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