When Life Throws a Curveball…I Re-Organize!!

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So, a week ago Saturday, I fell getting in the shower. Ugh. I had cards done and ready to blog for a few days and then the posts petered out as I was unable to move! I tried to create but couldn’t move around enough and had zero mojo while on pain pills:) Then, this past Friday, I posted this picture on my Facebook account as I headed out to run an errand, my first outing that week, and Walt thought he was driving! Isn’t he adorable?? He’s seven months old.

A half hour after this picture and post, after I had run my errand to pick up papers for work, I thought Walt deserved a treat since he had been cooped up all week too and had eaten all his toys:) so we headed to Petsmart to grab a few. Just something we would do, right?

As I stepped out of the car after parking, a man approached me and I was carjacked by a man with a gun. Really. He let Walt and I go, so thankful for that, and took off in my car. I’ll spare you all the nuts and bolts, but basically he led police in a pursuit, drove on the freeway the wrong way at over 100mph and eventually crashed the car. Thankfully again, he hurt NO ONE other than himself. Here is what’s left of my car:

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Since this happened on Friday, I have been living in a cocoon of sorts, completely sheltered by my husband and children, never alone. And I am thankful for that as well, as I worked through the trauma of what happened to me. I couldn’t sleep for a few days, and if I fell asleep, I immediately jerked back awake, I kept seeing him in my face screaming at me to give him the “f”ing keys. So I went to the doctor and got some sleeping aids, which I hate to take as they can be addictive, but thankfully they did help. Not the first night really, as I was able to fall asleep but woke up about 15 times, but after that I slept for what feels like 36 hours. When I finally woke up I felt (and feel) much better. Much more able to process and cope. I may even go to the store by myself:)

But…this event has turned my view on everything I do upside down. I’m evaluating everything to decide if it really means anything. Including my crafting. So I have no idea where the next few months will take me but I know that wherever I end up will be a better fit for the “new” me.

And what do I do when I have troubles? I reorganize!! My husband treads very carefully when he walks in to find a perfectly clean house, top to bottom, lol. This time, it is my craft room that is bearing the brunt of my efforts:

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It all started with me moving my computer monitor. After I had done so, I stopped to look at the mess moving just one thing had created and whamo! I realized this is a perfect analogy for my life right now. Just one change in my life has left me feeling this out of sorts. As I sort through the bits and pieces, deciding which ones stay and which ones go, and finding new homes for what stays, I will doing the same in my overall life.

It’s a disaster, which I feel mirrors my state of mind, and will be a wonderful journey of purging, cleaning, and organizing. I probably won’t be crafting much but I will pop in from time to time to share my journey, both in this room and in my life.

So thank you my friends for always being there and following my blog. Please hug your peeps and enjoy each moment given to you, it can all change in the blink of an eye.

With Love,

Shannon

39 comments

  1. Peggy Noe says:

    Dear Shannon, thank you for letting us know a bit more. I’m so sorry. You’ve given us all some things to think about. Please know that you are loved by so many in the stamping world, and we are praying for you 🙂

  2. Karenann Negron-McPaters says:

    Shannaon I’m not great with words,but know that you are in my heart and I pray you will find peace at your own pace.

  3. Barb says:

    My thoughts are with you. So sorry you had to experience this horrific and life-altering event. I hope the passing of time brings you peace.

  4. Tricia Chuba says:

    Shannon, wherever this journey takes you, I hope it somewhere peaceful and happy. Thank for giving us an update. Sending prayers, strength, comfort, and hugs your way.

  5. LeAnne PUGLIESE says:

    Shannon, I am praying for your peace and comfort as you get back to your new normal! Praise the Lord that the police were able to apprehend him. I hope you will find crafting a comfort and solace sometime soon, because otherwise I will miss your treasures!
    Hugs,
    LeAnne

  6. JanR says:

    What a horrible time you’ve been having lately! I can’t even imagine. I hope in the coming days you are able to heal. Thank you for sharing your story with us, I hope our comments are helping you in some small way. Best wishes.

  7. Kimberly Holman says:

    Very, very glad that you and Walt are ok! Take you time to heal physically AND emotionally, everyone will still be here waiting to see your amazing creations!

  8. Karen Tenney says:

    Shannon, you don’t know me but I sure understand your pain, physically and mentally. Give yourself some time to really think things through. I’m glad you have your stamping to distract you. I can’t imagine going through something like that. Sending good thoughts that you can heal.

  9. Patti MacLeith says:

    The Lord protected you, Shannon. (And dear Walt!) I am glad you shared here. That is part of your healing process and getting back to “normal.” Take your time! I will keep praying for you as you take baby steps to feel safe on your own. Sending Love and Hugs!! XOXO

  10. Rosanne Mulhern says:

    Shannon, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I do hope that as time passes you will find solace and joy in stamping once again. You will be missed!

  11. Nancy Farrell says:

    Shannon! OMG! I am truly so sorry that you had that terrible experience, one NO ONE should have to experience. Please hug Walt, snuggle really close and know that I (with many Pals) will be thinking and praying for you.
    🙂

  12. Susan says:

    Oh my gosh! I am so sorry all of that happened to you. Your cards have always been an inspiration to me and I thank you for that. Where ever your journey takes you, I hope you find peace and feel safe once again.

  13. Karen L. says:

    Oh my gosh! I am so sorry that all this has happened to you. I am so glad that you & Walt are OK. I pray that you will find comfort in knowing that we are all keeping you in our thoughts & prayers & that you will find peace & safety in your journey ahead. I am hoping that your crafting will provide a healing therapy for you. I love your card designs & hope that you will continue in that area. Will miss you & will keep you in our prayers.

  14. Barbara says:

    Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Such a horrible thing to experience, but it could have been much worse. Will miss your blog and creativity and look forward to when you return to crafting.

  15. Rachel Jolley says:

    Oh this is so terrible for you, I am so so sorry and pray that you will be guided and helped through this trauma by the Good Lord.

  16. Brandi says:

    When it rains, it pours! But it does sound like you’re learning how to dance in the rain! We’re thinking of you and look forward to your crafty return! Prayers your way!

  17. Lynda Regan says:

    Shannon, Can not imagine what you must be feeling right now. My prayers are with you. You are such an inspiration to me as a crafter. I wish you God’s comfort, peace and success in whatever you do. Thank you for sharing with all of us.

  18. Sally says:

    Wow! So sorry you had to go through all that but glad you are OK. Life is short and can change quickly. Thoughts and prayers to you! I have always enjoyed your projects.

  19. Jody says:

    Oh Shannon, my thoughts & prayers are with you. I hope your confidence returns soon. I can’t imagine how frightened you must have been. I’m so glad you weren’t physically hurt.

  20. Liz says:

    Sharon, thank you for sharing your story with us. May you find peace and happiness in your journey. So thankful you and Walt are ok❣️ Your creativity and sharing on your blog has inspired me many times. Hope to “see” you here again 🐾❤️

  21. Bethany says:

    Wow, Shannon, you have had quite a week! I will be praying for your peace of mind as you navigate through this difficult experience.

  22. Ann S. says:

    I have never commented on your blog before even though I really love your cards. Please know that you have touched so many people with your beautiful aesthetic. We are all keeping you in our thoughts as you make your journey to health and healing.

  23. HJ says:

    So sorry to hear about this terrible experience you’ve had. I pray after you take some time and decide what your next path will be, I hope it includes sharing your crafty talent with us. You are in my thoughts and prayers for comfort and healing. Just know you are loved by many in the crafting community. Take care of yourself.

  24. Pat Carella says:

    What an ordeal! So very thankful that you (and Walt) are okay, Shannon. Can’t help but think that he might be your guardian angel. 🙂 Will be praying for your emotional recovery and since it is apparent that reorganizing is relaxing to you…please feel free to stop in if you are ever in Murrells Inlet, SC. I have a whole houseful of closets…AND a craft room…that will help you achieve absolute bliss! LOL Rest well. We will still be here when you are back to your creative self.

  25. Wendy budacki says:

    Dear Shannon,
    That must have been awful. Thank GOD you and Walt are not harmed. I can’t even imagine. I will pray foe you tonite.

  26. Vonne Gilbert says:

    Shannon, my Stamping friend, I am SO SORRY, to hear about your mishaps, but especially the car episode. Cars can be replaced, but you and your furry pal are not, so grateful that all is well for you both. If they gave you Ambien for sleeping, that is the best and the best for NOT getting addicated too. Was my saving grace when going thru that stage in our lives in older years, but never at any time felt addicated. Keep your chin up, and all will settled down for you. Lots of stampin hugs to you.

  27. Kathy L says:

    What an awful thing to happen, Shannon! Yes, something like that does turn your life upside down, and it’s good that you realize it and are giving yourself time to heal. Time, maybe lots of time, and patience with yourself are the best cures, aside from love from all your family and friends. You’ll be in my thoughts.

  28. Sheila Edwards says:

    ‘So sorry that you had to go thru such cruelty. Peace to you and your family as you overcome this terrible event. Know that you are being thought of and so many prayers are coming your way! Take care Shannon and know that your Stamping Friends are with you. Hugs to you!

  29. Patti J. says:

    Shannon, just wanted you to know that you are missed here in blog land. I think about you every day, and send prayers that you are getting along okay. God bless you and yours…

  30. Sheila says:

    I came across your blog while searching for valentines and clicked on home to see a recent post. Your detailed description of your terrible ordeal is so moving. Stampers are a sisterhood…my heart goes out to you. I pray that you are recovering surrounded by loving family and friends.

  31. Dana M says:

    Oh my gosh, how terrifying! I am so glad you and Walt were not physically harmed. My very best to you as you settle into a feeling of security again. Know that lots of caring hugs and support are coming from those of us you have not met IRL.

  32. Ree Donnelly says:

    Shannon,I was so sorry to read this. I’m sickened that you had to have that happen to you. Thank GOD you made it thru safely. But it so upsets me that a person goes & does these things…thinking nothing of the person he/she is hurting… then you are left with emotional scars& fears.
    Well, I’m going to pray for you! And as a dog lover…for lil’ Walt too <3

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