The Tardis

[jillydabrat]

I know I have always loved to do crafts, any crafts. You will never see me sitting without a pair of knitting needles or crochet hook in my hands but I must admit I shocked myself these last three weeks.

Most of you will know that I lost my mum to Covid in April. Because I couldn’t be there to hold her hand I wanted to help those who were and that was the MacMillan nurses.

Mum always wanted me to do something with my art so when lockdown came I taught myself to paint. I was lucky that mum was still here to see a couple of my pieces and she loved them but when she passed I put them away and didn’t think I would paint again. Then I realised that my paintings were the way I could help this wonderful organisation. I had received such great comments from what I had done so far.

I rolled my sleeves up and boxed up all my wool, cross stitch kits, sewing patterns, etc. and put it all on eBay so I could turn my spare room into a studio so I could paint.

I was shocked when it took 26 boxes to pack it all up and also a shock when I made over £1,000 by doing it.

I gave a good donation to MacMillan, purchased new paints and canvases and I am having the easel of my dreams delivered today. I now have a beautiful, freshly painted room to paint in and whatever money I make from my paintings will be going straight to the MacMillan.

I already have the MD of a food supply company asking if I will do a commission for him so I don’t care about lockdown, we are going to keep safe in our home and I will be more than content in my room with my dogs at my feet doing something I love to help these angels.

It feels good to return to life again, something mum would have ordered me to do.

[hunter5582]

It is good to hear from you again. I am so glad to hear that you are transforming loss and pain into healing and growth. It certainly is what your Mum would have wanted. Finding an outlet for your creativity that allows you to give back to those who took care of your Mum is beautiful and kind. We are truly blessed to have you in our MPN Family.

Many blessings to you my friend.

[azaelea]

So lovely to hear from you and what a wonderful thing you are doing by helping MacMillan with your talent and showing them how grateful you are for the love and care they gave your dear Mum when tragically you were not allowed to be with her. Keep safe and well. Love Fran xx

[piggie50]

Well done Jill,

You sound like you have got things sorted. You’re very talented.

Please post some of your new paintings when you can.

Stay safe,

Judy xx

[Inca]

Very Well Done to you Jilly.

Perfect to have loved dogs with you while you work.

Best to you

Sally

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

well done Jilly, a very worthy cause, good luck with it all. Best wishes, Maz

[Tico]

Well done jilly for such a worthwhile cause. It still must be raw after your mums recent passing but good on you for this. Take care and reassurance that your mum would be so proud of you supporting such a good cause.Tina.x🤗

[Jlah]

Jilly- so good to hear from you. And quite inspirational. Your mum would be proud of you. Would love to see some of your paintings. Jx

[Chel1]

So good that you're doing all this your mum would be very proud and well done

[Nickthedevil]

Well done Jilly, that’s an amazing thing to do xxx

[lizzziep]

Well done! I’ve just realised how valuable my stash of craft goods must be! I sew and crochet, not too good at knitting, I used to draw a lot when I was younger, I think you may have inspired me to have another go! Losing your mum takes a lot of getting used to, I still miss mine nearly 30 years after she passed away far too young. X

[jillydabrat in reply to lizzziep]

You wouldn’t have believed it Izzie. I had a bet with my hubby over how much I would raise, I said £450 while hubby said £750 and I scoffed at his figure. Two women battled over my boxes of wool, some of which went for £30! I still have my baby wool as I have friends expecting grandchildren and I must have something in my hands while watching telly.

My easel arrived yesterday and my poor hubby, who is usually amazing with flat packs was saying words I have never heard him say before but I was jumping up and down with excitement, it really is the easel of my dreams. I just want to go straight into my room and carry on painting but I have to go to GP and have my haematology bloods this morning, what a waste of painting time lol xxxxxx

[beetle]

What a lovely thing to do. My partner often looks round at my stash of craft items and asks what on earth he would do if anything happened to me! Like you I have always got something on the go - usually for my grandchildren. I’m not sure I could ever paint but have often found myself looking hard at something and thinking ‘what colours would I use if I painted that’. Maybe there is a seed of painting in me too. I should give it a go and see if I can follow your example? Alas no dogs though 😂

Good luck with your new hobby and it is a great cause to support. I’m sure your mum would have been very proud of you

Very best wishes, Jan xx

[jillydabrat in reply to beetle]

Well Jan, that is what painting is about painting what colours you see. I use the teaspoon analogy, if you ask someone to paint a teaspoon they would just do it all grey but if you then asked them to paint the actual colours that were reflected inside the spoon that’s when you see what you should paint. Give it a shot, you can buy cheap sets anywhere x

[mhos61]

All the best Jilly. Your Mum would be proud! Xx

[Tmg59]

Well done Jilly for making something so positive out of a very painful event in your life. I'm sure your mom is looking down on you and would be very proud of you. Good luck with the painting.

All the best

Tina x

[Helpatlast]

Well done girl a brilliant thing to have taken up and to do it for the benefit of others who so deserve it, so pleased for you and to see you on here again

[ksos]

How wonderful to read this, Jilly. Seriously, you made my morning. I'm so happy to hear of how you have moved forward after your mother's loss and found healing in helping. Please post paintings here as you do them; it would be great to see them. All the best,

Kim

[RobPV]

Well done Jill, you are an inspiration to us all. You obviously have a rare skill that you are putting to very good use. The fact that you are doing it in the memory of your mum and donating to charity is commendable. Hats off to you. Keep going x