18 May 2015

Onwards And Upwards








We've put our house up for sale.  I rushed out and bought flowers for nearly every room and, having now given the matter a little thought, I'm not terribly sure why.  Perhaps I subconsciously think they might help with the selling process?  Maybe a viewer will clap eyes on my dark pink and lilac tulips and suddenly feel impelled to put in an offer for the full asking price.  You never know.

♥♥♥

Selling our home of 13 years forms part of our new chapter.  I've eluded several times to behind-the-scenes stuff.  I'm not going to go into detail out of respect for the other people involved, but you were so kind with your response to this post that I feel I owe you a brief update.

D and I separated in February, not long after I wrote my post.  He moved out into a rather lovely little flat not too far away.  That afforded me much-needed space to have a think and do a little life re-evaluation.  There have obviously been some very difficult waves to ride since then but we continued to talk and, long story short, have now decided on a way forward.  I so desperately needed changes and we're making them.  The first is selling the house and finding somewhere smaller.  Together.

Downsizing will have a massive knock-on effect on other areas of all our lives, mine especially.  It will give me the time and opportunity to pursue something for me.  Whatever that might be.  There's a way to go but I'm so excited, I can't tell you!

So many of you identified with my situation.  Firstly, I should like to give you a huge empathetic virtual hug and then I should like to remind you that nothing is insurmountable.  If you're not happy, you CAN make changes.  I can't promise it will be pretty or easy but be brave and, my goodness, it will be worth it.  As my daughter says, "YOLO" (you only live once).

♥♥♥

Douwe Egberts are selling their coffee in limited edition Orla Kiely designed jars at the moment.  You may well have seen them.

I don't know what came over me but as soon as I spotted the yellow flower print on a friend's Instagram feed, I NEEDED it like a thing possessed!  There are two other designs but it was particularly the sunny yellow one that stopped me in my tracks.  I trawled the local supermarkets and, after beating several old ladies and children out of the way*, finally managed to grab the last one in Asda.  I'm not in the least bit proud of myself.  If ever I pat myself on the back for being a free-thinker, do remind me of this won't you!  I do so love it though.  The coffee is nice too.  ;-)

To counter the stress of keeping the house constantly clean and tidy and to distract myself from wanting to follow the children around with a hoover nozzle**, I've been indulging in a little faffing crafting.  See those glorious papers?  I ordered them from this fabulous Etsy shop.  I backed each sheet with stiff card, cut out primitive heart shapes and mounted them in an Ikea Ribba frame.  I must admit I'm so chuffed with the result.  It's like a little box of happiness.

♥♥♥

Before I go, I wanted to thank you so much for your comments.  I know I am a bit pants at responding regularly but I do read them, I do smile and I do appreciate them.  Really I do.

xxx

*For comedic effect lest you should be concerned that I actually did do this!
**Not for comedic effect - I really am in danger of doing this!

20 comments:

  1. Oh Heather ! No words .... other than I am sending you an email straight away. xxxxx
    PS: Beautiful pics btw.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Linda. I hope you come back and read this. Thank you so much for your kind message. I am positive you'll find the answer to your situation. There will be a way, there always is. I start by asking myself what it would be that I'd change if I had a magic wand. It's only then that you can begin to plan the way forward. Do feel free to email me if a chat would help. xxx

      Delete
  3. Dear Heather, this was so intense to read. as so many of your posts. I can understand what you feel and I find it amazing (ly wonderful) how you and D. are moving onwards, in search of making things (even) better. we may learn that there isnt only black or white, theres so much in between. if only it werent so hard at times so see it. I find it great that you two move together again. I wish you all the best!!! Love, Claudia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry Claudia! :-) There are people with English as their first language who struggle to follow my quirky turn of phrase!!! Oh, and I've finally added your blog to my sidebar so I won't miss any more of your beautiful posts. xxx

      Delete
  4. I'm glad you've been able to talk and sort things out. Sending you all lots of love and fingers crossed for the right buyers at the right time xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm so glad you are working things out. I've been married for 33 years this year and there have been several times when I've wanted out. To run away and have no responsibilities. The main problems was actually my job which was very demanding of time and emotions. As daft as it sounds now I no longer work outside the home I don't feel trapped by home or husband. I do understand the need to do something for yourself, I need to do something outside the house but is just for me but it won't include working! That wouldn't be right for me.
    Take care!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sometimes something drastic needs to happen to find a way to forge forward and make changes. Wishing you all the very best in selling your house and starting a new chapter together! Xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. So glad that you have been able to work out a way forward, together. I really hope that all will go well with the house move and that you will have a straightforward move! Take care. Sharon x

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm sorry you've been through such a difficult time, but it sounds as if you have found a very positive path forward. Exciting times ahead, I'm so glad that you have made changes and that you will have the opportunity to pursue some of the things that you would like. I'm wishing you happiness for the future, I do hope that all of your dreams come true. CJ xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow what a post. So glad you are moving forward. Sometimes it's good (and brave and scary) to say 'Stop' and give yourself time just to think. We can get so caught up in 'stuff' that we can't think and it takes a lot of energy to maintain. Here's to a happy and productive time in your life/lives. xx

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is such a positive post! I so pleased you have found a way to work through this. I did the self same thing with the flowers when selling our home. It's important that you feel you're doing the best you can to sell it. From the snippets of your home I've seen im sure it won't be for sale for long someone will snap it up! Fingers crossed for you flower xxx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sending you a massive virtual hug Heather!!!! xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm so glad to hear things are sounding positive for the future Heather. It's no easy, this marriage lark sometimes that's for sure, so hats off to you for finding ways to make the changes you need to. Exciting times ahead then eh? Good luck with the house sale and I'm sure the flowers will tip the balance in your favour ;)

    S x

    ReplyDelete
  13. Well done you, you've taken action. You've looked at what isn't working in your life and are taking steps to rectify this. It's very brave, it's brave to face up to things and make changes. I wish you and your family all the best, new future...exciting! :) xxx

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wowzers, it's been a full on few months for you lovely H. I can't say it any better than Amanda above. I'm glad it's all onwards and upwards, and big cheers to exciting times ahead for you. Big hugs my friend xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  15. ......oh yes, and I picked up some of that coffee the other day. I was a tad surprised to see it when I was searching down the coffee aisle. What a nifty idea of the company to do that as they are the perfect vase size. X

    ReplyDelete
  16. Firstly, I am really glad that you have worked out a way forward. I know these things are not at all easy. Secondly, flowers will definitely help in the selling of the house.... how could they not? Thirdly, I'm off to Asda. I don't drink much coffee but I could decant it into another jar, give that to my Mum and keep the Orla jar. Finally, yes I am a bad person!

    ReplyDelete
  17. It's brilliant that you have found a way to move forward together, and that you have the courage to change things so you can. I'm searching for a house and I have to say a nicely kept house with flowers would definately attract me! :). Those jars are lovely too, I will keep my eye out for those.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Dear Heather,
    Am very pleased to hear your news, you seem happy and confident and it seems that you are all moving forward as a family. I think that having the mental and physical space to reflect on your life and how you want to embrace this new chapter must have been very helpful and positive for you. I wish you all the best with the sale of your house... And happiness for the future ahead, Pati xx

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Anyone ever told you that you're a peach? xx

Followers