Christmas

Friday, January 9, 2015

Friday Fragments

As long as I’m slowly getting back to my blog, I thought I’d resurrect my fragments column as well. There’s always something rattling around in my head!

Creativity: I had planned to make my Christmas card differently this year. In the fall, I began collecting my materials, and I had everything ready to do them a little at a time. Then, when I lost three weeks of prep time, I ended up just doing ones on the computer again. In the meantime, I saw a totally different card and watched the video explanation of its construction. I think I’ll start really early – maybe summer – and make it for next year. I’m constantly checking out the boards on Pinterest, and when I see something that I think I could handle, I copy it for future use. Right now, with my one-handed cutter, stamps, and punches, I’m beginning to let my creative juices flow!

Emotions: I was never much of a crier, but with the advent of MS, I found that I cried really easily – over anything. Then as I began to get accustomed to the vagaries of the disease, I worked to become more stoical again. For a while, I had gained the upper hand. Then, with my mother’s illness and death, I lost it. It began when a resident put her arm around me at our meeting, and I just fell apart. After that, in our private room, I could be strong until someone said something kind or touched me. Then the water works began again. By the time it was all over, I was pretty much cried out, and I could meet everyone at the viewing and funeral with dry eyes and make-up intact. I stayed that way until we were leaving the church, and the final song I had chosen just hit me. The ride to the cemetery was long and I again pulled myself together. Now, I find that when I’m alone, I start up again, and I have to get involved with some activity to get control. I guess it’s normal, but it’s so different for me.

Weather: I just can’t deal with the cold. I know MS is affected by the heat, and I do get wilted. Yet, I find the cold to be much harsher to my system. I tend to stiffen up which makes even the shortest walk almost impossible. Then I shiver, which causes spasms. So, I really need to stay indoors and keep warm. Even with warm coats, scarves, and hats, I still feel the cold. And now, I have a difficult time putting gloves on my hands. So, I’ve resorted to mittens. I can’t get boots on easily, but I just saw a pair that has a faux sheepskin base, then a sweater-like upper part. I went to order them, and they were sold out. Bah, humbug! I’ll keep looking, though.

TV, Books: Now that Downton is back, I’ll have a few weeks to immerse myself in it. Someone wrote that “Call the Midwife” is good, but I can’t find it in the listings. I’m caught up in “Madame Secretary,” too, and I still like “The Good Wife.” I got interested in “Forever,” and “Grey’s” and “Scandal” still hold my interest, along with the new “How To Get Away With Murder.” The comedies are getting too lewd, I think, with all the double entendres and outright sexual references. I guess I’m a prude. I’ve also been finding some good movies. As far as books, I’ve read tons. I just got interested in JoJo Moyes, and I’ve read several of her works. Now, I’m waiting for the library to catch up on the list I’ve given them. I’ll report on any new ones that are good.

Well, that about empties the old noggin. It will be filled again very quickly, though!

Peace,
Muff

8 comments:

  1. I have to think you are forgiven a little display of emotion under the circumstances. Better out than in is my philosophy though.

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    1. Of course, you're right. It's just a change for me, I guess.

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  2. ooohhhh muff, I love Pinterest!! I ordered my Christmas cars from Minted and had a terrible experience, never again. I love the cold and do so much better in the cold then the heat!!

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    1. I am soooo addicted to Pinterest! Sorry about your cards -- I haven't purchased a card in years. You're so creative, why don't you try your own designs? You can have the cold, my dear, I hate it!

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  3. Call the Midwife is wonderful but won't be back until, I think, March. See if you can find reruns or CDs because it is lovely. And, yes, I'm so glad Downton Abby is back. As for crying, methinks you are entitled.

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    1. Maybe I'll get a subscription and watch the first seasons, and then catch up in March. Just what I need -- another lure!

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  4. Crying isn't a bad thing...just emotions coming out liquid. I enjoyed Call the Midwife I get it on Netflix. I don't like much of normal TV like you said I find it irritating during family hour to have shows filled with sexual remarks. Stay warm:)

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    1. Do you remember when shows were so censored, you never heard/saw the things that occur now? Maybe I'm just getting old, but I just don't need all that in the shows I watch.

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