Truthfully, I've been in a funk, kind of a fog for several years dealing with my sweet mother's ill health and passing; my dear, gallant step-father's ill health and passing; my daughter moving to the other side of the planet with her family. I'll be stepping into my sixth decade later this year and have been reflecting on my life and how I want to spend the rest of it - where I want to go, what I want to do.
This past week, I feel like I've found my spirit again. I visited a dear friend for a few days and we walked, talked, laughed, ate....and got a makeover at the Lancome counter. I haven't felt this light hearted in a long time. When I drove home, I could feel the muscles in my face hurting from laughing so much. ;0)
I've decided I need an upgrade to a new look - a new me - that reflects who I am and my inner spirit. I've worn my hair the same way for years - long and pulled back into a ponytail at the nape of my neck. I made an appointment with a stylist for next week - YIKES! - hopefully my new do will compliment my face and lifestyle and be easy to maintain.
Audrey Hepburn has always been one of my absolute favorite women. She had a classic style that, in my mind, is timeless. She was also so very beautiful both inside and out. I found this picture and one of her many insightful quotes and wanted to share.
OK, ladies - this now ends my wearing my heart on my sleeve....which I rarely do on my blog. Take care, Stitching Sisters. Here I go... into my day of stitching the Christmas stocking for my granddaughter.
I hope you will feel better again soon and enjoy your new hairstyle. Life can really make us feel bad. And the losses of family members and our children being away, all that make us feel sad inside. Try to keep positive, keep busy and go out a lot. And when you can't go out, spend time with what you like best at home!Smile!Lots of others have been in your place too!AriadnefromGreece!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, Ariadne. I know I'm not alone in feeling like I do and getting into enjoying life again is just a short journey away.
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Well this post made me cry. Your focus and heart were in the right place - not on yourself. I hope your break away was encouraging, fun and uplifting. A little self care is not an indulgence, but a necessity to have the outlook, hope and energy for what we are called to do next. Self neglect is a danger to those who give such love and care to others, so glad you are recharged on that front. Much love to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you SO MUCH, Diane! I'm grateful you're my friend...and look forward to 'styling' ;0)
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Thinking of you. Major changes and events do make us re evaluate our lives and wanting to do that I think is a positive thing to do although that process can often leave us a little low before we embark in a new chapter in our lives. Hope you have a lovely time next week xx
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much, my friend. I know I'll get there, just needed a little boost.
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It sounds like your visit to your friend was just what you needed and has put you on the right path, I can't wait to see the new hairdo!!! I do believe Audrey is right you are definitely not alone as you have friends all over the world cheering you on, saying go for it!
ReplyDeleteTracy, you are very sweet. And you're right- my visit was exactly what I needed. Thank you for your upbeat, encouraging comments.
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Sounds like that break with a friend was just what you needed! We all need those friends who just uplift us. Hope your new look matches the changes you're feeling on the inside.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Justine....I hope my new do will be another up lifting experience along my newfound, spirited journey.
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How lovely to have a friend who makes you feel so happy and lifts your spirits like that.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I keep my blog a Happy Place, it's my escape from the stresses of everyday life.
Also, like you, I'm facing a Zero ending Birthday, in fact the same one. Please don't refer to it as our Sixth Decade, I'm not ready for that thought LOL. Or Half Century, that's a no-no too.
I'm not sure what I want to call it. I did say to someone that I was closer to 40 than to 30 which is true, 10 years away as opposed to 20 haha.
Hi, Jo! You made me laugh. Thank you for brightening my day.
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Here's a big hug for you Kim! Sometimes I just need a big HUG.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to hear that you had so much fun with your friend this past week that your facial muscles ached from smiling! I understand what you are saying about the realization of mortality. I sort of went through that in the early 2000's with the deaths of three of my grandparents, my aunt who was young (51) and then my brother just a few years later from an accident. I know I suffered depression for awhile, looking back on it now. Luckily all the things that you are doing will get you back on track! May you find a new you and a spring in your step to spring into your new decade!
ReplyDeleteVonna, thank you for your kindness. I know I'm on the right path and appreciate my cyber friends cheering me on.
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Sending you big beary hugs my dear xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cucki, that means a lor.
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By sharing your thoughts you have helped your readers who are struggling with similar emotions. For many, this is a tough time of year. Holidays, seasonal affective disorder (no sunshine!), family members who have passed. And we baby boomers are facing our own mortality as you described. So thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words and insight. I hope my post may have helped someone...I know I've received so many wonderful thoughts and comments from my readers....they/YOU have lifted my spirits. Wishing you all the best in 2016.
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How fabulous! Time for you to do something special, really special for you. Can't wait for you to introduce us to the new you.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Gracie. We shall see....I'm looking forward to this adventure
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Yes, life can seen so unfair...It's easy to let it get us down, but that's probably very normal. I'm glad you had a close friend to visit and make things better! She is very special! Can't wait to hear about the new 'do! I'm sure you'll be very pleased! Remember that many are pulling for you!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Frances. A new chapter in life...and it's only just begun!
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I'm glad to hear your spirit is returning. I too struggled last year with the passing of my grandmother, but we must remember they would not want us to mourn, but live life to the full for ours and their sake!
ReplyDeleteYou are so very right - my mother would want me to take life on head on....and I fell I have the energy to do it now. Take care - and THANK YOU for your kindness.
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I am so glad you had a great visit with your friend and hope you enjoy your new 'do! You chose an amazing quote to share. Sending you big hugs and the happiest of wishes for 2016.
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much, Renee. It's an adventure, having someone you've never met style and cut your hair.... ;0)
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Kim what a gift you give your readers, sharing these challenges with us. Self-care is so important & it's so wise of you to choose that... new hair, time with friends, laughter, it's all valuable contribution to your soul. xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anthea - your words mean more to me than you know.
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It's hard to age. We feel the same on the inside, but look in the mirror and wonder what's happening! Glad you seem to be coming out of the funk and I hope 2016 brings you much joy. And I'm also a big fan of Audrey Hepburn!
ReplyDeleteBoy, isn't that the truth! I'm getting JOWELS for crying out loud! AUGH! I don't mind my laugh lines....I've earned every one of them. Audrey Hepburn was an amazingly caring, talented woman. What a lovely person to emulate, don't you think?
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I absolutely adore Audrey Hepburn. Getting my hair done always makes me feel brand new. I hope it gives you the same feeling :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. This is just the next part of your journey. It sounds like you are starting to celebrate. Take chances, take joy in the little things!
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Isn't it wonderful to have a friend that can do that?! Looking forward to seeing the new you!
ReplyDeleteKim: What a heartfelt post, I hope you are as happy today as the day you went home after spending time with your friend.
ReplyDeletethe 60's decade is not bad at all, I love it.
I do hope you are having good weather where you are, it is a balmy 4 degrees above zero today brrr.
Audrey Hepburn what a beautiful woman.
I am sure you new hairdo will be fabulous.
Blessings
Catherine
I hope you are feeling better. :)
ReplyDeleteI love this picture Kim... You look beautiful and thank you for the wonderful quote. Audrey Hepburn is one of my favorite actress and I look up to her for the classy look.
Sending you many hugs and kisses from the other side of the world. :)
Kim it's good to let out your feelings. At sometime in our life we will all go through some sad times , your not on your own . It's how we deal with this and how do we move forward !
ReplyDeleteI am lucky to have many friends and like yourself and your friend we get together for coffee , shopping and chat all day , we just have so much fun and it's good for you .
Hope you are feeling much better sending you hugs and XXX
I'm so sorry you feel so sad. Life can be very hard. Take care of your lovely self.
ReplyDeleteOh Kim, I know EXACTLY how you feel, as you know, I had many similar life experiences last year, too and spent a lot of the year feeling blue. Our craft, blogs and friendship are such a source of comfort to me, hopefully, for you, too. Look after yourself, my very dear friend, and on a lighter note, I cannot what to see your new hairstyle! Lots of love and healing hugs and kisses, Kaye xoxox
ReplyDeleteI think we all have bad times in life, Kim, and it sounds like you are in one, now. Mine was last year as I struggled with the death of my dad and then my husband's broken neck--my anxiety level shot through the roof causing me all sorts of health problems. I hope your new haircut makes you smile and give you a brand new start--it is so hard to age. I turn 61 tomorrow and believe me, I've shed a few (more than a few!) tears today... Sending a hug your way!
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