Wednesday, August 3, 2011

::: just fence me in :::



While it's true that this little blogging space has been painfully neglected this summer, the same cannot be said for the old homestead, thankfully.  In between the usual summertime fun and routine, we've been busy with projects, projects ... and more projects.

This particular project, at the moment, is my favorite.  It's the decorative fence my dad built for me in his basement this winter.  I have always wanted one and since he could not fix me, he channeled all of that energy and love into this long-awaited masterpiece.  As you can imagine, it means an awful lot to me.  And it adds so much character to our little garrison and gardens.  It's also something I found myself looking forward to when it was hard just to get going in the morning after treatments, meds, side effects, and endless appointments.


 {almost complete .. just two sections left to install}


Fortunately, all of that is behind us now for the most part.  Chemo ended in late April and radiation treatments were done as of July 1st.  Their effects linger slightly, but I can feel myself slowing gaining ground.  I'm feeling better than I have in a very long time, even if the emotional piece is still a rough one most days.  I am, I think, coming back to life ... cautiously finding my footing and slowly embracing some of my passions, interests, and long-altered routines. 



So ... if this space remains quiet, I am probably painting something, reading on the patio, enjoying a picnic at Winslow Park, rearranging furniture, cleaning out closets, or getting the kids ready for the first day of school.  I'm here and I'll be back.  In the meantime, enjoy this crazy hot summer and all of the sweetness you can find.

 

28 comments:

Raggedy Creations said...

Oh Colleen it's so good to hear from you. I've been thinking about you and wondering how you are doing. You just take your time and get completely well, just check in once in awhile so we know you are ok. Love your fence, your Dad did a wonderful job.

~Hugs
Felicia

Kimberly said...

I miss you Colleen! So great to see what your daddy built for you... what a wonderful guy! Glad that you're gaining momentum and I can't wait for more posts and pics of your summer adventures!
Take care, Kimberly

Raspberry Lane Primitives said...

Glad to hear you're doing better.
Take it easy.
patti

Something Nice and Pretty said...

I was just thinking about you the other day and wondering how you are doing. So happy that you are feeling more like your old self and thinking about your projects that you want to get to.
I'll continue to pray for you and again I'm so glad to see you on here!
Love the fence, it's from a love that never ends! Great dad!

Sheila said...

It was good to see you here today Colleen! You've been in my thoughts and prayers and it's good to know you are gaining ground. Your home is beautiful and the added fence makes it even more special. Enjoy your time with the kiddos and take time for yourself too.
Your blog friends are still here for you.
Continued blessings be with you.
~Sheila
http://seasonsofthyheart.blogspot.com

basketsnprims said...

Colleen, I'm so glad to hear you are doing better & enjoying the summer. I love your fence, your dad is very talented, what a work of love.
hugs,
pam

Anonymous said...

Happy 3rd of August Colleen, I've been thinking about you and praying that everything was going good for you.. I know what chem and radiation can do to a person.. It will take a while to feel like your former self.. Take your time and do things that you love to do and enjoy the remainder of the summer.. Fall will be here before we know it and that will make all of feel better~~~I know it will do wonders for me.
There's nothing like having Dad stick by his daughter when you need him.. I know my Dad did that for me when he was living. The fence your Dad made for you is precious and makes your home look so cozy. I know there's a lot of love in every board, nail and moment your Dad spent creating something that you've wanted.
I'm glad to see you posting and glad to know you've been busy.
I pray that you'll feel better everyday and stay well in the future..
Blessings to you and your family,
Charlotte in Va.

Angela said...

Colleen, I just began blogging after you had found out about the cancer, but immediately started following your blog. I have sent up many prayers for your recovery and this is such a treat to see you posting and to hear your are on the mend. So looking forward to seeing your regularly. Take your time sweetie and know you got lots of friends (sight unseen) who admire your courage and are behind you a hundred percent. Love the fence, as I am sure it will always be so special to you. What a wonderful Dad you have. Your home is beautiful. Take care of yourself and enjoy the remaining days of summer.
Angela
Thru Nanas Window

Robyn~Primlish said...

I have been thinking about you! So glad to hear you are feeling better! Your fence looks absolutely wonderful! So cozy. Enjoy the rest of summer! God Bless!

Audrey said...

The fence looks wonderful. I can see how filled with love it is!
Enjoy your summer <3

Susannah said...

Oh...Colleen.... it is so good to hear from you! I have had you in my prayers for all this time and will continue. Glad you are feeling more like yourself! Good for you!

I love the fence that your Dad so lovingly built for you. It adds so much to your wonderful house.... So pretty. And I love the setting in the tall trees.

Take care -
Susannah

Tonya said...

What a pleasant surprise to see your post today! Your new fence is just darling and brightens up the front of the house. You'll have so much fun dressing it up each season/holiday.

Enjoy the rest of the summer. It's going by so fast.

Tonya

Becky said...

Hi colleen.I have been thinking
about you and praying for you.
I am glad your treatments are behind you now and each day you can feel stronger.
Your precious dad did a gorgeous job on your fence.
Your home is beautiful.
Enjoy the rest of your summer with your beautiful family.Blessings,Becky

Carey's Farmhouse Kitchen said...

Great to hear from you Colleen, we're busy this summer too. I hope you get your strength back soon. I've changed my blog name just follow my link.

I'm praying for you.
Carey

Marion said...

So happy to see you post! Glad you are feeling better!!!!
What a treasure of a fence that your dad built!! Beautiful!!
Take care
Marion

Julie said...

Hi Colleen,
So good to read your post and hear that you are gaining ground. I pray that you have continued health and strength.

Your new fence is darling. What would we do without our Dads?

Hope you are a wonderful day. Sending a big hug your way.
Julie

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

Colleen,

Well you've certainly been on my mind and in my prayers! But you take all the time you need! I am so glad to see you back here and I absolutely love your fence! It adds charm and character to your already beautiful home!

We'll be here....just embrace life and enjoy every moment. Glad to hear you have so much behind you! Now you can move forward! And know I'm still praying for you, my friend! :)

Love and Hugs,
Tammy

janie said...

Love the fence.. enjoy

Glad you are recovering.

Be well, Janie

Elise said...

Colleen, it is wonderful to hear from you. I have been praying for you and will continue to do so.

It is so lovely that you are able to start enjoying some of your passions again.

To have your house surrounded with a fence made with such love is 'beauty full". I know you are going to enjoy this.

Charlene said...

So glad you are doing well. Love the fence I have always wanted a little white fence! Enjoy the rest of your summer.

Kathryn said...

I've been checking back periodically and I'm glad to hear you are feeling better. I pray for you and your family each time I check in. Enjoy your family and this wonderful, relaxing time of year!

trooppetrie said...

take your time, we will be here when you return. I like the fence

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Hi Colleen Sweetie...
I am so happy to see you out and about and slowing gaining your footing yet once again. Baby steps sweet friend.

I love your beautiful fencing that you Daddy made for you. Each time you see it, you will smile and think of him. How wonderful it is. It suits your home to a "T". Your gardens in front look beautiful as well. So pretty and peaceful.

Keep me posted when you can. Just know that you are in my prayers sweetie. Thanks for posting.

This is the Miracle Weekend makeover. I am one of the hosting sites. For every comment left, Guideposts magazine will pay a dollar, to the next cancer makeover patient. Please stop by and read the story about 9 year old Charlie, and bless me with a comment. Out goal between the 4 or 5 blogs is 5,000. I know we can do it. I would appreciate it, if you pass the word around to as many friends as possible.

Thank you sweetie for a wonderful post. I love it. Have a glorious weekend. Country hugs from Phoenix, Sherry

Angie Berry said...

Aw, how very sweet and touching! It is a beautiful fence and how special too. It looks lovely around your home.

So glad you are feeling a little better and getting back to it. Enjoy these last few days of summer!

Chelle said...

Been thinking about you, actually have your blog saved as a bookmark, but haven't seen you post anything in a while. Wanted to check on you and see if you are ok...

Michelle

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

Colleen,

I wanted to just stop in and say hi to you and let you know you were on my mind! :)

Continuing to pray....
Tammy

Theresa said...

Hope all is well. Hope you come back soon.

Lisa said...

Colleen,

I know you don't really know me, but you blog is a favorite of mine. My kids love to make the salt dough ornaments and we are just starting on our Christmas ones, and that got me thinking about you. Saying special prayer that all is well! Miss You!

Blessings, Lisa