Saturday 31 January 2015

Stirrings


It's been over a week since I last posted. What started out as flu (with a free side order of conjunctivitis thrown in) left me with a particularly nasty chest infection. On Tuesday my breathing became so bad I went to the doctor and I'm now on a course of steroids along with an inhaler, nasal spray and a few other bits and pieces.


It's been difficult to heed the cheery advice of 'Keep warm and put your feet up', what with having Joe to take care of. I've been exhausted and am only just starting to feel a bit better. But he did have an extra morning in nursery (it would have been two, but they had to close on Thursday because of the snow).

Life seems to stop when you're unwell. All those things you want to do but can't. All those things you need to do (hello, ironing pile). But when you actually get those quiet moments you're forced to sit back and take things slowly. You notice things. Like the emerging shoots when you go outside for a breath of fresh air.


And the pale waxiness of spring flowers on the table as you sit watching the falling snow.



I have managed a few micro-projects: my cream wool scarf is now finished. There's something about knitting when you're not feeling well. It's repetitive and comforting somehow: not too taxing but you're still doing something.


A business card holder made from half an old paperback. Which means there's enough left to make another. I think my stepdad might like one for his study. And I like folding paper.


And for no real reason other than its sheer size: a pomegranate. I ventured out to the market this morning and couldn't believe the size of these things. They were like small pumpkins. I had to buy one. And those colours: ruby and verdigris.


I've managed plenty of reading. Currently I'm halfway through Fair Exchange by Michele Roberts. I love her writing. My mum introduced me to her a few years ago with the book below, and I now have my mum's small collection of novels and short stories. I'd like to add to it.

In other cultural-sort-of news, I've been recording Wolf Hall. I'm looking forward to watching it but it's not Jay's kind of thing so maybe that's one for an afternoon while Joe naps.


Thank you for your get well messages on Instagram. I am slowly feeling better and looking forward to starting the new year properly. And I'll be making a gradual return to blogging, IG and all the rest of it. Ditto emails: I'll reply to them this coming week.

Keep warm and have a lovely weekend.


17 comments:

  1. Hello Sarah,

    You are so right about the world compressing around one when one is not well. We can empathise with you completely.

    And, as you say, the smallest of things suddenly become noticeable, or unmanageable, whichever way one cares to think about them. But, rest is a great healer and you do sound as if you are over the worst. The new shoots herald Spring when, surely all will be well. Take care.

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  2. Hello Sarah, I remember how difficult it was being ill with young children. There is no time for just resting (unless they are napping, too). I'm well past those days now, but I can commiserate. Your photos have such a sense of story and presence. I'm enjoying them.

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  3. I wonder if flu is natures way of making us slow down? I'm sure there are better ways!!! Glad you're feeling a little better, beautiful images :) xxx

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  4. Ill with small children is an absolute pain. I used to only survive with an over reliance on CBeebies and Thomas the Tank Engine. Glad you're better now, but take life as easy as you can for a couple of days, OK?

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  5. So sorry to read that your flu knocked you out to such a degree ... don't rush back too quickly into doing everything m'dear, that way lies a bout of post viral fatigue.

    That pomegranate is gorgeous! And the business card holder is so clever.

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  6. Oh poor you, that sounds really nasty. I do hope you're feeling better soon. As you say, it's very hard to take it easy with a little person to entertain. Your scarf is lovely. Maybe you could wrap yourself in it and spend tomorrow on the sofa with Wolf Hall? I do hope so. CJ xx

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  7. Being ill with little ones around is no fun at all. After having hyperemesis in all my pregnancies I know the misery of it all too well. I'm glad to hear you are feeling a little better. Hopefully now you are on the road to complete recovery. I love your book business card holder. Inspired! Enjoy Wolf Hall. I'm playing catch up with it too. It isn't really Colin's thing either! Hope you have a lovely weekend. Bee xx

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  8. I'm glad you are feeling a little better and I love your scarf and the card holder is wonderful.

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  9. I'm sorry to hear that you've been so sick, Sarah. I really hope you're on the mend now. It's never easy to be sick when you're a mom, especially to a toddler. I hope you do get the rest you need.

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  10. Tis a bugger being ill Sarah and I hope you make a full recovery soon. Your pictures are lovely and your garden looks to be further ahead than mine.

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  11. Sorry to hear that you have had worse ickies. I hope that you are much better soon. No fun. Your scarf looks so warm and cosy, hopefully you will be able to get outside and enjoy wearing it soon. How brilliant is that card holder! What a good idea. xx

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  12. I'm sorry to hear you've been feeling so poorly Sarah, hope your all better soon. I love the business card holder you made - so clever. Hope this week is a better one for you. xx

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  13. Goodness - I hope you're on the mend now. It's awful when you feel so unwell. No one tells you how hard it is with children when you're unwell. There's no time off! Your scarf looks beautiful, such neat stitching. I love the business card holder too. Here's to a better and healthier week! xx

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  14. Oh my I hope you are fully mended soon - it's horrible when ailments mount up like that xx

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  15. Hey Sarah,
    I'm so glad to hear that you are feeling a little better, although even in your poorly state you've been rather busy (the ironing can always wait). I have watched Wolf Hall by myself, and have thoroughly enjoyed it so far. Marc moaned that 'nothing happens' I disagree, and I'm sure you will love it. So yes, save it for nap time. I'm not on ig at the mo, because my smartphone is still broken. I really should get around to having it fixed. I'm such a slack arse.
    Sending you fresh lungfuls from the far south west.
    Leanne xx

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  16. I'm sorry you've been so unwell. There is truly nothing worse than being ill when you're a stay at home mum - life just never stops, there is no respite at all. Huge sympathies to you. It's like when you have a newborn and they say "try and rest..." and you laugh away to yourself. But you've still been productive, with that gorgeous scarf and the clever card holder. I hope this week is better and you all stay germ free. xx

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