:cry: When I get the blues I go visit my mom and dad. They are both dead but I go out and buy new flowers for their grave and a box of kleenex. I tell them all my problems cuz I know they can still hear me. I have a good cry cuz I miss them dearly. Feels good to let it all out and then I can get back to the real world and handle anything. :D

You know PatriceJ I was going to say the same thing!! Maybe suggest make something for the exchange student to take back with them. I don't know what type of surgery your granddaughter will be facing but a small quilt for her during her stay would be wonderful. Here in Indiana the childrens hospital even takes donations of quilts for the kids (they do have size requirements and some other guidlines). I don't know if where she would be would have a project set up like that, but that may help you thru this rough patch...using your talent to comfort her and other children. Just my thoughts, I hope all is well and safe.

Catherine
Theres nothing wrong with you. The (blahs or depression) what ever you want to call it, comes from anxiety. Sounds as tho it's over your G-baby.
I can tell you what I've learned, Prayer is the answer, Give it to God. Easy to say, but not always easy to do. Most people think thats only lip service. But it's not. Prayer changes things. For everyone who has a earnest Heart.And remeber the promises that God has made to you. Once you give it to God, throw yourself into doing something for somebody else. When you throw yourself into doing something for someone else, it gets your mind off what your feeling. I know I've done it, still do it. And when I follow his plan, it NEVER fails. And then you'll be blessed from what you've done for someone else.

I have a plaque by my kitchen sink. I've had it for so long it's hard to read. But this is what it says : Sometimes the Lord calms the storm. Sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child. It gives me perspective when I read it over again and remember all the times that I've gotten through with His help.

Quilt making may have started out of necessity - to keep the family warm in the days before the furnace - but it was also a creative outlet. A challenge to make something beautiful and lasting out of whatever scraps had been saved or salvaged from old clothes, etc. That is making the best out of tough times!

Now making quilts is a craft - a hobby - a luxury for those who are creative and have the time and energy to give to it. So, ask yourself, what is the rush?

I think of making a quilt pretty much the same as expecting a baby. When I am planning it and picking out pattern and fabrics, it is about midterm. I pace myself. I enjoy the process of creating it, taking it slow so I get the best result.

Later, as it gets close to piecing together, and thinking of how I want it quilted, its is like labor. I feel "pushed" to finish it. I am driven.

After it is finished, I may feel a pull to start something else, but sometimes I want to read that good book that's been waiting on me, or go to the beach with my family, etc And who wants to have baby after baby without a rest and a chance to get your figure back? LOL

The bottom line is, I don't let myself feel guilty! I want to make a quilt when my artistic level equals my energy level and the time I WANT to give to it. I don't ever want making a quilt to be on the same level as emptying the dishwasher and doing laundry!

So don't feel bad. You need a rest, a distraction. Do what you want, what you've always wanted to do, and enjoy yourself!

Catherine,
How are you doing today? You've received some wonderful advice here. May your 'blue funk' move along soon.

I have to share a story about our first exchange students. First off, a little background information, our three daughters were all adopted from Korea. When our girls were in high school we had a Japanese exchange student for just a month. When it came time for her to go home there the whole family was crying and sobbing. We were a mess. Once the bus pulled out of the parking lot my husband turned to me and said, "We've never had to give one back before!" He had said exactly what we were all feeling! We always want to keep them forever! So go ahead and have a good cry when the exchange students have to go home.

The other idea I've had while reading all of the posts is to be sure to get out into the sunshine. I find that if I have had too many days inside I'll get to feeling blue and it's amazing what a little sunshine will do, even if it's only 10 minutes or so.

Also, please know that there are many, many prayers being said for your granddaughter. It helps to know you are not alone and we are all here with you!

Take care of you!

Thank you everybody...My G-daughter has been put to sleep for her MRI,
I've been waiting by the phone to hear from my son, whether they will do surgery...one of our Exchange students is packing his bags now, we;ll go out to eat tonight and he'll fly back home to Yucatan Mexico in the morning, we are going to miss him...the other is from South Korea, he leaves in 2 weeks.........it has rained alot...not much sunshine here......but all the kind words will be my sunshine..cause you all have been so supportive during my blue time............I'm going to move my sewing machine back into the bedroom that "Miguel" was using...hhee already starting to feel that little excitment of sewing. This change could boost all kinds of creativity!!! You girls are the kindest ever!!!!!! I'm gonna cry!!!!

Don't cry!! Smile knowing that we all love you and wish you nothing but the best :D

Wow... I'm amazed at all of the wonderful advice on this subject. First of all, I had no idea this was so prevalent among so many. I thought I was the freak & noone else ever experienced this, or just pms on a bi-monthly basis. Second, Thank you Catherine for bringing up this subject, and thank you to everyone else for opening your hearts and being so honest. I have felt like this for the past couple of months, but I thought it was because I haven't had time to do any sewing, & when I have had time I wasn't interested and had to force myself into doing what little I have accomplished.

Thank you again to all of you. You helped me, & I didn't even realize I needed or wanted some help.

Finally, Do you think men ever, even once in a while, go through this?

Indeed I do. Sadly more often than they can admit or share.