the dishes need to be done, do them. If the washing needs done, do it. If the beds need to be made, make them. Just do the next thing... it will get you through the day, and the next day, continue with this plan. So many times we can become paralyzed and find ourselves just sitting and thinking about the problem we are facing--this can make the minutes and hours feel like torture. Just Do The Next Thing. Also, go outside and take a walk, enjoy nature, do something good for yourself, treat yourself to something special. You have always had such a beautiful blog and have created such lovely items. You are a special person, remember that.
ReplyDeleteI do hope you know you have many (MANY!!!!) friends who are with you --- and standing by you --- and hoping for an end to your struggles. There is always darkness before the dawn....but that dawn WILL shine on you. Hugs. xo
ReplyDeleteDearest Stephanie, I am so sorry you are having to deal with these things but you are a strong, wise woman and you have many people who love and care about you. I applaud your choice to find the color in the darkness. While I don't know what you are going through, I know that you will come through it. I am sending you love and many hugs. Take one day at a time or one hour at a time or one minute at a time, but always move forward.
ReplyDeleteHugs and Love
Sharon
Thinking of you dear Stephanie. Prayers and all good thoughts coming to you to get through this stressful and challenging time. Light at the end of the tunnel.....you will get through this!
ReplyDeleteDear Stephanie, I can only echo what others have written - these things do pass and things do get better. Wishing you the resolve to keep looking ahead positively xx
ReplyDeleteI can identify with your struggle I think - my mum passed away almost six months ago despite still being young. It's been an incredibly hard time and continues to be.
ReplyDeleteMy advice: Take pleasure in the little things. Try to laugh sometimes. Do things which absorb you. And spend time outdoors. It's a great salve for a troubled mind.
Wishing you luck.
Sarah x
Très chère amie, je ne sais pas si la force de la pensée puisse être bénéfique, si l'énergie positive d'une ´inconnue ´ puisse t'arriver et te faire du bien...je le voudrais de tout cœur. Tu parais tellement épanouie dans ta jolie écharpe ! Et ce nouveau bijou, miss Tea Rose ...Quand tout s'apaise, j'aimerais en commander un.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself
Olympia
Wishing you well through troubled times. X
ReplyDeleteOne day Stephanie you will wake up and realise that the previous day was not so bad and you will feel your shoulders return to a better position. Keep creating. Someone earlier said more pink and flowers and I could not agree more. Pink is the most uplifting of colours. A friend of mine once said that looking at something beautiful everyday is very good for your soul. Hang on in there and know you are loved. X
ReplyDeleteAsk yourself 'What is the kindest thing I can do for myself right now?' and do it. It helps me a lot. It's what you would do for a friend after all. Another phrase I found helpful, though not easy, is 'With loss of illusion comes clarity' and as someone else said here clarity is good and gives you strength.
ReplyDeleteStephanie dear sweet Stephanie, I wish that you will take one day at a time, maybe even one hour at a time. Upheaval, sad times, heart break and worry are all a part of life, but you can find refuge in sweet faces of your children, the beautiful place in which you live and of course yarn. Surround yourself with the things you love, surround yourself with all the love we all have with you and take long deep breaths. We are here for you if you need anything, I am here for you if you need to chat.
ReplyDeleteMeredith
I'm sorry to hear that you're having such a difficult time dear Stephanie, i hope that you will see brighter days soon. Take care, Jane xx
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that you're having such a difficult time dear Stephanie, i hope that you will see brighter days soon. Take care, Jane xx
ReplyDeleteDear Stephanie, I am so sorry for your troubles and upheaval in your life, I hope you can get past this time of uncertainty. I cannot proffer any advice as we are all different and cope with problems in our own way but I do hope happier days are ahead for you and you can find some solace in looking for something positive in each day.
ReplyDeleteTake care dear friend.
Warm greetings
xoxoxo ♡
Stephanie. x Hang on in and ride the storm. Calmer waters WILL return. Much love to you. x
ReplyDeleteDear Stephanie I'm so sorry to hear you are facing difficult times. I'm sure that your resolve to choose colour over darkness will really help you through. Sending you love x
ReplyDeleteLovely Stephanie, know that whatever life throws your way you will come out the other side a better and stronger person. Wishing you lots of love and hugs in this difficult time and I hope soon life will settle down again and you can come out the other side happy. Lots of love xxx
ReplyDeleteJust to let you know that I am thinking of you and sending my best wishes and hopes for you. Juliex
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry times are tough for you just now dear Stephanie x
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry life is challenging you immensely right now. I will keep you in my thoughts. I send you strength and hugs.
ReplyDeletedearest stephanie, i am so distressed to hear that all is not well in your world. I've been through some really rough times in my life that really decimated my health - don't let that happen to you! take care of YOU. you are a ray of light and i'm so happy to have you as a friend - be well and please reach out if you ever need more support from the other side of the world. BIG xo to you, sweet lady.
ReplyDeleteoh dear, sweet friend. such a pretty shawl, kitty and you. i'm so sorry you have to go through this time. i don't know if any words help, but my mom used to tell me, do what you can about something, and then let it go. i do know one thing for sure, nothing stays the same. i hope life settles soon and you are feeling safe and secure and content again. xox
ReplyDeletedear Stephanie, thankyou for giving us a smile and a wave and letting us know how things are for you. I find I'm so often bringing up the rear in comments! My only advice would be to talk things through with someone, for everyone concerned. So often we try to stagger on without asking for help or fix things ourself. Sometimes we are just having to hold the space for someone while they go through their difficult times so lots of self-care would be the order of the day. But I know what you mean, when our loved ones are in crisis then we are too and that's hard. Anyway I wish you well, stay in touch! X
ReplyDeleteChère Stéphanie, je suis ton blog depuis le mois de janvier, en rattrapant tout ce que j'ai manqué. Je suis impressionnée par toutes tes réalisations mais pas ėtonnée car pour moi , tu as toutes les qualités et tu réussis tout ce que tu entreprends. Tu es une personne magnifique et te rencontrer reste l'un des moments les plus forts de ma vie. Je suis très triste d'apprendre que tu traverses des moments difficiles mais je sais que tu les surmonteras car il y a beaucoup de force et de courage en toi. Puisse le printemps qui arrive t'apporter des jours meilleurs... Je pense très fort à toi. XXX Catherine de Ifs
ReplyDeleteChère Stephanie!
ReplyDeleteBONJOUR! I want to thank you for your warm and kind comment you left me yesterday! Yes sweet friend, I am "AUDACIEUSE!" I have always wanted to be "published" and I guess I can now say that I am, with a few magazine articles under my belt....and this self-published venture will be one where I can use my own photos (and maybe even those of blogger friends who are willing) and design it the way I want. I truly am bold. Why not?
You are wonderful. Beautiful, smart and full of goodness. Never, EVER forget that.
Much love, Anita
"However despite the challenges I face I marvel at this opportunity to learn and grow. And, despite the pain I face, I am determined to choose colour over darkness" beautiful words of wisdom! ♥ sending you ginormous hugs x x
ReplyDeleteManu
Tea and crafting - and surrounding yourself with bright and beautiful things, and everything that makes you happy :) Doing what comforts your soul and being around those you love :)
ReplyDeleteBig hugs!
thinking of you dear friend. i'm not good at giving advice, but that last picture of you I think captures a magical moment full of movement and hope. sending good vibes and hugs, C
ReplyDeletesending you prayers and please know that you are strong and you are brave, I hope whatever cloud that has settled over your life is lifted quickly!!
ReplyDeleteDear Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI sent you an email last night. Praying for you. Sending you love and hugs as you have been on my mind so much.
Robyn
Thinking of you dear Stephanie and hope that you come through this difficult time stronger and happier xx
ReplyDeleteThinking of you Stephanie....just keeping surrounding yourself with the things you love, your beautiful children, friends, favourite knitting patterns and those lovely hares and kittens....xxx
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful little kitten in her smart little Liberty dress! Breathe deeply and be patient -- Thinking of you and wishing for a good outcome -- XOXO.
ReplyDeleteDear Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read that not all is well with you. I knew something was up, but it saddens me that your life is in such an upheaval at the moment. It's good to read that you look for the light and colour. To see the beauty that is still around you. The flowers in your garden and on your table, the blue of the sky and your sweet children and family. It helped me to focus on things as well. On my work, on taking photos or on baking or cooking something special for the ones I love. It helps to get your mind off things. Hope it will get you through Stephanie! Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
You look beautiful on your photo's! The sweet hare and your new stole are beautiful too!
Sending lots of love,
Madelief xoxo
Dear Stephanie, So sorry to hear that you are going through difficult times at the moment and I hope things will get better for you soon or you will be able to cope with the new changes more easily. I found that it is important to be kind to yourself and take some time out to do something that you enjoy even if it is for an hour or so. It made me cope better with the situation. Those are gorgeous pictures of you, so natural too! Take care, thinking of you. Sarah x
ReplyDeleteDear Stephanie, everyone else has put so beautifully what I'd like to say to you myself, that you're a beautiful and strong person, whose grace and talent shine through so brightly. Please know that you're in my thoughts and I hope you achieve the very best possible outcome for you and your lovely children. All we can ever do at any time is to do our best with the tools we have at that particular time. I know you're doing this and your sweet spirit will see you through.
ReplyDeleteJess xx
Lovely Stephanie, my thoughts are with you, I send you strength and love, as you have me when I have faced difficult times. You will get through, you will adjust and your experiences will make you stronger xxx
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear about your difficult situation, Stephanie! Whatever is troubling you, I wish you courage in battling what lies ahead! I don't really know how to ease your pain but to remind you are such a talented and kind lady and that you will shine through this dark period just as the sun will shine through the clouds after a storm.
ReplyDeleteAs you may remember we have had a hard period here too with the sudden death of my mother, death of my father in law and the agonising decline of my father into the helplessness of motor neurone disease. I am helped now by what helped me in the past when my marriage failed around me. I see the beauty in the small things: a primrose, a perfect poached egg, a smile and a giggle from an eighteen month old, a blackbird singing. Just being here now is the only thing. I send you all my good wishes and love.
ReplyDeleteDear Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry to hear that you are going through difficult times, and I am sending my love and hugs and prayers your way. Loved seeing the sweet photos of you in the pretty shawl and the darling kitty.
Hope brighter and happier days are ahead for you and your family.
hugs
Carolyn
I'm so sorry to hear that you have problems and hope that everything will be good soon.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are very sweet. Keep going!
Carpet cleaning Chelsea
Very sorry for the tough challenges life is flinging at you. Sending love and hugs.
ReplyDeleteDear Stephanie I am sending you an armful of well wishes. Please take care and you and yours are in my thoughts xxx
ReplyDeleteDear Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting and sharing the beauty within and around you in spite of the challenges and uncertainties you are facing. I appreciate our exchanges across the miles and am concerned about you.
If it might be encouraging to you to know more about how I cope with my challenges through my faith in God, I will gladly type to you and share more. My email address is graciesaylor@aol.com. Meanwhile, I am asking God to bless you and yours...joining the chorus of your friends who have commented before me in sending you love and hugs.
xx
Gracie
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI turn to your blog so often for its beauty, creativity, glimpses of your beautiful children and your lovely soul. I feel as if you've given me so many blessings when I've needed them, lifts out of darkness, reasons to rejoice in living.
Whatever there is menacing your days, may you find some of those same balms among the wishes of your many friends. Sending healing energies your way.
sharon
Stephanie...what a lovely name! When I was 8 years old, I named my newly born sister, Stephanie. As to your trials, God is able. No matter the circumstances, no matter the pain, no matter...God is able. Some choose to blame God but, I believe, they confuse religion with relationship. There have been many times and many things that have been truly horrible in my life but it wasn't because God didn't care. Indeed, He cared enough to keep me from harm and safe in His hands. He loves each of us with an everlasting love and underneath are His everlasting arms...to catch us, to cradle us, to love us Home. Since November 5, 2011 my life has been in upheaval but God's grace, mercy and love have been steadfast.
ReplyDeleteThe shawl is sweetly beautiful; is it the work of your hands and heart?
My very dear Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI do hope that since you wrote this post, some little light has shone through the darkness. I'm so very sorry to hear that things are not smooth and peaceful. I will pray for you.
The best advice I can give you comes from the Bible: "Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Peace be with you, dear friend. Sending you a loving hug.
Dearest Stephanie...
ReplyDeleteThinking of you this morning and wishing you a peaceful Easter time...I hope you're finding yourself in a far better place now and are busy creating more of your very special Millefeuilles 'magic' x
Sending love to you and your wonderful family,
Susan x
I very sorry to read that you are in the midst of a difficult period, Stephanie. I hope that you have found some inner peace in dealing with your troubles. "This, too, shall pass" can sound very trite, but is sometimes helpful to remember.
ReplyDelete-Karen
Just found your blog only to discover all is not well with you. I'm praying for you and your family. So, so sorry.
ReplyDeleteEchoing all the above, Stephanie..
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and sending love and light blown with a kiss...
Keep strong lovely Lady..
Maria ( rosey tinted ) xxxx
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