Wednesday, June 13, 2012

It's Just a Phase






The past few weeks have been a real transition phase for me and I have had a hard time writing about it as my ability to function independently continues to slither away.    I have now officially been declared ‘disabled’ by the United States government.  While this means some physical assistance and a steady, if poverty level, income, I am overwhelmed by the finality of the label. 

I am grateful for the fact that this benefit does exist, but it is tough to adjust to.  Even after six years, I am still relatively shell shocked by the whole chronic illness thing.

One very exciting development that occurred, however, is an opportunity I was given to write for the National MS Society Blog.  My first post, which I considered pretty simple and matter-of-fact, was so well received that at one point I was literally reading the comments with my mouth hanging open, I was so flabbergasted by the response.  With over 500 “likes” on the MS Society Facebook page and over 120 comments, I am humbled at the impact my words have had on readers, who apparently really related to my post on “The Five Worst Things I Have Done Since Being Diagnosed with MS” .  I’ll be contributing to the blog once a month.

Otherwise, trying to keep from being too wretched, I have been doing a lot of sewing, experimenting with projects and techniques I had never tried before. 

I made fabric texture books for each of my youngest grandchildren.  

Maddy's was first, so it is the the one I worked the kinks out on.  Also, it was well played with before I remembered to take pictures.


I haven't sent this yet, so don't tell him.  :)


I finished two memory quilts for a dear friend using squares cut from her late father’s shirts.  I am working on a third on for her brother and pillow shams to match for her nieces.



I am learning to make little things out of wool by needle felting.  This is a process that requires stabbing a clump of wool three hundred kabillion times over and over with a long barbed needle and shaping it into…something.  I am proud to say I only stabbed myself once.  Ok, twice.  Alright, alright it was really four times, but I only drew blood once.

The first one I did.  Got a little acromegaly going on, but I was just following the pattern.


Just finished this little bunny.

I learned how to make fabric yo-yos, little circles of scrap material that you then fashion into objects no one would want in a million years quaint crafts, such as table covers or toddler toys.  I chose to make a little caterpillar for my grandchildren because it was one of the few patterns that did not require about one thousand little circles, just a mere one hundred each.   




I also did a lot of embroidery, am experimenting with watercolor quilting (using graduated colored squares for effects), made aprons for my girls and my granddaughter (Paris-themed for the new bride who honeymooned in Paris and cupcake fabric for mommy and granddaughter, as mommy is a cupcake aficionado) and I’m making new curtains for my bedroom.    I’ll post pictures next time.  I also have joined a new site called Craftsy, where people post pictures of their projects.  It is fun to see what other people are making.  There is an incredible amount of talent out there!!  You can find my page here.
                                                                                                         

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47 comments:

brokenteepee said...

Such talent. I am not so good with a needle. I can sort of sew a straight line. I am of the generation that was taught how to sew in school - home ec was required; cooking, sewing, knitting, etc. I don't think they do that any longer.

Shorespinner said...

I'm glad your disability was approved in spite of the label.

If you're needlefelting, please be sure your tetanus is up to date. But I don't need to tell you that!

Nice post on the MS blog, and excellent advice.

Marie said...

Patty - thanks for the kind words! YOU are the one who is talented, I just can follow directions. Your jewelry is true art.

I went to Catholic school and never had Home Ec, which I would have loved. My kids schools have all had it, so they do still have it available. SO many crucial skills are taught there, it should be as mandatory as math.

Shorespinner - Thanks, I am glad the disability was approved too. It is a relief. It is just a very odd feeling.

Um, about the tetanus thing. You do indeed need to tell me that! lol Never would have occurred to me in a million years, for myself that is. It is probably the first thing I would think of for someone else.

Glad you liked the MS blog post. :)

Margaret said...

Marie- so much to say!

1. I am so glad you got approved for benefits. For some people, it take so long to get approved, it wrecks their lives even more than the disease or injury they have. I am glad that didn't happen to you. One enemy is enough.

2. You are totally better than the etsy people I was going to pay to make my t-shirt quilt and you must make one for me - as a customer. Why do so many creative people and artists (especially women) not wan to acknowledge the value of their work?

3. The books - how breathtaking - I really did not know you were talented in so many areas. I always wanted to make one for my son when he was little, but never dreamed of something as nice as what you made!

MAK

Marie said...

Hi Margaret!

1. It went through so quickly it made me wonder if I am a lot worse than even I realize. lol

2. I will be thrilled to make your quilt for you. It will be a treat to just get together. :)

3. Aw, shucks ma'am, I'll bet you say that to all the girls! lol

The books were such fun to do. Maddy's is all trial and error, so by the time I did the next one it was practically perfect for The Princeling. Plus, I got this iron on stuff that made appliqueing so much simpler. It's not talent, it's all in the tools. :)

Anji said...

Congratulations on your writing achievements. You do write well and it's good news that you'll be getting your words out to many more readers.

You seem to get so much done. I love seeing the pictures of the things you make.

ExposeYourBlog! Joining up bloggers for over two years.

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