This will be the last newsletter for 2 weeks while we take a break from the daily grind before the Xmas intensity. We'll be building up new designs to launch later this month. Dawn is especially burnt out having to be a carer for me, as well as being tasked with being the designer. If you act as someone's carer you'll understand just how exhausting it can be both physically and mentally.
She hasn't had any time for herself in the two years since I had the stroke. In some ways, it's been harder physically and mentally on her than me. Spending the last year preparing the house for sale has been such hard work too. Painting it inside and out, carrying out landscaping, laying and insulating floors, repairs and cleaning. Anyone would need a rest after doing all that.
It doesn't help that she's a perfectionist and constantly feels she's not being good enough, even when working for 12 hours a day. Me, I don't suffer from that, I can just accept that whatever I'm doing has reached a conclusion, writing especially. Dawn is the opposite and always feels there's more to do, which is a certain kind of torture and means she never rests or feels fulfilled.
So she's taking time out to do a few things for herself and take the pressure off. One of the inspirations behind moving house is just to break with our memories of me being ill and the 3 and a half months Dawn spent on her own, coming to the hospital to see me every day on the ferry. That was traumatic for both of us and while we're here, there are daily reminders of the life we had beforehand, which is quite upsetting really. I suppose we need a fresh start where everything is new, for the next chapter of life
We have a friend who, after her husband died, decided to stay in the house where he passed away. How she copes with the memories, I don't know, because I'm haunted by my able-bodied self.
I'm still writing blogs for Facebook in the mean time, adding a new Rock Quiz each week and of course doing my usual customer service.
So we'll see you soon, hopefully refreshed, on the other side.
But hey, all the T-shirts are still here to be purchased, in large quantities!
10 comments
Thanks for your all your kind comments
Johnny I love your shirts and your blogs and try to tell as many people about your work as I can . Your quizzes also drive me nuts! I am a carer too and I know exactly what you mean about the house thing . We have just about coped by the purging exercise you and Dawn are going through. You are making the right decision to move and the firebreak is a great idea. You have shared so much of your experience with us as the honest good bloke that you are and I just want you to know how much that is appreciated. You both need a long rest at some point and you will come back stronger from that . Take care boss
PS
On a practical front I have never been able to find you on FB – can you send me a link to your page
Johnny I love your shirts and your blogs and try to tell Your quizzes also drive me nuts! I am a carer too and I know exactly what you mean about the house thing . We have just about coped by the purging exercise you and Dawn are going through. You are making the right decision to move and the firebreak is a great idea. You have shared so much of your experience with us as the honest good bloke that you are and I just wanht you know how much that is appreciated. You both need a long rest and you will come back stronger from that . Take care boss
PS
On a practical front I have never been able to find you on FB – can you send me a link to your page
Best regards to you Sir and Dawn. Stay healthy and inspired!
Jim
(The wanker from America)
Although our musical rates differ I have always enjoyed reading your articles as we both have the same passion for our music. All the best to you and Dawn may you have many more happy years together. Best Wishes . David