Melancholia

The lack of creativity around here, increases. I try to goad myself into action, thinking of all the things I want to get done. Then I seem to sink back into the trough of inertia.

The next pic, is of a little quilt I made very early in my quilting days. I really liked the block, & the effect so I carefully chose the fabrics at the local quilt shops, which were still open then.
It is only 22"x22" so I guess it would qualify as a 'doll quilt'.This little one I made prior to the blue & yellow one, & I just made the pattern up, as I wanted a quilt for a small cradle I had painted & tried out folk art painting on the head & footboard.

I hand quilted it, & needle turned the applique hearts, so it was good learning curve work.

We had a busy day yesterday. Luckily I am not a joiner, so am not missing out on the posting for November thing. Haha, I tried to sign up, but couldnt seem to get it to work, so that clinched my decision not to join.

We had SG here for the day, from early in the morning. His mother brought his 'rations' for the day. He is a fussy eater, & is also a snacker. His appetite doesnt seem to recognize 'meal times', as we know them, & he likes to spend all day snacking on his favourites, which include salami, cheese, cheese & crackers, & some muesli type bars. Always with a request for Nutella sandwiches - we use whole grain bread, so I console myself all is not too bad!

Since Gom was inclined to eat in a similar pattern, I dont worry about it. SG kept us amused a good deal of the time. He has become very good about packing his toys up once he has finished with them. He came & sat beside me, on the floor, & played with a small train set, then packed all the track pieces up, & packed them neatly into the box again. Amazing.

One of the lamps in the lounge was suddenly turned on, & Leo was seen emerging from the switch area. SG ran over, & said, "Leo you sneaky little bugger, you turned the lamp on!" Accompanied by giggles- some from Gom.

He spent a good deal of time pegging Gom's toes, as he operated on him. Ouch! Then he built a massive cubby with the quilts.

When his mother arrived, late & harrassed, from a meeting he declared he had a good day, & did not want to leave. But then he remembered his new sweater, -with a HOOD!- & he was off & running.

I am not sure why I find it so exhausting to have him here. He is a very good little boy, & he is full of chatter, asks lots of questions, & is constantly on the move. I decided that part of it is the swirl of the atmosphere! He leaves ripples & waves with his rushing hither & yon, & even the dogs seem exhausted when he has gone, & they slump into doze mode the minute the door closes.

He declared he had 'special powers' & waved his hands at me, telling me to shut my eyes, 'dont look, I am operating!' as he pegged his grandfather's toes! 'Have a sleep Nan' waving his fingers, as he draped a hot Gom in a shower of dog quilts. The words felt quite compelling in the steamy, heat filled afternoon air, & I could have drifted off very easily.

He told us he hated big school, he doesnt want to go, & he is not going to go. I dont know that he hated it as much as his mother did, but she certainly doesnt intend telling him that! Next week his father will go with them.

When he is gone, there seems to be a strange vacuum, & the ripples & waves gently subside, leaving a still, almost flat, air space. The magic powers all leave the room, the electricity seeps out of the air. We recompose our selves, & sink quietly back into 'old mode'.

Then in the evening, it was off to the Dr for me. Attending our Doctor's Skin Clinic. Most of us with lengthening teeth! Emerging from his surgery, with small bandaids, stitched areas, small invisibly caused limps. One old man declaring

"Gettting old is Bloody Hard"

I will spare you the details of my problems. I had 2 different proceedures. One involved some stitches. I went into shock, after it was over, which shook me a bit. I am usually very stoic about such things. I really like & trust the Doctor. He has a lovely nurse who assists him, & I really like her. But I began to shake once it was all done, & felt very wobbly in the pins! It hadn't even involved much pain. Only the initial sting of the needles to numb the areas.

Gom was a little shocked when he saw me. I hadnt told him I was having it done, as I thought the Dr might do the 2 things seperately. One proceedure is hidden, but the other is on my face. (Not the eye)

I was whisked home, provided with a nice tea, given a glass of wine, & generally looked after handsomely.

So why am I melancholy? Who knows.

I find these days, it doesnt distress me if I am feeling a little melancholy, the way it might have done when I was younger. I feel it is all part of the patchwork of our natures & our lives. We all have the cloudy shadows that move our way sometimes. They pass, & the sun comes out again.

Paul Simon, Slip Slidin' Away.