Saturday, January 24, 2009

Pinecone Therapy

While out grocery shopping I added a little bouquet of flowers to the cart. At home, I put them in a canning jar & placed them on the counter right above the kitchen sink. How nice to have a cheery touch to look at as I wash my dishes & prepare meals.

~click to enlarge ~

It has become a bit harder to visit my mom in the last week or two. I think the Alzheimer's is progressing to a new level. I have been to visit a few times where she is totally out of it. The first few times I saw this I was concerned that maybe she had suffered another stroke. In talking to the nurses I have learned that she is becoming agitated more often and has even on occasion tried to walk out of the facility. They are very concerned that she may fall as her balance was greatly affected with the last stroke. In order to help calm her down when she is like this the nurses have to give her medication to calm her. Unfortunately when this happens she is sleeping a lot the next day. On a "good day" she will be awake but usually very confused. She is seeing things that aren't real, but to her they are. In other words, she is living in her own little world. It is so hard to see her this way. I still visit her every other day and will continue to do so even if she is asleep. I recently came across the poem in the photo above and feel it perfectly describes the point we have reached in this journey. I put it in a frame & placed it next to the flowers so that I can read it every day and remind myself that my visits matter even if sometimes they seem like they don't. She still remembers me & thanks me for visiting after we kiss and exchange "I love yous."

This afternoon I was working on a little project in the kitchen & got a waft of SPRING!! It smelled exactly like spring bulbs and flowers. On closer inspection, I discovered it was coming from my grocery store flowers. I didn't think they had a scent when I bought them ~ I just thought they were pretty. Wow, what a bonus. Also, it seems so appropriate as my mom always used to remind me to "take time to smell the flowers." Now every time I smell them I am reminded of the happier days we shared :-) Flower Power!!



Would you like to guess what my little project in the kitchen was?


Lesson #1 - unless you want blue sparkly fingers. . .




Wear a pair of these :-)




After a bit of spray painting, spray gluing & glittering you will wind up with some of these.




A new winter centerpiece.




I know it doesn't look too wintry out my window, but it's supposed to get colder again. Won't you join me for a cup of tea or coffee?




The sun is shining and the pine cones are a sparklin'.
Thanks for visiting with me today. Have an enjoyable weekend & remember to take some time to smell the flowers ~ even if they come from the grocery store.





32 comments:

  1. I will be right over! The sun is bright here, too but the temps are cold! I know how hard it can be when you see a loved one lose what they've always had...whether it is their strength or their memory. I'll keep her in my prayers. Love your pine cones and your fresh flowers! I need some sparkle and cheer around here, too!

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  2. Kim, those pine cones are adorable! What kind of glitter did you use?

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  3. Lovely Colors on these pinecones!

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  4. I love your pinecones. They look very pretty on your table.

    You deserve all the flowers you want. Do whatever it takes to help you feel happy. I hope your mom shows some improvement.

    Do you visit Debra at

    http://thebunnysbungalow.blogspot.com/ She is dealing with some of the same issues with her mom.

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  5. I know how you must feel about your Mom...I experienced this with my grandmother and it was hard on the family but the weird thing was she always knew who my daughter was even though no one else at times. It really is hard but remember the good memories and they will help outway the ones now of her.

    Love those pine cones...something this cheap and free from nature can make a beautiful centerpiece.

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  6. I love the poem Kim, I'll have to make a copy for myself. I try to remember these things myself every day. I know it's hard to see your mom when she's so confused. From my experience, it'll come and go.
    I'm right here by your side to listen!

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  7. Hi there!
    I found you via Rambling Gal and I'm so glad I did! Your blog is just delightful. :)
    I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. I have first hand experience with loved ones suffering from Alzeimers Disease. I'll keep you both in my prayers. :)
    Many Blessings,
    Jes

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  8. Love those pine cones! Put on the coffee, I will bring the pumpkin pie spice creamer and girl we can talk.
    My father suffered from Alzheimers too. He followed the path you described today.
    There were days, I felt it was hard on us then on him.
    I know what your shoes feel like today.
    blessings,
    Osagebluffquilter

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  9. Those pine cones came out so nice! You did a great job.

    I read that poem and tears came to my eyes as I think of my mom who also battles this disease. How wonderful that you're able to visit her as often as you are. Sending hugs your way!

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  10. Oh Kim those pinecones are
    beautiful! We have 6 big
    pine trees across our backyard a couple are full
    of pinecones. I have been
    waiting to get some.
    Now I know what to do
    with them!!!
    BTW I am an RN and when we
    lived in MT PL MI I took care of the residents
    like your mom who suffer
    from this awful diesease.
    Very hard job but I loved it!!!
    Pamela

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  11. Hi...my first visit here, love your blog. Yes, fresh flowers in Jan is a fav of mine, no matter where they come from. : ) Great pinecones too! Also, I'll take a cup of tea and a slice of the banana bread from below...I love to bake.

    Oh, I noticed the cherry box was from a grocery store we have up here!

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  12. Flowers in the jar and pinecones in the dish are really lovely. If you have time, please read my poem "I'm still here" on a post I think I did a month or so ago. It perfectly describes (I believe) all of the emotions you must be feeling right now. Hang in there, it will be OK, promise.

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  13. I love your pine cones, such an original idea! And you like my colours too, blues, creams , yellows, very pretty.

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  14. What a pretty blog you have. I so enjoyed stopping by, hope you don't mind. The pine cones are beautiful. I have never thought of glittering them in a color like that.
    Debbie

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  15. Kim, I love what you've done to bring some sunshine and peace into your home. You are an inspiration to us all. I hope your mother has peace in her life. Twyla

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  16. What a pretty, perky tablescape idea. I love those blues.

    I am so sorry you and your mom are dealing with this. It must be very hard. My grandmother suffered from hardening of the arteries, which caused dementia. She had some pretty rough times, and we struggled with it - big time. However, it didn't last very long, as she passed away quite soon after that.

    Alsheimer's can go on and on. So, my heart goes out to you. The poem on your card is a wonderful sentiment and reminder. Thank the Lord for your earlier memories, and count on Him to see you through this new phase of her life.

    We'll be praying for you both.

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  17. I love the pine cones and the blue and yellow in your kitchen. I'm glad you have the flowers to give you a pick me up. So sorry your mom is not doing better.

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  18. Hi Kim
    I'd love a cup of tea. You could talk about your mom and I could encourage you.
    Hugs, Rhondi

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  19. Hi Kim ~ I'm praying for your mom. This is such a hard disease to cope with...I always wanted to visit my mom, but then she never knew me or the kids. It's so sad.

    I absolutely love your pinecones..what beautiful colors!

    Hugz,
    Michele

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  20. I'm glad you treated yourself to some flowers. You needed them!

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  21. Gosh, it is really sad about your sweet mother. I will pray for you and for her. This must be really tough. God bless you.

    I really like your beautiful flowers and those neat pinecones!

    Hugs, Sharon

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  22. Hi Kim! Oh so pretty on the pine cones! love that!

    and I know that poem, it is so sweet, my prayers are with you , it can be so hard, I know first hand too!

    Thanks for stoppin in for a sweet visit too! The hand towels are from Moda Home. I hope to be carrying them in my store soon! Aren't they cute? :)

    have a great day sweetie!
    Hugs, Cynthia

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  23. I can't imagine what it must be like for you and your mom. My heart is with you...

    Your sparkly pines cones are adorable!

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  24. Hi Kim, thank you for stopping by my blog and for your kind comments! I love the pinecones in shades of icy blue. A perfect winter centerpiece!

    I'm sorry to hear about your mom, that must be so hard for you and her! Bless your heart.

    You asked about my cheerful attitude. Aren't you sweet! It's a choice really, along with knowing that the joy of the Lord is my strength. We all have those days when we wake up feeling a little down (especially when the hormones are active!) so I pray and ask the Lord for help, I also think about the things I'm thankful for. The main thing is to think about good things as opposed to bad. Our thoughts are like seeds, we will harvest what we have sown. God bless you!
    Ruthann

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  25. I would absolutely love to join you for a cup of coffee, if that were possible. Thank you for sharing that poem, and what you are going through with your mother. It did make me sad. It is so good that she has you in her life. That poem seemed perfect. The pinecones look beautiful!! Who would have thought to do that. It looked so nice on your table.

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  26. Love your winter display! I wish I could have you over for an English tea. I am sorry that it hurts to visit your mother. I cannot imagine what you are going through and hope you still have bright moments with her yet to come. I have always understood that those bright moments do come now and then. I am thinking of you Kim!

    Hugs ~
    Heidi

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  27. I absolutely loved this post-the poem touched my heart. Your pine cones look so good on the table and I have placemats and a napkin that match your napkin...I love the blues.
    Have a blessed week. Love the view of your yard too-you are an inspiration.
    Noreen

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  28. My heart goes out to you...and your mom. How hard!

    Lovely flowers...and the vase is perfect. Your blues and yellows really brighten up a winter's day.

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  29. What a scrumptious winter centerpiece. That poem is wonderful...does it also sit somewhere in your mother's room? What great courage this journey requires, Kim. I am always inspired by it when I visit.

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  30. I will be praying for your Mother.

    I love those pine cones! You are very talented!

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  31. I love your sparkly blue and white pinecones! What a cute idea and makes such a pretty centerpiece in your sunny dining area!

    I am so sorry that you and your mom have to go through this difficult time. Bless you for being there for her no matter what. That is a wonderful poem . . . so true and heartfelt . . . made me cry.

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  32. Hi Kim,
    I don't normally go back and read a person's older blog entries, but I did this morning, and I was apparently suppose to read your blog entry for January 24,'09.

    This is such a touching, beautiful and sad entry. The poem really touched my heart. I will copy it and have it near my desk to read and remember. I'm so glad I happened upon this.
    Thanks and love,

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