Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Taking Stock

Oh, it has been too long since I posted here from my heart to yours.  I could say that I've been busy, which would be true, but that's not the whole reason.  Mostly I've been putting all my energy and heart into work, friends, and family, and I've had little left to share on the blog.  This has never, ever happened to me before. I hate it!  I mean, I love all those other parts of my life, but I've always had room in my life for blogging, no matter how busy I've been.  Honestly, I think I've just felt drained.  We had company staying with us nearly every weekend over the summer and early fall, which was a joy, but I think I'm coming to the realization that my life is a little out of balance at the moment.  Because all of my work involves writing, teaching, and photography, I need loads and loads of alone time, but I haven't had much of that in many months.  Maybe it's time for a little autumn re-prioritizing.  In fact, I think it's time for a retreat.

So, this morning I decided that I would devote several hours today to giving The Magpie's Fancy a new header and a new overall mood for autumn, my favorite season.  As soon as I placed this lovely Cinderella pumpkin on my grandmother's old silver tea tray, I knew I had the image that I'd like to see each time I come here for the next couple of months.  I'm usually kind of a stickler about polishing my silver, but in the fall I like a little tarnish.  It warms up the metal and goes beautifully with pumpkins, gourds, and leaves.  Okay, and I just can't seem to get around to polishing right now!

I haven't quite finished with the blog design redo, but I was anxious to catch up with you and share news about my photography.  Several of my photos are now available for commercial use through Getty Images.  You can find the link here and on my sidebar under "My Other Nests."  I have other news as well, but that can wait for a later post!

In the meantime, I'm excited to begin blogging in earnest again, and to share with you the creative work I've been doing for the past several months.  I'm also anxious to come visit you.  Thanks for sticking with me even though I've been absent so much.  I've been giving much thought to why I began blogging in the first place.  I've come to several realizations that I'll be sharing in upcoming posts.  Taking stock--that's what autumn is all about for me.  More soon.  xo    

22 comments:

  1. It looks great Gigi! Autumn definitely is a time for stepping back and taking stock, as you say! It's lovely to see you back!
    Dan
    -x-

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  2. Bring on those realisations; we're settled here happily by the fire waiting impatiently and wishing you well.

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  3. Now that's a pumpkin!

    Lovely yo see and lovely to hear from you again.

    Life is a wee bit busy here also and I'm sneaking a moment away from the design table to comment.

    But I was so excited to see you again.

    xo Jane

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  4. Hi Gigi, it's nice to hear from you. Your new header looks great. I love tarnished silver. One time, my mum visited and thought she was helping by polishing my big silver ice bucket (which i use as a vase). Way too shiny for my liking. As you are entering Autumn, we have entered Spring on this side of the planet, so everything is blooming. Sounds like you need a little 'breathing space' for yourself after all your lovely visitors. best wishes, Jane x

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  5. My eyes lit up when I saw your post in my email box! Your new header is lovely; Cinderella pumpkins are among my favorites.

    I don't think blogging should ever become a pressure, goodness knows life supplies plenty of those already, and you were right to give yourself a break. But I'm so glad you're back! And I'm so looking forward to reading your Autumn reflections.

    All the best!

    -Keri

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  6. I hope things settle for you. Sounds very busy. I do love the header, such warmth. Looking forward to hearing your realizations.
    xxx

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  7. I was just thinking about you this morning, glad to see you back! It sounds like you have been living fully and that my friend is a good thing! Your new header is gorgeous! xxoo :)

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  8. You keep teasing me! Do tell??? What other news?

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  9. It's taking stock time for me too. When I read your words about your life being out of balance I felt my shoulders settle a little - I have felt that way too.
    We have also had company almost every weekend this summer, and more in between times. And like you, I am a person in serious need of being alone for a good deal more than most. "Drowning in a sea of people" is what I call it.
    I look forward to your upcoming posts...

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  10. Those of us who've lived in Maine for a while --especially those of us from away, whose loved ones love Maine-- understand the need to catch a breath. A very kind guest said to me one September, "You should run a B and B." The very worn hostess in me quietly whispered, "I do."

    Enjoy the season of recovery and reflection;-)

    mcr

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  11. Your blog looks great, Glad you are finding some time for you. it seems we all take a break and then are able to come back revitalized. nice to read your post today. hugs.

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  12. Looks beautiful Gigi! It sounds like you've had to balance quite a bit at the moment. I hope you get a few quite moments to yourself this week.

    e

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  13. It's cosy and beautiful here! I'm with you, little time for blogging. It will always be here though, thatches the beauty of it. xoxo

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  14. Absolutely drop dead gorgeous header! I will not be surprised when your photos sell like hotcakes!:) I am excited to learn all about you news too!

    Autumn is my new year!

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  15. The new looks is BREATHTAKING,Gigi! I gasped with delighted when your lovely page opened. :o) Autumn is a time for refocusing, rearranging, renewing, I think. I it is more new year to me than January is. I'm so excited to hear more about your creative endeavors. Creatively, too many irons in the fire, usual... LOL...But I wouldn't have it any other way. :o) Happy Autumn Days, my friend ((HUGS))

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  16. Gorgeous photos and just love that pumpkin on the silver tray. Welcome back! Enjoy the mini retreat!

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  17. beautiful header. you have been missed.

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  18. Your images on Getty are stunning Gigi....xv

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  19. I really like your new header! Matched so well with the side designs, it's lovely. Have been away for a good deal of the last four months and am happy to be back and hoping to be more present too, I too miss it when I am away for long stretches.

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  20. Oh, and I meant to say on my previous comment, I just A D O R E your new look! I am overdue a bit of a make-over on Milkmoon. Thanks for the inspiration! x x

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  21. Its lovely to have you back Gigi. Everyone needs a break every now and than. I'm feeling that way myself lately. Thanks for the beautiful imagines. I always find them inspiring.
    McKenna

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Thank you so much for visiting and for taking the time to leave a comment! I love hearing from you.