Monday 18 April 2011

Please forgive me if I act a little strange, for I know not what I do...

Hello dear friends,
Well the weeks are flying by and I for one have been basking in the scents, sounds and sights of Spring.   Each year, Spring to me is a beautiful miracle, a transient gift from nature, I try to grasp hold of it and keep the sight and smell of Bluebell woods in my mind, the delicate tree blossom, pink and white, the lime green of unfurled leaves, the symphony of bird song, the smell of the first lawn mowing.   After a long, cold, dark winter what sheer joy it is to be able to sit outside and take in the season.
Although my skin can't tolerate moonshine,  never mind sunshine, I still adore sunny days, when the sky is blue and the air fresh and the Swallows, House Martins and Swifts are back from their long haul flight..... before the humidity of summer sets in (well, sometimes). 
Happy Spring time.
 If you are a regular reader, you may know that I have Fibromyalgia, which is nothing but a damn nuisance.   I am taking anti depressants to help my muscles (I have a lot of pain) and to sleep.   Chronic fatigue is the order of the day and I feel like someone has stolen the old me, along with my energy.   Ugh.
So, unfortunately, I have had to give my day job up.   My work as a College Technician was at times interesting and certainly inspiring, so it is with much regret that I have to relinquish my role there.  
So now I turn and face a new chapter in my life.  
Part of that chapter is my sales area at The Wear-House, Ludlow, Shropshire.

 I have added pictures I took last week of rooms at thewearhouse
None of these pictures are of my area. 
 The Wear-House is a fabulous vintage shop .   I'm sure you have read before about how I have a small sales area there.   The shop at the moment is looking stunning, with so many gorgeous decorative interior pieces, antiques, textiles, clothing vintage and some new.   Handmade pieces and French brocante.  With a small Retro Cafe serving coffee and cake.   Lovely, lovely.  
 So I will leave you with these pics....
 and thank you for all your support and kind comments.
 I have, over the past few months certainly found out who my friends are....

Thank you for stopping by. x

52 comments:

Unknown said...

Sorry to hear you have had to give up your job. (I did too - teaching C&G embroidery two days a week). I hope you have managed to find some tablets to control the fibro pain. Yes it does feel as if someone has stolen your energy and your very being.

Rest, rest and gentle pottering for a while so you can heal.

Take care

Gina said...

Sorry to hear that your fibromyalgia has meant you leaving your job. I hope you manage to get plenty of rest Viv.

Sandie said...

So sorry to hear that you are not well and suffering so much pain. My daughter has spinal dysraphism and too is in constant pain and is unable to work, so I know a little bit of how you must be feeling. Be strong but take it easy and enjoy the Spring. Like Helen says just take it easy for a while.

Magic Bean said...

Sometimes good things can come out of difficult situations like these. I certainly hope that a new chapter will bring some fun and excitement. I love the shop- shame I'm a wee bit too far to visit. Enjoy the sun, Ax

gerfiles said...

I had to be afraid of having it myself for a while, so I can (partly..) imagine... - that shop looks charming, as is your work - so, yes, good things... best wishes

Joanna said...

Sad news that you have had to give up your job - it's never great to feel you have no choice in a decision. However, hopefully as that door closes a new exciting door will open for you. The Wear-House looks really interesting. Will you have to work there a lot or do you work to a rota?

I so hope you are able to relax more, sleep more, and so enjoy life more.

We're due sunshine here in Kent this week - I hope you get some of it too.

Vintage to Victorian said...

Hi Viv

I'm sorry your fibro has meant you've had to give up your technician work. It must have been a hard decision to have to make, but I'm sure it's for the best.

Missed seeing everyone at the V&H, and days of meeting up will probably be few and far between this year, sadly.

Thinking of you, though, and hope you can manage to achieve plenty when you are feeling up to it.

Love
Sue xx

lettice leaf said...

I googled it and I'm sorry I did now. Viv, I had no idea, what a a rucksack full of pain and angst you carry on your back. How you do all the wonderful things you do while battling with this defies belief. Give it some wellie lassie, shake your booty even if it is painful - you'll feel a helluva lot better. LLX

Carrie said...

What a shame to have to pack in your technician job. That shop looks amazing, I hope your new chapter means you can spend more time on filling up your corner with lovely things.

Kathy said...

Oh I felt just like that last year after all my treatment.... I just had no energy. It's so frustrating isn't it! Sorry to hear you've had to leave your job.... but your new venture looks lovely! Hope it all goes well!
xxx

made-and-found said...

Oh,Viv poor you.How horrid.I cannot imagine how living in constant pain must take such a toll on your mental and emotional well being.I am such a big baby when it comes to pain.I salute you.Sorry you have had to give up your job and its scary when its a regular incoms,but I think your new adventure will fulfill you so much more and give free rein to your creative side.Sometimes we are more resourceful when we have to be.Can't wait to see your photos.Good luck,honey and don't overdo. Anne x

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

There is always a reason for the path our lives take...
Though triggered by your health perhaps it is an opportunity to try a new venture in life, to indulge in the beauty of the things that nurture you.
May you find that other calling and that your discomfort will still allow you to partake in it...
Susan x

Heloise said...

Hope that your silver lining is a good one. Best wishes with your next venture and I hope that you have a good balance with what you do and your health.

Maria-Thérèse ~ www.afiori.com said...

Oh I'm so sorry to hear about your health problems! And to think you make such beautiful creations - I hope your creative work gives you energy and easens the pain instead of making it worse!

Annie said...

Do your best to focus on all the positives in your life. I have arthritis and have things I can no longer do but I do my best not to think of these. I'm sure you will find a reason for why your work has had to end and will find it will allow time for other good things :-)
Hugs,
A x

Jo said...

Oh, Viv. I am so sorry to hear your news. Nothing is more devastating than having to leave a job that you had loved so well. I sooo empathise!
I do hope you find a way to manage the pain, stiffness and exhaustion soon. But also that this period of 'transition' and acceptance will quickly pass.
It has been 3 years now since I had to make a similar departure. And, although I admit to missing teaching occasionally, the 'new' life I now have is truly incredible. I hope that you too will look back and see your illness as an opportunity to leave your 'caterpillar days' behind and to fly free as a beautiful butterfly!
I echo others here: rest and rest and heal, my dear friend... its all preparation for the new adventures in store!
Hugs Jo xxxx

Elderberry-Rob said...

So very sorry that your health has stopped you doing a job you enjoyed so much. Thank goodness though that you have your own business to build on and don't forget that although you aren't in a full time capacity now, you have valuable knowledge which could be used ad-hoc for client projects. Wishing you success - you can't ever fail with the beautiful things you make. Bettyx

Hoola Tallulah said...

I am so sorry to hear what has been happening in your world. Sometimes life makes harsh demands of us, but often it works out for the best. It reminds me of a quote I stitched on a to a cloth I am working on right now "I must be prepared to surrender what I am for what I might become". Often the changes we fear the most work out to be far more positive than we could wish, I hope so in your case, you are a kind and creative soul and dserve a break! The photos of wonderful vintage stuffs made me drool!

Lisa Pidgeon said...

I didn't know about you fibromyalgia. I have always admired your work and believe that you will be sucessful in whatever you do in the craft field. Good luck!

Debbie said...

I feel for you, I really do. I hope your symptoms will ease since giving up your job - life should be less stressful, especially if you can fill your days with something you really love to do.
My sister is also a sufferer, since having a kidney transplant the immune suppressants may protect the new kidney, but the resulting fibromyalgia is preventing her from returning to work.

A Mermaid's Tale said...

Medical research has proven that some pain relief is achieved when the brain is fully concentrating on something else. A guy in hospital was shown on this TV programme playing an interactive computer game whilst undergoing very painful medical treatment, and afterwards he reported that he had felt practically no pain during this procedure as his brain had been completely preoccupied with playing the game. This perhaps could be the right time to take up some brand new hobby Viv, a new challenge? Do you love dancing? Or learn a new language? I'm sorry if this sounds completely unfeasible in your condition, you're obviously suffering a lot and I don't mean to make light of it. Just sending you lots of love and encouragement.
Christine x x

Claire said...

Hey Viv, despite all the negatives, I am sure there are some wonderful positives ahead of you just waiting to be discovered.

As Jo said ' leave behind your caterpillar days' and fly.........

Without your wonderful, creative talents to draw on, this time would otherwise be so much harder on you.

With pen poised write this new chapter in your life as only you can.

Enjoy Spring, keep smiling and take good care of your self. Keeping you in my prayers.

Claire X

mamabeaks said...

Sorry that you had to give up your day job, but you are correct. This is a new chapter! I love the work that you do and I love the photos of the vintage shop. thank you for sharing. and yes, it's times like these that you learn who your true friends are! I truly understand that! xxoo

Anonymous said...

your photos are beautiful.So kind of you to share,, I am so sorry you are suffering so,, i hope the coming spring will bring less pain,,

Trixie@ the vintage bothy said...

Keep smiling Viv, it was lovely to see you a few weeks ago.
T x

Sheeprustler said...

What beautiful and inspiring shop pictures!

Sorry you had to give up your job but it is probably for the best. I have done the opposite - after several years of dealing with FMS and CFS I have gone back to work, with rather mixed results. There is some pleasure in the intellectual stimulation and the meeting of new people (I am an academic librarian) but much regret for the quieter days at home. I am in a lot more pain now and it is very much a balancing act. Good luck - being forced to slow down can be a blessing in many ways :)

Jane said...

Oh, Viv, you are never far from my thoughts. Chronic pain is so debilitating and depressing. That you continue to create so much beauty in spite of it truly is an inspiration. Sending you a Hobart ♥ J x

Lucy Ladham-Dyment said...

Great pics.

popsy said...

HI Viv, I too am a sufferer of this dreadful illness. It is most frustrating not to be able to do what we once could. Mostly I can manage but it does get you down. I would like to say that I love the items that you make and it is important that we occupy ourselves being creative. Keep doing what you are doing but also be kind to yourself. Take care.

fee @ chipper nelly said...

Hello again Viv,

A new chapter is right - and it looks like an exciting one (even if it wasn't a choice!)
I often look at a couple of places around Ludlow when trying to sneak off on our own for 24 hours...now I have another reason to visit...the wear-house looks fab!
Thinking of you and sending you warmest wishes for more pain free times ahead.
fee ♥

FairyCastleFarm said...

Dear Viv, I have thoroughly enjoyed viewing your blog for a while now, I am sorry I did not realise you are ill. Sorry also you have given up work due to this illness. However there is always a silver lining to be had (I believe). I too had to give up work as a banker 3years ago due to discovering I have narcolepsy. I did this at my prime (30 yrs old) and with a baby girl and supportive husband beside me. I have learn't to live with it and now have medication to deal with the symptoms. I do not feel pain like you so I not for a second say I understand what you are going through, but I know sacrifice (work/entire days lost in illness and suffering)and fear (of an unknown future and what is happening to me) all too well. So I pray for you and know you will be fine because you have craft, a real talent family and friends all who care about you! All the best! I look forward to seeing more of your fabulous works soon! Yollie xx

Whole Lotta Rosie said...

Hi Viv,

It was lovely to finally meet you at the fair in Chipping S. I am sorry to hear about the damn nuisance you have. Your work is fabulous and I have admired it for a good while.

Thank you for taking a lovely photo of my bags at the Wearhouse and putting it on your blog.

I hope to meet you again soon.

Jackie X

Whole Lotta Rosie said...

Hi Viv,

It was lovely to finally meet you at the fair in Chipping S. I am sorry to hear about the damn nuisance you have. Your work is fabulous and I have admired it for a good while.

Thank you for taking a lovely photo of my bags at the Wearhouse and putting it on your blog.

I hope to meet you again soon.

Jackie X

Whole Lotta Rosie said...

Hi Viv,

It was lovely to finally meet you at the fair in Chipping S. I am sorry to hear about the damn nuisance you have. Your work is fabulous and I have admired it for a good while.

Thank you for taking a lovely photo of my bags at the Wearhouse and putting it on your blog.

I hope to meet you again soon.

Jackie X

sarah-jane down the lane said...

Oh Dearest Viv, how very hard to give up your teaching, I know that you were brilliant and inspirational.Time to take things a little slower perhaps? I expect you will be buzzing with new inspirations before long and I look forward to seeing you realise them,

Take care and floral hugs,
Sarah xXx

Julie Whitmore Pottery said...

Viv How smart and courageous to give up your job. You can concentrate on other things, a book maybe? of all your wonderful ideas for stitchery, your liberty collection, your particular view of things. I know it takes a bit of time for the anit-d's to kick in. One foot in front of the other and soon you will be in the pink.
xxx

Twiglet said...

Good luck with your future ventures - I am sure you will find lots of crafty ideas to transform into wonderful items!!

Tilly Rose said...

Oh hunny
From one Fibro sufferer to another I send you my heart....I am with you completely hun.
I have just made the same decisions and like you feel cheated with it all.....
I will email so we can chat hun. Just left you a message on FB thinking maybe my emails hadn't got through but now I know why...
Sending you gentlest biggest hug to cheer you today my lovely
Karen x x x

Carol said...

Hi Viv

live for the day, enjoy spring and know that your work is just beautiful
take care

A time to dance said...

Hello sweetie, sorry to hear your not too good, I am sure this new direction will bring joy and release even more of that wondeful creativity at your finger tips...love and hugs H

LOVE STITCHING RED said...

Dear Viv
I really hope things work out for you and that taking it a little easier will help you cope with the pain you are carrying. Have a lovely Easter weekend
Spring blessings and love
Carolyn ♥

Cowboys and Custard Mercantile said...

Dearest Viv.. I am a firm believer in fate and this new path that you are on will bring you great rewards and happiness ahead.. believe it my friend!
I wish you didn't have to suffer with your pains but hopefully this new chapter of your life will bring you some peace and relief.
Much love.
M x

Travel With Lulu said...

So sorry to hear you have fibromyalgia - I know the pain can be relentless. Your area of the shop looks beautiful. And I LOVE England in Spring. Hoping today is a good day XOL

Anonymous said...

Shropshire??

wait a sec..
I'm boarding a plane now..

that shop is to die for.

It's annoying when the body has it's own ideas - but your spirit still soars, and that is the main thing.

lemonade kitty said...

Happy Easter hunny bunny, love Lucey xx

VintageWantsNotNeeds said...

Sorry to hear that you have had to leave your job but as they say when one door shuts another one opens. Good luck with your new venture but don't overdo things.

Madeline said...

Sorry that you are not feeling well and that the fibromyalgia has meant that you have had to leave your college job.

Your creations are so inspirational and beautiful and I hope that making them gives you as much pleasure as it gives everyone who sees your work.

Best wishes
Madeline x

mycuriousteaparty said...

I have just written you a great long message about our similar problems... But I've deleted it....Too depressing.

So I'll just say that I'm thinking of you and sending you a hug ~ Julie x

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Although you have had to start a new chapter in your life, it is a beautiful one indeed. It's a wonderful thing to be surrounded by such daily inspiration. Your handwork is stunning! Wishing you much continued success and healing for the pain. Blessings, Tammy

Kate said...

Oh goodness, does this sound familiar! I too had to give up work due to fibromyalgia coupled with rheumatoid arthritis and I can certainly sympathize with you as it's a right pain in the neck...and back...and shoulders ad infinitum. Your new venture however sounds fabulous and it's great to see you're not letting it beat you down; next time I'm up Ludlow way I must make a point of dropping by and drooling over all the wonderful things you have on offer there.

Kate :-)

Clare said...

from your happy blog and wonderful inspiring work it's sad to hear that behind all that you are dealing with pain. i hope that you can rest and regain your health. best wishes

Lyn said...

Only just read this post and want to add my best wishes for the next chapter in your life. I will be popping into the Wear-house in about 4 weeks when we are down in the area!
love
Lyn
xxx