Tuesday 17 September 2013

Half an Empty Nest . . . and some handmade love :)

I'm back - if a little (emotionally) ragged around the edges - after accompanying eldest son to his new student life in Glasgow University. We were met at his Halls of Residence by cheery faced and enthusiastic Student Union reps in bright pink t-shirts, who whisked us and our baggage (guitar included) to his new room.  'Have you come far today?' they enquired politely, as we made our way through a warren of corridors and fire-doors - I managed a cheery 'Oh, yes - we're from the Outer Hebrides - quite an early start, the ferry left at 7 am this morning.'  We'd been travelling all day and were thoroughly shattered - ferry, bus and train with an early morning alarm call at 5 am to get us to the ferry in time.  It was now 4.30 pm  - almost 12 hours to get to our destination.

But, we had made it - hurray!  I stayed overnight at a very cosy (if basic!) B&B round the corner from the Halls and spent the next morning having a wee wander around the lovely studenty (is that a word!) area of the West End of Glasgow.

We had a fab weekend (if a little stressful for me at times!) helping him settle into his new student digs, and spending time with my two sisters and nieces who cheered us through the whole process - taking us out on the town, feeding us, ferrying us about, and even giving their bed up for me (thanks Eubha!).  

When all was said and done, I flew back on my ownsome on Sunday afternoon and must admit to feeling a lump in my throat as we hit the runway in Stornoway - Oh my Goodness, what have I done - I've left my child in Glasgow!  Well, I guess that means he's not a child any more :) :) 

While staying with my Sis on Saturday, she showed me this lovely pillow my niece had made for her a few years back - it just sums up everything I love about handmade - every stitch made with care . . . 

. . . what a treasure to keep :)

Well, I guess that's me back on the crafty wagon after a Summer-long absence - it was worth taking the time out though, through this important phase in our lives.  I had a little 'crafty' retail therapy this morning to cheer me up - nothing like it LOL!  I'll update you on that later - I'm quite excited about my purchase.  Also I will post about my Scandinavian knits which I promised to give away very soon - honest!  Back to 'tweedie' business once more :)

Later Gaters!
Alison xx

3 comments:

homemade@myplace said...

.....I have a lump,too< after reading your post!
hard times for a mum.....!!!!
Be crafty!!!!
Love, xxxxx Ale

Mezz said...

its funny, the last blog I just finished reading before clicking on yours was written by a mum celebrating her sons first birthday and what that meant for her.... and here you are watching your son enter adulthood! being a mum is such a wonderful yet emotional journey, one that we are all on and at different stages. but essentially, I guess we are all in the same boat because from the time we give birth, our children are slowly gaining independence, which is great, but it also means that they are in turn getting ready for that day where they can fly the nest! its emotional for us mums, but I think the fact that he is going to uni and giving this a real go speaks volumes about what a wonderful mother you must be!! mezz xx

june at noon said...

Ah, another phase of life. I'm not there yet, but I imagine I'll have plenty of throat-lumpiness myself when the time comes. I'm sure you'll keep yourself distracted with craftiness, right? ;)