It’s Been A Looong Minute

/ February 15, 2023

35 days without posting. I have never been away from my blog for this long. It wasn’t really a planned hiatus. In the beginning, I just felt lazy and decided to give the first 2023 tumblr round-up a miss. And then the second. And the third. The longer I kept silent, the harder it became to come back. You know what it’s like – the task at hand becomes more difficult the longer you leave it. Despite a number of kind messages BTS, I just wasn’t feeling it. To my shame I wasn’t even feeling like replying to them. But “to all my incredible well-wishers”, thank you!

RA News

Do you recognise the hand-writing? The screenshot above is from a clip that RA posted yesterday on the occasion of Valentine’s Day. So in case you haven’t seen that:

That’s very sweet of *him* actually. Not that I celebrate V’ Day at all, but I appreciate that he has punctured this news-free time with a message. To be continued, though? I assume there is something in the box visible behind the card. What will it be?

Actually, there have been other news in RA-Land. Just a couple of days ago a 30 minute podcast conversation with Richard was posted on YT. I haven’t listened to it yet. The convo starts 9:25 minutes into the clip. I presume he is going to dive into his writing process and how his thriller actually came to be.

Your help is needed – Charity sale upcoming

In the absence of RA news, I used to come up with other little schemes to keep the blog going. (You can check some of my Fan A to Z from 2018 or a Distraction Challenge in my previous posts.) This time – nada. Instead I have found a lot of distraction in crafting. And it turns out that that may have been very useful. You all have seen the devastating news about the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. The death toll has risen to an unthinkable number. It is all horrifying to the extreme. So almost a year since Kate and I came together for an impromptu charity sale in aid of Ukraine last year, we have decided to once again front a little fundraiser and sell items for charity. The date has not been set yet as we are both still crafting behind the scenes, but we hope to schedule the charity sale within the next two weeks. It would be wonderful if you wanted to support the fundraiser by buying an item, but as always – no pressure. The year is young, the money is tight. But in case you have some disposable funds, keep a few pennies aside. I will keep you updated here once the date has been set.

Personal Update

Lastly, a personal update. My mind has been occupied with Mr Guylty’s health. It’s not going to get better, and after more than a year of discussion we still do not have any answer whether he’ll be admitted to the transplant programme. On top of his lung disease, they found out during one of his many examinations that he has a heart problem. It’s called atrial fibrillation and means that his heart is beating arhythmically and irregularly. The good news is that he has been put on medication, and it seems to work. But the question is whether it will make him unsuitable for a transplant.

As if that wasn’t enough, we are now very concerned about my father-in-law. He collapsed three weeks ago and was taken to hospital. The doctors found a ruptured aorta and concluded that he would not survive the night. We all rushed to hospital immediately to say good bye to him; my son even flew in from Germany on my recommendation because I didn’t want him to regret not having taken the opportunity to see his grandpa before passing. But to our astonishment my f-i-l pulled through. He’s a tough old nut (my m-i-l’s words), and after a week in hospital he pushed for being released home. He is back on his feet now, taking mini walks around his house, playing the piano, holding court 😂 but we all know he is on borrowed time. However, this is a special time for all of us. His 5 sons, 4 daughters-in-law and 13 (out of 14) grandchildren have all spent time with him, essentially saying good bye. That is a precious gift. Even though it is still desperately sad, it is much better than losing a loved one abruptly and without any warning, like I did my father.

So there we have it. I am back in the game. I hope you are all doing well, and hopefully better than I am. Much love!

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71 thoughts on “It’s Been A Looong Minute”

  2. Welcome back! I was thinking about you today, figured stuff was happening and that you would post when you were ready. You’ve been missed, but personal life comes first every time and it certainly sounds like it’s thrown you a few curve balls lately *hugs* xx

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    • Yep, things are a bit tough. I think that seasonal affective disorder also hits me in January and February and I feel a bit down. But now days seem a bit brighter and longer and hopefully that will lift my mood, too.

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  5. So sorry to hear you and the family are going through such a tough time, I was wondering if there were developments re Mr. G. It is good to hear from you and best wishes and prayers to you all.

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  7. Dearest Sonja, I was sure that something was going on in Guylty family, that’s why I haven’t sent you a message. I knew you would communicate as soon as you were ready. I keep you daily in my prayers. And I am still waiting for your mail to come. The earthquakes were a huge disaster. We are trying our best to make them feel a little bit better. Stay strong. I am always here if you want to talk. Glad to have you back…

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  8. So glad you’re back, Sonja. But it’s good that you also took time for yourself when you just needed it. We will always be simply waiting for you here.
    I’m very sorry that Mr. Guylty has to deal now also with atrial fibrillation and and that you are all having such a tough time. It’s good at least that the atrial fibrillation could be stabilized with medication. This is very important for his health and better feeling, especially in such a stressful time. A big virtual hug for you.
    The Distraction Challenge on your blog is great.
    Hugs again

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  9. Welcome back, Sonja! Your absence has been felt, but the hiatus was necessary. Family always comes first.
    Raising money for the earthquake victims is a brilliant idea. A feeling of “doing good” and a chance to “get out of your own head” could be the win-win you need to ease back into your routine. Whatever “typical” is for you these days, just know you have supporters standing in the wings. Whenever you’re ready, we’ve got your back. Hugs.

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    • Aw, thanks Lou!!! It is very nice for me to be welcomed back so warmly by everyone. It makes me wonder why I didn’t post much sooner… Anyway, now that I am back, I hope to blog regularly again 🤗

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  10. Lovely to hear from you, G! These old nuts are amazing! 🤩 Yes, one certainly feels the small mercy when one is able to say ‘goodbye’ to someone compared to a sudden death. But I am thinking of the suffering of a friend’s mother-in-law, who passed from cancer recently too? 😭

    Thank you for organising a mini fundraiser fir the Earthquake! 😘🙏🤲 I feel torn and guilty by ‘throwing money’ at it. I’ve not enquired with my cousin who’s husband’s family is Turkish, as I feel maxxed up emotionally already. 😢 I am seeing her brother soon, so can enquire that way, I hope. 🤲 Stay safe! 😘

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    • Thank you, Zed! And yes, you are right, a long drawn-out illness would not be a nice good-bye, either…
      I also sometimes wonder whether fundraising is a way of merely alleviating guilt. But then again, neither are we guilty of anything (it’s not our fault that there is war in Ukraine or an earthquake in Turkey), and the funds are badly needed regardless. So it’s at least a little contribution somewhere…

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  13. It´s good to hear from you, just yesterday I thought of you and realized I hadn´t heard or seen anything from you in a while. I´m sorry I didn´t notice it earlier, life is really busy and stressful…
    I´m sorry to hear about your husband and your father-in-law, it must be really difficult and I´m sending best wishes.
    The fundraiser is a wonderful idea, seeing the news and hearing new and higher figures every day is heartbreaking…

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  14. Dear Guylty, it is lovely to hear from you (waves, hugs and kisses) and I’m so sorry that you are going through a difficult time. I’ve often wanted to send you a message during your absence, as you have been in my thoughts, wondering if you are OK, but didn’t want to put you under pressure. Wishing you and your family all the very best. Welcome back, you’ve been missed.

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  16. Glad you are back! And hugs to you and your family. I’m behind on everything RA myself (haven’t even listened to Geneva yet!) we all just do what we can. (and in your case, that is more than most!)

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  17. Welcome back dear Guylty!
    Never doubt that you are sorely missed whenever you feel like keeping to yourself and avoiding interaction. You certainly have more reasons than most to take time to deal with very serious matters. I truly admire how you gracefully face what life is challenging you with.
    And despite having enough on your plate, you still manage to find a way to help those in dire need. You’re an outstanding human being, lady! 🤗

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    • Aw, too much credit, Maria. However, I have to say that there is something in a saying that I once heard a famous German actress say. She said something along the lines of “When you feel bad, go and help others. It will make you feel better.” I don’t know why, but it really is true…

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  20. It’s so lovely to have you back. I’m sorry to hear your absence was due in part to family health issues. I’m praying that your husband and FIL will rally and continue to improve. Sending you love and hugs and hoping the coming spring will help lift your spirits. The fundraiser is a great idea-count me in for support.

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  21. I“the task at hand becomes more difficult the longer you leave it”
    I know this phenomenon all too well. Often, the thing never gets done in my case because I feel too frustrated/embarrassed with myself for having procrastinated so long. My reasons are often unimportant, but you had very heavy life stuff™️ going on. I’m sending continued good wishes for Mr G and your FIL. I’m glad to hear the heart medication is helping. My father has the same condition and by itself it’s been quite manageable. I hope it won’t interfere with Mr G’s other treatments. 🤞🏻🤞🏻
    I haven’t listened to the podcast yet either. Maybe I’ll substitute that for my audiobook during one of my crafting sessions. I just hope this cold/potential plague doesn’t incapacitate me before I finish.
    It’s lovely to have you back here. 🫂

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  22. I was really starting to miss you!
    Real life takes precedence over online life though, so it’s a good thing you took some time for your family.
    I hope Mr. Guylty is okay for now.
    Earlier this week I lost my surrogate dad to lung fibrosis (he’s my sister-from-another-mother’s father and I’ve known him for 35 years). He’ll be missed terribly.
    Take care of yourself and your family first. They do tend to run out eventually!
    We’ll still be here (if not on Twitter, then on Spoutible or whatever manages to take its space)

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  25. Oje… dann habe ich mir also zurecht Sorgen gemacht, weil es so ungewöhnlich lange still war auf deinem Blog! Gute Besserung an deinen Mann und dir und ihm und deiner ganzen Familie schicke ich viel Kraft und gute Energie. Schön zu lesen, dass deine grundsätzlich optimistische Art immer noch stark durchklingt!

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  26. Oh, I’m so sorry to hear Mr Guylty is having such problems, and also about your father in law. It’s lovely that he has time to see the extended family. You know I feel for you on both counts, and sort of understand some of the things that will be going through your mind.

    On the subject of the fundraiser, I have set aside some RA items that might be suitable… I’ll send you an email. It might not be immediately because I’m just about to go away for a couple of weeks but I will be in touch! Much love, sympathy and lots of hugs.

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    • So glad to hear from you Helen. I hope you are doing ok. I had been wondering whether you might be going on your usual early spring holiday. Have lots of rest and relaxation to recharge all the batteries. There’s no hurry on getting in touch. Much love!

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  29. Very late to this but it’s good to see you back again! So much to deal with in real life, that is bound to make blogging wane… I’m so sorry things are so difficult with Mr G and your FIL. You’re all in my thoughts. (((HUGS)))

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