Operation bedswap - damage limitation

Firstly apologies for the absence, I've been off the radar to all but my nearest and dearest for the last few weeks due to a back injury.  It's been a very frustrating time for me as I've gone from never sitting still to having to be completely still most of the time.  It's been a journey so far and one which is set to change things for me long term but the good news is I'm improving every day and have had lots of time to reflect on more changes I can make to our lifestyle to simplify things.  I've found some great blogs and commentary from those whove taken similar journeys and am feeling quite positive all up.  For those who have known what's happening, thanks a million for all your support, it's been totally appreciated and has helped with sanity no end.

My injury has unfortunately meant that one big fat purchase has had to be made - a new mattress!  I've tried to avoid it and get round it through recycling but it is sooooo important for my mobility now that a compromise seemed mad.  We now have a new, super firm, back fixing mattress which doesn't fit our bed..... hmmm..... what to do?  Even in the bed shop, surrounded by all those beautifully dressed display beds (with no vegemite smears and kids toys on them), I realise I have NO desire to purchase one, it makes me sad to think of how many bed frames are out there already which no longer suit the needs of their owners??????   

SO, operation bed swap is underway.  Simple really, we need a nice king size bed frame (swap or sell) and have a lovely queen size one to swap or sell.  I'm betting there is someone not too far from here who has a king size bed which is too big for them/their room and wants to swap or sell it.  We shall see.  If this is you or anyone you know, take a look at the bed frame pic below and let me know if it's what you're after.  It's chocolate leather (pu I think) and in great condition.  Not including the mattress but will sell this seperately.

From tragedy rises something amazing

It's been a little while since I posted as there has been rather a lot going on in our lives, some of it positive and some of it negative - the usual ups and downs of family life.  There are also moments when I have thought, as a new blogger "why am I bothering to do this" or "no one will read it anyway" and I imagine all bloggers go through this from time to time. 

Sometimes though, something very special happens which shows the true strength of humanity, the kindness and compassion which underlies all the hustle and bustle of our busy lives.  This week, that something happened!  If I had ever doubted the power of the online community, the effect blogs and social media have on people, I take it all back.  The events of this week have taught me to value those around me every moment, to appreciate everything.

When tragedy struck for a second time for the King family, a fellow blogger and friend, Naomi Ellis at www.sevencherubs.com, decided to try to use her online community to make a difference, she thought she might be able to raise some money to help out, boy was she in for a shock!  In less than a week an outstanding amount of money has been donated, mostly by those who did not know the King family personally but had been touched in some way by the blogs they read, the lives they follow and the compassion they felt for the Kings.

Watching this unfold with such speed has grounded me to realise the good and kindness within those around me.  Maybe that person you just cut off in the traffic, glared at for holding you up or the girl behind the counter who seemed rude, is one of those who gave this week to a family they didn't know.  Perhaps those people have their own personal struggles going on and a smile could make all the difference to their day - just a thought!

Please read more about the events of this week and share with your friends here http://www.sevencherubs.com/2012/01/king-family-donations.html

Everything about this has me counting my own blessings as my heart goes out to this family.  It also leaves me feeling a whole lot better about the world I live in.  Well done Naomi for reminding me that sometimes a tragedy can bring out the best in people.  My thoughts are with the Kings during this terrible time they face.

 xxx