Finding gladness

 I was planning on calling this post "Finding Joy" and then discovered a TV series of the same name so that went out the window! Then I reviewed the series and found it is a comedy based in Ireland so maybe that might be something to bring gladness in our lives...goodness knows we all need a bit of a laugh right now. It is heart breaking to read of Covid 19 rearing its ugly ahead again around the world and one wonders how much longer it can be endured. But for now we are trying to find gladness in our own little bubble. For me the past two weeks have had their challenges with the inevitable side effects of the chemotherapy but yesterday marked round six of the 12 weekly cycle so halfway to that milestone! I am still overwhelmed with cards and messages.....and more beautiful flowers and gifts. These flowers were from the staff at our local "State of Mind" cafe....how kind...

And more gorgeous flowers (and chocolates!), from interstate friends who I met on our Renaissance Tour's 'William Morris in Adelaide' tours....I can't wait for this treatment to be over so we can resume them again as we had three tours ready to go this year that we have had to cancel. Thankyou so much Julie and Elaine.....they bring much gladness to my heart......

A gift in the mail from Nydia and Ken of the stunning Thorngrove Manor.....thankyou.......

And from our friends Simon and Kay. They know first hand how chemo can beat you down having watched their son Adam fight the fight and now Adam and his wife Holly are about to bless Simon and Kay with their first grandchild....miracles indeed but sad they can't travel to the UK to be meet the new baby for some time yet......thankyou Simon and Kay for the special treats.......

And this gorgeous hand stitched postcard came in the mail. This friend has travelled the same detour I am taking so understands completely. I love the stamped leaf and that little pearl......thankyou Dawn......

The azalea I received from the SA Quilters' Guild is also now blooming and that has brought me much gladness as I watched the buds open........

This is the view of the Bridal Wreath bush, the proper name being Spiraea cantoniensis, from my bedroom window and also brings much gladness 

The roses are full of spring buds so that will bring much gladness in a few weeks especially the Pierre De Ronsard rose arch. I recently treated myself to a new sculpture friend to join the drake in the garden and it was serendipitous that the place I put him looked like he was catching the bird.......

I received this lovely gift from a friend that commissioned someone to make for me with inspiration from the colours of William Morris. It is made of deconstructed necklaces and the beads hang outside the family room sliding door where it brings much gladness both inside and out....thankyou Bridgette and Wendy.......

I have also had moments of gladness in my happy place in front of my sewing machine making some more charity quilts that have now been quilted by Faye........

There was much gladness in the house when we discovered a nearby cafe was making ready made meals. We thought that 11 meals for $130 was a great deal and the food is absolutely delicious and so very healthy. Those who live nearby might like to check them out at The Fleurieu Pantry in Port Noarlunga. We have already enjoyed a chicken Burrito bowl that was delicious and who needs being on chemo for many weeks as an excuse!...

We've also planted some veggies, herbs and a lone strawberry in small containers so it will be interesting to see how they thrive........

I mentioned in a previous post that my anaesthetist when I had the portacatch inserted was the famous Dr Richard Harris who was a part of the rescue team of the boys caught in the cave in Thailand. Richard performed the anaesthetic on the boys and I feel pretty chuffed (and glad), to have been in such expert hands. You can read more about Richard and his diving rescues HERE. So I ordered his book and will have that ready for an autograph when I have surgery at the end of this chemo treatment.........

So I hope I have filled the blog with gladness so will leave you with this glad heart of Beau who only last night gained his blue belt in Tae Kwon Do.....that really brings gladness to us all. Take care till next time x

Love is enough

William Morris wrote a play "Love is Enough" in 1873 and you can read more Here and even order your own copy from the Morgan Library and Museum. So this is clearly just a small excerpt......

So why "love is enough" as my subject matter for this post? My current detour has been empowering to say the least and I continue to be so overwhelmed with the love and support surrounding me. Words are not 'enough' to express how much it all means to me. It almost seems to have reached the point of embarrassment with offers of cooked meals, more cards, more flowers and even more gifts that carry me through.....gosh it makes a difference. The flowers have been so uplifting.....

And from my dear friend Penny in Canada who out walking in a nearby forest came across some fairy rings, so she promptly stood inside each one to wish me some fairy happiness.........thankyou Penny and Paul......

And so many thoughtful gifts have come in the post including this gorgeous cushion made by Denise constructed from Morris fabrics (of course), complete with its very own Strawberry Thief.........

And a thoughtful handmade card to accompany it......

And if that wan't enough I had already received a Liberty Strawberry Thief hanky and card from Denise a week or so earlier.......thankyou for it all Denise (and Simon)......

And from another thoughtful friend.......a tiny pocket prayer quilt where a hidden cross can be felt inside........thankyou Judi.......

A non quilting friend who I met when we started nursing over 46 years ago hand stitched this little felt heart for me. She read about this project online where she purchased a kit here at the 1000 Hearts Project. I treasure this as I know sewing is not one of Bridgette's comfort zones.....thankyou Bridgette

Some handmade masks arrived in the post from Rosie including a superman one for Larry as she knows he is being 'superman' at the moment.....thankyou Rosie......

I had a visit from the President of our SA Quilters Guild with a topiary Azalea which is now in a larger pot and doing well. I was very touched by this thoughtful gift from Chris on behalf of members....thankyou Chris...... 

And today this little bag of treats came in the mail from Julie....have a read on the card of what each little item is for.......thankyou Julie.....

And some fabulous magazines came in the post for me to read during my chemo sessions....thankyou Carolyn....

This precious angel also arrived in the post and watches over me at the kitchen sink each day......thankyou Laraine........

Another friend of 52 years left this package on my doorstep.....gorgeous flowers from her garden and some beautiful earrings......thankyou Susan........

And another friend in Queensland........how very thoughtful........thankyou Judy........

I had a visit from dear Lauren and her Dad (Faye was laid up with a bad hip), but what a sweet surprise. Lauren and I share a love of Eeyore so she was pretty chuffed as she picked out the mug herself and the special charms. There is a four leafed clover, horse shoe and my favourite ladybird bug. I promptly put them on my Pandora chain that I had and I now wear it all the time for good luck and health......thankyou precious Packham family.........

In Australia on the last Friday of August each year the Cancer Council holds Daffodil Day as a fundraiser. I was shocked to read that every 4 minutes in Australia someone is diagnosed with cancer. The usual sales outlets were restricted this year because of Covid but I did manage to find some from our favourite local florist with part funds going to the Cancer Council. It was lovely watching them open each day and they lasted well over a week.......

I enjoyed them so much I went back and got a fresh bunch with some added freesias.......

So "love is enough" is certainly appropriate for this post....my heart is so grateful for all that love and it truly helps. I had a night in hospital last week as I had a portacath put in my chest under anaesthetic to save my one decent vein for the weekly blood tests. Yesterday was round 4 of the 12 weekly infusions so all up I can say I have 8 more of them before the final fortnightly ones that run over a further 8 weeks. My late admission meant I didn't have a chance to fill in a dinner menu so I didn't feel guilty when someone else selected it for me......such fine dining in a hospital bed!.......

I am still cooking at home and trying to be healthy and with the warmer weather we have been enjoying sitting outside a bit more........

We will be catching up with family over the weekend but meanwhile enjoy photos from others in between.....

I don't want this blog to turn into a pity party or be attention seeking in anyway but please know that I do appreciate all your love, prayers and support and I know I am not alone. I don't plan on recording confronting images of me either during this detour but recently someone said it was so nice to see my smiling face so here it is........I don't think there needs to be anymore but this was just as my hair was falling out......all in a good cause I might add as it means the chemo is working!! Our thoughts are with so many who are going through worse especially with the current fires in the USA and of course the awful Covid news we keep seeing. Take care, stay safe and thanks for dropping by xx