Over the past 2 years, I went from successful and celebrated scrapbooking Director with the TopLineCreations organisation to a recluse hiding at home ... this was the 2nd time depression had hit me with a vengance.
I thought I could handle it ... reckon I did a good job lying to myself. Honestly don't know how Tertius, my darling husband managed to hold the marriage together... * rolls eyes * .. it was a helluva rough journey ... whoa. the storms ...
In hindsight, I should not have been sooo stubborn and should have sought medical intervention ... in the last year I've been on Effexor (originally on 75mg/day then it was raised to 150mg/day) and I'm not ashamed to admit that it has a positive affect on my daily life. Those closest to me can tell when I've forgotten my medication ... kinda Jekyll/Hyde like ...
It didn't help either that the dynamics of our extended family life had changed too - my parents: D:88yo & M:77yo had increasing needs for geriatric care as their health had deteriorated rather fast.
Our daughters: Aleisha is 12.5yo and Nicola is 9yo have increasing needs too ... its one thing to be warned about the Teens/Tweens stage but TOTALLY different when you really go through it yourself * lols *
Close friends were kind to support from a distance. I'm ashamed to say that I have lost contact with my most loved best friend ... however, she herself has been through a similar condition and I hope, she will forgive me in due time. Never does a day go by without my mind reaching for her and I still enjoy communicating with her internally ...
Recently I had reconnected with another inspirational friend: Deslie Gordon ... we are very similar in many ways - published craftisans, into digital and traditional scrapbooking & stamping, big into multi media stuff too ... our online friendship was very staggered until 2 days ago ... I can't remember what instigated the SEA OF CHANGE but it was very swift ...
Needless to say ... this is my first time having my own blog .. with immediate goals of reorganising and setting up my studio then later, heaps of sharing in the form of visual online lessons thanks to a digital camera, webcams, digicams lols.. we're oh so up with the technology .... NOT * giggles * but I'm sure we'll get there ...
I feel soooo alive and excited... amazing ... so yes .. eventually hope to also maybe sell a few handmade artistic blank journals - not for the mass market for for those who love the more special journals to be further enchanced into personalised gifts to be treasured forever ... (hint: Bind-It-All v2.0 www.binditall.com )
wow.. did I stop to take a breath there? * grins * ... I'll chatter again tomorrow... will share photos - so many BEFORE pics of the messy Studio ... going to have it in White, pink & apple green accents * smiles * ....
* so exciting *
hugs.. lizzieS xx
Hi Lizzie,
It's about time you surface. Call me when your ready.
Posted by: Charmaine | 01/11/2010 at 09:28 PM
hi Lizzie so wonderful to see you back to your hobby. A very beautiful lady making some very beautiful things to bring the whole world so much happiness.
I wish you all the best, not that you need it, your a genius
Greg
Posted by: Greg | 01/10/2010 at 10:47 AM
Thank you both Craig & Karen, appreciate your kind thoughts. It took a lot to finally and tell the world why I suddenly disappeared. One friend said on FaceBook that she thought I had just MOVED ON ... would take wild horses to drag me away from what I love so much: my creative sharing side.
Nice to know my real friends are still around .. * hugs * ...
lizzieS xxx
Posted by: LizzieSlothouber | 01/04/2010 at 10:19 AM
Lizzie - YOU'RE BACK!!!!!!
I know your condition well - and I have a 16 yo who has anxiety/depression issues. You just do what it takes to be well.
*hugs*
Karen
Posted by: Karen | 01/03/2010 at 01:54 PM
Glad to see you back again Craig.........
Posted by: Partyon68 | 12/30/2009 at 06:04 PM