Hello Blogland... remember me? It's been a while, I know. The last year (or two) I just got out of the habit of blogging, but this little space on the web is still special to me. I think I stopped blogging around about the time I stopped (or greatly reduced) scrapbooking. It's not that I stopped completely, as I still love to document my girls, and our family, but something about the paper and glue just lost its lustre for me. I still love to craft/sew/cook...but I think the impetus to blog really came from the scrapbooking world/getting published in scrap mags, which is just not a priority for me anymore.
Recently I received two e-mails out of the blue from former readers of my blog, asking if I would ever pick it up again. Both were European, coincidentally, and neither had ever commented on my blog before. I think as bloggers we always wonder if someone out there is reading...if anyone cares, frankly, so that was a lovely surprise. It made me think of revisiting my blog. When I read back over the posts, I realize it paints a wonderful picture of our family during that time. I remember the smell of babies, and the mind-numbing sleep deprivation. Life is different now, to be sure.
To give you an update...
Audrey is six and has just finished grade one. She's an avid reader, and loves to jump rope and read through my old scripts and scores. She is funny, smart, and just as stubborn as ever.
Lily is almost 5, and just completed her first year of Kindergarten. She's a cuddle monster who sings through her day. Whereas Audrey is likely to meltdown if something displeases her, Lily is more likely to be reduced to tears. Together they play all sorts of imagination games, and are obsessed with crafts, activity books, and whichever stuffy/doll is in their good graces that week. She loves to sing, and our house is like some sort of primary school opera. She narrates her day by recetitive.
As for Q and I, we both work from home to a large extent, so we share the parenting/home responsibilities, and the girls have no idea how lucky they are to have both parents around all the time. (My husband is now so in the habit of getting up in the morning that I sleep in most days. It's delicious and indulgent, and I adore him for it.) I'm not performing at the moment. In fact, my last gig was in Prince Edward Island where we spent 4 months last summer. Nothing has come up recently that fits into life (I'm not willing to work away from home, unless they can come), and my Arbonne business is booming and growing every day. I love that I have a home based business that allows us to be together and I can work around the kids and our life in pretty much every case.
As a matter of fact, it's because my work is so portable and flexible that we are able to spend a month in Europe this summer-- the real reason for my return to blogging! We will spend 2 1/2 weeks in Amsterdam and 10 days in Paris, with possible side trips to Brussels and Copenhagan. This is a dream come true for me. I have always wanted to spend time with the girls in Europe. My original goal when I started my business was to spend a year in France. However, for now, a month will do! We are planning a laid back, relaxed holiday. We will pick a few sight to see, and see well. We will also spend lots of time relaxing in "jardins" and on many a "terrasse". I don't want to be rushing around seeing absolutely everything. I want to revel in the details and the moments... and the pastries and the chocolates! It's this trip that I plan to blog about. (If you, gentle reader, have suggestions for me in these cities, I am happy to hear them.) The girls are thrilled and excited, and we are busy tidying up our house as we are exchanging homes with families in both cities! I've always wanted to try a home exchange, so here's hoping it's the awesome experience I truly believe it will be.
So, stay tuned. The countdown is on. We leave in 2 1/2 weeks, and I can't wait to fill this space with our European experience!
Glad to see you back! It was just a couple of days ago that I remembered your blog and came to see if you had posted and I had missed it :) Enjoy your holiday!
Posted by: Joanne | July 01, 2013 at 12:20 AM
Great to read your updated blog, Lisa !
I had been checking off and on over this past year and wondered what became of you! Glad to see the family is well, and enjoy your next adventure.
Posted by: Tracey H. | July 01, 2013 at 01:07 AM
So glad to see you back--I was just thinking about you! Are you still working with SCT? So excited to hear about your European adventures!
Posted by: Keshet | July 03, 2013 at 11:10 AM
Glad to see you back blogging and sharing your stories. Have a great time with your travels!
Posted by: Alisha | July 05, 2013 at 12:40 PM
I was just randomly thinking about you b/c I have been in your neck of the woods lately (green n bean...is that near you?) - anyway I am bad at blogging regularly too but I totally agree such a good slice of life to look back on :) - SO exciting to be heading across the pond with the kiddies!
Posted by: virginia | July 08, 2013 at 01:47 PM