Finding Normal

Well, I have survived Christmas - my family is still alive to tell the tale. I am sitting here with post Christmas blues feeling like I have been run over by Santa's sleigh and ALL the reindeer - I do believe if you look closely you will see the hoof prints marching across my face. Or are those just wrinkles......39 is knocking on my door, rather loudly.  

Christmas time puts me in a bit of a funny mood - I do feel for my husband because every year he struggles with how to help me muddle through - I think he is starting to realize all I need is a strong shoulder, big hugs and lots of tissue. 

I'm not even sure why I get in a funky mood - why I get homesick for my family. Honestly if you knew the family I grew up in you'd know there is nothing to be homesick for. Perhaps I long for the family I never had - the way I wish it had been. And through all of this I know that what I need to be focusing on is the family I do have - the one I have created with my husband - the one I am lucky to still have after all the trials and tribulations I've put them through in the past.  And yet there is an ache in my heart during Christmas time - not crippling, but noticeable.  

It will subside the more life returns to 'normal' after the holidays.  I forced myself to get up this morning and spend some time journaling at my desk. Then despite the weather I got out to work at a client's office. It was only for a few hours but all this scheduled activity helps put me back on track.  

The picture is of a quick piece I put together - fused fabric and free motion quilting - all stuck on a canvas board.  It's a cheery little piece - much needed in all this snow & ice.  

Final note - I got such awesome goodies from my hubby - a whole stash of supplies I was needing. And I received a fantastic looking book (haven't yet had time to delve into it) called The Illustrated Life from my dear friend Sharon.  Sharon is my friend who has a talent for finding the most amazing  books - I don't know how she does it or where she shops. I swear she has a magical library hidden in her house - she probably lifts a candle stick on the mantle and the whole fireplace swings open to reveal little elves busy at work creating these books.  I am so grateful to those in my life that encourage my creative side - Sharon & my hubby are two such people.