Dear all,
I am just back from my conference and the time away has made me come to some important decisions regarding this blog and my presence within our community.
This beginning academic year marks (provided all goes well) the final year of my PhD. I feel there is still so much I want to ponder, discover, and put into it. There are also, of course, the literature classes I teach. As far as I may remember, I've always had a profound calling for teaching, and I therefore put as much dedication as I can into it. I am so perfectly happy when I'm teaching - especially English literature!
That means, obviously, a very full - and fulfilling - schedule; and my life this year will be even busier than previously, owing to the fact this is my last PhD year - my last chance to really put as much as I want into my thesis.
There are times when you realize you can't do it all. For my own good, I'm having to reconsider the way I organize my time.
What it comes down to, for you, dear readers, stitching and sewing friends, is this:
I am just back from my conference and the time away has made me come to some important decisions regarding this blog and my presence within our community.
This beginning academic year marks (provided all goes well) the final year of my PhD. I feel there is still so much I want to ponder, discover, and put into it. There are also, of course, the literature classes I teach. As far as I may remember, I've always had a profound calling for teaching, and I therefore put as much dedication as I can into it. I am so perfectly happy when I'm teaching - especially English literature!
That means, obviously, a very full - and fulfilling - schedule; and my life this year will be even busier than previously, owing to the fact this is my last PhD year - my last chance to really put as much as I want into my thesis.
There are times when you realize you can't do it all. For my own good, I'm having to reconsider the way I organize my time.
What it comes down to, for you, dear readers, stitching and sewing friends, is this:
- I have decided to sew and stitch less, so I can still have some quality time with Seb. I won't sacrifice our time together to getting immersed in sewing every time I decide to take a break.
- As a result, I'll also be blogging much less often.
- Unfortunately, I'll have to unsubscribe from a number of feeds; I just can't keep up with them all. I'll try of course to follow my closest blogging friends' news, but I may not be able to leave comments as often as I used to and as I would like.
However, I shall definitely keep sewing and stitching, albeit less; and I shall certainly do my best to write here as often as is possible and reasonable. This blog, the activities that feed it, along with your ever-renewed kindness, encouragement and inspiration, mean too much, and have brought too much joy and balance into my life, to be put to a stop.
I therefore ask for your patience in waiting for my articles (please friends, don't write comments impatiently asking for a sewing update... they make me feel uncomfortable), as well as for your understanding in my scarce presence on your own blogging corners...
I'll be posting an update later this weekend, but the present article will stay at the top of the blog for a while so that everyone may have a chance to see it, and may understand why I can't be as chatty and present within our blogging world as I used to.
Take care, everyone. Oh, and please don't worry about me: I absolutely love my work, and this change in blogging habits is meant for the best. As I said - I can't do it all, and it's good to set a line before feeling utterly swamped - before sewing and blogging end up having opposite results than why I started them in the first time - bringing pressure instead of balance.
I really hope you know this doesn't mean I'll stop thinking about you! You'll still be very much in my thoughts and heart.
I therefore ask for your patience in waiting for my articles (please friends, don't write comments impatiently asking for a sewing update... they make me feel uncomfortable), as well as for your understanding in my scarce presence on your own blogging corners...
I'll be posting an update later this weekend, but the present article will stay at the top of the blog for a while so that everyone may have a chance to see it, and may understand why I can't be as chatty and present within our blogging world as I used to.
I really hope you know this doesn't mean I'll stop thinking about you! You'll still be very much in my thoughts and heart.
Lots of love to all my dear friends online.
48 comments:
Of course Isabelle, your work, future and family come first.
Enjoy your final year studying and I look forward to seeing your blog update whenever they may appear.
Best wishes to you both.
When you first start blogging, you really have no idea how much work it is going to be. It's all pleasant work, but work which takes time away from family life, work and stitching, knitting, sewing (which is, after all, why we are blogging in the first place). When you lead such a busy and fulfilling life like you do, you have to let something go, and I think you've made the right decision. It's always an enormous pleasure hearing from you whether it's every day or once a week or once a month. Good luck with everything!
{{{hugs}}}
Good for you - so many people don't strike a balance in their lives! When you do post, it will be more loved and cherished by all of us!
Ma chère Isabelle,
C'est une décision que je comprends tout à fait et tu as bien raison de vouloir privilégier le temps passé avec Seb. Et même si la couture et la broderie peuvent être une bonne source d'évasion, c'est avec Seb que tu trouveras la meilleure façon de te changer les idées et de te relaxer, d'autant plus que de son côté, l'année risque d'être assez bien remplie également...
Aucun souci si tu ne lis nos écrits qu'une fois par semaine ou même moins (je dis "nos" car je pense ne pas être la seule à penser cela). Je sais que nous garderons contact par email (enfin j'espère ;) ).
La vie fait que nos emplois du temps changent et que nous devons faire des concessions si nous voulons vivre sereinement...
Ce sera toujours avec grand plaisir que je viendrai lire tes articles même si ce n'est qu'une fois par mois. De toute façon, je continuerai à penser à toi chaque jour :)
Gros gros bisous ma belle !
You need to do what is best for you and your family. I wish you only the best for the future and success in all that you persue.
Take your time, Isabelle, it's an important year for you. I wish you every success!!
Tu as raison, profites un peu de ton homme et prends du temps pour toi et ton travail. Nous serons toujours là.
BISOUS
Bonjour ma chère Isabelle !
Pourquoi diantre les journées ne sont-elles faites que de 24 minuscules petites heures ? C'est ce que je me demande souvent en ce moment ... Ainsi nous aurions le temps de profiter plus pleinement de chacunes de nos activités, sans avoir sans cesse conscience que pour faire CECI, je dois sacrifier CELA ... en réalité, je pense que ce doit être ça grandir, savoir que le temps n'est plus extensible et infini ...
Ouh la la, ce doit être l'approche de l'automne qui me rend philosophe et nostalgique ...
Ma chère amie, tu as raison d'établir un ordre de priorité dans ta vie. Profite bien de cette dernière année de thèse. Je serai toujours heureuse de venir lire tes articles.
Je t'embrasse bien fort.
Honesty is always the best policy, as they say. And we appreciate your honesty and thoughts here. No, no one can do it all. And it is wonderful that you realize your need for finding balance in your life, and will be trying for that. So much you have to do, want to do...I wish you every joy & happiness in all that you do--always! I will look forward, as ever, to your posts here. It was good to catch up with you here, for I've been under the weather lately, only now back online. Happy Weekend to you & Seb ((HUGS))
Of course you have to do what is best for you and Seb. There is no obligation to post often or at all, or to read what you don't have time for! Our lives change and develop over time...that's just the way it is. I'm older than you by almost 20 years, so I can say that with confidence!
ma chere Isabelle ,
n'importe quel deciion tu prend c'est toujours pour ton bien et moi perso je la respecte et je te souhaite plein de courage pour cette année...oui c'est vrai que tu vas me manque mais apres tout je vais pas etre heureuse de te voire debordee a cause de nous.....
gros bisous ma belle...
My friend, how well I understand you! You have my total support and I wish you the best of luck! There are priorities in life that should come ahead of everything else and the day is only 24 hrs! I’ll be here for you if you need me :o). MANY hugs!
Life is always about finding balance, in all that we do. It sounds like you have a very full year ahead of you, and you certainly deserve to spend some much cherished time with your new husband too!
I admire your priority on marriage. YOu need to nurture your love or it will drift. It's fine for blogs to drifts, and hobbies to drift, and even careers to drift, but when loved ones drift, that's bad. Godd for you and God bless your sacrifices.
Absolutely fine, dear friend. Have no fear - we completely understand and admire you for it. Laugh often!
I wish you all the best in the upcoming year!
I understand your reason for blogging less and I fully support you. Good luck and have fun with your studies!
Oh, Isabelle I most defintely understand. Will look forward to seeing whenever you post. Take care!
Well work and study go for everything and off course also your DH. Every once in awhile everyone will be silent for some time.
Take care of yourself the coming months.
And when you post a new feed I will be happy to read it. I just adore your blog.
I'll be thinking of you as you buckle down to get that Phd completed. I remember when Joel was working on his, he had to dedicate most of his time to getting it done (even I took a back seat, we weren't married then). You've made the right decision. Look forward to the next time you're ready to share some of your stitching with us. I love the picture of Robin in the last post, he's adorable!
Isabelle, I quite understand I know how little time I had for anything when I was working on my Masters and how little I blogged during that time.
I look forward to seeing your posts whenever you do have a moment.
I was a bit confused at first, the date says: September 30...
After reading this entry I can only say you're absolutely right to know what's most important: Seb and your work. It's great you have so much joy in your work, thoug it takes so much time.
Good luck in everything you have to do and try to relax from time to time with a little stitching or sewing.
anneke
Aw, Isabelle. I will miss you. I will look forward anxiously to any new entries you do post. I have noticed at least one other blogger disappear of late as well, with no word. It is a bit distressing, but at least you are letting us know your life is so very busy right now. I still have your wedding giftie going... slower going than I ever, ever thought it would be, but so gorgeous and I am so thrilled with it!!! Your work is so important right now, and please drop us a line when you can!!! {{{hugs}}} You are one of my first online friends, so I hope you won't disappear. I love you! You are a wonderful inspiration.
Family and work always come first Isabelle. Take care ((hugs))
No one can do it all, and striking a balance that works for you, Seb, and your work, is important. If you're feeling swamped and have too many commitments no one will be happy and you won't have the joy out of doing the different things you love if you feel you have to do them or you're constantly under a time crunch. We'll enjoy reading your posts and hearing from you when you can, but don't push yourself. Life changes and our priorities need to change and adapt as well. {{hugs}} my friend.
Sue
Warmest wishes for a successful final year for your Phd.
Isabelle, as much as I enjoy reading your blog and looking at the photos of all that you do, family MUST be a priority at all times. Good luck on your thesis and your work on your PHD. There will be plenty of time for blogging at another time. I still will check in to see what you have to talk about and look for photos when they are there. In the meantime, give your best to your FAMILY as that is what counts most in the end. Happy Stitching!
You have such a full life and you don't want this part to become a burden rather than a pleasure. So I wish you well for the next year and will pop in here whenever you post!
I hope your last year of your PhD work is rewarding and as enjoyable as it can be! Enjoy your time with Seb as a newlywed, and with your family as well, and please keep sewing and stitching, to keep you relaxed!
dear Isabelle, wishing you all the best for the coming months as you enjoy being a newlywed and with your PhD work. Look forward to seeing your updates as you get time to post :) take care xx
You can only do so much, wishing you all the best, and looking forward to any updates as they come. Thanks for all of the joy that you have bought to these two communities. Take care XXXXX
Agrees, as crafting (any craft) is meant for de-stressing and not the other way round. It should be done
with thoughts of enjoyment. Take care, Isabelle.
Un emploi du temps professionel chargé et la vie quotidienne...je comprend parfaitement ta décision!
All the best for your PhD !
Good luck, good work and good love, Isabelle! Write a good and solid thesis, have a wonderful life with your husband and enjoy everything in your life in general! I'll keep an eye on your posts and will be thinking of you...
You do what you have to do-good luck with your thesis.
-Jen
Sewing as blogging should be fun. And there is no obligation to do it daily, it's wonderfull, that you have a great life outside the internet! ;-)
From my experience so far I can say, that life comes in waves. There's a time for sewing, but also a time for work, family, education,... and it's normal that the focus over our lifetime shifts. There will be more sewing in the future, I'm sure, but always keep it a pleasure.
And the less you write... the less I can read, which gives me more time for other tings. ;-) Without having to make the decision myself.
Enjoy your first year of marriage, finish your PhD in a way you can be happy and proud of... and then come back. Often or seldom, as it suits you.
(And maybe, one day, we'll meet in Paris... who knows?)
Good for you deciding on your priorities, and in my mind getting them right we blog for fun don't we, I'll look forward to reading your posts whenever you update.
Marriage, PhD's, work are all priorities too and its just getting the balance right, in what you have decied to do I think you have, blogging can really take over everything as we all get sensitive to not commenting or visiting etc etc.
Lots of hugs and I'll look forward to whenever you post again and I will of course drop you the occasional email.
Isabelle,
You are so wise! Everyone will just be glad to read your posts when you are able to let us catch up on your life. I can relate to the need to keep things in perspective. I am finishing my Ph.D. this year as well (my fourth season). Right now my blog is empty of new content as I am striving to complete my final draft of chapters 1 - 3. I do enjoy keeping up with sewing by reading other people's blogs, especially yours. Thanks for expressing your love of teaching. I think I feel the same way, and just seeing your expression of the passion for teaching makes me want to move in this direction as well. Best of wishes to you.
Dear Isabelle,I totally understand how it is with you. Don't worry we will still be here whenever you want us but family and your work comes first. Wishing you the very best with your PhD which know you will get it with flying colours.
As usual your dress is beautifully stitched and suits you to the T.
Bonsoir Isabelle, je trouve normal que tu te concentres sur ta dernière année de faculté, c'est décisif pour ton avenir et je sais à quel point il peut être agréable de travailler sur un sujet que l'on a choisi, mais aussi d'enseigner ! Même si tu seras moins présente, je continuerai à venir te voir ici.
Bon courage pour cette année.
Bises.
It's a very good decision and congratulations on all the lovely things that you make. Have fun and fingers crossed for your thesis. The defence of your thesis a huge event and one joyful moment to remember ;-) Ann.
just do what's best for you and your beloved one! I'm sure all your friends will understand.
xxx
Ma petite Isa,
Tu sais que je me demandais vraiment comment tu gérais tout ça!!
Je comprends tout à fait ta décision, et nous continuerons à venir 'glâner' de tes nouvelles sur ce joli blog.
Dénia t'apprécie énormément et comprendra aussi que tu ne peux pas tout faire.
Nous en serons ravies chaque fois que nous aurons la chance de lire un nouveau post.
Je t'embrasse affectueusement, et de la part de Dénia qui est en classe.
Hi Isabelle!!
Enjoy YOUR day as Featured Member on Pattern Review!!
Warm greetings,
Rhonda in Montreal
I think everything has been said before me - but I want to add my 2c worth. I know I've been absent from commenting on blogs etc for a few months now, but wanted to make sure I commented on this one. We all understand you need to manage your priorities for this very important time in your life, and it sounds like you've got everything absolutely spot on. Hopefully you won't disappear online entirely, and I look forward to seeing an odd post every now and then to catch up with your news {{{hugs}}}.
Of course, I will always be pleased to see posts and comments from you. I think it is wonderful that you can step back and see where you want to focus your time and energy and we all know how precious both of those are. Your first priority is to you and to Seb, so I think you are doing what you need to do for both of you! Thanks for letting us know in advance too! Big hugs!
I'm only now catching up on my favorite blogs, so I understand how you feel Isabelle. I'll look forward to your posts like Christmas presents - even more special because they don't happen as often!
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