A Puzzle for you again. But this time I promise I'll give you the answer straight away! There's a big bag of sugar on my WOYWW work table, but you can't see it literally! If you don't know what I mean by WOYWW then click
HERE. Julia, who is a saint, as far I'm concerned hosts this wonderful blog hop that has kept me sane over the last few months. Now, I won't keep you in suspense this time and I'll explain about the sugar you can't see! I know it's a cliche and I'm sorry, but like all cliches it has a lot of truth in it -
if life gives you lemons, make lemonade! Last year my wonderful son graduated with a first class degree and we were all delighted, but we soon realized all was not well. He was badly depressed. A course of therapy revealed he had Asperger Syndrome and had been struggling to mask and cope with the condition all his life! We started a new journey with him, to understand and help him to turn the lemons he'd been given into lemonade - something he'd been trying to do without us knowing for years! I discovered craft around that time and what a delicious sweetener for my jug of lemonade that has been! Terrific satisfaction, wonderful new friends and a place of sanctuary on my dining room table! Then yesterday on a day out I discovered a lovely little craft shop tucked away in a country village we passed through on our walk to the glorious Sissinghurst Castle gardens! Well, I couldn't pass by without few purchases to use in my next journal page, could I? I loved the paper bag the goodies came in too! So here it is - my big bag of sugar, though whether I shall have time to add it to the mix today I don' know!!!
Here's my work table today with my journal on it ready to open. I don't know how much craft will get done because life's given me a bit of a lemon harvest again! The kitchen makeover!!! After the false start a while back (remember the jolly green giant of a fridge brought for us by the ice fairies?) - is actually beginning today! That'll be great when it's finished. My mum, whose eyesight is deteriorating has sold her house and we are picking her up to come and stay so we can show her the flats we've been looking at for her to live in close to Magpieheaven. With her nearby I can stop worrying about how she's coping. We will, for a short time, have five in the Magpie's Nest and our dear friend Kevin hammering away at the kitchen - ooh and I forgot, Daisy the cat who hates disruption so much it usually gives her cystitis - not quite sure how we're going to prevent that. Maybe factor in a visit to the vet now? We have no spare room so my mum will be sleeping on the sofa in the room where I craft and we all watch TV and my daughter likes to do keep-fit - you get the picture 'the living-room'! But I'm determined to make that jug of lemonade! Thank you, my followers and 'deskers', old and new - stick with me, please and see how things go! I'll try to get round to as many of you as time allows today and if I don't, please know that I tried! Lemonade anyone? It can be really refreshing! Happy WoYWW!
Thanks so much for visiting my Texas work space today, Julie Ann! Love that gorgeous art journal on your desk!
ReplyDeleteWhen I retired a few years back we moved about a hundred miles into a house two doors down from my folks to keep an eye on them as well. I know it will be a comfort to you having your mum near at hand.
I understand sharing your crafting space. Mine is 1/2 of my L-shaped kitchen.
Best wishes on your new kitchen! I know it will be wonderful.
I think the family madhouse will be fine.....I think I it's lovely that your mum will be nearer, after all family is what it's all about. That must have been a shock for your son, but I always think that when you know what you have, it's easier to tackle it....it's uncertainty that is wearying. Good luck to you all!
ReplyDeleteAnd have fun with your sugar bag!!
Hugs, LLJ 58 xx
Now that sounds like true family life ... everything happening at once in the one room. Your crafty friends will always be in the background cheering you on and offering some creative respite. Your son has done brilliantly. ASD means you have the most unique perspective on life, It's getting others to see it that is often the problem.
ReplyDeleteSandra @46
My daughter has ADHD and Aspergers Syndrome and we have known for years, all I can say is one day at a time, but sometimes it is one hour at a time. Allow time for yourself that is really important, shut that door and craft, you need it. Structure is the key with this syndrome and forward planning, well this is what works for us most of the time. Then you have the just stuff that happens. He needs a chill out something, like Xbox, music, a hobby that he can turn to and just chill out. My daughter researches history and Egyptology, he has to have one obsession, go with that it will help.
ReplyDeleteLovely stash too happy playing.
Hugs Eliza & Yoda 24
Happy WOYWW
Craft really does get so many of us through difficult times doesn't it? I used to have an elderly Aunt who used to say 'God makes the shoulders to fit the burden'. You will cope I'm sure but always remember you have a lot of friends here...even if you've not met us.....yet.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
A x # 59
Hi Julie Ann, you never just know when those lemons are going to be delivered or what form they're going to take, but you keep on making that lemonade and we'll keep on drinking it with you. I hope all works out for you in Magpie Heaven, the next few weeks will be a trial but I'm sure you will all support each other through it, keep taking turns at that lemonade stall. MMx #65
ReplyDeleteKeep crafting in your busy life and drink the lemon aid to keep you cool and refreshed to deal with all life is sending your way
ReplyDeleteJackie 29
My son has Aspergers too, and after about 4 years of being bounced from school to school, with everyone telling me how horrid he was, he was finally diagnosed at age 8. The transformation after that, with the right care and support (for him *and* us!) has been incredible. He is now one of the happiest boys you'll ever meet, and everybody adores him. And he does terrifically at school. It was just a case of everyone knowing the "rules" - his personally, and those of society that he had to adapt to - and doing their best to, as you said, make lemonade out of lemons!
ReplyDeleteYour son is going to be just fine, and have a great life. The fact that he managed to get through school and a degree course without specialised support proves that! :-)
Craft literally saves us doesn't it? We spent ages berating the lemons before squeezing theheck out of them, life certainly improves when you do.
ReplyDeleteThe House of Bears (with Horace in a deep thought mood) @#84
Lemon harvest :) I get that totally. Crafting is the sweetener when life gets sour, isn't it? Some days an hour or tow of head down, inky fingers, messy desk time, will at least let me put things in perspective, even if it doesn't improve the situation - at least it improves my attitude towards it :) And am amazed - how focused he must have been to do so well and get a diagnosis so late in life! Well done to him, and you for recognizing all wasn't well and getting him seen. Pat yourself on the back for that!
ReplyDeleteHappy WOYWW!
Mary Anne (28)
Hi Julie Ann, Thanks for stopping by today. Those ribbons look lovely. And the white Posca pen is supposed to be a good one.
ReplyDeleteHope things start to sort themselves out for you soon. I see you have a Shelfari bookshelf. I have one too and it is mostly filled with escapist type literature if you are interested.
RosA #16
Well you are getting a full house and mine is emptying out.. Yes everything happens at once and normally big things happen in threes.. So mum, your son and the kitchen thats your three so no more lemons for you only lemonade in your future. Mittens is a hide and don't come out till its safe and not many visitors see her. She hears them come and is lightning under my bed wont see her for hours.. So have sympathy for daisy lots of hugs and cuddles your way to both of you..
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting me already..
Sandy :)
What a great way to live! Great philosophy and crafting for you will help keep you going. When my hubby was sick it got me through, and when he was gone, it gave me something to look forward to. The community and friendships really are special. Thanks for the visit today! Glad to hear your mom will be close by, that will make it easier for all of you. Enjoy the time together! Winnie #76
ReplyDeleteHere's to a big fat glass of lemonade - cheers! Totally get where you're coming from.......
ReplyDeleteThanks for swinging by this week!
Sounds like it's going to be tight in your nest for a while. But I think as you have lemonade, all should be fine :)
ReplyDeleteWishing all of you well!
Thank you so much for stopping by,
Jana #71
I know all about that basket of Lemons, but thank you for teaching me it needs to be turned to Lemonade. Without the crafting I think I would be squash or lemon jelly at times, really is a savoir.
ReplyDeleteWish I could help with the cat, only suggestion I have is a DAP diffuser or rescue remedy and not sure you can get that down a cat (helps dogs, and us)
Lynda #82
Know about the lemons only too well. After a Winter of a non-stop cough/colds for about 5 months I am now in the midst of medical/dental appointments/treatment, including a small operation set for 2nd September. Its all not helping the ever present anxiety and intermittent depression I can tell you. BUT I also know about the crafting saviour so I understand completely. Hugs to you and your son and great goodies too. Thanks for visiting me this week BJ#85
ReplyDeleteWe all tend to end up with baskets of lemons from time to time, but the lemonade of WOYWW is just wonderful, so keep making that lemonade and we will keep coming back for more. Now you know the problem and have some solutions with your son. Love is a mighty powerful lemonade! Keeping you all in prayer
ReplyDeleteKrisha #19
Sounds like it's going to be a crazy few months, but families have a way of finding their own level, and you'll be happier to have your mum nearer and not worry so much. Amazing that your son coped so much on his own and held it all together for college too, that's brilliant, but at least now he can get good help and support that will enable him to cope and move on. Just like the wonderful "lemonade" support of WOYWW, drink it in deep, it's cathartic. At least old cars can be fixed, it's the modern ones with all their wires and computers that are scary and costly to repair!!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Brenda 3
Your lovely son has done so well to have achieved such an excellent degree. Thank goodness that help is available so that he doesn't feel he has to continue to mask this part of himself. A steep learning curve for you all ! I hope you have that kind of crazy fun you can have when everyone is together in your house you might have to find a little out of the way corner so that you can craft and remain sane. You could put a board across the bath and pretend you're otherwise engaged! Xx
ReplyDeleteDoes he feel relieved just knowing what the trouble is? Just to know that what he's going through is normal for his situation has got to feel like a burden lifted for all of you. And we have a Daisy the Cat, too!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by this woyww, Julie Ann--sorry I had the wrong link in for this week, you actually saw my last week desk, not that it's much different this week, lol!
:)trisha
I'm a hug cliche fan as well. My fave - what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger. I truly believe that crafting makes thing better, and it's cheaper than therapy, sometimes. happy crafting #1
ReplyDeleteJulie Ann, you will make some delish lemonade with that stunning journal! I am so sorry for the struggles your son has had to face. Bless him that he managed so well all those years! A friend, who I've lost touch with, had a son with AS, but his case was further along on the spectrum and they knew very early on that he had difficult coping with everyday nuisances. My heart goes out to him and to all of you, but I've no doubt that you will handle this with an abundance of positive energy! I firmly believer it really does make all the difference.
ReplyDeleteAll the best for your son and for getting your mum moved nearby. You've got a lot of your plate. Speaking of plates, good luck with the ongoing kitchen reno, too! I send you oodles of additional positive energy!! Happy WOYWW, little Magpie, take care! Darnell #12
Crafting really does help you cope with life and it's ups and downs. I've crafted through cancer, diabetes, dvt's, kidney failure, gallbladder removal, lymphoedema and many more - you name it and crafting has helped me cope with it! I'll always make lemonade with my lemons! You will cope with this I'm sure as you're all positive and enjoy your lemonade! ♥ Karen ♥ 79 x
ReplyDeleteSome lovely goodies! Your lemonade certainly has lots of ingredients! Well done to your son for coping so well! Hope all your tasks this week run smoothly! Chrisx 113
ReplyDeleteWell my friend, you're certainly keeping it real. It's a blessing that they want to be around you, so I'm perfectly sure that the juggle for space and time will be worth it. BUT....get back to your own line of therapy as soon as you can..it apparently, keeps us sane....!
ReplyDeleteSome lovely goodies there, hope your son continues to do well now that you know what the problem is. Good luck with the kitchen reno and finding your mum a new place!
ReplyDeleteDebxx
Happy WOYWW! I love your positive attitude to whatever life throws at you and I love your art journal, it looks gorgeous. Hope you get to enjoy at least a couple of spoonfuls of sugar every day! Annie #114
ReplyDeleteYour family life sounds busy and fun! I love your art journal cover. I hope the kitchen redo goes well! Happy WOYWW! Sandy Leigh #11
ReplyDeleteGreat looking journal on your desk! Love the color and design. I have a nephew with Aspergers and he has come around nicely on his own and was in his 20's before they made the diagnosis. These children are brilliant for the most part but definitely exhibit the autistic side too. My nephew hated anyone touching him until just recently and now he has a wife and new baby and is all about hugging now! Amazing. Thanks for the offer of lemonade! I have my own! Have a great week and thanks for stopping by my desk and commenting. Vickie #36
ReplyDeleteHello, Im Roberta 110, Im on my 2nd week of this and looking at every ones goodies has really got me doing things..now I cant wait till mine looks nice and tidy.I so love the color of your book like umm I use it to much I think some times. It takes so long to get to every ones post, but this week Im trying to just look at the goodies. Thanks for letting me peek around. Bright Blessing to you and yours
ReplyDeleteCrumbs, you have had it tough - one of my nephews has Aspergers' , he was officially diagnosed not long after his mum (my sister) died, when he was around 8 or so. He's doing ok, but it sounds like your son is too. I hope his lemons turn into lemonade! Hope your kitchen makeover doesn't give you too many headaches and your Mum is settled soon too.... no wonder you embrace crafting. Have a good day (round the kitchen mayhem...) Helen, 6
ReplyDeleteA nice little stash there from your newly found craft shop! We have those paper bags at the newsagents I work in :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck to your son, he sounds like a very hard-working young man, in spite of his struggles! Hope you all get that 'lemonade'!
Alison xx
Happy WOYWW!
ReplyDeleteIt is great that you are always looking on the bright side, and my word the nest will be full and busy for you!
I wish I could help my youngest, he pretty certainly is dislexic but it wasn't officially recognised when he was at school. He considers himself stupid and is always pretty down, now in his mid 30s. I bought him a book I hoped would help, and tried to find out stuff about help but he wouldn't listen.
Enjoy your sugar and lemonade!
Cazzy x #100
What a wonderful post, I think we all find the sweetness of our crafting refreshing and healing and I just love the beautiful color and look of your journal. You may need to make some time to play in in over the coming weeks as it sounds like you will be very busy at home. We had both my mum and dad make the move to live with us, (mum has Alzheimers) and it definitely is a relief when they are close by in their older years. Have a wonderful week and Happy WOYWW! Danie #14
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you have chosen to make lemonade and not let life get you down. You are an inspiration as is your son. It's going to be a bit crowded at home but I bet you all have a fabulous time together. My mum and dad live just around the corner and it really takes some of the worry away. Crafting is such a great sanity saver.
ReplyDeleteI love your gorgeous journal and enjoy your sugar!
Have a great week,
Von #33
Crafting is a great help in times of stress, a great little escape, even if it's just for a few minutes at a time. It sounds like you are going to be very busy over the next few weeks. Good luck to you! -Mari #13
ReplyDeleteJulie....I'd love some of your lemonade and I'm so happy you have a bag full of sugar....you're an inspiration - looking out for the positive. Wishing you a great week in your full house. Hugs RobynO#52
ReplyDeleteHi Julie! Thanks for sharing that happenings at your home. My crafty girlfriends always say that Crafting is cheaper than therapy. So not only do we get to make all these pretty things but we get to heal our souls. So keep on finding a way to craft.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting me today!
Belinda (89)
Blessings to your family through all you are dealing with at once. Thanks for your positive outlook on it and enjoy your lemonade. Kim 56
ReplyDeleteHi Julie Ann - thanks for stopping by my blog and thanks for sharing your space too... as you know I am mixing lemonade with my life at the moment too - so I appreciate all the positives I can get and your desk is one of those spots ... Have a great week Mxx WOYWW #97
ReplyDeleteLemons and lemonade is a good way to live life, you never know what is going to be thrown your way at any given time. Your son must have good coping skills if he got to degree level before it became too much or you were all doing the right things automatically as he grew up. :) Crafting keeps us sane... and its cheaper than therapy, but only just! Happy WOYWW Annette #5
ReplyDeleteHi Julie Ann, thank you so much for your visit to my blog :-). My you have been a busy lady. You have an incredible attitude to life, and I love the lemonade story. My father told me when I was much younger that every cloud has a silver lining...BUT you just have to LOOK for it. That saying has kept me sane through some very tough times and I could always find some silver lining when I looked, and it was enough to pull me through, just as your saying does for you. Your son is very lucky to have such a great Mum, and don't feel bad that you didn't pick up on him having Asperger Syndrome. It is not easily diagnosed, I bet he has always known how much he is loved. I love your art journal in your photo! I too have found much pleasure in doing art journaling and it is a wonderful form of therapy, now I try and do something everyday as it makes me smile!! Take care and have a fantastic week. Happy WOYWW.
ReplyDeleteJanene #22
Oh, I am so sorry sweet person that you are having a challenging time. Your work is beautiful and I will look forward to seeing it again when you have space to work,
ReplyDeleteLucy x
How wonderful to read about your lemonade and how your sugar is helping the situations. What a brave and caring young man your son is to try to deal with his problem without seeking your help initially. You sound like a lovely family and I will include your son in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Neet xx 50
You and both will be dreaming of a U shape desk the minute I wrote it down I wanted one lol and you've got such a positive attitude keep smiling and enjoy your lemon-aid :) hugs Nikki 7
ReplyDeleteHi Julie Ann, your plate is really full right now. I wish I could stop by and offer a hand, alas I can not so I am with you in thought. If it is any comfort, I live in a madhouse as well. Different madness, but a mad house none the less. I have found that having WOYWW to look forward every week makes the madness disappear for a few days. You have such a positive attitude. And when you have a real Lemon day, you have a bunch of woyww sugar filled glasses who will help take the sour from your day.
ReplyDeleteBefore I go, I have to comment on that wonderful blue journal. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! I'm still working out how to get past "White Page Syndrome" but I love collecting journals. So when I get past my WPS, I have loads of great journals to fill. Sending you big ole' virtual ((((HUGS)))
Kimmie
WOYWW#4
Now that is a lot going on...but it does seem you have exactly the right attitude for it all. Having your Mom near will be good I'm sure and hey, who knows, maybe she'll take up crafting by color. I agree with Jan, sometimes the not knowing about something you feel inside is the hardest, so now that your son doesn't have to concentrate on masking he and you can concentrate on finding ways to adapt to his condition. There have been times in my life that I have had to just make it through the next five minutes...and apparently I say that enough that people around me have adopted the motto as well. It's all doable! Good luck with the kitchen renovation!! That sounds a tad inconvenient, but the pay-off will be so fine! Thanks for visiting the Fun Room this week. Sara #59
ReplyDeleteI'm playing catch up after having been offline for nearly three days due to internet woes associated with our recent rain, Julie Ann. I read with genuine interest about your son's syndrome. I know very little about it, but I know there are support systems out there that can help. Of course, it looks like your son has coped with this for quite some time, and has at least a few of the skills needed to cope with his problems.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure glad you explained about the sugar. I had to laugh because it truly is a metaphor. And crafting is the one thing I KNOW will keep you sane during this (and future) times.
Thanks for your earlier visit. Happy quite belated WOYWW from #2.
Crikey, that is all a bit full on. I will stop complaining now.Finally getting round to visiting, it has been a hectic week. Thank you for visiting.
ReplyDeleteKaren #69
Well Namaste to you my dear friend, you are the great heart of that nest, wise and understanding Mother, loving sweet daughter, your nest is a special place I love to visit. It's a blessing you share your huge bag of sugar, I get so much inspiration from your artwork, it really amazing how quickly you have your art has grown, you were made to do this, and how perfect it happened at the perfect time, lifes like that, when it meant to be, lemons to lemonade, perfect solution, you inspire me in life too ^-^.
ReplyDeleteIt will be wonderful to have your Mom close by nesting near,thats lovely. Can't wait to see the kitchen done with that magical emerald green fridge. Okay flying off to your next post, thanks for sharing..
Oh Julie it must have been so hard for your son, and I wish you all the best while you tackle this together. I am so happy that your art is the sugar in your lemonade, it is one of the most rewarding and relaxing times one can have. I started crafting after my breakdown in 2006, I went from a full time accountant, busy with my two children 7 and 9, I always was busy making sure everything was done to perfection and then next minute I'm a quivering wreck in the corner. Art has helped me heal through that experience, has helped me become Kerry and now that perfected person I had to be, I still now get bouts of OCD but nothing to what I had trying to be the perfect mum. Your doing brilliantly with your son, being there and working with him. Lots of hugs Kezzy. xxxx
ReplyDelete