Episode 105 - How a purse and the plimsoll line helped me!

Hi, my name is Pene, short for Penelope and I live by the sea in SE England with my husband Pete. Thanks for joining me for this episode. I talk about an emotional purse and the plimsoll line that helped me manage my energy and prevent burn out. Pete's record number four is Green Onions and we have a chat about his time in 1962/3 at the Flamingo, Wardour Street. I read you the first part of my story and show you some embroideries I have done this week. I do hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe and press the bell if you don't want to miss an episode. 18th April 2024
#mentalhealthselfcare#crafting#familylife
00:00 Emotional Purse and Plimsoll Line
10:04 Chatting about My Story and crafting
15:59 Green Onions Pete's record choice
22:30 My Story
29:32 Walks this week and family visits
31:59. Embroidery
37:03 Saying goodbye
37:55 Film of Dartmoor
I mention Nikki Franklin at the Stitchery

[@lesleywright9210]

Just love catching up with you and so glad you had such a lovely holiday. Pete is looking stronger and it’s a joy to see him mending. Thank you for sharing.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Pete says thanks so much, so kind. We did have a lovely few days away despite the weather! Thanks for joining me. xx

[@jacquelineknox1977]

It was so nice to catch up with you again Penelope. I love hearing all your words of wisdom. They can be so helpful at times. Thank you for sharing your time in Dartmoor, it looks so very lovely there and a perfect place to rest and relax. I like the idea of mounting your 5" blocks on the ribbon. Like Pete said, they are to lovely to hide away and will look so nice displayed on the wall. Take care xx

[@penelopeschinwag]

I have just mounted the blocks on the ribbon and I like it! Dartmoor is a special place for us as Pete's mum and dad lived there and so we visited a great deal. Visiting the old haunts was very grounding and so relaxing despite the weather. xx

[@thewovenalmanac]

Good for you Pene, you've had such a lot on your plate lately it's no wonder your purse was empty. Great to listen to Pete's stories and of course yours, it's lovely to listen to you talk about your wonderful mum and dad. Take care xxx

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks Dawn, much appreciated. xxx

[@Belleandstitch.]

What a lovely chin wag that was Pene, I loved watching and listening to your stories and Pete is looking very well, the trip to Devon looked wonderful X

[@penelopeschinwag]

So pleased you enjoyed it. xx

[@angelaholcroft4515]

Hi pene. Lovely to see you as always. I'm glad that you've filled up your emotional purse. It's so easy to start running on empty and ending up poorly. I know this from experience. I have to pace myself both physically and mentally. Sometimes I'm better at it than others. A lot of us with chronic health conditions use something called the "spoon theory," I'm often reminded to save a spoon. Loved listening to your story. It reminded me of your mum chatting . Your beautiful embroidery needs to be on display. I've had a lovely day with my best friend. We had a really nice catch-up. We've been friends since the first day of school. I'm hoarse with chatting. Got my feet up now and crocheting the last few rows on a shawl. It'll be on display next weekend. Have a restful and crafty week. Take care. Xx

[@penelopeschinwag]

So lovely you've had a day with your friend. Nothing like someone who has known us for years. I was diagnosed with ME in 1974 and have greatly benefitted from 'spoons' or 'purse'. Knowing yourself is so helpful. How lovely to display your shawl. At wonderwool I think. Enjoy yourself. xx

[@nadinestapler3881]

Thank you Penelope, this was a very interesting and beautiful story of your journey. Love listening to your husbands stories. Pretty scenery.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks for sharing that with me Nadine, xx

[@marciastreeter5092]

Wonderful photography and Pete looks so well. Your country is so beautiful and carries so much history. So glad you were able to get away and restore. 💕

[@penelopeschinwag]

Lovely to have you along with me. xx

[@helendeacon7637]

Please keep sharing your story, Pene. It's absorbing and picks up on the social history. I'm writing now too and finding it wonderful. There's so much to write about once you begin!📕✍💌

[@penelopeschinwag]

Oh super, does our social history overlap?

[@helendeacon7637]

Excellent insights... Plimsoll line 👍and I like the concept of the emotional purse, great checking device.👍Asking for help is important. I identify with the rest reminder and change of scene. So pleased to see how you and Pete are getting on. Your conversations with Pete have been so enjoyable. I look forward to each of your chinwags. Thank you.❤💐

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thank you Helen, much appreciated. xx

[@raewynmckinley-kb4jg]

I love the idea of the Emotional purse...a good way of checking where you're at. We seem to coast along without thinking of how things effect us...till its too late. Im loving all your crafts that you are doing, wonderful!. What a wonderful place to get away to unwind and relax, so beautiful, great for the body and soul. Look after yourself and a hug for Pete, he looks so much better ❤

[@penelopeschinwag]

Pete hugged! The emotional purse helps me no end, as you say being more in control and not coasting. Gidleigh is the most special place, hard to put into words. The staff were so attentive with Pete and genuine, a haven of peace and quiet. A wonderful treat. xx

[@jennylow2598]

Thank you for the lovely video my emotional purse has been depleted lately but its gradually building up again thankfully, Pete is certainly looking stronger now so you can relax a bit more now and look forward to sunny days ahead.xx

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks Jenny, hope you find ways to fill your purse. Certainly looking forward to better weather. xx

[@bettysshowtime7400]

Thank you Pene. Your videos really bring me joy 💕

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thank you. xx

[@debbiestuckey6599]

Very enjoyable. 😍 I love your embroidery. It's so pretty.❤ The pavilion you stayed in is beautiful. Love the thatched roof. All the scenery was gorgeous.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Everything is beautiful at Gidleigh Debbie, especially the river and plants but more than anything the atmosphere. It is so restful and did us a power of good. Lovely to hear from you xx

[@strawberrypatches8742]

Dear Pene, Greetings from New Zealand! How wonderful and soothing to sit and spin and chat with you today! I really enjoyed your analogy with the purse and the ships and you are so right about everything! I remember when I first became a mum, Lidia was tiny (it's a very special name for me :) and I was so drained of energy and sleep and my emotional purse was empty... and as this was a new country to me with no relatives and no friends I found it very hard to ask for help... and it's not really in our culture to ask people we don't know very well for help... but with time I learned that it's ok to ask and accept help, that we all need it at some point in our lives. I also really enjoyed your life story and about your Granny Lydia, my favourite person in the whole world was my nana Lidia and as you can see I named my daughter after her... What a beautiful kind and strong woman she was! Hearing about your family made me realise that even though our grannies were so far geographically the both lived through hard times... Well my Lidia's childhood started during the war and of course they also didn't have enough food and her memories of someone giving her a rock hard piece of sugar as the best dessert still amaze me.... Thank you for bringing those memories for me. Always enjoy listening to yuor thoughts and seeing your crafts. Stay healthy and happy, Warmest hugs, Marina

[@penelopeschinwag]

Dear Marina, Greetings from England! What a truly lovely message to receive today. I too wish I had known what I know now when I was much younger, so helpful. That's a horrid feeling being so drained of energy you don't quite know what to do! It must have been very hard to be on your own but seeing your family now I think you have done a lovely job of looking after them and yourself. Nana Lidia - how lovely. We are united by strong women in our pasts - the rock hard sugar, what a story. I can imagine you spinning whilst I chatted on. A lovely picture. xx

[@mousiemakespod]

I am always happy to take pot luck! In fact, I think I probably enjoy that more than predictability. The only predictable thing about joining your chinwags is that they will be extremely enjoyable and interesting! I loved being reminded about the emotional purse and it made me realise that mine needs topping up a bit… It was wonderful to see snippets of your family and Pete continuing to recover, as well as your trip to Dartmoor. Thank you Pene! x❤

[@penelopeschinwag]

Hope you manage to get your purse topped up, I'm so glad mine is fuller now. Happy you are taking pot luck with me as always xx!

[@tessaelkington2520]

What a beautiful chinwag to wake up to❤ Your 5 pound note has magically multiplied and filled my purse now too✨️ Thank you, Pene & Pete

[@penelopeschinwag]

What a lovely concept, thanks, so pleased to help fill yours. xx

[@karenk380]

I really like the little embroidered squares. I am now sitting here, reflecting on my life. What images would I embroider? Good food for thought. Funny how I can just lose half an hour just contemplating what I'd stitch. I do like the emotional purse concept. Helps put my feelings into something more tangible. I think my purse has been short on cash all winter. Not empty, just short. I think a trip to Devon would be a wonderful solution, but maybe I will have to find a place closer to home😉. Thanks for sharing. Always a pleasure.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks Karen, so lovely to hear from you. Keep contemplating!! xx

[@lindaeccles1161]

Good to see you again Pene. Love the emotional purse idea and I must check mine occasionally, thanks for that gem of an idea. The spool and embroderies is beautiful, all your crafts are. I've nearly finished Tilley, she is sitting waiting for her cardigan! That wonderful break away. Must have done you both a power of good, looks a lovely place. Happy crafting

[@penelopeschinwag]

I'm willing Tilly to have her cardigan, it's so beautiful! The break was truly wonderful. I was ready to come home after three days but think we will be back there soon for some more therapy with nature! xx

[@GagaKnits]

Another wonderful episode. I'm glad your emotional purse is up to £5 again. I am enjoying your life story. It reminds me of the stories you did with your mum which were so lovely. Your stitch projects are beautiful. I agree with Pete that they should be on display. Thanks for sharing your walks, family and holiday with us. Keep topping up that purse and see you soon. X

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks Anita, I'm glad I feel able to tackle the life story. It's bringing up lovely memories and I find I'm enjoying them. I loved it when you embroidered over your grandson's drawings; it makes them a keepsake as my embroideries hopefully will become. Just been out for lunch; I can't keep topping up the purse! See you soon. xx

[@GagaKnits]

@@penelopeschinwag If I'm not allowed to use the word should, you're not allowed to use the word can't. You keep topping up that purse. It's good for you. 🥰

[@penelopeschinwag]

sounds good to me! xx

[@helenogorman9467]

Wow that was so lovely. Your videos are so varied and lovely. I can really see an improvement in Pete. He is walking so much better . I love your makes and I think putting them on a ribbon to display them would be perfect. Well done you and thank you so much for sharing all this. By the way little George is so like Pete. He has the same expressions.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Pete is improving and not in pain which is a miracle. Slow but sure. The sun is shining and we're off for a walk by the sea. I think the ribbon will work too. George is so cute isn't he. 78 years between them but genes will out! xx

[@mitzikolody4569]

Hi Penelope 👋 what a wonderful idea to have an emotional purse an your lovely story ❤️ you are so insperational ❤ love the beautiful picture scenery amazing I will look forward to your next vlog 😊 say hello to husband Pete ❤xx

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thank you so very much for your kind words. See you soon. xx

[@ElaineP49]

Loved this Pene….enjoyed your analogy of the purse, which I identified with so much at the moment….not been a good start to the year for me, with losing my sister and a close friend, so ‘my purse’ was very much depleted…..but am doing my best to acknowledge the positives that I have daily. Loved the embroidery, especially the one of your mum and the lace….I”ve been watching you from the beginning and so enjoyed the podcasts that included your mum and her piano….such beautiful memories. Pete is getting stronger each time we see him so that’s good too….thanks again and take care. x x x 🥰

[@penelopeschinwag]

I'm so sorry your purse has been depleted this year. Doing what helps you will help fill it. Thinking of positives isn't easy sometimes, so maybe something nurturing will help too. Whilst Pete was ill I found it difficult to think about mum without getting upset but find I now can look once more at the photos and do an embroidery no less.! It's lovely you have been with me from the beginning - a lot to share. xx

[@deniseengel1451]

I’m so glad to find your podcast. Checking your emotional purse…such a wonderful idea. I love your reading of your story. Pete is right. You have a story. The scenes you ended the podcast with are just breathtaking. Thank you so much.

[@penelopeschinwag]

I do find the emotional purse so helpful and it is amazing that checking with the mind's eye gives us the answer. I hope you enjoy the progress of the story. Dartmoor is indeed breathtaking Thanks for such a lovely comment. xx

[@carolbeatty2468]

I just love your videos and seeing all that you do. Thank you for sharing about your emotional purse and the plimsoll line I had never heard of that. These are both things I will share at my job where I work with families.

[@penelopeschinwag]

That's marvellous Carol, sharing at work. It's so simple but I always find it to be effective and something people can grasp. Thanks for sharing that with me. xx

[@lorraineball7683]

Hello Penny, I’ve so enjoyed your vlog today, so many things to think about that is relevant to us all… I loved listening to Pete, so interesting to hear about his working time x

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks Lorraine, so pleased I could share with you. xx

[@cherylporter1056]

Delightful!

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks so much. xx

[@glendabathgate4036]

Lovely

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks you Glenda. xx

[@pamfrank3962]

Thank you for sharing your trip to Exter...beautiful ❤

[@penelopeschinwag]

It was, even though the weather was wild at times. xx

[@sandrachilds7229]

You definitely filled my emotional purse with this chinwag.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Good show, thanks for sharing. xx

[@joyofthings]

Just sat down with a cup of tea and I am joining you for a chinwag.xx🐝🐝

[@penelopeschinwag]

How lovely xx

[@dorothyburgess7969]

Hello Penelope, really enjoyed today's podcast. I have watched from your first episode. Interesting to listen to Pete today talking about Georgie Fame i wonder if he remembers Jim Richardson who played the bass with Georgie Fame. Jim is my cousin, he still lives around the Tottenham area. Nice to see Pete improving. ❤

[@penelopeschinwag]

Amazing to have watched 105 episodes. Thank you so much. I'll ask him about Jim. Marvellous. Pete's dad came from Tottenham and was born in 1907. He said when he was a boy they used to drive sheep down Tottenham High Road! Bit different now! xx

[@carolynlambert6989]

G’day Pene, watched your latest just now before I head to bed nearly 10pm here South Australia time 🇦🇺 that’s the quietest I’ve seen you, maybe it’s because you’ve got a full purse, I hope so 💖 Caring for someone catches up you’re on overdrive, almost holding your breath too scared to breathe out. That time has gone now Pete’s improving that’s so good to see, BUT you take care of you now, you’re important too. Selfishly you’re very important to this lovely community you’ve gathered to watch your episodes, I love watching and hearing your adventures, making and wisdom. 💖

[@penelopeschinwag]

Treasured words from South Australia, hope you slept well, see you soon. xx

[@bevabberley1524]

Think my emotional purse is down to £1 at the moment as my husband has had some medical news that is likely to be the start of a long journey but my friend called and helped so now up to £1.50. Thank you Penny.❤

[@penelopeschinwag]

So sorry. Keep a check on the purse and find ways to top it up if you can. xx

[@spaknits]

Hi Pene, I'd watched this episode more or less as soon as it appeared but it's taken me days to get on the laptop so I can type a reply comfortably I like the idea of the emotional purse, I'd not heard of it before. I do struggle some days. The physical wears out the emotional or mental side. Balance is important. I think it helps that I am forever an optimist, a glass half full girl. It was really interesting hearing Pete talk about the days of burning the candle at both ends with working and going out. Wonderful times when change was happening very quickly Dartmoor is simply beautiful. I need to visit the area again some day. Take care xxx

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks so much for a lovely comment. I know what you mean about watching an episode but getting a reply out. I find it difficult to put into words (believe it or not) after watching an episode how I feel as there is often so much packed in. I'm watching my emotional purse at the moment. I could do with some sunshine to help my shoulders relax! My daughter has gone to Malta today, (she is 55 today btw!) and sent a little video of her arrival. Sunny but very windy, so not just us! Despite the weather Dartmoor did us a power of good. I have never met such attentive staff. Nothing was too much trouble and they genuinely cared for Pete which was brilliant.. Enjoy Wonderwool and the next day resting!!

[@cocoandflora6542]

Thank you for sharing Pene, all the ways you are documenting your stories are really inspiring❤

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks, I'm enjoying thinking of ways to bring them to life in fabric. Glad they're giving you food for thought. xx

[@viviennemartin5067]

Thank you for taking time to make these lovely videos. Never heard of an emotionsl purse before, only a chicken😂. Tc xx

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks for joining me vivienne! You're right - an emotional chicken - brilliant, made me chickle, I mean chuckle tonight. xx

[@barbararadzeviciusbondi4150]

Hope you are both well. I love your stitch reel on the big spool. Great idea in the vein of the Bayou Tapestry 💗 I look forward to seeing you.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks, it is a good way of storing pieces.

[@love-light369]

Enjoyed your chinwag this week! 🥰 ❤️ 🫶

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks for sharing with me. xx

[@susanleach8639]

Thank you for another enjoyable podcast. I watched a documentary about the Plimsoll line some time ago, and how something so simple saved so many lives and ships. I never would have thought about the concept being applied to our emotional lives. But of course it makes perfect sense. I think it is wonderful that we see our emotional health differently now. I was brought up to “cope” with everything that came my way, and asking for help was seen as a weakness. Fortunately these attitudes seemed to have changed, and I have really enjoyed the advice that you have shared with us from your time as a counsellor. Your embroideries are beautiful, I have been tempted by Nicki Franklin’s kits many times, but haven’t purchased one yet. x

[@penelopeschinwag]

That's interesting about the Plimsoll line, it is a good thing to think about when we are going through calm or rough waters. So true, we are much more understanding of ourselves now. Nicki's kits are not difficult and very effective as everything is supplied.

[@evelynspeares6531]

My sister found you on KZbin just a couple weeks ago. She lives in North Carolina and I live in South Carolina. I went back to your first episode and have watched 1-24, but I skipped ahead and have seen a few of the newer ones. We were so sorry to learn of your mother's passing. I loved hearing her stories. I do quilts and just this January, for my sister's birthday I gave her a June Tailor tote to make for herself. Now she is sewing again. We love you and Pete. Keep up your Chinwag. You are delightful.

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks so much Evelyn and thanks for watching my older episodes. We do miss mum so much, her kindness, and quiet wise nature. So pleased your sister is sewing again. Lovely to share together. See you soon. xx

[@lornaking1825]

Lovely to see you again, thanks for sharing your journeys and stories. The weather here in the Dales has been wild winds, lots of rain, hail and and occasional glimpses of sunshine. Also had a couple of frosty nights but enjoying sound of lambs in the fields around us. Have a good week x

[@penelopeschinwag]

The weather is so changeable at the moment. Lovely sunny day here today thankfully. xx

[@MandyJudge]

Your embrodery is beautiful! Love hearing the stories from you and Pete and of course his discs. My hubby was in hospital about the same time as yours so I can identify with your struggles and emotional termoil xx I am so glad he is home and getting better day by day. Unfortunately my husband did not come home, he was 65 and I am heartbroken. Loved watching Pete walking by the horses and the beautiful flowers you showed. I gain a lot from your counciling advice, the dominant father which I also had. Your emotional Purse and Plimsole Line made a lot sense to me. I look forward to seeing you very soon, take care of each other, love to you both and your beautiful family. Mandy Xxx

[@penelopeschinwag]

Oh Mandy, I'm so so sorry. What heartbreak you must be feeling. Pete and I both send love to you. xx

[@purple-stitches]

Hello Penelope. I've watched all of your videos and I wanted to thank you for coming on and keeping me company while I knit or crochet, in NC, USA. You are a very crafty and talented lady. Thank you for sharing , I will continue to look forward to your videos

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks so much for joining me on my journey. See you soon. xx

[@majellaimlach1994]

Thank you for such a wonderful vlog -feeling very emotional after listening to your very special story ! Your husband did a great job with his desert island discs - I love hearing all your stories and admire your needlework and crafting. Thank you for bringing such joy into my day . Lots of love to you and your family . X

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks so very much, love to you too. Pete says thanks. xx

[@heatherharris6916]

Lovely buoyant vlog thank you ❤

[@penelopeschinwag]

Sail away!

[@heatherharris6916]

​@@penelopeschinwag❤

[@mariettafocke9276]

Such a remarkable lady! Sending lots of good wishes from South Africa

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks so much, much appreciated. xx

[@christineroper2592]

So lovely to see you again wonderful video bless you both. xXx

[@penelopeschinwag]

Thanks so much Christine. xx

[@user-lw6yt8pm8p]

Loved your life story , I’m very inspired ! Can you tell me where I can source a large spool like yours ?

[@penelopeschinwag]

I got it from Etsy, there are a few people who offer them. If you have trouble finding them let me know and I'll try and remember the sellers name. xx

[@user-lw6yt8pm8p]

Thankyou x