It’s now been 85 days since my last blog post.
Up until I actually started to type that line, I thought my last blog post would likely BE my last blog post.
Yet here I am.
The words coming out in this post have been swirling around my head since the early hours of this morning. I wanted to sleep, but the words wouldn’t go away. They insisted on being written.
It feels a bit like going to Confession … “forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. It’s been 85 days since my last Confession … “.
The thoughts occupying my brain this morning have been reminding me of what blogging meant to me – learning the art of storytelling, exploring the world through a camera lens, and discovering its secrets, mysteries and magic.
… not to mention all the friends I’ve made in this ether …. yes, especially, it’s been the friends. Simply said, I’ve missed you.
Although my blog space has been dormant, I’ve been busy. It’s been a time of solitude, introspection, and fishing in the proverbial creative pool.
I’ve discovered that pool to be more like a river. Sometimes it flows fast and furious, while other times it’s muddy and sluggish.
I never know what I’m going to find when I dip my line into its waters.
I considered very briefly turning this space into a gallery for my artwork.
I rejected that thought almost as quickly as it formed, but I appreciate that I can’t mention spending 2 months in a creative space and not offer a sample of my work. That would just be a little too disingenuous of me.
This painting spoke to me of mysteries in the Universe and I felt compelled to try and tackle it. I’ve deliberately left it unfinished. For now, it feels right to me.
I still don’t know what this space will become in the weeks and months ahead – if anything. It will just have to be a surprise for both of us.
Seems to me that blogging remains a joy when you do it at your own pace with whatever seems right just for yourself! (Of course, I don’t have the pressure of oodles of followers and commenters, so I really am doing it mostly just for myself!)
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I couldn’t agree more!
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Hi Joanne – love the photos … and yes to taking a break or two … but your artwork is wonderful … reminds me of ??? Picasso, Salvador Dali, Juan Gris … and others … so please let us see more of your works. Your Irish trip was obviously special … take care – cheers Hilary
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Thanks Hilary for the kind words. I’m truly a beginner and just playing with different mediums and styles, trying to find the one that appeals to me most.
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Look at all these comment. You were missed, Joanne. I definitely smiled when I saw your post pop up. Beautiful photos (I’m going to Dublin for sure) and lovely artwork (which looks finished to me). Lol. I’m curious to see what blogging turns into for you. It can be whatever you want it to be, right? I hope your days continue to be filled with creativity!
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The response has been more than I was expecting 💕
I really have no clue where I’m going with this space but now I feel more comfortable that it’s ok.
… and I hope that someday I get to return to Ireland and see more of this wonderful country. A week in Dublin was just a teaser 😉
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One Our Father and two Hail Marys. 🙂 You made my morning by appearing in my inbox. Your Dublin photos unleashed terrific memories, and I applaud your new artwork. You go, lady, just take us along once in a while. We miss you. 🙂
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hahahaha!! That’s the easiest penance I’ve ever received from the Confessional 😆. Thank you Father Judy. Much appreciated!
Are you still in the balmy south? We had more snow overnight. Sigh.
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We are still in South Carolina, but we’ve seen snow and there are flurries in the forecast. The difference is it doesn’t have to be moved, and the sun will come up in the morning. To me, if the sun shines life is good. 🙂
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Since it’s been a mild winter here, the days have been largely gray and dull. We’re all rather sun deprived right now. When it does peek its head out from behind the clouds, one can almost hear the Hallelujah chorus 😉
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Hi Joanne, You say a great deal when you write “they insisted on being written.” I have had the impression that writing is in your blood, a part of you. For me, I have felt it was not an “if” but a “when” for Joanne. Yet, I cannot imagine what you have been going through.
You have definitely been busy and I have had the pleasure of seeing a few photos of your adventures. I can see how this painting speaks of the mysteries of the Universe. A perfect phrase for life in general. All of your photos are amazing! I am definitely along for the surprise. I feel I have been here for the ride all along.
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I think you are right. Writing is in my blood whether I like it or not. As much as I’m trying to learn to express myself in colour and paint marks, words continue to kick around in my head. Blogging has been a place for me to let it unfurl, so I think you’re right on that point too. I may never be able to stop – the assimilation is complete (sorry, I’ve been watching Star Trek 😏)
I’m so happy to have you along for the ride. A great part about having like-minded people along is that they inevitably point out wonders that I’ve missed completely 🙂
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Welcome back! I think a lot of people have been cutting down. I feel guilt too when I have a quiet spell, but as Kate says it’s on our own terms and sometimes other things take precedence. So whatever you decide to do is absolutely ok!
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I had one of those aha moments when I was reading this comment. All the bloggers in ‘my community’ have a similar profile – we are all busy, curious people, regardless of the activity in which we express it. It stands to reason that sooner or later, we will occasionally be distracted by life. It is the fodder for which we blog 🙂
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Yes, exactly that, we can be too busy doing things to write about them.
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It’s a nice problem to have … as long as we’re picking the things that are keeping us busy 🙂
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You have been missed too Joanne! So very good to have you back!
And I vote yes! for more of your art work!
Ireland is such a beautiful place … thank you for sharing some of your memories.
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lol – the truth is that for every piece of art I ‘might’ be willing to share, there are many, many more that are more in the category of messy explorations 😏
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I hear you! Art making is messy and voluminous!
How goes your rehabilitation?
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I can’t tell if recovery is a function of being older and healing slower, or if the underlying problem just isn’t getting addressed.
The good news though is that I am better … just frustrated that I’m not 100% and not where I think I should be 😏
Thanks for asking 🙂
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Cheering you on, Joanne!
Good to see that your “not 100%” doesn’t keep you from getting out & enjoying the outdoors!
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Not nearly as much as I’d like to be, Ju Lyn, but hopefully there will be much more outdoor stuff this month.
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This is when I’m glad I followed by email. To see this post show up in my inbox was a treat. Wherever your journey takes you, photos, words of both, I’ll be trying to pay attention. Today’s pictures are magnificent.
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Awww – I feel like I just got a verbal hug 🙂
Thanks Dan. You made my day!
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🙂
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Welcome back, Joanne! You’ve been missed! Ireland looks amazing with Giant’s Causeway seeming just breathtaking! I’m sure you had a wonderful time there. I love your art. I can feel the mysteries of the Universe speaking from it as well. 🙂
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Thanks Amy. I have missed this space, but I admit I’m a little overwhelmed right now trying to keep up. It’s a nice problem to have 🙂
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Well, nuts, betrayed again by fat fingers. I meant to finish by saying I’m impressed by your artwork and happy that you spent time in Ireland. I’ve heard it’s a beautiful place.
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It’s is a beautiful place – even in the wet and cold of February – with deep, deep historical roots. I didn’t dare hope I’d ever get there, but Gilles’ work took him there for a sales conference and I got to tag along. It was wonderful!!
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Joanne, I’ve missed you and no matter where your blog takes you, I’ll be here. Sometimes a day late and a dollar short
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hahaha!! I’ve never heard that expression before ‘a day late and a dollar short’ 😆
It fits life perfectly sometimes!
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It’s funny how you grow up with certain expressions or sayings, only to find out the rest of the world may not know them. Feel free to use this one! 😁
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I hear you, it’s like an addiction calling isn’t it? I am glad to see you back!
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The fact that blogging keeps drawing us back in speaks volumes about the sense of connection we feel. Thanks for the welcome back, Bridget 💕
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It’s not the connection, blogging draws us back because we feel the need to share. We want to show our photos, write our stories. We need the audience. No more quiet diaries or forgotten photo albums, now we share with whoever is willing to read and look. Blogging pats our narcissistic soul. 🙂
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That’s certainly the more cynical view and one I occasionally share. It’s a conversation I’ve had many times with a friend.
I do believe however the ‘need’ is much more basic. How else does it explain our need to reach out in conversation in the real world to family, friends, and even strangers?
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Goodness, I didn’t mean to be cynical.
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Great to see you back and good for you posting some nice art work! My blogging has dropped off a bit too, but I think I just need to focus on experiencing life sometimes. It looks like you’ve been doing that with your travels and art.
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That’s exactly what’s been happening. Winter, combined with losing my cameras, and therefore losing my focus, made it easy to slide into art.
You’ll never see my artwork hanging in a gallery, but oh, what a journey this is!
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Welcome back! I have missed you!!! Was wondering how you have been faring?… I think it’s good to take a blogging break every now and again. We certainly have our productive blog times and then other times, less so.. when we don’t write for weeks.
Love your painting!! And the photos too.
Peta
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I never thought for a second that your last post would be your LAST post. And I doubt that it will be your “second to last” post either.
Share when the spirit moves you!
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If you share more of your art, I’m okay with that. The painting is awesome! Taking a break from blogging is normal. We go through periods of time wondering why we do it. Glad you are back.
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Nice to hear from you again, Joanne, and I hope it won’t be 3 months before we have news from you again!
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I have missed your posts – you always make me smile, even if I don’t always comment! Welcome Back! 🙂
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Well I think everyone in your blogging community have already said what I would. Welcome back. It is a joy to see you and hear from you, but I can totally understand why you needed a break. Not wasted it seems. Lovely photos from Ireland and I do hope you tried the black stuff! And what a fabulous painting! You have so many talents. Please share more of this side of you with us.
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Thanks Jude. I was keenly aware of how relatively close I was to Wales.
I’ve been dropping less-than-subtle hints to Gilles that he needs to take a work trip to their facility in Cardiff. Wouldn’t that just be an adventure! Someday!
… and yes, I did try Guinness. You were right. It was different from what I’ve experienced here …much lighter with chocolatey after tones.
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Welcome back! I’ve been a bit behind in posting lately as well so I totally get it. I like your painting and I hope you share some others. I’ve been spending some time creating as well.
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No judgement over here! Love to see you here, whenever it suits you 😘
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Thanks Lynn 🥰
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I totally relate! I can also say that dipping my toes back in has felt nice, but I no longer feel the need to post if I don’t feel like it. I guess I never really did, but early on, the inspiration seemed to hit me more often. Welcome back for as long or as short or as often or as infrequently as you want to be here!
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I guess blogging is like having an itch. When you have it, you scratch, otherwise life goes on.
Now that I’ve re-bonded with a camera (sort of) perhaps the inspiration will strike more often.
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Hello, Joanne. We’ve missed you too. ❤ This art piece looks glorious and finished to me. Welcome back and well done for your creativity.
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Joanne, you have many, many talents, and writing is just one of them. I am always entertained by your stories and would rather have less blogs than none at all.
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Thanks Jacquie. You’re always so kind 💕
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Your first line really did read as a confession, I think you may have visited too many awe inspiring churches of late 😛
I’m always delighted to find you here, as I enjoy your offerings. Come as you are 😀
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I’ve been in more churches over the past year than I can possibly remember. They’re all starting to blur together … although I can easily tell the Catholic ones by the Confessional 😉
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I like the painting! I hope you stick around.
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It might turn out that I’m going to be rather hard to get rid of 😉
Which reminds me of that song by Dan Hicks with the line ‘how can I miss you if you won’t go away’ 😆
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Hello my friend! Lovely to see you posting today. Your photos and artwork are gorgeous. When it feels right, blog. When it doesn’t, don’t. That’s kinda my mantra and I’ve lasted 10 plus years so far. I hate to see bloggers burn out. Even though we connect IRL, I would still miss your blogging voice.
Deb
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Awww 🥰 …. I would feel the same way!
How pathetic am I that I do a little moon dance on a regular basis hoping your daughter moves back to Ontario and you never move? 😉
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And I do a little moon dance that you and Gilles will move to the island 🌙😉
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omg – you dream BIG!!! Wouldn’t that just be amazing?!
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Good to see you again, my friend. I’ve checked your blog now and then to make sure I wasn’t missing a post because of some wonky WordPress screw-up. I’ve also been following your Ireland journey via IG (although I must admit that I am hit-and-miss with that platform too) and am happy to see more of your lovely pictures here. I understand the need to take a break (I seem to be on one lately too) but you were missed. I hope you stick around a bit this time.
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I’ve never been away from my blog for this length of time before. I seriously questioned whether I should pack it in.
… but I guess I’m not ready quite yet 😉
I’m rather hit-and-miss on IG too but that’s one of the thing I really like about it. I don’t feel any guilts about my randomness.
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Glad you’re doing OK Joanne, we’ve missed you! 🙂
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Thanks so much, Ruth. The welcome back has been heart-warming 🙂
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Nice seeing you here 🙂 I like the painting. It reminds me of something, but I can’t think what. Pot cubist colors,but not quite… I hope you enjoyed Ireland! I’ve only been there once, and it was winter. Still beautiful!
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Thanks Trent. I am a fan of cubism. I’d like to explore in that space.
I questioned the wisdom of going to Ireland in February, but in spite of the weather (which was windy, wet, and cold), we had a wonderful time. The numerous pub visits might have played a role 😉
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lol, I’m sure the pub visits did. My problem was I was there late December into January and it was DARK. To me, wet, windy and cold is a winter on Cape Cod, and I love it – must be my Irish and Scottish genes showing through 😉
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I did notice that their days are noticeably shorter than ours in February … but can you imagine the LOOONG days in summer?!!
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I am sure – days that stretch forever….
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Hi, Joanne – I just checked your blog this morning to see if I had someone missed a post since I was last there in November. Although i have enjoyed and appreciated seeing your comments, I’ve missed your posts and your photography. Like you, I’ve sometimes thought of taking a permanent blogging break. Also like you, the friendship keeps on bringing me back. As Kate wisely stated, blogging is on your own terms. I look forward to staying tune and see what lies ahead! BTW – That’s an incredible painting.
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Oops – I knew that I should have proofread before pressing send. That should have read ‘somehow’ not ‘someone’! 😀
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lol – and my eye read what you meant, rather than what you wrote 🙂
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I’ve been blogging for over 7 years now and it had become a deeply engrained habit. Although it has been liberating to walk away from it for a while, I couldn’t be completely shut off from all the wonderful people I’ve met online. I suppose it was inevitable that I would poke my head back out at the world again 🙂
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I was wondering when you were going to start posting again. Those are stunning shots of Ireland. Very beautiful, in my view. And I like your art work.
This river of life we’re floating down has all kinds of unexpected twists and turns. I’m in a calm section right now, although I recently passed a few alligators. But who knows what awaits after the next bend.
Looking forward to more pics and posts, the next time you get around to it.
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It’s true that we tend to go through peaks and troughs in our lives. While my exposure to the outside world had troughed, it created space for me to explore different forms of self-expression. Changing my mindset from words to images has been interesting!
It’s true that we don’t know what awaits us around the next bend. I hope it’s more fodder for our creative expression – in whatever form it might take.
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I’ve missed your very authentic voice. Sometimes you have to step back and reevaluate. Blogging you meet some interesting people but the pressure to keep up can be exhausting.
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So true, Jan. Blogging was taking up more and more of my time. By letting go, I learned that I didn’t have to try to keep up but go back to simply making it whatever I wanted it to be.
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The great thing about blogging is that it’s on your terms. We’re here when you need us and we’ll wait until you are ready! Good to hear that the creative juices are flowing. That was an ambitious painting. I’m a bit jealous!
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The hard part is knowing what exactly my terms are. My instinct is to be either all-in or out. I’m going to have to learn how to balance … definitely not my strong suit.
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You can vacillate too. We don’t care. We are just happy to see you even if it’s occasionally!
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Thanks 🥰
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Your art work reminds me of the Kadinsky, the spiritual art of painting. Do tell us stories, for in the telling, we find ourselves. Ireland is always a great place to visit especially Fingals’ Cave.
https://www.brainpickings.org/2014/06/02/kandinsky-concerning-the-spiritual-in-art/
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There is no question that abstract art (at least some of it) really appeals to me. I think I understand what Kandinsky meant about the spiritual nature of art. When I get it right, it’s a zen-like experience 🙂
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And we’ve missed you! I can see where you’ve been by your lovely photos and although it’s not really my style, I do really like your painting. Wonderful to have you back and we’ll be here when you next appear. 🙂
janet
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Thanks Janet. I don’t know what kind of stories I’ll have going forward, but this trip seemed to ‘unlock’ the camera for me again.
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Glad you’re back! I’ve missed your musings. Looking forward to hearing more about your trip to Ireland.
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Thanks Judy 💕 This trip to Ireland was so much more than I was expecting. Our time there wasn’t nearly enough.
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Loved reading your thoughts and wishing you the best in whatever you decide to do with your blog. What makes a blog so great is that it really is whatever you want it to be and everyone has a unique spin to theirs. Great job on the painting!
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So true! All of the unique voices make this community very special. I can’t imagine ever walking away from it completely.
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It really does! ❤
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Dear Joanne
Wow, your painting is great, like Kandinsky painted during his time at the Bauhaus.
Everybody who is or wants to be creative needs a break. We don’t trust people who are blogging all the time without such a break. They repeat themselves and become boring and kill their creativity.
Don’t worry, we understand you very well.
Wishing you happy blogging again
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Wise words! I’ve always been a strong believer in shaking things up once in a while. I just thought it was because I had a short attention span 😉
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Well, changing things is always good, isn’t it? Otherwise life gets boring and one becomes rigid and old.
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Amen!
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Hi Joanne. Noticed you were gone and glad that it was nothing serious. LOVE your painting. The Giant’s Causeway in Ireland is magnificent. Thanks for checking in and sharing with us!
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Thank you 🙂 I’m quite proud of my art work considering I came from a mindset that I had no creative leanings. Having said that, I wouldn’t want to share most of what I create. I think of them more as experiments 😉
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YAY! I am so glad you are figuring things out!! And this painting – omg – so beautiful – please post more of them. You weren’t kidding when you said you were into art these days. Mine would all be of stick figures. lol. Also love the shot of the causeway in Ireland. The best part of blogging is definitely the friends you meet along the way. :-). Cheers to you my friend!
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LOL – I’m not sure I’m figuring anything out, but this trip to Ireland forced me to pop my head out of my groundhog hole for a while 😉
I admit it’s nice to see that in 2 months I haven’t been forgotten.
If you had asked me a couple of years ago, I would have said I didn’t have an artistic bone in my body but I’m learning that like most other things, it can be learned. Having said that, the vast majority of stuff I create isn’t prime time material 😉
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I don’t know if I have the aptitude to learn to paint….but maybe I should try. I just remember the stuff I produced as a kid – it was really sad. 😂😂😂
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Ahhh – you see, that’s the difference. I didn’t do any art or crafts as a kid, so all of this is really new to me. I have a feeling that what you called ‘really sad’ from your youth, is now, in my advanced years, me being ‘avant-garde’ 🤣
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I am so happy to see you back again, Joanne! I find more and more people are on Instagram…but I am not. I have enough trouble with WP! 😀 Darn, you are talented. I am hoping retirement shows me the way….. Welcome back!
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I like IG – it allows me to be completely random. I can disappear for weeks and then pop up with anything that’s caught my fancy. WP takes a little more thought and care.
I’m not sure about the talented part but I am discovering that the more I do, the ‘easier’ it is becoming … easier in the sense that I’m not as paralyzed by the blank canvas as I used to be. I have more ideas I want to experiment with than there is time available. That’s what I consider success 🙂
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Joanne, this is YOUR SPACE and you will make it whatever you want it to be. Whatever that is, I know it will entertain. Welcome back!
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Thanks Suzanne for the vote of confidence. Sometimes it’s better to start from scratch with a new theme rather than trying to ratchet-in content from a different direction. So far I haven’t received any great inspiration so I guess it’s status quo for now 🙂
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It was fun following Ireland on your IG feed but I enjoy your blog too. Great piece of art – talented you! Not sure about your little friend at the end but welcome back.
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I share your feelings about the seal at the end. He was in a cabinet at eye level and really startled me as a turned around. An exhibit hall full of taxidermied animals was not what I expected … nor particularly cared for. We didn’t linger long.
I really enjoyed this trip to Ireland – in spite of the rain, wind, and cold. It didn’t once put a damper on our day. That’s when you know you’ve had a great vacation 🙂
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Welcome back, Joanne! I’m glad to hear from you and see your creative work whenever you choose to blog. Ireland is a beautiful country. I loved revisiting it with you through your lens.
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I loved Ireland – in spite of the messy February weather. If there is ever a next time, I would like to spend most of it along the coast.
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Welcome back! I’ve missed you, your thoughts, and images. The painting is really neat. I thought straight-away of the universe. I loved the Grand Canal image…the golden light and reflections are just lovely as is the row of bare trees.
Whatever you do with your blog- art, images, stories…I’ll be here to view and read it. 😀
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Thanks Deborah. It’s nice to know that I’ve been missed 🙂
The obvious answer would be to go back to doing what I was doing before … but my instinct says I need to shake things up. It would be nice if my instinct gave me a bit more clarity on what exactly that means!
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Welcome back Joanne. I’m glad you’ve found a voice you want to share again here; we’ve missed you too.
Looks like you enjoyed your trip to Ireland 😀
I am loving your painting, and glad that you’ve found this creative groove too.
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I know I’ve said it before, but I owe a debt of gratitude to people like you who have inspired me to test my creative muscle in the art world.
I think this ‘interruption’ in my life by losing my computer and cameras helped to create a safe space for me to dive deeper into my ‘creative process’. I’d probably still be buried deep except this trip to Ireland forced me back to the surface.
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I am happy to see you show up here now and whenever you want to in the future. I’ve come full circle on what blogging means to me …and it seems like you are of the same mind. It is a great way to explore this world and share what you see with the awesome friends you meet along the way. I loved visiting Ireland with you through your enlightened lens.
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Thanks so much for the encouraging words, Lisa.
… and I LOVED Ireland ☘️🇮🇪
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There you are.
Delighted to hear from you. I know what you mean, about the insistent voices that won’t let you rest until you click the publish button.
So many comments want to be written, but I will focus on the Giant’s Causeway – a geological marvel that never fails to impress me – and with the surf – in winter, yet! – all the more spectacular.
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Of course you would love the Giant’s Causeway! I’m not surprised in the least. It really is quite fascinating – and that’s coming from a non-rock person like me 🙂
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Welcome back to the blogging world!
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Thank you! 🙂
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