I took this photo earlier this week. It is the clouds, reflected in the Todd River, after the last lot of rain had stopped. Well, nearly–we had a little shower again yesterday morning despite my phone app insisting all was ‘clear’ and there was ‘0%’ chance of rain. Meh.
As I was studying the photo, I realised that its reflection was mirroring my own, ongoing lack of clarity. Often when we are about to burst forth into a new skin, things can be cloudy…lack focus. Sometimes, I have noticed, I need to leave one thing behind before the new one makes itself known. Step off the precipice and see what rises to meet me.
This is not a sudden decision, it has been rolling around in my mind for months, but the time seems right to take action. I have loved blogging for the last five and a half years, and am so appreciative to those of you who have read, liked or commented. Having never taken an extended break, now, with things seeming a bit murky, the time seems right. In approaching this decision I tried to think which would make more sense to you, to just drift away, or to tell you that I’m taking an extended break. So now you know what I have decided to do.
Be well.
xx Ardys
Debi @ My Kitchen Witch said:
Ardys, we will miss you! Keep well yourself. You will always be welcome back.
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Ardys said:
Thank you Debi, for all your comments and reading and not least for leaving the door open. x
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Francesca said:
I will miss your reflective writing and evocative photos. I hope you are well Ardys. I will be thinking of you and your journey. Xx
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Ardys said:
Thank you Francesca. I hope their IS a journey!! 🙂 It feels like my creative side needs a ‘re-boot’. x
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Robyn said:
Take care hope you are well enjoy your time….
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Ardys said:
Thank you Robyn, much appreciated.
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mel said:
Sent from my iPad
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Ardys said:
🙂
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EllaDee's daleleelife101.blog said:
Your cloudy river photo is Art ☆ Makes me so happy to see it… which mitigates the little bit of sad.
These things happen, I know… I’m navigating my own disconnect translating my new everyday to blog. But I’m still here, flitting around the interwebs… blogworld, Instagram, Facebook. I hope we’ll still cross paths.
I’m pleased you didn’t drift away. I like to think the holding space is the harbinger of wonderful possibilities.
Wherever your journey takes you, I wish you well ♡
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Ardys said:
Thank you so much Dale. I’m sure our paths will cross. You have handled your own disconnect well, I think. As you say, these things happen. It’s nice to make room for new possibilities, but nice to know the old ones are there should the fire be rekindled.x
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mel said:
ardys: My New Year’s Resolution was to, in 2017, SIMPLIFY my LIFE mainly by
doing as little as possible. At soon-to-be 78 I’ve probably done it all…that I had on my bucket list. I never mastered the art of oozing thru the day just enjoying another day in my Southern paradise. To paraphrase Gershwin “Porgy snd Bess”…”I’ll do plenty of Nothing …and Nothing is plenty fo’ me.” Whatever the day brings I shall attend to it…but only at my own speed and in my own way. (As much as is sensible).
So, obviously your “taking a break” encourages me. For what it’s worth I admire what you have done with your wide range of talents and appreciate your sharing them with us. (Now do go gently into your day at your own pace and in your own way.)
Mel
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Ardys said:
Very lovely message, Mel, thank you so much. Simplifying ones life has great rewards. I’ve done some of that in recent years too. I think this is more of a direction change, or a ‘re-boot’, but who knows? Plenty of nothing sounds nice too. Take care. x
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maralahroseasch said:
I will certainly miss your thoughts and viewing your images. Take care. Love and hugs — – Maralah
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
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Ardys said:
Thank you Maralah, very kind of you. You take care too. xx
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lkoepfle1 said:
Reflections. Can’t wait to see what shows itself. xo
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Ardys said:
Well, it might be interesting, mightn’t it? xo
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Pip Marks said:
Ardys
Thank you for sharing so many wonderful posts and photos. Perhaps a podcast for your next challenge?!
All the best.
Pip
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Ardys said:
Ha, ha, thanks Pip. Not sure about a podcast, but who knows?? Take care.
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Littlesundog said:
I certainly understand your decision, Ardys. Just lately I have wondered the same of my own “drifting around in circles”… not feeling a good sense of direction. I have also found myself fearing crossing the line of acceptance by writing about difficult situations I may be facing. I have always striven to be authentic. Sometimes it is difficult for me to know if it is better for me to just leave something be… letting it go adrift for now and maybe forever, or to move forth to “come what may”. I hope your waters become less murky – whatever that may mean or lead you to. I do hope you post occasionally if your inner spirit leads you to. I love you, my friend… I wish you everything good and lovely.
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Ardys said:
You have articulated some of my thoughts perfectly. It just seems I need to step back and have a look at where I’m going and want to go. This doesn’t mean you won’t be hearing from me…I love you, too, Lori and will be thinking of you and your two little darlings that are about to move into the wild.x
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Littlesundog said:
Thank you, Ardys. Emma and Ronnie will be released next weekend. I am truly excited for them. Hopefully, I will have great photos and video to share! 🙂
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Donna said:
I will miss your beautiful photos and thoughtful posts, thank you for giving so much of your time and self to this project! That said, everyone needs an occasional time out to refocus, can’t wait to see where your path leads next.
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Ardys said:
Thank you Donna. I can’t wait to see where the path leads me too! xx
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Ula Corsi said:
You will be missed but do what is good for you. Love, Mom
Sent from Ula’s iPad
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Ardys said:
Thank you Mom. You’re the best. xxx
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davidprosser said:
Take great care of yourself Ardys. I hope one day you’ll find yourself with an itch to blog again. If so, you’ll ind friends waiting.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
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Ardys said:
So kind of you David, thank you. Very best to you.xx
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StillValerie said:
Dear Ardys:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and talents with us over the years in your blog. I, as others, have enjoyed your photos, recipes and words greatly. May you enjoy your break and may it lead you down a path that allows you to live your life abundantly.
Blessings! 🙂
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Ardys said:
Thank you so much Valerie. You were there at the beginning. x
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Jim said:
Ardys: Will miss your blog. Hurry back.
Jim
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Ardys said:
Thanks so much Jim.
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ladyredspecs said:
I’ll miss you Ardys but I understand too😘
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Ardys said:
Thank you Sandra. I’m sure I won’t be able to stay away from your lovely recipes 🙂 so I’ll be in touch. x
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Lib said:
Your thoughts and words have been a marvelous touchstone. Thank you for sharing, and enjoy your next path – or long and winding road! XOX
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Ardys said:
Thank you so much Lib. I’ll be in touch. X
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valeriedavies said:
Ardys, I have so enjoyed your thoughtful posts. I’ve always known when I clicked on your blog that I would find something sensitive and thoughtful here.
I shall miss you but know how you feel. My long break last year was for the same reasons.
I was making decisions for my highest self and facing the music !!!!
Hope all goes well for you – it will of course, and I also hope that you will be back, renewed and refreshed when the time is right.
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Ardys said:
Yes, you certainly DO get it! Thank you Valerie.
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tableofcolors said:
I understand your feeling, I’ve had a couple of unintended longer breaks in the recent past. Sometimes it is just clearer to make a clear break, that way the feeling that one should be blogging is not reminding in the back of your head. But at the same time I felt a bit sad. But thank goodness for instagram, we can continue keeping in touch there. All the best to you and welcome back when the time is right. ❤
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Ardys said:
I can hear in your words you do understand exactly! Thank you Laila 💕
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sherry MacKay said:
hi Ardys
i have only just come across this post about you leaving the blog world. It seems lately that lots of bloggers i have “met”, have decided to call it quits. I have found blogging very useful and fulfilling these last few years in my retirement but who knows where it will go? all the best. cheers sherry x
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Ardys said:
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment, Sherry. I really had a great run of five years writing my blog. I’m uncertain if I will come back or not, am not deleting it for a while until I make up my mind. My question is not if I enjoy writing it, I worry that I have nothing much left to say… xx
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