Wednesday 14 July 2010

Ups and Downs

Life has been something of a rollercoaster recently, which has tested me severely. But as Himself said the other day, “Life is about how you deal with setbacks, not successes, Pop.” He's too right – but I've been floundering a bit recently which made me think I wasn't doing too well at this business called Life.

However, I now have some unexpected commissions which has boosted not only my confidence but my bank balance (or will when I'm paid), and my other novelist friends are back from their varying absences which means we can get our group working again and I can continue with the novel which does the soul good.

On Saturday we had the launch of The Suitcase Singers at nearby Miss Peapods in Penryn, and I have to say it was a great evening. Himself propped up the bar and applauded loudly, other friends came to join him as we sang, and afterwards we had a party in the bar. I would have joined in the bopping only I have a poorly foot, so perched on my bar stool, knocked back a few glasses of wine and had a lovely night.

Himself and I have had the same songs on our brains as a result for the last 3 days.

On that front, the poor fellow isn't feeling too good. He's back on some aggressive treatment for the cancer and is coughing like a trooper. We're seeing the lung consultant in just over a week and hope to get some help for his poor lungs which are being punished on a daily basis. But throughout all this, he is reasonably patient (just the odd swearing when he has a coughing fit) and deals with his illnesses in a very measured manner. I don't know that I'd be quite so calm about it all, and suspect that inside he's roaring. I admire and respect him and just wish there was something I could do to help.

But rather than end this on a note of gloom, I'm writing this looking out on my tubs where the Californian poppies (such a wonderful deep rich yellow) are waving in the wind and being splashed by a sudden downpour. (I don't mind the rain with a poorly foot as I don't feel so bad about not being able to walk far.)

I spent yesterday afternoon interviewing some Kittows (distant relatives) and had a fascinating time with them. A friend has just given birth to her first baby and is understandably smitten (hormonal snuffle from Flowerpot here). I have singing again tomorrow, and an appointment with the physio for my foot next Monday. We're meeting our cousins in Penzance on Saturday and I will take Himself for a famous Jelbert's ice cream afterwards.

Life is full of good things if you know where to look.

19 comments:

Akelamalu said...

You sound to be coping with life admirably to me FP! I'm sending Reiki to Himself, I hope he will accept it, and positive thoughts. x

Chris Stovell said...

Ah, well done to you both for finding the good when there's so much you could be wringing your hands at. Sorry to here that you're having such a tough time. Sending you my very best wishes. Cx

Vermont Designs said...

Much love to Penzance cuzzes on Saturday. Where are y'all going?

I will be swimming in Lake Champlain that day, water temp is 76 deg. F, almost bathwater!

Damn, that coughing has to be stopped.

Flowerpot said...

Ak - well I'm coping slightly better than I was, but some Reiki would be much appreciated - to both of us! Many thanks. xx

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

Glad the singing went well and hope that Himself's coughing fits calm down sometime soon.

Love Californian poppies too and have some in my garden, they're gorgeous.

Talli Roland said...

Very good reminder! Thank you. We must enjoy life - we only live it once!

Colette McCormick said...

Its hard to look on the bright side when things are tough. Hope Himself is feeling better.

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Flowerpot said...

Chris - many thanks. Much appreciated.

Shelagh - we're just going there for coffee as long as Himself is well enough. Always good to see D and J though. Love teh idea of swimming in 76 degrees. Wet and windy here!

Flowerpot said...

Debs - thanks though they've been going on all year so no sign of them abating just yet. Californian poppies are wonderful -such clever flowers I think and so chirpy.

Flowerpot said...

Talli - I wonder if we do come back. You know? Pip would like to be a seagull. I'd like to fly too...

Flowerpot said...

Colette - thanks he's a bit better today.

Grump said...

Thanks for the timely remind that we should try and make the most of each day, especially when things appear to be not going our way. Glad to hear the singing is going well. Tilly has a Jack Russell friend over for a couple of nights. Is Molls well. Send woofs and barks x
Woof x

Flowerpot said...

Grump - good to hear from you. How's life over there? Drier than here I would imagine. I hope Tilly's sleepover goes well and is less noisy than our singing. Molls is OK and - another good thing - so far hasn't had her annual itching this year. Even if she does now, that will be much later than previous years. Hooray!

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Becky said...

Hi sue
Sorry I'm late to this. I took a bit of a break. So true what you say about being able to handle the knocks. Keeping positive and doing things that feel good and generate a positive feeling...seems like you are doing that already, and keeping strong between you :-)

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Becky. It's better to take life a day at a time when things are rough, I find. That works for both of us.

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Ellee Seymour said...

I know what you mean about work. I'm so pleased about your recent commissions for you, and hope it leads to more work.