Tuesday, January 07, 2014
beautiful Australian natives; a sure sign of summer / Christmas presents that Poet adores, including a hand-stitched and hand-dyed tutu from the yvonne collection
I always knew there would be a few hiccups when I launched this new space, especially considering how technically complicated the shift was. Thanks so much for your patience over the past few days, not to mention the encouraging, thoughtful and just plain lovely comments you have left. A few people have asked me if it's possible to automatically redirect readers from one blog to another and I'm pleased to tell you that yes, it is. How? I have no idea, hence why I worked with an expert. Basically, if you search "che and fidel" or go to the old blog address you'll come here - practisingsimplicity.com. (you can also follow me on bloglovin'). I'm slowly going through my archives and filing posts under the labels you can see on the right; a time-consuming yet enjoyable task...I'm revisiting the past six years of my life! Bear with me as I take my time finalising it all - slowly does it.
I'm in a strange place right now; I'm slightly sick and feeling quite vulnerable, work is busy, I'm preparing for a two-day photoshoot later this week and Daniel is consumed with organising camera equipment, visas, vaccinations and appropriate clothing for 12 different countries and a variety of climates (logistical nightmare). On top of everything I'm experiencing the oddest combination of emotions - sadness, fear, excitement, surprise, doubt, happiness and pride. To be honest, I'm having a hard time accepting that this is actually happening; I'm not sure it will all feel real until we say goodbye. And perhaps that goodbye is what I'm dreading the most.
To make it all a little easier I've compiled a list of things that I want Daniel to do in every country; a project of sorts (I'll share it with you soon). The kids and I will track his footsteps on a world globe, follow his journey via social media and spend a bit of time researching every city. I've even suggested that when he returns, he can do a presentation at Che's school (much to Daniel's dismay/forced delight).
For now I must go drink some tea (turmeric, ginger, lemon and honey) and settle in for the night. Necessary steps to maintaining a little normality.
22 COMMENTS
You certainly have a lot on your plate! Seek solace in those nearby, be kind to yourself, go slowly when you can and accept help often. Let's hope the time goes quickly until Daniel's back. Website is gorgeous, just wish Bloglovin wasn't doing weird things on my iPhone, is that happening to anyone else?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lucy. Grandparents are rearing to help and I'll be on their doorstep if need be. We're still working on the mobile format for the blog...maybe that's the problem you're having? x
DeleteHi Lucy
DeleteBloglovin is being weird on my iPhone too- can't access any of my reads. Yesterday I couldn't get Practising Simplicity to load anywhere but it seems ok today....
As mentioned above, we had a few hiccups yesterday and had to wait for a few things to be processed before all was ok x
DeleteI've loved reading Che and Fidel for a while and I'm now enjoying Practicing Simplicity, even with any hiccups :) You've even inspired me to join in on the 52 weeks project, thanks for that!!
ReplyDeleteLooks and feels wonderful Jodi, I am so looking forward to seeing what happens this year! xxx much love
ReplyDeleteHi Jodi, just wondering where the wooden horse is from?
ReplyDelete...from an op-shop (like all the best things!). I've hunted high and low for a similar toy/brand but haven't had any luck x
DeleteWishing you peace in all that is to come Jodi...
ReplyDeletex
I wish you force and energy for the months to come! I experienced solo parenting over the past years for the same reasons as you, but one month and a half (and being pregnant) was the longest period. I must say it was not easy, and I need to rest and sleep a lot more than usual. It was a sort of period of "back to basics" to spend less energy. I think if we had to do it again this year, I would definitely ask for help a bit more at friends, family or baby sitting...
ReplyDeleteI recently spent 6 months abroad in various european countries filming a tv series with my one year old in tow (and my mum doing the childcare when i was on set). It was tough going, worse for my husband. He came to see us as often as possible but its hard work. However, I just kept remembering that it all ends and we had savings to allow the luxury of time off afterwards. Counting in weeks was much easier than months. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI can see Daniel's face in my minds eye. Presentation at school.
ReplyDeletecan I come too?
Just like anything lovely there will be that standing on the edge of the cliff, then the tummy turning whoosh into change and then slowly a new rhythm developing. Go kindly on yourself...there is no right or wrong way to handle this time and you will do the very best you can with what you have to give at the time. Much love and light xxx
ReplyDeleteI've been a solo parent for 6 years (probably unofficially for another 2 more than that) and yes it is hard work. I think about all those military wives and I think moving houses every 2 years, starting over every 2 years, schools, houses, friends, redirecting your life and I think I have no idea how they do it with husbands gone for a year or more. Your 3 months will seem like forever but thankfully he is not fighting a war and you do not have to move. In the beginning it will be really hard until you get into a rhythm and then believe it or not, when he comes home, you'll have to get back into another rhythm. Drink lots of coffee, eat lots of chocolate and take lots of photos...........that's one way to cope with it all. Good luck. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia
ReplyDeletemy husband travels a lot for work - for 18 months he worked in Sydney during the week and only came home to Brisbane on the weekends. It was all those emotions you described above - along with a really unexpected - and unpleasant - irritation when he DID come home on the weekends because it seemed to my stressed out mind, he was interrupting the calm and cheerful groove I tried so hard to establish! There's been other times when he's been away for several weeks at a time and we've been in Melbourne where we have no family and some evenings, I have found myself feeling panicked at the thought that it is still four weeks til he returns. But everything does seem to happen in a mostly orderly fashion and we survive :-) I'll be thinking of you and your little ones. p.s. love the new blog and the new direction you are taking.
ReplyDeleteHi Jodi – I've been meaning to comment since you launched the new blog, but this is my first quiet opportunity to do so! I've admired your writing and photography for a few years now and I'm very much looking forward to visiting this new space regularly. I love that you're exploring this new direction and embracing new challenges.
ReplyDeleteI also want to wish you all the best for the coming months while Daniel is away – I hope things go as smoothly as possible for all of you. I'll be sending virtual hugs from down the road in Sydney. If I lived closer, I'd be making regular choc brownie drop-offs! May the force be with you ;-)
Hi Jodi, have followed for a long time, but this could be the first time I am commenting. I love the direction you are taking your blog, perfectly suits the theme of my new year as changes abound in our family as well as a special needs child. Your blog's quietness & beauty is a salve for me. I hope the coming months bring your family an experience that you will look back on with fondness, despite the anxiety & chaos it will no doubt bring.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year.
Engracia
WOW, you have so much going on in your life right now. I love your new site and am so glad to have found it. Make sure you take some time to breathe and relax, it sounds like you need it.
ReplyDeleteI am loving your new space! I am excited to do the 52 project again this year and hope to have a new camera soon. Otherwise it's the iphone again! I'm sure you'll do fine as a single parent for 12 weeks. The time will fly!
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting and busy start for 2014. The challenges that present in our lives that take us out of our comfort zone really allow us to grow.
ReplyDeleteI want to ask the name of the quilt designer. I recognize but, have not looked at her site in a while and have forgotten. Thanjpk you
ReplyDeleteIt's Maggie & Sparrow x
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