Friday, June 18, 2010

...and so she baked.

Next time I write a somewhat heavy, warts-and-all post (and don't worry, it won't be any time soon!), I will try to time it NOT to coincide with two weeks of travelling-husband/sick-smalls/defunct-sewing-machine/torrential-rain-induced blogging coma. I'm now experiencing that kind of awkward-pause, lull-in-conversation feeling, and wondering what to say next. Quite apart from having nothing much to show and tell, I'm also still processing the massive response I received in writing about my post-natal depression

To the numerous people who shared their warm, wise, empathetic, thoughtful, insightful, and funny responses, and to those who emailed with personal stories and encouraging words, thank you so much. I'm still working my way through the comments and emails. Spilling my guts on the issues was of course an exercise in catharsis, but I also hoped to connect with others who have had similar experiences, so we can all remember that we are not alone. I'm not. You're not. And doesn't it feel better to know it.

Meanwhile, signs that creativity may yet exist at chez clutterpunk can be spotted, in between the nose- blowing, puddle-jumping and Daddy-shaped-hole-filling.

I've been carrying around these items hopefully:


And lo! Results!



I have completed my towers of ugly, ugly hexagons, with hearty thanks to scrap donations from blogging legends, Cam of CurlyPops and Jodie of RicRac. Now the fun begins, designing the layout of my cot-sized 2" hexagon charm quilt. I've totally embraced the concept of an quilty eyesore that will be loathed by my family for generations, and am eager to get those horrendous scraps pieced side-by-side in the most aesthetically distressing way possible.


Bringing me far more pride is my first loaf of artisan bread from these gurus (spied first at Bountifully). So, so tasty, and satisfying to make. And did you see the bit about FIVE MINUTES? 

Anyway. Awkward silence broken. Blogging resumed. Children improving. Beloved's return approaching. Hexagons towering. Grandparents visiting. Bread baking. New sewing machine awaiting. 

Life is GOOD.

26 comments:

  1. But I missed you last night!!!

    I love Artisan Bread. I haven't delved far beyond the Master Recipe, but love the results I get with that.

    And if the family truly loathe the quilt I'll be happy to take it off their hands. I think it's going to be wonderful.

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  2. Not only that, you managed to weave 'And, lo!' into a blog post. I love 'And lo!'. Also rather partial to 'alas and alack', but now I digress. Ugly Quilt is going to blow us all away. Of this I am convinced. There's already quite some gale blowing with that shot of that bread.

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  3. Glad you are back lovely lady. Hell that bread looks great.... I am hungry.

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  4. Can't wait to see more of ugly quilt!!
    I suspect it will rebel against it's name and end up being stunning. I'm just saying ...
    And that bread looks amazing.
    My new bread maker is proving less than the amazing machine it promised to be so I may just be getting in touch for a recipe or two.
    5 minutes a day? I can do that!
    Take care of yourself.
    Andi :-)

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  5. Missed having you around, Gina. Glad to hear you're holding up, despite the lifeliness of it all...

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  6. Hello! Those towers look mighty impressive - have fun with the puzzle! The bread looks fab too - just like a bought one ;o) Have a great weekend. Nic x

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  7. That bread looks amazing and I think that scrappy hexagon is going to be fabulous.

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  8. That bread looks amazing! Glad to hear you're doing things that make you happy and fill you with joy. x m.

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  9. Hello again!

    I am not alone I see in loving the "ugly quilt" already. It just makes me happy on so many levels.

    And you have made cool looking bread too! I tried to make damper the other night and it was a bit disgusting, which was a bummer, 3 cups of SR flour later... oh well!

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  10. Now that looks like GOOD bread!! I will need to have a rather thorough look at that book the next time the opportunity arises! xx

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  11. Welcome back! I didn't leave a message after your last post as I didn't have any wise (or remotely helpful) words having never experienced anything like that. I did really love that you were brave enough to share your story - warts and all.

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  12. can't wait to see your GORGEOUS new quilt. I loved your fabulous last post Gina I can definately relate to so much of it and even though I didn't comment at the time of first reading it seems many have which is great they have shared their stories, there are certainly a lot of us out there and you are not alone. I didn't actually get PND I was strangely ok after the babies even though I had had depression and have had it since and anxiety is a big part of it for me, take care precious lady xx

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  13. I love the idea of a horrendous quilt. Still, it can't be as bad as one I once saw online made of discarded bras.

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  14. Oh man, your bread looks wonderful. I was just talking to my sister today about how I want to make bread - but how I found it daunting.. Do you think that book would be worth exploring for a bread-making novice such as myself?

    Your hexagons look amazing too! You are a creative force. Go forth and piece baby!

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  15. I really love reading your blog! Keep up the great work!!

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  16. and that is why I hate my google reader sometimes- it decided I didn't need to know about your 'serious' post- I am heading off to read it now. Great hexagons. and impressive bread xx

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  17. Wow - is that youre FIRST loaf of bread? Looks delicious and I bet your quilt will be beautiful!

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  18. good to see you back, was starting to worry...
    oh yummy yummy bread, hope your find your baking groove, tis a beautiful thing

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  19. Wow, that bread looks fantastic - glad you're making good use of the time I'm away! Hope there's some left for me...

    Husby

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  20. Love to have you back .... been wondering where you were!!! What a fantastic looking loaf of bread - I can smell it from here! Must get hold of a copy of that book. x

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  21. Hi Gina,
    Thanks for popping by my blog and saying hello! I always love meeting new crafty bloggy friends! I really enjoyed reading your last post, it was so honest and heartfelt. I'm so glad things are looking up for you. Hope your weekend is lovely. Melinda xo

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  22. I fail to see the ugliness in that towering pile'o'hex's - pure gorgeousness! And that bread? Oh I can almost taste it smothered with butter. Hey now who's the domestic goddess?

    Hope the hubs returns soon?

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  23. i can't believe that you can get that bread in 5 minutes! that's madness. the current favourite bread in our house is my commitment bread, which takes two days to make! (just a slight difference).

    and good to have you back online...

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  24. I think all the hexagons stacked up like that look beautiful. I have so much faith that all together they will not be ugly. Some how, without having seen them, I just know. I really really know.

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  25. All I can say is that loaf is gorgeous! Making bread is a great stress reliever!

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“Three Rules of Work: Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”
~Albert Einstein