Brace yourselves... it's a big one!

Life has been silly busy. A garden running riot with all the sunshine...
end of year treats for the beautiful boy...
...stitchy commissions and gifts for friends...
I do love a bit of calming blanket stitch....
and sunshine parties with glamorous girls....
...with knock-out jelly tipples for the grown ups!
But alongside all of this happy activity there has been so much more besides. Come with me for a walk to the top of the garden. Through the Beech hedge we planted when we first arrived here...
...past the Willows I planted as an arbour but which somehow decided to become a tree....
Looking over to the birch copse we planted many years ago and which has provided many a happy den-building afternoon...
...through the Rowans to the big climbing oaks.
 We are in the top meadow and here is the big thing which has been keeping me busy the last year and absorbing my time and energy... in early Spring this board arrived at the top of our garden amongst the Sloe blossom...
and just a couple of weeks ago it finally changed to this...
So, I'm thinking you'll need a cup of tea now? Come with me back down through the garden all the way to the blue front door...
Come in one last time and make yourselves at home for a cuppa...
I have been so grateful to so many of you who have noticed my absences from my blog this last year. I have found it difficult to visit and share only a small part of the huge events which have been taking place in our little world. Ready for that cup of tea?
Now that the house is sold my husband and I are being kept busy separating over 20 years of life together. Divorce is a messy business and not something any parent would lightly choose for their child. But we are sensible people and we are managing in a civil and grown up way to focus on the one little person who matters most in all of this.
Thank-you all for following me and knowingly or unknowingly supporting me through what has been a difficult year. I am not one for wearing my heart on my sleeve and I will not be talking about these things again.
In the inimitable words of Forrest Gump... "that's all I have to say about that.".
So, the lavender harvest is in and soon there will be a new beginning as the beautiful boy and I move to our lovely new cottage with so many exciting new memories to be made and to be shared. I hope you will come along with us. t.xx

Comments

MoniCue said…
I am so touched by the beauty of craft, nature, home-making and motherly love you have continued to share during a time--a long time-- when you must be feeling sadness and loss. Whatever the reason, whoever makes the choice, divorce is difficult. The strength of mothers keeps the world on its axis. Blessings to you.
Jenn M said…
Good luck. Everything will work out for the best, even though you have had some major bumps on the road. Half way across the world a stranger to you is wishing you well.
Jenn
Very sad news for you and that you have to leave your beautiful home but it obviously time for you to move on to pastures new and for someone else to enjoy the house and turn it into their home whilst you shall be doing the same thing in your new cottage. I shall be wishing you all the best x
Anonymous said…
Sending you warm thoughts. That just can't be easy.

You did make me smile with the jellie-tipples though. We call them jello shots.

Keep your chin up.
The sewing room said…
So sorry to hear your news,life is difficult at times but stay strong and look forward to the future and a new road to go down and a new house to make a fresh start.

Hugs Pat
Ingrid said…
I share MoniCue's sentiments-well done you!Take care & wishing you all the best.x
Frances said…
I really found this post very eloquent and quite touching. I wish you well in the days, weeks, months and all those years to come. You do seem to me to be a rather remarkable woman.

xo
Dearest T.. it is 6.a.m and I am reading this through a veil of tears. Though I have known of your plight... it is hard to read those words..divorce.. separation..etc.
It must have taken great courage to write but I have always thought of you as Superwoman.. capable of anything!
What a difficult time you have had, but I am certain that you will build a wonderful new life with beautiful boy and will not look back on this chapter as a failure.
Go forth my friend and be happy.. you so deserve to be!

MXXX
Life can be tough and seem very unfair at times, but you will come out the other side smiling. I seperated from my kids father 3 years ago and at the time thought I just would not be able to cope with a 5 and 2 year old. You do cope, its what Mums were put here to do. I hope you find much happiness in your wonderful new home, and remember, life isnt always that bad. With much love Amanda.....x
A time to dance said…
Oh T ...how beautifully put, I felt I was walking up to those trees with you....I feel very moved by your words and pictures...I imagine you at the top of the meadow looking out...at a new future, new adventures , a new road ahead...bless you my friend...thinking of you...love H
KC'sCourt! said…
Tears are falling down my face after reading this. Keep looking forward, don't look back. Look to that new adventure. I wish you and beautiful young man well.
Julie xxxxxxx
Penny said…
Beautifully and poignantly put. The end of an era but with a future to look forward to with your beautiful boy. Wishing you so much luck in your new home xxx
Niki Fretwell said…
Hi T,
As you leave your homemade house in the countryside with all its memories, I wish you all the very best in making new ones with BB in your own little cottage. I know that you will make it a wonderful place for him to grow up in and you will find what it is you need to make your life complete too.
Look after yourselves and I hope that we'll be able to come and visit once you are settled in you new (old!) cottage.
Thinking of you lots during this difficult time - Love to you and BB,
Niki xx
Heather said…
Thinking of you and your beautiful boy, and wishing you happiness in your new cottage.
Much love ♥ xxx
Bigbluebed said…
It is sad leaving a house, and seperating. But goodbye sad thoughts and hello lovely new life in your cottage.
Wishing all three of you the best of futures even though you are going separate ways.
silverpebble said…
Teena, this is the bravest thing I have read in a very long time. I'm thinking of you. I hope the thoughts of your new little place and the wonderful things you'll do with it are keeping you going. Love, Emma x
Lark said…
Stay strong T, I know it has been a difficult year for you, but it's a gift that you can see the beauty in life too. xxx

PS I am coming to UK for a few days in September, I would love to see you for a cuppa if you are around.
Unknown said…
I am sitting here crying my eyes out big time - as I know what it is like to go through what your little family has.

The hardest part is making the decision in the first place - then there is the turmoil, upheaval, sadness, bewilderment, doubts, but now that you can see the light at the end of the corridor, and once you are in your very own cottage which I am sure you will make beautiful - you will feel a huge contented 'sigh', peace, tranquility, which will soon turn in to pure exquisite joy, and contentment. I am typing this through very blurred vision now, walking that walk around your garden - as I have done with you, sitting watching the beautiful boy in his den, sitting in the shade on a hot summer's day with you, collecting windfall apples......treasured memories. I hope that one day I will have the privilege of visiting your new home and sharing your new joy.

Yes YOUR new home, their is something utterly and completely special when you get YOUR OWN home, and YOUR OWN LIFE - it's not selfish feeling that feeling - it's something we all need - the feeling of self worth and just for once to put ourself top of the 'things to do list' rather than at the bottom as is often the case.

Bless you.

Off to blow my nose!
violet ~ creme said…
Oh my goodness, I am so sorry to read about your news, and selling your lovely house too. It must be such a difficult time for you.

Take care of yourself. x
RosieB said…
I so admire you for keeping the blog through such a difficult time and I look forward to reading about your new life in the cottage.

All good wishes and positive vibes coming your way x
Sal said…
So beautifully written!
I wish you all the best for your new life in your new abode. I'm sure, like everyone else who reads your blog, I'll enjoy your journey!
My motto is 'Look forward' . Having been in a similar situation myself , that's what I've tried to do!!
Big hugs to you all ;-) x
Clare Carter said…
Well lovely Teena.What a dignified way to change your life in such a huge way. I will indeed be hanging around to see how you and your gorgeous boy get on and I am glad that the house is now sold as that would have been a huge emotional hurdle.As I said before-I wished I lived closer and that bottle of red would help with the packing but I expect those boxes are now sorted. I wish you buckets of smiles in your new cottage and the adventures ahead.Clarexxxxxxxxx
Anonymous said…
I've just joined your blog a few weeks ago, I'm sad to hear of your divorce. Sometimes the worst part of separation is the leaving a happy home you've grown to love. I'm sure you'll both be happy in your new abode, and i for one will be happy to keep you company!
Good Luck :)
OhSoVintage said…
I am so sorry to read that you are divorcing but another door is opening for you and your son and I wish you both lots of happiness in this next chapter of your life.
Carol said…
Sorry to hear your news but wish you and your son every happiness in your new home.
Bobo Bun said…
Just got home and found your post T. Even knowing what you were going to say I still had a lump in my throat. Glad you've written this post now it's moving forward time. Incredibly poignant. Big hugs my friend.

XXXXX
Wishing you, and your little one all the best in your new home.
This is somthing I have been through too, but everything will be OK, and as they say "one door shuts, but another one opens".
Hugs ((( )))

Sharon xx
Lyn said…
It must be hard to leave such a beautiful home but good luck in your new cottage and new life.
Love
Lyn
xxx
So sorry to hear of your divorce and home sale. Your cottage is so pretty, but I know you will do the same to a new home. It really is fun to move into a new home and start fresh!
Jeannie B. said…
This is the first time to visit you and I feel like I came while you were packing!! I will look forward to your exciting new adventure and your creative posts. I love gardens and stitching. Not so much the cooking anymore but I love kitchens and other people cooking!!
As the saying goes Things happen from a reason and it will work out good in the end :) I really love your house with the red brick and the blue woodwork but Im sure your new cottage will be as pretty, and if it isnt you sure will make it pretty once you move in and make it your home. I wish you all the luck in the whole with your move and I do hope you will share snippets of your new home with us all :)

All things nice...
Gilly Tee said…
Good luck to you and your beautiful boy for your new life.
Gillxx
Anonymous said…
I have just found you -- I do struggle with blog hopping disease but maybe I was meant to find you right now just so that I can add my best wishes as you start the next chapter of your life
Kindest Regards Linda
Thedarkerside73 said…
How brave you are. I wish you and your beautiful boy good luck for the future. And that the sun shines in your life again.

Take care


MBB x
Kathleen said…
Thank you very much for the joy & beauty that you share with us. I know your great capacity will help you through the tumult ahead. I wish you all the very best, and send you virtual love and strength.
andamento said…
A beautifully written post.

I wish you good luck and happy times in your new home & life.

Anne.
Funkymonkey said…
Good luck and much happiness.

Tracey
tea and cake said…
Best wishes to you, and your boy, in your new home and life. Keep us posted, we miss you when you're not here. xx
Thank you so much for opening your home to us. Your photos have always been inspiring to me.

I wish you happiness and success in the next chapter of your life.

Lisa x
Karoline said…
So sorry to hear your news. Wishing you every happiness in your new life.
Debbie said…
Gosh I am so sorry. I don't get here often and I don't even know if this is the first time you have spoken of this? I have too been through a divorce, when my kids were 5 and 7 years old. I commend the way you are dealing with this...it was almost like a death for me...there really IS a grieving process and I tried to sail right through it...WRONG to do so but I eventually was ok. As long as children know they are loved and they don't hear bickering and hate, they will be ok and I think you have already figured that out. I wish I had that insight when mine happened. My kids suffered because of my bitterness and his. Today they are pretty cool kids and very loving but it did affect them. I have loved coming here and will continue to follow your adventures! Many prayers going out to you and your child. My higher power is what gets me through it all. You are an inspiration!
Anonymous said…
I raise my glass to you to celebrate your new beginning. May it be full of love, inspiration, family, creativity, and beauty.

Sarah :)
So sorry to read about you divorcing after 20 years of marriage. I got divorced after 18 years of marriage and as you say it is messy, especially when a child is involved. I have since re-married and am very happy now. You must be sad to be leaving your beautiful home after all the effort you put in to it but as you say, you will start a new life with new memories. Your new cottage will be made in to a beautiful home. I wish you well on your new journey. You sound like an optimist and I am sure a positive outlook will help you.
Thank you for sharing what must have been a difficult post for you.
Take care
Isabelle x
Ooh that's Nice! - Natalie said…
Hi,
Just read your sad post...although it may not seem like it at the moment.....there will be happy days again! Spending time with your beautiful boy. Your dignity is inspiring!
Take Care & remember there are people out there who care!!!
Natalie
XXX
vanessa said…
I don't follow blogs but I have about 5 saved as favourites which I look at every couple of days and your is one of them.
I'm sorry to hear your news and grateful for the pictures you have posted this year knowing how hard things have been for you (you do post beautiful things to look at).

I did it too...when my son was 4 .Now I am remarried to a gorgeous Englishman (we met in London) and couldn't be happier.I missed my house from that marriage too for a long time. Now I have another house....a bit daggier..but so much happier!!

Take care (Vanessa-Australia) xx
Carole said…
Hi there,
My name is Carole and i live in Rossendale Lancs. I often read your blogs, link from Lucy at Attic24.
I just had to comment on this sad blog. I really hope your new cottage will be cosy and full of happiness. And i will definately be following your lovely blogs.
Take care & lots of luck in your new home.
Love Carole from Rossendale xxxx
I'm all choked up! What a sad time this must be... Your post breaks my heart. But I wish you the very best luck on your new adventures...I'm sure you have many great times ahead with your son!
Idas House said…
hi,

I have only just found your blog from Fiona (High Fibre)

I have been steering my little ship with three crew members and there is life love and buckets of creativity after divorce.

Be strong, always act with integrety and good this will come your way.

Best regards,

Jayne
Twiggy said…
That is sad news, take your happy memories and your beautiful boy and remember the good stuff. I'm sure wherever you go you'll soon be making more happy memories. Wishing you lots of luck.
twiggy x
The Curious Cat said…
Ah I see...so sad...I'm so sorry. I'm totally one for wearing my heart on my sleeve and I'm always in awe of those who don't - I wish I could be like that...it seems stronger to me. I'm glad you are coping and managing okay. 20 years is a long time. Not many make it so far...Big hug to you xxx
Fiona said…
I'm sitting here in tears after reading this. You are so brave to have written about it and so strong to have carried on writing your lovely blog through what has obviously been an awful year for you. My last year has been difficult in quite a different way and my instinct has been to pull away from my blog altogether so good for you for keeping going. I'm sure that your new home will be equally as lovely as your current one. You will make it your own and create a warm and lovely home for you and your BB. I wish you so much luck with it all and will continue to pop by and see how you are doing and look forward to seeing your new home emerge. x
dulwichmum said…
Hi there lovely T,

I am so very sorry to be reading this post on your blog, but so very touched that you are so completely centered on the welfare of your lovely boy.

You really are a beautiful and inspirational person, in so many ways. I wish you all of the happiness you so obviously deserve.
dulwichmum said…
Hi there lovely T,

I am so very sorry to be reading this post on your blog, but so very touched that you are so completely centered on the welfare of your lovely boy.

You really are a beautiful and inspirational person, in so many ways. I wish you all of the happiness you so obviously deserve.
Well just catching up on my blogs and it was as though I was reading about myself earlier this year.

It is a very hard decision to make to take that route to divorce. But you know in your heart that it is the right choice to be happy again.

Wishing you all the best and I will keep following your blog.

xx
I had a jolly day out in Wells today with Niki and she told me you had blogged your life-changing event.

I've been away from regular blogging for a while so haven't popped over to see you for ages.

All good wishes to you and the Beautiful Boy in a new home just waiting to be filled with happy times.

Sue x