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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

New Series A Departure For Olive


I am starting a series called Hold Everything Lightly on Olive Out that is a departure from the routine topics of vintage decor, thrifting and decorating. I am seeking to record, especially for my daughter and my sisters, the story of my early years and what happened prior to them coming on the scene. It will not be pretty or nice. There is death, violence, abandonment, drunkenness, and loss. Embracing, in writing, the dysfunctions I have known all my life is harder than I expected  I use a quote for the series from someone I have admired since I read her book the "The Hiding Place" when I was fourteen. Corrie Ten Boom, a Dutch Christian, imprisoned by the Nazis in Ravensbruck concentration camp where her sister Betsie died. I make no claims to any analogy between Corrie Ten Boom and my life. I would never do that. I have not forgotten what she wrote about holding that which you love lightly. It has held true for me as so many close to me have been taken early in life or circumstances have drastically altered my path.
I hope you can stay with me despite the heavy content. I have written the first installment and cried the entire time. I venture to say that I will anger some or all of my family members at one time or another. As the installments unfold it will become apparent that as I grew older I was able to understand and forgive my parents for their mistakes. I do pray my cardiovascular system holds out. I also trust my sense of humor and faith, both of which were born of this story shine through.

The first installment will post on Wednesday 2/29/2012.
I am in the process of deciding how frequently to post in the series.
 This is real work for me while taking photographs, editing, and writing about estate sales and decor is pleasure most of the time.

"Hold everything in your hands lightly, otherwise it hurts, when God pries your fingers open." 
---Corrie Ten Boom 1892-1983

Olive

34 comments:

  1. I will be your cheerleader, you friend, your shoulder to cry on, and your laughter in the midst of sorrow. Share, darling, share. It feels good!

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  2. I'll be here, Olive. I pray that you come out of this experience stronger than ever. I'm sure you will touch many hearts.

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  3. Brave and wise decision, dear one! Writing it all down and getting it all out is such a major step in our lives and growth in our spiritual walk. I'll be reading.xoxo

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  4. Thank you all dear friends. Having trouble posting the right post at the right time dang it all.

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  5. We will be here for you Olive. I think putting it out there is cathartic and you may find some healing in letting go of it. I pray you do. Our blogs go where they are meant to go. We are not shiny magazines but lives being lived out and that is what you are sharing. I will be waiting to read and then send you a big cyber hug and maybe shed some tears with you.

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  6. God has done such a work on me this year letting go (kicking and screaming) of someone I was holding too tightly. God used the process to regain His right place in my life. It is so hard to bare our souls but if you feel led to do so, I am sure the Lord will use it mightily. I will pray for your courage as you go forward. We all have a story to tell...you are brave to follow through. Patty

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  7. What a wonderful idea. I bet you find it easier as you go along and liberating. I'm looking forward to reading it. Everyone has a story and whether they realize it or not, it's fascinating. And uniquely theirs.

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  8. It is hard to bring up the stories and family and friends can really surprise you in their reactions. I've discussed some issues with family, only to have them bury it and deny it. Some folks just don;t want to face it.

    I think you are very brave and the mere writing of your story should be further processing for you.

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  9. Here from Sunny Simple Life and following you now. ~ Maureen

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  10. I truly believe you are being led by God to do this. I also believe we are not the writers...merely the typists. He will give you the words that your heart can't find and provide the wings to carry them...and you.
    You have my utmost respect for such a brave undertaking.
    Whatever I have to give from across the miles to help...just ask.
    Debbie

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  11. I think the most important thing to keep in mind as a blogger is the importance of honesty. You are to be congratulated for opening up your life to us. You are in good hands...Ann

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  12. That's a very brave thing to do Olive and painful at times, I'm sure. I am looking forward to reading your story and I think that it will do you good to write it. They say that getting it out there is brilliant therapy ! I'll be checking in tomorrow. XXXX

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  13. I will be back to read your new series and to cheer you on.

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  14. I think you will feel some relief in writing your story down, and you have a lot of cheerleaders here. I'm looking forward to your first installment. Take care.

    XO,
    Jane

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  15. I will be here for you. It takes a lot of courage to pour one's heart out.

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  16. Writing about personal issues can result in one of two things - personal lessons that benefit the writer and those reading it or morbid self-indulgence.

    From all I know of you I am confident that you will grow through writing and we will learn from what you write.

    Melissa

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  17. Olive, I think this will be a wonderful healing process for you. I so believe in writing your feelings down. I will be here to read it:)! XO

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  18. As other's have commented, it does take courage. You are being lead by faith and that is admirable. We are here as your friends to listen to what you have to say. I think I will be able to learn from your experiences on how to handle what life has thrown at us. I look forward to reading your posts.

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  19. Hello Olive,
    I love Corrie Ten Boom. I think she is a heroine to so many of us. I look forward to reading your posts and I, like so many of you, will be standing by you. God bless.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  20. Good luck to you Olive... I am wishing only good things come of this for you... xoxo Julie Marie

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  21. Oh Olive. I'm so looking forward to reading your story and as we accompany you on your journey, I'm sure that our lives will be changed too. Bless you xx

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  22. thank you Olive for being so brave...and becoming open and vulnerable through your blog so that others can learn.. our testimonies are powerful for ourselves and for others...
    I'll be looking forward to walking this path with you..

    Bless you,
    Mona

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  23. I know this will be a lot of hard work on your part, and appreciate your courage to post your story. I also know you will be touching the hearts and lives of so many of us, including myself.
    Mary Alice

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  24. I'm sure this will be tough but necessary for you to write about. I hope it helps you make some sense of it.

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  25. I so admire your courage. I am a grateful member of Al-Anon, since I ahve lived with addictions all of my life. I never thought to share my story on my blog. But, I would be honored to support you in your courageous journey with this series. I will be your newest follower so that I don't miss a post. Sometimes the greatest healing comes when we write it down, then we can FINALLY let it go. I am there with you. XO, Pinky

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  26. I am so looking
    forward to knowing
    you on a deeper level,
    my friend. The quote
    from The Hiding Place
    gives me chills.....

    xx Suzanne

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  27. So very brave of you, Olive, to lay it out for all to read. My prayer is that it is very therapeutic for you. We are all here for you.

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  28. Olive, you are very brave to do this. I know it won't always be easy for you but sometimes we just need to get it out. It might also surprise you and all of us how much we might share in our life experiences. I am positive you will touch so many of us and parts of you that have been hidden away. We are all here for you and support you with lots of love. XO

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  29. Good for you. Writing is cathartic and sometimes, as painful as it is, putting the words down and telling the story is the way to peace. I'll be reading.

    xo
    Claudia

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  30. Its good for you to get it out anyway you can. Then your children can others can see just how far you have come and what you have conquered. Then tell all you forgive as Christ does. Does not mean you have to return to a certain situation but you are forgiving as that is what He said to do. Then let him handle the rest.

    I did not come from a positive background. Much drinking and verbal abuse. It was drilled into my head that children were burdens and to never have them. So I did not, I wondered why I grew up not liking or ever wanting children and it was clear. I know now, none of that was true and children no matter what are blessings and a gift from GOD. There by the grace of GOD, I was set free from that a few years ago from the constant verbal abuse.

    I know that GOD allows all things to happen, we wonder why it goes on for so long but in the end its all for His glory. You will be able to help others and when you say to someone, "you have been there"....well you have.

    Much prayer for you and your healing.

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  31. Olive, family struggles and dysfunction are always seen from many perspectives. I know this is a difficult task you have set forth to accomplish and in the end I hope your family members will appreciate your perspective of the events of your childhood. And it will be beneficial to you in the end as well. Ann

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  32. Wow, I have just had a catch up and am really intrigued by your family story. How brave you are to share everything with us...I am humbled.

    Blessings and best wishes,
    Natasha in Oz

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  33. Olive -- I read The Hiding Place for the first time at about the same age -- what a profound book it is. I am catching up with all my favorite blogs and am looking forward to reading all the installments in your series. I already know you are a strong and brave woman whom I admire.

    Blessings Friend!
    Gail

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I adore your comments. They are like finding unexpected chocolates. olive