As I write this, I am off to my parents. My father has been hospitalized.
The first Cincy Blogger Bash was last night and I hear it was a big success!
I had to miss it as I was stationed by the phone awaiting news.
My Dad is stable, however my help is much needed.
It's funny how 'real life' can hit you at any moment and make you question your priorities. I have been a bit 'on the fence' with regards to continuing my blog for a while now. I'm sure you've noticed my fewer posts ;) There are times when I am becoming unsure of the impact that my blogging is having on me. Am I losing my connection with the real world? Is it easier to have friends whom you have never given a true hug to? Easier to express myself in a glib, 'always a smile' way?
I'm really just not sure...
I do know I enjoy fashion. I really enjoy showing other women that you don't have to spend a fortune to look and feel great about yourself. I LOVE telling you that being you is more important than feeling like another cog in the wheel of conformity. However, while figuring out what to wear at the Bash (that I didn't even get to attend!), I was an insecure mess. I was a 47 year old woman who instead of celebrating her unique self, I was wondering in the back of my mind what other's would think of me. Yep, still human... Still flawed... How silly...
So, during the next week or two, being a Care-giver, a Daughter, a Lover,
a real-life Woman -
I will be reassessing my role as a blogger. I think I will come back renewed and recharged. Ready to keep doing this thing with style - a new purpose and possibly a new blog entirely.... or letting it go for awhile. I suppose time will tell.
Til then...
Big Hugs to you all :)
xXx
Reva
21 comments:
What a thought-provoking post, Reva.
I'm sorry to hear about your lovely Papa. Mine's not been good for a while now and I find blogging a good diversion, way better than dwelling on thing.
You are fabulous, I can't believe you ever have a moment of crisis. You always say such wise things.
Take care my friend, come back well-rested and invigorated. xxx
Darling Reva,I do hope it's not serious with your Dad.It'll be good for him to have you near!
O,sweets,we all have our moments of doubt,no matter how we strive!I think though,that we come out on top more often than not more than most,because we are such fabulous blogging queens!
I look forward to you coming back with a vengeance!
Take care,and lots of love!
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Reva, Hope your Dad is okay. I hope you don't quit your blog but that is for my own selfish reasons as I love reading and seeing what is going on. but I hear you about the time, the stress of what to wear, what to say etc.
I hope you will be back,
Much Love,
Lesa
Always Summer
Good luck with everything, Reva!
I've been lurking here for a while and just want to tell you that I *love* your quirky sense of style and the message you put out, and I've thought several times you'd be a kick-ass friend. You do seem very "real" to me (posing for outfit pics with your cigarette cracks me up), but I can totally relate to your feelings of disconnect... the internet brings us all so close, and yet we're still isolated in our own worlds.
I hope your dad gets well soon. Watching/helping loved ones go through health challenges is hard work, so make sure you remember to take care of YOU, too. My husband's been fighting cancer for the last 2 years and that was a lesson I had to learn by nearly collapsing myself before I would relax a little and let others help. So, whether you come back ready to rock on the blog or decide to call it done, be good to yourself.
Well. THAT certainly got long-winded (and bossy) for well-wishes from a total stranger! Heh. ;o)
Take care,
Jen
P.S. I'm 41 and I still TOTALLY change my outfit thirty times before an event, worrying what everyone's going to think about it. ;o)
Reva, I hope your dad improves and things go well as you return home. I think you beautifully expressed feelings we all have had at one time or another. I would really miss you if you stop...though these friendships are different with face to face interaction, they can mean alot and women connect in so many ways. Again, I understand, but know that you would be missed and you are appreciated in so many ways!
Hope things work out with your Dad--first and foremost.
I have felt also, recently, that I want more out of my blog friendships. Like it gets to a point that I need the real person. I do have plans to meet a few fellow bloggers this year--so looking forward to that. But the cyber relationships DO need to go somewhere--I agree.
That being said, I would miss you if you decide not to blog. I love your photos and your great sense of style!
But whatever you choose, It will be right. Love Paula
Reva.....and this is why I love you! Seriously, you just say it and I'm so glad. I've gone back and forth in my head about blogging as well. Sometimes I just think, "what in the world am I doing?" So I know EXACTLY how you feel!
It may sound odd to say this, but enjoy this time caring for your dad. How precious it is to be able to lovingly care for the parent who lovingly cared for us. It really is a privilege. I'm believing and praying that your father will recover fully!
Whatever you decide to do with your blog (I would love to see you continue!), let's make sure to stay in touch. THEN these blogging relationships will be based on more than what we wore. You and I don't always share the same style, but I do believe we share the same heart. And that runs soooooooo much deeper! Big love to you sweet Reva! ~Serene
Hoping all is ok with dad Reva will be thinking of you.
Please come back I feel your a friend wether we have truly hugged or not.Am sending you virtual hugs xxx
I
As Serene and Pam said, we all have those moments. I had one just today. You are unique and I love seeing your photos and your comments. I think we all together make each other better. However, if you decide not to come back, I will understand. The wonderful people I have met blogging make my days better by enriching my life with words and pictures.
I do hope your Dad is better. Take time with him, it is precious. I am sending good thoughts to you and yours.
I will be waiting.
Do take car of your father, and come back renewed, dear friend.
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Ah Reva, such an inspiring post.
First off, hope your dad gets better soon! I'm sure everything will turn out okay in the end, it's just hard right now. If my father was sick, I would definitely drop everything to go help him, too.
Secondly, I want to remind you that your blog can be anything you want it to be. It can be about fashion or not, positive or not, daily or monthly, whatever! It's all up to you... so I don't want you to worry about what it is... just do it. Or not :)
Looking forward to hearing from you sooner rather than later! But if you need a nice long break, I understand.
Love.
Sending my best vibes to both you & your dad. ~Mary
So sorry to hear about your father's health crisis. The caregiving experience is intense, but meaningful. I appreciate your honesty and I relate to your ambivalence. I have been there! At this point I have settled on blogging with less frequency as it has been a lifeline during difficult times. I admire your voice and your style!
I hope all is going well!
I can tell you that I've taken breaks, but I always go back to it. My blog was totally deleted and then restarted once already. When you are stressed, keep it brief. And don't be afraid to change! Don't let the blog pigeon-hole you, but use it as a way to document how you are moving through the world.
Your photography and point of view is so very interesting. I hope you keep it up and your days lately are not too stressful.
I'm so sorry to hear of your father's poor health lovely Reva. I hope the family visit is not too draining on your emotional energy. As a full-time carer to my husband, blogging is a welcome creative outlet as I don't get out much. I think I would be a hermit without it! Big virtual hugs xoxoxox
Oh, Reva, I hope all is well with your father by now. And you DO have your priorities in the right place. I do hope you will blog occasionally. I hope to get back in the swing of things over the holidays.
you are very inspiring, dont ever stop what you are doing! best wishes to your father! :)
fashionableroad.blogspot.com
God damn it I love you woman. How can my heart swell so much for a friend I haven't met in real life yet? You've been much in my thoughts of late, even as I take a much needed blogger break.
And your thoughts about real life and participation really resonate with me. I want to keep blogging but need to make room for so many other things including a more active engagement with local pals, events and offline hobbies.
I miss you. Looking forward to when we both reconnect.
You and your pops and family will be in my prayers and thoughts. Love to you, Reeves! xo.
just dropping in to say hi, reva. hope everything is ok with the family.
[oomph.]
missing you amiga.
Where are you Reva? Starting to get worried xx
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