Hello dear friends. It's been so long since I've written I've forgotten how blogger works. I just wanted to pop in to let you know I'm ok. Thank you so much for all your emails and private messages. I'm overwhelmed by your love, concern and support. I'm sorry if I have not responded but I haven't been online much at all. I hope you are all ok too. Times are so unsettling right? Not much is happening here except my inability to write here. I guess I just need time. In fact I don't quite know what to do with the blog but for now I'll let it be. As you see in the photo I've hung the old Pottery Barn Nob Hill drapes and actually purchased a few new things for the house. Again stay safe and thank you so much for all your kindnesses. x
Aw, so glad to hear you are doing fine. Yes, such uncertain times. I've checked in on your blog and IG several times. What a nice surprise to see the IG post pop up today. Like so many have mentioned before, it is so calming to read back through your blog, see all the beautiful posts and your good wit and commentary. Take care and be well!
ReplyDeleteWarmly,
Shelley Rose
I was thrilled to see your post, just to know you are doing all right. I understand the long times of not feeling motivated to reach out to others. Sometimes we just need that space & silence in a sense. Love the drapes & will be anxious to see what new items you have purchased.
ReplyDeleteI came down with Lyme disease a couple of weeks ago, so my energy level isn't what I am used to. I do one task of a couple of hours & feel I need to rest. When I rest a little, I find that I seem to get recharged fairly quickly, but this is a time of year with lots of outside chores...which I love. Take good care Janet!
...all is grace!
I'm sorry to hear you've had Lyme's. Three years ago I was bitten and fortunately came under the care of an elderly local doctor who was filling in at the Urgent Care - he knew right away what it was and put me on an appropriate course of antibiotics. I'm so glad I didn't wait for test results to come back in. Then I moved to one of the top Lyme docs in the country (again, by chance) and went through a second round. It took me quite a while to get my energy back, and longer to rebuilt my digestive system. In fact I still drink Kefir water like it's my job. All that to say, unsolicited, to please take good care of yourself, ignore the whacko stuff online, but do treat yourself gently as you recover.
DeleteHi Janet, Glad to read this post. I miss the days when you would show what you had in your closet for each season. :):) I love those drapes. Pray you are enjoying some of this summer ..even with all the woes this years has given us. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to see your post, it's a welcome breath of fresh air for me! I've stopped reading so many blogs, just lost interest, there are more important things that need attention. Yes, this time has been so unsettling for many of us, I have a permanent feeling of inertia! Take time to just do what feels best for you. Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this lovely vingette Janet, take care,
ReplyDeleteLeslie
The drapery is beautiful.
ReplyDeletexx
ReplyDeleteBest,
Kathy
I'm glad to hear you're OK. I miss your blog, but I understand just not feeling like writing. Take care of yourself first and foremost.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Melanie
Janet...completely understand. We are each trying to find our way through this upside down world in which we now live. It has given all of us a great deal of time for reflection and questioning of what is most important for us and our time.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have some family and a friend or two that you have able to spend some time with these past four months. I know California has been tightly quarantined but I hate to think of you having to go through all this completely alone all the time.
The table and chair are a lovely addition to this beautiful room and I ADORE those drapes.
You will figure out what you need and want to do with this blog. You only need to continue if it brings you joy, you know it brings your followers joy but it has to bring you joy too. You have our support no matter what!
Hi Janet,
ReplyDeleteIt's great to hear from you again. I'm so sorry that times are so hard right now-I wish I could take that away for you. Your home is beautiful and so are you.
m
I was just thinking and wondering about you today, Janet. Very happy to see a post from you and to hear that you're hanging in there. Take care of yourself, do what you can, when you can. Your readers are here for whatever and whenever you'd like to post.
ReplyDeleteSo nice for you to say hi- take care during these strange times!
ReplyDeleteso glad to see your post today. these are such difficult times. and yet, it's July already. I hope you are finding some comfort. I always find inspiration when I come here.
ReplyDeleteDarby
Janet,
ReplyDeleteI think of you often. I miss your contribution but completely understand. I'm glad you are okay and hope you continue to heal your loss. I cannot imagine the heart break.
xo,
Karen
Miss you and your sweet inspiring posts, stay healthy and be happy.
ReplyDeleteI actually remember those drapes. So pretty! Your home is still my all time favorite when it comes to the blogging world. I do hope you are safe and well and continue blogging. So good to see your post today :)
ReplyDeletenamaskar
ReplyDeleteHello Janet, I'm a long-time reader who hasn't commented in a very long while because of computer issues, but I've been following along this whole time (finally got a new laptop and that has sorted out my commenting issues). I'm glad to hear that you are doing ok in these strange times. Look after yourself; you know by now that everyone here only wants the best for you, and we certainly don't want you to feel bad about not posting here. Take care! xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful room, enjoy the space, the time and your thoughts...Welcome back and we are happy with whatever you want to say. Blessing to you and yours x
ReplyDeleteHi Janet...Thank you for letting us know you're OK. I check your blog daily and truly have been a little concerned about you and, after reading the above comments, I know I'm not alone. So many of us value everything you have to offer but, more importantly, we want what is best for you during this very difficult time in your life.....please just know we care. Janie
ReplyDeleteThanks Janet for letting us know you are all right. With all the chaos that is in the world right now it is wonderful to see calm, light, and beauty. Thanks for your post! Happy Independence Day! Jack
ReplyDeleteThank you for popping back to Blogland and I am glad you are OK. Life is very unsettling these days, and I also have found it hard to blog for weeks at a time. Your drapes look absolutely wonderful, and I am glad to see St Theresa is still looking after you. Be safe. xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely vignette — so inviting & restful. I am grateful to hear you are well and taking time to care for yourself.
ReplyDeleteAMG
Dear Janet, like many of those who follow your blog, I have checked in from time to time and was concerned that you hadn't posted. I am so glad that you have been well physically. I totally understand your disinclination to go online. There is a lot of negativity at present and dwelling on it is not good for our mental health. On top of the grief you are experiencing it must feel overwhelming at times. I hope you know that none of your followers want you to feel any compulsion to write if you don't want to. You have so many posts that we can read, and do revisit frequently, that I find very soothing in these uncertain times. If you ever want to write again, we will be here, but right now it is vital that you take care of yourself. I hope you are managing to spend some time with your family and in your beautiful garden. Nature is so therapeutic! Very best wishes dear Janet, Karen UK
ReplyDeleteHi Janet! So happy to se a post today. I have been thinking about you and I'm glad to see you are ok. I have also turned inward during these uncertain times. I often read through all your entire blog as it brings me so much peace, joy, and inspiration. Just wanted to say "thank you"- you have taught me to live below my means, use what I have, and create an elegant, calm, beautiful home! Take good care of yourself and stay well!
ReplyDeleteTake all the time you need. It is uncertain times right now, but this too shall pass. At least that's what I want to believe! Don't give up on this blog just yet. Inspiration will come to you again when you're ready and all your dedicated followers will be here waiting for when it does. Peace and love to you sweet lady!
ReplyDeleteLaura
Wishing you peace!
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking the other day how you were doing as I was going through my blog feed. Thank you for letting us know! As always, I adore your home decor as it never fails to inspire. Blessings and good health to you.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely dining room refresh!
ReplyDeleteGlad to know you are doing as well as can be in these difficult times we are experiencing in our world.
Hugs, Jill
Hello Janet,
ReplyDeleteIt is really Good News to know you are doing okay in these crazy times. Like some of the others, I go back and look at some of your older posts that I have bookmarked for inspiration about cleaning, organizing, fashion and yard work. I feel like a hamster on a wheel just running and running or either a chicken with its head cut off, trying and trying to accomplish and get things done but do not. I get distracted way too easy and find it hard to focus on anything. I wonder if any of you feel that way right now? Do I hear an AMEN!!!?
Sincerely,
Debra from SENC
Hello, It's me again! Just wanted to share this, just to help everyone get their mind off things(if you have not watched it already)! We watched an uplifting dark comedy movie on Prime the other night called "Miss Meadows" starring Katie Holmes. It's another one I will be watching over and over. The Age of Adeline on IMDB is good too.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Debra of SENC
I am one of the peeker-inners, but didn't want to post anything. Glad you popped in to say hello. To have this 2020 be such a beast on top of grief and the chaotic world, well...it's a lot isn't it? I feel like I have been trapped in amber since March. Wishing you cool breezes and grace.
ReplyDeleteYour home is looking serene as usual, Janet, and I love those curtains, the brown toile de jouey is so unusual.
ReplyDeleteThese have certainly be uncertain times that we have lived through but I'm glad to hear you're doing well. For those of us lucky enough to have escaped this frightening virus it has been a time of reflection and reset. One thing I did do in lockdown was to revive my blog which is not posted on for three months. I'm not sure where I want to go with it but I was fearful blogger might close it as a dormant account. I think you use wordpress so aren't under that pressure and can do things, or not, in your own time.
Oh and we've been Covid free for a couple of months so I'm reseting with my new normal, which is a simpler greener life.
Stay safe, stay healthy,hugs, Mary x.
Hello, you mentioned since your father in law moved, his health had
ReplyDeleteimproved considerably. I think he
moved to Loma Linda which is one of
the Blue Zones. Could you write a
little about how he improved, diet,
socializing, etc. I think this is a very
important topic from someone with
your close experience. Thank you.
I' m pleased that you are safe Janet. Your blog is an oasis of calm in this world. I regularly read your old posts, always finding something new for me within them, beautiful photos. So far we've been exceptionally lucky in Australia but I watch the international news daily and work in a hospital so hold no illusions as to how crazy life can become. Sending love to you and all your followers. Heather
ReplyDeleteLovely to see a post, Janet. The whole world's gone bonkers and I seem to be reacting to it with inertia, isolation and apathy. Just can't seem to care enough to do anything! I just feel pissed off. Thanks for posting as I always find anything you write uplifting! I find just pottering around my home and giving stuff away; paring down and down (I'm finding I want even less than usual these days) is what gives me joy. Much love from Devon, England.
ReplyDeleteAs my daughter says, “You do you.” But having said that, it was refreshing to hear from you again! Take care,
ReplyDeleteKathy
Nice to see a beautiful corner of your home. Strange times indeed. Covid has come back strong in South Carolina so we are laying low. No family get together for July 4 th. 🇺🇸
ReplyDeleteJust sending you love and healing, dearest Janet K. There's no pressure; just let the blog sit; you can choose to come back to it or just let it go. Beginnings, the middle and sometimes an end; life ever-changing, nothing staying the same. Lots of blogs just run their course and the blog owner moves on to new projects. You have reader support no matter what path you choose. You've given us a wealth of posts over the years; so much good information; I'll always appreciate it. Stay safe and well, m'dear. Godspeed. (And also this, a beautiful expression, "vaya con dios" as you traverse this life!)
ReplyDeleteHi Janet. I've learned a lot about serenity, simplicity and creativity from you. I'm happy that you're continuing to implement all those things for yourself and taking a break from all of us who always would love a little bit more from you. You have published so much beautiful stuff over the years that there's always something inspiring to re-read. I pray for you every day. xo karen
ReplyDeleteI don't think you have to do anything official with your blog. Just post when and if you want. As you can see there are quite a few of us who will be very happy to hear from you, on your schedule
ReplyDeleteGlad to see a post from you Janet! Thanks for checking in, love your new furniture and happy to see the drapes up again. This is a difficult time for us all...I am starting to get impatient. Sweating in a mask is no fun! Hope you are keeping cool, it was a hot one today!
ReplyDeleteLinda
xoxo
Dear Janet
ReplyDeleteIt's such a difficult path... I was widowed at 40. I'm 50 now. It wasn't easy.... you never 'get over' your loss. Take care and continue to do what feels best for you as you find your way xx
I'm so happy to see a post from you! Your blog has inspired me to create beauty in my home, even if it's just branches in a vase. When I need a dose of inspiration-or motivation- I go thru your blog and there is calmness that comes over me. Rearranging, reorganizing, simplifying and creating beauty have been my quarantine sanity savers. Thank you for that!
ReplyDeleteI've also been on a whole food, plant based diet the last few years and keep finding new recipes here. This way of eating has knocked out my arthritis and brain fog- so yay!I'd love to know some quarantine pastimes, shows, meals... whenever you feel like it
Take care and whenever you're moved to write, we'll be here.
SE
Begin again. Little moments. Tending to the flowers. Cutting the fruit. Opening the curtains so that the entire sky can greet you. It’s never easy but, no matter. Steam from the tea so quiet. An open book, and door, and arms.
ReplyDeleteYou have time. Time to create a life that you can stand up straight in. Even though life may beat you down. Hard. Even though things, situations, and people you love may be taken away from you so that your arms can memorize the grace of letting them go. Even then, especially then, begin again.
Remind yourself that nothing really dies, rather, it transforms. Everything and everyone you have ever loved lives in the mysterious memory of your cells. Turning. Healing. Renewing itself. Until one day, a photograph of something or someone very dear, long gone, visits your mind and you bow your head with appreciation.
Meanwhile, take your pain to the sea and your trouble to the mountain. Leave it there and walk home clean. When failure knocks and rattles and quakes, let it. Watch it make a fresh canvas of you. Failure, that great teacher, is kinder if you thank her as you are getting up off the floor. She knows something that you don’t know: that she is usually the last face you will see before breaking through. Such a little light in the crack of the door.
But today, if you are wading through the waters of loss or confusion: begin again. Open the avocado. Draw the bath. Call your best friend. Gather the books. Play your favorite album. Write. Create art. Open your arms. Move your legs. Lovely, little blessings. Whispering to life that you won’t give up. Not ever. Jeanette Encinise
Good evening, Janet: I hope you and yours are well . . . still this unwanted/unexpected pandemic settling in around you at a very sad time is so very unfair. Not sure it you are wanting "company" so I will just jump in . . . let's see . . . where have I been this past month or more . .. well right here at home in Virginia not far from DC . . . with children and their littles close by but we don't see them as often as we might under "normal" circumstances. When summer's heat set in, I must say it took the fun out of gardening, my great escape, and sitting on the porch with friends for wonderful visits of the simplest sort . . . thank you stupid virus for teaching us to be spontaneous. I sense fall is out there, sending in little hints : shortening days, a tree across from our home that always sheds it's leaves first, and when I stopped by a local nursery this week for the yummy local tomatoes and corn they carry, I noticed several modest mums on display. No blooms, not even visible buds . . . think I might have gasped! (of course I was wearing a mask so no one seemed to take note). Been sewing a little . . . for the house . . . hemmed napkins . . . cushions for the screened porch . . . haven't felt like doing that for a long while . . . again, thanks stupid virus.
ReplyDeleteI'll be back soon with more ramblings. You are a very good listener.
big hug
Linda
Good evening, Janet: I hope you and yours are well . . . still this unwanted/unexpected pandemic settling in around you at a very sad time is so very unfair. Not sure it you are wanting "company" so I will just jump in . . . let's see . . . where have I been this past month or more . .. well right here at home in Virginia not far from DC . . . with children and their littles close by but we don't see them as often as we might under "normal" circumstances. When summer's heat set in, I must say it took the fun out of gardening, my great escape, and sitting on the porch with friends for wonderful visits of the simplest sort . . . thank you stupid virus for teaching us to be spontaneous. I sense fall is out there, sending in little hints : shortening days, a tree across from our home that always sheds it's leaves first, and when I stopped by a local nursery this week for the yummy local tomatoes and corn they carry, I noticed several modest mums on display. No blooms, not even visible buds . . . think I might have gasped! (of course I was wearing a mask so no one seemed to take note). Been sewing a little . . . for the house . . . hemmed napkins . . . cushions for the screened porch . . . haven't felt like doing that for a long while . . . again, thanks stupid virus.
ReplyDeleteI'll be back soon with more ramblings. You are a very good listener.
big hug
Linda
Thank you Janet for your time to post. You are always such an inspiration and seem to always gently remind me to consider my life and living in a more intentional way. I can spend hours goin through your old blogs, so don’t worry for new inspiration. As always, sending love and prayers as you transition.
ReplyDeleteMuch love from Tx,
Danielle
Thank you Janet for your time to post. You are always such an inspiration and seem to always gently remind me to consider my life and living in a more intentional way. I can spend hours goin through your old blogs, so don’t worry for new inspiration. As always, sending love and prayers as you transition.
ReplyDeleteMuch love from Tx,
Danielle
Dear Janet, just wanted to say hi and thank you for all your ideas and kindnes in your blog. I go back to your posts and try some new recipes, read your "old" information about taking care of house etc. Yesterday after I came back from the small surgery from hospital, I was craving some light food with salad. And I remembered your Arugula Salad with Navy Beans & Sweet Mustard Dressing, Shredded Potato with Mushrooms and Spinach recipe. So today for the lunch I did it. For the first time and wanted to say what a very tasty lunch I had. Take care and thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Janet, Thinking about you just now and hoping all is well with you. I hope you’re enjoying your home and garden. The world has certainly changed in a short time - this on top of your own world changing a short time ago. Please take care and know that there are many who care about you and your well being. Cindy Olson
ReplyDeleteGood afternoon... you crossed my mind the other day... I believe God put you on my heart. I hope you are well.
ReplyDeleteI keep coming back to your blog so that I can read Jeanette Encinise's comment. It's beautiful and needed- My husband is in ICU...he is only 64...I am 61 - petrified of being without my partner of 41 years. I've followed your blog for a long time...loving your small home and the simple lovely life you have. We have a large home with property- a large pool and pond and walking paths of gardens. I've wanted to leave it all behind for about 5 years now, downsize and live free of "stuff". My husband wouldn't stand for it...now I will have to do this alone. I just wanted you to know how much your blog has meant to me and even more so now that I face so much uncertainity...so many changes. I hope you are doing well Janet, I hope you are healthy, I hope you are as peaceful and happy as your home reflects.
ReplyDeleteHello, I do believe your website could be having web browser compatibility problems. Whenever I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in Internet Explorer, it's got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Apart from that, wonderful blog! Read my share at สล็อต
ReplyDelete