Well now, that was certainly one unexpected delay!
What began as an uncomfortable back pain on saturday morning a few weeks ago, quickly turned into an all-out situation as the day progressed, and by the time I got home from a trip up the river to meet some of Captain America’s family, I could barely move.
So instead of writing, I spent the rest of the week going back and forth between laying flat on my back on a heating pad and soaking in the hot tub.
At least I had nurse Zooey to help me.
(She stayed by my side religiously, though I get the feeling it was more so that she could steal the heating pad the second I got up, rather than to keep me company).
Luckily, I am basically back in full working order these days – just in time too, because it seems that (besides today’s minor rainy interruption) Spring is starting to make an appearance in Oregon. Meaning some of the most perfect days of the year are upon us – sunshine without sweltering heat. What more could a girl want? After being cooped up in the house for nearly an entire week, not a whole lot!
So then instead of writing, I decided to make up for lost time by DOING THINGS.
Like making my very first “big girl” purchase…a beautiful hand-woven wool rug from India.
Perhaps it was more money than I should have spent on a rug, but it was on sale, and it caught my eye from the very first moment I saw it. After leaving the store without it the first day, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Of course, I had to go back. As we left the store my mom once again told me the story of her first big purchase (a nice stereo), and now I’m happy to say that in 30 years, I’ll also be able to afflict my children with the story of the first purchase that really made me feel like an adult ;)
But now, my back is better, I can sit upright, and there are rain clouds outside my window. I think I hear the universe saying “it’s time to get back down to business,” and I’m dutifully listening.
Besides, I’ve missed you all! It may take me a while to get back into the swing of things fully, but I’ve had so many thoughts that have gone unwritten – plus a backlog of the posts I’d had planned for the past two weeks – so you can definitely count on some more from The Hand-Written Life in the days and weeks ahead. (Just be patient with me, it may take me even longer than usual to get back to you…I know, I know – it’s something I’m working on getting better at, I promise!) I would also just like to end this by saying a big thank you to all of you for sticking in there and kept following even though I didn’t have anything to say for a little while. I appreciate it more than you know!
So, with that said – What did I miss while I was away? What was the first purchase you made to make you feel like an adult? When was the last time you were sick/injured and stuck indoors? How did you pass the time?
The Hand-Written Life 
Like your mom my first big purchase was a stereo with speakers the size of a small room. I paid on a monthly basis for it and still have parts of it today (without the big speakers) — thirty five years later
I love your rug — I can see why you could not leave it behind
So glad your back is better — we do not realize good health until we do not have it for awhile
I am glad you are feeling better. I have had back pain and I know how bad it can be. I think my first big purchase and probably the stupidest purchase up to that point was a 1979 Ford Fairmont that my dad talked me into buying around 1982 when I was almost 19. First, it was an “old man’s” car and second, my insurance was almost as high as the car payment. I ended up getting very sick the next year and had my appendix taken out. I was out of work for a month and gave the car to my sister in exchange for her taking over the payments. I then bought a beat-up 1973 Ford Maverick and my stress went way down.
My first adult purchase? 1963 Chevy Pick Up truck with 3 on the tree for $150!
Ooh yeah, that’s definitely one that’s going to make you feel like an adult! Good choice, I like it :)
Oh and glad you’re feeling better and welcome back! <3
Thank you!! <3
I’m glad you’re feeling better. And I’m glad you’re back. The rug is stunning!
Thank you, thank you, and thank you!! :)
It is good to have you back. I’ve missed you! I’m glad that you are feeling better and that Spring is on its way to Oregon. I enjoyed this post. It helped me to catch me up on what is going on in your life, and your writing style is relaxed, comfortable, and welcoming.
Russ
PS That’s a beautiful rug!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Russ! It’s always good to get feedback on writing style – but comments like that sometimes rare in the blogging world :) And I’m glad you like the rug! I’m a pretty big fan myself, it’s been growing on me more and more now that I’ve got it home and can stare at all of the little details up close. (The cats love it too!)
That is a lovely lovely rug! I doubt it was more than you should have spent – it’ll last a long time and go with everything. (I am Queen of Rationalization) :-) Glad you’re feeling better and I sincerely hope that spring makes an appearance soon!
Haha, that was the way I justified it too! It’s an investment and I’ll never have to worry about redecorating, because you’re right, it WILL go with everything ;)
Thank you, and I hope spring shows up for you all soon as well!