Nostalgic - Melancholy

All truth be told, I am being a bit nostalgic...longing for things, persons & situations of the past & being homesick.  When I saw this lovely painting by Josephine Wall...it had me in tears.  I've been thinking about days gone by family and friends left behind, happier moments...alot lately.  Perhaps because it's getting colder and daylight is more scarce OR because the Holidays are fast approaching, I'm reminiscing about the past.  Normally...
I wouldn't be sharing what I'm about to share, but I just need to get it out.  I need to be real.  I haven't been posting as often as I used to - nor  sharing projects around here - or anything about my re-decorating projects, because - there simply hasn't been that much done around here.

 I haven't been up to doing those things - or sharing about them.  So, I thought with the mood I've been in the last week, I would open up and let you see me...in a different way.  Understand, I don't want pity or judgement - just friends who I know visit here - who care and who will pray for us.

It's been 8 1/2 years since I moved to Michigan.  Hubby and I met on a Christian dating site and he was certain he didn't want to move - especially out of state.  And he had 5 grown children and a slew of grandchildren and a job he'd been at for numerous years.  I had a job in Sales and 2 grown boys in Wisconsin, along with my friends.  I decided that since I could always get a job in sales - anywhere - that it made more sense for me to be the Move-ee.  And, besides, I'd moved so many times in my life already and to other states, I figured this one would be like all the others.

 In the beginning, I held onto that hope that this move would be just as delightful as all the others...but that quickly faded when the behavior of Tom's grown children deteriorated.  They made it known they didn't like their father's decision to remarry.  They made that clear before and after the wedding.  They would invite him to birthday parties and Christmas, but not me...and he would tell them that if I wasn't invited, he wasn't going.  No matter what I said, he stuck to his guns and didn't go. 

 They didn't like the fact that he'd brought me to live in their mother's house either.  Things went downhill and one by one, his children quit talking to him...and of course, me. 

 It got to the point that within a couple of months of our wedding, hubby decided we'd sell his house and buy something of our own.  He thought that would help his children accept "us".  Of course it didn't.  As we cleared out the house before putting it on the market, they all were invited over to select from the items we were not taking to our new house.  They went home with their cars packed with mementos and other things from their mom and dad's house.  And never spoke to us again.  It's now been at least 6 1/2 years!

Tom had lots of friends at his church.  After I moved here, the more I was around them, the more they missed hubby's first wife and spoke about her.  I never said anything to him, because I didn't want to complain.  One day he saw it for himself - after his best friend and pastor sent me from the church in tears while he was at work.  He decided that perhaps it was time we find a new church home, where no one knew about his first wife.  Before we just up and left, we made an appointment to talk with the pastor.  He talked to him about his first wife and how he should think about her and what they had - and ignored me, not talking or looking at me.  That was the final straw for him and we left.

At the time all this was going on, I knew that one day all of this would get turned around and I would be accused of driving everyone away and being happy that no one is talking to him.  It's been quite a while I've lived with those accusations.  And I can't stand it anymore.

After one of his daughters had some major happenings in her life, she finally called him.  She even talked about me with him.  She opened up about what was going on and how she felt about the things happening in her life.  She then asked him if we'd come over to her house.  I heard him tell her that he'd talk to me and then get back to her with a date.  He has never done that - and never intended to call her back either.  How do I know?  I asked him when we were going to pick a date to go and when he would be calling her back - and he said, "Never!  I'll bet you're happy with that."  He's said other things like that - mean things - to me about how I'd be happy if he never ever saw his kids again.  It's not true.  I wish hubby wouldn't tell his kids he'll call - or we'll get together and not do it.  He's also told them, in the past, that I'm the reason he doesn't call them.  But it's not - not really.  It's totally his decision.  

There are so many other things I could tell you about what has been said and done over this situation, but I just can't bring myself to do that.  I'm usually a very private person and I've already said way more than I thought I would.  I've even re-read what I've typed here and deleted a whole bunch of it!

So, when I'm away - or when I'm here posting - but don't seem like my old self - or that I'm getting much of anything done - you know why now.

Nearly 9 years living this way, takes a toll.

And I have 2 sons and friends in Wisconsin...and many good Christmas memories that have me nostalgic and being melancholy at this time.  I wish I could be in Wisconsin for the Holidays - something I haven't done since I moved here.

I have mentioned selling our house and moving to Wisconsin - but he has said absolutely not!  He has no intention of moving...and won't talk about it at all.

Being nostalgic about the past - takes me to Wisconsin, because so much of the time here in Michigan has been stressful - and there's not so much to be nostalgic about here.

I just want to enjoy life...to be happy...to have my sons and friends around and to enjoy doing my projects again.  It would be so exciting to see beyond the Gates we've put up around us.  I'm praying we'll figure this all out - that God will show us the way!  Soon.  

Thanks for listening...or reading.  I appreciate it.

LaStone Massage

Reasons Why I Love LaStone Massage  
*a new experience
*the heat of the stones is so relaxing
*deep massage is easier with the stones
*I could just fall asleep while I get this massage
*Relaxing - Centering - Balancing
*the Healing I've experienced
*improvement in my overall health...

In May of 2012...I was diagnosed with a SEVERE case of Bell's Palsy...but, with continued treatments, including LaStone {none of the Steroids or Anti-Virals}, I contine to improve.  The most recent treatment I decided to experience is LaStone Therapy.  I am delighted with it.  After 2 - 90 minute treatments, I've experienced a number of new sensations and movements in facial muscles and
no longer have pain in my neck and jaw...and around my ear.  Just sleeping on a pillow on my right (BP) side, hurt around my ear...and now there is no pain.  Even the numbness I had throughout the past 18 months is totally gone.  

Now...will LaStone Therapy do the same for everyone with the symptoms I've had?  Will each therapist perform the treatment with such care and intuitiveness as mine does?  Heidi continues to treat my symptoms that have persisted with care and is delighted when I make improvements. 

Here is some information about LaStone Therapy from Heidi's website:

"The Original Hot Stone Massage"  This session offers a blend of energy balancing, therapeutic massage & total relaxation.  Heated basalt stones cradle your body in warmth & are tools for a full body massage.  Cool marble stones are placed on the energy centers for balance & harmony.  Together the stones offer a multidimensional experience connecting the mind, body, and spirit.

My advice to anyone in pain, having residuals from Bell's Palsy, a stroke or any other debilitating condition is to try everything you can to make you feel as good as you can feel - and to make yourself as whole as you can - preferably without the use of medications.  I know alot of people who continually complain about their current condition or health concern, but when asked what they're doing for themselves, they say..."well, nothing - at least nothing more than the doctor says...like medications and stuff like that".  That's sad.  We have to take care of ourselves too.  Try it...see what helps you.  I have and have made wonderful strides in restoring movement to the muscles in my face, head and neck...and look almost totally recovered.  Even to myself!!! 

LaStone Massage is explained so well in this email, that arrived during the night - direct from Heidi, my massage therapist.  If you are in the area - give Heidi a call and schedule your LaStone Massage.

{I share this in hope that you seek out proper treatment for your health concerns and over-all wellness.  Heidi has not paid me in any way to share this information with you.  She has simply helped me in more ways than I can count.}

Courtyard - November 2013

Imagine how surprised I was when I opened my Office Shade yesterday and saw this SNOW!  Oh, yes, I knew it was coming - that wasn't the surprise.  The surprise was how much I enjoyed seeing it and feeling the crispness in the air.  It was so pretty - with the sun rising and the fall colors of the trees in the background.  This is the view I see every day from my office.  I love it when the Garden wall is full of Hydrangeas and Roses, but I also love it this way.  When...
I let the Pups out, they had a great time. They ran around and around and up and down the stairs - barking and having alot of fun!!

This is our Enclosed Courtyard - and it runs the entire length of our house - 64 feet.  It gives us and our Pups about 800 square feet of enclosed outdoor living and running space.  It's also a great way to keep our pups in our yard.  They really love it now that we removed the soggy, yucky patch of grass we had in the middle of it.  It took them about 2 minutes to sniff around and notice the grass was gone and if they needed to go potty, that was the place to do it.  {the photos were taken looking through the window and the reflections you see are just that - reflections!}

HollyWoods Cottage

A Short Stay - Just for the Weekend - But So Enjoyable

A short get-away - 3 hours northwest of home - was in order as a Birthday Gift for me!! I couldn't have picked a better place - HollyWoods was wonderful. Jim was more than accomodating with last-minute reservation...and quickly got the agreement to us, via the internet, and took care of everything else!  The next day, we met Jim at the house and he gave us the grand tour - and to say...
the least, we were impressed. The house reminded me of an out-of-print magazine, Cottage Living, which I found many issues of on tables in the house, after we got settled in. We have 3 tiny dogs that vacation with us wherever we go and I was so excited when Jim said that all 2 and 4 legged children get to stay in his houses! That warmed my heart. 

This is an 1800 square foot, 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath Cottage on a 20-Acre very private parcel of land.  It was built in 2007...and is totally stocked with everything you could ever need or want - except FOOD.  That you have to bring yourself! 

 We loved the outdoors - the surrounding patios and porches and the trails as well. The Pups loved sitting on the porch in the sun, just outside the dining room. It was so peaceful and the landscaping was just beautiful. We loved the stone walk-ways, too. 

The Living Room, Dining Room and Kitchen are all an open floor plan, with plenty of seating and and places to eat...huge table and seating at the island, too. The Kitchen was well equipped - lots of pans, food processor, silverware, white dishes, glasses and all. I didn't do any cooking this trip, but made sure what was there for our next vacation at HollyWoods. 

I enjoyed the fact that the Master Bedroom was on the first floor - no need to climb the stairs if you didn't want to AND the beautiful HUGE shower in the Master Bathroom was fantastic! Love Raindrop Shower Heads! And as an added benefit, there is the Washer/Dryer in a separate closet in the Master Bedroom Suite! 

We really enjoyed the porch upstairs off the sitting room. The 2nd day at the house was spent in the sitting room and porch. The Pups (& us) were so comfy in the sunshine & fresh air upstairs. Even though the TV was small, it was not a problem - as we read, watched TV and sat with the Pups...then went to pick up Carry-Out from the Thirsty Perch Grille. After dinner, we took a walk around the property and again retreated to the upstairs sitting room and when it was time for bed, slept in the comfy bedroom upstairs!!

Morning and leaving came all too soon. We do plan on returning. We couldn't have been happier with the accomodations, the area, and the owner and all he did to make sure we were comfy.

After returning home, we received a very nice letter from the Owners of HollyWoods, asking us to kindly remember them the next time we think of vacationing...and...wondering what they could do for us to make our next stay in their home even more enjoyable!  Now, I've been staying in Vacation Homes long before I met Mr. TCSP and this is the FIRST letter I've ever received after any of my vacations.  Believe me, I will think of staying at HollyWoods whenever we vacation.  

{We do have to consider places to stay in Wisconsin as well, since I have a Son and DIL and some friends still there - and Door County is one of our Favorite Vacation Destinations, too!}  

Now, I'll leave you with all of the other HollyWoods photos I selected to share with you today.  Enjoy!

Tour of the Grounds

 

The Tour Continues Inside

Master Bedroom

What you can't see here - is the other half of the Master Bathroom - a 5' floor to 9' ceiling Shower, with a Rain Shower Head and a Hand-Held Shower head!  The shower has glass sliding doors and the MOST amazing ventilation system.  No steam at all goes into the rest of the bathroom. 

Main Floor Half Bath

This is the Upper Level Queen Bedroom and at the other end of the Bedroom is a Desk and French Doors that open out to the Upper Porch.  And right outside the Bedroom door is another Full Bath with Tub and Shower. 

We'd LOVE to go back in WINTER - in a SNOWSTORM!

I hope you enjoyed the Tour of HollyWoods - named for all the Varieties of Holly Growing on the 20-Acre Property.

Check the Listing on HomeAway for this Gorgeous Home!

Snow Puffs

Make Your Own Snow Puffs With the Tutorial From Girl In Pink