Comments on: Integrity and Focus http://mendofleur.com/2010/01/28/integrity-and-focus/ Just another WordPress.com weblog Thu, 09 Sep 2010 02:22:13 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: mendofleur http://mendofleur.com/2010/01/28/integrity-and-focus/#comment-2103 mendofleur Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:34:53 +0000 http://mendofleur.com/?p=1786#comment-2103 I am amazed how many of us are on a similar journey. That in itself is comforting. We are never alone, truly. Thank you for your appreciation and thoughts. Yes, life is very short and wide, isn't it? I hope your thoughts were good and comforting. I think as we get older we need more of that going forward. I am amazed how many of us are on a similar journey. That in itself is comforting. We are never alone, truly. Thank you for your appreciation and thoughts. Yes, life is very short and wide, isn’t it? I hope your thoughts were good and comforting. I think as we get older we need more of that going forward.

]]> By: Jane http://mendofleur.com/2010/01/28/integrity-and-focus/#comment-2102 Jane Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:22:38 +0000 http://mendofleur.com/?p=1786#comment-2102 They say life may be short but it sure is wide. This post gave credence to that by all you've been through and where you find your self in the moment today... I admire you for your perserverance and the ability to discover your true passions in relation to textiles. I loved your post as it provoked much thought within my own self. It seems not only I, but many people were touched likewise.... Blessings to you and thanks for sharing your heart and soul They say life may be short but it sure is wide. This post gave credence to that by all you’ve been through and where you find your self in the moment today… I admire you for your perserverance and the ability to discover your true passions in relation to textiles. I loved your post as it provoked much thought within my own self. It seems not only I, but many people were touched likewise…. Blessings to you and thanks for sharing your heart and soul

]]> By: mendofleur http://mendofleur.com/2010/01/28/integrity-and-focus/#comment-2076 mendofleur Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:37:32 +0000 http://mendofleur.com/?p=1786#comment-2076 How does one respond to such a touching story as yours? I simply could never imagine living without books to inspire me and give me hope. Thank heavens you had the opportunity to access some books from the library. This must have been a magical part of childhood to have your own secret place to go, like a secret garden. I just finished listening to <em>Things I've Been Silent About</em> by Azar Nafisi. She tells so many revealing, personal, and touching things about her life and her existence in Iran, but one of the things that I learned is that she went to a private school in Lancashire before her formal education. What she endured throughout her life in Iran is quite amazing. Very inspiring. You might find it interesting. I can well imagine you were sick after experiencing the horrific noise of a cotton mill. There is nothing in the world like it, and until you have heard it, you simply cannot imagine how ghastly it is. I hope you have found your own path and joy in your life, and I hope you are still reading. Thank you so much for your sincere and personal comment. I wish you the best, as well and hope to be visiting with you again! xx How does one respond to such a touching story as yours? I simply could never imagine living without books to inspire me and give me hope. Thank heavens you had the opportunity to access some books from the library. This must have been a magical part of childhood to have your own secret place to go, like a secret garden.

I just finished listening to Things I’ve Been Silent About by Azar Nafisi. She tells so many revealing, personal, and touching things about her life and her existence in Iran, but one of the things that I learned is that she went to a private school in Lancashire before her formal education. What she endured throughout her life in Iran is quite amazing. Very inspiring. You might find it interesting.

I can well imagine you were sick after experiencing the horrific noise of a cotton mill. There is nothing in the world like it, and until you have heard it, you simply cannot imagine how ghastly it is.

I hope you have found your own path and joy in your life, and I hope you are still reading. Thank you so much for your sincere and personal comment. I wish you the best, as well and hope to be visiting with you again! xx

]]> By: valerie rule http://mendofleur.com/2010/01/28/integrity-and-focus/#comment-2075 valerie rule Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:49:51 +0000 http://mendofleur.com/?p=1786#comment-2075 How can I express how moved I was to read your blog entries today after a few days gap, so much to experience and enjoy. Your integrity is remarkable and refreshing, and I know you have touched many spirits, including mine, by sharing such intimate memories and thoughts. A very sincere thank you, and I wish you God speed along the path which will lead you to true fulfillment. When I was a child there were no books in the home, my mother disapproved of reading because she did not understand the joy of it. Thank goodness for free, English lending libraries, which saved my life. I originally come from Lancashire, and my primary school took us on a 'trip' around a cotton mill - the noise was horrific and put me in bed for 3 days afterwards, it genuinly made me sick. I still cannot stand loud noise. So, you see, you touch memories for us all, many thanks. Wishing you well with much love Valeriexxx How can I express how moved I was to read your blog entries today after a few days gap, so much to experience and enjoy. Your integrity is remarkable and refreshing, and I know you have touched many spirits, including mine, by sharing such intimate memories and thoughts. A very sincere thank you, and I wish you God speed along the path which will lead you to true fulfillment.
When I was a child there were no books in the home, my mother disapproved of reading because she did not understand the joy of it. Thank goodness for free, English lending libraries, which saved my life.
I originally come from Lancashire, and my primary school took us on a ‘trip’ around a cotton mill – the noise was horrific and put me in bed for 3 days afterwards, it genuinly made me sick. I still cannot stand loud noise.
So, you see, you touch memories for us all, many thanks.
Wishing you well with much love Valeriexxx

]]> By: mendofleur http://mendofleur.com/2010/01/28/integrity-and-focus/#comment-2051 mendofleur Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:42:16 +0000 http://mendofleur.com/?p=1786#comment-2051 Wasn't Lois' recent post on vintage clothing fabulous?!! It was so much fun to see and read and I was drawn to your perceptive comments. Regarding this "sadness", I think it is a cyclical emotion in our lives. Heaven knows, there is so much rapid change in our culture that we are always having to adjust to and absorb. And then there are all the personal changes we confront as our children leave the nest, and we are asked to reinvent ourselves. I think this is all positive, but it does seem to imply that we have to wade through the muddy waters of confusion before we get to the other side where the solutions and promises are beckoning. It is odd, but I gave up my children various times during my years of motherhood due to divorce and financial instability, so when I did have to see their leaving permanently, it was already something I had confronted a few times. It is a poignant time, none-the-less. It is hard to let go, but in doing so, we open possibility up not only for them but ourselves as well. Just be sure that you take time to nurture yourself through these inevitable changes, and then it will soften some of the rocks that you have to step over in the process. xx Wasn’t Lois’ recent post on vintage clothing fabulous?!! It was so much fun to see and read and I was drawn to your perceptive comments.

Regarding this “sadness”, I think it is a cyclical emotion in our lives. Heaven knows, there is so much rapid change in our culture that we are always having to adjust to and absorb. And then there are all the personal changes we confront as our children leave the nest, and we are asked to reinvent ourselves. I think this is all positive, but it does seem to imply that we have to wade through the muddy waters of confusion before we get to the other side where the solutions and promises are beckoning. It is odd, but I gave up my children various times during my years of motherhood due to divorce and financial instability, so when I did have to see their leaving permanently, it was already something I had confronted a few times. It is a poignant time, none-the-less. It is hard to let go, but in doing so, we open possibility up not only for them but ourselves as well. Just be sure that you take time to nurture yourself through these inevitable changes, and then it will soften some of the rocks that you have to step over in the process. xx

]]> By: Stella Pesci http://mendofleur.com/2010/01/28/integrity-and-focus/#comment-2042 Stella Pesci Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:02:19 +0000 http://mendofleur.com/?p=1786#comment-2042 I've found your blog through Lois, at Morgaine le Fay Antique Textiles, and this post is so courageous and wise. I'm so glad you've shared your experience...I, too, have lately noticed an unexplained "sadness" creeping into some of my work and have been trying to understand it's source. My children have been leaving the nest in the past year, and part of the underlying sadness has come from there, and the feelings of moving into a new phase of my life and work. I love that you had the courage to move through this, and your story has helped others to recognize this phase of transformation and grow with it. Thank you for your lovely insight...and your creative work is beautiful! (I'm adding your blog to my links!) Best wishes, Stella xxx I’ve found your blog through Lois, at Morgaine le Fay Antique Textiles, and this post is so courageous and wise. I’m so glad you’ve shared your experience…I, too, have lately noticed an unexplained “sadness” creeping into some of my work and have been trying to understand it’s source. My children have been leaving the nest in the past year, and part of the underlying sadness has come from there, and the feelings of moving into a new phase of my life and work. I love that you had the courage to move through this, and your story has helped others to recognize this phase of transformation and grow with it. Thank you for your lovely insight…and your creative work is beautiful! (I’m adding your blog to my links!)
Best wishes,
Stella xxx

]]> By: mendofleur http://mendofleur.com/2010/01/28/integrity-and-focus/#comment-2034 mendofleur Sun, 31 Jan 2010 06:34:24 +0000 http://mendofleur.com/?p=1786#comment-2034 Such a loss you have experienced at such a very young age. I think these sad experiences early on tend to make a mark on how we relate to many things in our lives going forward. I had not been through anything as difficult as this, but I can imagine how it must have had an impact on you. In some ways, you grow up without this maternal support that is so necessary for getting along in life as you grow and establish your identity. I am not sure how a person heals from this sort of trauma, but obviously you learned to let your hands and your artistic eye take you to another place in your mind and heart. It reminds me of the story that Isak Dinesen told in her memoir. When one is impaired in life, be it physical or psychological, one learns to adjust in finite and creative ways that give the life more treasured existence than would have been possible otherwise. She relates this to a plant's taproot has been damaged or bent and seeks another course that is altogether different but perhaps more worthy and inspired and strong. I like to think this is what you have done too. Such a loss you have experienced at such a very young age. I think these sad experiences early on tend to make a mark on how we relate to many things in our lives going forward. I had not been through anything as difficult as this, but I can imagine how it must have had an impact on you. In some ways, you grow up without this maternal support that is so necessary for getting along in life as you grow and establish your identity. I am not sure how a person heals from this sort of trauma, but obviously you learned to let your hands and your artistic eye take you to another place in your mind and heart. It reminds me of the story that Isak Dinesen told in her memoir. When one is impaired in life, be it physical or psychological, one learns to adjust in finite and creative ways that give the life more treasured existence than would have been possible otherwise. She relates this to a plant’s taproot has been damaged or bent and seeks another course that is altogether different but perhaps more worthy and inspired and strong. I like to think this is what you have done too.

]]> By: mendofleur http://mendofleur.com/2010/01/28/integrity-and-focus/#comment-2033 mendofleur Sun, 31 Jan 2010 06:19:54 +0000 http://mendofleur.com/?p=1786#comment-2033 I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on counseling. It was not something I wanted to do, but sometimes in life we do get stuck. At times there seems to be no other way to turn, and people close to us tend to run out of suggestions or advice as we try to meander through the circuitous path that sometimes knows no end. I think we need to end our silence about some things and be true to ourselves and others. As I get older, this seems to be my mode of operating because it feels so liberating. I guess it is a common theme to try and find ourselves in paintings and images that resonate in a true way. Somehow it helps us to see a little better and realize that we are never alone, that all through history there has been someone somewhere who maybe felt as we did. I think that one of the mistakes of human nature is that we think we are the only ones who are sad, lonely, or depressed when, in reality, we have a great deal of company. I used to fear being frank in my feelings, but truly I have nothing to lose. There is so much that needs attending in the world, and when you can attend to yourself, then you are more able to attend to others and help them in a deeper and empathetic way. I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on counseling. It was not something I wanted to do, but sometimes in life we do get stuck. At times there seems to be no other way to turn, and people close to us tend to run out of suggestions or advice as we try to meander through the circuitous path that sometimes knows no end. I think we need to end our silence about some things and be true to ourselves and others. As I get older, this seems to be my mode of operating because it feels so liberating.

I guess it is a common theme to try and find ourselves in paintings and images that resonate in a true way. Somehow it helps us to see a little better and realize that we are never alone, that all through history there has been someone somewhere who maybe felt as we did. I think that one of the mistakes of human nature is that we think we are the only ones who are sad, lonely, or depressed when, in reality, we have a great deal of company. I used to fear being frank in my feelings, but truly I have nothing to lose. There is so much that needs attending in the world, and when you can attend to yourself, then you are more able to attend to others and help them in a deeper and empathetic way.

]]> By: mendofleur http://mendofleur.com/2010/01/28/integrity-and-focus/#comment-2032 mendofleur Sun, 31 Jan 2010 06:05:46 +0000 http://mendofleur.com/?p=1786#comment-2032 From such a generous and heartfelt comment, I feel as if I need to raise my standards to rise to the level of your esteemed description. Perhaps I can earn the distinction in the year(s) ahead. Thank you so much for your sensitive and very caring thoughts. From such a generous and heartfelt comment, I feel as if I need to raise my standards to rise to the level of your esteemed description. Perhaps I can earn the distinction in the year(s) ahead. Thank you so much for your sensitive and very caring thoughts.

]]> By: DebraAnn http://mendofleur.com/2010/01/28/integrity-and-focus/#comment-2030 DebraAnn Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:52:53 +0000 http://mendofleur.com/?p=1786#comment-2030 I thought of writing you a personal response but your bravery and strength warranted something more. I lost my brother when I was 6, in a way I lost part of my mother too. She was depressed and very loving and very nurturing but she was depressed and not very good at the homemaking, caregiving side of motherhood which made school a nightmare. I too escaped into books which took me away and of course my needles. I smiled a lot. An awful lot but that too made me feel like a fraud. It has taken me a lifetime to make piece with my biography so I appreciate your struggles. I tell you this not to tell you of my own struggles but to let you know that you are not alone in this particular biography. I have loved getting to know you and reading of your love of needles and threads and fabric and quilts and everything else I adore. Thanks for you strength and bravery and here is a hope that both of us will find our way with our loves and our gifts that were somehow left behind when something dear was taken away! I thought of writing you a personal response but your bravery and strength warranted something more. I lost my brother when I was 6, in a way I lost part of my mother too. She was depressed and very loving and very nurturing but she was depressed and not very good at the homemaking, caregiving side of motherhood which made school a nightmare. I too escaped into books which took me away and of course my needles. I smiled a lot. An awful lot but that too made me feel like a fraud. It has taken me a lifetime to make piece with my biography so I appreciate your struggles. I tell you this not to tell you of my own struggles but to let you know that you are not alone in this particular biography. I have loved getting to know you and reading of your love of needles and threads and fabric and quilts and everything else I adore. Thanks for you strength and bravery and here is a hope that both of us will find our way with our loves and our gifts that were somehow left behind when something dear was taken away!

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