So... Its 2013. Every blog in blog-dom has already made resolutions and brave proclamations for the coming 12 months. Except this one. Which has set idle for much too long. So I suppose its my turn to fess up and get this show back on the road. Hold onto your hats.... this is gonna be a doozy.
I’m a little ashamed of myself for allowing this space to sit quiet for so long. I’d like to say I’m ashamed of myself for not keeping up with new projects and new tutorials to share and giveaways and crafty news but really thats not the reason at all. I’m ashamed of myself for keeping quiet when things here, at home, starting looking not-so-good. Its difficult to blog those pretty pictures and new projects when the life behind them is falling apart and instead of saying so I kept quiet.
There was a time when I blogged not just for the pretty pictures. I used to write about whatever I felt like writing about even if it had nothing to do with kids or crafting or being a mom and even if what I had to say pissed some people off. Somewhere along the line I got sucked into trying to keep up with those uber-perfect crafty-mom blogs and I quit writing what I wanted to write. I started wondering if the things I had to say might impact pattern sales or readership partly due to some dealings I had with publishers and agents... seems the first things they want to know are blog stats and what you’re doing to up your readership.
Truth is... I’ve never been very good at that part of designing and blogging. All I now is that I like to make stuff and I pay Typepad a chunk of change every year so I can have this space to say whatever I want and the best times I’ve had here have been long before I was worried about my stats. And ya know what... that’s when I had the best stats, the highest readership, and the most unique visitors (whatever that means).
Over the past year or so I quit writing. I quit enjoying photography. I struggled to even finish the projects I started. And I sure didn’t feel like blogging about that and the reasons behind it.
But its a new year. And I am not into resolutions. But I’m not into sitting here quietly for another year either. So here’s the rundown in my very favorite not-grammatically-correct fashion...
- The Man moved out.
- Its just me and the kids and the critters here.
- The kids have started public school and Bubba is in daycare so I can work (that one really hurts).
- I’m going to try to support us with design work among other things (stop laughing).
- I’m starting classes next week. On top of designing deadlines (stop it).
- I have the best friends ever.
- I had to go back and rewrite this post twice to get all the swear words out of it.
So you see... not pretty. But since I’m one of the first people to complain about those uber-too-perfect blogs I guess I should put my mess where my blog is.
Now, part of getting back to what I know and love means getting back into the design gig full swing and that’s already rolling. I’ll share more details about that when I can.
Oh, and the pictures up there? Right before Christmas. The kids and I made cookies all day. Best. Day. Ever.
2013... here we go.
Haven't been by in a while, so reading backwards brought me to this post. I give you one of my favorite lines, attributed (correctly, methinks) to John Lennon, "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." Hope each day is a little easier for you and yours. See you soon.
Posted by: Kt Murphy | February 02, 2013 at 12:58 PM
The minute I read your post I knew I wanted to send you a message.
I follow your work for quite a long time (your work inspired me to smock an Oliver+S blouse for my little girl), but most important I loved your posts as they spooke straight to my heart (I feel the same way about stats and perfect-blogs) :)
I'm not quite sure what I still have ahead of me (I have been through quite a few bumps, trust me), yet we all get stronger when inspiration comes our way.
And I'm glad to know that you'll still be here for inspiring me (and probably so many other women). Thank you for sharing. And thank-you for been real.
Posted by: Sisforsewing.wordpress.com | January 08, 2013 at 04:51 PM
So sorry to hear things have been rough, but glad you are back online. Hope you have a blessed new year!
Posted by: Tammy | January 08, 2013 at 03:48 PM
When I first read this. I just had to click "keep new" because I knew I had to say something, but I didn't know what to day. Your name in knitting will always be a big thing for me. Your Daisy Cardigan was the first REAL thing that I ever knit. And you so patiently answered questions I emailed you. And though my girl has outgrown that cardi...I will keep it forever. Thank You for being real. Thank you for not disappearing. Hoping that 2013 includes more of those cookie baking kind of days for you and the kids.
Posted by: KM | January 07, 2013 at 02:01 PM
I'm so sorry things are tough. I've always admired that you didn't just blog the good stuff. I've hoped for the courage to start doing that myself. You've been one my design inspirations. I wish you the very best in the coming year.
Posted by: Dani Berg | January 04, 2013 at 03:59 PM
Is it wrong that I chuckled? But at the part where you took out all the swear words out! No schmoopy words from me. You'll land on your feet ;-)!
Posted by: Kaye Bezdecny | January 03, 2013 at 09:51 PM
Marie you are the most talented, ambitious, courageous women Ive ever meet!! Who needs men!! You have so many avenues ahead of you, Take you pick I know you will succeed! If you need anything send me a message.
XOXO
Posted by: Maureen Clark | January 03, 2013 at 04:59 PM
Wishing you all success in the coming year and beyond!
Posted by: Elizabeth Morrison | January 03, 2013 at 02:54 PM
Oh, HONEY, I'm SO sorry! As soon as I read the words "falling apart", I feared marriage problems or major health problems. Know that you have people all over who care about you. [Dashes off to help a tiny bit by buying a Marie Grace pattern or two.] BIG cyberhugs to you and the kiddos; I can't even imagine....
Posted by: Erica Hernandez | January 03, 2013 at 02:54 PM