We are so lucky. The waters crept up around my shop, but did not reach us. Many homes are under and the shops are still closed but I decided to reopen my shop today. Things have to return to normal as soon as we can. Yet, I have been unable to cope mentally and have been very upset. The tears keep coming. I am not sure why. I have not lost a loved one, or my home. I just feel so uneasy.
Thank-you friends, over 100 emails yesterday. Thank-you so much for your concerns. My house is many miles away from the flood centre and we are all fine. Let's all take a moment to think about the loss of life and homes that others have experienced over the past few days.
If you are one of these people, I am so so sorry.
picture of man rescuing baby kangaroo via sun herald
If you are one of these people, I am so so sorry.
picture of man rescuing baby kangaroo via sun herald
so glad you are safe, my thoughts & prayers are with all those affected, its just so very sad, so difficult to comprehend & the images are heartbreaking...
ReplyDeleteYou are blessed with a dear heart.
ReplyDeleteStay safe, and be gentle with your own self.
happy to read that you are safe
ReplyDeletebest wishes from the west
x Robyn
Hey gorgeous girl, thinking of you & yes, even those of us no where near Qld or the floods are in tears too, it's so heart breaking. My husband lives in Brisbane (he finally got back this afternoon) so he will help with rescues, recoveries & rebuilding, me - i'm involved in the auctions & raffles, live on my blog now. Love Posie
ReplyDeleteHi Simone,
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear your fine and your
business and home. Just take one day
at a time. We are all feeling lucky
that we are all safe.
Try to rest up,
Sue
Simone!
ReplyDeleteVery relieved to know that all is 'well'.
We are all doing our bit. I hope you have seen the Qld Flood Appeal Auction. I have four things available and they are just a few of lots of other crafters efforts already online and soon to be. You have such a large reach with your blog so if you could pop the button on your blog sometime soon it would be great. Pop over to Make It Perfect. The addy is tonicoward.blogspot.com
See we are at it already :)
Hugs and kisses from all of us!
How can you not cry....how stressful has and is all of this, you are only human. Just let them happen.
Its funny, I was just saying how normal things like going to school at the start of the year need to happen however these things can be done, as routines are so impotant to getting lives back. Good for you on opening the shop!!
Just let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do for you or yours.
All my love and best wishes, Irene xxxx
I'm in Perth, my husband is stranded in Roma and they've run out of food and fresh water. BUT - he is alive ...
ReplyDeleteMy heart is breaking for my beautiful country, the terrible destruction and loss of life. But in such diversity, so many heroes.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Anita
I am so happy to hear that you aren't in any danger Simone...but I just feel so devastated for Queensland and those who have lost homes and families...Thinking of you....xv
ReplyDeleteIt truly is devastating and I imagine so hard when you are safe and sound and yet can feel the chaos all around. Your country seems to have a fantastic infrastructure. I pray that the waters recede very soon so that lives and homes can be rebuilt. Wishing you all the best. Tammy
ReplyDeleteoh thank goodness...i think you opening your shop is great as it will give people something lovely to take their minds off what else is going on. dont blame you for being teary, i can barely focus on anything right now. Am so glad your home is not affected as I knew it was on water but did not know what water ! Mel xx
ReplyDeleteWe have seen this tragedy in the news! We are praying for all of you...
ReplyDeleteSimone it is so sad watching the news, I couldn't sleep last night because I kept thinking of all those poor people who have lost their lives and loved ones and especially the children that have died.
ReplyDeleteYou have been in my thoughts, you and your lovely shop, I'm so glad to hear everythings okay, Take care xx
ReplyDeleteHi Simone, So glad to hear you are going OK. Over here in the west we are praying for you all. What an amzing country we live in - we are currently battling fires and severe shortage of water!
ReplyDeleteStay string,
Suzy
I am so sorry for the loss that has taken place there in your homeland. You're in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Marcia
I think the scale of the disaster makes us feel uneasy. And how quickly our lives can change. On New Year's Eve, we had no idea that the new year would begin with a flood. Good to hear that you, your family, your home and your shop are ok.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your worries with us,your blogfriends....
ReplyDeleteHey Simone, so glad you were open, surprised you had power, we have no power at the nursery, I feel the same xxx katherine
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you are ok. The tears...the loss of life and destruction is worthy of tears!
ReplyDeleteIt's no wonder you're finding it hard to deal with: it's bad enough for us to see on the other side of the world. Sending love and best wishes to you and yours xx
ReplyDeleteSimone, So pleased to read that you and your family are safe from the floods, you have been in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteCarmel
x
Hi Simone, I'm so relieved to hear your update. I was just about to pop by and see if things are okay with you as I've been getting uneasy when not hearing daily news from fellow bloggers near the affected areas! It's all so devastating but Queenslanders are strong and already doing an incredible rescue effort in a bid to get things back to normal as quickly as possible. Glad your shop is okay, I hope there wasn't too much damage. Thinking of you all xx
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting us know Simone. I was wondering about your shop. I know what you mean about crying - I can't stop either. It must be the shock. It just doesn't seem possible that this has happened in our city. I saw that same picture of the guy rescuing that kangaroo before too. A little ray of sunshine for sure. Stay dry my sweet! x
ReplyDeleteHi Simone,
ReplyDeleteIt is heart breaking what is going on in your area, glad to hear you are safe. I posted yesterday about it, every prayer helps... All the best, Maureen
So glad you are ok! I am devastated by the news, seeing the premier, let alone the newsreader, cry, was just shattering! All my thought with everyone down south!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear that your shop is safe. The feelings are very overwhelming. It has been hard to understand how those people are coping with it all. My thoughts and feelings are with you all.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting to the point where I just don't know what to say. I can completely understand you feeling so sad Simone, despite being able to avoid the floods. I mean I sat here this morning and cried over those photos of the kangaroos being saved and a poor lizard clinging to a fence. Too much to think about.
ReplyDeletexx
Hi Simone
ReplyDeleteGlad to know you are ok.. thinking of all queenslanders and sending you our prayers.. xxx Julie
I am where you are - I lived in toowoomba for a few years, have good friends there, family in lockyer valley - everyone is alive - but the emotional drama is just unfolding - love to you le
ReplyDeleteTried to leave you a comment yesterday but something was wrong with my computer. Thinking of you and all those who have lost their homes and loved ones...I hope you will all band together to get through this. xxx
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are all ok Simone. Its a natural reaction to be teary, but you are all safe thank goodness xx jeanette
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad all is well for you and your family. This disaster is heart breaking..xx
ReplyDeleteSo good to hear your beautiful shop didn't get flooded. I thought of you when I saw the street was on the list. I can no longer watch the tv coverage, especially the images from Toowoomba the the Lockyer Valley, as I start crying too. The thought of that wall of water is just horrible. We are high and dry as well and so I am feeling a little useless.
ReplyDeleteTake care
Clare x
Glad to hear you weren't under water Simone. My thoughts are with you all
ReplyDeleteLee:)
I cannot begin to know the anguish and grief you all must be suffering, selfishly I wouldn't want to.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I can only admire all of your grit and determination to survive under the circumstances.
Here's hoping the water subsides soon.
My prayers are with you all.
Sandie xx
I am so happy to hear your shop is ok and you have opened up your doors again. It is such a beautiful place!! and in such a beautiful part of our city!!I I have been wondering how that part of town had held up. I agree, the best thing to do is carry with as much normality as possible.
ReplyDeleteWatching the destruction of our beloved city and hearing the tragic personal stories of loss unfold has been heartbreaking, the magnitude is overwhelming and although I have been very fortunate you have described my feelings too. {tears, unease}.
I have been so impressed with people's strength and attitudes.
Best wishes for you and your community where you work in Bulimba x
so glad your lovely shop was not affected, it is in such a beautiful street/suburb. Its so surreal, and like you, there is this overwhelming sense of sadness.
ReplyDeleteoh simone- mine are welling up after reading this post...
ReplyDeleteyou are right life does have to go on...but for so many it wont for now...
thank god you and yours are safe....
thinking of you all at home from here in england...
melissa xx
omg, that picture totally disturbs me!. I hate seeing innocent creatures caught up in something like that... I am glad u are allright.. after your posting I went online as well as through our papers .. yes, they are reporting your country's devastation... the climate is certainly running amok all over the world!. we had snow, simone! I have trees that still haven't dropped their leaves.. everything is off kilter.
ReplyDeleteWow. This picture is so powerful. It brings tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear you're ok. So glad to hear your shop and home were spared. Two very huge blessings.
And personally I think it's a beautiful thing that you're crying. It means you care and feel more than others. That is a beautiful thing. Cherish it. *hugs*
that's so scary and sad, i'm glad to hear that you guys are okay. Sorry that you are so stressed, i'm sure the ordeal is quite traumatic.
ReplyDeletePleased to hear from you. This is just terrible. Such devastation. No words I'm afraid, but thoughts. x
ReplyDeleteMy heart truely breaks
ReplyDeleteFirst, so glad to hear you are okay. Second, your feelings are completely normal. I've been tearing up and letting them roll for the past few days - even seeing that image (because I so worry about the animals) has brought the tears to my eyes. We had a terrible shooting here in Arizona which has been dominating our news but when I talk to people we are all reminding each other to pray for all of you.
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad, I can see why you feel that way. Glad you are ok. I hope that kangaroo made it.
ReplyDelete~Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens
Simone I have been praying very hard for all of Australia and her people and animals! I thought of you and hoped you were one of the lucky ones who would be spared and I am happy that you and your family are well.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could be there to lend a hand, but know that in my heart I am...
Love to all Australia and her brave people!
Tina xo
Hello Simone,
ReplyDeleteOh I am so glad to hear that you are safe!! You have been through a catastrophic episode so expect the feelings of discombobulation and the tears to flow. I will kepp you all in my thoughts and prayers!
"KEEP STRONG AND CARRY ON!!!"
Love and warm hugs from Laura in Ontario Canada.
I'm so relieved to hear that you're ok and your beautiful shop has not been affected! It's so scary and I've been praying for everyone during this tragedy - the wrath of Mother Nature! Stay safe and big hugs to you xo
ReplyDeleteits big simone, and your right there. grieving for others and thankful we are spared is a difficult place to be emotionally. maybe you opened your shop just to be closer...maybe someone will need your comfort today!
ReplyDeletesending love and hope from florida. this picture and the whole situation is beyond words.
ReplyDeleteEven when you haven't suffered a personal loss, you can't help but be effected by the tragedy you've witnessed, and there is so much suffering happening in your homeland. I've been thinking about you and all my other Australian blog friends this week. Prayers and good vibes being sent your way.
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you are safe. You have many reasons to be sad. It is tragic when something this big hits you close to home. Sending you (((((HUGS)))))).
ReplyDeleteThinking and praying for ya'll!
ReplyDeleteDear Simone, I am so happy to hear that you and your family are okay! It's perfectly normal to be upset for the tragedy that just occurred and to be sad for all the loss. Hoping that you find comfort in your shop and friends and family. Sending you lots of love!
ReplyDeletexo Mary Jo
Simone,
ReplyDeleteI was so pleased to read this morning that your shop escaped the water. At least that's a positive to come out of such a sad time. It must be an extremely difficult time for you and the people of Queensland and I really hope that you feel much better soon and that people can begin to rebuild their lives as soon as possible.
I'm sure no one will forget those who sadly lost their lives.
Hoping for happier times ahead for you all.
With Love
Lex. xx
So grateful that your home and shop were not affected by the flood. And it's certainly understandable that you shed tears...for the loss of life, the loss of homes, the loss of normalcy. My heart cries for all of you...And my prayer is that goodness will come from this disaster. The world is watching, grieving and praying for Australia...
ReplyDeletexo
Jane (artfully graced)
So thankful that you and yours are safe. My heart breaks for those who lost loved ones, their homes or their incomes.
ReplyDeleteYour feelings of unease are to be expected. I had similar ones after surviving two earthquakes in California. It's hard when something so devastating affects our normal routine. We need normalcy, it's what we do.
You are right to open your shop. Just days after the 1994 Northridge Quake, we opened the small cafe I managed. The neighborhood was a mess, but we had gas and water, so we cooked. Our regular customers came everyday, we extended our hours to accommodate them and give them a place to escape to. I can't tell you how many were so grateful to be able to do something normal and how very grateful we were that they were safe. We lost two of our regulars and it gave us a place to grieve together and to mend together.
I had two cousins who lost their homes in Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Many lives were lost and the devastation seemed like it would forever wipe out a city that we love here in America.
I tell you all this because it will get better and it will get easier. In the days ahead the people of Australia will come together to mend her wounds. It will take time and emotions will be all over the place. But trust me, lives and places will be rebuilt and you will all be stronger for having gone through it together.
My heart and my thoughts are with all of you and I wish you all a speedy recovery.
I'm so happy that you and your shop are save. What a nightmare. we think pf all of you !!
ReplyDeleteVery glad you and your family are ok although feeling the weight of the situation. I saw this very pictue and it is very striking and beautiful. We are all really impressed at how the Queenslanders have risen to face what has come your way. Remarkable bravery and strength of spirit - we are kepping praying for you all.
ReplyDeleteSimone, minha querida!
ReplyDeleteFica aqui meus pensamentos bem positivos, para que tudo esteja bem com vocês aà na Austrália e que logo as chuvas acabem.
Beijos!
Simone happy to hear that all is safe for you. It has been such a tragic time for so many
ReplyDeleteAliso
oh Simone thank goodness your safe & havent lost your home I was so worried as i didnt know what part of the river you were on! You stay safe take care if there is anything I can do let me know if you want me to make anything for the shop (no charge) let me know I can send it & the money can go to the flood appeal just let me know if you think of anything that i could do i feel so helpless at the moment xxx
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear your shop is ok. The people need some beauty around them at this time. They definately need some normalcy, which shopping would bring.
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you for crying a lot. That's a very normal reaction with all the shock and stress that Qld has suffered this week. It's better to express it than keep it bottled up.
Take care, Ky x
Simone:
ReplyDeleteall my best wishes for those people!
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you and all of those who have been affected by the flooding. May the Lord restore your peace of mind, my friend, as you look to Him.
Blessings.
I've been following this tragic real life drama on the news....I feel for all of you. God bless your country that is affected and I hope the waters will recede very quickly.
ReplyDeleteI'm always in front of the tv when the world news is on so I can see what is happening in your part of the world.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that you home family and shop are good. I'm sorry to hear of the losses though--they are so hard to hear about.
Continued prayers for you and your friends.
Melinda
I'm glad you are fine! - my thoughts and prayers go out to those who most need it! Stay safe.
ReplyDeletestay strong hun, having your shop open will bring cheer to many I am positive of that.
ReplyDeletealicia
great you are fine and your business, my thoughts are with everyone in brissy at this time, wild things is chipping in by raising money for flood relief appeal
ReplyDeleteSo glad to know that you're OK. I saw a video on the web yesterday and couldn't believe what I was seeing. Keep your head up and smile when you can...and cry when you need to! It's only normal.
ReplyDeleteI hope things are able to get back to normal for you and your town soon...
God Bless you...your family...and all of Australia in this absolutely horrific time! Most sincerely, your friend Valerie over in Manitoba, Canada......xoxox
ReplyDeleteThinking of and saying prayers for everyone touched by this terrible tragedy. Sending warm hugs ...
ReplyDeletexo
Robin
All Things Heart and HOme
gosh. am glad you are ok. take care.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to everyone that have lost their homes and loved ones in the flood! I have been thinking about you too, glad you are safe!! Warm hugs to you! xxoo :)
ReplyDeleteHi, I am from Venezuela very far from country in South America, we share all about your feelings, I understood, because we have in this moment similar problems Our people lost everything by rain, but God is our hope, I praying for you and your country , Be strong, God is with us, Bye Grace
ReplyDeleteI have been keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Hope things get back to peace soon. xo Samantha
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about the way you feel. There has been a very large catastrophe happen and, of course, you will feel it, although you are fortunate to have no damage or loss of loved ones. This doesn't change the heartache you feel about what has happened and the time it will take for the clean up and to get things back to rights again. Many Blessings, Janet
ReplyDeleteCan't stop thinking about those who have lost loved ones. So, so sad.
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear you, your family, shop and house are all fine. xxx
So glad you're (mostly) ok. Hugs from Canada.
ReplyDeleteSimone.. I am so sorry for what in happening in your part of the world. It is truly heart breaking to watch on the news, I can't imagine living it.
ReplyDeleteStay strong and safe!!!!
Hugs from Baltimore.
That picture is heartbreaking :(
ReplyDeleteGosh...you have every reason to be sad. I am sending prayers to you all and just keep strong. Help where you can help and that will soothe your soul a little... karen...
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you. It is very natural for you to feel the way you do. Please hang in there. There are legions of people waiting to help from what I have been reading.
ReplyDeleteOMG...my heart is breaking...that picture is award worthy......mother nature can be cruel at times :(
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks after seeing the images of your homeland. Thoughts and prayers to all.
ReplyDelete