The Cat Ate My Homework ....... ?

I'm sorry for the long absence, but I have been traveling the Australian Outback with Hugh Jackman, astride my magnificant Tennessee Walker....you should know that I looked quite fetching despite the dust and heat.

... or maybe you might believe that I have been off traveling to the exotic far reaches of the globe and now return with vast crates filled to the brim with delicious treasures of antiquity to redecorate my home and populate my Etsy site? 

Perhaps I could tell you that I have been lazily lounging in the hammock under the pergola, a kitty in my lap, the last novel in the Twilight series partly read, a glass of perfectly chilled white wine, fresh fruit, a crusty rustic bread and fine cheese beside me?

...or maybe I have been seen wearing a long prairie dress, a floppy hat, garden gloves and canvas apron, a basket of fresh cut blossoms over my arm, a sunny glow and a peaceful smile on my face?

I wish. 

It's all the fault of my prior post.  While I was waxing eloquent about how I could juggle just about anything that came along, and (ftttttt.... to my DH) LOVE it, God decided I was just a bit too confident and sent some interesting circumstances my way. 

I did travel... 3 trips in three weeks.  I did garden.... planting the big pots on the front porch and repurposed an old fountain into a lovely planter (blog post to come on this one).  I did ride my horse, but not with Hugh Jackman [sigh]. I think I lounged once, for about 15 minutes, under the pergola.  There was wine involved, but I might have been sipping between house chores.  I did bring in a few vintage treasures and re-decorated my office area [no computer for almost two weeks]... but, it's sooooo pretty and I will post the before/after soon.

... but mostly, in between a suddenly hectic travel schedule, Star came down with food allergies and had to be rushed to the vet, Binx bit Bitty and her face swelled up and she had to go to the vet too.  My son got injured in a workplace accident and required the momma bear's help with the medical care and insurance adjuster (compression fractures of his spine), my job went from 100 mph to about Mach 1, and, well, about 10 other like, MAJOR things that came along and just DERAILED my tidy little schedule. 

My Beautiful Life goal for July is all about Restoration.  I need it.  A lot.

God is clearly in control. 

And I have so much to post about, and a pillow to finish and mail to dearest Tiffany [total guilt here] and lovely things to make for Star's Fault Etsy.  It's been a most beautiful summer, in the mid-70's each day and so sunny, and warm, it just does my heart good. 

Thank you all for your emails and kind words asking about me and where I was.  I'm right here, and my computer is hooked up again, Sam is in good care now, kitties are well, and my travel schedule is down to one last trip for a while. 

I missed blogging.

I missed you. 

Eileen

Comments

[Laurie]

Hi, I'm new to your blog, and so far I love it! I adore the garden journal/bird tags in your Etsy shop! Lovely things!

[Deb]

Beautiful pansy photos! Glad everyone is one the mend ♥ Have a wonderful week.

[kristi]

Yeah, you're back! Hope that everything gets back to normal soon. Take care . . . Kristi

[Lisa Boni]

We missed you too! Prayers for your sons recovery and for the kitties too. Also for you to find the restoration that it sounds like you are overdue for!
Blessings and peace!
Lisa

[Tina]

Welcome back Eileen - you have been missed and I so glad you´re back and everything is back to normal for you. So glad your son is okay - you sure have had 'a few' things to look after.
Looking forward to see what new creations is up for your shop.
Have a lovely sunday
Hugs, Tina

[Charlene]

Oh how I missed you & Star & all the beauty you bring into Blogland. Welcome back & I hope things go easier for you now. Those pansies are soooooo pretty. I love panisies & I can tell you that the swelting heat of Texas would NEVER support pansies this time of year. Thank you for sharing yours! Have a better week.

[Anne]

Glad you're back! I just started following your blog recently and then you were gone! You do a great job at all of it.

[Jodie (everything vintage)]

Hi Eileen,
I've missed you and missed your beautiful photos and inspirations. Sorry to hear that your little world was turned upside down there for a little while but it's nice to know everyone & the kitties too are doing better.
Here's to a better week for you...you may want to start it off with a glass of chilled white wine! ;)

[mary]

Star- so glad to see you back though I have to confess I haven't been at the computer much either! You are so right about God having ways of changing our plans though I wouldn't charge God with wrong doing in the case of my rattlesnake bite 3 weeks ago. It certainly changed my plans though in a different direction than yours as I have had to sit and do absolutely nothing but recuperate .

I cannot wait to see your pillow, fountain, and study- Your ideas and creative touch are so inspirational!

blessings
mary

[Lanette @ www.cottageelements.blogspot.com]

Eileen, sounds like you've had some good times, and maybe not so good times. Glad things are looking up and you're able to get some blogging in. And I'm too thankful that God is in control. Take care!

Lanette

[Sharon A. Kyser]

I have missed your posts but am so glad you are back again from dream land & fantasy. Your pansy pictures are beautiful too. Looking forward to hearing every thing you have been up to....must go to Etsy to see what is new there..sharon