tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post5833880294578929594..comments2023-04-09T11:46:58.887+01:00Comments on Graphicality-UK: Ill in bed again - a very different EOMV postHELENEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16112289914239038835noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-87080205639179903542016-06-16T13:40:25.645+01:002016-06-16T13:40:25.645+01:00Thank you again to all of you for your lovely, kin...Thank you again to all of you for your lovely, kind words and encouragements, I am slowly getting better from my slipped disks, back to what I usually am and my normal struggles – until next acute episode, as this will happen again and again. But I live and plan for what’s here and now, I don’t go around thinking about what might come next - and I enjoy the garden very much. I have had help from a few gardening friends to do the things I am unable to do - and that has been very good at this important time of year. June is the worst time to be away from the garden! But my garden is also designed to take care of itself if it must, as long as it gets watered, and so was my previous garden. I can be away from it for a week or two or a month or two - as long as it gets watered by someone it won’t be too much work when I am back – that’s how I make my garden. And here in my new garden I have decided to go one step further, I will install a soaker hose in all the flower beds so watering can be done by just turning the tap on – or even with a timer. That will be a big investment and something I will have to learn how to set up and use, but once installed and working, a soaker hose will hopefully be a great help.<br /><br />I am sorry I didn’t manage to get around to all of you and visit and comment, I do try to do that every time I post as keeping in touch with you all is a vital part of this blog. I will try taking the round and visiting you all in the near future. Thanks again to all of you, I truly appreciate all your wonderful and encouraging comments.HELENEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16112289914239038835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-49268109818711766822016-06-15T18:01:12.794+01:002016-06-15T18:01:12.794+01:00Helene, I think you are extremely brave and should...Helene, I think you are extremely brave and should be proud of your achievements. Alistairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17104382970502166560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-81715551243176435592016-06-15T04:50:47.670+01:002016-06-15T04:50:47.670+01:00I know you don't want people to feel sorry for...I know you don't want people to feel sorry for you but I have to confess that your story brought a tear in my eye. Your garden is a paradise. And I always love the way you are writing. <br />Have a beautiful day. Marijkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12848940570958437408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-53159345112392377742016-06-15T00:42:14.988+01:002016-06-15T00:42:14.988+01:00Hi Helene,
I'm so sorry to hear about your con...Hi Helene,<br />I'm so sorry to hear about your conditions but I'm very glad that you shared. Thank you for sharing. It gives me, a person who used to take life for granted, perspectives on life and make me a much more grounded person. You have the strength and will to do everything and so keep on doing that. We will cheer you up. <br /><br />Your garden is absolutely amazing. Geez...I wish I could create a garden like that or I stayed close to you so that I could come down and enjoy it and learn from you. <br /><br />Wishing you all the best,<br />KLKLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06737654325235566310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-5374880511614786902016-06-14T22:24:49.291+01:002016-06-14T22:24:49.291+01:00Helene your beautiful garden is a whole world, and...Helene your beautiful garden is a whole world, and I am happy for the joy it brings you though all the pain. Your courage is as beautiful as your garden. Hugs and many flowers!Hoover Boohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03083294821646284424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-66808138279979249412016-06-10T00:02:58.827+01:002016-06-10T00:02:58.827+01:00Your garden is as much pleasure for us to follow o...Your garden is as much pleasure for us to follow ongoing progress, as it is for you, to sit and enjoy. Being real adds for us the 'blood sweat and tears' to the delight of your garden. <br />I wish and hope that they can find some way to let you be comfortable.Diana Studerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12286066768376135880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-89155545991775075672016-06-06T04:28:29.418+01:002016-06-06T04:28:29.418+01:00Dear Helene, here are my hugs to you. Thank you fo...Dear Helene, here are my hugs to you. Thank you for sharing. I know it is difficult to reveal your soul to the world, but your life is an encouragement to me and is a reminder to appreciate every small blessing. <br /><br />You are a remarkable woman. I enjoyed the video very much! Most able-bodied people with a couple of helpers could not accomplish in their gardens in a year what you have done. Your garden is a little paradise, peaceful and full of joy, a reflection of who you truly are, inside, when all the physical limitations and pains are stripped away.<br /><br />I know a little bit about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and can appreciate the daily hurdles you face. Thanks so much for the Spoon Theory link. May tomorrow bring you lots of extra spoons!debsgardenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15656883577922890561noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-42099168226274159272016-06-05T03:39:59.921+01:002016-06-05T03:39:59.921+01:00Hi Helene! Your garden is happy, peaceful and eleg...Hi Helene! Your garden is happy, peaceful and elegant. The plants are arranged in a very tasteful manner, even those in simple black containers. It feels like a very good garden designer spent some time here! The roses look healthy and I didn't notice any black spots. Huge fuchsia is one of my favorites here. Reddish branches are so attractive! I hope my fuchsias will be so luxurious one day! You chose very appropriate music!<br />I think you did a right thing writing about yourself. It's important for you, but also important for us who read your blog. It's a reminder - to treasure what we have, to appreciate every simple thing, do not take anything for granted. <br />I wish I would live closer to you. I could come over and do some weeding and digging in exchange for a cup of good English tea.<br />P.S. After reading your post I went to my son's room and gave a hug to my boy who was born with congenital heart disease and several other conditions. <br />All The Best to you and please, know that reading your blog is a real pleasure.Tatyana@MySecretGardenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15230255354868127650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-4614793971685841582016-06-04T12:34:44.529+01:002016-06-04T12:34:44.529+01:00Thank you all for your wonderful and heart-warming...Thank you all for your wonderful and heart-warming comments. I normally reply to comments individually, but this time I will make a longer reply to you all instead. The last thing someone in my situation want is for people to express pity – and I think most people like me would agree on that. To me there is a huge difference between pity and empathy and I feel you all have understood that difference - and what I needed. I am so pleased that you all took to heart my story in the way I hoped you would – and responded the way I hoped you would. Thank you all for that, and again, every comment I get here is like a hug, so here is a hug back to you. <br /><br />I am slowly getting better from my slipped disks, I have had a few careful strolls in the garden and I try my best to enjoy everything that looks lovely right now – and try not to see how much that needs doing. Fortunately we have had rather cold weather the last two weeks so watering has been fine, I have had help with watering and will get more help and that’s been sufficient. June is the busiest month in my garden, things grow like MAD, I hope to be well enough soon to sit on my gardening stool like I usually do and do some work. There’s about 150 lilies to stake, lots of roses and clematises to train and clamp, there’s pruning, feeding and weeding and I have around 300-400 plants from my previous garden still to plant – I haven’t counted them for a while so I don’t really know how many I have, I just feel there are still pots everywhere. And I haven’t even started on my front garden, nothing is done there yet, I have just placed a few containers there. That’s a project for….whenever I can get help with removing all the gravel and stones. All in good time, I have been here 13 months next week. <br /><br />I am not sure how many of you I will manage to get around to and leave comments for, I often read your posts, but don’t always leave a comment. In an ideal world I would have liked to read and comment on all your posts, but I try to visit you all as often as I can.<br /><br />Thank you all for your support and for being here for me. <br />Helene HELENEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16112289914239038835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-7624453778830619862016-06-04T08:07:09.068+01:002016-06-04T08:07:09.068+01:00So very sorry to hear that you've had a setbac...So very sorry to hear that you've had a setback Helene and hope that you will overcome it quickly. I can quite understand how much your garden means to you. We take on responsibility for them, love them, and they can become like another person in terms of our affection. Take care, concentrate on getting well and enjoy your garden once again. rusty duckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12238493821002258459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-38185041557681711552016-06-03T22:22:43.391+01:002016-06-03T22:22:43.391+01:00You are so brave Helene and so positive thinking. ...You are so brave Helene and so positive thinking. I can understand how your garden is such a joy to you. Your garden is your very soul.<br />Its beauty is a credit to you and we share your delight in it when we read your wonderful blog and admire your horticultural and photographic skill<br />RogerRoger Brook - No Dig Gardenerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16210160273591839142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-32284780771131528512016-06-02T18:20:38.692+01:002016-06-02T18:20:38.692+01:00Considering all that you have described here, I th...Considering all that you have described here, I think you are a marvel to have achieved everything that you have in not just one but two gardens. Just moving all those plants was even a much more mammoth task than I realised.<br /><br />You have earned my admiration and respect. Many people with far less problems would never have even tried to do what you have achieved so well and they should read this.<br /><br />I hope that your garden continues to be a source of some joy.Sue Garretthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08164518448098182276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-21788107578386493152016-06-01T18:39:40.127+01:002016-06-01T18:39:40.127+01:00Helene, my own health conditions aren't nearly...Helene, my own health conditions aren't nearly as severe as yours, but I understand both the impulse to be our "real" healthy selves and put on a good front, and what a burden that can be. I think being honest and real is actually an important gift to give--you've given that to us here. Our gift to you is to LET you be honest and real, and to want you to feel free to be your whole, genuine self, even when you are in extra pain and struggling extra hard. Many good wishes to you for strength, peace, and joy.Stacyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08297253093260251145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-51070965658687838352016-06-01T14:36:55.304+01:002016-06-01T14:36:55.304+01:00Oh Helene, I have been feeling so stressed out and...Oh Helene, I have been feeling so stressed out and feeling sorry for myself the last week because I just don't have enough energy to get everything done in my garden that I want to. And here you are, with all your health problems creating such a beautiful, amazing garden. You are an inspiration! It's not easy sharing such personal details. I know I try to put on my "happy face" in public and on my blog, even when I may feel quite the opposite. But your honesty helps us to appreciate what we have and to inspire everyone to live life as fully as we can. May you continue to enjoy your lovely garden; hugs to you, Rose.Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01384059342847120951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-69098603442444352732016-06-01T11:37:04.848+01:002016-06-01T11:37:04.848+01:00Dear Helene, I'm sorry to learn about your con...Dear Helene, I'm sorry to learn about your condition. It upsets me very much, because I know that at your heart you are energetic and optimistic woman. I am glad that your son came to visit you and helped you in the garden and in the house.Of course it is insulting that doctors can not relieve the pain, and you suffer so much. On the other hand, I understand that you want to share with others your pain and to read our kind words of sympathy.<br />I liked very much your video - the garden is beautiful and the music is new to me, good choice.Nadezdahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08159291982383302922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-77388935570194662052016-06-01T09:35:32.227+01:002016-06-01T09:35:32.227+01:00Kära Helene! Din berättelse gör att din trädgård k...Kära Helene! Din berättelse gör att din trädgård känns som ett mirakel, du har skapat en fantastisk trädgård, hoppas så att du skall kunna njuta av den, utan att ha ont.<br />En stor kram / MarikaMaribelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17971758563451177650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-881858850093414482016-06-01T03:51:46.948+01:002016-06-01T03:51:46.948+01:00Helene, Your garden is so beautiful and I have bee...Helene, Your garden is so beautiful and I have been amazed by how much you have done since you moved. Now with this post I understand even more how much it means to you and why you work so hard in your garden. Take care and enjoy your garden that brings you so much respite from your medical challenges.Shirley Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12734806779997587008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-46514304693230763462016-06-01T03:11:15.496+01:002016-06-01T03:11:15.496+01:00Helene, thank you, as always, for sharing your bea...Helene, thank you, as always, for sharing your beautiful garden. My best wishes go out to you. As others have said, your garden is gorgeous, and I'm glad it brings you happiness! Thank you also for sharing your story with us - you amaze me with your strength. Big hug!Reneehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14441140267067281722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-78595417745680829922016-06-01T00:15:25.814+01:002016-06-01T00:15:25.814+01:00Helene, as an addendum to my earlier comment, I wa...Helene, as an addendum to my earlier comment, I wanted to let you know that, after getting a chance to read "The Spoon Theory" this afternoon, I've already shared it with two close friends, both mothers of adult children who live with serious and painful health conditions (one diagnosed and one not). It's the best thing I think I've read on dealing with that kind of challenge. Thanks so much for sharing it, as well as your own story.<br /><br />My best wishes,<br />KrisKris Petersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-47054531686060829912016-05-31T21:40:40.088+01:002016-05-31T21:40:40.088+01:00The video is beautiful, Helene. Your roses, the pi...The video is beautiful, Helene. Your roses, the pink rhododendron, the fuchsia ... all amazing. Love the music and have added it to my play list. And the Spoon Theory is brilliant!! Thank you so much. P. xPam's English Gardenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01359787694149174369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-60398245264519792832016-05-31T21:19:53.014+01:002016-05-31T21:19:53.014+01:00Dear Helene, Thanks you so much for sharing your s...Dear Helene, Thanks you so much for sharing your story. You are an inspiration! You should be proud of all you have achieved in spite of pain and disabilities. I am in awe! I love to visit your blog and imagine being in your garden -- it is a precious little bit of England to this ex pat. I am going now to watch your video and read the article. Just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers with a special prayer for relief from pain. Hugs, Pam xPam's English Gardenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01359787694149174369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-10001054684334497482016-05-31T20:21:17.420+01:002016-05-31T20:21:17.420+01:00I´m very touched by your story about yourself and ...I´m very touched by your story about yourself and your ilnesses, I am glad we know something more about it all, but I feel so helpless we can´t do anything to that everlasting pain. You are so amirable for what you accomplished in your gardens, it´s amazing. I´m sure you must be very strong mentally, I know the garden is all for you, as for me too. That keeps you going. I watched your video, your ´new´ garden has grown surprisingly fast, it looks great!!! <br />Lots of love,<br />JannekeJanneke https://www.blogger.com/profile/11056916431881916066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-32067397357029088832016-05-31T18:50:31.341+01:002016-05-31T18:50:31.341+01:00Oh, Helene! How I wish I wasn't a continent a...Oh, Helene! How I wish I wasn't a continent away! I'd be happy to spend time in your beautiful garden just helping with the things you want done. What you've accomplished in your garden is remarkable by any standard, including those of the healthiest, arthritis and pain-free people I know. Knowing that you've accomplished what you have through persistence and in pain, makes it all the more incredible.<br /><br />Big hug,<br />KrisKris Petersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07097260283693156795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-59179954590063487782016-05-31T17:28:36.789+01:002016-05-31T17:28:36.789+01:00Helene please accept all the hugs and best wishes ...Helene please accept all the hugs and best wishes I am channeling down there too you.<br />Dealing with your chronic pain in the way you do is admiral, it truly is. Opening your heart this way makes us all the more appreciative of the hard work and effort you put into your little plot of heaven.<br />I can see why getting outdoors after your short absence brought tears to your eyes - your garden is gorgeous. I hope your spirits are lifted soon. x<br /> Angiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14682908724307784154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265213687739263373.post-13002905811754655322016-05-31T14:50:02.342+01:002016-05-31T14:50:02.342+01:00Helene, I am so glad you are sharing your story......Helene, I am so glad you are sharing your story....I think it makes your gardens that much more special....it does for me. Your garden is your sanctuary, but it is mine too, I feel. I come and see your beautiful flowers and it makes me feel at peace....less stressed. So thank you for sharing your garden and story with us. I am sending big hugs and prayers that things will calm a bit for you so you can be without pain....or at least it lessens and can be more manageable.<br /><br />Much love,<br />DonnaDonnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13420133886162844400noreply@blogger.com