Hello friends, as you may have noticed things have been a little bit quiet here at Annie's Place of late. Not because I've intentionally distanced myself from the blog; more that I've not really felt I had much to say. I'm facing my first Christmas without Mum and it's all a bit overwhelming if I'm honest.
I've had lots of time to think, and mull over my future, and one thing my Mum taught me over the course of her illness is that you have to seize the day and take risks sometimes. I have her melodic Irish brogue ringing loud in my ears 'stop talking about it Sharron, and do it!'
The upshot is we had lots of chats those last few precious months of her life and she made it clear she wanted me to live the best version of myself, and not to allow anything to get in the way of that. Since she's been gone I've kept to my pledge to take each breath with purpose and to see the positive in every day.
It's hard of course, as real life throws up all sorts of challenges that can derail that philosophy at any given moment. The difference is now I really appreciate the freedom that has been bestowed upon me since Mum so selflessly left this world. Being an unpaid Carer for someone you love is so dreadfully difficult, and until you're in that situation you really don't understand how isolating it can be.
I would of course give anything to have Mum back, but not for a second with the suffering she endured in the last 9 months of her life. If you're a Carer or have cared for someone then you'll know what I mean.
I understand I'm beginning to waffle a little, so I'll get to the point of this post. I just wanted to introduce you to something that I've been working on in the background in the hope you will perhaps support me in this new endeavour. I've decided to start crocheting bags to eventually sell online. I'm just in the fledgling stages of this idea, and envision getting things off the ground in earnest in the new year.
In Mum's memory I have named this new endeavour Pádraigín handmade (pronounced paw-dri-geen). Translated it is my Mother's name Patricia in the Irish language. I thought it would be a fitting tribute to brand my handmade items with her name. What do you think? I do hope you agree it's a nice way to remember her through my creativity.
As a start I've very recently joined Instagram, and hope to have a Facebook Page up and running very soon. All new to me, as Annie's Place has only ever been a blog. I would of course love it if you would join me on Instagram to keep up to date with all my crafty goings on. Just click on the Brand Logo in my side bar to be taken there.
If any of you would be interested in owning a bag made by my own fair hand, do let me know by emailing padraigin.handmade@gmail.com. I also have a few other things in the planning for next year that I'm excited about, but will share that as soon as I have dotted the i's and crossed the t's as it were! Your continued support would be much appreciated as I embark on this new chapter.
In the mean time I would like to wish you all the very best over the festive season. Whether you celebrate or not it's a time to reflect on the year gone by. Personally 2017 has proven to be one of the hardest thus far, but I am optimistic for 2018 and that's what counts.
Love to all
Sharron
x
