Tuesday, July 8, 2008

A Summer of Change


In April, my son got married-a week later, my parent's home was flooded. In May, my daughter, who finished high school in January, officially graduated. In June, my daughter, who started her college courses in January, made the President's list for getting a 4.00 GPA. On June 18, I turned 55-a milestone for many-I almost missed it because birthdays really are not on my radar. I still thing I am young, thin and cute. A healthy imagination is good for the soul!! On June 21, my father had an accident at home-on June 25 he died. Since he had been suffering from bone, kidney, bladder and whatever else cancer possible, this was a blessing as the pain is gone. Since then, I found a facility for my mom-she has Alzheimer's; I put the family home of 53 years up for sale and sold it within 24 hours; started boxing, gifting, selling and packing all of the homestead. I came back to my home on Sunday and will work through this week and weekend, and then head out on my annual vacation to the east coast. While I may not be doing art of my own for a bit until things get a bit settled-I look forward to seeing your art and will find comfort in it.

Love to all! And this photo is of a cake I fell in love with. A co-worker of mine was married on June 21 and I just thought this cake was too much fun! Enjoy!!

27 comments:

Linda M. Cain said...

You could not make this stuff up!! WOW...hang in there, we're pulling for you.
Linda Cain

Maija said...

I am so sorry to read of all the sadness you have had to endure!

Susan @ Blackberry Creek said...

Thanks for your comment at Blackberry Creek, Chris. I followed your link and love what I found. Your blog is awesome. You sure have had a lot of changes (good and bad) this summer. I hope things calm down a bit for you now. I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad, but I can see where it is a blessing that he is no longer in pain.
I love your pennants below. I'm planning to make a cupcake banner using triangle pennants for a swap and your pennants really inspire me. Take care, Chris. --Susan

Femmy said...

I am so sorry to read all of this. Hope you have a really good time at the East Coast.
xxx femmy

Heather Robinson said...

My sweet Chris....oh, life's ups and downs, joys and heartaches. You've had your share of both in the past few months. Thank you so much for leaving a lovely comment on my blog. I hope that you find solace as you travel East. You are always in my thoughts....with hugs....

Anonova said...

I hope your east coast vacation is wonderful, relaxing and full of good times with loved ones.

martha brown said...

Oh my goodness -- you have been through so much in such a short time! I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father -- and that you've had arrange everything. I am so glad that you are going to have a break -- to recharge your energy.
The cake is wonderful! I love it too!

Rick said...

Crazy cake - not your traditional wedding cake.

Your life has been full of changes - the loss of your father the toughest of all.

Have a great trip - next time - the west coast and Oregon. You won't regret it.

http://www.organizeddoodles.blogspot.com/

Jacky said...

You are right, that cake is stunning!!! A girl at my work is getting married in October and making her own cake. I think I will show that one to her...its a happy cake for a happy day.

Sorry to hear news of losing your dad and all the other saddness and trials this year. We're all thinking of you and you family.

Take care,

Jacky xox

Lin said...

Chis -- I cannot imagine how you have so cheerfully, generously and brilliantly coped with all of this. Hats off, me lady .... you are a marvel!

Anonymous said...

Chris - so fun to find your blog! And...to see the grad pic of your daughter! I remember her coming to EWH w/you and you two were always so pleasant and just so NICE! I will add you to my google reader and check in now and then!
Pam Sparks

Kristy C said...

Ohhhh Chris! I am so sorry to hear of your trials! It just plain stinks-trust me I know :(

Gaby Bee said...

I'm so sorry to hear of losing your dad and to read all this.
I'm thinking of you!

The cake is really wonderful. Yummy

So just a note to let you know how much I always appreciate your lovely comments and support on my blog. I'm missing your posts!
Big hugs to you
Gaby

Abbie said...

hi! woow.. your life sounds just like mine, slightly different stories, but just as many! I hope that peace finds you.. I have opened The Vintage Moth, thank you for letting me know. :) I had it set to private while I worked on it.
Enjoy!
xoxo~
Abbie

~*~Patty S said...

May the long time sun shine upon you
All Love surround you and the pure Light within you
Guide your way on
Take Care ~*~ Brightest of Blessings to you and yours oxo

Anonymous said...

Chris...thank you for always taking the time to comment on my blog. I always love reading what you say about Montana :) I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I hope things are becoming calmer there for you. Hugs :) And Montana sends kisses...they will make you smile.

Elizabeth Golden said...

I am sure there have been days when you don't know if you should laugh or cry. I am so sorry about the loss of your father, mother, and family home. A bit much to absorb all at once. Hold on tight. You must be very proud of your daughter. You must be a very strong person. Sometimes the universe just throws a plate at us.
I found your blog through following a comment. I went through your work and really loved it. The banners are great.

Sherry Goodloe said...

Hello Chris, I was stopping by to thank you for your input on the digital downloads help I had requested on my blog, when I read your last blog post. Oh my, you have had a lot on your plate the last 5 months.

Congratulations to your daughter on her 4.0 gpa

Congratulations on your 55th birthday (I had one this year as well!)

Your father is out of pain now and (I believe) in a much better place than we are.

I will pray for your mother and believe that you have found her a good facility

And lastly, I hope you had a wonderful time on that much needed vacation on the East coast!

xoxoxo Sherry
PS That cake is a piece of art!

Elizabeth said...

Dear Chris! i am so sorry for what you are going thru, but glad that your Dad is free of pain and that you know that he is at peace. packing up the home must have been so very bitter sweet- I hope that you had some help!! Have a wonderful East Caost trip- next year you must let us know where you will be and maybe a few of us could arrange to gather!! Something to think about!!
Hugs!!
Elizabeth

Kim -today's creative blog said...

you need some calgon!
Be sure to take care of yourself in the upcoming months.
Thanks for stopping by and entering the giveaway.

lklight said...

Thanks so much for your comment, I just love your self portrait.
Sorry to hear that you are going through such difficult times.

Chriss Rollins said...

Hello Chris, havnt stopped by for a little while...

Soooo sorry to hear about your dad... from out of you know he is free of pain.
From everything else you have been through I wish for you a wonderful and well earned holiday.
Take care
chriss x

creativelenna said...

Dear Chris, I finally got back here and wanted you to know I am thinking of you and sending hugs from both me & steven (and asia!!)
xoxo much love to you, lenna

Sherry said...

Chris, most people deal with one major crisis or change in their life per year - you have been given more than most people could handle and still remain standing.

I admire your strength and your fortitude and I send you my blessings and a hug -- the good mixed with the bad which has given your life some balance.

May the coming year as you move through your milestone 55th year be filled with love and joy and peace.

gaby braun said...

If a door is closed, many others could be oppened. Even when we couldn't see it at the moment.

*jean* said...

oh my goodness, you've had the full ride of life's roller coaster this summer! so sorry for your loss and hope all went well with your mum's move...best wishes to you....

Jean

~*~Patty S said...

Boy sometimes life just keeps coming at ya! Hope that your trip east was relaxing and fun! Warm hugs!!!