Well here I am. Once again trying to write something interesting. We'll see how that goes...
I know I've worried some of you and for that I apologize. I have tried so many times to write here and I keep coming up blank. It's hard to describe where I am right now. In many ways the shock of losing Larry is wearing off and so now I am feeling more and then some days I'm still pretty numb.
To me it feels like I need to find a new direction for this blog. I'm not the same person who used to write here. That lady is long gone. I've been thinking that with enough time an idea would come but so far nothing. I also feel quite vulnerable writing anything personal bc one never knows who is reading right?!
So what to do, what to do? I need a fresh start and don't know how to do that. Any ideas are welcome. Your love comes across in your most generous comments and some days I come by and just read them. They are like a warm hug.
I am currently working on another home but won't be posting photos of that bc the owners are quite private. I can say it is a large Victorian with 6 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms and 4 fireplaces.
How about you guys tell me what you have been up to. Yes that sounds good. Love to you all. x
I lost my husband 7 years ago. It might as well be yesterday it's still just as raw. You had to know him to understand.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful surprise to find a new post from you! I, like others, have been concerned about you and how you are doing. I can understand why you might feel the need to take the blog in a different direction since your life has changed so drastically. I must say that I never tire of seeing pictures of your lovely home, pantry, etc! So, I'm afraid that I have no suggestions for a new direction. I'm just happy for anything you want to share.
I continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers,
Judy
Hi Janet,
ReplyDeleteOh, I think of you often. What a sweet surprise to see this post. I too never tire of your posts, whether commentary or pictures. If I had to put in a suggestion, I'd say posting pictures and not worrying about much to say would still be a treat. You have so many simple living pics that speak to all of us based on all the comments I've seen through the years. I was looking at some of my Pinterest boards the other day and came across several pictures from your house I had pinned including these beautiful curtains from today's post. Just classy and lovely you are. I can imagine how beautiful that Victorian home will be with your design influence.
May the tincture of time soothe your rough patches. I continue to keep you in my thoughts ...
Shelley Rose
hi Janet and all. It is like a lovely special treat to see a post this morning as I have my coffee. It makes sense that you aren't the same person who used to post, because how could you be? I'm excited for the owners of that large home that they get to have you add your eye and sense of style to their home--they are so lucky to have you! One type of post I'd love is how to approach retirement on a small income. I'm getting closer and I know I'll need to be very careful financially but I also know I can live small and be happy. I've also loved posts about what you eat daily as a vegan. Those posts are always helpful and look so yummy. I agree with others, just posting a photo from your garden or home inspires me. If you're willing to post occasionally we'll all be so lucky. And if you decide it's time to move on, then we're all the better for the generosity with which you've shared in this space. Sending you love.
ReplyDeleteSo agree with this sentiment. The simplicity as an antidote for the excess and uber perfection we see so much on social media. One doesn't have to buy all new things, but rather appreciate the "blend". The quiet the blog exudes is what we all need, too, these days. xxoo
DeleteDear Janet, what a treat to see your post pop up today. You have had so much to deal with, including the pandemic, and you do it all with grace and beauty. Many of us have found it difficult to find a blog topic this year, and whatever you would like to share, we would love to see. How lucky is that home owner to have you put your unique style into their place. I could look at your curtains all day, any day! Sending love and hugs. P.
ReplyDeleteI am also so happy to see this post, I too think of you often and I hope that you are okay. I think about how you lost Larry and then of course the pandemic happened, of course everything is different now.
ReplyDeleteI would love it if you kept blogging but I understand the blank mind. I'm trying to get my blog going again, for some reason the technical problems I've been having are so overwhelming, I've just signed up for a coding course to try to nudge my brain.
So happy you have your interior decorating to keep you busy and engaged, it must be really satisfying for you and especially for your clients! I've just renovated my kitchen and doing this kind of work in a pandemic/lockdown seemed insane but actually was just the thing.
Any type of blog post would bring all of us here happiness... a picture of your lunch, a snippet of a fabric you like, anything from your garden...
Sending you a big hug, please take care and be well. Thank you for posting. XX
Hello Janet!
ReplyDeleteI was so happy to see your post today! I check every day to see if you've posted something new. I am working on redecorating but it's horrible right now. It seems that everyone else has the same idea and prices are soaring. I understand that you are not the same person but everything you post is an inspiration to me - especially your posts on living simply. I've missed you.
Wanda
Hello!
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful to see a post. Yes, you are a different person, but the beauty and qualities are the same I’m guessing. I do not have any big suggestions either, but perhaps doing some of the same things you did with the blog might actually lead you in those other directions. News paths come from the same road traveled. There is such calm in your photos and boy do we need some of that. I truly hope and pray you find happiness and comfort.
Blessings,
Regina
Oh my gosh, Janet. It's so good to see you! I woke up early this morning and as I was lounging in bed, wondering whether to get up or go back to sleep, my mind wandered to you and I thought, "I think we've lost her. Those were such good days!" And here you are, this very morning. YAY! I think of you often too and remind myself that gracious, simple and gentle living is still available to me even in the world the way it is now. Thank you SO MUCH for popping up and checking in. Your voice is unique and single minded in whatever you post and your inner spirit shines through. Even if you posted photos of your home or garden from different vantage points on different days, I would look at them gratefully. And if you had a sentence or two to add, I would love to read them. I know you've morphed into a different person and possibly, if it's not too painful, edging back out onto the path will clarify who she is. I remember your post with the photo of the single flowering weed appearing out of a crack in the concrete. That has stayed with me. Sending much love. God bless you, Janet. xo karen
ReplyDeleteHi Janet - nice to see your post today! I can identify with how you feel like the old you is gone. I lost my husband 13 years ago and my son was 15 at the time. I was still a mom but I hated being "single". HATED IT! It felt like I lost my identity. At some point, I did start picking up old hobbies and became the old-old me again. It was a process, but I can honestly say I enjoy my life again! Do what you love, with people you love, and know that this community of people seem to be happy with whatever you share.
ReplyDeleteJanet, so lovely to see your post today. It is always inspiring to hear your ideas about simple living and eating. I've enjoyed your recipes which don't require a lot of time and ingredients. Hope to see a post again soon!
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear from you, Janet! I do love your posts. What to post about after such a life changing time? I don't know, but maybe take us along on one of your vintage antique hunts. Or maybe how you tinker in the garden. And healthy eating is always interesting. Whatever you decide, you are uniquely you.
ReplyDeleteJanelle I agree with you and was what I was about to write.
DeleteJanet your garden tips, tricks, inspiration is of interest to many, vintage finds and hunts are exciting, the where and when, the people you meet.
Good luck in finding the new you, but don't neglect the old you.
Suzana from Australia
Great to see your post today. Would love for you to do a you-tube channel, skin care tips, minimalism, decorating tips. Stay in touch :)
ReplyDeleteHI Janet!!! - so good to see your post. I can relate to where you are...I lost my husband of 40 years in September (to Covid). I have good days (today) and other days I'm overwhelmed with memories. I remember loving the posts of you showing your home and garden ...your minimalist style that appeals to me to so much. I'm looking for a cottage like yours - I want 1,000 sq feet of character :-) Whatever you decide to write about will be interesting to your readers - we all connect to you in some way. Much happiness to you dear Janet!
ReplyDeleteSo lovely to see a post pop up from you in my feed today, Janet. Your posts are always easy to read, soothing in a way, and reflect your simple life. I can't even imagine the grief and loneliness, but I send you my love.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet, So nice to see a post from you today! We've missed you! :) I've never met you and I don't even know how I stumbled upon your blog, but I love reading your reflections and what you're eating and what you're reading and how you're doing. You seem like a neighbor that I'd enjoy talking to. No pressure or worries about direction of your blog, etc. It'll come in time. But I do hope you'll continue sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteRead your blog all the time.Miss it when you don't. What are you going to be planting this year. How's your gardening doing?
ReplyDeleteBe patient.
ReplyDeleteYou aren't ready to answer the questions. When the time comes, the answer(s) will come. The old path will present a new 'turn'. In the meantime, try to enjoy taking baby steps while you are living your now life.
Hi Janet - I was so happy to see your post! I think I can speak for most of us on here that we just love the small little simple pleasures you would post about. Nothing deep nothing fancy - just something small. Like for example - a corner of your home, a pic of a drawer you organized, a pic of your beautiful bedroom, a recipe you liked, your garden, something you cleaned.... just ANYTHING small. You are so inspiring just being you! And so inspiring still even if you have changed! We love ALL of you Janet. The "old you" and the "new you"! Thanks for posting! It made my day! and Big Hugs to you! Jennifer in Boise :)
ReplyDeleteJanet, have you noticed how so many long time bloggers [like you] have run out of the time/energy/focus/ideas/words/sentences/editing it takes to keep a long-form blog going? Thank goodness so many of my favorites have shifted seamlessly over to Instagram, where it only takes a slight impulse to post a photo with no accompanying text necessary at all! If you decide you still want to communicate w/ your followers, I think you might be ready to move over to the less confining/less personally demanding Instagram platform. Catherine/Trina is a successful study in making that shift, go take a look at her IG and see if what she/s doing, and how she's doing it, feels right to you, she can be found at this IG address https://www.instagram.com/in__the__fields/
ReplyDeleteAll best to you, Flo in Florida
Dear Janet,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're okay.
Thank you for writing to us.
Be healthy Janet, you and your family.
I also wish you all good health.
Many greetings from the faithful reader Dana from Prague
I have missed you! Please don't apologize for not posting regularly, but please keep writing when you feel like it. I agree with one of the others that pointing out small, simple pleasures are the best...your rose garden, what you are reading, thrift finds and fashions, little changes in your house. It's like hearing from a friend.
ReplyDeleteIt is so very good to see a post from you! I do believe all of us are happy to read about anything you write about. You don't have to have a theme - we are interested in you and your thoughts. I adore your style, your home, your garden and your outfits of the day. I miss seeing your outfits. we have a similar fashion style and you inspire me.
ReplyDeleteSo good to hear from you again! I can somewhat understand your feelings in a roundabout way...I have not lost my husband, but after losing my oldest son 11 years ago, I floundered for quite awhile, too. Grief is a lifelong journey.
ReplyDeleteAlso, as a blogger, I'm not sure where to go with mine right now either. It feels forced to me, so I simply don't write. I also have to stay away from the personal stuff because my estranged sister reads my blog, and who knows who else out there...so I have to be careful.
I can say from reading your blog for a few years that I loved your posts about anything in your home, the foods and meals you were eating, your gardens, what you are doing in your spare time.
xoxo
Thank you for this post, Janet. While I can relate to your feelings, I don't write a blog so don't know the difficulties of maintaining one. I hope you don't feel pressure related to keeping up your blog. Obviously all your readers are happy to hear or see anything from you - if you are so inclined or when you are so inclined.
ReplyDeleteHere are some words from a TED talk I listened to the other day. The speaker was Nora McInerny. It's five years this month since I lost my son and listening to Nora brought up many tears. I think because I find such truth in what she says:
"We don't move on, we move forward. Move on - what it says is their life and death and love are just moments that I can leave behind me and that I probably should. When I talk about him I can slip so easily into the present tense and it's not because I'm in denial or that I'm forgetful it's because the people we love who we've lost are still so present for us. When I say 'he is' it's because he still is. Not in the way he was which is so much better and not in the way that churchy people tried to tell me that he would be - it's just that he's indelible. So he's present for me. I have not moved on. I've moved forward with him. These experiences mark us just as much as the joyful ones and just as permanently. We don't look at the people around us experiencing life's joys and tell the to move on. Do we? Grief is one of those things that you don't get until you do - until it happens to you. It's something chronic. Some things can't be fixed and not all wounds are meant to heal."
Much love to you - in your struggles and your journey forward.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet. I think it is pretty clear that your fans are happy to hear from no matter what. I love your home more than most on the internet. I would be happy with whatever you care to post and than maybe throw in the occassional post about your lovely home. I'm so sorry for your loss. My husband is in the throws of cancer and a host of other health issues. He's hanging in there, but I worry constantly that this may be a final problem. One day at a time, right? I'm just thrilled to hear from you and hope you can find something to blog about that will bring you a sense of connection. We all love you and are happy to wait for you to feel good about blogging
xo,
Karen
Hello Janet, along with everyone else I'm also so happy to see a new post from you. I love whatever you post, but it's understandable that you might want a change. I hope you've been keeping well - it sounds like you are busy with work, which is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteHere in Ontario we are just coming out of winter (although it might just appear again suddenly, it has a tendency to do that here!), so lots of mud and dirty snow around. However, we also have some lovely sunny days and I'm enjoying going for walks in the neighbourhood.
Please pop up again as and how you like - you know that we'll be happy to see you!
Janet - I'm happy to read a post like this one - coping with your loss, looking for new pathways, a new project. What your life is like today. Pictures of your home (I love it) are always welcome.
ReplyDeleteDear Janet, Just be and you will bloom. I would be grateful to hear whatever you would like to tell us with your words and show us with your gorgeous pictures. You're a bright star in this universe.
ReplyDeleteI love these comments by your readers. It’s true you are like the interesting neighbor with better style than most of us. Your simplicity but elegant easy going style. Your clean eating. Ways to saving money here and there. It all makes me want to try harder with life. Ideas to write about...how do you find treasures that spark your style for house or clothes? How do you pick colors for rooms? What have you changed in your house or what has stayed the same? My sister lost her husband in December. Her widowed friends tell her don’t make any major changes for a year. Like don’t sell your house just yet. Insights? Hopefully we will spark your writing bug because you are a GIFT to us. Best to you
ReplyDeleteJanet, it's so good to hear from you again. I love to read whatever you choose to share about your home and family, healthy eating, gardening, decorating, or just thoughts about your life these days. I hope you will feel a desire to continue writing, even if just occasionally. We will be moving this summer back to our old beloved neighborhood from a condo we thought would be our forever home. It will be good to have some gardening space again, just smaller, and a house with plenty of windows and smaller, cozier rooms. I love your home and will draw inspiration from it as we settle into a smaller space. Please know you appreciated and loved. Wishing you continued courage and peace.
DeleteThe gift of your words - embraced. The manner in which you write is as if sitting across from you over a cup or tea or a glass of lemonade; girlfriends sharing life. Always adorn a smile when I see a message from you has slipped into the "in box". Be it words or a photograph; expressions of your life are welcomed.
ReplyDeleteI lost my husband last August. It's difficult to watch a loved one fight to live and suffer just to lose the battle with a lengthy illness. Take your time to heal. It's different for everyone. We love your posts no matter the frequency ❤
ReplyDeleteI am a longtime reader and think I recall those curtains being from Pottery Barn. Love those! 😊 As far as blog ideas, I'm always drawn to your posts about minimalism, living in a small home, your garden, what you're cooking and eating. Often it's the smallest things that I find most interesting. The world has gotten so crazy and, truthfully, it's just nice to see a post from a person similar to myself who enjoys the simple things and who is trying to navigate this stage in life. I truly never tire of your home and style ideas!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see your post today, and to know that you are well ... I always enjoyed your posts when you shared your grocery shopping haul, and your meals that you prepared. Also I feel you must have a wealth of great info on skin care and makeup because of your profession - any post on those subjects would be so appreciated! Take care and stay well - better days are ahead xoxo
ReplyDeleteHi Janet, what a pleasant surprise to see a post from you! Like your other readers I have been wondering about you too. Have you read Adrienne's new blog "The Rich Life After 50? She took over 2 years off and the content is different now. Maybe it will give you inspiration!
ReplyDeleteAnything you want to write about would be welcome, I miss hearing from you.
Linda
xo
Janet, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I lost my special needs daughter a few months ago. She was my whole world and now I feel like I'm drowning. I, like everyone else here, love your blog and are so happy to see you back today. I know how hard it is. I love to see your photos of your home and garden and what you eat and wear but if you want to try new things that would be cool, too. Things relating to retirement would be helpful also. Most importantly, be well, healthy and happy dear Janet.
ReplyDeleteDonna
What a happy surprise to see a new post from you this morning. I have missed you, but I realize that life changes us and that you are not in the same place now. I still turn to you old posts for advice. I had written something to you around Thanksgiving as to how I had used your recipes to make a vegan holiday, but posted it in the wrong place. I also loved how you put together your home and I still have the copy of the magazine in which your were featured. Most of my adult life I have not had a partner, so I cannot imagine how it must feel to loose someone with whom one is so intimate. Fortunately I have wonderful children. Ironically, if that is the right word, I think my being alone for so long has made the isolation of the past year more bearable. Selfishly I hope you will continue post, and as others have said whatever and whenever you chose.
ReplyDeleteWith Love, Darby
Please write whatever you like. Your voice is original and beautiful and I love to hear it.
ReplyDeleteI found you through minimalism and you doing Project 333 way back, and because I loved your style and your small elegant but simple home, I stayed for all the other things. And I baked that bread recipe about a million times...
ReplyDeleteOver the months and years, I keep checking back to see if you've posted - I like it all, perhaps least the ones about other people's houses, tbh. Post what you like if you like.
My own blog is dormant because I need to be able to post images to what I write and my allotted amount is full...!
I for one would enjoy hearing and seeing about this new phase of life (I am a few years younger).
Hi Janet
ReplyDeleteI get so excited each time I see that you have posted. I adore your small home and simple lifestyle. Like so many have said, just pictures of your home, garden, clothing, food, etc. are pure pleasure. I love your writing, too, but I understand how difficult it sometimes is. You inspire me with your posts.
It was so good to read a new post! Don’t have to apologize. Things do change. Do you still feel like posting sometimes about your recipes, etc? And your simple living? It seems that those are constants that everyone is interested in, just a thoughtful way of living. But if you are not into it anymore, I’m sure we all understand that. There’s always the archives here. I look at them as inspiration while decluttering.
ReplyDeleteAs far as personal loss, it just is always there, you just learn to live with it.
Much love,
Megs
Wonderful to hear from you again. No rush as to finding a new direction.
ReplyDeleteFor now, I am digging in the dirt, waiting for things to sprout (there is a metaphor here somewhere) and hoping for calmer days. Seed starting and new flowers for the garden have occupied my time. Snapdragons of the Madame Butterfly Bronze with White this year.
YOU may enjoy todays AGELESS STYLE POST!
ReplyDeleteA BEAUTIFUL WOMAN with a FLOWER FARM!
GOOD TO HEAR YOU ARE BUSY!
Dearest Janet! Oh, how wonderful to see a post from you!! I, like all the others in your fan club, am thrilled! Honestly, anything you post is so nice & a treat. And I love what your reader Jeannine said about "moving forward, not moving on." It is so true as my husband & I had a devastating loss a year ago that we are still working through. My dear Grandma, my mother's Mom, was a very special lady who was my inspiration to become a gardener (I know your garden is a special place for you too). She always said that the garden gives us so much wisdom & many lessons: how a tree in winter may look as though it has died, but in Springtime, it blossoms forth again. The same thing happens in life she used to say. Or how a crocus would burst through the snow to bloom. That, she said, was also indicative of the human spirit that prevails. After all you have been through, how can it not have changed you? Yes, you are different, but I'm sure stronger in many ways, perhaps in ways you have not yet discovered. As I read through the comments left, I am awestruck by the love & wisdom that is written. I can see that it benefits many others too. When you post, you create such a beautiful outpouring of love for you &, in turn, for others. How can that not be a wonderful thing & a sweet reason for posting?!!
ReplyDeleteSending you so much love & a HUGE hug, dear Janet! Katie from Huntington Beach
My heart goes out to you. Please know that you are loved, and deserve all the praise from the followers of your blog. I, too, always enjoy reading about your thrift store finds, be they clothing, or collectibles for your house and seeing your garden. It is refreshing to read about someone like me who could buy more costly items but why? The planet needs more of us to re-use, to re-cycle, and to use creativity in decorating.
ReplyDeleteDearest Janet, how wonderful to see your post! Honestly, anything you write about is music to my ears! And with all you have been through, how can this not have changed you? I know you love being in the garden as I do & my inspiration to garden came from my beloved Grandma, my Mom's mother. When I was a little girl, she would tell me the garden gives us so many lessons & much wisdom. In winter a tree looks as though it has died,but in Springtime, it again blossoms & is so alive & beautiful. And when crocuses burst through the snow to bloom, she compared that to the resilience of the human spirit. I loved what Jeannine said about "moving forward, not moving on." My husband & I suffered a devastating loss a year ago that we are still dealing with & I know this grieving has changed me in many ways but has made me so much stronger & even more aware of the importance of never shutting off our hearts but keeping them open to love. We may have been bent, but we are not broken. I think much of this is true for you as well, dear Janet.
ReplyDeleteAs far as your continuing with your blog, when I read the love & wisdom that your readers share, I think that is such a beautiful gift, not only for you but for all of us! I am sending you a huge hug & so much love! Katie from Huntington Beach
Janet it is so good to see your post.
ReplyDeleteI love your "voice" and will read whatever you write. Your charming cottage, home decor, minimalist living ideas, the pantry, thrift shopping, fashion, garden and designing interiors for others...to unblock your writing Jamie Cat Callan is a writer who has a website and she has some great ideas on just starting again.It sounds like you are moving gently forward in the grieving process which is positive. One thing I really enjoy is your kitchen and pantry...I would love to have one just like it! Well actually, if I am being honest, I could live in and love your entire cottage! Have fun with that new project and I look forward to seeing the photos.
XO
Everyone has expressed what I feel about you and your lovely blog, and everyone is in your corner... someone wrote about finding 1000 square feet of character, and she was referring to a home, but I thought of you. And then I thought of something else... what about a theme for your posts of 'one square foot'... of taking one thing, a flower, a moment, a piece of fabric, one 'small thing' to write sparingly about with one photo. It would help dissipate the blankness and provide focus and be, as so many have said, simple and small. Small gifts, like a stocking from which one pulls a tiny treasure or one flower that blooms in a garden. It might be a path to tread lightly upon that will lead to where you are going while keeping a slender ribbon to all of us... Debbie
ReplyDeleteLike an old friend...there you were...it was enough. To know you are ok and just being...busy but thinking. We are here and reading each others words about you. You inspire the words with yours. Your pictures are balm for all of us...soothing and inspiring. If you want to move forward it will come. If not we are forever grateful that we shared your times and we hold you in that realism of hugs that are out in the virtual reality ...
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree with what another commenter said - maybe Instagram is easier for you? It seems so much easier than a blog? Snap a photo and comment or Snap a photo and no comment. LOL We will get you anyway we can! Jen
ReplyDeleteYour blog is the calm in an increasingly chaotic world so thank you for that in such a difficult time in your life. As for me, it's a matter of the long good-bye as I take care of my husband who has dementia. As a distraction and something to enjoy at this point in our lives, we bought a condo on the coast and spend a great deal of time there now deconstructing dated elements to make it our own. We are having fun hunting for things at thrift shops, Craigslist, here and there, anything but new.....it's an activity in which my husband can participate and remain engaged. May you find peace. Best, Kay
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear from you. What if you just post a photo of your adorable cottage without a message other than hello? 💖. Please don’t leave us. Always 🙏 for you.
ReplyDeleteJanet, your friends are steadfast and possibly some of them may be adjusting, too. I only can imagine where you are in this moment . . . waiting for the newness to find definition and the sadness to be tolerable. Reach out to those good people, places, interests where you find comfort . . . dismiss for now any which may be unsettling. How exciting to have found a new project . . . perhaps it found you. As for your blog . . . I found the manner in which you came upon the everyday little things refreshing . . . this past year blogs and instagram accounts have been welcome "pen pals" . . . added voices to fill the day with new slants on the everyday. No pressure. The blog belongs to you and not us . . . it need only be what you wish . . . take care, Janet.
ReplyDeleteI like seeing your decorating ideas along with your thriftiness.
ReplyDeleteThis is the time in your life to do what makes you happy. When my daughter's fiancee died, she said the first year she felt as if she was waiting for him to come back, but the second year, she knew he never would.
ReplyDeleteThank you for continuing to write. I love feeling connected to people across the country, even if it's just "virtual." I'm ready to read whatever you're ready to write. The older I get, the more I appreciate authenticity in people, even when it isn't pretty or upbeat.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about your house recently, while considering what to do with mine. I was trying to figure out if I can make mine look as good as yours, even while living with three people who seem totally incapable of picking up after themselves. I think I might be better off embracing maximalism. It seems to hide the mess better ;)
It is so nice to see a post from you, Janet. As you no doubt know, grief isn't something scientific we can understand in a rational manner or process according to a set of rules. Grief is non-linear. As time goes by it may become less raw, but sometimes even years later we are struck with a piece of it we hadn't anticipated. I always saw grief isn't something we get over, or get past ... grief is something we walk with everyday of our lives. When the big grief comes we have no choice but to learn to incorporate it into us -- to make it part of our bodies.
ReplyDeleteAny words from you are welcome. For me, when the words won't come, I sometimes challenge myself to express myself differently. Perhaps a photo per day, with just a few words, something that inspired you or touched you in some way. Or just a little snapshot of one moment in your day that you might want to look back at later. Sort of like Instagram, but here on your blog so it's altogether and a stupid algorithm isn't deciding what's important and what's not.
As a fellow Redlander, I feel hope in the air of Our Town as April arrives. For a year+ I've been away from so much of the Redlands I love because of high risk, but I will be fully vaccinated by late April, and there is so much I want to do and see. I miss the library and sitting in the atrium reading magazines. I miss sitting outside at locally own restaurants sharing a cuppa with my love. I miss Market Night and spending a warm summer evening with friends. I miss the Bowl. But yesterday I stepped outside midday to enjoy a bit of sun, and the scent of orange blossoms nearly knocked me over. It was as if Redlands was reminding me of all that is to come. There's a song I love, "Dreaming of April" (by Out of the Grey) and for months and months now I've turned to it when all of this has seemed too much. And today, well, I reminded that April always returns. Peace and love to you, Janet.
Where is the face I long to see
Pictures of her in my mind
They say that she will soon return
I know she'll be here any day now
Just breezing into the room
Her sweet perfume can send my senses
Dreaming of April
Praying for her to arrive in all her finery
I'm dreaming of April
Maybe she'll linger this time
Turning to smile at me
These clouds of grey march in endless procession
I'm waking every day
Dreaming of April
I never know how blue the sky
Until the dark days came
These wistful words keep whispering
How much I used to take for granted
The beauty of her eyes
Till mine grew dim with winter, now I'm
Dreaming of April
Praying for her to arrive in all her finery
I'm dreaming of April
Maybe she'll linger this time
Turning to smile at me
When these days of grey march in endless procession
I'm waiting for a change
And dreaming of April
I check every couple of weeks to see if you have written, and i always will. You and your blog are special.
ReplyDeleteI particularly liked when you'd share your grocery bill and purchases and meals. Really anything you do beautifully but frugally (which is everything you do) I found inspirational and helpful.
Oh dear Janet, I think most of WW bloggers go through those issues even without the personal tragedy you’ve been through. Knowing our blog content doesn’t feel right, not wanting to fully open up on a public forum, and floundering. I’m sure you’re new house project will give you some inspiring material and the inspo for your blog will come when the time is right.
ReplyDeleteHugs Mary x.
thepoutingpensioner.blogspot.com
Hello again, Janet. I wondered if you know of any magazine that reflects your style of living. I would buy a subscription in a heartbeat.
ReplyDeleteI was excited to see a post from you. I can't imagine the ways your life has changed. I have always appreciated your blog because you celebrate and elevate the simple things of life. Real life. I used to read a lot of blogs but now they are all commercialized and just seem to be inviting us to buy more things. I look forward to seeing snippets of your home, your garden, how you eat, appreciate nature, etc. Your approach to decorating and living have always resonated with me. I am sure the home you are decorating will be lovely. Sending much love.
ReplyDeleteJoyce
You express you don't know what to write and that's how I feel in trying to craft some kind of worthy response to your grief. There really is none, of course. Just to let you know that you are held in so many's hearts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteVegan recipes, decor
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you, Janet! Praying that the Lord wraps his arms around you during this continued time of grief.
ReplyDeleteWhat's something delicious that you been cooking lately? What have you seen around town that's pretty? Are the flowers blooming in your garden yet? Of course I never tire of reading about your design projects and beautiful cottage, too.
We started a small raised bed garden for the first time this year. It's fun to watch things grow - and it's especially fun for our toddler to participate too. Might you start a little veggie garden one day too?
Regards,
Miranda
I just discovered your blog today, and I fervently hope you will keep it up. Your voice, your sense of style, and your gentle thrift an mininmalism are much needed but not much seen these days. My 40 year old daughter lost her husband to ALS in December, so I am walking through grief with her and my granddaughters (6 and 8). Bless you in your journey, and know that you're not alone.
ReplyDeleteDearest Janet: Hello from SW England! So lovely to hear from you. I've not much to add to the comments that everyone has posted before me. You have a unique voice in this over-exposed, over-commercialised; 'never enough'; 'screaming at us' world of social media and we all cherish that and love your take on the little patch of the earth you call home. You could start over by showing us you grocery shopping and your vegan meals. Maybe just chronicle your daily meanderings. I loved your outfits of the day. We're here for anything that you feel you can share. Your simple, calm, uncluttered life is still an appealing goal for us all. Go well. x
ReplyDeleteDearest Janet: Hello from SW England! So lovely to hear from you. I've not much to add to the comments that everyone has posted before me. You have a unique voice in this over-exposed, over-commercialised; 'never enough'; 'screaming at us' world of social media and we all cherish that and love your take on the little patch of the earth you call home. You could start over by showing us you grocery shopping and your vegan meals. Maybe just chronicle your daily meanderings. I loved your outfits of the day. We're here for anything that you feel you can share. Your simple, calm, uncluttered life is still an appealing goal for us all. Go well. x
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear you're working on another house, doing something you love and are so good at. It is understandable that you have changed and blogging may not come as naturally to you now. I'd love to hear any thoughts or just photos you care to share here. But if none of that works for you anymore, I and I think your readers will understand and support. Sending you warm hugs from Alberta, Canada.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet, many blogs ago you mentioned who influenced you while you were growing up and one of them was a mother of four children. Was that in the Southbay area of CA?
ReplyDeleteYes it was in the South Bay. Why do you ask?
ReplyDeleteSingle mother with twins and 2 children?
DeleteSo good to hear from you! Our lives seem unsettled with covid but as an introvert, I'm fine being home and I've used the time to finish projects and make plans for the future.
ReplyDeleteI've always enjoyed your posts about your lovely home, garden, organizing and clothes. I often think of your home when decluttering and decorating.
Hope your continue with your blog if its right for you. I would certainly miss you. XO
anon. yes! please email me. janetkorff@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteOk, I will email you
ReplyDeleteJP
can't wait Judy!
ReplyDeleteI have noticed that instagrammers set up a shop section to sell their bro ante finds.. You seem to have an eye for estate sale finds. Maybe you could add that to your blog and Instagram account. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteDearest Janet,
ReplyDeleteI have always been comforted by your posts about cleaning and tidying around your beautiful home.
I read them over and over, hoping your asthetic and habits will somehow help me get the same results! I will continue to watch for any post, you are someone I would love to live near and be able to chat every so often.
I also pour over your meals, such a joy!
I pray the Lord fills your heart w His love. Your dear Larry would hate for you to feel no love of life.
Ofcourse, you are doing exactly what you must and we all support you.
Much love and blessings from TX
Danielle