Looking Back

Well, 2022 has been an unusual year -- it brought me a surprising diagnosis of stage IV breast cancer. Medical stuff really overwhelms everything else.  Normal life is interrupted by external schedules and appointments and medication cycles, and after a while that's what becomes 'normal.'  Sigh.  So far, so good with treatment.  My bones are bad, my hair is sad, but otherwise: onward. 

The year turns.  The world continues, despite my struggles with loss of control. The grandkids are adorable and thriving.  We've been in this little house for nearly two years already -- that time has flown by!  We are cherishing time spent with family.

Of note, appreciable progress has been made with decluttering.  When we moved from the mountains, we downsized our home but did not downsize the STUFF that we brought along.  Finally this year it has been emotionally possible to let go of things from the past.  Each load that gets taken to the donation center feels like a triumph.  Life here is OK, adequate and safe, but very urban and impersonal -- not bad, just not friendly.  In any case, I've regained my equilibrium as a homemaker.  

I finished 21 quilts this year, and actually I'm surprised that it was that many.  Even when I have an idea or an inspiration, I lose momentum.  I would comment that while this slowdown is partly due to health issues, it is also very much related to aging in general: to a lessened sense of urgency and motivation, and to a different outlook about the present moment and the future.  Embroidery has become a convenient way for me to fill time and spend creative energy -- I do enjoy having color in my life.  As my final 2022 tally, I only have 5 tops and 2 block sets remaining in my quiltmaking UFO queue.  With increasing frequency now I think about discontinuing blogging.  I feel like I don't have much to say anymore.  Still pondering that decision ... meanwhile still just going with the flow.

So: enough of 2022.

***************