Monday, May 12, 2025

Re "focus"


Hi Friends, I've been absent from the blog for this last month after a back "situation" that has been with me for quite awhile worsened with a minor injury. I had lower back surgery in 2021, and even though I've recovered I still have lingering effects from not only that, but a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis in 2023.



MG is a neuromuscular autoimmune based disease that causes the nerve-muscle junction to be compromised which results in mobility issues, chronic pain, and a mixed bag of other fun symptoms. Because of drug allergies I'm limited to the basic meds, while treatments that can work wonders for many people aren't available to me.

After a lot of time and prayer I know that I need to step back from blogging. I love blogging and as many of your know, I've been at it for 16 years and through many health problems. If you blog, you know it's a lot of work. Not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Over the last few years I've not been able to do much physically and since I focus on vintage décor, the constant change up for seasons and holidays has become difficult even with my wonderful husband doing the heavy work. 

It's hard to "refocus" after this many years but it's become evident that I need to. I'll still be around to visit a bit but I need to take it easy and avoid any and all kinds of self imposed "stress". Isn't that the way it usually goes? We put more stress on ourselves than any thing else. 

I could have just "not blogged" but many of you are real friends and I always want to be transparent, instead of you wondering why I dropped off the map. I've had to keep this short, otherwise I could write a book. I'm not 100% sure of what will come, but for the foreseeable future I'm going to take it easy and rest. Thankyou for being with me all this time. Love to all of you. 



24 comments:

  1. Just take of yourself. I'll miss you, but your health is more important. You will be in my prayers.

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    1. Thankyou so much Ellen. I so appreciate your prayers!

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  2. Oh Debra, I'll miss you. I completely get it. I have all these big plans and dreams with blogging. It's tons of work and stress. Your health is so important. If you want to stay in touch email me at cjmctigue@optonline.net. Sending hugs

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    1. Thankyou Cindy. I know you understand where I'm coming from. Thanks for the sweet note!

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  3. I am so sorry and will be praying for you. Even in your pain you still encourage me and refocusing is a great idea. Will miss your lovely photos and blog. Big hugs

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    1. I will miss our fun with LOL and all the connections with vintage lovin' friends. I'll still be reading, know for sure. Cindy, you're a breath of fresh air and fun ideas. I've really enjoyed being a part of your groups. Thanks for including me!

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  4. Debra, I am wishing you real results in your efforts to refocus. Peace of mind and body are gifts we can give ourselves, yet why is it so hard? Declaring this on Mother's Day is certainly an excellent time to so! Even though I'm still nurturing a young garden, I hope to scale back on my efforts in this fourth year. I'm paying new debts for physical things I've already done this year - stupid things. We should all read this post again, let it sink in, and take heed. Be well, my friend. And Happy Mother's Day.

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    1. So funny that you'd say "stupid things". I've hurt my back over and over by doing things I know I shouldn't do, but used to. I've appreciated your friendship and encouragement these last few years. Your garden is a thing of beauty and I'm amazed at your wealth of knowledge. Happy Mother's Day to you, Rita.

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  5. I've followed your blog from the beginning and have always enjoyed it. Will miss your posts. Please take care of yourself and know that we're praying for you.

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    1. Thankyou Dawn for leaving a sweet comment. I really appreciate your prayers!

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  6. You will be missed, take care. Melynda @scratchmadefood!

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    1. Thankyou Melynda, I appreciate you leaving a sweet note!

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  7. Hi Debra. Sometimes life takes hold of us and there is not a lot of time for other things like blogging. I have had my blog as long as you and I had to step back a little bit too. When I had my bigger houses years ago I could do a lot of special change ups. Now in a ranch home I do not change things up as much as I use too. I just blog when I have something to share. The friendships made over the years are what compel me to continue just on a more limited basis. I hope you will post on occasion so we can keep in touch with you. Hugs. Kris

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    1. Kris, you've been one of my longest blogging friends. I applaud you for being able to blog as you do. I'll be by to visit when you post. big hugs!

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  8. Please take care of yourself and feel better soon. I will miss your blogs.

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    1. thanks so much for leaving a note of encouragement!

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  9. Hi Debra, I recently found your vintage blog & joined probably this year. I am sorry for the illness
    & pain you go through. I am including you in prayers for your health. I have pains here & there with a lot of arthritis & (meds control the RA), so I am fortunate there. Well, I certainly enjoyed the little bit I have learned of your likes on here, but if your site will stay open, I could read & catch up on your many years of vintage blogging. Our oldest daughter tells me I am stuck in the past, but my entire life I have had a love for old, decorative architecture, ornate doors, & woodwork, & have lived my life with antique furniture, lamps, linens, along with decor, etc. And I just don't care to give the 'great vintage/antique' stuff up. It makes me feel at home, comfortable. Please rest & treat yourself well. God bless you! Terri

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    1. Hi Terri, thanks so much for your kind words. Yes, my blog will stay up, so I'd love to have you come and check out the past posts. Both my daughters decorate different than me, but appreciate my love for vintage and antiques, although they are more minimalist. I'm hoping your RA continues to be controlled well, they have so many good meds for RA. Thankyou for taking time to leave a sweet note.

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  10. Oh Debra, I am so grateful that you shared this with us and didn't just vanish into the ether. And deeply saddened that things have progressed to a point where refocusing isn't just an option but really an important self-care choice. I do understand the stress that feeling one must write or share can add to a person. I've always said, "we own the blog; the blog doesn't own us," but sometimes that is difficult to remember. While I will miss you blog terribly -- your beautiful decor (I was glad to hear you will remain online so I am sure I'll revisit past posts) -- and all you share, I know you are doing exactly the right thing. I also hope that IF (and ONLY if) you ever feel so inclined to just check in and say hello in this space, that you will do so, knowing you don't need to share a single photo!

    Blogging brings us friends we don't ever see in person and I'm pleased to have counted you as a friend in the past and nothing changes about that now. Please take care of you, find joy in your life as you move forward. And if you ever feel inclined to visit, you know you will be welcomed with open arms.

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  11. Debra, I'm late to this post and sad to read that you are suffering with back pain. You most definitely need to step back and take care of your health. Yes, blogging takes a lot of time and energy, especially when one posts as you do. I will miss reading your thoughts and seeing what you are up to. Your home is always a delight. Please take care of your self. I consider you a dear friend, Debra.

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  12. Thinking of you with love, and prayers for health. You have brightened my day through out the years, and I have always loved your posts and style. Enjoy the summer and rest of the year! Thank you for the update.

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  13. Oh Debra! I’m just seeing this now. I’ve been wondering about you and missing your posts. I usually catch you at the link ups and regret not seeing this sooner. You are doing the right thing although I know you miss the blog. Please take care of yourself. That’s the most important thing. You are in my thoughts and prayers friend. Now that I know, I’ll visit, poke around and revisit old posts. That the great thing about vintage, it never goes out of style. Stay well. XO/ MaryJo

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  14. Oh, Debra... I had wondered why I hadn't seen any new posts and I did notice that you weren't coming over for SYS. Well, I hear you. I basically retired this year because of a number of things, one of which is this hip which was injured in the tripping episode last fall. I am tired a lot and my doctor was looking at my thyroid last fall when Charles lost his job. Now that he is back to work, I can set up appointments again, but will probably have to start over with some of the process (eye roll). I turned in my online paperwork for Social Security, but will still try to work part-time.

    I totally understand. I'm sorry you aren't feeling well. That stinks because I know you really enjoy decorating for the seasons. Charles gets boxes down for me and puts them back, but we won't be able to do that forever. Please take care of yourself and if you feel like sporadically posting, or on Instagram, we will find you! Prayers for you and your family as you weather through this time. <3 I've loved reading your posts and love your sweet lambs. <3

    Love, hugs, and prayers,
    Barb <3

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  15. Oh Debra, I'm so sorry to see this. I do understand. Over the years, your blog has been such an inspiration to me. I hope to see you in little snippets on Instagram. I hope that you feel much better soon. Back pain is terrible. I'll keep you in my prayers.

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