Knee Surgery With My Mom

So, I know.... You are thinking, yea right; another excuse for not writing.... (I think my high school English teacher, Mrs. Stephens, just got proverbial heartburn over the way I constructed the last sentence.)





Life has taken off which forced me to go out and experience rather than write. Now, routine is settling back in (and by the way that doesn't mean any room for dull moments).... But I am making time to write nonetheless....





I just had a special and precious couple of weeks with my Mom. Now mind you, it took her going through very painful knee surgery, being attached to two machines and then needing to remain horizontal most of the time. Did I mention lots of medication were also involved? Seriously, I hated seeing her go through a rough time (albeit with fantastic results as all of her caregivers report). and yet, on the other hand I loved the fact that I had to be in constant contact with her for two full weeks; both to take care of her and to just be with her and support her.





I can't explain what it's like to have a chance to give back to a parent. I've always had a very heavy feeling of guilt that I could never do anything enough to thank them or make all of their giving up to them. I was raised in a household which stressed manners. I was raised to say thank you and to do it not only verbally, but also documented and sent via snail mail. So, if you believe that those things add a special way of saying, "I'm really appreciative and I realize you took out effort to do something for me" then you have a hard time not being able to ever do "enough" to thank your parents. Despite whatever mistakes they made, we are so very lucky to have all of those moments that we will never forget. These were the times they melted us. I couldn't explain to my Mom how grateful I was and that I really did want her to stop apologizing for taking my time and thanking me for all that I was doing to try and help. Instead, I just kept saying things like, "How many meals have you made for me in my lifetime? This is nothing!" I felt like it wasn't enough, but I also felt so good to have the chance to do it. I have complete and total respect for the children who give back to their parents full time. There is no greater or harder job.

Kate and William

I know what you are thinking. Someone else talking about the big Royal wedding. I have to admit. I am very excited. I called my Mom today. I wanted to know if she was going to get up and watch the wedding in the morning. We talked for literally 45 minutes until I finally laughed and said, "I haven't even had a chance to tell you why I called." She laughed back and I think it made her happy that she and her daughter can still have moments (even at a distance) to get lost in conversation and therefore time. Needless to say she asked and I answered: I've been thinking so much about you! The big buzz around here is who's going to wake up to watch the wedding. I've told everyone how I remember you and I getting up to watch Diana and Charles get married. Are you going to get up for the wedding? She tickled me with an afirmative and then added, "And I remember even before that watching the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth with my Mom." I informed her that even though we were far away, we'd be watching together and that I might just call. Technology is sometimes a wonderful thing. Love you Mom!

Contemporary Realism: Magnolia II - Watercolor

Contemporary Realism: Magnolia II - Watercolor: "'Magnolia II' 7' x 8' ~ Watercolor on Paper Click here for painting purchase information."

Art by KMCoriginals, Kathy Clemente: Happy Easter and New art!

These are too cute!

Art by KMCoriginals, Kathy Clemente: Happy Easter and New art!: "My library show is doing well, you can read the article online here . Below is my NFAC art for April. And these rats were wondering a..."

See's Candy

I have to tell all of the non-Californians out there about See's candy. There is NO superior maker of chocolate. I remember my parents getting boxes as gifts from friends around Christmas and those are fantastic, but their Easter goodies are just amazing! They have hollow milk chocolate bunnies that melt in your mouth. The sins just keep stacking with the solid chocolate eggs in pretty foil wrapping and eggs filled with yummy marshmellow filling. If you want to overdose on chocolate, don't waste your time anywhere else. They have catalogs and they ship just about anywhere!

Easter Thanks

I really enjoyed Easter this year. It's such a joyous occasion! For some who've lost love ones, it can be hard if it's the first holiday without that special person. I was fortunate to be able to have dear friends over who are in just this situation. I am extremely hopeful that our experience together brightened their day and they were really able to, at least for a little while, truly celebrate the holiday without feeling sad. That was my goal. We laughed a lot and I made lots of silent prayers. I hope everyone had a very bright and happy day!

May everyone fair well in these storms!

The Good Ol' Department Store

I've been thinking about this lately. One of my very favorite places to shop for fabric is this locally owned department store in a small Kentucky town with an old fashioned Main street. I know that I won't get "this years" line of fabric for lord knows how much a yard, but I know I'll get last years at an economical and fair price. I also know the people will dote on me and treat me like family.

............. Fast forward to the city version. I was in a Macy's today and as usual was presented with the same hospitality as folks probably have always received in a Macy's. I have to say this is always a comfort. There, in the traditional department store, are all kinds of services that these so called super stores can't offer. Now, everyone thinks that Macy's is expensive and it can be. If one shops smart, Macy's is a much better deal than anywhere. Today, I received 70% off, then %25 off of that on anything from stylish suits to pretty blouses.

Let's just say with services thrown in, WalMart prices and some of the best designers, you just can't beat the savings of a department store. Whether my visit be to a department store in the country or one in the city, I always get the best quality and deals.