
Oh, you dear, dear people. You amaze and humble me. I’ve often said that I have the best blog readers in the world (not that there is a competition, mind you). That statement has never felt more true than in the past two days.
Thank you so much for your comments on my last post. I loved your sweet stories of passions, lost and rediscovered, your kind words, your encouragement, your commiseration, your sense of humor. The comments you’ve left have both moved me to tears and made me laugh (the woman who said, Go be a Twttering goat-farmer if it makes you happy, cracked me up). You are amazing and I feel lucky to have this small connection to so many wonderful people. If ever I doubt that kindness and grace exist in this world, I will come back here and read your comment stream.
I want to answer each one of you, because it means so much to me that you took the time to write. I know that people don’t always go back and read for comment responses (and I’m not always the best at responding), so I’m going to do so here in this post. My gratitude is just too big to fit in that tiny comment box.
Here we go—
Kat—thanks for the hugs. I think I’m in need of that recharge you mention (onsen, anyone?). Hoping to find one soon!
Francesca—thank you so much for the incredibly generous words. I'm considering cutting out your comment and posting it above my writing desk, for days that lack inspiration. You are so kind.
Hopie—wise words, indeed: “People fall in and out of love, even with their dreams!” (and I hear you about the dream/reality of living abroad). Thanks so much.
Rituparna—wow, you are so sweet to say that. I’m glad you’re taking the food and life idea and making it your own. Thanks for your kindness and good advice.
Tanita—ah, how well you know me! It’s true, my friend. Good of you to point it out. And thanks for sharing your story with me. We must move away from the soul-destroying. I’m glad you seem to have found a balance in doing what you love.
Angelina—what good perspective, thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts. It’s funny the ties we develop, isn’t it. It’s amazing, really—and I feel the same when sites I read go dark for awhile. I miss these people I don’t even know. PS. shall I call my new blog “The Noble Goat Farmer?” :-)
Alice—you’re right. I think some mixing it up is in order. Good advice. Russian food, here we come!
Laurie A-B—such good advice from K. Cashmore, thank you! And thanks for the thoughts on “other people.” I should know by now that’s a bad comparison to make. I LOVE the image of you putting the right book in the right set of hands. That’s magical.
TKW—I think you may have hit the nail on the head: computer-free days are definitely needed! Going to implement something like that soon. Thanks!
Michaela—thanks, for the wisdom and the flowers. You're one of many who have mentioned The Artist's Way. I should unpack my copy...it's around here somewhere.
Danielle—yes, my blog is seasonal and wants its hibernation period! All joking aside, that's a very good point. The wisdom of nature, we've gotten so far away from it.
Tamara—good point about repetition, hadn’t thought of that before (I like to knit while watching TV, makes me feel better about the watching:-)
Kristen—I like that definition of success! I think I’ll adopt that for myself as well.
Heather—good advice, thank you. I think some museums and art galleries are in my future!
Britt—thank you, especially for letting me have unswept floors (I’m assuming this exemption covers not vacuuming as well:-). Sometimes things just need to be let go of, I think. Trying to learn to accept this. Thanks.
Knitsnwovens—wise words, indeed, especially from someone dealing with much of the same. Best of luck with your hobby/job as well!
Barbara—glad you liked the flowers, I think they’re so beautiful. Thanks for the suggestions (I’m three chapters in on Confessions of a CMB). You’re right, of course, Twitter doesn’t replace blogs, but it does distract bloggers!
Katieleigh—I hear you about marketing writing, not quite the same, eh? Glad you have some other creative outlets.
Brandi—thanks for the sweet words, I like the social aspect of it as well. Maybe that’s why writing is feeling hard these days—too lonely!
Ellen—oooh, good advice. Maybe I need to back to pen and paper. These days I’m hating the computer so much. Good luck with the PhD program, I can only imagine how that might take the joy out of things!
Whitney—what a lovely image of you falling for your city again. Thanks.
Jennywenny—it’s a dilemma, isn’t it? Best of luck with finding the answer that is right for you, and thanks for the kind words.
Beastmomma—thanks for your suggestions, and congratulations on your marriage! I do think I will write more about books, and more about other people. I’ve gotten bored with myself!
ChezUs—thanks for your lovely response (and glad you like the flowers, I hadn’t realized how gorgeous dahlias could be). It sounds as if you’ve found the right answer for yourself. I can only imagine it took courage to strike out and leave the corporate ladder. Thanks for sharing.
Cicero Sings—thanks for your kind comment (one of many you’ve been so nice to leave me over time!). I will look up that writing farmer. Isn’t it funny how a taste of reality (cooking for 70) can take away any bit of romance:-)
Emma Wallace—good point, even chocolate cake gets old. Sounds like you have a very healthy outlook on the ebbs and flows. Going to try and adopt one for myself.
Aran—how fun it would be to have you in Seattle! I was actually supposed to travel this fall, but just didn’t feel like I had it in me. Going to need to recharge closer to home. Come visit, please!
Izzyw—thank you so much, for the kind words on the blog and the validation of the idea of stepping back from it all. Might be the sanest thing to do right now:-)
Genie—it was great to see you Sat as well! Sorry to hear you’re wrestling with the burnout also. Think we need to go hiking on Tam and let it all blow away.
Janine @ Rustic Kitchen—you’re right, we are lucky to have these options at all. Incredibly lucky. Thanks for sharing your story. I think you book sounds wonderful! I’ll be the first in line to buy a copy when it comes out—farmers’ markets are just about my favorite thing ever!
Mrs. B—thanks, my friend. This new life thing—can we just get there already? The journey is taking forever! Come on up and let’s find us some goats:-) Jenifer—love the plate analogy! I tend to be a generalist as well. May need to add some more plates. Keep me on my toes!
Karen—sounds like a great balance. Clearly, I need to get out more :-)
Katrina—VT, Maine, or a café in Mississippi all sound pretty good to me about now. Want a partner? :-)
Anon—ah yes, I remember training for things like that, when it takes over everything else in the world. Thanks for the reminder. Ebbs and flows.
Dmatthews—sage advice, thank you. Think I’m going to be listening hard for my own answers. Hilda—yeesh, post-production on films sounds worse than writing books. I love the story of your escape and adventure. That’s wonderful!
Fleur—oh my goodness, thank you for your comment (for a first time commenter, you hit it out of the ballpark!). Maybe I just need to adjust the balance, as you say. I would love to read your dissertation, when you’re done. Best of luck with that—and thank you again for your very kind words.
Lisa-Marie—brave or stupid, it’s a toss-up on any given day!:-) I have absolutely enjoyed what I’ve written here, it’s just the pressure feeling like I ought to be doing more that is hard. But I love imagining you cooking for your friends—thank you so much for sharing that!
Kate—so nice to meet you as well. I was inspired by the weekend, and by people who have found ways to successfully work the work into their lives. I’m still sorting it out, I think. Hope to get there too :-)
Elspeth—good idea on the part-time. I may be following in your footsteps! I’m glad you found a good balance for yourself.
Elaine @ Messy Kitchen—thanks so much, your words are very calming to one who does not feel calm these days. I’m going to try and adopt a similar perspective, try to find what works for me.
PaintEater—(great name!) I loved hearing your story of how you recalibrated your life. I think I might be at a similar point myself. Thanks for the brave example, and for the encouragement to question. You are MUCH wiser than you think!
Laura (What I Like)—they have a dahlia garden in SF? How did I not know this? I must check it out. GG Park is next to my house there. Thanks for the tip.
Vickie—I love your comment: “Blogging, like good manners, will never go out of style.” Thanks for the great advice. I appreciate it!
Chickenless Chick—ha, too funny! (the nooooos). I love the garden analogy, that’s perfect. Time to put this raised bed to sleep for awhile. Not sure if Twittering goat farmer is in my cards, but boy did it get a laugh out of me. Thanks for that!
Kickpleat—oh my dear, you know all about doing work you love. Yes, let’s talk when I get back. Over a nice meal and drinks. Might need to make a weekend of it! Xox
Anon—Year of the Goat? No, I haven’t—but I will. Thanks for the encouragement. It sounds as if you figured out what the right decision was for you. So glad for that.
Brooke—oh yes, I can relate to that! The new adventure is always more appealing than what’s already here. Thanks for the encouragement, it means a lot. And best of luck to you with the new/old business :-)
Dana—I was so surprised to hear about you giving up the business, but it seems like there is an ebb and flow to everything. Trying to learn to accept that. Yes, let’s walk soon! Xox
E—well of course there are more important things than blogging (world peace comes to mind:-). But I do believe that food—how we grow it, cook it, rely on it, gather around it, nourish our families with it—is incredibly important. Food, water, shelter—isn’t that the three most basic needs? (imported chocolate does take it to another level, however). Sounds like you’ve found a good balance. I’m looking for mine.
Laurie—very good perspective, thank you! I do try to explain this to my friends: just because I love my job, doesn’t mean that my job sometimes sucks (doing self-employed taxes comes to mind). I like your attitude. Thanks for sharing!
Briana—I know, hearing everyone else’s stories is being so helpful to me. Sometimes you just have to know that you’re not the only one going through it. Hang in there, maybe together we can make it
Marilyn—I can well imagine restaurant burnout, I think it’s 10x worse than regular burnout. We are lucky, this is true. Just have to find the right balance. Xox
Annapt—“I love my work, no matter how much it frustrates me,” that’s a great quote—and I agree. Think I just need the balance you were talking about. More walks in the woods. Thanks so much for sharing your story. I love imagining you underlining your biology books (I was looking at mine confused:-)
Allison—“passion is a lot harder to come by than I grew up believing.” Amen to that: harder to find, and harder to keep. Thanks for the kind words.
D—thanks. Your description reminded me of how wonderful it was to start a blog, to write about what I am passionate. Need to get back to that feeling. Hoping I can. Enjoy the process, the blog journey is filled with lovely serendipity and pleasure.
Allie—thanks so much. That Helen is such a talent, isn’t she? Was great to get to hang out with her.
Cookie baker Lynn—I think “sabbatical” sounds much better than “flaking on my blog.” I might have to adopt that term instead. Thanks!
Lindsay—very good advice. I think I will try to shake it up and be less structured, as you say. My tea party may become a tapas party—lots of little bites!
Megan—clearly, I need more Nutella in my life. That would solve all problems! But I think you’re right. It’s an ongoing challenge. Thanks for the encouragement, it means a lot!
Annabelle—I had a Scottish friend who used to say, “Tea is the way forward.” I think she’s right. And time off never hurts either. Thanks!
Sprouted Kitchen—I know, I’m overwhelmed by all the wonderful comments. Everyone is so kind.
Connie—what wise words. Yes, time to hold babies and look at the ocean. I think your professor was right, and I think you are very kind. Thank you.
Leslie in CA—aren’t the flowers lovely, I was so lucky she gave them to me. Thanks for your nice words on the blog. Twitter isn’t the same, but it’s awfully addictive. Not much on depth, as you say.
Lisa (dandysugar)—I like your idea of a “breather” (sounds so much more pleasant than a “break”). I know the book as well, must dig it out and reread. Thanks for your kind words and for sharing your dance story—I can definitely relate!
JovianSky—your wisdom belies your years! Thanks for the advice, I think you’re right, and you have a great attitude about it. Thanks for sharing.
Kendall—long but good! I loved hearing about your acting, and your father’s advice. Sounds like he’s given you some very good guidance. Best of luck with your future acting adventures. I hope you can strike a balance that is right for you.
Emma—oh, I hear you on the grad school thing. I never wrote as little, creatively, as I did when I was doing my MFA. I wrote papers about other people’s writing, but none of my own. You’re right about creatives, I think. No one else can really understand. Best of luck to you with the program. In many ways it was a relief to finish mine.
Lynne—thanks so much for the link. I took a look and you’re right. There are so many fears and ways to sabotage. Thanks for your insight!
Bansidhe—thanks for the advice. I think you’ve got the system figured out (and some lovely hobbies). I’m going to be taking a page from your book soon.
Kellybeth—thanks, especially for the confession that some days you can’t stand to face the yarn. Made me laugh, and feel better. Glad to know I’m not the only one!
Meaghan—thanks, my dear. You are very sweet. Isn’t that money/time balance a funny thing=when you cut back you have time and sanity, but fewer funds. I might have to just tell my deadlines who’s boss. Thanks for the encouragement!
Leah—that's great, and how wonderful that you've found the thing that you love to do. It will be curious to see if that shifts over time. I love writing, but I'm beginning to realize how much I love not writing too!
Literarygeek—there is so much fun and joy to be found in blogging, that bursting with ideas and excitement feeling is so much fun. Enjoy the process! I am sure you will.
Irene—thanks for mentioning the Proust quote, that's a lovely analogy, and thanks for the kind words. Sending hugs back to you!
Alisa—you dear thing, thanks so much for writing (and glad you like the noodles!). I have the same feeling, but mostly it's goes: when I grow up I want to have a site as cool as Heidi/Molly/Shauna. You are very kind, and thanks also for the Frey link. This writing is a funny thing, no? Can't live with it, can't live without it! Thanks again.
Ibteda—thanks for sharing such an inspiring story of going after what you love. I'm sorry if you don't feel like you have the muse in you right now, but I am sure you will find it again. Perhaps we all need to step back and recharge from time to time. I hope you find your peace. You are an inspiration for your courage in following your passion!
Anon—yes, cupcake bakeshop was wonderful (and I'm not even a baker). I suppose I have been melancholy lately. Burnout sometimes does that to a girl, I'm just trying to find my way through, to find balance. Writing a book throws things out of wack! Will tell more about it soon, I promise. Thanks for your kind words.
Julie—good point, sometimes we do fall out of love. I can't imagine not writing, however. Think my challenge is a matter of balance. Working on it. And thanks for weighing in, writing as a job does change things.
Anna—glad to hear that other people can blow hot and cold about things as well, thanks!
Di—oh my dear, I'm sorry to hear you've been through the wringer as well. I hope as life rolls forwards you will continue to feel less shattered (oh do I know that feeling), and I'm glad if this site was able to give you some small solace (and Shauna, isn't she wonderful?). Thanks for sharing your story. Sending you all the best as you build a life in your new city. May you bloom there, beautifully.
Denise—thanks, dear. I do think I need to mix it up, find a better balance, and if worse comes to worse, I'll have some tasty goat cheese!
Alvia—thanks for sharing your story and helpful links. I love your phrase: life has a way of going unchecked. It sounds like you are listening to those small voices. They do tend to guide you right. Thanks again!
That’s it, folks (for the moment). Thanks so much for sharing your stories with me. I loved hearing more about all of you. Your generosity buoys me up; you make me want to be a better blogger. Seriously.