Hello, I Must Be Going
Photo by n.askren, used with permission
Where have I been? And where am I going? Those are the questions that have writ large in my mind of late. These past few months have seen a considerable amount of change—I left the world of full-time, professional blogging, a little worse for the wear; I found myself unexpectedly pregnant despite our best precautions; and I’m trapped in a kind of career limbo, caught between editorial odd jobs and a desire for a vocational overhaul, except that my proverbial turkey thermometer will pop in December and I have few options until this strange, inexplicably foreign creature springs forth from my uterus.
When I first started The Worsted Witch, “green” was still a buzz word, not the ubiquitous force of nature (and let’s face it, marketing) it has become today. Few sites focused on living la vida eco; now, there are hundreds. It’s s murkier milieu, though, where it’s become increasingly difficult to tell if you’re being told to or sold to. I wonder if there’s still room for a voice like mine (my personal voice, that is, not my professional one, which is boisterous enough when it realizes there are bills to be paid). Looking through the archives of this site, I’m no longer sure what I set out to achieve: Was I trying to capture snapshots of my own life, aggregate green news and information, or just provide an outlet for my love of pretty things? The perfectionist side of me—a side that has gotten mouthier now that I’m living antidepressant-free for obvious reasons—is tempted to scrape the whole thing, start from scratch. I’m still waffling over what to do, however; depression clouds decision making, too.
But enough about me, gentle reader, what have you been up to all this time?
shelle said,
August 29, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Wow! Congratulations, I hope you have a great end of pregnancy. Babies are amazing, scary and so beautiful. Rahima Baldwin Dancy’s book ” You are your child’s first teacher” is a great read, a very holistic parenting book infused with of anthroposophy. (not sure if you like groups of kids but in home childcare can be a great job- http://lifeways-center.org/ - I took the classes and highly recommend them.)
I love your blog and still reference the archives. Thank you for taking the time to share. peace
pamela said,
August 29, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I wouldn’t make any huge decisions about life until you have brought forth the child within.
Trying to decide what direction you may want to go may be a fruitless effort once your world is revolving around the piece of your heart that you have given birth to. That said, I think that blogging will provide a great outlet for you, and you will still be able to give your readers some great information. It may be different from the info you used to give but I am sure it will be just as important.
Jan said,
August 29, 2008 at 6:13 pm
It is so good to have you back in our lives! I agree with Pamela about not making decisions now. We, too, had an unexpected pregnancy about 24 years ago when we were into our 5th decade, and she has been the best surprise of our lives. Try to take each day as it comes and yes, we still want to hear from you.
Josiane said,
August 29, 2008 at 9:02 pm
It’s good to see you back!
alex said,
August 29, 2008 at 10:53 pm
I think your voice, your personal one, is really, really important. And if you can find a way to bring it back, it would be so nice to hear it again. xo
Elise said,
August 30, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Grow the baby, green-wise, and you will find that green beauty crafty mommas trying to make their way in this crazy world really really need good bloggers! Trust me, you will have a lot to say about green, woman, man, beauty, and the de-nurtured state we are struggling (and having fun!) in. I look forward to reading all about it…Bank your sleep! it works! Go to sleep right now!
Robin said,
September 1, 2008 at 7:54 am
Welcome back! I was really happy to see your blog pop back up on my reader this weekend. I hope your new “right” direction in life shows itself to you soon.
Cindy said,
September 1, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Please continue on here, it can be an evolution…I’ve barely gotten started here and like what I’ve been rummaging through. :)
Cindy
green LA girl said,
September 2, 2008 at 4:08 pm
All this time, I’ve been awaiting your return! Welcome back :)
Summer said,
September 3, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Bring it, Witch! The more you, the better!
aleta said,
September 4, 2008 at 1:56 am
Nice to see an update! I’ve come to the conclusion that there is never a point when you’ve reached “the answer” about the direction of your life, only a point at which you can feel confident that you’re going in the direction you want. I do miss your writing, especially stuff on frugal living. I’d be interested to see you take that angle with raising the little one. But you gotta do what feels right.
You asked what we’ve been up to - I moved from Los Angeles to Portland, OR where it’s easier and cheaper to be green. Got rid of my car, bought a bike, now my sweetie and I share one car for big errands and long trips, otherwise I bus, walk & bike around town. I love this place!!
angelina said,
September 4, 2008 at 2:22 pm
So glad you are back!
MJ said,
September 6, 2008 at 7:27 am
Welcome back!
We’ve been in Europe the past 1.5 years; we’re curious to see how “green” LA will be when we return Stateside!
Amie said,
September 9, 2008 at 8:23 am
we love to hear your voice! glad you are back.
Surnia said,
September 12, 2008 at 10:23 am
Welcome back!
Since you asked what we’re up to, I’m trying to figure out how to be greener in my daily life without buying more green gadgets. I’ve found myself buying lots of reusable things, which looks and feels good, but still creates a demand for new stuff. Not shopping is one of the greenest things I can do, but also one of the least fun!
Francia (Bodhisattva Harlem Mama) said,
September 14, 2008 at 12:38 pm
I’m so glad you’re back! I am holding you to tea. I do enjoy your company so much. I’ve been focusing on my artwork and being mommy sweetest for my little one. I’m also trying to figure out a smelly free, affordable, apartment-friendly compost. Let me know if you have any suggestions. Can we get together soon? hugs, peace and blessings ~ fran
j said,
September 24, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Welcome back. I found your blog before you went on hiatus and really enjoyed it. I was sad to find you on break a few months back but very happy to find you back today. So many people with really cool thoughtful blogs seem to go on vacation and are never heard from again.
Congrats on the baby. I agree with those who suggest that you hold off major decision making until the arrival of the witchling—witchlings do tend to change your perspective.