Saturday, April 19, 2014

The Ups and Downs of it All!

Good Morning!

It's been a few days since I blogged last.  I've been slowly letting go of my precious Basset Hound, Mamie.  She had been diagnosed with cancer that had spread through her body.  The vet let me take her back home so that I could not only love on her and say goodbye, but honestly, so she could tell me when she was ready to go.  This may sound weird to some, but to me, there is a time when they let you know.  That time was Thursday night.  She looked at me in my eyes and her eyes told me immediately she was ready to go.  Mamie left us yesterday morning and my happiest thoughts are that she knew she was loved to the very end.

So, when things like this happen, I start cleaning!  Don't know why it has to be cleaning, but cleaning is obviously my coping mechanism.  The house was cleaned to a shine and then it was out to the yard.  I mowed, weed wacked and even pulled out the chain saw to cut dead branches from trees.  This morning I'm sitting outside...sore as all get out...LOL!... sipping on a gorgeous cup of Sumatra coffee looking out on how nice everything is. The morning sun kisses the blooms on the roses, irises, bluebonnets and reflects the dew on the fresh mown grass.  Everything is in bloom or bud and it's amazing.  New life everywhere you look...Which gives me hope that life is always renewed... Totally pertinent for this Easter Holiday Weekend.

Don't want to do deep thoughts today...  Just want to craft up a new project that keeps going around in my head!...and get ready for upcoming classes with Dina Wakley this upcoming weekend in Waxahachie.  OK.... I just started laughing hysterically...WHY?...

As soon as I wrote Waxahachie, it reminded me of something so funny! Why not share it right?  But, it is one of those things where you should have been there to experience it and will never come off as funny in the re-tale of it all.  But I'll try...

Last weekend, when we were driving back home from the Crafty Scrapper's Make and Take, we stopped at our usual place in West, the Czech Stop...This place has amazing bakery goodness that just by walking in the door you gain 5 pounds!  We got our goodies, Cesar and I switched positions at the wheel and he took over driving.  I pulled out my iPad and began watching YouTube videos on something I always wanted to learn more about...Painting with Encaustics.  I was running the audio through the cars speakers, which on my car has to be turned up to MAX.  I watched one interesting video as I downed a luscious cherry Kolache.  I handed Cesar another kolachie, I grabbed another one for myself and sat back to relax to a new video.  It was from JerrysArtarama...How to Puddle Colors When Painting with Encaustics.  Here's a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWo3u13TmC8
It took forever to load the video, so I looked out across the highway and ooohed and awed over the bakery delight I was consuming....THAT's WHEN THE TRUMPETS CAME IN...

...from the opening music to the video!!!!!LOUD!!!! LIKE LOUD!!! As with YouTube videos, not all the videos are taped at the same audio level.  Totally not expecting this, Cesar literally jumped out of his seat and hit the car ceiling, he scared me so bad I dropped my gorgeous gourmet goodness onto the floor of the car.  I do remember jumping a bit too in Cesar's defense.  We looked at each other like the end of the world was upon us. We began to realize it was the video and I struggled through lemon goo to get to the volume dial, Cesar reclaimed his composure and I picked up the Lemon kolache to see if it could be saved!  LOL!

That's when the giggles, deep belly laughs and tears from laughter began all the way home....

Well, I hope that you all have an amazing Easter weekend.  Remember to take time to see all the new life that is blooming out there and Never listen to YouTube videos in your car while eating lemon kolachies!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter

41 comments:

  1. I told you yesterday that Mamie would be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge and I know she will.

    So glad you can laugh through the pain. Sometimes it IS the best medicine. Hugs to you and Cesar, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jim, so sorry to hear of your dear Mamie's passing....this past 6 months I have had to say good-bye to two of my precious 4 legged friends....just never gets any easier....sending the luv

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sorry you lost mamie...but know she is in a better place....thoughts and hugs out to you.

    NO body but yall wiukd have blaring trumpets and kolache goo all at the same time!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm so sorry to hear about Mamie. Many years ago we had to say goodbye to our bassie after he was diagnosed with colon cancer. It was heartbreaking because he was such a joy in our lives. You're a beautiful person for letting Mamie say goodbye to you. Will you get another? I've thought about it. If I didn't think my overly-dramatic cats would be completely traumatized by it, I would. In the meantime, keep sharing your laughs!!! That was hilarious!

    ReplyDelete
  5. It is definitely as funny in the telling as in the being there! You made me laugh out loud literally! I have experienced youtube video volume madness myself, usually late at night and I have to make a mad dash to turn it down before I wake the entire household. I hope you at least managed to save some of your gorgeous gourmet goodness! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I so wish I was there to give you both a hug! You are so eloquent that I am crying again now - just not sure if it's because you lost sweet Mamie or whether it's because I can vividly picture the pair of you amidst a goey lemon kolache horn section! Take care and enjoy your studio time xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. So sorry to hear about Mamie. I do believe they "let us know" when it is time....Enjoy creating this weekend. Happy Easter to you.

    ReplyDelete
  8. So sorry to hear about precious Mamie. I am glad she went out on her terms surrounded by those who love her the most. That must be comforting to you. I am also happy that you and Caesar managed to have a happy. God bless you and please enjoy Easter, the day of renewal of life. Love you.

    ReplyDelete
  9. My deepest sympathy on losing Mamie. There is no doubt in my mind that they let us know when they are ready to go. Consider yourself blessed that you were able to recognize that and do what was best for her, no matter how hard it was for you. Love and big squishy hugs to you and Cesar. Happy Easter and thanks for the youtube and kolacies warning!

    ReplyDelete
  10. So sorry about Mamie. When we lost our Malamute, Sitka, we thought she was ready to go and took her to the vet - except that she got perky so we took her home again. She lasted 2 days more but by this time she just couldn't get up anymore so it was time. Even tho we have a replacement dog, Chloe is 180 degrees from Sitka!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm so sorry about Mamie. My thoughts are with you.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh, Jim, I'm so sorry about Mamie. So good that you knew the time was right. And oh my... the laugh on the audio - been there! Well, not in a car in Texas with sweet bakery items, but definitely been blasted out of my seat when a YT video comes on at that level. I hear ya!

    ReplyDelete
  13. So sorry about Mamie, it's hard to loose a family member.Just remember she's in doggy heaven with new friends & she's in no pain, just running & playing with her new friends.
    Thanks for the chuckle, I think the same thing has happened to us all at sometime or other.
    Have a great Easter, take care & God bless.... Linda ;0)

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am so sorry about Mamie. It's always hard when we loose one of our precious furbabies. {hugs}

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sending virtual hugs to you and Cesar, it's tough to go thru and my thoughts and prayers are with you both. Great story, after I cried I laughed. Happy Easter to both of you;

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love stories that you can laugh at years later. I had a boxer for 14 years she got sick and know exactly what you mean by the eyes telling you, we had to let her go too HORRIBLE ! My thoughts are with you.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Aw Jim, I'm soooo very sorry that Mamie has had to leave. I've been through the same thing several times and it's so hard to say good-bye. Our pets ARE our family...as much as their human counterparts. It's always a sad time. Just know Mamie will be at the Rainbow Bridge waiting for you when it's time.

    On a happier note...I started reading your trumpeting kolache tale and spit the water I was drinking all over my keyboard....that is so funny. I can just see it all happening...your telling of the story is precious!! I wish I had your gift for words.

    Hugs to you and Cesar and Happy Easter!!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. So sorry, Jim, that you lost Mamie. It never gets any easier, but know that she is waiting for you at The Rainbow Bridge.

    Big Hugs (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

    Shirley in Queen Creek, AZ

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved Mamie. I too believe they tell us when they are ready to cross the Rainbow Bridge ~
    Hugs ~

    ReplyDelete
  20. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Jim, so sorry for you loss, I to have lost my beloved Bogie...it was one the worst things I have had to deal with. He was as loved as your Mamie was. Like all events in our lives we go on and remember the moments we had with our beloved babies. My prayers are with you. Gwen (Satin Doll)

    ReplyDelete
  22. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  23. You got me through every emotion... So sad about your loss! A dog is such a precious friend, fill with unconditional love, no matter what! I am sure your Mamie felt all the love you have for her and still does.

    And I am all laughing out in front of my computer, wiping off some tears. So well described, I could easily imagine it!

    Big comforting hugs from sunny Laval, Quebec!

    Lara -XOX-

    ReplyDelete
  24. I know from my own experiences how tough it is to lose our furry friends! ***hugs***

    ReplyDelete
  25. so sorry to hear that you lost your beloved Mamie, hugs to you and Cesar!! Loved your story of your drive home, still laughing, but Jim what is a Kolachi, we don't have any pastries with that name here in Australia!!! happy Easter to you both!!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I am sorry about losing your dog, as part of our families it is so hard to let our animals go, but the joy they bring into our lives helps us stand by them when they need us. Thank you so much for all you share with the world :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Sorry about your dear treasured pet dog.
    yes I clean when feeling bad.
    You described the funny incident well!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Oh so sorry to hear of Mamies passing. I'm sure she would of had a wonderful life with you guys. Thoughts are with you. Karen.x

    ReplyDelete
  29. So sorry you had to say goodbye to Mamie, pets bring so much pleasure and love to our lives which makes it so hard to say goodbye. I hope you don't mind me sending you this poem, it is sad but I hope comforting too.
    Hugs Lottie x

    I stood by your bed last night; I came to have a peep.
    I could see that you were crying you found it hard to sleep.
    I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
    "It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."
    I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
    You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
    I was with you at the shops today; your arms were getting sore.
    I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
    I was with you at my grave today; you tend it with such care.
    I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.
    I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
    I gently put my paw on you; I smiled and said, "it's me."
    You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
    I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
    It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
    To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."
    You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...
    in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
    The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning
    and say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."
    And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
    I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.
    I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
    Be patient, live your journey out...then come home to be with me.
    - Author Unknown

    ReplyDelete
  30. I don't comment often even though I am a faithful follower, but I just wanted to send you my love and condolences on the loss of your beloved doggie. You were right to bring her home and let her know she was loved until the end. May the joy of Easter bring you comfort as you go through the loss and grief.

    ReplyDelete
  31. You guys are a hoot. Wanna take a road trip together?

    ReplyDelete
  32. Soo sorry to hear about your dog.....((((( hugs))))) to you and Ceasar...
    isn't it funny how we try to rescue the imprortant stuff.....too funny

    ReplyDelete
  33. Oh gosh, how rough that your time with Mamie has come to an end. I too am a firm believer that a dog looks you right in the eye with the inescapable message that it's time. We lost our beloved yellow lab, Blue, to kidney failure in January after receiving just one of those looks. It has taken me til this month to start commenting and on blogs and watching ustreams again. It is their no-strings-attached, nonjudgmental, always expressed love that leaves a real hole when they have to go. But what wonderful memories!
    Big Hugs
    Mo (Mori49)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Bigs hugs over your loss of Maime! So wonderful you loved on her til the end. What a great life you provided her on the farm. I totally get the cleaning coping mechanism. That's something I do to when there is no action or words to help or change a situation. Oh my goodness, you and Cesar are lucky you don't have pastries all over the celing. Thanks, as always for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Awwww Jim I am so sorry, I didnt know when I was talking to you on the phone yesterday, huggszzzz J.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I am so sorry to hear about your sweet baby Mamie . The time is rough and grieving is a necessary part of the loss. They teach us about love and when it is time to say goodbye, they teach us about loss. sending you a bucket full of tears and a heart full of love.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I"m so sorry about Mamie. I know all too well what you were going through. And I totally get that they tell you .. Just know Mamie is on the other side of the rainbow bridge and in no pain and playing with alot of friends that I've had to send over :) The trumpet story was hilarious, I could totally picture me doing the same thing, I'm glad your goodie could be saved .. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  38. I, too, am a faithful follower who doesn't comment often. How wonderful it is that Mamie got to be at home with her loved ones at the end. I hope we are all that blessed when the time comes. And I hope the love and thoughtful care you gave to her can be extended to one of the less fortunate doggies in the world real soon. What a blessing to be in a position to make such a difference in the life of such unconditionally loving creatures.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hahahaha I'm giggling my head off here, it did come off funny as i remember me and the hubby doing something very similar and when we start laughing we end up crying cause we can't stop!!! you've cheered me up no end!! thanks Jim x

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.