My first post about anything creative in four weeks. Four weeks ago today my gorgeous mum died and it hasn't been a time for making and creating much at all.
But I have visited the studio and sat quietly in my space. I have spent much time wandering the garden and looking at flowers and beauty.
My good friend Gemma send me this beautiful weather gram to hang in a tree in memory of mum and we managed to do that over the weekend, in a beautifully scented frangipani, just next to the studio.
And this week Barry and I will be sharing studio time with some young friends on school holidays so I have been fiddling around trying to get some gothic lettering together for them to do. Not much but it's a start.
Otherwise flowers and vegetables have been my main interests of late. Our garden has been ever so productive and we have been eating lots of our produce as well as making preserves with it and freezing it for times to come.
A gorgeous orchid we managed to grow.
Evidence that I have actually been over at the studio - a sweet native violet in a moss pot of its own hanging outside and making me smile...
Beautiful bounty - our first pumpkin of the season.
And corn...so much corn!
And all this greenish goodness. Green tomato chutney tick. Spinach and feta triangles tick. Basil pesto tick. Stewed rhubarb and apple tick.
I have never enjoyed or appreciated our garden as much as I have over the past few weeks...
But I have visited the studio and sat quietly in my space. I have spent much time wandering the garden and looking at flowers and beauty.
My good friend Gemma send me this beautiful weather gram to hang in a tree in memory of mum and we managed to do that over the weekend, in a beautifully scented frangipani, just next to the studio.
And this week Barry and I will be sharing studio time with some young friends on school holidays so I have been fiddling around trying to get some gothic lettering together for them to do. Not much but it's a start.
Otherwise flowers and vegetables have been my main interests of late. Our garden has been ever so productive and we have been eating lots of our produce as well as making preserves with it and freezing it for times to come.
A gorgeous orchid we managed to grow.
Evidence that I have actually been over at the studio - a sweet native violet in a moss pot of its own hanging outside and making me smile...
Beautiful bounty - our first pumpkin of the season.
I don't know if your mother was a gardener Fiona, but mine was and every time I wander in mine I think of her. Yours looks so much nicer than mine though, high temperatures, no rain and water problems make me worry that mine may not survive. Enjoy your thoughts and garden.
ReplyDeleteThanks Penny - Mum loved perfumed flowers so gardenias, frangipanis, roses all remind me of her, sharing them with her. We are fortunate with the weather and the garden - you face much tougher times and I hope you and the garden get through. Go well.
DeleteI don't remember much from the weeks immediately following my mother's death in 2008, but words from one friend have stayed with me: "Losing a mom is so very hard." It took me a year and a half to fully accept the reality that my mom was truly gone from this world.
ReplyDeleteTake care, go slow, just be. It is all so very hard. May memories of your mum in happier times carry you through and bring you peace.
Thanks Liz - I am still a long way from being right, but am muddling through. It still feels all very surreal. Thanks for your kind thoughts, go well.
DeleteFiona, I have been so in and out of my blog connections that I wasn't aware that your mother had passed. So very sorry to hear of this loss. It seems like you are taking things slowly and thoughtfully appreciating the beauty of life in this time of transition. Thinking of you and Barry. All the best, Patti
ReplyDeleteThanks for the care and thoughts Patti - it is a difficult and very odd time, but we keep taking baby steps...
Deletethere is nothing like getting the hands and feet in the good earth to rest the heart and soul
ReplyDeleteSo very very true Mo - all I could do most mornings was wander the block...
DeleteHow wonderful that you are finding solace in your beautiful garden. Best wishes for peace and love to you and Barry.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Carol - we are going gently.
Deleteyour garden makes my mouth water! i'm glad you can be in the soil from time to time.
ReplyDeleteThe garden has been such a delight and so generous V - spending time there is so very good for me. Go well.
DeleteThe generosity of friends is wonderful isn't it? What a thoughtful gift from Gemma. Coupled with all that garden bounty it shows there is much to give thanks for. Feeling for you in these early days and hoping every one of them brings a chink of light at the end of the tunnel. x
ReplyDeleteI love the weather gram Lesley - a perfectly lovely thing. And yes these days are weird and I wonder when you feel the same as before again - not sure, but I know I'm not there yet. Thanks for the care and thoughts.
DeleteOh, Fiona...what sad news about your mother's passing - I'm so sorry... I imagine it must be rather poignant to contrast the beauty & bounty of your garden with how you must feel on the inside. I hope that you find comfort & joy in the small gifts that surround you, whether from a friend, in the garden or while creating in the studio...
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa - it has been so very sad. Small gifts are what it is all about and precious moments. I am very tired, but we take little steps...go well.
Deleteoh Fiona, l am so sorry to hear about your mum, they say time is a healer, but l think its never quite the same without your mum in your life, no matter how much time, stay strong and let yourself grieve , take each day as it comes , it was a lovely gift that Gemma gave you , take care of yourself and always remember how proud she would be of you, xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts Kate - mum's are special and life will be forever changed. I miss her daily in different ways, but we are going gently.
DeleteMy mother was an artist and, although she died a long time ago now, I remember her every time I pick up a pencil. Such memories and thoughts are so precious.
ReplyDeleteMemories and connections are so strong and I love that a pencil is such a reminder. The odd moments I miss her are not the massive or major profound ones, but the odd little things we used to share or say. Thanks for your thoughts Charlton/Margaret, go well.
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