Some of you must have been wondering where I’ve been, as it’s all been rather quiet on the old blog front the last couple of months and I’ve barely commented on all the lovely and wonderful blogs that I normally follow.
Well, my family has been hit with some rather sad but not totally unexpected news.
About 6 weeks ago, my Dad went into hospital not feeling well. After multiple tests including a camera being put down his throat, we learned that he has a 5″ cancerous tumour in his oesophagus and stomach.
It’s inoperable and chemotheraphy or radiotherapy aren’t options; their side effects far outweigh any short term benefits.
His oncologist said
‘You’re looking at months, rather than years.’
It’s the reason why I’ve not really blogged much, understandably.
We hope he’ll make his and Mum’s 56th wedding anniversary in August. We’re not so sure about his 85th birthday in November.
Today on Father’s Day my siblings and I celebrated the day with my parents, sitting in the garden and we all toasted him with fizz and good food. He laughed as he watched me win at Twister against Tall Brown Fox, one of my nieces and his weekend carer. All that Pilates training was finally put to good use!
Tall Brown Fox and I were able to go away on our planned holiday last month thankfully. My Mum was very adamant about that! To be honest I wanted time away from blogging. I’m still wrestling with whether to continue blogging as with everything going on, my blogging schedule will be erratic to say the least!
For now though, I’ve decided that even if it’s erratic, I’ll still blog. Posts may well be few and far between, so I hope you’ll bear with me. If nothing else, it will be a welcomed distraction from making sure the last few months of Dad’s life will be as comfortable as possible, whilst I and the rest of my family support my Mum through the next inevitable painful steps.
******************
Anyway, let us move onto some better news, shall we?
Thanks to Lisa at Independent Fashion Bloggers; I was one of the 20 articles chosen for their weekly round up – Links à la Mode. It’s always a boost to be picked, especially this week in the light of the sad news about my Dad and feeling somewhat demotivated to blog.
I’ve always loved fabrics and thought it about time I did a post on Styling Fabrics. I included some of my favourite ones such as chambray, denim and suede. The outfit also evolved to have a hint of the 1920’s about it, with a black devoré kimono, long beaded necklace and shot silk, bamboo handle bag.
Onto the links…
If you’re a crafty type person, you’ll love the DIY tutorial on turning a pair of sandals into a pom pom delight from Sparklin’ Serendipity.
I really enjoyed mis papelicos’s article on indestructible fashion with wonderful photos from the 1940s including one of her Mum!
All links are below, so why not dive in and discover some new blogs!
Lisa Walker writes: I thought it was truly remarkable that IFB Bloggers captured Summer in all five senses this week – see, hear, touch, smell, taste. Wearing midi length skirts, paisley prints, bohemian-chic looks, bright cheery colours, and tried and true chambray. Watching movies and scanning the Tony Awards for the best looks. Reading about a Summer spent on the French Riviera. Creating a vision of pom-pom delight. Listening to music that you can dance the night away with. And cooking food to be savoured with friends.
Cheers to having an ideal Summer.
Links à la Mode, June 16
- Aesthetic Distance: Jawbreaker: An Ode to to High School Girl Squad Movies
- A Handful of Stories: Le Déjeuner sur l’Herbe
- Attire Club: The Best Dressed Men of the 2016 Tony Awards
- Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: Currently Crushing…
- Fashion Panache: Travel Style | Midi Skirt & Unisex Bag
- Fashion Tails: Foodie Tales and Summer Tunes
- Five Foot Nothing Shopping: The Choices for a Petite Bride to Be
- From the Soles Up: Curves, Confidence and CON-TOOOOUR!
- Greige Market: And Everything is to the Back with a Little Slack
- The House Blend: Madrid in May
- I’m a Norbyah: Beating the Heat in Vintage
- Les Assorties’: What’s Your Legacy | Pushing Sustainable Fashion Forward
- Life in the Fash Lane: Summer Print Series | Paisley
- Mis Papelicos: Let’s Sunday | Fashion is Indestructible
- MySelf Expressed: Mood | Beach Dreamer
- Petite Silver Vixen: Styling Fabrics | Denim, Devoré, Chambray, Suede, Silk
- Sassy Ethnic Bohemian: Summer Brights on Fleek
- Sparklin Serendipity: Pom Pom Sandal DIY Tutorial
- The Sugar Ribbon: How to Wear Bohemian-Chic in 2016
- We Are Ready Made: For the Boys Who Like to Dress Up
SPONSOR: Shopbop Lisa Marie Fernandez, SUNDRY Tops, Salvatore Ferragamo Bags, Chloe Oliver, PARTYSKIRTS, Shaffer, Cutoff Shorts, Hats, Flip Flops, Men’s Oakley
You look so chic and summery!
I'm so sorry to hear your Dad's news. I totally understand the dilemma with blogging at the moment.
I hope you manage to find the balance you need at this time.
Many hugs! Xo Jazzy Jack
Thank you Jazzy. It's very much a balancing act – which I know you understand. It takes some adjusting to it at the moment, with many a wobble on the way!
So sorry to hear about your dad, and totally understand you need time with family now. And yes, blogging (even less often and irregularly) may be a welcome distraction, to give you a sense of 'normal life' or a brief respite in time of crisis, if and when you need that. Being there for someone during the last months or weeks of their life can be very intense and exhausting, and you need to take good care of yourself, too, to keep your energy levels up. And as absurd as it may sound, silly everyday activities (e.g. watching your favourite shows, going shopping etc) in small doses can keep you sane because they allow you to take a break from thinking or having to be strong for a moment, and just let yourself imagine that there is such a thing as normal life still out there.
Such kind words, Tiina and so appreciated. It's been quite intense and exhausting in the last 4 years to be honest, as he also has early onset dementia, so energy levels for everyone are running on empty at the moment. But you are so right, and it's not silly at all – everyday activities allow you to take your mind of the crap that's around. The ridiculous thing is of course, is that I have tons of blogs posts but no time to write them! Thank you so much for commenting.
I'm so very sorry to hear about your father.
Blogging will always be there, don't pressure yourself. Be present for your Dad and family.
Thinking of you and your family.
Suzanne
Thank you Suzanne. I won't pressure myself. Trouble is I do enjoy blogging and do miss it when I don't but the next few months is all about finding a balance. And if I disappear for a while, the sky won't fall in, the blog will be there for my return!
Oh Jacqueline—I'm so sorry.
Of course we all understand….you will be sorely missed but there will be tons of thoughts & prayers headed your way!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
So sweet of you Jodie. Thank you.
Oh dear, Jacqueline. That is quite a blow. I'm so sorry about your dad. I had wondered where you'd gone and never would I have wished for the reason of your absence to be such hard news. My heart is with you and if I can be a shoulder to lean on–even at my distance–I am here.
Hugs and Blessings,
Sherry
What lovely words, Sherry and a very kind offer. I do so appreciate that and everyone's kind thoughts.
I'm so sorry to hear that about your dad- that is horrid to hear. If I can help in any way, let me know- I mean that! Will keep you in my prayers. My most beloved family friend was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer in March and she was given 2 weeks to live but she is still going strong now in June and has learnt to walk again with a zimmer after having her bowel (or some of it) removed, seems to be doing well, so you never know what will happen. But anyway, hugs to you regardless of what may happen to your lovely dad.
Beautiful, beautiful outfit- I love the blue!x
Thank you Kezzie. I really appreciate your offer – that is very kind. Good to know that some fellow bloggers don't desert you when you go off the radar for a while.
I am sorry to hear about your Dad.
Thank you Nicole, I appreciate that.
I'm so sorry to hear about your father. Cancer is so hard. I think it is good you have taken the time you needed and gotten to be with family and you should continue to. Just blog when you want to. This is supposed to be fun after all. I LOVE your shoes. You always have the best ones.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
I was wondering… I knew it had to be something. So sorry to hear about this Jaqueline. I'm always on the other end if you ever need a chat xx
I'm so deeply sorry about your Dad. I am happy that you got to celebrate Father's Day with him and even made him laugh! Sending you all my warmest wishes and big hugs!
You look gorgeous, what a pretty kimono. Blog when you like – it's the best schedule ever. 🙂
Much love to you, dear friend!
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's illness Jacqueline. Sending you big hugs xxx
Emma
So sorry to hear about your dad. Take the time to be with him as much as possible; enjoy him and enjoy your time together. xo
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
sending you hugs & xxx
hope you can enjoy some quality time with him!
besos