I knew that I would, but not when…
Those of you who’ve known me for a while know that I have been fighting the good fight to regain my life again. I have been suffering from agoraphobia and depression for a few years.
Buying the Mountain Farmlet (hidden benefits there) and pure determination have been my only tools to overcome the disability.
One of the saddest manifestations of this disorder was my lack of drive to do anything I once loved to do.
Well, I’m definitely on the downhill side of this mountain and the fabric is flying again!
I finished the extra long robe I cut out last February.
I’ll stay warm this winter even if not *fashionable. 😉
And now I’m quilting again!
I’ll share the result when I am done, and I promise not to take 8 months to do it! 😀
~*~
Have a blessed weekend.
~*~
*NOTE: Why is it that when the fabric stores have a big sale on fleece they only have kiddie prints? Where’s all the fleece in Adult prints? Do they even make such a thing? Equally important, why is it that here in Huntsville you can never find a really warm robe that is long enough to cover your legs down to the ankles?
Making a fleece robe for an adult is expensive, even when the fabric is on sale, but we do what we must to keep our pegs warm! Even when it means running about wearing Teddy Bears and looking like a big kid. 😀
Related articles
- Stop Agoraphobia, Stop Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Start Living (anxietykey.com)
Life on the Farmlet 
Lynda, congrats to you. You have come a long way. As far as a big kid, what could be better? My sister gave me a looooong robe a couple of years ago (bought not homemade) covered with puppies. What could be cuter – bears maybe – I love yours 🙂 I bought my favorite robe 5 – 6 years ago. It is loooong and made from a heavy, stretchy terry cloth like fabric. It zips down the front….and has a hood. I’m gorgeous around here on these cold mornings. Sadly, I’ve not been able to find another like it. I have been thinking seriously about trying to make one like it…..one day. Think about that as an option instead of fleece. It is very warm and not cumbersome. Love that old robe!
Thank you, Barbara! I will have to look for the fabric you described, but it sounds like “French Terry” and that is very nice fabric!
Y’know, there’s not much better, that I can think of, than being all snuggly-warm from chin to ankle in soft, fuzzy Bear Hugs!
Quilting again? YAHOO!! Great colours (and I can hardly wait to see what a finished square looks like: )
(Btw, Love your lunchbox; )
Thank you, Deb! You know I bought that lunchbox for Bob to keep his computer tools in, but he outgrew it in less than a month. 😐 That’s OK, it makes a great place for my quilting tools! 😀
I still like your special head covering when you do your morning chores! I still have a vision of that in my head! I’m so glad you’re managing some sewing again. It would be easy to get caught up in the Mountain Farmlet work and let everything else slide! You’ve been so busy lately.
I have to get back into my work, Lori. I am supposed to be selling things on Etsy, and I just never got going before the troubles started. I have one more special project I am working on, but you don’t get to see it yet. 😉
In the winter, I work wrapped up in a blanket, with wooly socks on.
I’m so glad to know that I am not the only one who has to bundle up like a Wooly Mammoth in winter! My feet and legs just get too cold!
Ah Lynda!
Depression and anxiety work on all of us differently. That’s for sure. We can never fully understand what others go thru, but it helps knowing that they too are getting thru life as best they can.
When depression hits me, my brain literally shuts down & my body wants to follow suit. I could sit in one chair for the entire day and not do anything. And the anxiety would be ever increasing throughout the day. It is torturous.
And it is only thru extreme determination that I can manage those days. On a working farm, involved with Farmer’s markets, NFP organizations where others are depending upon you to function normally and with a face to the public, it is really hard at times.
But accomplishments mean that much more to u then, right?
I love your sewing projects! I am always happy to see what you have meticulously created. And thanks for sharing, so the rest of us feel normal too.
Connie
“But accomplishments mean that much more to u then, right?”
They certainly do, Connie! I am happy to share and glad to know that it helps too. xo
I absolutely LOVE long robes in almost any season (well . . . maybe not the middle of summer – but the first part, yep!), and I’ve found pretty much the same problem here: no good fleece that’s not kiddie-print. Oh well, I’m just a kid in a grown-up’s body anyway. 😆
It is frustrating, isn’t it, LubbyGirl? We’ll just have to make do. At least it’s not Dora the Explorer or Smurfs! LOL!
oh my goodness – I am SO THANKFUL for that!! I can do with ducks and kitties, but don’t make me wear Smurf. 😆
Hahaha! Nope!
Congratulations on all fronts, especially that lovely robe – teddy bears are the cuddliest things and I bet you get lots of cuddles wearing it! I’m glad that you’re quilting again. I have been in a quilting desert since breaking my back, but have spread out my unfinished wedding present project on the table as an incentive to get at it again.- the wedding was in August!
You’re doing better than me, Viv! I just delivered a gift that was two years late. 😛 I knew you were hurt, I didn’t realize it was a broken back!!! You are a very determined person, and I have no doubt that you will be back at it very soon. xo
Nothing wrong with looking like a big kid!! 🙂
Anke, it would seem that there are more than a couple in the group who feel this way! 😀
I think the robe is adorable for any age. And I’m so glad to see that you are sewing and quilting again. I’ll be looking forward to see what you’re doing with your quilt.
Lillian
Thank you, Lillian! It is small and intended to be a wall hanging for Christmas. 😀
I look forward to seeing the quilt. The robe looked very snug.
Thanks, Tom, it is very snug and warm… too warm just at the moment. 😉 The quilt is actually going to be a seasonal wall hanging!
If it took me 3 years to do a Blackwork sampler, I think 8 months to make a robe is not too bad at all. I procrastinate all the time, but once I get in to the task, I really enjoy it.
Think how much you’ve done recently in moving house – now THAT, is something to be proud of.
Victoria, that sounds like work, and it would take a long time. I cut the fabric, set it down on my telephone chair and that was it until two weeks ago. I guess the thought of being frozen all winter got me motivated! It’s nice to be able to sit down when I’m on the phone too. It only has a 5 foot cord. (ca 1950s rotary dial) 😉
Lynda. this is great news. I’m so glad that you are doing well. Your fleece robe is very cute. I would not have a problem wearing it nor would I feel guilty because the print pattern is of puppy dogs. Not many people will see you wearing it anyway and it sure does look warm. You are a talented lady. I wish that I could sew but alas it is not for me.
Thank you! Some days are better than others, Yvonne. Sometimes I can’t get anything to work out, then others it just flows! Setting in the collar on this robe was really difficult and weird. Then suddenly the instructions just popped into perspective and I got it! 😉
Bravo!
Thank you, Julie! I hope things are improving on your end. xo!
Kid’s fabric? What kid’s fabric?!
Aw… Thank you Pam! So, does yours have horses or kitties on it? 😉
Lynda, I love the title and I am glad you are happy. 🙂
Your fleece robe looks perfect for the winter, which may be early.
Best,
Angela
Thank you, Angela! I’ve been hearing that report too! I just hope it isn’t a real COLD one like in 2011. That deep cold here in the south is a harbinger of tornadic activity in spring!
I have a(nother; ) theory that your mountain analogy just reminded me of…
If: “Nature abhors an imbalance” and “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction” (there are more, but we’ve all heard them before, right?) then does it not follow that for every high there is a low to counter-balance it? Day & night, Spring & Fall, good & evil…
So by extension; the greater one’s capacity to feel love, imagine, express joy; the greater their likelihood of facing that Climb down the Mountain and out of the Gully beyond.
May your days soon be filled with the soothing rhythm of rolling hills and gentle valleys (with the soothing balm of friends’ laughter to carry you home; )
A rich and heartfelt blessing, Deb, thank you! 🙂
Oh, Lynda, I am so pleased to hear that you are regaining your joi de vivre. I suffered from severe depression for many years, and I so empathise when you speak of losing your joy in and motivation to do the things you used to enjoy. Thankfully, I found a psychiatrist who really helped me and got me onto the meds I needed and I am back to loving my life again. I wish the same to you – that life will become rich and joyful for you too.
You are so kind, Lizabetsy, thank you! I’m glad to hear that you are feeling better too!
Heeeeeeeey, Rocky!!!! Love the lunchbox! 🙂
ES, it’s not a lunchbox, per se, it is now my quilting tool box! 😉 Glad you like it!
Great news on your progress – sounds like you are a driven woman now 🙂 Keeping warm in style is important.
Never more so than this week, Annie! I tried to turn on the heater this morning and it didn’t kick in. I have a call in to the maintenance crew and they will be out bright and early Wednesday morning. Today’s high 71, tomorrow’s 65, Wednesday 55! We are being thrown into cooler weather very quickly this year. Tonight and tomorrow’s overnight temps are in the low 40s, but by Wednesday night we will be seeing frost! LOL!
Btw, everytime I read “I feel good, I knew that I would…” , I can’t help but hear the rest… (Mind you, my version’s not quite this snappy, but here he is, with his REALLY big shoe… http://youtube.com/watch?v=t08ejaQqWjY.
That was intentional, Deb. 😉 Glad you caught it!
MAN, can you believe how fast James Brown’s feet moved back then? Aoooow…!
I always loved his energy.
An absolutely amazing performer!!
About your heat being on the Fritz…. Once it gets cool enough to want some extra heat in the house, but without really “needing” the intensity of a fire or turning on the furnace; around here, it’s time to Bake your Brains Out… The heat from the oven is just enough to take the chill off (and we get the bonus of home-baked goodies, casseroles, roasted tomatoes… YUM!: )
The repair man for the STOVE comes on Thursday. He is replacing the computer panel for the SECOND time (!!!) Glad I paid for the 5 yr EXTENDED warranty on this LEMON!
OMG! Seriously?
Well, in that case, good luck (and thank goodness for the extended warrantee and full-length Teddy’s; )
Seriously. If I get 4 service calls in a 1 year period I get a new stove. I’m getting a new stove… 😉
That’s great! But, if this is a replacement under warranty, does that mean you have to get the same thing (possible lemon) again?
Or was that your own replacement rule: “four strikes and it’s outta here”?
Same brand, their rules, new model by now. 😀
Wow, talk about movin’ & shakin’ eh?: )
But hey, check out the styles too: Skinny pants and ties, short suit coat and those hair dos – talk about “everything old is new again”…
😉
Glad you are on the other side of the mountain. Been on the other side. It’s much better over. Welcome and enjoy. On another side, what’s not to love about a long teddy bear robe. Enjoy, it’s supposed to get to freezing here in the NE GA mountains this weekend.
Thank you Margaret! Yes, it is going to be freezing here in the Tennessee Valley this weekend too. When we were up on the mountain it had frozen the night before! It was freezing fog! It was eerie to see mist coming up off of the pond too.
Oh boy! A freezing fog? I sure hope you had a chance to grab the camera? Pretty sure you read Michaela’s Gardener’s Eden, right? To me, some of her most AMAZING photos are after freezing fog or hoarfrost. (Hmm, on second thought, maybe they’re the same thing?: )
If you’re really in a pinch, what about your dehumidifier? They kick off a fair amount of heat; )
I wouldn’t know about the difference between them, but I do know we don’t get anything like Michaela’s Hoarfrost. I would like to see that someday. Don’t own a dehumidifier here…
However, the oven and heat are now FIXED! 😀
Yippee for heat!! : D. Have you gotten the cold they were forecasting?
We had sleet up here yesterday (and it looks like more tonight) so we picked bunches of green cherry tomatoes ’til I thought my fingers would break off from the cold…
It is blowing in right now! Brrr… though I am sure not as cold as where you are! 😉
I am so glad you feel good Lynda and we can feel it reading you.. buying the new Farmlet has been a nice way to surpass yourself. I love your long robe and you will be warm this winter.
I love kilting too Lynda and you shoud see my desk, just the same as yours with the green board etc.. it’s is really funny.
We are waiting your piece of art!!
Chantal, I didn’t know you quilted too. How lovely! Have you ever shared any of your quilted projects on your blog? I am hand quilting this project for the practice in hand quilting. It is a small item and will take a bit of time, though not too long. 😀
No Lynda because my blog is about my village and around but before I had a blog with a lot of stuff! I do’nt post anything more on it.
Hope you won’t be too long to share your word 😆
Oooh, too bad. I would have liked to see some of your work. 🙂
Yes, I am working on my piece as we converse… well, sort of! Hahaha!
So glad to see that you are feeling better. Hopefully we can see you at quilting some time soon? Anyways, if you can’t maybe I can schedule some together sewing time.
Mirna, I have been thinking about the quilting guild. A LOT. I had so much fun and could learn so much by being there! I would like to meet with you and the others. Is it still on Mondays? Thanks! 😀
Your robe looks like a snuggly hug. It seems the adult fleece is all sports teams. Quilting again! I don’t have a clue how you find the time for that with all the rest you have going on.
Thank you, Patti! The trick is, that I can only get up the mountain once a week. 😛
thanks so much for answering my question about the tree I saw recently on a trip I took. For some reason your comment did not come to my email.
I did look up the tree on google. Some really great images.
I have been looking through your blog. WOW! you sure have taken on a big job of renovations. We are doing our bathroom and it seems so overwhelming. Kudos to you and your hubby. Good luck and thanks again.
You are welcome and thank you, Carrie! It is a big undertaking, but if we expect to recoup our expenditures, and move into the old homestead for our retirement, well then, we just have to knuckle down and get the job done! We’re learning so much as we go and it is getting easier too.
Good luck with your bathroom (will there be pictures?) and thanks for visiting! 😀
Lynda, I did not know that you have suffered from depression, yet you stated what I always say is one of the number one signs: lost of intesest / motivation to do the things that you love or make you happy.
I’m so glad you are getting to the other side of that mountain. How have I missed your posts about it? Are there some that you recommend I check out?
I’ve also been asking my favorite bloggers to point me in the direction of favorite blogs that I might have missed these past 2 weeks while I have been in and am recovering from the accident. I have much to catch up on!
You are a marvel and an inspiration to me!
LB, You didn’t miss them. I just don’t talk about it much. 😉 I had started another blog to work out this mess, but found it difficult to do… the talking about it.
It is a scary disorder, an insidious malefactor, the way it creeps up on you bit by bit, and then, there it is; Sitting on you.
As the days get shorter I find myself feeling some of those same old feelings and I am working on, making a conscious effort towards, forward momentum. I am trying to overcome this without drugs. The meds made me feel wooden and dead inside. I honestly think it was weaning myself off the medication that got me here. 😦 (Why I took the medication will be evident in the first post.)
https://pixilatedtoo.wordpress.com/2011/10/17/ephemera/
https://pixilatedtoo.wordpress.com/2012/07/12/out-with-it-my-phobia-has-a-name/
https://pixilatedtoo.wordpress.com/2013/01/17/4729/
https://pixilatedtoo.wordpress.com/2012/12/21/winter-weather-a-swinging-solstice/
Ahem, sorry you asked? 😀