I guess we can never know just where the tipping point lies, until we get to the point where we, well, tip. It's been one of those wobbly days here where you can never quite sure of anything and solid ground is hard to find. Were I an art journaller, I might have got my pencils and paints out later in the day; but an ink and some letter stamps on a piece of white card was as good as it got. Tipping a template sideways worked too ...
Thank-you for your all your positive feedback this week and I am delighted the wellies were a hit. I'm pondering another page where a little strip of them might support the title "Giving it some welly!" (starring Himself who sports a grand pair in the garden), and is a phrase whose origins I don't think I had quite fully understood until I read this. Equilibrium is being restored here and I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to getting over the tip of midweek hill and freewheeling down to Friday!
Thoughts and love to you Alexa...I dread the day my mother can no longer knit. She never has the needles out of her hands but the time will come when her fingers will stop. It will be hard. xxx
Posted by: diane | Wednesday, 26 October 2011 at 01:25 AM
Sending good thoughts to you and your mum. My mother did not live long enough to get to this point, so I have no reference for it, but I can certainly imagine how difficult it must be to find a good balance.
Posted by: Karen Walker | Wednesday, 26 October 2011 at 02:55 AM
This page is so moving! There is the mix of your mother's frustration, the sorry of the lost art, and your pain at not being able to help. I think there is always that fear that one day this will what happens to us. Time is merciless.
Posted by: esther_a | Wednesday, 26 October 2011 at 03:26 AM
Walking this journey here too... the loss of physical ability for my mother is tearing her apart... love and support is all I can give at this point... and Esther's comment is so true... time IS merciless... blessings to you Alexa...
Posted by: carol | Wednesday, 26 October 2011 at 03:36 AM
Sending my thoughts out to you across the miles. I haven't any experience of this but I imagine that the loss of our ability to create whilst the will is still there is quite profound. For her and for you.
Posted by: Jennie Hart | Wednesday, 26 October 2011 at 05:43 AM
I empathise totally,Alexa......my MIL who has always been an amazing knitter....is now beginning to make mistakes and get frustrated by it....so painful to see.
Posted by: Jacky S | Wednesday, 26 October 2011 at 08:03 AM
My Grandmother had Parkinson's and it was devastating for her as she was an excellent sewer and knitter. Medication helped a great deal, but her confience was shaken and that made it so much more difficult.
Your Mum is so lucky to be with you now, she has raised a compassionate daughter and a kindred spirit who will help to make these days bearable and perhaps you can help her to find a new joy as her creative abilities change.
Posted by: Amy | Wednesday, 26 October 2011 at 08:12 AM
I can truly empathise with your Mum's frustrations and sadness. When morbid thoughts take me by surprise, I find myself fearing losing my eyesight. I imagine how devastating it would be. I cherish being able to bathe in visually aesthetic imagery. It really does make my heart ache to read that your Mum can not lose herself in her natural creative expression. Hugs to you too Alexa. I can but only imagine how hard it is to witness. It reminds me to be grateful for some of the things I take for granted. Pxx
Posted by: Paul B | Wednesday, 26 October 2011 at 08:42 AM
empathy and hugs - my Nanna and now my Mum suffered carpel tunnel and their fingers turned from fabulous creative tools to unresponsive lumps. So hard to watch. Such a beuatuiful authentic page.
Posted by: helena | Wednesday, 26 October 2011 at 09:17 AM
a very moving layout Alexa....so well written. You sound like you are going through a tough time, will be thinking of you.
Posted by: Louise | Wednesday, 26 October 2011 at 09:56 AM
Another moving snippet from you Alexa - it makes me grateful that we have not yet reached that stage. Hopefully balance will soon be found.
Posted by: Jimjams | Wednesday, 26 October 2011 at 10:21 AM
That is a beautiful post and very poignant. Thinking about you all and sending hugs x
Posted by: Joanne | Wednesday, 26 October 2011 at 10:25 AM
Alexa I think that in your beautiful, honest writing you've really honoured your situation. Which I know doesn't change it, but I hope it helps in some way for you to have shared it here. Thinking of you and your Mum. xx
Posted by: Julie Kirk | Wednesday, 26 October 2011 at 01:26 PM
((HUGS)) Alexa, such a moving page.
Posted by: Linda | Wednesday, 26 October 2011 at 06:48 PM
Oh Alexa, tough times indeed for all of you. Here's hoping your Mum can find a new creative outlet. Thinking of you both xx
Sorry I haven't commented recently, I seem to be having a bit of trouble loading your blog at the moment.
Posted by: Fiona | Wednesday, 26 October 2011 at 07:24 PM
Oh, Alexa... sending you all lots of love and prayers. This is a beautiful page about a difficult situation xx
Posted by: Mel | Wednesday, 26 October 2011 at 10:14 PM
Sending thoughts and prayers your way Alexa....what a sad and trying time for you and your family...your journalling says it all
Alison xx
Posted by: Alison McInnes | Wednesday, 26 October 2011 at 10:21 PM
How sad - hopefully you will be able to achieve some balance - and it is important to find space for yourself too if you can
Posted by: Helenb | Thursday, 27 October 2011 at 02:37 AM
I like your style of scrapping - just found your blog through someone's post. It's a very graphic and clean style - different to mine.
Posted by: Mel J | Thursday, 27 October 2011 at 10:18 AM
What a touching page. I so admire you for being able to record those difficult times for your mum and for your family. Thinking of you...
Posted by: Nathalie | Thursday, 27 October 2011 at 07:13 PM
Sending love & prayers Alexa x
Posted by: Miriam | Friday, 28 October 2011 at 09:17 PM
It's hard not to feel helpless and hopeless at times like this. I do hope all of you find the balance you are looking for. Hugs to you.
Posted by: Wanda | Sunday, 30 October 2011 at 01:47 AM
This must be such a hard time for you all Alexa. Being there for your Mum is the best thing you can do. I hope acceptance gets easier over time... thinking of you all xx
Posted by: sandie | Sunday, 30 October 2011 at 06:28 PM