It has been such a long time since I was last here; and now putting ‘pen to paper’ again, I realise how much I have missed following all of my favourite blogs and of course writing my own. Thank you so much to those that have emailed and left messages for me asking how I am and if everything was OK ~ this really means a lot to me!
I lost my voice.
Then I lost my inner voice…
I got tonsillitis followed by the flu (of the piglet variety that everyone is talking about). Add to that a few family issues and the result was that not only did I lose my speaking voice; but the natural rhythm of writing and finding words ~ my inner voice ~ that I share via this blog also seemed to abandon me. I haven’t sewn a stitch during this time ~ I actually think that I lost more than my voice, I also lost my sense of direction and purpose.
I think I have come to realise that ‘big plans’ don’t actually really matter, it is just the happiness we can find in day to day living which is most important. So now, I shall not only be nurturing my relationships with family and friends, I shall be looking after my creative self, and continuing to make, sell, restore and collect the vintage & antique treasures that I love so much, just because it makes me happy…
We were lucky enough to take a wonderful family holiday in the Loire region of France (more of which later...) which has given me the much needed boost to get back on track . Like a door that has been opened for the first time to reveal something new behind it I now feel refreshed and energised and thankfully have discovered my voice again…
Doorway in Candes St Martin, France ~ a secret glimpse into another world...
So happy to hear you are feeling better. Sometimes you just need a blogging break too....we're always waiting when you get back.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the summer.
Welcome back! It's lovely to hear from you again...we missed you! It sounds as if you've had quite a time of it, but I'm glad you're recovered from being poorly and rediscovering what it is you love to do. I look forward to reading your future postings. (We went to the Loire this summer too...it's glorious, isn't it?) Katie x
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see you back Ali, I did wonder where you'd disappeared to. You must have felt awful with all that illness all at once, I bet you really needed that holiday!
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm having a hard time I just can't sew, it's almost like I need all my energy to get through it and have none to spare to create. But it does come back again eventually!
Hugs, Mel xxx
.. and what mystery lurks behind the door! I love the hollyhocks bowing down to the opening ... Feel better, welcome back. TTFN ~ Marydon
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so glad to hear from you. Thanks very much for letting us know - I'm afraid I didn't email but I frequently thought about you. I have never seen any other blogger's creations which quite so impressed me - you have a particular sensitivity to the vintage items you use, which I really appreciate.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have had a dark time of it, but I'm so glad to hear that you are coming back into sunshine!
Glad that you are back. I have missed your posts. I am glad you are feeling better. The Loire region is so beautiful, what a wonderful place to holiday.
ReplyDeleteVery glad to see you back. I hope you will continue to feel well. and hope also you stored beautiful souvenirs of France :o)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're back and so glad you got over that awful flu. You've been missed! At times something will happen to steal my joy, and it is hard to get it back. But it always returns, for which I am so grateful.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad yours has returned too.
Smiles,
June
Too bad you lost your voice, but I am really glad that you have it back. Let's hear us some more! Have a nice weekend!
ReplyDeleteDear Ali,
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! You have been missed and I am so pleased that you are now recovering ...I cannot wait to see more of your pictures from your holiday in France, more of your wonderful vintage treasures...and to read your lovely text...thank you for sharing with us....we all have lived through our own troubles and understand your silence...we love your voice and are so glad you have found it again!Take care, Laura
Sounds like you've had a rough time of it lately. Sometimes life hits you like a juggernaut but it appears that you have now turned the corner. Well done and look forward to some lovely pics from the Loire! Have a great weekend, Lucyxx
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see you back. It sounds like you've had a horrid time.
ReplyDeleteClare x
Welcome back! I was just wondereing yesterday what happened to you! I'm very happy you recover and you have your voice back! You seem to have had a very nice vacation in France!
ReplyDeleteWish you all the best and a great week end!
Vale
welcome back
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are feeling better!
have a nice weekend
Anna
Welcome back, I was just thinking about you yesterday and came by thinking it's been a long time. Everyone needs a break to regroup and be kind to themselves. You've been missed and it's nice to have you back ;)
ReplyDeletexo~Tracie
Oh, welcome back Ali! I missed you and hoped you would return. I'm sorry to hear of your flu, but am very glad to hear you're feeling better!
ReplyDeleteDear Ali,
ReplyDeleteSo glad to have you back. You've been thru such an ordeal it's understandable you needed some time. There are things that happen in our lives that bring us focus and maybe this has been it for you. Do what you love. I hope you happy days ahead.
Carole
So happy to see you are back blogging. I was wondering about you but didn't want to intrude.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are feeling better.
Just saw your photos on Flickr. All your photos of France are lovely.
So very delighted that you are back! Happy, happy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a difficult time you've had and it sounds like the trip to France was a great tonic on many levels. I hope you can take it easy for a while and drift slowly back into things. Happy weekend!
Denise x
Hi Ali! I'm so glad you're back and feeling better. It's always best to take a break when you need it and I'm sure everything will be even more satisfying now that you have done so. I look forward to all you have to share from your trips and to your new creations. Welcome back!
ReplyDeleteRobin
I am so glad you are better. It is not fun to be ill, take care!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, I am in envy, a holiday in France, I can only imagine!!!!
You must show more pictures and tell us all about it!!!! When you are well rested though!
Hugs,
Margaret B
I'm so glad you feel better now, and I'm looking forward to your coming posts, always inspiring me :o)
ReplyDeleteHugs, Annelies
So glad you have your voice back.
ReplyDeleteI have been looking back at your posts and there is so much beauty here, your blog is just lovely, so is your garden, glorious. Love the bench makeover infact I have loved all your makeovers!
Welcome back.
Cx
Hello Ali
ReplyDeleteI wondered if something might be up as your beautiful blog was not longer being updated. You sound as you have had a very rough time and I do hope that you will find yourself being well, happy and full of enthusiasm again soon. It takes time doesn't it. I had a very rough time around 6 years ago and at the time you can't always see things getting any better but they do eventually.
Take care
Isabelle x
Yay you are back!! Im glad you are feeling well angain are are able to find the joy in those wonderful, gorgeous Vintage finds again!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy, take it easy, and keep smiling!
Love Emma xxx
I found your words so elqouent and apt..
ReplyDeleteI totally empathise with you and sympathise with your recent
difficulties..
It is so easy to lose one's way when the rythymn of life changes.. I
think you have found a beautiful voice in which to convey your
feelings..
Hope each passing day brings new contentment.
Michele x
Hello Ali ~ Nice to 'meet' you. Today is the first time I have come across your blog, and we love the same vintagy things. My grandmother's name was Violet. I never met her, as she died when my father was young. I was named after her, and now my own baby granddaughter has it as her middle name. May you be well and share your beautiful voice once again. Blessings! ~ Violet
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous image! I am sorry to hear of your poor health. I do hope you are fully recovered and enjoying the days of summer.
ReplyDeleteLovely to meet you both today at the Bath fair. Hopefully I'll see you up in Stroud for the next one.
ReplyDeleteHelloooo, just popping in to say hiya, hope all is well!!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Margaret B
Hi Ali
ReplyDeleteGood to meet you on Sunday, thank you for saying Hello & admiring the shelves! It was a good day, but very tiring after the 5 am start! Not really caught up or recovered yet!
Look forward to seeing you somewhere else soon!
Lizzie x
Oh WOW, this is a great post & you have the most gorgeous site here. I had to stop by to leave this comment for you – and to say hello of course ! Your posts are creative and original and you have interesting pictures. It's all perfect ! Thank you for sharing your site and best wishes....
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! I hop you have recovered, so that I can enjoy looking at your beautiful posts again.
ReplyDeleteKind regards, Madelief
Hello!
ReplyDeleteI know it's a while since you wrote and this comment is a bit late, but I wanted to say hi because, like you, I have been struggling to write and am only today finally managing to connect again.
It does feel good to write again, but it does take energy and thought doesn't it, and I have just been too low and tired lately...
But I am going to try and hope you will be writing more too because I do love your beautiful posts.
Love Charlotte
xxx
Just sending you a hello and a hug, I took a long while off blogging and making but I'm back and checking up on bloggy friends!
ReplyDeleteMelxxx
Just discoverd your beautiful blog. I am glad you are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteYou have a very inpiring blog and I will be following you from now on.
See you around in Blogland
trudette
Hello Ali
ReplyDeleteI hope that you are well.
I wish you a Merry Christmas and hope that 2010 will be a good one for you.
Warm wishes
Isabelle x
I was stopping by to wish you a Happy New Year, I've been away from your blog for a while and I'm sorry you have been "under the weather." Hope the new year finds you well....I'm so jealous about your trip to France, lucky you!
ReplyDeleteWishing you the best in 2010,
Donna
I am a new follower...first time on your beautiful blog. How great is it that you can connect with so many creative souls....
ReplyDeletebig fan....come see me too..
So glad you are feeling better!!
ReplyDeleteLoved the makeover pieces you did in a previous post. Nice work!!
Hugs, SHerry
You're back and we have been here waiting....It's a new day ...I'm so happy you are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteHugz ...Betty
So glad you came back in time for me to find you thru Alice W at painted white! Love your blog off to browse !lulu
ReplyDeleteFrom the dates on these comments...I am sure you must be feeling a lot better by now...
ReplyDelete~ I found you blog thru another...and I can't remember WHICH one right now....but I would love to think that you are still blogging..I hope so anyway.
I would also like to ask about the DARLING little teddy bear laying on the pillow here on your first page on the sidbar...he is so precious...where did you get him please..I would so love to own one like him if possible.
Thank you,
Rose