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
Congratulations! Your bags are beautiful and I wish you every success in your new venture. What wise and wonderful words you mum left you with and what a beautiful legacy in her name.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the supportive words Caroline. I'm so pleased you agree it's a wonderful way to honour her memory. It's the little things that mean so much now.
DeleteCaring for someone is special. It shows your love for that person, but it has also a great impact on your own social life.
ReplyDeleteYour plans for the future are great. So special that you choose the name of your mom. She would be proud of you whan she saw your gorgeous bags and heard about all the plans you have. Your mother would say: "Well done. Go for it. I believe in you. You can do this and more."
I wish you great success, Margaret
Dear Margaret, your kind words have brought a smile to my face. I would like to think you're right and Mum is watching over me, pleased as punch her daughter is doing what makes her happy. It's not the size of the achievement that matters, it's the joy you get from what you do that counts. Thank you for showing such compassion. I send you my best, Sharron
DeleteVery nice - great idea.... Love the bags
ReplyDeleteYour comment is appreciated. Thank you for the encouragement
DeleteWhat a wonderful endeavor my friend. Your bags look gorgeous. I am so glad you are creating, it soothes the soul.
ReplyDeleteDearest Meredith, wonderful to hear from you. I'm determined to continue dabbling in my creative pursuits. It's been a great distraction for sure. You are always so thoughtful, and for that I'm truly grateful. Love to you and all the family
DeleteI think this is a fabulous idea and wish you every success in your new venture. I can so relate to a lot of what you say, I lost my mum very suddenly when I was 29 years old (never had the chance to say goodbye or talk of what my future would hold without her). I am now career for my husband, who has a progressive neurological disorder). crochet is my stress release, my happy place.....oh and I love reading your blog too! I so admire you for taking this next step, and what a fabulous name for your beautiful products. Namaste. x
ReplyDeleteYou can never underestimate the toll of caring for someone who needs constant supervision, especially with a progressive disease. Knowing they won't get better is so dreadfully hard. It's not just the emotional toll on the carer, but the enormous physical toll that is inflicted on the body too.
DeleteThank you so much for sharing your personal experience with me. Crochet is definitely a welcome distraction when things become overwhelming. I am fortunate to be in a position now where I can explore this new adventure without anxiety, but I am always mindful that life is restricted in many ways for all those who are caring for a loved one.
Can I extend my very best wishes to you and your husband. I'm sure you are doing a wonderful job in supporting your husband to live the best possible life, whilst the burden of ill health is ever present. Please know you are very much in my thoughts.
Sharron x
C'est un joli projet, porté par l'amour et la créativité. Mes meilleurs vœux pour la nouvelle année à venir.
ReplyDeleteMerci beaucoup pour vos aimables paroles. Veuillez accepter mes vœux les plus chaleureux pour la période des fêtes. Sharron
DeleteThank you for sharing this with us. Christmas without your Mum is very hard but as you say she isn't suffering any more.
ReplyDeleteYour bags are lovely and what a great thing to do to name them after your Mum. She would be so proud of you. Have a lovely Christmas and a wonderful year in 2018!
Hello Winifred,
DeleteLovely to receive a message from you this crisp Winter's morning. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I'm so glad you like my idea and I'm sure Mum would be pleased & proud to see I'm following through with this project. I send the very best to you and your's this festive season, and a happy and healthy start to the New Year! Sharron
This is a beautiful tribute to your mum. I find myself tonight having spent my first Christmas without mine, as well.... I think your bags are lovely, just perfect to continue the name of your mother.
ReplyDeleteDear Gayla, how incredibly kind of you to take time to comment when you find yourself in the same position as me. I do hope you managed to salvage some small enjoyment out of the festivities. It's so hard, but I'm sure our Mothers would want us to smile and find some peace despite the heartache.
DeleteThank you for being so complimentary about my bags, and using Mum's name for the branding. Any contribution I make to the handmade marketplace can only be a positive reflection of what she meant to me.
Sending my kindest thoughts to you,
Sharron
I've been reading your blog for years but not commenting, as I'm not sure if my English is good enough to express my thoughts and feelings. But I know what you feel becouse I was a carer for my father who passed several years ago and I remember how hard it was to see him in pain...
ReplyDeleteI'd like you to know I think your works are really beautiful and it's such a great thing to name your venture after your Mum. I wish you success (and I've joined you on Instagram, of course).
Please accept my gratitude for taking the time to leave me a genuine, heartfelt message. You have expressed yourself perfectly, and I'm so happy you felt compelled to reach out. Of course it is with great sadness to hear of your own struggle caring for your beloved Father, but you have given me comfort knowing I'm not alone with coming to terms with the reality of a very traumatic period in my life.
DeleteThank you for your kindness in regards my crochet work, and for showing support in my new venture. I would like to extend my best wishes to you for the new year ahead. Sharron