We visited Solas Eco Garden shop on Saturday - I had been dying to go there since I read about them on Facebook.  It's a very cool spot to go to - I really loved the industrial chic vibe and the ethos naturally fits in with my own perspective on life so it was great to see it in real life.

I've always had a soft spot for Portarlington, it's where my mum is from and I've many fond memories of hanging out with my cousins in my granny's house there. The town itself has a strong french connection and I remember being there many times for the French Festival when I was younger.  I had written briefly before about the French Quarter Café there, which is one of my favourite spots anywhere (although I don't get there as often as I'd like).  I've also written about Derryounce which is an incredible amenity, really beautiful and some of the town buildings still reflect the french history with some lovely Georgian and Victorian buildings (not all in great repair unfortunately!) Laois.ie describe Portarlington as follows:

So if you are a bit of a history nerd, it's well worth having a walk through the town.

Anyway, to get back to Solas Eco Garden Shop, we arrrived quite late so had unfortunately missed the market,which is on from 10-2p.m. every Saturday but we had a good look (or as good as possible with a very energetic 3 year old in tow!) through the garden shop. The range is brilliant, loads of houseplants and very reasonably priced. Lots of great eco garden products and not a bottle of roundup in sight, which makes such a refreshing change! 

In fact, there are no harmful garden chemicals stocked at all and they champion sustainable and pollinator friendly gardening.  

The overall concept of the site is impressive - the structures are created from disused shipping containers and recycled materials and as I said at the start, I love the feel of it. It's something different, and amazing to see how well it works to incorporate this kind of circular economy design into construction.

We had a look around the outdoor plant section also, and again there's a fantastic range of plants 

As you can glimpse above, it was hard to keep our small granddaughter contained so we couldn't give as much time to browsing as we normally would - but we sat down to have a rest then, and a promise of a treat to keep a little person occupied for a while.

My one disappointment was that there was no oatmilk so I decided against coffee and, actually, it was very warm so we all just got ice-cream. 

I really liked the outdoor seating area - there are benches with umbrellas in the centre of the courtyard but also seating all around the periphery which is under the wooden structures, so it feels enclosed but open at the same time.

 

 

It's a very relaxing space and there's pizza, as well as crepes and ice-cream, plus coffees and teas available.

Another thing worth mentioning is that, apart from the market, Solas also have events and classes - some which have already taken place are a macramé workshop, an eco warrior workshop for kids and a wreath making class. 

The website has loads of info about what's on offer in general, as well as the story of how the eco garden shop came about and I've linked it in the first paragraph. They are also on Facebook. You can always follow up your visit there with a walk around Derryounce and make a day trip of it.

I guess it's partly frugality but also a sense that it's such a terrible waste to send things to landfill when they are completely fine and usable. Maybe it was also due to growing up with programs like Bagpuss and the Wombles, where creativity and imagination was coupled with finding a use for things and seeing the beauty in the somewhat shabby or old.  To be clear, I've always said that I'm not a perfect environmentalist - who is really?  And, honestly, I find 'green preaching' tedious and more likely to make me do the opposite so I sincerely hope that anything I write isn't seen in that way. We all make our choices based on our own circumstances and I'm very reluctant to put pressure on individuals, when a lot of the problems we have with waste require industry or legislative solutions. Having said that, I'd like to share the joy you can get in repurposing things and show that it's not the second best option but often the best way to add nice touches to your home, save money and save things from landfill for that little bit longer.

My magpie instincts always tell me to hang on to things that are pretty - I particularly love glass and the two vases pictured below were things I just couldn't let go of!

The blue bottle was just a water bottle that we got on holidays in Spain many years ago - honestly I would have brought more of them except that we were limited to small suitcases. The little jar was a reed diffuser and I'm using it as a vase for the moment but it might also double as a little plant propagator jar soon.

Speaking of plant propagation, this has been my passion during lockdown - plants are lovely presents and growing plants is such a nice hobby, and relatively inexpensive once you get the hang of the whole propagation bit. A lot of plants grow roots in water so I kept this little green jar which had been a plant mister but stopped working and now it's a very attractive propagator jar.

And still on the plant theme - I had kept candle containers for absolutely ages because I really liked the colour so when I got some mini plants, I cleaned them out and sprayed a gold segment at the top - I really like the combination of the gold and blue and they made perfect homes for my new plants.

Likewise with these houseplant containers, I didn't want to throw them out because I really liked the colours - one was a candle and one was a normal tea mug but the handle broke - I just have the handle bit facing to the back so you can't see it.

Clearly there is a recurring theme here but I also repurpose things which are not plant related :)

I've often seen jugs or special bottles for salad dressing but we have been using this nice bottle for years and it's exactly right for salad dressing - originally a balsamic vinegar bottle, we now just make up a batch of dressing and it's always on hand and great because the light doesn't get in to spoil the contents.

So I suppose what I'm trying to say is that sometimes the things we already have are just fine to use for multiple purposes and often look nicer than something bought new. Not only that, but over the years, I think, all these little objects have contributed to the fabric of the family and have a story and a part in our lives and that is something precious. Yes, of course, we have to get new things at times and there is so much marketing out there pushing us to change styles or house decor or whatever, that it can be hard to resist. But if something has a use or a possible new function, then it's just as nice to keep it and treasure its longevity.

Luckily, my husband is of the same mind and although we might disagree at times over what is actually good to keep, it generally works out ok and he has the added woodworking skills so that gives a lot more scope.

I really love this little shelf he made from old bits of shelving that were in the shed. It's perfect for our cleaning products and they were driving me mad, cluttering up the sink area so I was delighted when he made it.

Also, repurposed but on a much larger scale is this garden bench,  another creative make by my talented husband. It is entirely made from old pallets and although it's covered in plants at the moment, it's normally free for sitting out in the sun.  The disapproving cat is just a temporary feature :)

Finally, one of my favourite things to upcycle is bamboo toothbrushes - obviously these gather in quantity because there are 3 of us using them but they are just perfect as plant markets and I also used one as a label for my shampoo and conditioner, to stop it getting mixed up with ordinary soap.

I love that reusing and not buying new is becoming more normalised now and I hope it will just be something that's totally taken for granted by everyone in the future.  Aside from repurposing objects you already have, there are so many great things that are available via freecycle groups and in the free sections of sites like Adverts or Done Deal, so if I'm looking for something specific, I'll check out those listings before I commit to buying new. Our giant comfy kitchen chair was an adverts freebie and it's the favourite sitting spot in the house. Likewise, I offer anything I don't need anymore on some of the groups and I'm always delighted when they find a new home.

Charity shops of course are another option, not just for clothes but for all sorts of household items - I've bought heaps of picture frames in charity shops over the years and just spruced them up with chalk paint or spray paint to fit in with my own decor.  The possibilities are endless, particulary if you can also sew - which I can't! It's on my list of things to learn because I'd love to be able to make old clothes into something new. 

I hope I've shown some of the lovely possibilities of repurposed items and if you have any favourite things that you have upcycled or changed to another use, I'd love to see them!

My name is Gretchen Myers. I live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the US. I am honored to have the opportunity to share my experience and contribute to raising awareness for Artery Dissections. A Carotid Artery Dissection is a tear in the carotid artery. This will essentially slow or completely stop blood flow through the artery. CAD’s can be caused by trauma to the neck, sports injury, certain types of exercise, chiropractic neck manipulation, excessive sneezing or coughing, or they can be spontaneous. Some people have health conditions that weaken artery walls and make them more susceptible to artery dissections. It is a very uncommon diagnosis. Many people are diagnosed with artery dissection after a stroke unfortunately. 

Here is my story: 

I have had two Carotid Artery Dissections, diagnosed one year apart- ages 38 and 39. I am very blessed that I never experienced a stroke. I am a speech pathologist and know about stroke damage. The day before Easter 2016, I suffered my first CAD in my left carotid artery during an intense Cross Fit workout. I will never forget it. It was the strangest, most confusing time of my life. Though I did not realize what was happening at the time, my initial symptoms were intense, painful migraine, dizziness, loss of peripheral vision, and an overall feeling of not being present in my own body. I was able to return home and slept for 3 hours. I continued on with my weekend activities and a full work-week with recurring symptoms, including constant fatigue and pain. I knew something was wrong and made an appointment with my PCP office mid-week. I was ordered medication for migraines but no imaging. I left that appointment in tears knowing that something was wrong even though I was told by the physician assistant that it was only a severe migraine. My symptoms did not improve, and by Friday, the pain was unbearable. Calls to my PCP office were unproductive. They continued to insist that my symptoms were due to an ongoing migraine. My husband and another family member in the medical field advocated for me to go directly to the Emergency Room. Imaging confirmed a left Carotid Artery Dissection and complete stenosis of the artery, meaning absolutely no blood flow to my brain in that carotid artery. That night, I was transported to one of the major hospitals in Pittsburgh and stayed for a week. 

The next year was filled with good days and bad days of feeling well and feeling sick, lots of medical appointments, extreme fatigue, stress, anxiety, and more questions than answers. Lights bothered me. Sounds bothered me. My left CAD healed after 6 months thankfully, but residual symptoms did not subside. I finally started feeling somewhat better and more like myself as time went on. I had a follow-up scan one year later in March 2017. That evening, I got a call from vascular neurologist saying that the scan revealed a dissection in my right carotid artery. It was shocking. I have no idea when it happened or what caused it. I will never know. I had no clear symptoms as I did with my left CAD. My neurologist said I may have damaged both carotid arteries at the same time one year prior. I ended up back in the hospital for 4 days. This time I felt smarter and more empowered to search for the right doctors. I knew by this time how little is known about CAD’s, especially in younger, otherwise healthy people. It is unusual to have one CAD, let alone two. I visited a doctor at the Cleveland Clinic who specializes in artery dissections. I went through genetic testing and other testing to rule-out underlying conditions. Nothing. Everything I was tested for was ruled-out. I do have exercise and activity restrictions now so that I can continue to do the things I love safely. I love to exercise and be active. As of my most recent scan in 2019, my right carotid artery has not healed. It is stable, which I am grateful for, but it has not healed at all. My doctors have expressed to me that if it has not healed after 2 years, it likely will never heal. I am on anti-coagulant medication for life, and I am okay with that. I’ll take it! I have some mild residual symptoms (most people with a history of artery dissections do because of nerve damage), but I feel healthy, strong, and have more energy than ever. I am able to be fully present and alive with my 2 daughters and husband, and I feel really good. I am one of the lucky ones. 

If you have stayed with me this long, thank you! I hesitated to write this post, because, mostly, I just do not like to bring attention to myself. I do not talk about it very much. But then I realized that I am not doing any good by staying silent and not sharing my story. I wanted to write this post to bring awareness to Carotid Artery Dissections, and invisible diseases in general, in which people suffer without visible symptoms. Carotid Artery Dissection is not widely known even in the medical community. I have had several friends or family members in the medical field look at me with a confused look on their face and say something like “You’re too young to have a dissection!” or “How could that happen at your age?”. I heard at one time that if a young person experiences a stroke, an artery dissection should always be considered. 

I have learned a lot after going through a serious health issue. I lost my dad after a 4-month-long battle with stage-4 lung cancer in 2016 as well. Hard times make you stronger. They help you realize what you are capable of. I have a greater appreciation of what matters in life. I appreciate the little things in life. I don’t know if I would have that appreciation if not going through hard things. I heard a quote that says “Positive people are not positive because they have skated through life. They are positive because they’ve been through hell and decided they don’t want to live there anymore.” I also learned to always, always advocate for yourself. If you know that something is not quite right with your body, listen to yourself and do not ignore the symptoms. You could save your life! 

For other Carotid Artery Dissection Stories See:

Linz's Story

Helen's Story

 

Butterfly from within my 5Km

However, like most people, I have found the changes and worry an unsettling and jarring experience. I've gone through a panoply of emotions and have felt restricted and claustrophobic. It's not that I would be out doing super social things all the time and I have no real interest in jetting off to the sun, so that part was easy for me. However, it was more a psychological sense of being trapped, getting used to new routines and being in a house with people around me all the time. As a self-confessed introvert, I have always relied on my few quiet hours on my own, when everyone is out of the house, to refresh and revive me. I think without those, my energy has dwindled and dwindled until I felt utterly drained and lethargic all through the Christmas period and beyond. In addition, dealing with the erratic ups and downs of menopausal hormone fluctuations has created bouts of anxiety that I was totally unprepared for.

I have, over the course of the year, settled into a kind of acceptance. It's not ideal and I'm always waiting for the 'when this is over' moment. It has been helped, I suppose, by brief releases of lockdown and the ability to see my daughter and granddaughter, whom I have missed so terribly. But I feel changed - is that common to everyone I wonder? I think having had a life-threatening health event in 2015 both helped me navigate the covid emotional waters but also stirred up those old fears and panic. It's strange, when it began, I could see the fear in people's faces, the knowledge of death around the corner, and I knew, that for some anyway, the trauma would live with them for a long time and would become enmeshed in their very existence. 

In the wider world, I think we saw both the most wonderful, and then the most ugly side of human nature. 

I know that I'm not alone in being utterly shocked at the uncaring of those who chose to ignore advice around masks and who continued to socialise. Also, the worrying rise of conspiracy theory 'fake news' and misinformation around covid. It has made me so much more wary and it's not something that sits well with me. But then I also saw how communities rallied and cared for each other and how people tried to stay connected - learning new technological skills and a new covid language around zoom and being online.

One of the good things for me has been doing my Master's in Climate, it is so interesting and has given me a focus that my hyperactive brain needs at all times! Weirdly enough though, writing academic essays has kind of stultified my more creative side over the past while. I didn't feel able to write a blog post for ages because I felt that everything had to be thoroughly researched and fully referenced :) Of course this is true for academic essays but I have just realised that I can write and be my own emotional self in tandem with being in that academic headspace and that I don't have to be one or the other.

I guess maybe now I feel a tentative hope that with the vaccine, we may be slowly emerging back to some kind of 'normality'. It would be wonderful if we could hang on to some of the good things about our enforced isolation, like slowing down a little bit and appreciating our surroundings a bit more. The carbon emissions reductions during full lockdown were also a benefit, but sadly they just creep back to normal when everyone is out and about again. For me, building on local connection and systems is the way of the future and I guess that covid solidified that idea in my head and has given me a long term purpose to build on this and talk about it as much as possible.