Hello Face of earth

Hi there, remember me? I never planned to fall off the face of the earth like that or that it would take so long to crawl back onto it. I have been writing a comeback post in my head many, many times, but it has been growing more and more difficult as the weeks and months have passed by. I didn’t realize that I would be missed until I got concerned comments and emails from you guys, so I am truly sorry about that!

I have always tried to separate private and personal here on the Mrs Moen blog; while I want it to be personal and real, I do not want to feel exposed. However, I find it difficult to explain my absence without crossing my own boundaries, so here we go. July did not find Mrs Moen well at all. Some chronic health issues were knocking the breath out of me, literally, and it was hard to bounce back. That being said, I got to spend the planned week and then some with the boys and husband at the cabin, and I got to go to the Festival of quilts in Birmingham with my friends.

When September came around I was feeling increasingly unwell, and realized something was totally off after a very stressful weekend trip with my family. I was confused and forgetful and angry and my head was boiling, and it was almost a relief to finally learn that my blood pressure was dangerously high and my blood sugar levels too. No matter how fab our new house turned out, the stress had most certainly taken a toll on my health.

I’ll admit to feeling rather sorry for myself for a couple of days, and then a group surfaced in my Facebook feed. Fit for 100 days. Goal: make healthy choices for 100 days. It was the start of some big changes in my life. I set some simple goals. Stop eating sugar.  Take walks. Get rid of the diet soda. Avoid stress. Have more fun.

It has worked like magic, but all my energy goes into improving my health. The passion I put into my quilts is now going into cooking healthy food. Cutting sweets and snacks out of one’s diet works fine for a while, but this time I have replaced them with sugar free goodies. Some of them have been great, others not so much, but I’m having a ball working in the kitchen. I am still drinking diet soda though.

The walking part has also been great. I bought an activity band which keeps track of things like steps and pulse, and it’s also a great motivator to keep on moving.

My favourite walk is being dropped off at the top of Stavanger (feels like top of the world) and walking home. I have enjoyed the changing colours of fall and caught quite a few sunrises and sunsets on my walks. Pure bliss, and besides lowering my blood sugar and blood pressure, the air is clear and fresh. What’s not to love, right.

For the less stress part, I have been working less in my studio. Studio time is a two-edged sword for me. It’s the place where I go to relax and get lost – and it’s the place where all my work is waiting for me. I have been designing a LOT of new quilts though, so I have plenty to start on when I am better.

For the more fun part, I am attending lectures and meetings and going to shows and whatnots. I had forgotten how much I enjoy all those things. In January I will see the Swan Lake ballet which is my most favourite thing of all, and in April I will see the Irish comedian Dara O’Briain who makes me laugh out loud. I have been visiting my family back home more frequently than ever, and even got to accompany my mother to her knee replacement surgery. That last thing may not sound like fun, but we had a great time. My parents have just moved into an apartment, so a few of my visits have been to help out with purging and packing.

Life here in the orange house is working well for all of us. Some days our part of the house is full of boys, other days are quiet. I would say it’s starting to feel more like a home than a fancy house.

If you are wondering what the pictures are all about, I just needed some colourful and fun to brighten up the post.The circles are pieces of a matching game I played with grandson. I love all the different patterns and colours,

I'll be back soon. I promise.)