Thursday, August 2, 2007

The Story So Far...


Here is more progress on the July page. There is so much drama and so many complications going on in my life right now, that I haven't been doing as much as I like. At the same time, I am very happy to work with the beads and sequins at this time. It really helps me keep my feet on the ground! It seems as though, the more out of control and weird my life gets, the more orderly my beadwork becomes.

I don't know when I'll be able to post next, as I'm about to take off on a cross-country drive to the Chicago suburbs to see my mom and see if I can be of help in straightening out a huge ball of family junk. Mom's terminal with emphysema, and there are a lot of complications about money, aid eligibility and the like. On top of that are adult step-children who seem to think they can get a lot of money by getting ahold of the house (which is NOT valuable--it's falling down, literally) and whatever else is lying around. There is one step-child who is with Mom and has been taking care of her. As far as I am concerned, if there is anything worth anything after all this is over, it should be his, and my main purpose of taking this trip, besides being with my mother, is to help him.

I'm driving because there is a large painting by my father I need to bring back with me, and also driving will allow me to pack some knitting, my beadwork (!!!) and my little ukulele. All of these will help keep me sane. Also, this is a chance for me to see our beautiful country. I hope that nothing happens in the next two days which will make it necessary for me to fly instead. I'll no doubt finish up July and maybe even start August while I'm gone, but I may not have access to a scanner, so y'all may not hear much from me for three or four weeks.

As for my selling my house adventure... well, nobody is buying our house, so I don't know what's next with that. That's something to be concerned about later.

13 comments:

Mountain Salt Studio said...

your piece is really beautiful - i've come and looked at it several times for inspiration. i hope you find some resolution to the family issues - from personal experience, i know how emotionally and physically exhausting that can be. take care of yourself.

Timaree said...

Enjoy the scenery on your trip. Crossing the country can be exhausting though (on top of all the stress you are going through). I always have a tendency to go 10 more miles, just another 10 more; try not to do that, it really just makes for a lousy trip. Hope you find some peace at the end of the road.

Your beading is so lovely. We will wait to see it whenever you can post it. You certainly don't nee to feel any pressure from this group! We'll just check back and enjoy the picture you have posted already.

Maybe your house is waiting to sell when you get home!

KV said...

Take care, Lois -- your page is beautiful. You have a great eye for design.


Kathy V in NM

ACey said...

Love this page and can relate to the "life" beyond the page! Travel safely.

Lois2037 said...

Thanks for all your kind words. I think I'll get a lot out of the road trip, actually. Driving that way over distances can be very soothing, and I really love seeing new places and vistas. I always stop when I'm tired and stay stopped until I'm well rested and ready to face the road. The drive out will help me face what awats me, and the drive back will help me recover from whatever I had to deal with. Once I've arrived I'll be at an extended stay kitchenette hotel, where I'll have plenty of room to bead and knit/crochet. Maybe there will even be wi-fi!

heidibeads said...

Your beadwork is breathtaking. Your life like a lot of people is stressful. I am an only child and didn't have to "fight" anyone for anything although to this day, I'd rather have my parents than all their furniture and money. It's an awful process to go through and see happen. I wish you a safe trip and a peaceful settlement and that your house is ready to sell when you get home. Make sure that you take care of yourself. Looking forward to more beautiful beading when you get back. Heidi

M.J. Mullins said...

Safe journeys, LoisB - we'll see ya when we see ya next.

Robin said...

My heart goes out to you LoisB... As you said, the drive in both directions will be a buffer, a meditative time for finding a peaceful center in all of the sadness, anger, resentment and confusion that is evident in this situation. Take a little of our loving support with you on your journey.

Is you July piece in any way about this? I see separate elements (mother of pearl buttons), each surrounded by walls. Two elements are closer together... one is distant. Might they represent people... possibly you, your mother and your step brother?

Whatever your work means, it is very beautiful and inspirational.

Big hugs and blessings, Robin

Veleta (Sammy) said...

I find your beading so beautifully done! every bead is in the right place... Take care of yourself in your trip... When my dad died, so many of my family was in such a hurry to make the money off his things... Give me a break! Good things must come your way!

mAtilda said...

cara Lois, il tuo lavoro è così bello, malgrado i tuoi problemi. spero tu possa risolverli nel migliore dei modi.
ti auguro un viaggio sereno, e un ancor più sereno ritorno.
ciao matilda

Artifax said...

Your beadwork is beautiful! So sorry there is so much stress in your life lately. Wishing you a peaceful drive and that things look brighter soon. Take care!

Jackie (Tillie's Daughter) said...

Lois, special thoughts are sent to you -- please drive carefully and may your angel be with you.

I don't know what Chicago suburb you are referring to, but when father in law passed away a couple years ago his totally run down house went for a small fortune -- the property was worth more than the house -- some Chicago suburbs are "hot" right now while others aren't --

Stay safe -- we'll be looking to hear you have arrived safely.

Deb said...

Dear Lois, I'm new to visiting your blog, and we don't know eachother yet, but I've been where you are. It's not a fun place to be, and nothing really can soften the experience much except to know that it will pass and you'll come through it well if you just stay true to yourself. I love your bead work. And I wish you well in your travels.
Sincerely,
Deb in FL