Thursday, January 16, 2020

Slowing down and a silly mistake...

If you follow my Instagram or Facebook pages, or are a member of my Gentle Domesticity group, you'll already be aware I was hospitalised a few days ago for what turned out to be a problem with my heart. 

It's an ongoing problem and though I am home from the hospital now I have a number of tests to be done in the coming weeks to pinpoint where in the heart my problem lies. This honestly came as a shock...my heart was one thing I had long imagined to be very healthy. All the blood tests result were excellent (yay!) but my blood pressure was very high and the most concerning results for the cardio doctors were the ECG's which were taken every few hours over a 24 hour period and weren't good at all.

So life is slowing considerably as hubby and I focus on the simple joys each day brings forth around our home, time spent with each other, and the delight of family togetherness with our dear Blossom and her two girls. There's nothing like a good shake up of your heath situation to whittle away the unnecessary and draw your eyes towards those special relationships and the things in life which hold true value. 




One thing I found difficult during my days in hospital was the fear that others tried to sow into my mind. Being told "you could die" by doctors and nurses doesn't bode well when you're alone, in pain, and not fully conversant with heart problems yet. But you know, God does not give us a spirit of fear and so I sought Him through His Word in the quiet hours of the night and between 'obs' during the day. I let His truth and promises soak my soul with calm and hope and confidence. 




Life adjustments are taking place, one major one being the switch to an ovo-vegan diet, which is not that hard as we eat loads of fruit and vegetables in our everyday diet anyhow. But now I'm easily ditching meat and dairy with the blessing of my lovely doctor. I'm also on blood pressure meds and low dose aspirin while awaiting tests and results over the next month to determine exactly what's going on inside my ticker.




SO....that's me filling you in on what's happened this week and why I've been absent from blogging, but now I'd like to put all that aside and talk about normal things, okay?

Last week I was sewing one of Allie's designs, a table runner. I absolutely love her Vintage Flowers pattern and it's my plan this year to make something for myself and the home each month, in between designing and stitching for Faith in Hand.

I completed the applique blocks, pieced the table runner and was very excited to fuse the wadding and backing in place so I could begin the relaxed rhythm of hand quilting. Oh what a joy it is to hand quilt with no deadline looming!




I fused Pellon behind the top of my table runner, then spray basted the other side of the Pellon before laying the backing fabric across it to make the completed quilt sandwich. The acrid smell of the basting spray went right through my small sewing room and immediately I knew there was a problem.
Remember at the start of the month when I gave my sewing room a makeover? Well, my basting spray wasn't moved - it sits on the top left corner of my fabric shelves. What I had forgotten though, was placing a can of white spray paint beside it. :-( 
That's what I grabbed off the shelf and mindlessly sprayed between backing fabric and Pellon...




The Pellon is white which is why I didn't notice the problem as I sprayed from the wrong can. That can of paint should have been placed up in Mr E's shed but I'd bought it to freshen up my old blue drawers in the sewing room and thought if it was in the same vicinity I'd remember to follow through on my plan. 

So I quickly peeled away the Pellon and the backing fabric and threw them in the bin, took a deep breath and made a cup of tea whilst my sewing room 'aired out'.
Then I cut more Pellon and backing fabric and repeated the sandwiching process using the correct can of spray baste this time. Sigh. Lesson learned.




My version of Allie's Vintage Flowers runner is complete and it's so pretty...even worth the drama with paint. 




Last night I had a head start with dinner because Blossom gave me a pot of her delicious potato and chick pea curry, so all I had to do was make a fresh tomato chutney and mint yoghurt (using the last of our dairy).




For dessert I simmered a few cups of mixed berries with lemon zest and baked a tray of flaked almonds, rolled oats and shredded coconut until they were toasty and golden to scatter over the top of the berries for a deconstructed crumble.
We used the last of our custard on the side which gave us a dairy free start from today.




Today I've made cashew cream as an accompaniment to the leftover berry crumble for tonight's dessert, and we're having hasselback potatoes with garlic, coleslaw and corn on the cob for our main. 

Tomorrow Blossom, Cully May and Rafaella are coming over to visit and I can't wait. Those little girls and Mr E played in my hospital room and made the visit extra special with their funny antics and laughter. When Jesus said to become as little children I think He meant that in many ways, such as taking simple joys and letting laughter be a medicine.

So I guess that's what I'll leave you with today; a reminder to laugh, to embrace the simple joys God places in your path, to not sweat the small stuff, to stop and breathe and notice the beauty around you.

I'm excited about what's ahead in my life, because every day I'm here has purpose, a very special purpose God created just for me. 
And He has a unique purpose for your life too. 

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

Ephesians 2:10

Much love,


52 comments:

Allie-oops Designs said...

I'm still chuckling over you painting your table runner!! Glad you're home and praying hard for you. The pictures of the food is making me hungry and it's bedtime, lol. Be well my darling Jenny.....

Di S said...

It’s so good to hear that you are home, Would Blossom mind sharing her recipe?
Your girls and Mr E will brighten every day,

Angela said...

You're in my thoughts and prayers. Each day is a gift from God, filled with his blessings - and I do believe He has a sense of humour. The white paint incident made us all chuckle!

Anorina @SameliasMum said...

Jenny, I am so glad to read that you're back at home and taking it easy. I hope the tests in the coming days aren't too awful and that you find the answers to get better.
The table runner is very pretty and I'm so pleased that you were able to save it before the paint seeped through. It looks lovely there on your table xx

Lish said...

Glad you are feeling better xx

PennyP said...

Wishing you all the very best as the tests continue and hoping you find a new normal within which you can be happy and healthy. You have made a great start with the change in diet.

Janice said...

Well, that was a bit of a shock! I'm glad they are treating your blood pressure and looking into sorting your heart out. You have the very best of attitudes. I had to chuckle about your paint/spray baste swap. Just as well there was no further damage, as the runner is go pretty. Enjoy playing with your new eating regime. I'm sure you will create some delicious meals.

dixigirl said...

Isn't it amazing how all our problems become so much less when Christ is the center of all our decisions? Praying that the doctors find an easy fix for your medical problem.May God bless you.
xxoo,
Dixie

barcord said...

Once again you are a shining example of faith in Christ. Thankyou for sharing about your hospital stay, and your stitching mishap with the paint. You made a great recovery with the stitching, and your completed runner is beautiful. May you likewise make a good recovery in your health. Your heart belongs to Jesus, so it is in good hands. Praying for you. xx

Karen said...

God is madly in love with you. There's another in the fire.......There'll be another in the fire
Standing next to me
There'll be another in the waters
Holding back the seas
And should I ever need reminding
How good You've been to me
I'll count the joy come every battle
'Cause I know that's where You'll be

Drove down to a friends place yesterday and it was Hillsong United all the way. I am praying this song for you dear Jenny.
Prayers and blessings

Little Quiltsong said...

Joshua 1,9 - the bible verse you were reading (above) is one of my favorite :)! Praying for you Jenny - so glad you are home again!

Tania said...

Good to hear some news from you Jenny.

Last week I also had a big scare, not my heart but my liver. Luckily it didn't turn out as bad as the doctor had thought it would be. I spent four days thinking I had liver failure and boy does it shake you up and realise what is really important to you. I was already 90% vegan so that probably saved me. CT scan showed I have fatty liver. Now I have had to up my exercise regime and cut out all the bad stuff like cakes and biscuits (that is the hardest). I have lost weight and feeling a lot better.

I love your faith in our Lord Jenny. I love how you rest and trust in Him with your whole heart. I need to learn to do this.

That table runner is gorgeous, and your food sounds and looks delicious!

Take care and good luck with your tests.

God Bless,
xTania



xTania

bugsgrandma said...

Jenny I would love to have that pattern for the table runne . How can I get it? I am so happy you are home again and doing better. I love reading your promises. Love you sweet Jenny

Miss Hillbilly said...

During my absence from the quilting world I had a tiny stroke in one eye. It lasted but a few seconds : quick enough to find out though that I have a hole in my heart .
Vegan it is for me as well. I don’t mind it at all. I will keep praying for your sweet heart.

The spray, lol.

Carol said...

I agree with Tania "I love your faith in our Lord Jenny. I love how you rest and trust in Him with your whole heart."

You mentioned not eating meat and dairy and Miss Hillbilly said she had a stroke in one eye and going vegan... those words hit me hard. I had a mild stroke come across my eyes and cancer in 2018, but the doctors never mentioned going vegetarian. I think it's time to take action on my own.

Love the table runner! Your paint job sounds like something I would do. :) !

Unknown said...

My mothers friend set a can of silver spray paint on the same shelf as her hair spray. She picked up the wrong can and sprayed her hair silver. I am praying that they figure out what is going on with your heart and you are able to feel better soon. Take care of yourself,

Joanne said...

Hi Jenny,
So glad a change in your diet is part of your daily plan as you recuperate at home.
Thanks for sharing your spray paint story and creative solutions this week!
hugs,
Joanne

Robin in New Jersey said...

YOU ARE AMAZING! I am so thankful that the Lord brought you home to rest. It's so good to see you get back into the swing of things! Your table runner is gorgeous and your diet looks wonderful. Take good care!

Linda said...

Praying for you sweetheart. Take good care of yourself. You are dear to so many. I feel like I know you from reading your blog. You've lifted me up on many occasions and never knew it! Work on your embroidery and the quiet things that make you happy. Love you dear Jenny!

nancy n. said...

Rest and get well !!!

Kay said...

Sending you hugs and prayers, I hope that you get the very best care from the medical people and are sorted out very quickly. x

Dots said...

Well Jenny girl, it is time to slow down and relax. I was so surprised to read this today. But I am glad they are trying to figure out what to do to help you. I know you have a lot of wisdom, and faith in God to help you. I'm sure prayers are being said for you from all over the world. So rest easy in the Lord. I know you will make good choices for yourself. Praying for you dear one. Be well, in Jesus' Name. 'With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation' Psalm 91:16.

barbara woods said...

praying for good news

MissPat said...

Oh my, wasn't expecting that news. Hope you are stablized and the docs can figure out where to go from here. And thanks for adding the spray paint story to give us a chuckle.
Pat

Quiltingwiththefarmerswife said...

I agree with Dot to slow down, focus on yourself, and relax. You are always thinking of others so I know this will be hard but the Lord wants to heal you and you need to focus on your healing. When I'm super busy I could see myself making the same mistake with spraying the white paint. Ugh....but you were able to cut a new piece of fabric and the table runner is beautiful. Jenny, the Lord bless you and I look forward to reading good news about your health. I'm praying for you. Patty McDonald

Mandy Currie said...

Hello Jenny, your table runner is beautiful, well done. I did chuckle about the paint incident. So sorry to hear about your heart problem, I know the Lord is watching over you. I pray that the doctors find the problem and are about to help with it. I'm sure your good diet will be a big part of the solution. God bless my friend, Love Mandy xx

MargaretP said...

Oh goodness, that was a shock, hope you are able to sort out the problem and get back to being healthy .
There is a site called Veganuary that has really good recipes.

Nanna Chel said...

Jenny, that would have been frightening to be hooked up to machines in hospital so I am relieved that you are home once again and your hubby still has some time at home before heading back to work to prepare for the 2020 school year. Spraying the paint on your runner is like something I would do. LOL!

Pandora said...

Le deseo mucha SALUD para el nuevo año y podamos seguir disfrutando de tus preciosos trabajos. Ojalá el problema de tu corazón se solucione tan fácil como el de tu camino de mesa con la pintura. Bss

Winifred said...

Oh my that was a shock & I know just how you feel. It happened to me just before Christmas last year and like you I never thought I'd have a heart problem, I don't eat meat or fatty food & I used to swim quite a lot to keep fit. Thankfully we're both doing OK. I just accept I have to take the medication but I do need to do more exercise to get fitter.
You must have given them all such a scare but God willing we'll both continue for a while longer yet.

That curry looks delicious & I love your table runner, it's beautiful.
Take care of your self & I know your family will be looking after you too. God bless. I'll be lighting a candle for you at the cathedral.

Susan said...

Wishing you all the best on the health road. I don't eat a lot of meat - but if I were told to give it up - I think I would miss it a lot. Never mind - all worth ti - I must try cashew cream....

Farm Quilter said...

Praying for you ever since Blossom posted on Facebook. So glad you are home and enjoying your family...the important things!!

Unknown said...

Jenny: praying for you and your family. Thank you for sharing your faith.

Jenny of Elefantz said...

It's available through Allie - https://allie-oopssweethappylife.blogspot.com/p/applique-club.html

Judy1522 said...

I will be remembering you in my prayers. I am glad you are back home and doing better and well enough to sew. It's good your mishap with the spray can didn't ruin the top of your table runner.

Joanne said...

Hi Jenny,
just checking the spray can for waterproofing my shoes and thought of you!
Enjoy the weekend!
hugs,
Joanne

Helen L said...

Glad you are home and the doctor's are concerned and taking your health seriously! And the spray paint: oh my, that is the funniest quilting escapade I've ever heard of!! Glad it was just the pellon and the backing fabric, and not the front with all your applique!! :-) Hugs, H

Águeda said...

Dear Jenny,I wish you your heart need only relax. . Sometimes we are really tired ,but the rhythm of life keep us too many bussy for to pay attention our body. Sometimes we feel selfish if we take care ourselves because those moments can be for family or work. You have a big great heart. It give enormous love all roud the world, so it is a really hardworker . Maybe it is only a bit tired. You are in my prayers. I wish your health to improve quickly

Tammy said...

Always praying for you my dear friend... Hope they can get this medical issue figured out and get you back up to par.... This world of mine would be a super lonely place with out You....Now that spray paint disaster could have been a lot worse. Luckily it didn't ruin your work surface or anything else... Love the way that runner turned out...You and Allie are both so talented. Have a blessed weekend my friend. continuing to pray for your health

e said...

Jenny, wishing you well in your recovery and upcoming tests. Despite the painting adventure, your table runner is beautiful. Allie is a very talented, generous designer, just as you are. Dietary changes I find very challenging and am struggling with my own. I pray these changes are sucessful for you and your husband. Your dishes look very tasty. Continuing to pray for you and your family.

Montse said...

Hola Jenny .me alegro que estés mejor ,ya verás como tu corazón sana enseguida ,con esas buenas y ricas recetas ,el camino de mesa es precioso .
Besos.

Dolores said...

I do hope that whatever is not right with your heart is not serious and if it is, that it will be easily fixed. Stay well dear Jenny and stay safe. We here in Toronto are experiencing a snow storm at the moment. It's a great time to just hunker down and get things done inside. I have a list of things I need to complete.

Elizabeth said...

New reader here...so sorry you are ill...and I do wish you all the best in healing!! Speaking of having to ditch the dairy etc. as I have many food allergies. In the past year or so, found Miyoko's butter (which is a coconut and cashew blend that tastes so superior to any butter I have ever had and is even enjoyed by those who can use butter etc). Also, cashew ice cream or sour cream etc. or the soy types, or Almond milk types are all ok if eaten as part of something else. I have gluten issues also as well as at least 50 other items I am allergic to in some degree...one adjusts. STILL not skinny like I wish...so somehow we find ways to adapt...and I want to encourage you...when I began this journey some about 27 years ago, there was next to nothing to use for alternative foods. Now you have so many and there are many blogs etc with lots and lots of ideas for meals. Rest well...hope the docs can find out what has happened!!

Tammy said...

Oh, Jenny, I'm catching up to Blogland. I'm so sorry to hear about you being in the hospital. I hope they get to the bottom of what is ailing you. You have faith, that's what is important above all. God will see you through this as he has so many other things. Doesn't it put you at peace to know that you can lean on him? I know it does for me. Thinking of and praying for you. Hugs.

Kezzie said...

Jenny so glad to hear that God has encouraged you with His word. Praying that He will guide the whole process with the tests and switching to a different diet, and that His sweet presence will be with you and your family.
The table runner is beautiful-and it is good to know that others like myself also have silly incidents during crafting.
God bless you all

Kerrie

Sherry said...

Glad that you're home! Praying for you to feel better.

Hazel said...

Our heart specialist suggested taking magnesium. Dr suggested 'MagMin' {Blackmores, Australia] which is Magnesium aspartate dihydrate [for high pulse rate] - it has certainly helped me. Dr Jonkers [on Google] has a good chart of the sort of magnesium for different parts of the body. Love the 'reality' of your blogs Jenny - the 'everydayness', especially of your garden. We celebrate 11 years in this home, and while I feel that the garden is 'settled' and I am pleased with it, there are always things happening and adjustments to be made. Yes, our hot summer has affected some things as never before. So thankful to God for recently rain.

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Hi Hazel, we have been taking magnesium every day for years....along with many more specific vitamins and minerals. Unfortunately the issue is right inside my heart and I won't know how bad for another couple of weeks.

JUDE3944 said...

JENNY WILL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS....GOD GIVES US WAK EUP CALLS SOMETIMES SO WE REALIZE WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT IN OUR LIVES...GLAD YOU ARE HOME SPENDING TIME WITH YOUR HUBBY... YOU TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.. YOUR FANS WILL BE RIGHT HERE FOR YOU.. GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU

JUDE3944 said...

ALSO LOVE THE RUNNER PATTERN IS THERE A SITE WE CAN BUY IT?

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Contact Allie as it's her pattern. :-)
https://allie-oopssweethappylife.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Jenny, I always look forward to reading your posts. They speak to my heart as I have difficulty slowing down - filling my days with far too much. Your posts show me what is possible. I have forwarded them to my friends who also love Jesus and needlework. I am praying for you. God bless you richly!