I'm sharing my current situation in the hopes that it may spur some of the rest of you who are able or yearning to be able to answer the 'call of life' in your own special way.
I've been wanting to spend more time with my daughters and g-children in NC - I live in Houston - and since my job required 20 hr/week that was difficult. Both daughters are teachers and are 'off' for the summer. I changed my job status to 16 hr/month. I go on Medicare in August (hitting 65 isn't ALL bad!) So I no longer need the health insurance coverage - in fact, I would no longer be ALLOWED to keep it!
After doing a workshop on "The Artist's Way" book by Julia Cameron, I was spurred to spend a little time re-thinking my life, my thinking, and my desires. (of course having a cardiac condition forces us to do the same, doesn't it?)
I started thinking about renting a little apartment for the summer in NC and being able to see everyone more (but also desiring some "alone" time for ME) was necessary too. Plus I don't think any of us could survive a solid 2 months together.
Then I realized my daughter had an EMPTY house, (beautiful log house) in the mountains in NE Georgia that was for sale. They would LOVE to sell the house, but this is not exactly the best time to attempt that!
So with some creative thinking, a few pieces of thrift shop furniture, my computer, my sewing machine, my water colors, and my dog, I am now settled in this empty house (phone and electricty turned on - oh, yeah, and the DSL hooked up) I am as happy as a clam! Have visited both daughters, seen the g-kids, whooshed off hubby to do his business...... and spent an hour this morning out in the porch swing with my dog listening to the birds and enjoying the cooler temperatures (compared to Houston)
I'm paying my daughter rent - helping with HER expenses too, since they are making payment on THIS house and paying rent on the house where they are currently living due to employment location change.
So, I will fly to Houston once a month to work my shift, keep my fingers in the pie so to speak, should I need to pick up more employment/$$ in the future.
I never in a million years would have dreamed I'd be doing this, but with a little freedom to think differently, here I am.....................
Lynn
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A change of pace!
- By goingstrong
- Posted June 24, 2009 at 9:04 am · 31 replies
- In Emotional and psychological issues
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31 replies
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- By Rose
- Posted June 24, 2009 at 10:00 am
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Lynn,
Lucky you! It sounds like you have hit upon the dream summer. You log house sounds charming and peaceful. I congratulate you for having the courage to find the way to do what you want to do.
I hope your summer is filled with peace, quite, love, laughter and lots of hugs from children and grandchildren.
Keep us posted on your adventure.
Warm Regards,
Rose
- By gracie62
- Posted June 24, 2009 at 11:00 am
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Lynn:
You left Houston and I cannot get away from it! My daughter has a new issue and we are making weekly trips to Texas Children's Hospital. The temps here are breaking records. I can't go outside between 10am and 5pm or I cannot cool back down. I am sooooo jealous. A cabin in North Carolina? Continue to share glimpses of your new life so I can live vicariously through you, okay?
Dianna
P.S.
No fair - you don't have to evacuate if a hurricane comes!
- By goingstrong
- Posted June 24, 2009 at 11:50 am
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can we post a picture here? if not, I'll put one on my blog.
http://quilterlynn.blogspot.com
Yes, I'm in heaven! Husband said it was really really hot there!
So sorry about your daughter's health. At least you have TCH! If you ever need a friend there, my best friend works there.
- By martzj
- Posted June 24, 2009 at 4:35 pm
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Lynn,
Your wonderful story made my day!!! Quiet time in the lush surrounds of Georgia. Creative immersion....aaaahhhhh : ) Delicious!! You have gone about 'manifesting' all this in creative ways that benefited all concerned. Good karma all round : )
"After doing a workshop on "The Artist's Way" book by Julia Cameron, I was spurred to spend a little time re-thinking my life, my thinking, and my desires. (of course having a cardiac condition forces us to do the same, doesn't it?)"
This is too funny. I'm looking at The Artist's Way right now. I've had it for many years and pull it out every now and then because the exercises are superb for transformative mindsets. She has created a mini-workshop for every place a person has found themselves stuck and need an insightful nudge and practical tools to get started. I have many of her books.
I can almost smell those paints! yummmmm : )
Thrive there.....It won't matter what is going on as long as you are being Lynn!!! Much will emerge that will surprise you I imagine. Your doggie must be loving this too.....early morning porch swings and birdies!
Guess we'll have to call you Peachie now you're in the great state of Georgia. (stock up on skeeter spray)
take care Peachie,
Jaynie ( fellow longtime Artist's Way gal)
ps. I'm reading in TIME magazine that those Minutes Clinics similar to where you are working are opening all over the US.....Walmarts. : )
- By goingstrong
- Posted June 24, 2009 at 5:48 pm
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Yes, I finally got the picture published on my blog (see above)
I was waylaid by other 'thoughts' today as I began to publish it (like, ..... forgot my password, went to get a new one, saw something else, and now it's 8 hours later! ha)
- By Lucindy
- Posted June 24, 2009 at 6:55 pm
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Visited your blog site . . . oh . . . what lovely quilts! You are a true artist.
You have intrigued me with Cameron's Book. A number of years ago, I spent the summer working through it. I think I shall take it down from the shelf, dust it off, and take another look at it.
Enjoy the fresh peaches and your summer. BTW I have a peach trio dessert that i will be serving at the restaurant once the peaches are in. Would be happy to send you the recipe for my peach upside down cake if you like. Just email me.
P.S. I grew up north of Houston. When we moved to NC in 1987 and I found out that LEAVES CHANGE COLOR!! and that my hair was not naturally curly (due to East Texas humidity), I told my husband that I wasn't going back.
- By Lucindy
- Posted June 24, 2009 at 6:58 pm
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Visited your blog site . . . oh . . . what lovely quilts! You are a true artist.
You have intrigued me with Cameron's Book. A number of years ago, I spent the summer working through it. I think I shall take it down from the shelf, dust it off, and take another look at it.
Enjoy the fresh peaches and your summer. BTW I have a peach trio dessert that i will be serving at the restaurant once the peaches are in. Would be happy to send you the recipe for my peach upside down cake if you like. Just email me.
P.S. I grew up northeast of Houston in Livingston. When we moved to NC in 1987 and I discovered that LEAVES CHANGE COLOR!! and that my hair was not naturally curly (due to East Texas humidity), I told my husband that I wasn't going back.
- By goingstrong
- Posted June 24, 2009 at 7:28 pm
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Oh, wonderful! My daughters are in Salisbury and Fuquay-Varina! I will be heading that way 2-3 times this summer to see them.
Your recipe sounds tempting. I may take you up on it! Yeah, I'm not missing the humdity AT ALL!
Tell me a little about your restaurant?
- By gracie62
- Posted June 24, 2009 at 8:23 pm
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Lynn:
I live in SE Texas - close to Orange/Beaumont in a tiny town called Mauriceville. I have a digital thermometer that is guaranteed to be accurate with a probe that goes outside to get a reading. It got up to (and I swear I am NOT telling a fib) 105.1 degrees today! It was only at that for a few minutes, but stayed over 100 for almost 3 hours this afternoon. Local news said we were the hottest part of the country today and Houston was not far behind. As you know, June is considered mild here compared to July and August. Dreading it, dreading it, dreading it. I am sooooo envious of you right now!
Dianna
- By angSVT
- Posted June 24, 2009 at 9:42 pm
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That sounds wonderful. having a heart condition definitely makes you consider the important things in life, and it is so wonderful you get to spend time with your family. It sound like a nice vacation. Enjoy!
- By 1spudcat
- Posted June 24, 2009 at 11:05 pm
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Oh my goodness! Lynn you are living my dream. I too have the Artisit's Way sitting on my shelf and will now have to crack it open again. There is such peace in pouring out one's creativity into a poem, a painting, a quilt, a photo, a song on a violin. I hope your creative juices are flowing and you have a wonderful time this summer with your family and your "me" time.
Spuds
- By goingstrong
- Posted June 24, 2009 at 11:34 pm
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Thanks Spud! I certainly intend to!
And hope all of you will share what The Artist's Way is doing for YOU this summer!
- By MMaslek
- Posted June 25, 2009 at 7:19 am
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I am in serious envy!!! What a beautiful home & a lovely way to spend a summer. Enjoy the break & enjoy the time with your family. What a glorious summer treat!!!!
Amy
- By Rose
- Posted June 25, 2009 at 9:17 am
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Lynn,
After seeing the picture I am sooooo jealous. It is just beautiful. Your quilts are amazing. I think I will buy that book if that is what inspired you. I have finally learned how to crouchet one stich called double crouchet and haven't progressed past that but I am enjoying making neck scarf for everyone I know. I think that I am craft gene deficient.
Give us updates on your life of tranquility.
Warm Regards,
Rose
- By martzj
- Posted June 25, 2009 at 8:49 pm
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oh wow Lynn.....Just had a chance to check out your blog. I cannot believe how gorgeous that flower quilt is!!!! You are making me long to pull out my drawer full of years worth of cross-stitched pieces....15 or more finished washed pressed...unframed. I lost heart and put it all away when my eyes began rupturing blood vessels trying to focus at night. It seemed like I got punished for everything I tried at that point. I've had to give up painting, cross stitch....all those things that were huge parts of my creative life but the heart damage made any kind of concentrated, sustained activity impossible. I sure miss it....It's beyond relaxing to just quietly stitch and sew and watch images come alive beneath your fingers isn't it.
LOVE that quilt in case I wasn't clear enough the first time! : )
cheers, Jaynie
- By Nancy-in-KC
- Posted June 26, 2009 at 9:20 am
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Lynn! I am so happy for you! What a wonderful opportunity to have come your way. Have a wonderful summer - what an adventure!
Your Mayo heart sister,
Nancy
- By goingstrong
- Posted June 26, 2009 at 9:31 am
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Hi gals. I just have to tell you, after all the comments on my quilt -- I'm actually SLEEPING under it in my little retreat this summer. I only brought it along to share the finished quilt with my daughters - and then when I got all set up on my air mattress, I thought I might need a blanket, so took it out of it's traveling suitcase. It sure does cheer up an otherwise fairly empty room! ha Just sleeping under it makes me feel happy! I'll snap a pic in the next few days (when the bed is made) and put it on the blog.
Lynn
PS: I Nancy in KC. How are you doing up there in KC?
- By Linda_RS
- Posted June 26, 2009 at 9:35 am
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Like so many of you, I have the book The Artist's Way on my bookshelf. You have inspired me to read it. I glanced through it 10 years ago when it was given to me, but I am sure it will offer me a new perspective now. In the meantime, I did buy myself a sketch book and drawing pencils. I find solice sketching in my ack yard. Not gallery worthy, but it brings me peace.
Thanks for sharing. Linda
- By goingstrong
- Posted June 26, 2009 at 10:52 am
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Maybe we should start an "Artist's Way" group on this forum?
- By Kennarina
- Posted June 26, 2009 at 8:34 pm
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I was just thinking that too, Lynn - an Artist's Way topic. You start! I am also inspired to pull out my old dog-eared copy. I just love that book! It's been years since I first read it, but still follow her three 'tools': Morning Pages, Artist's Dates and Walks.
Good grief, first I had a vision of your daughter's little log cabin in the mountains. Holey moley, that log house is gorgeous. And huge! Not a 'cabin' at all. Absolutely a wonderful turn of events for you this summer. Will you keep up your 'commute' once the summer's over? It's almost like once you put it out to the universe that you wanted to be closer to the kids/grandbabies, things started to fall beautifully into place - work, health insurance, place to live. Perfect....
Jaynie, I'm wondering why is your painting still not possible for you? I can understand needlepoint being a real challenge ("concentrated, sustained activity" - I too cannot do those activities anymore - even reading fiction seems too hard!) but there is painting and then there's painting. Post HA, I've had to stumble upon other less-taxing creative pursuits and I discovered (on one of my Artist's Dates!) mixed media collage. Great fun, lots of abstract experimental stuff (a la Julia Cameron) and all those funky found objects and opportunities to put those paints to good use. Don't give up - get out those paints!
Another Cameron book that I loved was "The Sound of Paper" about how to move on when you're 'stuck' - in a creative block, or in life. Brilliant stuff.... Has anybody read that one?
XOXOXO
http://www.myheartsisters.org
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