I am Lily - stitcher and part time bookseller. Mother to my gorgeous girl, Abigail and wife to Julian. I make time each day to let my imagination potter and add quirky prettiness and handmade comfort to our home and lives. You can email me at lily(at)blockaday(dot)com
the time has come, the walrus said …
… to talk of many things. Of shoes and ships and sealing wax; of cabbages and kings.
Yep, we are a couple of hours away from being on the road. The car is packed to the brim. Mum’s house is looking so empty and lonely. Mum is feeling empty and lonely. Abby is off camping with friends. Julian and I are about to head south.
We’ve been so busy the last fortnight … a week in Melbourne unpacking the house. A week in Brisbane celebrating Christmas with our family. All so bittersweet.
Now, after a busy year of discussing our family’s future, planning for it, changing the plans umpteen times, dreading it, looking forward to it, it has arrived. Oh my, I have shed almost more tears over the last three days than the off-shore cyclone has dumped rain on our sodden town.
Both Mum and I keep re-reading Carrie’s inspiring post on being the Queen of our homes. The Queen simply would not fall to pieces and sob despondently :-) No, she would be strong for her family, appreciate the love, privilege, security and comfort of living with Mum for the last 18 months; and look forward to continuing to share that from a distance during our working weeks, and in person during the wonderful holidays that will come often and soon.
But, we’re a bit wobbly at this. Good thing I have a 5 day road trip to share with Julian … we will be meandering down the east coast of Australia, round the bottom and up to Melbourne. And Mum has her sister Mary visiting from Vancouver, my sister Janie and her wee boys, Oscar and Sam arriving in a fortnight; and Aunty Mary and Aunty Anne coming in today for diversional therapy.
And then, there’s skype, virgin-to-virgin free mobile calls, emails and of course the blog, for us to share our days, offer our love and hold hands when we need to. Thank goodness for technology.
So, I’m signing off again for another week. Hopefully, by the end of the weekend, there will be a degree of normality in our lives (including a found camera battery charger), a settling in to our homes for both Mum and I, an establishing of new routines and pleasures.
For now, my heart is breaking … I already miss my beloved Mum.
28 December, 2009 at 12:11 am
So good to “hear your voice,” little friend. I’ve missed you. Godspeed you on your journey; be safe, be well, and may your travel begin your healing.
28 December, 2009 at 12:38 am
I have been thinking of you Lily. Enjoy a wonderful road trip together, how lovely to meander down.
Good Luck with finding the battery charger - I’m still finding things, just on 2 months after the move!
See you some time soon - perhaps we can go to Amitie together - I still haven’t been there yet ;-).
Happy New Year
xx
28 December, 2009 at 11:46 am
Safe journey, Lily! I am looking forward to seeing pictures of your lovely new home.
28 December, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Safe travels….. my heart goes out to you and your mum as you move through this difficult transition….. Peace.
28 December, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Safe travels to you! And warm wishes to your family. Yes, skype is a modern miracle for the far flung family. Ours are in Hawaii and Chile and we are in the DC area USA, so skype is quite the life line. My dad sat and listened to Zach count to 100 on skype (VERY slowly, think oooonnneeee. twooooooooooo. threeeeeeee…) one evening. It was like having him in the living room. Can’t wait to hear all about your new place. I know you will make a lovely home and community wherever you go!
28 December, 2009 at 2:22 pm
I have been thinking of you and your lovely family! Courage, courage! Hugs, safe travels, happy thoughts! I look forward to hearing about your journey and your new routines! Take good care!!
28 December, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Dear lily, So nice to know that you had a lovely Christmas with your family.
Wish you a very safe and pleasant journey and a wonderful start to the New year.
~Hugs~
28 December, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Oh my Lily, this post brought tears to my eyes. I too am so close to my mother, and I truly do feel your heart break. All that I can really wish you is many happy moments in your new home, and a lot of wonderful moments to spend with your mom in the future.
28 December, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Oh Lily…I know this day has been coming for some time. It’s ok for the queens to cry especially when they are close. I wish you a very five day safe journey and many wonderful new moments in your new home. Thinking of you and sending big hugs.
28 December, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Hi Lily, I am getting a bit worried that you have not got your Prairie Schooler exchange yet. I sent it before December! Let me know when it arrives. Thanks, Hazelx
28 December, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Oh Lily, Your silence over the last couple of weeks has spoken volumes. I’ve dared not intrude upon this intensely personal and emotional period in your family’s life. Just know that I’ve got a huge lump in my throat as you face the challenges of this move. Your future is bright with possibilities and I wish you the best in the coming New Year!
29 December, 2009 at 2:27 pm
sending lots of love to you and your family as you navigate this transition and all the big feelings that go along with it.
xo
~erin
29 December, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Oh me too, Lily. I echo each of the sentiments above (esp the lost battery charger!), and hope the trip down is safe and smooth, and skype works as well for your family as it has for us (spoke with my mother in Greece from Florida, no lag, no problems).
Sending much love and warm thoughts your way.
Until next week, my friend…
Michelle
29 December, 2009 at 10:11 pm
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2 January, 2010 at 8:47 pm
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2 January, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Dear Lily
Wishing you and Julian a safe trip. I feel for you leaving your Mum behind - I left my parents in NZ when I moved over here to Australia. Thank goodness for the wonderful modern technology that enables us all to keep in touch with our loved ones (and for cheap flights).
Travel well.
Natalie in Maryborough QLD
2 January, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Why does your nose RUN and your feet SMELL?
3 January, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Have a safe and wonderful road trip! I wish you and all the family all the best in 2010!
4 January, 2010 at 1:52 pm
thinking of you and sending lots of love…