Monday, October 22, 2007

I'm back...

...from the brink of despair, from a wretched abyss of emotional pain, from Bend, Oregon. You knew I'd be back, right? After all, I am a "journaler" at heart, so it is my wont to write down things, to think on paper/computer screen.

Before moving on, I want to thank you for all your comments and personal emails in response to my last post. Friends really do multiply joys and divide sorrows. I haven't said a lot about Rosie on this blog, but she was the "Dog of My Life." There WILL be other dogs, of course, but the next one will probably be "Brian's dog." It will be awhile before I can devote the time, emotions and energy to a puppy; at this time in my life my higher priority is to be Brian's mommy.

Last weekend I was signed up for a Christian womens' retreat in Bend, OR. I was prepared to cancel when Rosie got sick, but decided to go after we had to put her down. Figured I was more likely to be distracted from the aching void Rosie left behind while off somewhere else, listening to inspiring speakers and being with a bunch of nice women. Twas true. It was a good retreat, in a beautiful setting, that kept me thinking mostly of things other than my sweet dog. The suite I shared with seven others looked out on a small river, and on both Saturday and Sunday mornings I got up early with a friend and went for long, brisk walks before breakfast. The view from our room (there was a dusting of snow on the ground Saturday morning!):
Some photos taken on our Sunday morning walk:

While in meetings, I knitted. It's a wonderful way to listen without getting sleepy. Before leaving home I had bound off my lacy shawl, so I took the rest of the yarn from Becca and a pattern I found for lacy fingerless gloves so I could have a matching ensemble. I finished two pair, and a ribbed headband! (Photos later; my camera batteries are charging and I still need to weave in ends.)

The fingerless gloves were knit on double-pointed needles, the first project I've done on DPs start to finish. I may actually feel brave enough to try socks now -- but don't hold your breath. There's a sweater pattern I want to try first. :-)

That's it for now from . . .

7 comments:

Woodland Woolworks said...

Wow, what a beautiful place to get away from it all. Glad you were able to find some peace here, maybe seeing something of such beauty helps to contemplate the beauty and grace of Rosie, and the gift of her life in yours.

PS - I thought I saw you in here! I agree, buying something while your heart is breaking seems somehow sacrilegious.

Diane

Kathy said...

I'm glad you're feeling better, my friend. You know I hope we all helped you stand upright, leaning on our thoughts and prayers. You were lucky to have such a wonderful friend like Rosie. I know she'll be keeping a watch on you.

Windyridge said...

Beautiful photos and I loved the one with the white mountain in the background. Just gorgeous.

Sharon said...

Delay socks as long as possible - has no one told you how addicting they are?! Glad for the timing of the retreat and the healing balm of Gilead. I found the hardest time afterwards was when I came home to the deafening sound of silence. What a grace that we are able to enjoy that human/canine relationship. They look up to us unconditionally. Actually, I'm a cat person ;-)

Nancy K. said...

What beautiful photographs of a beautiful place! I wish I could go there. I'm happy for you that the retreat came at a time when you could so use the time away from home and sad thoughts.

Take care

shepherdchik said...

Welcome back Michelle

shepherdchik said...

Welcome back Michelle