I miss my daughter who is now back at school. Far, far away - to me, that is. This never gets easier does it? How do lumps form this big in our throats and isn't it amazing how easily our tears can fall... one after the other?
I miss the sunshine because Fay is still hanging around our state, and it has been dark and rainy for days. Just dreary, dreary.
I miss YOU, because I haven't been around AND I'm sorry to report, I haven't caught up with all of your nice notes either. Please forgive me. Maybe next week? Yes, I think next week will be a calm week.
But I do want to thank you VERY MUCH for being excited for me and Daisy Cottage with our future magazine feature....as always - YOU ARE THE BEST.
Before I sign off and begin another hectic weekend, I wanted to share with you these wonderful gifts from Addi that brightened my day and brought me sunshine in this way....
All kinds of lovely things - and even a special blanket just for Maggie and Marley!
Oh sooooooooooooooooo cute! Sooooooooo sweet!
Thank you Addi! I love my surprise gifts and I will cherish them!
I hope you all have a wonderful, SUNNY weekend - and if you still have your "babies" at home, give them an extra hug for me. I will see you on Monday!
xo,
Kim
Wishing some sunshine comes your way!
Posted by: Elizabeth | August 22, 2008 at 01:49 PM
We miss you and your cheery blog too.I'm sure it is always sunny in Daisy Cottage. I wish we could get just a little of your rain here is southwestern Virginia. Your gifts are lovely, and don't surprises lift you up. What a special friend to brighten your day. Its hard to beleive its school time again, isn't it? You always miss your babies no matter what age they are.
You have a wonderful weekend.
Jean in Virginia
Posted by: Jean Eakin | August 22, 2008 at 02:08 PM
I wish I could blow some of this sunshine your way!
We'll all still be here when you are able to get back to "normal" so don't worry. :)
Posted by: PamperingBeki | August 22, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Bless your sweet heart Kim. How does a mother contain all the love and emotions that she feels in her gently beating heart?...sometimes I think it just spills over. Savor the moments! xo rachel
Posted by: Rachel Going | August 22, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Ah, yes, I will soon know that feeling too. We're taking our two boys to college tomorrow. Empty nest for the first time! Hope I can handle it.
Posted by: paintergal | August 22, 2008 at 02:54 PM
I have my "baby" home for one more week and then we take her to University. I know it is going to be hard without her, she is my sunshine. Fortunately, she will only be a few hours away.
Posted by: Kathy | August 22, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Kim,
I feel your pain! It hurts when the little chicks fly the coop, doesn't it? My son didn't come home at all this summer. He went from college to his summer internship 4 hours away at the seashore. We visited him several times. But I do miss him here at the house.
Make some fun plans for when she comes home on the next break. I am sure you and your husband are so proud of her.
I hope the weather improves soon. Would love to have you come up north for a visit...we could shop till we drop. Lots of Thrifting and Antiqueing!
xoxo, mary
Posted by: mary | August 22, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Kim,
I just brought my son to the train today after a week home, and it doesn't get any easier. He stayed at school all summer. :(
I hope you are staying dry. Fay sounds horrible! Twenty-three inches of rain in some spots?! Yikes!
Love your new gifts -- so cute! Have a wonderful weekend -- here's hoping you get some sunshine. Of course, you know that a virtual visit to Daisy Cottage is a ray of sunshine for all of us in blogland!!!
xoxo,
Mary
Posted by: mary | August 22, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Thank you, Kim, for that extra hug for my 8th grade "baby girl"...I have been known to hug her pillow and cry a little into it during the day when I miss her, so I know a little how it feels when they are gone for longer. But what a wonderful life your dear daughter has had AND has with you...love to her as she finds her way in the world.
Beautiful gifts from Alli..love a black/white pattern.
Oh, that rooster in the last picture looks like he's in charge, carefully guarding the chalks! hmmm...maybe he thought someone said "you go guard the chicks" I wouldn't want to mess with him.
Peace and joy be with you.
Posted by: Elizabeth Ann | August 22, 2008 at 05:03 PM
Hi Kim , we moved my g.son into the dorm at college yesterday . He wanted all three g.mothers there with him . So last night after we returned home from the trip , we all sat down and had a good cry . So I know how you feel sweet one .
Posted by: | August 22, 2008 at 05:33 PM
It does get easier, I promise. I have four little chicks and they've all flown the coop. Now they're all bringing their little flocks home to visit with Mimi and Grandpa. It's the best! Grandpa and I are reconnecting, it's one of the best times of our lives! I highly recommend it...Love your blog, your home, your puppies. Best wishes.
Posted by: Mimi Sue | August 22, 2008 at 05:39 PM
Hello Kim!
I know what you feel, it simply is the heart of a mother. It has been a while since my last visit, and I truly have missed Daisy Cottage!:o) I sure hope a little sunshine peeks through your way soon. Enjoy your weekend!
Smiles...
Beverly
Posted by: tea time and roses | August 22, 2008 at 05:46 PM
I see a piece of Emma Bridgewater pottery! Funny that I just posted about mine. I understand how you're feeling. My oldest is in Kansas and I'm in California. It's way too far away! Thank the Lord for e-mail, texting, cellphones and blogging!
Posted by: Karen Baruth | August 22, 2008 at 06:15 PM
it never gets easy, you just make do..
hugs and prayers for your baby girl..
Posted by: lulu | August 22, 2008 at 06:43 PM
Kim, my girls have been gone for years. And it does get easier. When I visit, I get a little teary. But they grow up and out and have their own adult lives. And they readily remind you that they're adults when you fuss... It does get easier, hon.
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | August 22, 2008 at 07:03 PM
Oh Kim, I miss my baby too. I am ready to take a road trip to go visit her already. I wish all of you safety and hope "Fay" dissipates soon!! Sending all my love and hugs to you!
Teresa
Posted by: | August 22, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Oh Kim, I miss my baby too. I am ready to take a road trip to go visit her already. I wish all of you safety and hope "Fay" dissipates soon!! Sending all my love and hugs to you!
Teresa
Posted by: Teresa Sheeley | August 22, 2008 at 07:46 PM
It looks like a few of us are missing our "babies". I loved reading all your sweet comments :-) My daughter Kate just moved into her 1st apartment getting ready to begin her Masters degree at University. Thank goodness for the internet and web cams :-)
Posted by: Deb | August 22, 2008 at 08:06 PM
Thank you so much for your blog! It's ok thst it's a little sad right now. I remember when my oldest son went away to college for the first time. I was a wreck. My sweet husband, and my boys stepdad, spent the whole day trying to entertain me so I wouldn't worry and be so sad. My son drove his car to school. I was a mess.
Anyway, wonderful blogs and the creative inspiration is very important to me right now. My husband just checked in to the hospital for bone marrow transplant. We'll be here for 2-3 weeks and having the internet and the blogs I read keeps me sane!!
Congratulations on your magazine article!!
Marsha
Posted by: Marsha | August 22, 2008 at 08:43 PM
Dear Kim,
It’s fun to share with someone who has similar interests and obviously appreciates the little things as I do. I am at the other end of the spectrum; my baby is heading off to kindergarten. Sniffle. Sniffle. She’s gonna be a block away and it feels like a world away. As hard as these times are, I’ll miss them when they are gone. I can’t even imagine when she actually does leave the nest. I hope you are doing well. We are thinking of you.
Take care your baby knows you are thinking of her, keep her in your heart. You know you are in hers.
P.S. I had as much fun getting stuff together to send you as I hope you did getting it.
Take care, stay safe. The sun will be out soon.
Addi
Posted by: bluemagpie | August 22, 2008 at 08:52 PM
It has been a few years since my children left for college and now they live away from home. When they leave from visits over the holidays I find again what you feel right now.
I don't think it ever gets better. We love our children and we feel incomplete with their absence. So we just fill in the time and appreciate them so much more when they are home again.
A big hug and a pray.
Becky
Laceandlures.blogspot.com
Posted by: Becky | August 22, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Oh Kim, I remember that feeling so well. Bless your heart! It's so hard. Maybe Maggie will curl up and give you extra lovin'.
BTW...love your new look!
Happy Friday!
Hugs!
Kat
Posted by: Kat | August 22, 2008 at 09:09 PM
oh my ~ my babies are little and I am not looking foward to that day when they leave ~hope you feel better..i am having a giveaway maybe you could come by and hopefully win something that will cheer you up! xoxo
Posted by: Andrea | August 23, 2008 at 12:04 AM
I love your chalkboard!
Posted by: Kim Hancock | August 23, 2008 at 05:37 AM
Kim,Your post brought a lump to my throat as well. It is so exciting to see our children grow into young adults with all the possibilities the world holds ahead of them. That said, as mothers it is also hard to let them go. However, if they go easily then we have done our jobs as parents, raising ambitious, self assured son's and daughters. My baby girl starts her senior year of high school this Tuesday and my son is in his third year at U.C. and is living in an apartment near campus. Hard but exciting times for us Moms. Hang in there, sunny days are just around the corner. P.
Posted by: Pam | August 23, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Awww...it is a bittersweet time for ya! But, do you have sun yet?? We finally do today!
Posted by: linda@lime in the coconut | August 23, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Hi Kim, aw, where does she attend college? My darling daughter wants to go to texas tech next year and its NINE hours away :( Don't know what i'm going to do if she does...Hope the sun returns soon! Its been dreary here too. rosemary
Posted by: Rosemary | August 23, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Hi sweet Kim :)
I'm glad you posted! I was starting to worry that you were swept away with that awful Fay.
I'm sorry you'll be missing your daughter while she's gone. Alex will be home for college this year, but he wants to go to Arizona after that and it's going to be tough. Where does the time go? I swear he's still a little boy until he walks in the room.
The gifts Addie sent are absolutely precious! How sweet of her :)
I hope you see the sun soon.
love,
rue
Posted by: rue | August 23, 2008 at 12:49 PM
I miss you! I've been so busy this summer with the kids, I feel like it flew by in a matter of days! I'm sorry I haven't been good about visiting either. We'll catch up now that fall is around the corner. I guess it doesn't get any easier the second year, sending your daughter off to college. Here's a super big hug from me!!! At least she loves to come back home ;)
Posted by: | August 23, 2008 at 12:50 PM
that last comment was by me! sorry :)
Posted by: bethany | August 23, 2008 at 12:51 PM
I adore your little chalk message board...and I have a daughter who will be off to school in a year and I'm already so sad it makes my heart hurt...
Posted by: bettye | August 23, 2008 at 01:28 PM
I'm so sorry your daughter is far away.
all I can say is take it day by day and know she is also.
Posted by: Row. | August 23, 2008 at 01:55 PM
I'm sorry you feeling a bit blue. It will get easier, and hopefully she'll be back for a visit before you know it.
Posted by: Beverly | August 23, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Kim, Last year when I first started blogging Daisy Cottege was my fist to visit. Your daughter had just gone away to college. My son Nathan was a senior at that time. I can't believe that year went by so fast. Well, I just moved my son to college & the tears just keep falling. I am so glad to hear that someone else understands that big lump in the throat. It is so hard for us mothers to let our kiddo's leave the nest!! Blessings!! cherysapplebasket.blogspot.com
Posted by: Chery | August 23, 2008 at 05:37 PM
Fay Fay go away and bring Kim & Daisy some much deserved sunshine!!!
Posted by: sharron | August 23, 2008 at 06:06 PM
Hi sweets!
I dread the day when I say goodbye to my little ones going off to college. Thank goodness Maggie is there to give you a snuggle. ((huggs))from your friend in Pennsylvania~xo
Posted by: Tara | August 23, 2008 at 06:59 PM
Kim I live in Rio De Janeiro and I love reading its blog, my son also was to live far in the college, I also feel much lack of it, semmorasse eno U.S.A. would go to know Dayse Cotage, a great one I hug Alice
Posted by: Alice Galiano | August 23, 2008 at 07:55 PM
It was so nice to see the sun shining through today! Fay lingered around just a little too long although we did need the rain here in Polk County.
Have a delightful week!
Posted by: Andi | August 23, 2008 at 09:37 PM
I love your pictures! They are so beautiful. The chalk in the teacup is great!!! You inspire me!
Sandy Toes at www.shellinyourpocket.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sandy Toes | August 23, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Sending you some hugs your way. I dont know the feeling about a child leaving to college yet (Cristian is 5) but the thought of it gives me the chills.
So more hugs to you ;)
We've had lots and lots of rain here too. Yesterday was UGLY! I actually turned on the TV and said, "Watch, shes gonna be back!" It got really ugly, which I have to be honest and say that I actually LOVE when it rains and pours like that.
Have a great week ;)
Dayami
Posted by: Dayami | August 23, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Kim,
I too still get the lump in my throat and tears still come easily. Our last two sons are in dental school clear across the country from us and our last child of four is engaged to soon be married. Where did the time go? It seems like we blinked and they started to leave one by one. We try to teach them to be confident young adults and make correct decisions that will ensure them and their future families a good life... You can feel good your daughter is making a wise decision to further her education. Bless you heart, i hope she will remain close through calls and home visits. Congratulations on all your success. I have been a quiet guest at your home for some time and LOVE it! Hopefully Fay will leave soon and the sun will shine again. My little Maggie is our darling sweet 5 month old granddaughter. May your beautiful Maggie bring you as much joy!
Beth
Posted by: Beth | August 23, 2008 at 11:41 PM
Those college days never got easier for me-EVER. A lot of my tears used to fall. Then there was the time my son was in Afghanistan in 2002. I refer to that as the "6 months of no sleep". But they do grow up to be wonderful adults who present you, hopefully, with gandchildren and there is absolutely nothing like that.
Posted by: Chris@catsonmyquilts | August 24, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Your blog is the only blog to visit for me...I'm sorry I've tried to venture out..but it doesn't quite feel the same...
Heres to one rainy day friend to another...
Regards
Oma
Posted by: Oma | August 24, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Dear Kim,
You must be so proud to have your wonderful home featured in Romantic Country. I love seeing all the wonderful 'finds' that you come across, your tours and the brilliant anecdotes about Miss Maggie.
Best wishes
Hannah x
Posted by: Devon Dumpling | August 24, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Wishing you some sunshine, Kim.
Hugs,
Donna
Posted by: Donna | August 25, 2008 at 01:05 PM
The sun is finally out so I hope it is bringing you some cheer. Those gifts would definitely help--how thoughtful.
I keep meaning to ask what you put in your frames to paint with the chalkboard paint. I have some empty frames I would like to make up.
Hugs to you and sweet Maggie,
Lallee
Posted by: | August 25, 2008 at 02:56 PM
My daughter is only three but I'm already dreading that time. I think Motherhood is a series of learning to let go - no matter how painful it is for us. You have accomplished so much with rearing your beautiful child and giving her such a cozy and memorable childhood base. I remember Goldie Hawn's book discussed all her pain about letting go of Kate Hudson and I realised how universal this motherhood pain of the empty nest is. At least Dasiy Cottage is a pretty delightful 'empty' nest. Stay strong and be nourishing to yourself. xx
Posted by: Jo | August 26, 2008 at 09:59 PM