Life
Life can throw you a curveball now and then. Two years ago, in the autumn of 2019, I was diagnosed with a medical condition, and I’ve been getting used to and learning to accept that. However, I’ve been dealing with health issues for many years. It just took a long time to find out what was wrong. My recommendation if you are unwell and unable to find a cause is to keep going and keep asking the medical professionals questions. It saved me, and as it turns out to be genetic, it has also saved my brother, who has since been diagnosed. Although we will deal with this for the rest of our lives, we can be treated and manage our symptoms now that we know what is going on.
My usual response to anything is to keep soldiering on, bulldozing my way through things in a very British way! However, now and then, I have to stop. My body and mind grind to a halt, and I have to take some time to sort myself out. Now is one of those moments, unfortunately.
I am telling you this, not to look for kind words, although they are always welcome and uplifting. But more to remind you to take care of yourselves. Life these days seems to be run at full speed, but you know what, I don’t want that. I want to enjoy this time, not see it go by in a blur. So, please excuse the fact I am not around much at the moment. However, I aim to be back soon revived and hopefully with some fun new techniques to show you.
My therapy is puddling around with paint. Not making anything, just testing and exploring and sometimes you come across something new and exciting to you in the process. Unfortunately, when we live life too fast, we don’t have time to experiment, and although I want to share everything with you, I also need to take this time out. I hope to share all of my findings with you soon in my blog posts to come.
For now, I’ll leave you with a look at the new Card Kit from Simon Says Stamp that was released today. Kits are such a great way to have new products delivered right to your door to explore and have fun with. Oh, and check out the new Pearl Distress Crayons released by Tim Holtz yesterday too. I loved the Mica Stains and look forward to trying these out.
NOVEMBER CARD KIT
So thankful that your medical issue can be treated. Please take care and know that I will miss your blog posts and seeing your beautiful creations. I’ve learned so much from you especially about watercolor techniques and will be waiting for your return, but first YOU must be your first priority for you and your family! Blessings to you and your brother as well.
Thank you, Barbara, I really appreciate that people will still be here on my return. The kindness of this community speaks volumes.
Dear Debby – I was just looking for a specific message in my spam folder and found this post from you. I was annoyed (at my filter) that even though I subscribe to your blog and have received oodles of posts from you over a long time, the message was in spam. How dare my filter….!
Anyway, I totally agree w/ you about not wanting to see life at “blur” speed. It’s very difficult as a HS teacher this year. The students were permitted to do the minimum last year and now, after a whole school year of that, are practically incapable of “soldiering on” as you say. I definitely care more than many of them about their progress this year.
I am glad your condition is treatable. That does not make it easier when you have a flare-up, however. I am glad you are doing what YOU need to do!
Sincerely,
Lori S in PA (USA)
Hi Lori, sorry to hear I hit your spam folder but glad you found me! Oh, High School teacher – best of luck with that one! I so admire anyone who can be a teacher as it is a job that fills me with fear and dread! Thanks for the well wishes and I hope to be back soon :D
Debby, I’ve been thinking of you since you made this post and hope you’re time away has been beneficial. I so admire your work and hope we’ll be able to appreciate it for many years to come but at a pace that suits only you.
Take care and know we’re all hoping for you to feel better! ❤
Thank you so much for your good wishes Stef. I hope to be back soon if in a more pared-back version :D
Hello Debby just wanted to say I too have only just found your post in my spam file … why? I have been with you for many many years now and love all the tips, gentle colour ways that are so you (and me too!) and the wonderful video tutorials … I could go on… please take care and stay safe, sending a virtual hug x
Dearest Debby, You are one of my all-time favorite artists, and I have been loving your creations for a great number of years. I am very sorry that you are having health difficulties, and I so hope that you can find the peace that you need right now. Continue to take the time for healing and rest, and I will be a happy crafter if you can return to our craft and be such a valuable inspiration again.
Thank you, Carol. I’m prioritising health, both mine and that of others currently. I am slowly coming out of it and will be here sharing again soon. Thanks for hanging in there until I get things sorted.
I’m sorry to hear your news, Debby, and wish you all the best. I struggled for 9 years to get a diagnosis for my own condition – it’s so frustrating and I feel your pain. I’m glad to hear that you have a management plan in place and that you are taking ‘you’ time whilst things become easier to live with.
You have inspired me over the years and I know you will continue to do so once you are back. Sending hugs.
Peri, i’m so sorry to hear that you have had your own struggles to get a diagnosis. I’m guessing that like me, when you finally found out what was wrong, it was a relief to know the cause of all the troubles. I hope you find some relief and that you have a good management plan in place.
Debby, I didn’t know this but I went back to find out. I am so sorry you are having and will have medical problems. It’s so exhausting and so draining. I’m happy to hear someone suggested your therapy be painting. Whenever there’s a blog hop I look for you first, for years now. You are in a league of your own. I watch because I love to see your process, your gentle explanations, your soothing manner. Your work is so lovely, always. Take good care of yourself and those you love, for that is what matters. Wishing you happiness in the slow lane and doing things your way.
Lee, as you say, it is the ones you love that matter. When I look back on my time, I don’t want to have missed spending time with them. And to be able to do that, I need to look after myself. So it’s a work in progress, but I am making progress, so that is good.