Monday 18 January 2016

Clouds and Rainbows

 It has been a cold cold week here in our little north west coastal town with chilly winds blowing and a pearly grey sky for much of the time............
.............i chose my bright rainbow ripple blanket to keep me cosy and some cheerful tulips to brighten up the kitchen...........
 ............ i have had some design work to do for long standing commissions which is a good thing.....
 ...............art and craft, designing and making have always been at the centre of my life and are my solace at sad times...........
 .............bright new craft supplies are cheering up the sewing room.............
 ............i am enjoying some quiet hand sewing and listening to music..........
 ..............and crochet is a wonderfully comforting occupation..........the pile of new granny squares is growing daily........
 ..............the colour scheme seems to be choosing itself so i am going with that......
 ..............this is my latest project in this month's crafts beautiful magazine.......

 ..............since we had to say goodbye to my mum i have spent many hours with my sweet sisters and dear dad......there has been so much for us to do and to organise.........so many memories to share.....
 .............thank you so very very much for your beautiful thoughtful words on my previous post....... and thank you for your kindness and understanding.........
..........................sending love to you all....................xxxxxxx

50 comments:

Jacky H said...

Good morning
what a feast on my your blog is the colours really cheer me up on a miserable Monday morning.
I hope things settle down for you and your family soon.
Jacky

greenrabbitdesigns said...

Such a pretty, soft and peaceful post Helen, I'm hoping that's how you're feeling inside too at this very sad time for you.
V xxx

cristina said...

The cold days, now have also come to my country, are ideal for enjoying relaxing moments crochet .... I like to see your stuff, Helen! always so sweet ... hope you can enjoy these beautiful moments! thanks for sharing! Kisses!

Ali said...

Such pretty pictures to look at - beautiful colour schemes as always. Hope you and your family are ok - sending hugs xx

Janet said...

The colours in the tulips are beautiful. Thank you for the cheerful pictures, we certainly need lots of colour at the moment.

Christine B said...

Your colours are beautiful as always Helen and I can see how much they will cheer you at this sad time... I hope you are looking after yourself! Hugs Christine x

KC'sCourt! said...

More pretty colours. I do love your colour palette. Your ripple blanket is very pretty
Julie xxxxxx

Teje said...

Dear Helen, I hope you find comfort from your sweet crafts and supplies. Hugs and kisses! x Teje

Simone said...

Thinking of you Helen at this sad time. Continue to surround yourself with warm blankets and beautiful flowers. Sending you and your family much love. x

Susan said...

My thoughts and feelings echo what Green Rabbit Designs wrote. I can't say it any better than that.

sweetbriardreams said...

I am so very sorry Helen to read your heart breaking news. There are no words that give true comfort, only warm and happy memories, something that will return with time. My thoughts are truly with you and your family and it is good to immerse yourself in bright and happy crafts to help you through this time. xx

Unknown said...

You colours are always amazing, I love the blanket and the lillies. So sorry to hear your sad news, take care of yourself and sending hugs to youxxx

Lee said...

Hi Helen,Have been thinking of you.I did find you on FB,and left a comment.I am Ronni mog on there.Glad you are finding solace in your wonderful creations at this difficult time.Love this post,Beautiful pics.Take care.xxx Lee

Kim said...

So sorry to hear your sad news, Helen. As the others have said, I hope that you are able to find comfort in your family and your lovely, lovely creations. Sometimes it's nice to have something to lose yourself in, isn't it? Sending your hugs, smiles and positive thoughts. xo

Rhona said...

Crafting certainly eases the pain in our hearts especially at sad times such as you are going through. Thinking of you.

Jane said...

I'm glad that you can find comfort in your craft Helen at such a difficult time. Having your family around you too helps so much. Thinking of you. Keep snug and keep crafting. Hugs xx

Cindy said...

Hi Helen, i'm glad you have your family and crafting to help fill the days as you cope with your loss. Take care, Cindy

Carole Williamson said...

Helen I have so enjoyed reading your lovely blog as always. I agree with all the comments people have posted and I can't really add to their lovely words. I'm sure that you will find some comfort in their lovely comments. Take care
Love Carole from Rossendale xxx

Stins said...

Yes, crafting and being busy and to be indulged in wonderful colours does help a little bit to get one through the day, doesn't it? I am glad you can find a bit of comfort in it in these difficult times for you and your family.
Big hugs from Mirjam.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Surrounding yourself with happy colors and immersing yourself in creativity surely is the best way to deal with heartache. Blessings of comfort and peace to you and your family. Tammy

Things and Thoughts said...

Oh my dearest Helen! How deeply sorry I feel for this great loss. My sweetest thoughts come out to you with my sincere condolences. Creating and crafting is a healthy way to overcome the sorrow of losing a mother.
Be blessed
Olympia

Annerose said...

Hallo Helen, ich habe eben erst gelesen, dass deine Mutter verstorben ist. Das tut mir sehr leid und ich kann mit dir fühlen, ich weiß wie schlimm es ist die Mutter zu verlieren. Ich wünsche dir ganz viel Kraft in deiner Trauer.
Ich drücke dich Annerose

Sharon - creativity and family said...

Ah Helen, I'm rather behind with posts, so, so sorry to hear about your Mum. It has to be one of the toughest things to lose a parent, the memories are so precious, I'm glad you have others to share the memories with as well as the pain. Hugs. Xx

Sharon - creativity and family said...

Ah Helen, I'm rather behind with posts, so, so sorry to hear about your Mum. It has to be one of the toughest things to lose a parent, the memories are so precious, I'm glad you have others to share the memories with as well as the pain. Hugs. Xx

Jo@awholeplotoflove said...

It's good that you still have family members to share the pain & remember old happy memories. Take care x

busybusybeejay said...

Helen.So sorry to hear about your dear Mum.I am hoping happy memories will keep you and your father and your sisters going and give you comfort and throwing yourself into some crafting always helps.Barbara

Teresa Kasner said...

Helen, the beautiful colors you surround yourself with must surely bring peace and tranquility to you during this time of loss. I know seeing your pretty pastels are like a balm to my eyes during this cold wintertime. Thank you for giving us the gift of your creations to enjoy. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

lilac and old roses said...

I'm a bit behind with blogs so I'm so sorry to hear that your Mum has died. Take heart in all the lovely memories. I lost my lovely Mum in October to pancreatic cancer, what can I say. Take care of yourself and your family just as I am trying to do, Jane xxx

Jill at emeraldcottage said...

I know you are going through a sad time yet your pictures are so positive and pretty. Wishing you and your family much love,
Jillxo

bj said...

Dearest Helen, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray for understanding and comfort for you and all those you love.

I am going to try to teach myself to do granny squares and make a beautiful blanket much like yours...there would be nothing more cheerful on a dark, cold day than to be able to wrap up in something so bright and pretty. If I can do it, I would love to make one for my daughter and DIL...they would LOVE one.

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Such a beautiful post Helen. You are so amazing and I'm so glad you have some peaceful projects to work on that make you happy during this sad time. It so nice that your sisters and dad are around so that you have each other. So many memories to share, hugs to you and take care. xoxoRobin

Amy at love made my home said...

Sincerest hugs to you. xx

Ania said...

These colours bring hope to grey winter days. I miss to calm that I feel in your post. Wishing you and your family all the best in that sad time.

Ana Love Craft said...

Sweet Hellen, beautiful colors, pretty flowers, new projects, relaxing music, family... all together will help you on that sad moment.
A big hug and lots of love,
Ana Love Craft
www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

Sophie's mom said...

Dear Helen,
So sorry to hear of your loss, a Mom is our first friend and the loss is so deep. Thinking of you and your family and sending warm hugs.
Your color choices are so comforting and lovely.
Pat

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Helen,
My prayers are with you and you family during this sad time.
Hand sewing and listening to music sounds like a soothing way to spend the hours.

Unknown said...

I am glad to hear you are taking some quiet time for yourself it must be so hard for you all right now take love and solace from each other. Beautiful and such pretty colours on your blog today Helen I to have some tulips inside the house and also a bunch of daffodils to I do love spring flowers. Take lots of care, dee xx

Jennifer Hays said...

Beautiful, bright colors and soothing activities to keep you warm and feeling peaceful right now. You're in my thoughts and prayers, Helen.

Gracie Saylor said...

I am so glad that you have family members to walk with you during this season of your life, Helen. Your words have reminded me of how grateful I was [and am] having my sisters to walk with me through the deaths of our parents over ten years ago. Sharing with us as you surround yourself with your wonderfully colorful projects, and flowers, and as you continue your creative pursuits while you mourn, is a generous gift to those of us who find joy in the sweet beauty you bring to our lives through your blog posts and books. Thank you. You are in my thoughts and prayers with love, Helen. xx

Lorrie said...

The ordinary things of daily life can bring normalcy and a measure of comfort during hard times. I'm glad you can spend time with your dad and sisters. Hugs to you.

Susan Freeman said...

I was so sorry to read of the passing of your dear mother. I so understand. I lost my own almost two years ago. Sending you love.

Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Thimbleanna said...

Aren't we lucky that we have skills to help us cope when times are rough? I'm glad you have a few things to take your mind off of your sadness now. And I LOVE love those sweet little granny squares -- such pretty shades of blue!

driftwood said...

glad you are able to find some comfort in your crafts xxx take care xxx

Art and Sand said...

I absolutely love coming for a visit because your colors and all your sweet items just bring a grin to my face.

Mylittlepieceofengland said...

The colours of your blanket, the buttons, felt balls, all are so cheering. Hope things ease for you and your family xx

Gillian said...

I missed your previous post - so sorry to hear about your mum. My mum died more than 20 years ago. You never forget your mum but things have to carry on. I love your little crocheted squares.

Madelief said...

Hope you are well Helen?! It must be a difficult time for you. Your blanket looks very comfortable. I can imagine how lovely it will be to have it wrapped around you while sitting on the couch.

Have a lovely evening!

Madelief x

Pat's Patch said...

Your beautiful colours always inspire Helen. Love 'Happiness is Homemade' quote and cross stitching. Love always. Pat xoxo

FlashinScissors said...

It's always a pleasure to see your colourful crafting.
Still thinking of you and your family, Helen. I'm glad your dad has you and your sisters to share the happy family memories with.
Barbara xx

handmade by amalia said...

You are in my thoughts, Helen. Crafting is soothing and comforting but it does leave your mind free for thoughts, sad or sunny.
Amalia
xo