I am not myself
and it seems like months since I have been myself.
Doctors orders are to listen to my body, something I don't do well, but I am forced to until I see a specialist next week.
I awoke this morning determined to just push on and do things that I haven't been doing like cleaning, decorating, gardening, creating . . .
But, my body said no and I listened, a little.
I decided to "Celebrate the Good Things" and appreciate the simple pleasures in my life.
A little fall display I put together on the dining room table.
Precious little Leaping Lulu who gets me out on the beach every single day.
The weather that seems to get better every day and the water still warm enough to enjoy this late in October.
Letters I found in the attic this morning that Steve and I wrote to our parents while we were living in Jamaica as Peace Corps volunteers - we'll have some fun & teary reading tonight.
Flowers in my garden despite the lack of water.
Our son, JP,
who is happier than we have ever seen him because he is engaged to the sweetest girl.
Halloween decorations that I can play with tomorrow.
The guest room - decorated and ready for company.
Yes, I celebrate all the little things in my life.
Slowly, but surely, I will get my fall/Halloween decorating done.
And, if I don't drop by or respond to comments quickly, I will be back in fighting form soon and back to regular posting, reading and commenting.
Slowly, but surely, I will get my fall/Halloween decorating done.
And, if I don't drop by or respond to comments quickly, I will be back in fighting form soon and back to regular posting, reading and commenting.
I am so sorry you are going through some health issues, Carol. That really does throw our whole world out of whack, doesn't it? My father (who suffered with Parkinson's) used to say- If you don't have your health you don't have anything. I never understood that until I got older.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are lovely-the beach- Leaping Lulu and your son with his sweetie.
Get well soon- I hope they can figure out what is going on...that's the first step. xo Diana
I love all the "little" things you shared, Carol, that you are enjoying right now while you're not feeling your best. You flowers inside and out are so lovely.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself so you get better soon...I know it's hard for those with your energy and drive to do so.
Mary Alice
I hope things work out and you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteI think I can identify. Maybe my advice won't matter because we are all different. I have to say hooray to you for finding the beauty and love in your life... Step #1. Exhaust the possibilities to get back to "normal". Life awaits you. Life is good. Step #2
ReplyDeleteLove, hugs and a shoulder should you need one...you know where. Step #3
Jane xxxxxx
I hope you will find out what is wrong and start feeling better soon. I do think it's important to listen to our bodies and when they rest...well we need to try to a little bit! Hugs, Linda
ReplyDeleteI do hope that the specialist will find out what is wrong and you feel better soon. I loved the simple things you shared with us. Such pretty flowers and your dog playing on the beach. Take care.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Hi Carol,
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoyed looking at all the pictures of things you were enjoying. Love see sweet LuLu on the beach and ohhhhhh to see that lovely beach and waves of water. I will be pulling this post up when we start winter here to just be in awwww. Hope you feel better soon my friend. Worried and keeping good healing wishes for you and prayers you will begin to feel like yourself again soon.
Kris
LOVE that shot of the Leaping Lulu!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd as I remember it, doctors AND nurses orders!!
{{{{{{}}}}}}
Carol it truly is the simple things in life that matter most. Your photography is beautiful in this post, as is your heart. I wish you strength and better days ahead. Healh issues are indeed difficult to deal with and I will pray yours will soon fade away. Sending love your way.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Vera
Your little things are wonderful. Hugs and prayers
ReplyDeleteCarol, I am so sorry you are having health issues. Sending hugs and best wishes that you will be feeling like yourself soon!!
ReplyDeleteIt is hard when our bodies rebel. We are not "ourselves". I have suffered from a severe headache condition for five years, and sometimes I don't recognize myself. It is one of the reasons I started my blog (simplysantabarbara.blogspot.com). I hope that your health improves. In the meantime, you & I can both support each other in celebrating the little things (like when our kids are happy). Best wishes to you!
ReplyDeleteMichelle Mortensen
You are in my thoughts and prayers Carol. All your photos are lovely as always. Keep your spirit up! You son and his fiance are such a nice looking couple and they do look so happy and in love. Have a restful and blessed Sunday.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Vicky
Hope you feel better soon. Yes, you need to listen to your body. Slowing down a little won't hurt and you're surrounded by such beauty it's ok to just slow down for a while and soak it all in. Your pictures are so beautiful.I love the picture of Lulu. I picture of pure joy!
ReplyDeleteCarol,
ReplyDeleteI always love seeing your picture and what you have been doing. Sorry you are yourself. Your son does look very happy and I am sending him best wishes for his future, with his beautiful girl. Enjoy the times at the beach with your wonderful Lulu. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
Carol, I'm glad that you are listening to your body and are getting the attention that it needs, while taking things a little bit more slowly right now. Sometimes, feeling out of sorts, makes us appreciate the beautifully simple things in life, as you have shared with us today. Your guest room is so calming and pretty; I hope the company you are expecting brings you joy.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Poppy
My friend, this is a beautiful post from which I can feel a mood - a certain mood that I know well. Not knowing exactly what your body is telling you leaves us in a place where we start to think about the beautiful, small but very significant things in our lives. My first concern is to pray for you, to hope that all will be well....
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear you're not feeling like yourself. I pray the specialist has some answers. I loved seeing all your flower decorating skills. Beautiful like always.
ReplyDeleteCarol,
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos, journaling a happy life. I hope you find peace and strength with whatever you're being dealt right now. Know that you have a circle of friends and/or warriors - whatever the need may be - at the ready to support you in this world-wide web.
Your son is a fantastically handsome man with great stature!
Peace & love,
Rita
I hope you're feeling better soon. All of the little autumnal (don't you just love that word?!!?) touches look so wonderful. Happy Sunday to you!! : )
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
I totally understand going through health issues and how hard it is to listen to your body. Sometimes we don't like what it has to say. Take things as they come. One day at a time. I'm so sorry you have to go through this. Everything is so pretty and you'll get it finished.
ReplyDeleteCindy
I hope you are feeling better soon, my sweet friend. I pray that you will get answers so you can get on a good program to wellness.
ReplyDeletexo,
Ricki Jill
Sounds to me like you would be a good candidate for a yoga class that focuses on meditation and listening to your body. I started one last fall and I wouldn't miss a class for the world. It's been so helpful!
ReplyDeleteBe well!
xox
Praying all is resolved soon so you can feel like yourself again. Hugs my friend.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
You didn't tell me you've been feeling under the weather. Hmm.. i'll have to hear more. Until then, I'm so glad to hear that you're slowing yourself down. Focusing on those simple little things that make you feel happy...I really enjoyed seeing your son and his future wife, they look so in love.
ReplyDeleteHi Carol, I am sorry you are having health issues and not feeling up to yourself. Saying a prayer for you and better days ahead. I have been on this path and listening to your body is a great first start.
ReplyDeleteLove your beautiful pics from around the house and beach. It is these special views around us that give us joys.
Enjoy the day and sending feel better hugs to you sweet friend.
Prayers xoxo
Sorry your not feeling on top form :-( thanks for sharing the pictures love your leaping pooch and your son does look happy ......get well soon :-).
ReplyDeleteAnnie x
So sorry you are not feeling well. I'll keep my fingers crossed all goes well at the doc's. Sometimes doing just one teeeny tiny creative thing can boost one's spirits so take it easy and be good to yourself.
ReplyDeleteOh Carol, so sorry that your not feeling your self. I am glad that your going to a specialist - he will get to the bottom of the problem.
ReplyDeleteYour photo's are beautiful and I love the one of Leaping Lulu on the beach. She sure has grown up.
Take care dear friend and listen to your body. You will be in my prayers.
Mary
Your home is so bright and beautiful! I hope you feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteSally
Hoping you find answers and are feeling much better soon. Loved all your photos but especially leaping Lulu!
ReplyDeleteBe well Carol, and it's good your listening and slowing down and enjoying simple things --not that you don't always do that. I have always liked the way you celebrate small things in your life and home. Small changes=joy.
ReplyDeleteI hope all is well with you and maybe it's just a thyroid issue or a lack of a vitamin? You're too vibrant, talented and young looking to be ill for long! I must admit though I got the sickest when I was in the best shape ever. But that was years ago and I have 3 chronic diseases but I take very good care of myself now. No more burning the candle at both ends as I used to do.
ReplyDeleteI will say a prayer that all is well and I hope to see you back here again SOON! You certainly haven't lost your decorating touch as everything looks wonderful.
What a handsome, and yes, happy son you have. Maybe you're just "run down" getting ready for your guests?
The beach is beautiful! Big hugs!
I am sorry you are not feeling well...and I do hope all will be well with you. When I was sick last year it became very clear to me to enjoy the "simple" things for that is what truly makes us happy. I will keep you in my prayers...and pray all will be well once again!
ReplyDeleteWhen we're not feeling our best it really makes us stop and not take anything for granted doesn't it? Prayers are on their way. Mimi
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a great attitude by looking at all the wonderful things you have to celebrate! Hope and pray that you're feeling your best soon.
ReplyDeletexo
Susan
Carol, I hope you are so much better quickly. Sometimes you just have to slow down a little and listen to your body. Sometimes it means a few trips back and forth to the doctor too. That part isn't fun but it's necessary. Thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteCarol, you will be in my prayers over the next bit of time. Believing that things will be okay and you will be feeling yourself soon! I love your little wire heart with the key ~ so cute! And of course your beach photos always cheer my heart! Blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteSo sorry that you are not feeling very good. Saying prayers for you and sending hugs.
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you for my banner!! It came in the mail yesterday. I'm going to share it on my blog sometime this week.
~Cindy
Carol, I have been thinking about you. You will be in my prayers and I hope that you get feeling better soon! Yes, take it easy; don't feel pressured and enjoy the little things! Love, love your pretty collages!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
I know what you mean... it's hard to get up and go when you want; but your body isn't willing to cooperate.
ReplyDeleteI've been under the weather myself the past week... Glad you're listening to your body and taking care of yourself.
Celebrating 'the good'...
it's important.
Blogs can wait. ;)
So much love and care for you resides above me, here in your comment field!
ReplyDeleteOur health can take so many unplanned detours as we age. I wish a quick diagnosis and simple solution soon!
Your son and his fiance' are adorable!
You are PRIMARY when it comes to colorful inspiration, Carol!
Be well!
~Lynne
w/L.
I'm sorry you're not feeling well, Carol. Hope the doctors find answers soon. I was so happy to see your son and his fiancé. Is he one that runs? Look forward to seeing your fall décor. Hugs and prayers.....Laurie.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear that you're under the weather. I hope your doctor can find out what is wrong and get you back to good health soon! It's good that you're still able to see the good things around you though.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you haven't been feeling well! I hope you get answers from the specialist and are back to feeling great very soon!
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are wonderful! Great shot of leaping Lulu too! Congrats to your son on his engagement. He looks very happy! Have fun with those cute Halloween decorations! And, have a great week! Take care!
Carol, you sound a lot like me. I need to listen to my body too. I have cut way back on blogging because of health issues. There were times I almost quit blogging but I hung in there and so far I'm still enjoying it. I just do what I can.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are just wonderful and a lovely reflection of who you are. Do take care, my friend. I will put you on my prayer list. Wishing you a lovely day.
Blessings,
Sandi
Bless you for finding the good in life even when you are not feeling your best. I sincerely hope you get well soon.
ReplyDeleteCarol, This post is lovely . . . but maybe you need to learn to slow down a bit. I know how hard it is, because I have this need to stay busy, too. It is not always energy, like people seem to think, but a drive that needs to be filled each day. I wish there were something that I could do to put a smile on your face, my lovely friend.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you.
Connie :)
You always share good energy here! Sending some your way. Best wishes. Be well.
ReplyDeleteJust take care of yourself, Carol. That is the most important thing. In the grand scheme of things, nothing else matters if you are not well.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that you've not been feeling well, Carol. Listening to our bodies is so important and I'm glad you're seeing a physician and taking it easy. Hope all is well. You are so right in celebrating the everyday things that make up life.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite out of all of these wonderful photos is Lulu leaping ...it's amazing how high she can go! :)
ReplyDeleteTake care :)
Hi Carol, Sorry to read that you haven't been feeling yourself and hope that they can find out what is wrong with you. The action shot of Lu-Lu made me smile! Take care and try to listen to your body! Sarah x
ReplyDeleteCarol, your photographs are beautiful. Looking at these images I'm reminded of one of my favorite quotes, "It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all." -- Laura Ingalls Wilder
ReplyDeleteI pray you'll get the answers you need regarding your health very soon. Be kind to yourself in the meantime. :) Hugs, Nancy
It's scary and more than a little unsettling when our bodies seem to betray us. Not knowing is the hardest part of all, and I hope you get the answers you need soon. You're doing all you can...listening to your body, appreciating all the beauty and love in your life, and taking things a bit slower.
ReplyDeleteYour son does indeed look happy, and isn't that reason to celebrate?!
Be well.
xxx
it's always a sad moment to hear a friend is not doing well as they hope.. gee whiz -- err health is sooooooooo important - I know from experiences -- you seem to be hanging in there - bless your heart..I'll be thinking of you!
ReplyDeletePhotos are all sweet and inspiring!
Hugs
side note: happy for your son!
Oh no! Please take care of yourself ! Take one day at a time and listen to your body.
ReplyDeleteLilu enjoyed the sandy beach is my favorite picture! It brought the smile on my face from ear to ear:)
ReplyDeleteA truly beautiful, stunning and gorgeous post I couldn't agree more, Leaping Lulu is absolutely precious.
ReplyDeleteListen to your body, take life slowly and get well soon. Barbara x
Carol, I hope the doctors will help you. I know how worrying it is not to know what's wrong. You have done quite a lot of decorating for someone who's not at its best. Give us news soon.
ReplyDeleteCarol, I hope you're feeling better every day. It's tough when your body holds you back. I'll be thinking of you! :)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, I don't know how I missed this. I do hope you're feeling better soon Carol and back to your regular routine. We do need to listen to that inner voice sometimes and do what it tells us to do. Congratulations to your son and his soon to be wife. That's great news for sure.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you're not feeling yourself these days. I hope it's not too long before you're back in fine form.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by my blog! I guess we're looking at the same ocean every day just a couple of hundred miles apart. Youre probably a lot warmer than we are. :-)
Hi Carol,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear things aren't feeling right. I do pray you'll get some answers and be feeling like yourself again quickly. I really loved seeing all the blessings you have to focus on. Such sweet news about your son :)
This is such a sweet post of things to celebrate, with gorgeous photos. I am so sorry you have not been feeling well, Carol. I hope you take all the time you need to get better.
ReplyDeleteSending love.
Helen xox
Carol, I love your gratitude list and pictures. Hope you get to feeling better soon!
ReplyDeleteWhen I read about your not being yourself for some time now , I recognised that . It is hard to explain to other , I thought , but here you are perfectly sharing with us how it is .
ReplyDeleteIt kept me from blogging for a while . Thank you so much for visiting me . When is your birthday , if I may ask ?
I will be thinking of you and hope you will be better soon.
Hugs from Holland .
I do hope you start feeling back to your self soon. Your pictures are gorgeous and you shared them so well.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little worried that you are not posting. I keep you in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about you so much Carol....seems we both have some things going on and I am praying hard for you. Please know that if you need anything I am here for you. You take care of you....I am glad you are listening to your body and taking your time with things. And I am so happy that your son is engaged! What a wonderful blessing! Now you rest and take care of you sweet friend...my thoughts are with you as you mean so much to me. Love Nicole xo
ReplyDeleteDear Carol, I am so sorry to know you are not feeling well.
ReplyDeleteI hope very much that you will be back to feeling like yourself very soon!
You create such beauty... :)
That photo of Lulu is fantastic...
Prayers for good health to you,
- Irina
Carol, it breaks my heart to hear you are not feeling well. Truly. I think you are keeping as strong as you can by keeping in touch with your creativity. Lulu helps a lot as well as the beach, I'm sure. Take care dearie. Thinking of you. xoxo Jen
ReplyDeleteJust came back by to check in on you. Hope you are doing okay and feeling better. Sending prayers and hugs your way Carol!! Blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you haven't been feeling like yourself. The body/mind connection is strong and mysterious. Hoping you are back to being you very soon.
ReplyDeleteCarol, I have been away a great deal, since my husband retired this summer. I have been trying to catch up a little on some of my favorite blogs and I just saw this post and found out that you have not been feeling well. I saw the subsequent post and I hope that you are starting to feel a lot better. So sorry that you have had to deal with this!
ReplyDelete