I know that many, many people are suffering beyond anything I will ever know. It feels so very selfish to grieve my own losses.
I could count my blessings into infinity and am sometimes overwhelmed by the gifts the Lord has given me . From being a frightened orphaned child to now having the constant love of a family, I wouldn't trade my circumstances for the world! From my experience I have learned to hold on to love with both hands...and I do! As a child I dreamed of this life, something that seemed so unattainable; Love. Family. Home.
Nonetheless, with great joy comes great sorrow. There is no way around it.
So it is with these thoughts that I come to you. The friends with whom I share a common bond. Love of home. The joy of creating peace and comfort and beauty to be shared with those you love. Is there no greater medicine?
I look forward to sharing my passion with you. I choose to step away from my grief, to cling to the blessings that made the grief worthwhile. No longer imprisoned by my grief and sadness,
At first, I tentatively test the cage door...I discover it has been open all along. I fling the doors wide open and allow the light to come streaming in...
Aviary found on Craigsist for a song! (See what I did there?)
It is old but I cannot discern as to whether or not it is an antique. It stands 5' 4" tall!
It will most likely be painted. Dove grey, perhaps?
Inspiration: Aviary at Waddesdon Manor, England. It is in the Palladian style, as is the Craigslist aviary.
xoxo
Andie
I'm so happy for you Andie...you are blessed and the fact that you are grateful speaks volumes. Best of luck with everything.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you Andie in so many ways, for your losses, for your strength and for sharing your joys with all of usAs for your cage I love it! Why paint it? It looks beautiful just the why it is chips and all. Another great find my friend.
ReplyDeleteXX
Debra~
Gosh Andie you sure have endured a lot this past year. I am so very sorry. I hope 2012 looks bigger and brighter. I do LOVE that birdcage!
ReplyDeleteAndie I am so sorry to hear about your beloved Frannie...I am so behind on my blogs. I know exactly what you are going through. I am also very sorry about your other losses. Life always gives us crosses to bare..I know I have had quite a few and still do.
ReplyDeleteI love love the bird cage. You find the best stuff!!!!
Blessings and much love to you for 2012!
Pamela xoxo
Sending you hugs and prayers wrapped up with warm happy wishes for the new year. May you find peace and quiet comfort knowing you are not alone. Your bird cage is magnificent by the way. What a gorgeous statement piece to own. That is a fantastic find my friend :) Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteDivine - I want to make a comment here but I just don't know what to say.
ReplyDeleteDon't ever feel guilty about grieving - it's a very necessary stage one has to go through before you start to see the light. I can't believe what a terrible year you have had, but your positivity and zest for life always comes through on your blog. Love always, Sharon PS Great birdcage - please show us wher you are going to put it.
ReplyDeleteI so sorry for your loss, and my thoughts are with you. Love the birdgage...great find!!
ReplyDeleteI too am sorry to hear of the losses you've suffered this past year. It is not selfish to grieve; it's simply human. It is also possible to give God thanks for his gifts while experiencing sadness.
ReplyDeleteYou're a strong woman with a great attitude and a faith in God. Thank you for being a good example for others!
Oh I had no idea!! No wonder you've been a dervish of activity. I think any plans you have for this bird cage will be magnificent as always. What a find - 5'4"! It must be for seriously large birds!
ReplyDeleteYou've been through a lot, it's okay to grieve. I admire your attitude though, to focus on the present and on what you have. It will carry you through.
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love the birdcage, regardless or not it is an antique. I would get it if I were you. Paint it a soft greeny blue. A dear friend of mine always said that the birdcage door should always remain open (symbolically).
Do Not feel guilty for grieving - It is ok to release your emotions. You have dealt with a lot the last year.
ReplyDeleteLove, love the birdcage!
Have a great weekend.
Andie, you are so strong I hope you realize that. I am here for you always!
ReplyDeleteIt is very important to both grieve and to heal.
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Ahhhhhh....Andie dear, you are marvelous. Yes, I spend my days in Narnia, but often bump heads with the Snow Queen, that witch of sorts that rears her ugly head at me through STRESS! But Narnia too has its challenges. I love your philosophy and yep, no one really, when all is said and done, can stop us. ENJOY THE RIDE!!!!!! Anita
ReplyDeleteTime heals Andie, as you know only too well with the experiences you have had and although these experiences make us stronger they are never easy to get through. I love your home and the projects that you take on. The birdcage is superb.
ReplyDeleteDearest Andie,
ReplyDeleteI knew of the passing of your friend and your
sweet pets, but knew nothing of the miscarriages.
I am so very sorry. Way too much for one special
lady to endure. I don't even have the words to say
to you... it just isn't right. We are all here for
you... time will heal, that I do know.
Be strong and have faith. That's what always
gets me through the worst of times.
May God bless you and may this new year bring you
much happiness.
xoxox
Alison
Love the cage. :)
Andie,
ReplyDeleteWish I had your phone number to call you right now. You need to run and turn on the tv and watch DIY Network.
Channel 249 here... there is a show called The Bronson Pinchot Project. He, the actor, is renovating an old white farmhouse and is using architectural French, Greek, Roman, Italian, etc. ruin- looking pieces to do so.
Has "Andie" written all over it.
Check it out or save it on your TV to watch it.
YOU would love it.
A :)
I am so sorry for what you have endured last year and I do hope that 2012 is a beacon of hope and light for you. Andie you are obviously very brave and strong and you are allowed to grieve. Good luck with your beautiful aviary .... I think you will breathe new life into it. My best wishes always Frances xxxxx
ReplyDeleteDear Andie, grieving is a natural process and if we lose someone dear we need to go through it to be healthy later. It is good to hear that you are coming out of it now, into the light.
ReplyDeleteThe aviary is FANTASTIC! If I ever go on a treasure hunt, I am taking you with me, because you have a knack for finding unique treasures.
Ms. Divine. What a wonderful heart felt, beautiful and divine post. Your cage is beautiful, as are you. I am so sorry for your sad year. They say that the Lord never gives us more than we can stand, I often doubt that. Also is said, that, that does not kill us, makes us stronger. That one I believe. I am so thankful that you do have a loving family. Keep that in mind, as I only really have Sissy Dog. I have siblings, but no one close, they are so busy and have little time, what with there extended family. I lost a very dear friend this year, she did not die, but meet a love. He is her life now and I'm just there sometimes. I lost my Sissy Dog a couple of years ago and the pain is still strong. It does get better, but seems like it won't. A lot of people in the world have troubles and it is good to have friends, family and loved ones to lean on. I have never meet you, but feel we have a compassion there. Please feel free to lean on me any time. I just wanted to say, you are a beautiful person and are much loved. Be thankful for that sweet child you have and when and if there is to be another, it will happen. With much compassion. Richard from My Old Historic House. PS. That cage would look much better at my house, don't you think so?LOve and Sissy kisses.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful birdcage! You find the most incredible items-or do they find you?
ReplyDeleteAll of us struggle with loss, grief and putting the past at the feet of God. Some of us have experienced grief like yours, and truly, it takes a lot to even type those words, much less make sense as to why.
I am certain GOOD THINGS are in store for you, Andie! They are on their way...oh yes they are.
I'm so happy to hear that you are healing from the stages of grief you have been moving through... it is a process... a necessary one...
ReplyDeleteI Love the new Cage, you find the greatest things on Craig's List... may this acquisition be a reminder to keep your Spirit free and not caged. Hugs from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian
Andie - I wish I knew what to say. I'm glad that you are feeling better and I hope that there is a, if not consistent, a steady upward trend. We have had some of the same experiences and I've found that grief has a way of circling back, but over time (and I do mean years) it softens and takes less of a toll each time it visits. All I can say is that, for someone I've emailed and talked on the phone with only a few times, I keep a hopeful place in my thoughts for you.
ReplyDeleteIs it out of line to say that I saw your recently painted dining room armoire on Craigslist and am excited to see what is happening in its place?
And Richard may have called first dibs on the Aviary if it every moves out of your home, but I would try to beat him to it. It is beautiful and I love what it means to you. I've collected bird cages for years - though my former therapist would probably have a field day with that (the way she did with the five empty glass urns that were bought and left barren on my mantel for several years after my last - fifth - miscarriage. No, I hadn't seen the symbolism until she pointed it out. She inadvertantly caused several decorating changes after that).
All the best to you and your family.
Cris
I've seen your written words before and have had great admiration for you. You are a beautiful woman, inside and out. I am sorry you are hurting and have had a tough year. I will keep you in my thoughts. xoxo.
ReplyDeleteMy sister (her husband died a year ago age 43 )and I was just talking about how death of our loved ones, makes us not ourself the rest of our life we greive & suffer every day . I said we have got to stop this . My lesson last sunday from a science & physic s teacher said death will come to all of us , ourselfs our children our grandchildren, he didn't mention our pets so I did.anyway it finally hit me between my eyes(because we know this) yes this will happen to all of us so I need to quit this grieving& suffering and and just know it's how it i, I mean the way God has it ( It stll hurts) I have told my children don't suffer & grieve when I am gone (they assured me they won't)
ReplyDeleteOMG your bird cage is wonderful like it is or if you paint it , fabulous
Beautiful words from a beautiful person. Too much pain for one heart. I'm sad for you for your loss. The cage ~ exquisite and perfect for you home.
ReplyDeleteYou've been through more then most people will be go through in their lifetime. Hang in there. Things will turn around.
ReplyDelete