If You’re Missed and You Know It, Clap Your Hands!


(Do you know who those hands belong to? Is it a plea for help? Is someone missing? If so, could it be you or me? Thank you Lynn Kelley for volunteering this picture via WANA Commons.)
 

In any event, everyone Clap Your Hands!
 

Some of you may have noticed that I didn’t blog over the summer. It wasn’t planned. It just happened. I succumbed to burn-out, an aftershock from all the turmoil that happened over the last couple of years. I couldn’t move. Days would go by and I literally could not move.
 

Was I depressed? No, not really. More like exhausted. Beyond exhausted.
 

When you are deluged by difficulties that are out of your control, when necessary, you will rise to the occasion, then afterwards you collapse. I think it has something to do with that old adage, what goes up must come down. And I crashed. It’s just that simple.
 

At first I thought I’d take a month off. That sounded reasonable. With so many of you at home with your children or gone away on vacation, I would go unnoticed. Then another month went by and then another. It got easier not to blog. I mean, who would really miss me?
 

But I was wrong.
 

I tried to connect on Facebook because it’s a great way to stay in touch. Then, in mid-August, I saw a post on my feed that mentioned a WANA classmate who was recovering from major surgery. Don’t ya just love that about Facebook? It gives us an opportunity to support and root for our family and friends. The WANAite was none other than Anthony Tuscano. And he apparently had a serious issue that required major surgery.
 

Ding, ding, ding, off went my radar. I, of all people, know about the recovery process from major surgery. So I left a cheerful “Get Well” message amongst many others. Well, don’t you know, dear Anthony leaves me this reply, “Karen, I’ve missed reading your blog; and I miss you!”
 

Moi?…Really?
 

I was taken aback by Anthony’s kind words knowing HE was the injured party. It was HE who no doubt suffered from major surgery. And he thought of me?
 

I clapped my hands.
 

At the beginning of September, I heard from another WANA classmate, Pat O’Dea Rosen. Do you see a trend here? Pat, it seems, has an art for direction. She, in her own gracious, complimentary manner, gave me a nudge. Why, this writer remembered the very first post I ever wrote. She, in a nutshell, told me that I had “set high standards and put too much pressure on myself.” Her comment actually mirrored something Jenny Hansen had said to me over a year ago.
 

Call me thick headed, but don’t you hate it when people are right? Did they nail me, or what? I have come to realize there is no hiding behind what you write. It’s there for all to see in black and white. But this was Pat’s way of telling me that I was missed.
 

I clapped my hands.
 

Then I thought about others who are struggling. Or those of you, who out of the kindness of your heart, come by and leave a comment on my blog. Do you know how much you’re missed? Yet, it is possible that many of us may feel like we are blogging out to the Universe and are never missed. Now, how sad would that be?
 

There’s been a lot going on over the past few months. Fires, tornadoes, floods, illness, yes, most of us are dealing with quite a number of challenging issues. Yet, we keep pressing on. Why not take a look around you. See who might be MIA and send them a message. You’d be surprised how little it takes to encourage another.
 

I leave you with this thought that came across my Facebook feed the other day…

“If you find someone who makes you smile, who checks on you often to see if you’re okay, who watches out for you and wants the very best for you, don’t let them go. Keep them close and don’t take them for granted. People like that are hard to find.” (Author unknown.)
 

So if you’re missed and you know it, Clap Your Hands!
 

Thank you so much for the encouragement Jenny, Pat and Anthony! Well all of you actually! 🙂

And we hope you have a speedy recovery Anthony!
 
 
So what do you think?

How did you enjoy your summer? Were you able to re-arrange your schedule and get some rest? Did you and your family get away on a much needed vacation? Were you affected by one of the crazy climatic disasters that have struck our globe? If so, I hope that you and your family are safe!
 

Thanks everyone for stopping by and for all your upbuilding comments!
Karen
 
 

36 thoughts on “If You’re Missed and You Know It, Clap Your Hands!

    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Coleen! I am having trouble with my site, thus it has taken some time to respond. Thank you so much for coming by. You inspire me, truly. You are always upbeat and your post exude happiness. Thanks for the encouragement! 🙂

      Reply
  1. Alicia Street

    I’ve missed you, Karen. Roy and I always love to see your smiling face! But I haven’t been around much myself, and I can see a lot of others have had life stuff pulling them away. Sending you a big welcome-back hug and looking forward to reading your fun and artistic blog posts again. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Alicia! Oh wow, it’s so good to see you! How are you and Roy? I’ve been thinking about you two. Talk about missing someone. Yes, I’ve missed you guys too. It seems we cannot escape the drama that enters our lives Alicia. And you and Roy are not alone. I can’t thank you enough for coming by to see me. Please take care and I’m sending hugs right back at ya girl! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Alarna Rose Gray

    Hey there Karen, you know what? We all bomb out. It’s important we take a break when we need it…so we can get back up again. You have been missed – I’ve checked here a few times for you and figured the summer was calling. Thanks for all the little signs of you that you leave around the place… It always shines where you are 🙂
    Alarna Rose Gray recently posted..Fast Forward to the FiftiesMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Alarna! It’s so great to see you! “We all bomb out.” I love it. Unfortunately, we do. How kind of you to check up on me. You know, I wanted to blog. I just didn’t have the energy. Truth be told, I’ve been in the midst of a re-write and that’s where my focus is. It’s a challenge to keep all the plates in the air at once, isn’t it? How are you girl? How is life treating you? How are things in your neck of the woods? You’re coming into spring, are you not? I hope it is lovely and that the sun shines bright over you! I missed you too! Take care and thanks so much for coming by! 🙂

      Reply
      1. Alarna Rose Gray

        I just saw this now – for some reason I don’t receive comment updates. But I’m glad to hear part of your disconnect was for re-write purposes! No better reason to focus – I hope it’s going well. I’ve had to re-focus myself, too, so I’m not around on social media a lot at present. But I am well and yes! It is spring. Loving the sun, and birds and approaching summer thaw 🙂
        Alarna Rose Gray recently posted..Road MapMy Profile

        Reply
        1. Karen Post author

          Hi Alarna! Are you not receiving a follow up comment by email? I’m sorry about that. I am having problems with my theme. It’s on the agenda to replace the theme soon. Thanks for letting me know. And thank you as always for dropping by and sharing your encouraging comments girl! Take care! 🙂

          Reply
  3. Pat O'Dea Rosen

    I love you, Karen, and I love this post.

    If not for you, I wouldn’t know an Irish artist built a house out of discarded money, I wouldn’t know about flower art, or that people absail down buildings for sport. I don’t return to this blog to learn things, though, I come back because of you and your voice.

    If you wanted to, you could write your grocery list, and it would spur discussion. “Seriously, Karen, Brussels sprouts? How do you fix them?” We clap for you because you’re interested, interesting, and haven’t lost your sense of wonder.

    Good on you for rising to the occasion and dealing when trouble hit. Of course you were exhausted afterwards. I’m glad the exhaustion is lifting because, oh man, you were missed!
    Pat O’Dea Rosen recently posted..Don’t Let the Book Snobs WinMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      I love you too Pat! And see, you are a big reason why I am here. There is a lot of responsibility that rests on your shoulders you know. I expect you to keep an eye out for me. Yes mam. And Brussel sprouts? Seriously? Good thing I like Brussels sprouts. But a whole post? Well, maybe not so much. lol. I am clapping my hands to you Pat. You gave me the swift kick in the butt to get back to blogging. I don’t know what to blog about next. But I’m sure something will come to mind. Perhaps my grocery list?!?! Thanks again Pat for all your support and encouragement! Take care! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Jennette Marie Powell

    Yes, your absence was noticed. 🙂 Mine probably wouldn’t be so much. I haven’t faced the challenges some of you have, I just don’t have the brain power left to be interesting and witty after working all week and writing too. And I really question how much it helps sales, though I love the friends! Glad to see you back!
    Jennette Marie Powell recently posted..Synchronicity and Soul-searchingMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Jennette! Aw. That is kind of you to say. And listen! You would too be missed and you are missed around here! We all face different challenges. Sometimes we wouldn’t want to trade them either, let me tell you. Most of us, when we find out what others are going through would be happy to deal with what we have. You my friend have an intense schedule, so I understand your situation. But I must tell you that I miss “My Town Mondays” Jennette. Bring it back! Please bring it back. Even if it’s every other Monday, it would still give you presence on the internet and that’s all this is. Take care girl and thank you so much for all your support! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Home. That’s a nice way of putting it Diane. Thank you. I am so excited about your new book! I wish you all the best and much success! Thank you so much for all your support! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Debra Eve

    Karen, missed you! I’m always thrilled when you stop by my blog because your comments are always so insightful and heartfelt. I took off almost 3 months around last Christmas. We do what we have to do and meander down different paths. Life isn’t a race to the finish. Hope things are going better for you and your husband and we’ll be seeing more of you!
    Debra Eve recently posted..Book Review: Zoning In On CreativityMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Debra! I missed you too. And thank for your sentiments, though I always look forward to your posts. You have a wonderful niche and knack for adding purpose to people’s lives. I find them insightful and encouraging. Things are better thank you. It’s a slow recovery, but we’re moving forward. Let’s hope this path keeps us on the straight and narrow Debra. I’m sending out positive thoughts to you and your hubby. Take care and thank you so much for your support and encouragement! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      It’s great to be back Sheila. And it’s so good to see you. I missed you too. Although I see you over at WG2E. Nice group of peeps over there. Your book covers look amazing. You’ll do well with those books of yours Sheila. I am so excited for you. I am smiling at ya, Sheila. Thanks for your all encouragement and support. Have a great week! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hey Kathy! Oh girl, I know all about losing mojo with blogging. I hear ya. It seems that some people have a natural knack for it, you know? But, that doesn’t mean we can’t do it. You and I just need to nudge ourselves into it. You can do it Kathy. I’m going to come check on you. Get that post written. Summer is over. lol. Take care Kathy and thank you so much for the blog love and support. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Lynn Kelley

    Yes, Karen, you are always missed. Welcome back, trooper. I completely understand how exhausted you were. You pushed yourself to the max for so long (you had no choice), so tons of R&R were called for. I love this post. I, too, hope Anthony has a speedy recovery.

    I didn’t blog a whole lot over the summer or this past month. The 12 to 14 hour days (or longer) are taking a toll, 9 to 10 caring for the grand-darlings, then writing stuff at night and on weekends. It’s crazy and insane, just like that photo above of the hands reaching under the bathroom stall for someone to hand her some TP! Hahaha! I cracked up when I saw it!
    Lynn Kelley recently posted..The Weirdness Has Moved to a New SiteMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Lynn! Thanks for the picture girl! What an image. Were those your hands? lol. Lynn, I don’t know how you do it. We are the same age. Watching little ones is a huge, tiring job. But they are so adorable. I do love your new website. Great job! And I look forward to blog posts from you in the near future Lynn. Thanks for stopping by and for all the support! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Susan! Thank you. “Blogging wagon.” I love it! Yeah, I know what you mean. It IS hard not to give up. Especially during the summer months. There’s just to much going on. I really respect those that can keep it going. But you’ll get back to it. We miss you too! Don’t forget to post your blog on Facebook so that we can make sure to visit and support you, okay? I look forward to it! Take care Susan! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Julia

    Welcome back! Missed you! I just closed the last page, well closed the kindle on Radical Survivor by Nancy Saltzman, which begins with such an horrifically sad event I almost didn’t read the rest – but what it’s really about is love, support & recovery– just what you are touching on here. Might have gone through a box of Kleenex on this one.

    Glad to have you back, and glad you took time to take care of yourself.

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hey there Julia! I missed you too! I hid out behind my computer writing. Well, and resting. I see you’ve had your nose dug deep in a tear-jerker story Julia. I think most of us are going through a lot. That’s why I keep a good supply of Kleenex in the house. You never know. Yes, I’m back. But, how was your summer? How are you doing and how’s the writing going? Love to hear from you! Take care and thanks for coming by! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Ginger Calem

    Karen — the ray of WANA Sunshine!! 🙂 You are always missed. Like it’s been mentioned in the comments, I think a lot of us went MIA this summer. I know I did and I haven’t quite fully emerged. Call it denial but I just haven’t found my groove yet. I always find it hard to regroup after summer. I don’t know why that is. Maybe because I treat summer like a big unstructured slice of heaven that I find it extremely hard to loosen my grasp on it come ‘back to school’.

    Big hugs!!
    Ginger Calem recently posted..WritersButt Wednesday: Suffering Salads Batman!My Profile

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Ginger! I love your comment, “I treat summer like a big unstructured slice of heaven.” That’s such a perfect phrase. Yo comprendo on the find my groove yet, too. I just couldn’t get it together. I’d think, “I should write a blog. Nah.” lol. I didn’t want to think about it. I hope you did have a wonderful summer. Thank you so much Ginger for the encouragement. I missed you too! Big hugs back atcha! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Kassandra Lamb

    You have definitely been missed, sweetie! But have you noticed how many others either took a break or cut back on blogging this summer? It just gets to be too much sometimes and something has to give.

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Kassandra! Aw, I’ve missed you too. And you had a busy summer with fixing up your place in Maryland and writing. Yes, I have noticed that a lot of peeps have cut back this summer. There’s a lot of demands on everyone these days. I just like to stay in touch and make sure those who we haven’t heard from are okay. I hope life is treating you well Kassandra. Take care and thank you for coming by! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Louise Behiel

    Karen you were missed but I totally understand because I’ve been missing too. Sometimes life is just too much and everything extra has to go. That’s been my experience…mom will be going into dementia housing soon and that will be a big relief.

    Stay well.

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Well I’ve missed you Louise!!! As I just said to Christine, there are not enough hours in the day. And there seems to be more demands on our life. Yes, something has to go sometimes. Ooh, but caretaking is a huge job! And with dementia, you must be pulling your hair out. I do hope you get some well deserved relief soon. We miss you around here Louise! So take care of yourself and thanks for stopping by to say hello! {{Hugs!}} 🙂

      Reply
  11. CC MacKenzie

    Aaaaaand, she’s back!

    I’m standing up and clapping.

    I took three months off. The idea was one month. However, with the hot sunny weather I lay in the garden scribbling scenes in notebooks, went for forest walks with H. Did a bit of travelling to the south of the country with the idea of spending time at the beach and ended up wandering around the ancient city of Exeter taking pics and wandering through the Cathedral and ancient city walls, drinking green tea at cafes, (people watching 😉 ) eating lunches and dinners and basically chilling out. (In between hospital appointments.)

    At the back of my mind was the constant anxiety that again my body had let me down – but then the relief that everything with the ticker was 100% okay. It’s interesting how even if you feel you’re not anxious, you actually are and just not acknowledging the emotion? We just keep going on. And I think that’s where we make the mistake.

    However, I DID stay off the internet, mostly. And like you my brain was fried and like you I do too much. And like you now I’m back but different (she says) because this time we’re going to pace ourselves, aren’t we Karen? We are going to say no when we can’t do something instead of feeling guilty that we’re not helping others, aren’t we Karen?

    We’re like two peas in a pod, you and I.

    So I’m thrilled to bits you’re feeling better, but I’d really like you to do more to take of yourself, just say’in. One day maybe I’ll take my own advice! Wouldn’t that be nice?

    Big hugs,
    Christine xxxxx
    CC MacKenzie recently posted..Why taking risks makes you brilliant!!My Profile

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Ah Christine, yes we are two peas in a pod. I think the reason we are is because we were raised during the same era. You just did what was expected of you. You did what you were told. There were no options. And if you were sick, you worked through it. No whining allowed. Our parents and grandparents were tough, kept a stiff upper lip and all that other stuff. And now our world is just so much more complex. There’s not enough time in the day. So glad you had a chance to escape and rest. I can see that you are more productive. Now, what about the surgery? When does that take place my dear? 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

CommentLuv badge

Click to "Follow Me" and receive new posts by email