It is only in the midst of minor crisises, that I stop to consider how much our little community means to me, and more than that -how getting to know all of you is shaping who I am and who I aspire to be.
I can’t be the only one to find daily inspiration, empathy and comfort, but it is only when I can’t talk to you on a daily basis, when life is too busy, or too miserable to speak of, that I understand just how much a part of my life you all are. How very, very much I appreciate knowing you. How far words from complete strangers or older, wiser women I have never met, can change the way I view a situation, inspire me to get on with making life lovely, or force me out of my comfort zone when I feel like doing anything but…
To think that I didn’t know any of you eighteen month’s ago seems bizarre. To think that all this that I commit to screen on a daily basis now, was simply floating around my head then, seems incredible. The internet is a precious gift we all of us have come to take for granted.
Yesterday I screamed crying. Got hysterical and nearly had to be slapped back into reality. Sobbed into the endless cups of tea and then washed them down the sink and you know what? I think it helped. Today the pain in my right ear has all but gone, and there is only a dull ache in the left. I feel almost human again. Back to myself long enough to create a pan full of bubbling vanilla fudge. To drink strong, life-affirming Sunday roasted coffee, bake a Lancashire butter pie and finally get around to wiping the ring mark off the window ledge…
I was thinking about what the doctor told me and it struck me that this is the same doctor who told me that Finley’s scarily swollen Celiacs tummy was simply the result of lax childish muscle. The same man who still today tells me he doesn’t know the first thing about Celiacs. A man who may know nothing about anything. I take his word on things time after time, and believe him when he makes three different diagnosis’s in a week and finally comes to the conclusion that I should join the ranks of the hard of hearing. Well not without a fight I won’t.
Today I feel as though I’m sitting underwater while everybody else is sunning themselves on the sand. Simple tasks like boiling a kettle have to be rethought because you have no idea how much you rely on what you hear as you go about your daily life. I shout because I’m convinced people can’t hear me and get kind of grumpy when they don’t shout back so I can make out what they are saying. If it wasn’t so serious it would be hilarious…
But I don’t feel like I did yesterday, and that is in part thank’s to all of you- to Nancy who told me not to accept this diagnosis. To Joanne in Canada who sent me a virtual cup of tea. To every single last one of you who took the trouble to email me, or comment here: I thank you all and wish we could all have a tea party- the kind of tea party we Vintage Housekeepers know how to throw in style…
Let’s raise a cup of chamomile to friendship. Virtual or otherwise.
Create your own Brocante Life Book, plan Christmas, set up routines and rituals or live life the BrocanteHome way with my guided workbooks and planners.
I don’t own a single good piece of jewellery. Not one. In fact at the moment the only jewellery I can find at all are the great big (£2.99) hoops I live in, the blingy ring I bought when I sold my…
After making the decision to collect the Virago special edition Modern Classics, the second one I came across after the rather wonderful Excellent Women (thoroughly charming!) was Valley of the Doll’s ,and if I’m absolutely honest it’s reputation went before it and…
Other Things To Do At BrocanteHome Browse the Bookstore Discover a curated list of books to enhance and support life the BrocanteHome way Browse the Bookstore Life Love & Vintage Housekeeping the by BrocantePrintables on Etsy Create your own Brocante Life Book,…
Oh blah, blah, blah, blah blah. I’m even starting to bore myself and I like me. I suspect you see, that there is, somewhere out in the big wide world, a person who has made a little waxwork doll of me and…
This is just lovely. With a collection of 242 scanned recipes from his Mothers recipe box, Phil G has created something which is both an astonishingly emotional tribute to domesticity and something akin to what I can only describe as a work…
"It is the personality of the mistress that the home expresses. Men are forever guests in our homes, no matter how much happiness they may find there." Elsie De Wolfe. Now tell me, is this true? Yay or nay? Other Things To…
20 Comments
Feeling better is a happy note, but don't overdo it! Steady and gradually, we want you in top form so please be gentle with yourself, take the time to heal. I am glad you are feeling better!
Glad you're getting there slowly Alison. We've all really missed you online this week! I was a doctor before I became a full time mum and vintage housekeeper and I can honestly say that doctors do get it wrong from time to time! Just remember that what he said isn't set in stone, infections can be unpredictable and no one can ever be completely sure of the outcome – hopefully you'll make a full recovery. Hang in there, we are all thinking of you!
Ooops. I thought I'd posted yesterday, but realise I must have forgotten to hit the 'post' button. Yes, I definitely second those who say get a second opinion. Hearing is much too precious not to be fought for every step of the way. Keep doing steam inhalations – they are a wonderful way of clearing gunk out of tubes. And please do coddle yourself a bit – maybe even ease up on the housework! Pxx Lancashire butter pie sounds very interesting. Recipe anywhere?
That is good news Ali, but like the others said, don't overdo it. You've been poorly for a while now, you can't just rush back in boots and all! Did you get the Sunday Times? Darla Shine is in it! I read the article online – what a progressive newspaper. Ours you can read online only if you subscribe! Much love xx
I've raised my cuppa…but it's French Roast…hope that's ok! I'm glad to hear that you are feeling a bit more hopeful today. Two years ago I was told I had a 3cm bone tumor on my upper arm…to make a long story short…it wasn't there. It's always good to get more than one opinion with serious health matters. I'll continue to send you Best Wishes and hope you are completely better soon!
Phew!! They say the darkest hour is before the dawn and thankfully, it seems like you are slowly but surely getting better dear Ali. Soon enough you will be feeling better by the day, and this too shall be but a horrible memory. I'm lifting my cuppa to you and to us all, in good health 🙂 ~kali~ xo
What a wonderful post Alison!! Full of hope and glad that you are going to fight this diagnosis and not take it at all!! We are behind you 100%…and so happy to hear that you are feeling better, I pray that you will continue to heal and heal quickly…hugs to you dear…xoxo
sadly ms*alison, some Drs don't know much about anything and probably shouldn't be a doctor in the first place. My first oncologist was like that – you really have to be proactive with your health. Pamper yourself silly and get well – you have many woman waiting with bated breath for your seasonal scrub. poor sad souls we are 🙂
Oh Alison take care of yourself and remember we're all thinking of you. I thought of you just today as I found a few vintage goodies for the kids' rooms; then I came home and read all about your poor ears. I'm so sorry. This is really a sign from above to slow down and take care of yourself. I hope all goes well…
So glad you are feeling somewhat better, and are able to be up and around. Making vanilla fudge no less!!! What a supergirl! Continue to take care of yourself and I am hoping you feel yourself again very soon.
What a sweet message you have written. Eighteen months? Well, possibly it has been only 18 months since we officially met, but somehow I feel as if we all were destined to meet from our little vitnage birth and our little vintage mommies or grannies or aunties who instilled our love of all things homey. It is a relief you are better, and please do find a good good doctor. The name of the new medicine game seems to be second opinion, and I agree it sometimes takes a third or fourth, even fifth until you find one who is concerned about you and SMART, too. Take good care of yourself. Have a lovely cup of tea again and again. Many prayers and loving thoughts are surging across the Ocean to wrap you like a cozy old patchwork quilt. We are in the midst of a huge thunderstorm, so I'd better hit "send" before we lose power. HUG! G.
Why is it we trust Doctors inplicitly, yet they are human and do make mistakes? I have been down that road before too, trusted a Doctor and he was so wrong and uninterested it wasn't funny. Keep fighting my dear. I am thinking and praying for you. Life will get better, just go easy on yourself until it does. Hugs
Raising my Victoriana Rose teacup of Earl Grey tea with you in the hopes that your home with soon become one of vibrant health again! Cheers! Joanne, who was glad that you were blessed by our love and greetings!
Hi Ali, I am so glad to hear that you're feeling a bit better. I have come to not really trust Dr.'s unfortunately, but fortunately that mistrust in them (No, they are not God's that know everything!), has lead me to trust my motherly instincts more, and learn what I can do on my own, to help myself and my family. Lot's of love and prayers going your way… Susana I know you will come out of this!
Alison, I am so glad to hear you are on the mend, both physically and emotionally. You have too much spunk to take this lying down and while I did not mean to be bossy, I am glad you are going to challenge your diagnosis. I cannot bear that you would suffer needlessly. I will continue to lift you in prayer and hope for your full and speedy recovery. (and Fin too!) HUGS, Nancy
POSTSCRIPT: Just to clarify, I am NOT doctor-bashing or implying to do so. That would almost be a sin considering my significant other of almost 11 years is a doc himself. He would wag his finger at me…. Just needed to clear it up that I respect the medical community since I, myself, have a medical degree. I just know that some times we are wrong…very wrong, as humans are apt to be on occasion. Okay, that is all. 🙂
{"id":null,"mode":"form","open_style":"in_place","currency_code":"USD","currency_symbol":"$","currency_type":"decimal","blank_flag_url":"https:\/\/brocantehome.net\/wp-content\/plugins\/tip-jar-wp\/\/assets\/images\/flags\/blank.gif","flag_sprite_url":"https:\/\/brocantehome.net\/wp-content\/plugins\/tip-jar-wp\/\/assets\/images\/flags\/flags.png","default_amount":300,"top_media_type":"featured_image","featured_image_url":"http:\/\/brocantehome.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/tipjar-2.png","featured_embed":"","header_media":null,"file_download_attachment_data":null,"recurring_options_enabled":true,"recurring_options":{"never":{"selected":true,"after_output":"One time only"},"weekly":{"selected":false,"after_output":"Every week"},"monthly":{"selected":false,"after_output":"Every month"},"yearly":{"selected":false,"after_output":"Every year"}},"strings":{"current_user_email":"","current_user_name":"","link_text":"Leave a tip","complete_payment_button_error_text":"Check info and try again","payment_verb":"Pay","payment_request_label":"BrocanteHome","form_has_an_error":"Please check and fix the errors above","general_server_error":"Something isn't working right at the moment. Please try again.","form_title":"BrocanteHome","form_subtitle":"Help Me to Keep BrocanteHome Online","currency_search_text":"Country or Currency here","other_payment_option":"Other payment option","manage_payments_button_text":"Manage your payments","thank_you_message":"Thank you so much: helping me keep Brocantehome online really means the world to me.","payment_confirmation_title":"BrocanteHome","receipt_title":"Your Receipt","print_receipt":"Print Receipt","email_receipt":"Email Receipt","email_receipt_sending":"Sending receipt...","email_receipt_success":"Email receipt successfully sent","email_receipt_failed":"Email receipt failed to send. Please try again.","receipt_payee":"Paid to","receipt_statement_descriptor":"This will show up on your statement as","receipt_date":"Date","receipt_transaction_id":"Transaction ID","receipt_transaction_amount":"Amount","refund_payer":"Refund from","login":"Log in to manage your payments","manage_payments":"Manage Payments","transactions_title":"Your Transactions","transaction_title":"Transaction Receipt","transaction_period":"Plan Period","arrangements_title":"Your Plans","arrangement_title":"Manage Plan","arrangement_details":"Plan Details","arrangement_id_title":"Plan ID","arrangement_payment_method_title":"Payment Method","arrangement_amount_title":"Plan Amount","arrangement_renewal_title":"Next renewal date","arrangement_action_cancel":"Cancel Plan","arrangement_action_cant_cancel":"Cancelling is currently not available.","arrangement_action_cancel_double":"Are you sure you'd like to cancel?","arrangement_cancelling":"Cancelling Plan...","arrangement_cancelled":"Plan Cancelled","arrangement_failed_to_cancel":"Failed to cancel plan","back_to_plans":"\u2190 Back to Plans","update_payment_method_verb":"Update","sca_auth_description":"Your have a pending renewal payment which requires authorization.","sca_auth_verb":"Authorize renewal payment","sca_authing_verb":"Authorizing payment","sca_authed_verb":"Payment successfully authorized!","sca_auth_failed":"Unable to authorize! Please try again.","login_button_text":"Log in","login_form_has_an_error":"Please check and fix the errors above","uppercase_search":"Search","lowercase_search":"search","uppercase_page":"Page","lowercase_page":"page","uppercase_items":"Items","lowercase_items":"items","uppercase_per":"Per","lowercase_per":"per","uppercase_of":"Of","lowercase_of":"of","back":"Back to plans","zip_code_placeholder":"Zip\/Postal Code","download_file_button_text":"Download File","input_field_instructions":{"tip_amount":{"placeholder_text":"How much would you like to tip?","initial":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"How much would you like to tip? Choose any currency."},"empty":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"How much would you like to tip? Choose any currency."},"invalid_curency":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Please choose a valid currency."}},"recurring":{"placeholder_text":"Recurring","initial":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"How often would you like to give this?"},"success":{"instruction_type":"success","instruction_message":"How often would you like to give this?"},"empty":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"How often would you like to give this?"}},"name":{"placeholder_text":"Name on Credit Card","initial":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"Enter the name on your card."},"success":{"instruction_type":"success","instruction_message":"Enter the name on your card."},"empty":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Please enter the name on your card."}},"privacy_policy":{"terms_title":"Terms and conditions","terms_body":null,"terms_show_text":"View Terms","terms_hide_text":"Hide Terms","initial":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"I agree to the terms."},"unchecked":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Please agree to the terms."},"checked":{"instruction_type":"success","instruction_message":"I agree to the terms."}},"email":{"placeholder_text":"Your email address","initial":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"Enter your email address"},"success":{"instruction_type":"success","instruction_message":"Enter your email address"},"blank":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Enter your email address"},"not_an_email_address":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Make sure you have entered a valid email address"}},"note_with_tip":{"placeholder_text":"Your note here...","initial":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"Attach a note to your tip (optional)"},"empty":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"Attach a note to your tip (optional)"},"not_empty_initial":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"Attach a note to your tip (optional)"},"saving":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"Saving note..."},"success":{"instruction_type":"success","instruction_message":"Note successfully saved!"},"error":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Unable to save note note at this time. Please try again."}},"email_for_login_code":{"placeholder_text":"Your email address","initial":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"Enter your email to log in."},"success":{"instruction_type":"success","instruction_message":"Enter your email to log in."},"blank":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Enter your email to log in."},"empty":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Enter your email to log in."}},"login_code":{"initial":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"Check your email and enter the login code."},"success":{"instruction_type":"success","instruction_message":"Check your email and enter the login code."},"blank":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Check your email and enter the login code."},"empty":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Check your email and enter the login code."}},"stripe_all_in_one":{"initial":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"Enter your credit card details here."},"empty":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Enter your credit card details here."},"success":{"instruction_type":"normal","instruction_message":"Enter your credit card details here."},"invalid_number":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card number is not a valid credit card number."},"invalid_expiry_month":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card's expiration month is invalid."},"invalid_expiry_year":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card's expiration year is invalid."},"invalid_cvc":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card's security code is invalid."},"incorrect_number":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card number is incorrect."},"incomplete_number":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card number is incomplete."},"incomplete_cvc":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card's security code is incomplete."},"incomplete_expiry":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card's expiration date is incomplete."},"incomplete_zip":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card's zip code is incomplete."},"expired_card":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card has expired."},"incorrect_cvc":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card's security code is incorrect."},"incorrect_zip":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card's zip code failed validation."},"invalid_expiry_year_past":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card's expiration year is in the past"},"card_declined":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The card was declined."},"missing":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"There is no card on a customer that is being charged."},"processing_error":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"An error occurred while processing the card."},"invalid_request_error":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"Unable to process this payment, please try again or use alternative method."},"invalid_sofort_country":{"instruction_type":"error","instruction_message":"The billing country is not accepted by SOFORT. Please try another country."}}}},"fetched_oembed_html":false}
Feeling better is a happy note, but don't overdo it! Steady and gradually, we want you in top form so please be gentle with yourself, take the time to heal.
I am glad you are feeling better!
Poor sweetie, I'm so sorry! That was one nasty earache. Very happy to hear that you are on the mend! Go slow, and be sure to rest, rest, rest! xox.
Glad you're getting there slowly Alison. We've all really missed you online this week! I was a doctor before I became a full time mum and vintage housekeeper and I can honestly say that doctors do get it wrong from time to time! Just remember that what he said isn't set in stone, infections can be unpredictable and no one can ever be completely sure of the outcome – hopefully you'll make a full recovery. Hang in there, we are all thinking of you!
So glad to hear you 'speak' at least we don't have to SHOUT!Take it easy hon and spoil yourself rotten-you deserve it. xxx
Ooops. I thought I'd posted yesterday, but realise I must have forgotten to hit the 'post' button.
Yes, I definitely second those who say get a second opinion. Hearing is much too precious not to be fought for every step of the way. Keep doing steam inhalations – they are a wonderful way of clearing gunk out of tubes. And please do coddle yourself a bit – maybe even ease up on the housework!
Pxx
Lancashire butter pie sounds very interesting. Recipe anywhere?
That is good news Ali, but like the others said, don't overdo it. You've been poorly for a while now, you can't just rush back in boots and all!
Did you get the Sunday Times? Darla Shine is in it! I read the article online – what a progressive newspaper. Ours you can read online only if you subscribe!
Much love xx
I've raised my cuppa…but it's French Roast…hope that's ok! I'm glad to hear that you are feeling a bit more hopeful today. Two years ago I was told I had a 3cm bone tumor on my upper arm…to make a long story short…it wasn't there. It's always good to get more than one opinion with serious health matters. I'll continue to send you Best Wishes and hope you are completely better soon!
Phew!! They say the darkest hour is before the dawn and thankfully, it seems like you are slowly but surely getting better dear Ali.
Soon enough you will be feeling better by the day, and this too shall be but a horrible memory. I'm lifting my cuppa to you and to us all, in good health 🙂 ~kali~ xo
What a wonderful post Alison!! Full of hope and glad that you are going to fight this diagnosis and not take it at all!! We are behind you 100%…and so happy to hear that you are feeling better, I pray that you will continue to heal and heal quickly…hugs to you dear…xoxo
sadly ms*alison, some Drs don't know much about anything and probably shouldn't be a doctor in the first place. My first oncologist was like that – you really have to be proactive with your health. Pamper yourself silly and get well – you have many woman waiting with bated breath for your seasonal scrub. poor sad souls we are 🙂
Oh Alison take care of yourself and remember we're all thinking of you. I thought of you just today as I found a few vintage goodies for the kids' rooms; then I came home and read all about your poor ears. I'm so sorry. This is really a sign from above to slow down and take care of yourself. I hope all goes well…
So glad you are feeling somewhat better, and are able to be up and around. Making vanilla fudge no less!!! What a supergirl! Continue to take care of yourself and I am hoping you feel yourself again very soon.
I'm hoping for your poor ears to make a complete recovery by Tuesday!
What a sweet message you have written. Eighteen months? Well, possibly it has been only 18 months since we officially met, but somehow I feel as if we all were destined to meet from our little vitnage birth and our little vintage mommies or grannies or aunties who instilled our love of all things homey. It is a relief you are better, and please do find a good good doctor. The name of the new medicine game seems to be second opinion, and I agree it sometimes takes a third or fourth, even fifth until you find one who is concerned about you and SMART, too. Take good care of yourself. Have a lovely cup of tea again and again. Many prayers and loving thoughts are surging across the Ocean to wrap you like a cozy old patchwork quilt. We are in the midst of a huge thunderstorm, so I'd better hit "send" before we lose power. HUG! G.
So, so happy you are feeling better. We've missed you so much. Allow yourself plenty of time to recover and just be.
Why is it we trust Doctors inplicitly, yet they are human and do make mistakes? I have been down that road before too, trusted a Doctor and he was so wrong and uninterested it wasn't funny. Keep fighting my dear. I am thinking and praying for you. Life will get better, just go easy on yourself until it does.
Hugs
Raising my Victoriana Rose teacup of Earl Grey tea with you in the hopes that your home with soon become one of vibrant health again!
Cheers!
Joanne, who was glad that you were blessed by our love and greetings!
Hi Ali, I am so glad to hear that you're feeling a bit better. I have come to not really trust Dr.'s unfortunately, but fortunately that mistrust in them (No, they are not God's that know everything!), has lead me to trust my motherly instincts more, and learn what I can do on my own, to help myself and my family. Lot's of love and prayers going your way… Susana
I know you will come out of this!
Alison, I am so glad to hear you are on the mend, both physically and emotionally. You have too much spunk to take this lying down and while I did not mean to be bossy, I am glad you are going to challenge your diagnosis. I cannot bear that you would suffer needlessly. I will continue to lift you in prayer and hope for your full and speedy recovery. (and Fin too!) HUGS, Nancy
POSTSCRIPT:
Just to clarify, I am NOT doctor-bashing or implying to do so. That would almost be a sin considering my significant other of almost 11 years is a doc himself. He would wag his finger at me….
Just needed to clear it up that I respect the medical community since I, myself, have a medical degree. I just know that some times we are wrong…very wrong, as humans are apt to be on occasion.
Okay, that is all. 🙂