Well, here we are in December of 2020 and today’s Beadmas is going to be a mental health check. The prize is as follows:
Free bead of your choice up to $65 value. (Reward will be provided as a “$65 OFF” OHMbucks coupon to the winner so that they may choose their prize. My OHM account required. Free shipping will be applied. )
This giveaway will close about 24 hours from now. To enter, simply answer the question, “How are you?”
(Cabin lady) Lisa, you are the winner! Please send me an email at marthnickbeads@gmail.com or message me on Instagram or Facebook.
*Thanks to all of you who participated. It’s been a rough go this past while, more so for some than others. I’m lucky that my husband and I have jobs. I beginning to feel a bit burnt out from teaching kindergarten during a pandemic, but will have two weeks off coming up soon. I am looking forward to re-charging my batteries. Merry Christmas and best wishes for a Happy New Year!
marthnickbeads 
I’m pretty stressed at the moment, my dog has just had surgery so it’s a worrying time and I haven’t even thought about where to begin with Christmas shopping.
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Hang in there! Hope Billy (right?) is ok!
Channeling calm and speedy healing!
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Hope your dog gets well soon!
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In France, we are still in confinement. We have a little less freedom but we are lucky to be able to go for a walk. I discovered a passion for walking, and with that I’m fine. It’s a weekend walk, and how are you?
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Just about surviving and probably like many of us , I try to keep myself occupied. I’ve plenty of books to re-read, music to listen to as well as every day household chores. In short, I do anything rather than sit like a zombie in front of the television. What about you?!
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Not too bad thank you. Looking forward to Christmas, albeit without extended family of course. Feel like we’ve wasted a year really. Dam virus. Hope you are good.
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I have recently started a new job and it’s brought me a lot of self-doubt… it’s been really lovely to unwind in the evening and complete beadmas with the various activities the lovely hosts have put forward 🙂 makes me very grateful to be part of this wonderful ohmily and give all my beads a time to shine! ❤️
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I’m a bit sad because have to stay home for all the winter holidays, but happy as all my family and I are OK.
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hi, Martha! I have a day off and it’s cool, I don’t want to go anywhere!! I am at home with my family, I do household chores that have accumulated in a week))) I don’t want to go anywhere – I went a lot at work)) I wish everyone a good weekend ))
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Although we are in quarantine again, despite I won’t be able to spent Christmas with my family… I feel grateful to have health and that all the people I love are well too.
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Hi Martha, thank you for asking, just ate 12 small Belgian ‘Speculoos
‘ cookies so on the one side feeling pretty awesome as these are sooooo delicious… on the other side feeling guilty as I know I shouldn’t do that before lunch 😉 This pretty much sums up my state of mind….enjoying small things as much as I can 😋 Have a great weekend, Helen
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I’m fine thanks! Just a bit bored to be quiet at home. I wish we don’ t have this covid around anymore and could travel and see friends from other countries. #beadmas2020
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I m feeling a little bit nervous and sorry cause tonight one of my dogs had another epyleptic crisis, and I wish so much he could stay better and safe , so I m feeling not too well unfortunately
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That’s such an easy question! I feel wonderful after my weekend away in the county. It’s definitely been a time of relaxing and unwinding. Thanks for asking Martha 😊
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Being able to get out for a walk and take a drive through the local nature refuge area helps to keep me happy each day. I miss getting hugs from my grandson and having him come over for a visit- thank goodness for FaceTime!
I hope that you are doing well.
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Happy Beadmas Martha! Thank you for hosting Day 5 and making it easy! Oh dear, the comments above show some strain and worry. I’m so sad for all the distress but I am feeling so HOPEFUL for the coming year. Other than that I am feeling excited, passionate, motivated, joyful, sentimental, and blessed!! I hope you are feeling happy too! xo
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All perfectly! I rejoice every day of Beadmas 🥳
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Happy Beadmas, Martha!
After all this pandemic crisis. I have been on my lay-off for many months, quite stressful. But one good thing is I have more time with family and myself especially this coming Christmas, I’ll be home with them 🎁 that’s a gift. Thank you 😁
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I feel stressed. I wanted to meet my son last night and on the way with my right front tyre I hit the sidewalk. It´s flat now. And on Saturdays you can´t find anyone working. So I have to wait ´till Monday. And I think all this Corona stuff stresses me, too. In the beginning I had hardly any work, which worried me. That is better now. But the atmosphere among people is always so tense. So it´s good that we have beadmas.
I hope you are fine. And Trisha. Will there be another Beads TV?
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I am not very well, I have some health problems, this funny contest lifts my spirits !!
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Hello! Today I’m really happy because We’re celebrating my cousin’s birthday! It’s an opportunity to meet up as a family and celebrate together! ❤️
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Hi Martha so thoughtful of you to ask this question, it’s very eye opening to read everyone’s comments and puts things into perspective.
Actually today I am feeling wonderful and if I had any complaints, they are of no concern. I have my health, my beautiful family, a home to live in and my beads, which have opened up a whole new world of friends that share the same passion.
And today, how are you Martha?❤️
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Very sleepy and tired at the moment because I haven’t had a good night sleep. But still optimistic in hopes of winning a giveaway 😀
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I am ok. Me and my family have our health and are still working. Our dog is getting lots of attention and extra treats. Beadmas has reminded me how much fun it is to play with my Ohm collection.
I hope you are doing well.
Happy Beadmas.
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Looking forward to some time off although we can’t get together all as a family as my nephew has Non Hodgkins Lymphoma so has to stay up north where his treatment is. I work in a doctors surgery so we worked through the bank holidays this year so really hoping I can relax on my couple of days off. Hope everyone is staying safe!
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I forget about life’s problems when I’m decorating the Christmas tree so this morning I’m doing pretty great 🙂
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Thanks for asking, Martha! I’m doing pretty well. Today amazing beadmail arrived and our cat is feeling much better (he’s recovering from an abscess). I hope restrictions here won’t be so strict that I can’t see my parents on Christmas, but all in all I feel blessed in these times!
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I am ok.
Of course I am disappointed to still not see my parents (since January due to covid), so many traditions between birthdays, Thanksgiving, and next Christmas missed/missing- BUT-
We are being safe so I can still have them for many more traditions after this pandemic so I am disappointed but I stay positive and tell myself it will be ok, so I am ok
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Hi Martha, I’m doing well and hope you are too. I have found beadmas really fun and distracting during these challenging times. It’s my first year participating but won’t be my last😀. I’m feeling hopeful for next year, especially if these Covid vaccines are effective. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas 🎄
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Hi)) everything is great)) we have a beadmas🥰🥳🥳
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Looking forward to a break over Christmas.
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I feel I am just now emerging from a dark pool and looking at the rest of the world again after we had to let go of our dog Zora last monday. One day at a time, one day at a time…
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Hello. Thank you for asking. I am pretty OK despite the things happening in the world. Yoga is helping me quite a lot now. Cheers!
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So sorry, Trudy. Both our cats are on their last legs these days. It’s sad.
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So sorry about that, Trudy.
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I’m hanging in! This year has been a tough one for so many. I’m feeling nostalgic these days, thinking of all the wonderful memories made…. I hope soon enough we can all be together again!
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In principle, everything is quite normal. I began to walk more, so that I used less public transport (and did not wear a mask). There is not enough New Year’s mood, but thanks to the Beadmas, I start to feel the holiday more.
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I am doing ok . Some days I think I’m good and then others I feel like I can’t do this . I try to remember that saying , “This too shall pass” & that I’m not alone in this crazy time! I hope your doing well too Martha and thank you for hosting this giveaway 💜
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I am taking it one day at a time! At school, I am exposed to a lot of people every day. We wash our hands a lot and try to social distance, but it’s very difficult for kids. Daily yoga is helpful. Just breathe!
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Sooo hard for the kids to social distance!
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Both my husband and I are high risk so we have to be very careful. We stay home and have a quiet life. We are blessed to have a home, food, family (online), and two doggies. No complaining because others have lost so much due to the virus. We will all be better soon. Just pray and be patient.
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Thank you for the mental health check-in! As a mental health advocate myself, I’m so grateful for this question.
I’m good actually, enjoying the Christmas mood, but I’m a bit stressed out for our future and sad for not being able to need friends and family.
How are you?
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I’m relaxed today..😌 at home doing my little Christmas tree..💕
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Could be better, a bit stressed, but i do love christmas time. It helps, see the christmas decorativo. Is going to BE diferrent, but it Will be christmas neverthe less.
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I am okay. I look forward to the day when we don’t have to think so hard about all the things but I’m thankful I have money for Lego and books and skincare and beads
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Hello,
I’m fine. Safe with my husband.
I am a little sad not to organize a big Christmas meal with the family this year, but we prefer to be careful. We send each other our gifts by post and will do a video session for the opening of the gifts. I am delighted in advance.
And you, how are you and what are you going to do?
Happy weekend everyone!
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I’m fine as far as possible. This year was difficult, but it also taught us a lot. For example, to appreciate what we have not noticed before.♥️
IG @mutaborann
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Today I am very happy. It’s a bad time for everyone, but you always have to find a positive side to things.
I am always quite balanced and I try to control myself .. there are moments of failure, but I always force myself to stay afloat.
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Surviving!!!! So ready for the vaccine. I so want to travel again. But staying home for now
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I am tired , but fortunate to be busy during these current times. Catching a chance to do some overdue shopping and laundry today so we are ready to hit the ground running again
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Mentally, okay. Besides the usual feeling like disappointment, worry, etc. I’m okay. Could be better physically but that’s maybe due to the stress of this whole situation. Thanks for asking though!
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I’m annoyed that Thanksgiving and Christmas were cancelled, so I’m using the time to only (for the most part) do things that give me pleasure. If it causes any level of stress, I’m not doing it. As a consequence, there will be no Christmas cards sent out, no presents bought and wrapped, no cooking or baking unless it’s for myself. Why not turn a time of stress into a time of tranquility?
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Oh my gosh, you just brought a smile to my face, and a laugh out loud moment. I too declared I wasn’t sending out
xmas cards ! The earth will still rotate and the sun will still rise if I don’t do those (bleep, bleep) cards this year.
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I’m with you. I was reading the other day about making things work in your life to clear out mental energy. For example, I take the exact same thing to work each day for lunch so I don’t have to think about it. Who needs the stress of trying to decide what to take? And…you notice I’m just doing one day of Beadmas…LOL!
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I’m doing ok. The staying home is getting old, the worry for people who are sick is draining, but overall life is good. Wishing everyone out there health and happiness.
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Thank goodness for things to destress you. I’ve been a bit overwhelmed lately. I’m glad Beadmas started. I got the beads out to play and it was fun. I’m going to do this daily. Time for me! I need time for me!
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I am busy busy busy. I feel like thinks are never ending right now. I have lots of important life events coming up in the next couple months and I am just not prepared quite yet. I will get through it though! I just need to remind myself to breath! 🧘🏼♀️ I am excited about beadmas though!!! @my_trollbead_beginnings
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Despite everything I’m quite excited about the small Christmas celebration we have planned! I’m also hopeful that a lot of people be made safer by the vaccine soon 🙂
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I’m a little bit stressed Because I didn’t take out Christmas tree and decorations yet ! I have been very busy with cooking, cleaning, online shopping , taking care of my family!!! Hopefully today is the day 🎄🤗
@pandora.sawa
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Thank you, good! Since December for 12 days I got an additional job at Beadmas. This work interesting, extraordinary, creative! They pay in good mood, and give out various bonuses!
How are You!?
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I’m just tired! Three kids, a very energetic puppy, cyber school, work- and we are all home all the time and trying to do all the things with everyone else trying to do their stuff at the same time. And my teenagers want to have deep philosophical conversations at 11:30 at night. I keep reminding myself that we are all safe and healthy and that’s the most important thing. I’m extremely grateful for that, but it’s exhausting right now.
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I can’t even imagine doing (what we call in Canada) Full Remote Learning with three kids. No wonder you’re tired!
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Happy day 5, Martha! I am hopeful and hanging in. 🙏💪 And how are you?? 🥰😘
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Frankly, it’s just a roller coaster of emotions! One moment I am fine and the next I am stressed!! Really nostalgic for the time when we could go out and meet friends and family!
I hope you are doing ok!
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Well, still struggling with my health but finding beadmas a fun distraction♥️ Such strange and tough times for everyone. Trying to be positive and hoping I can make the most of Christmas at home🎄🧚🏼♀️😘
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Personally I am good. I love the fact that we have a very sunny and rain free season in Seattle. Love being outside with kids. Love being all together with my family this holiday season. Going to decorate Christmas tree today.
At the same time I always think of pandemic and people who where affected. My heart is with them. Hope it will be over soon.
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Hello Martha, thank you for hosting today’s beadmas, and for asking us that question.
I’m fine, but a little tired from continuing to work under tension throughout the pandemic period, but it will pass, everything will pass! We need to stay strong.
I hope you are well, and a great brotherly hug to everyone.
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Feeling the lassitude of living life in limbo. Will I ever be able to travel again? Ever see my relatives again?
Feeling gratitude for at least being in limbo in mild weather on the coast.
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Thank you for hosting! 🤗 I am feeling happy that it’s the weekend! How are you? I hope you are well. ❤️
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Hi Martha!
I’m taking it one day at a time! Doing better! In October the log splitter blade cut through my finger and the bones like butter- and since then it has been a whirlwind of doctor visits to save the finger. Its ok, I’ve got 9 more left I joked, and quite the story to tell.
I couldn’t decide which was worse, the injury, or my having to
get over my phobia of going to doctors during this pandemic time .
Yes, every day is a challenge in its own unique way- but what continues to run through my brain is “This too shall pass.”
I am happy and grateful for the little things-
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Good grief! Glad you’re doing better now!
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Lisa (cabin lady), you are the winner! Please contact me using one of the methods posted at the top. Congratulations!
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WOW! You made my day!
Wishing everyone a blessed
holiday bead by bead; moment by moment; day by day.
Thanks so much Martha!
I have since emailed you at
marthnickbeads@gmail.com
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congrats!!!!♥
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Hi Martha, hope you are well 😊 I am doing ok . I Had a touch of the covid back in april and was off work briefly but thankfully got through that and am still busy working in a carehome for dementia patients. The mask wearing i thought would be a problem for me as i have panic attacks and was worried it might cause them at work but ive actually surprised myself and have been ok with wearing one all the time. We have weekly covid tests now for a while and am actually ok with doing that too ! I do wish everything was back to normal , hopefully it will all be gone by spring/summer , who knows , maybe wishful thinking . Would be lovely to see family members that we haven’t seen for so long, sometime in the near future hopefully.
Take care and have a Wonderful Christmas 🎄🦌⛄️🎅🏻
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I am feeling better now that I finally got started Christmas shopping. There is finally a light at the end of the tunnel in that area anyway. And I know what is going to happen as far as gatherings. Just having a plan is a huge stress reliever! None of us have been sick…so far 🤞🏻
Pretty happy!
Thank you for hosting!
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I’m fine!! Thank you! Just so busy at that time but here we have a few free days before Christmas holidays which is soo good 🥰🥰🥰
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I’m fine. Thank you.
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I am fine, thank you. How are you? i miss my parents and my family, but I try to look for the positive in each day. And I am very grateful to know that we all are healthy en well.
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Hi Martha, thanks for asking. Not bad to be honest, starting to get into the Christmas spirit. About to put the tree up so, just getting on with things. Hope that you and your family are well ☺️
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Frustrated and upset over economic forces beyond my control, but deeply grateful for the love and support I have in my family and friends.
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Hey Martha, I’ve been busy but am finding little joys in beadmail, Christmas gift planning,a and wedding planning! It’s rather tricky planning a wedding amidst the pandemic, but fingers crossed we’ll be able to secure a venue sometime soon, for next year 💗 Hope you’ve been swell!
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This is such a nice one, Martha 🤗. I’m doing okay, all things considered. My family is lucky in that my husband and I are both able to work from home and share full-time parenting duties of our twin 3 year olds (although it certainly hasn’t been easy!). I do miss seeing friends and going out, though. It’s going to be a very long winter!!! At least in the summer, we could be outside lots and go to parks and for long walks.
@allthepandora
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I hope the weather is mild for you this winter!
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I am doing okay. While I am stressed there are so many people that have lost loved ones lately. I am fortunate so really can’t complain as my problems are minimal in comparison.
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Hello Bead Friends!
Happy Beadmas! 🎄 This is my first year participating and I’m enjoying everyone’s posts and creativity! 🥳 Such a fun time!
I’m doing well and taking each day as a new day! Sending well wishes to everyone and hope each of you has a happy holiday season! ❤️💚❤️
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Happy Beadmas day! I feel positive and excited during Beadmas days. Giveaways makes me stay always ready! And I like to be part of this joyful ohmily.
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I go back and forth from being good to being not so good. My husband has been without work for 2 weeks now! It’s been so stressful! Being unemployed during Christmas time is the worst. We’re a single income household because I’m a stay-at-home mom who’s homeschooled our child, since before covid. We’ve been able to get by this month but we’ll have nothing for January. I just keep praying and hoping something will come up soon! 🙏🙏🙏
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I’ll be thinking good thoughts for you!
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Thanks Martha! 😊💗
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I’m very fine, thank you 😊. I’m sitting cozy by the fire with my wonderful boyfriend, enjoying a mug of mulled wine and the view of our recently Christmassy-decorated garden 🎄🔥🥰
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Hi Martha! How are YOU?
Everything is good over here so far. Still working and time is going by exponentially fast since I’m busy with work, chores & remote learning with 2 little ones. I hope everyone stays cautious even after the vaccine arrives, I’m much looking forward to that!! I wish everyone stay as safe, healthy and positive as possible! We got this 💪🏻❣️
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I’m actually doing alright. We’ve had no issues at home, so I can’t complain. I’m glad I’m able to spend my time with my family, enjoying the little things in life and preparing for Christmas. How have you been Martha?
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Great! It’s cold, but we took a nice walk in the park today 🙂
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I’m anxious and sad and hurting but I’m also immensely grateful. I’m grateful to be able to celebrate Beadmas with the OHMily. I’m grateful to be in a safe place with the people and doggos I love most in the world. I’m grateful that I’m [fairly] healthy. I’m grateful to have a home and enough to eat. So many do not have the blessings I have and I grieve for them each day.
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When I was growing up in the Cotswolds UK, “How are you ?’ Was used as a greeting meaning ‘I hope you are ok’, and was always replied to by the question “And how are you ?” Which meant ‘I hope you are ok too’, so it was an old fashioned greeting meaning that the two people greeting each other cared about each other. So to everyone everywhere, I reply ‘And how are you ?’ …you are all really special people and caring about ourselves and each other will pull us through.
‘And how are you Martha ?’ xx
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That’s lovely Maryrose. We do the same here in Canada-as we walk down the hall at school, we greet each other with, “Hey, how are you?” It’s really a rhetorical question and the answer is almost always, “Fine thanks, and you?” But usually by the time the second question has been asked, the two people have already passed each other. So funny how these things work!
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Hi Martha,
Thanks for hosting. I’m feeling okay. Where I live we are out of a very hard lockdown so we will be able to spend Christmas with our families, which is great and I’m looking forward to catching up with my sister and having some bead play with her 😊
It’s been a hard year and I’m really looking forward to the year ending. I hope everyone has a happy holiday this year
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Good day Martha, you ask how I am…I AM TRULY BLESSED! I have thus far hidden from Covid, have a roof, food, clothes,electricity,heat (I’m in Delaware USA) water, some money for my charge cards (lol, beads) and they’ve of family and friends!! I may have forgotten some things but I am Blessed ! And how are you this lovely Beadmasday 5? I hope very well😘🤗
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I’m in need of a vacation. I have been fortunate enough to be able to work this whole time. But a refreshing vacation would surely be nice.
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I’m doing ok. Waiting and praying this pandemic will be over soon. Thank goodness for the bead community.
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Thanks for hosting the lovely giveaway. I’m a bit stressed due to personal reasons and hoping that things get better with time!
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My son has just completed a major exams and we are so glad that the stressful period is over. On a bigger picture, we are hoping that the no. Of covid cases will continue to be low and that the country can open up as soon as possible with controlled measures.
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I’m really stressed about all this situation we’re all living. I’m trying to keep full of hope, but sometimes this is really hard.
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There is no crying in baseball, so I am ok!!!
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Oh, how sweet of you to ask. I’ve been better, but I cannot complain. I am healthy. My family is healthy. Christmas will be calm with my husband and the kids, but it’s ok. It could be much worse. Hope you are well Marhta.
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Dear Martha,thank you for asking… Very often people are looking at you and the think everything is fine,but not everyone is asking…. how really you feel? So mentally and physically I am doing fine, all is good…. But psychologically I am trying to fight with my emotions and to accept what happened… I lost my husband just before 6 months and that was the biggest hit from the life…. I now I am strong and I have to be even more stronger for our little son, but this everything is very painful and hard… I believe God will give me strength and will protect us 🙏
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So sorry to hear about your husband. A big hug to you and your son!
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This has been an extremely stressful year. My kids and I are staying safe at home and will have a quiet Christmas at home. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
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I’m really good, as I’m enjoying a family vacation. However, it would be even better without the rain.
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