I'm Coming Back

I think it is time to come back from my sabbatical.

I have missed you all.

Look for posts coming up soon!

I am recharged, full of inspiration and jumping back in.

Please Excuse Me

Some of you already know that I lost my Father a few weeks ago, but most of you probably did not know and may have been wondering where I have been. Well, here I am, sitting in this fog of grief.

Even though my Dad's death was expected, this is so hard, I never imagined how hard it could or would be, especially for this Daddy's Girl. I am finding it hard to function other than just going through the motions of my day to day life. I put on a good front that I am ok, but deep down inside I constantly ache. I struggle to remember simple things, let alone put two sentences together in some semblance of coherency. So bare with me, please, as I struggle my way back into the land of the living. I know that I am capable, strong, and resilient, I just need time.

It would be very easy to just lie in bed, pull the covers over my head and let the world go by, but my dad would come back from the afterlife and really let me have it. I know that he would want me to go on—to live my life. Isn't that what the grieving process is about, learning to live my life, not without my dad, but with him in my memories, in the traditions and love that I pass on to my children and grandchildren, and especially through the love that I still feel for my dad.

But where do I start, how do I find my way out of this grief, my way through the holidays without my father, and the strength to help my mother, siblings, and my children do the same.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4

I certainly don't feel blessed because I am mourning. I took a hard look at the last part of the verse: "for they shall be comforted." That means God will provide comfort when I'm hurting so badly I feel like I can't take another breath. He will sustain me and carry me through this time. He will provide what I need.  So I go to Him for my comfort and am blessed for it.  And I'm truly blessed for having had a father who taught me to turn to God for my needs and comfort.

So please excuse me while I take some time to grieve the loss of my Dad.  I will still post periodically, when I feel inspired, and hope to once again be filling these pages with vintage cheer very soon.

Renaissance Wedding

Today is my 22nd Anniversary with the Mister.  Last year, here on the blog, I dedicated the whole month of November to our marriage with a five part series on lasting romance.  If you missed it you can check it out by either clicking the button on the sidebar or go here for part one, two, three, four, and five.

Several years ago, for our 10th anniversary in fact, we decided to renew our vows to one another and did so with a Renaissance themed wedding.  Renaissance means rebirth so we thought it only fitting since we were celebrating the rebirth of our commitment to one another.

Our invitations were copies of an illumination that I hand painted and then they were sealed with wax and hand delivered.

I designed and made my dress.  It had three layers, the outer layer was a dupioni silk with hand beading, the inner layer was a silk velvet, and the chemise was a rayon.  I spent hours working on this dress and was quite proud of how it turned out.

We incorporated many ancient traditions, such as a handfasting ceremony, moving the ring sequentially from the thumb to the middle finger, and being encompassed inside a circle made of our guests to symbolize our eternal love.

My mother and I made our cake to look like a castle.  We decorated the Hall in a castle medieval theme and my sisters and daughter served as our serving wenches.  My youngest sons served as our Knights. Our guests also came in costume so it was loads of fun to see what everyone put together.

So, in honor of our anniversary, I thought it would be fun to share some of the photos from the event with you. 

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Dad

My Dad in Elementary School

Today is my Daddy's birthday.

He is the world's greatest man in my eyes.

On this, his 68th birthday, we are watching him struggle and the life drain from him.

It is a very painful time in our lives.

But we will cherish every moment we have left.

So here's to my Dad, my first true love.

My dad at around 15 years of age.

Dad in the early 60s working on a fence.

Dad in 1964

My Dad with his dad and grandmother in the early 60s

Dad was what is known in these parts as a 'Shade Tree Mechanic' when he was young and then later in life he owned his own Garage.  My brother still runs this garage today.

My dad with my older sister and myself in 1964

Dad and a baby me in 1964.  You can see my older sister in the background on the left.

My Dad (back row on left) with his parents and his brothers in the early 60s.  Dad had three sisters that are not included in this photo.  My grandfather passed away not long after.

Dad in the mid 60s.  He was a 'stylin' man!

Dad with my Grandma - his mother-in-law.  I've spoke before about living near my Grandma when we were growing up and my Dad always took care of her.

Dad around 1968

Dad with my older sister around 1963

Dad with my sister and I in 1967

Mom and Dad, myself and my sister around 1968 - I started to not include this photo because it has some water damage from being stored in our basement for years but I loved my mom's dress and decided to share it anyway.

Me and my Dad playing a game at my 16th Birthday party in 1980

My Dad playing in the kiddie pool with the Grandkids in 2002

My Dad with my twins in 1994

Dad clearing off some property.  He was always working, not one to sit still very long.

Dad in 2005 with 9 of his 20 grandchildren and 2 of his 14 great-grandchildren.

Dad in 1975

 Happy Birthday Daddy!!

My Parents Anniversary

My parents in 1961, the year they were married.

This past Monday marked my parents 52nd anniversary.  We did not celebrate because my Dad is currently in the hospital and, in fact, the day totally slipped my mind.  But as I remembered this morning, I thought it only fitting that I pay tribute to their great marriage that yielded four children and to date 20 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.  So I hope you enjoy some photographs of some of their years together.

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad

The newlyweds with one of my cousins.

My parents in 1962, mom is expecting my sister.

Mom and Dad in 1962.

My parents in the early 60s

Mom and Dad in the mid 60s

My parents with my brother in 1978

My parents and my brother in 1979

Mom and Dad in 1987

Mom and Dad in 1998

My parents in 2009