Friday, January 28, 2011

Focus on Love

I think I was protecting you from my negative thinking. 
Don't get me wrong, things are better. MUCH better. But now that the crisis is over, I have a little bit of depression; trying to withdraw, focusing on non-positive things, crying for no good reason, irritable, suppressed anger, lack of energy, over-eating, starting but not finishing things. Just a bunch of crap. But I can't just sit here in my pile of fear pooh, stuffing my face with toxic foods and grinding my teeth at night.
There is metal to be wrecked. 
Articles to write. 
Pictures to take 
and things to share.

My Valentines offering;
Silver and Copper Fusion Wrecked Heart Charm
Happy Flippin Valentine's Day.
Just kidding. 
I also have a couple sets of these left;

And for the non-traditionalists;

I normally do not "do" Valentine's Day themed items. Not because I do not like to celebrate love (I do on a nightly basis, wink-wink), but usually the holiday season so completely whoops my butt that I can't pull it together in time to think up designs, create them, photograph them in what is usually terrible lighting conditions at this time of year, list them and then promote them..... BEFORE Valentine's Day.
But this year was different. I was thinking about how wrecked my heart felt at the end of December. I mean, really, really wrung out. And these pieces came from that.
Surely I can't be the only one who's felt as if their heart has been through a wringer, weathered a storm or passed through a very hot flame to come out all bumpy and crusty?
(I hope you're laughing with me)

For the kids gifts, I am going to bake them something. They have way too many toys and gadgets but they have been lacking in homemade baked goods.
I'm thinking these Love Monster Cupcakes from Wilton that I can decorate with the icing spikes and then let the kiddos stick eyes, ears and noses onto.

Isn't he cute!?!
I am struggling with an idea for Mike and I. Romance has taken a dive under all the medical issues and wound dressing and doctor appointments. We are eating healthy so any chocolate or sugary treats are non-negotiable. No time for trips or a weekend away. Not really interested in the whole movie and dinner thing. I just do not know what to plan.
What are you doing to celebrate love this Valentine's?

24 comments:

  1. Dearest Shannon! I don't normally do special things for celebration, basically coz I am crap at remembering. But about a week ago I stumbled upon Amanda Davies Union Jack cuff links. Mark's gonna get them, and a nice classy shirt. He needs to be celebrated, my love for him. He's having a tough time dealing with my illness. A bit the other way around from you and Mike.
    Lots of love

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  2. Hey sweetie, you've been through a lot these past few weeks. What an exhausting and frightening ordeal! It's certainly understandable that you feel emotional. Just keep plugging along and you'll be back to normal in your own time.

    I used to do a lot of Valentines stuff when the kids were little--nice meals, homemade treats, decorating the house, gifts. But now they are older and spread out so the holiday now means a hug (sometimes over the phone) and a card.

    I'm not one to use a lot of hearts in my jewelry, but I love the ones you made!!!

    Take care!
    Alice

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  3. Hugs Hugs and more Hugs! I really do get your heart issues and you have no idea how good it is to know you are coming out on the other side with only a few battle scars!!! I love the hearts you made for Valentines and I think they show alot of what we all feel sometimes. You are a gem my friend!

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  4. Yay!! So glad things have settled down into a better place. Your post-stress reaction sounds typical! And you are handling it with your usual aplomb.

    Woohoo! Just got myself some weathered hearts. NICE.

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  5. I love this post. I too have been in a funk. Your honesty has me cracking up. Seriously I hope things start getting better for you. No plans yet for V. day. Maybe we will rent a movie and make a nice dinner at home.

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  6. Great to see your new work and hear that you are surviving and that Mike is better.

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  7. Ahhh, Valentines Day. I am completely with you on not having things ready for V-day each year. Yet I am hoping to this year! As for what to do with your loved one, my husband and I usually try to get out the weekend before or after, just to get out...its a good reason for a date night. But I am also ok with putting the kids to bed early and having some music and wine and just spending time together...laughing and talking and "stuff". This year my hubby will be away- so v-day is probably gonna be wine and chick flicks;) Hope you have a wonderful v-day~ no matter what you choose to do.

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  8. Hmmm...Love the cupcakes for the kiddos! Very sweet. Hmm...for you and Mike. What about something that is just you two. Someone to take care of the kids? What about just spending time with each other. Washing each other's hair (a nice scalp massage) and just something soothing--lots of candles, some nibbles (not dinner but easy to prepare and clean up) and just be. This can go a long way to recharging both of you.

    I'm not one for romantic ideas...I haven't been with anyone for Valentines for a loonnnnggg time, but the dinner and such just seems so over-rated. More romantic to just dedicate time for just each other.
    Wishing you a wonderful day!
    Michelle

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  9. I love that there will always be metal to be wrecked. I hope 2011 has better things in store for you with few tears and heart ringers!

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  10. hang in shannon - emoting is good for you... better than holding it all in... thank you for being open and sharing yourself...
    ok, i celebrate with the kids by making love potion and cake... the love potion recipe i got off of the family fun website a number of years ago and it is a hit...
    i relate to the banged up and weathered hearts - they are beautiful...

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  11. I am glad that you are back to your creative self...it helps to stay busy. Making jewelry was the only thing that got me through my health issues.
    Love the cupcakes, so cute the kids will just love them! As for Mike, I am sure all he wants is to cuddle with his darling wife. Get out some old pictures or videos and go through them, nothing like sharing old memories together. Hugs to you!

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  12. Over and above what you and Mike have just been through, this is a dreary time of year. A silver lining, though, is that the days are getting longer and the sun brighter. Underneath all that cocooning, I'm sure there are new ideas percolating and waiting for the right moment.

    Pick the next sunny day when the sky is blue and go for a long walk together. If the air is crisp, even better.

    I had pretty much written off the winter as my old dog needed surgery in early December for a torn cruciate ligament and life has been topsy-turvy. However we are coming into the home stretch in her recovery, and I am taking my cue from Christine Damm and making it a priority to get working on setting up a proper studio.

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  13. And speaking of hearts...

    http://redstarcafe.wordpress.com/2010/10/23/heart-of-glass/

    Jan

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  14. Well I cant say we will be doing much in the way of Valentine celebrating since it is on a Monday this year. Ha my Grandma long gone would call us some fuddy duddys! Ill buy some chockies for everyone is all Ill be doing. I use to draw Valentines for my kids and use doileys for the card of mice in suits and pictures of hats, gloves, a necklace a comb etc for my daughter. Valentines day is a day of lovliness! I know you will make yours special.
    Its natural I believe to feel what youve been feeling Shannon as the way of depression etc. That was very traumatic what you and Mike have been thru. And along with keeping your bussiness going. This is the residue! May the gracious Lord heal you and put bright sunshine in your hearts for the many days ahead. The sun will shine again!
    ox Janet

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  15. I am not really much of a heart person either. And when I do get them they are grungy and a bit weathered. I like yours MUCH.
    We don't do the whole Valentine's thing. Ask me sometime about my first Valentine's day after we are married. It is a funny story. Hrmph.
    For our anniversary we usually only write a letter to each other. Heartfelt rather than heart laden.
    I am wishing you time. Time to get it all out, to grieve for what you have been through, to be angry or upset or just tired. And time to move forward and celebrate the love that is surrounding you all.
    I have been thinking of you and Mike daily.
    Enjoy the day!
    Erin

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  16. Just being together is enough for me & my hubby! I usually do cook one of his favorite meals, however.

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  17. Wow. I don't check in for a few weeks. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.

    I love those hearts!

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  18. How about just looking into each other's eyes, really looking. Is there anything more special than that?

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  19. Do something nice for yourself as well, professional massage, whatever takes your fancy, Not one massage - at least three. Have a good weekend!

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  20. I'm glad things are better but I can definitely relate to the let down. You've been through a lot but January is usually a bummer for most folks. I'm trying to dig a tunnel to March, myself. And I love the hearts, all battered like mine!

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  21. Well, do what feels natural to you both in your relationship right now, silly. No real relationships care about stupid hearts or candy or lacy underwear anymore past the age of 25. Have a gorgeous healthy meal, maybe a teensy weensy desert for you both if you can (or a hot coffee/tea if you can't) then do something else that you can enjoy together! a game, a movie, a walk or sitting on a bench somewhere and holding hands. Or don't even worry about dumb holidays at all. Celebrate and appreciate the one you love everyday. :)

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  22. I'll take the kids and make them cupcakes, but not before I make you a Mike a romantic dinner for two. If I could, I would do that for you.

    Why plan anything. Just let the day happen. Chillax.

    Love all the hearts

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  23. popped in to see if you have updated your blog and realised I missed the last three, so glad your family is much better and things are looking well. sorry to hear of your low moods, i know what that is like I went through a particularly low mood late last year and don't quite know how to return to the world of blogging, I suppose I'll just have to pull my finger out and jump back in :)

    Any way just glad that things are much better for Mike and the rest of the family, thinking of you.
    Kella.

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  24. popped in to see if you have updated your blog and realised I missed the last three, so glad your family is much better and things are looking well. sorry to hear of your low moods, i know what that is like I went through a particularly low mood late last year and don't quite know how to return to the world of blogging, I suppose I'll just have to pull my finger out and jump back in :)

    Any way just glad that things are much better for Mike and the rest of the family, thinking of you.
    Kella.

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Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my blog, it means a lot to me.
Shannon