For a week that started out so well, this week has certainly turned into one with many highs and lows… and the worst part is that it’s only Thursday.
Sunday was a good day! I spent it with my family in Omaha, NE. This is a photo of me and my dad, who is 88-1/2!Unfortunately our cat became very ill while I was gone. He died yesterday. Those of you who came to last year’s Izannah retreat will remember him walking around in his t-shirt (to keep him from chewing on his surgical stitches).Just as we were about to board our return flight on Monday afternoon, I received a call from my son telling me that one of the huge maple trees in front of our house had cracked, split and 1/3 of the tree had fallen down. thankfully it did not fall towards the houseThis photo shows part of the tree lying in our field. You can get a feel for how large this tree is in comparison to our house, which has two stories and a full attic.
I am really going to miss this cat. We had him for 15 and a half years and had to hand feed him when he was a 5 week old kitten. It’s days like today that make me so thankful that I can retreat to my studio and loose myself in my doll making…
My name is Paula Walton. I’m a working craftsperson. I’ve been self-employed since 1986, when I started selling the items that I make under the name A Sweet Remembrance. Among other things, I am a doll maker, a dressmaker that specializes in reproduction women’s and children’s clothing, maker of spun cotton ornaments and holiday figures, and a freelance designer. Upon occasion I write magazine articles and am a Craftsperson in Residence. I teach and do demonstrations quite frequently, plus I was previously the director and curator of a small museum in Connecticut.
View all posts by paulawalton
Oh Paula – I’m so very sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved cat. I do remember him from the doll retreat last fall – he was a very beautiful, sweet cat! I have always been a cat person, and it was so nice everyday of the retreat to see him wandering around your lovely home. I know that this is a very sad time for you, and I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, and hope that you will find comfort recalling the many wonderful days throughout the fifteen and a half years of his life that you shared together. Lots of love, Susie
Hi Paula, I’m so sorry to hear about your cat. I remember him as well. We are cat lovers too and I feel your sorrow. It was nice to hear you had a good visit with your dad, a very handsome man at that. I lost my dad 3 years ago and I find myself thinking of him many times when I’m gardening, since he and I shared that together every spring and summer, he taught me so much. I know you must cherish the time you had this week with your family. The storm here took down trees on many properties but thankfully not ours this time. It’s been storming here all day. I was able to squeeze in picking 2 bushels of apples earlier today right before it started storming. Lots more trees to pick from, we have 7 apple trees that are full. Remember the good times. Love, Mary Goddard.
Thank you. I’ll have to tell my dad about your handsome comment. My dad and I also talk about gardening, although he is only planting three tomato plants now and two varieties of hot peppers. Our tree actually didn’t break due to storm damage, surprisingly Monday was a very calm, clear day.
12 September 2013 Dear Paula, Our condolences to you on the loss of your beloved cat, it is so hard. Our beloved dog, Sadie has terminal cancer, although still doing fairly well but we can see her loosing ground. She came to us at 2 months old and she will be 14 this coming Christmas. Where does the time go, so many years flew by, so many great memories. I hope the weeks will get better for you and your family. When I read that you were visiting relatives in Nebraska, then mentioned in Omaha, I wanted to tell you that I am from Nebraska too, my Mother lives in Plattsmouth and I have a brother, sister, nieces and nephews that live in Omaha. We are planning on visiting all of them next month for my Mothers’ 93rd birthday. Sending thoughts and prayers your way. Marilyn Brown
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. You have mine as well for Sadie. I hope that you will still have some wonderful moments with her and that the rest of her life is peaceful. Ratbert also had cancer, in addition to several other very severe heath problems, but he continued to be himself and enjoy life right up until his last week, which I am very thankful for.
I hope you have a terrific trip to Nebraska. It was very hot when we were there, but it should be nicer by next month.
Heartfelt blessings for the death of your sweet kitty. I am still missing my most special feline friend from 20 years ago. I have been without a cat for ten years because (sob!) my mother (who lives with me) won’t let me have one! I’m glad you had many years with your kitty. Perhaps a young kitty is also in your future when you are ready to love another.
I’m also uplifted to see the photo of you with your dad. My dad, who died in 1981, would be 88 1/2 now. He was born in March 1925.
Izannah Walker Journal 
Oh Paula – I’m so very sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved cat. I do remember him from the doll retreat last fall – he was a very beautiful, sweet cat! I have always been a cat person, and it was so nice everyday of the retreat to see him wandering around your lovely home. I know that this is a very sad time for you, and I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, and hope that you will find comfort recalling the many wonderful days throughout the fifteen and a half years of his life that you shared together. Lots of love, Susie
Susie,
Thank you, I really appreciate your very kind words and loving thoughts.
Paula
Hi Paula, I’m so sorry to hear about your cat. I remember him as well. We are cat lovers too and I feel your sorrow. It was nice to hear you had a good visit with your dad, a very handsome man at that. I lost my dad 3 years ago and I find myself thinking of him many times when I’m gardening, since he and I shared that together every spring and summer, he taught me so much. I know you must cherish the time you had this week with your family. The storm here took down trees on many properties but thankfully not ours this time. It’s been storming here all day. I was able to squeeze in picking 2 bushels of apples earlier today right before it started storming. Lots more trees to pick from, we have 7 apple trees that are full. Remember the good times. Love, Mary Goddard.
Mary,
Thank you. I’ll have to tell my dad about your handsome comment. My dad and I also talk about gardening, although he is only planting three tomato plants now and two varieties of hot peppers. Our tree actually didn’t break due to storm damage, surprisingly Monday was a very calm, clear day.
Paula
12 September 2013 Dear Paula, Our condolences to you on the loss of your beloved cat, it is so hard. Our beloved dog, Sadie has terminal cancer, although still doing fairly well but we can see her loosing ground. She came to us at 2 months old and she will be 14 this coming Christmas. Where does the time go, so many years flew by, so many great memories. I hope the weeks will get better for you and your family. When I read that you were visiting relatives in Nebraska, then mentioned in Omaha, I wanted to tell you that I am from Nebraska too, my Mother lives in Plattsmouth and I have a brother, sister, nieces and nephews that live in Omaha. We are planning on visiting all of them next month for my Mothers’ 93rd birthday. Sending thoughts and prayers your way. Marilyn Brown
Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 16:56:22 +0000 To: ronmarb@msn.com
Marilyn,
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. You have mine as well for Sadie. I hope that you will still have some wonderful moments with her and that the rest of her life is peaceful. Ratbert also had cancer, in addition to several other very severe heath problems, but he continued to be himself and enjoy life right up until his last week, which I am very thankful for.
I hope you have a terrific trip to Nebraska. It was very hot when we were there, but it should be nicer by next month.
Paula
Paula,
Heartfelt blessings for the death of your sweet kitty. I am still missing my most special feline friend from 20 years ago. I have been without a cat for ten years because (sob!) my mother (who lives with me) won’t let me have one! I’m glad you had many years with your kitty. Perhaps a young kitty is also in your future when you are ready to love another.
I’m also uplifted to see the photo of you with your dad. My dad, who died in 1981, would be 88 1/2 now. He was born in March 1925.
Truly, Jennie
Jennie,
Thank you. I hope there is a kitten in your future too.
Paula