Monday, July 12, 2010

I'm Back! I'm Just Not Sure My Brain Came With Me!

     I got home a few days ago from Florida, where I spent 3 weeks going through all of my mother's things and helping my dad organize and plan for his "new normal" life. We also spent a few days in Orlando so we could see our daughter when she could squeeze us in between her very busy work schedule. It dawned on me when I got home that the last time I was really here and doing my regular things, it was winter. Truthfully, the past few months are a blur. I've spent so much time in Florida that I should qualify for the Florida resident discounts!

     There are many things I've learned the past few months, I thought I'd share a few.

1)  I'm stronger than I thought I was.

2)  We knew my mom loved to shop...we didn't know just how much. If you have tons of things in your closet with the tags on them...stop shopping!

3)  I know I look like my mom...according to every friend of hers I met, I also have her mannerisms. I've yet to figure out what that means! Someone said I move my eyes the way she did. What?

4)  Keeping the little notepads from the hotels where you stay...not a good idea. Imagine years and years of travel...need I say more?

5) I have lost "my person". I didn't see my mom all that often because of the distance between us. I talked to her many times a day, about everything. I still have things to talk about and my person is gone. That is the biggest struggle I'm having. No one listens like your mother does.

6)  There is no reason to keep the shopping bags when you buy something you love. You are never going to use them and they take up lots of space.

7)  I love my dad. I already knew that, but spending so much time with him was a gift.

8)  Buying things in multiples is a good idea, buying things by the dozen...not so good. Does anyone really need a dozen pair of black pants?

9)  Donating beautiful clothing to a shelter for abused women feels really good.

10) My sister and I make a great team.

11) It is okay to laugh even when the situation is sad and  there is no reason to feel guilty about it.

12) It is hard to explain when people say I'm "doing so well". My first thought is "what choice is there" and truthfully, if I had to name my strongest feeling right now...it is gratitude. I'm grateful for the time I had with my mom, grateful I got to say goodbye, grateful that I have had time to help my dad, grateful that my sister and I got to spend a week together deciding who would take home what. It is a sad time, but we had more laughter than tears and I truly feel that my mother is guiding us all. I am a lucky woman.
    
     Now, back to blogging. I am linking to Met Monday with our hostess Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch and Table Top Tuesday with Marty @ A Stroll Thru Life. We have been looking for a new chair for our living room for quite a while. Our sofa and loveseat are espresso colored leather, so I wanted something that would add a little "interest" to the room. We had a taupe recliner that we've had so many years that I remember sitting in it side by side with my little girl, who is now 25. It was long past time to replace it. Even the dog looks depressed sitting in it!


     I wanted something fun, it had to go with the browns and also with the aqua pops of color that bring that beachy feeling to my house. I finally found the perfect chair. I just happened to find it in Florida! It is exactly what I didn't know I wanted, slightly funky, fun and perfect for us. Isn't it amazing how changing one thing in your home can change the entire feeling of the room?


Isn't it fun?


     Of course a new chair meant I needed to update the centerpiece on the dining table. I hadn't touched the centerpiece since February, so it was time for something new.


Before


After (and I do need to press the new runner today)


The vintage wooden vase I found at a thrift shop months ago for $4


     The runner I just found at HomeGoods in Florida. I thought
was perfect with the new chair. I've had my little bird for a while.

     It is good to be home and good to be back to blogging. I hope to start reading all I've missed today and will soon visit each of you. Please let me know if there is something I shouldn't miss.

25 comments:

dee dee said...

Sue,
Welcome home my friend. It sounds like you were able to learn some valuable things while in Florida, most importantly... just how strong you are! I do love your new chair! It add just the right amount of color and fun to your room! My eye was also drawn to your new table runner.
Dee Dee

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

So glad you are home. I remember my sister and I doing the same thing when my mom passed and then doing it all over when my dad passed. It is always bitter sweet and there is no way to fill the hole they leave. So glad you have had this time.
Your new chair and ottoman are GORGEOUS. I love the fabric and pattern. The new table runner is wonderful too and the vase & flowers are just the perfect touch and bright spot. Great job. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

ChRiS said...

love that chair!!!!!! all i want to say is my mom is still alive but yrs ago we were going through the cedar chest and i came apond bout 20 some lil bank books i was like *mom u have money in all these?!?* her reply *oh no i just saved em* also the other thing we found was this vanilla envelope i opened and here was every dog we ever had ( thats alot ) tags she had kept i am going back more then 30 yrs!!!!!! so your not alone...i had to share cause it made me lol

Glenda/MidSouth said...

It is good that you were able to laugh some during a sad time. Like your new chair and table centerpiece.
Have a great week.

Sue said...

Thanks for not forgetting me and coming to visit!

Chris-it is funny to see some of the things people save. It has me looking around at my own things now:)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Sue, I am so glad to see you! I have missed your posts and your visits. Glad you're back!!!

Remember that you have lots of people here to share things with, and we are happy to listen.

I love that chair! It is perfect for your room, and it has such a fun fabric. Love what you did with your centerpiece, too.

Again, I'm glad to see your post, and I loved reading the things you learned. I need to remember some of those, only with dishes. ;-)

XO,

Sheila :-)

Mosaic Magpie said...

Glad you are home! Do you think all our Mothers keep too much stuff? That list you made looked all too familiar.
Debbie

Sue said...

Thanks for sharing all those special learnings! Did I see myself in one or two? I love your new chair. Do they make it in other colors?

Now I think I'll go visit my mom while I have the chance.

Maria said...

Hi Sue!
~Welcome home~

Your list left me in tears...
All so very true.

I will remember your list when I tell myself, it's okay to throw that out or give that away.
Time spent with loved ones is so precious.
Thank you, Sue, for sharing your treasured memories and what you have learned; it enriches us all~

~~~
Love your chair! How cheery ... and your table runner looks custom made to go with the chair!
Wishing you a wonderful new week!
~Maria

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Sue,
I was so thrilled to see your comment on my blog! I ran right over to say welcome back! You were very very missed!
I have kept you in my thoughts and prayers. I am so glad you had this time with your dad and sister. And I am sad with you too!
Thank you for sharing your list. It is very profound. I hope that all the people in bloggland that love you can fill just a little bit of the loss you have for a listening ear. I'm here... and I know so are many others. It is not the same, I know, but maybe it will help a little!
Welcome back!!!!!
big hug,
Yvonne

Shellbelle said...

Oh my gosh, I love that chair! I love how the runner goes so perfectly with it, but most of all Sue, I just love you for what you wrote about your mom. Every word rang true and from the heart, you made me laugh and made me cry for my mom. i've missed you and thought of you so many times. Thanks for the emails and letting me know how you were getting on. I figured you were very busy the last few weeks and I knew you would be back when you were ready.

Okay, two posts I would love for you to see, when you have the time are:

Me and Mrs. Magpie

Project Genesis

Shellbelle said...

Oh and a great BIG welcome back HUG comin' at you!

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

I am so sorry to hear about your mom. That is so hard. I am glad you are home and are doing so well.

((hugs))
Jen

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Sue, good to have you back. I love your new chair. How cute is that! Love your new table vignette, too. Great runner.

xinex said...

Welcome back, Sue! You have such a good attitude about the circumstances you're in. My mom will be 92 on the 24th of this month and I don't know how I will take it if she ever goes but I will try to follow your example. I love your chair, it's fun, and the design flows into the dining room with the runner. And yes, I am still shopping. In fact, I shopped too much on Ebay and in stores the 4th of July weekend we were in Destin. Now, the packages are starting to arrive, lol. I should have said hello sooner but I was setting up my new desktop. The old one was on extended warranty for 5 yrs. and crashed last month (on the 4th year)and they could not fix it so they sent me a new one. Now get some rest, I am glad you are back!...Christine

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

So sorry to hear about your Mom and said a prayer for you. I am so glad you had such a good time with your Dad and your Sister and that you learned so many neat life lessons. That is a blessing in and of itself.
Love love love your chair and that adorable table runner. They are fun!!
Know it must feel good to be home!!
Blessings, Nellie

Unknown said...

My heart goes out to you, Sue ... it is hard to loose your best friend, much less have to sort thru everything ... it was heartbreaking for me. I am glad you are back & hope your heart will bring you wonderful moments & memories every day.

Have a lovely week ~
TTFN~ Marydon

Nanna said...

sorry to hear about your mom, love how you found the perfect runner to cordinatewith the chair
Helen

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Sue...I am so happy your home,your post was both funny and heartwarming...I read every word of it,so much truth in it...people say I look just my Mom too...not sure how she was 5ft2 and a bit heavy I am 5ft8 and a skinny..but it still warms my heart when I hear it,go figure! Hope your Dad will be o.k too! I think summer is a slow time for blogging anyway so I am sure you have not missed much! Welcome home my friend! x0x0

KimMalk said...

I ready your points with interest, as I lost my dad last year. You are very blessed to have your dad and sister to share this time with. Yes- your new chair and table look lovely. I'm glad you enjoyed much of your time in FL.

Unknown said...

Lovely post, so glad you are back, Have a sweet day! x

Angie said...

Welcome home, Sue! Love the chair. Sounds like Florida was good for the soul - time with your dad and reliving memories with your mom. Glad to have you back. :)

Lexie said...

i am so glad you are back -- i have limited internet where i'm staying this summer, but i have definitely been thinking of you. glad you are doing well.

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Sue, I'm so sorry about your Mom's passing. I loved reading your list...your sense of humor and strength comes through in your words.

I love your new chair...it's about the cutest chair I've seen! The pattern is wonderful! Great centerpiece, too. Love all your changes!
Hugs,
Susan

Jenny said...

I am glad your back and am sorry for your loss.

It is amazing the things we learn about ourselves during hardships!

Hang in there!!!