Insert sheepish “Hi” here.
Those of you who have been following along for a while will know it’s not unusual for me to disappear from time to time, though my latest absence of over 18 months really takes the cake!
It wasn’t planned. It probably wasn’t expected. It just happened. And although there were several moments over the past year and a half I did attempt to pen an explanatory blog post, for whatever reason I just couldn’t find the words. And if I’m honest, they’re still not coming easily.
Call it writer’s block, call it a creative lull, call it a complete mojo funk, I just didn’t have the oomph.
That said, I always knew my “break” was just that – a momentary, albeit lengthy, pause. I couldn’t imagine abandoning my blog forever, and it was always my intention to start sharing again. But when?
Insert the first day of Spring here in the southern hemisphere!
It actually only occurred to me yesterday that this could be the perfect incentive.
Having been absent for so long, I’d been struggling with how to re-emerge. Despite week after week of including “write blog post” on my to-do list, then chastising myself for failing over and over again, the timing never felt right.
I needed a catalyst, and whilst I know it’s mere whimsy, the first day of Spring gave me just that.
So here I am.
Thanks to everyone who reached out during my hiatus. It was incredibly heartening to know I was thought of. And I hope it goes without saying that I missed you all too!
As you can see, I didn’t run away with the circus, join a reclusive cult or am currently lying dead in a ditch. It’s actually all rather boring. I’m totally fine and life is chugging along as usual.
If you happen to be a member of my private Facebook group (it’s the one place I’ve remained active) you may have seen some snippets about what I’ve been up to. Whilst most of my time has been dedicated to regular “stuff” (work, kids, sports, house-keeping, pets, and so on), earlier this year we did indulge in a three month caravanning trip around half of Australia (I will share my van reno soon)! And you may have noticed that I’ve spent some time updating and redesigning my blog (let me know if you notice any issues).
I’d like to sign off with some kind of resolute guarantee which promises greater consistency moving forward, though we all know that’s not my strong suit (detrimental as that may be). I’ve never enjoyed the rigidity of a forced content schedule and much prefer a fluid and genuine approach, so please bare with me as I navigate this return to blogging.
Thank you for still being here.
Hi there, and welcome back! :) I’ve taken quite the break this year too, not quite as long but I’m still figuring things out. I think we’re lucky to have a “job” that has this flexibility. You were missed, glad to see you around here again. And Happy Spring to you!
Thanks Jen. Yep, it’s always grounding to consider the flexibility factor, but I like the way you used “job” in inverted commas. I barely make a cent from my content. I realise that’s on me, but it’s such a tricky balance.
Welcome back – I can’t wait to see the van reno and all the other things you turn your amazing creativity to!
Hi Kristine,
So glad you’re back. Love your blog. It’s great to see an Aussie blog where we can get to the shops you patronise. Have followed your blog since the jar labels days. Looking forward to seeing your parents Reno completed. You are such a talented and creative designer.
Cheers
Thanks so much :)
It’s great to have you back again. I look forward to lots more inspiring projects.
Lovely to hear you are back and no need to explain…………..we all need to be living our life.
Welcome back missed your creativity. So funny was just thinking of you yesterday bc I printed your free printable of the herons and I put one up but still have the other and I thought of you and thought to myself I don’t see much of you lately.
Ha, ha. Funny timing. I’m glad to be back!
Welcome back my dear. Your trip sounds like a lovely adventure. Would love to see your van… I wish I had your vision but I’m glad that you share yours. Please don’t feel pressure to post… you do you. One thing I’ve always appreciated about your blog is that you have meaningful content. I’m on the other side of the world and am off to bed. Sweet dreams.
It was so good to hear from you! We all know what it’s like to need a break. I
Yay! You were def missed.
Welcome back. I missed your blogs and creativity. I love your style and work!
WELCOME BACK!!
So its not just my husband, That wants to box my whole house up and buy a bus or caravan to trip around Australia…
look forward to the blogs and Reno’s.
Ha, ha, nope, you’re definitely not alone there! It was my husband’s dream. So nice to do it with the kids too before they get older and don’t want to hang with us anymore.
What a lovely surprise to see your name in my inbox. I’ve missed your updates so excited to hear you took some time out traveling Aus. I think after the pandemic years we all need some time to just check out, especially here in VIC. Look fwd to seeing your van.
This made my day!! Can’t wait to see your van and whatever else you’ve been up to… Yours is my most favorite blog… You have real talent, and I love watching you do what you do. SO glad you’re back
Welcome back! Good for you, so healthy to take breaks when they are needed. Looking forward to seeing the van Reno and 3 months in Australia must have been amazing! Always good to see a post pop up from you but continuing to do what feels right for you is what is important. Take care!
So excited to see an email from you this morning! Just yesterday ,I was thinking about how I missed your creative vision. Can’t wait to see your van reno!
great to see you, hang in there.
Welcome back! I was so surprised to see a blog notification. Glad to hear everything is okay. It’s been a crazy couple of years for all of us, so no worries for the long Looking forward to future post when time allows.
Thank you Pat.
Welcome back – glad to “hear” from you!
I too don’t like rigid schedules for creating. I’m glad you’re doing well.
I am so glad that you are back! I have missed your one of a kind decorating and voice. Glad to hear that all is well and it was just a break. I used to be a blogger and had to quit because of blogger burnout and also the sedentary lifestyle. Of course you have much more on your plate than that with all the home reno you do as well. Everyone deserves a break to be able to clear their head. Welcome back Kristine!
Thanks so much Mary.
Yay!!! You were definitely missed, but, heck! Everyone needs a break now and then! Why not follow your own schedule and only post when inspiration hits? I think we’d all understand and appreciate that. That said, I can’t wait for the caravan reveal!
Welcome back. You were missed, but am glad to hear you were doing you during the break. Sending hugs!
How lovely to see a notification from you in my email. Looking forward to learning about your caravan and hearing about your travels!
Welcome back lovely Kristine! You make the world a more beautiful place.
Happy to have you back whenever you desire! I LOVE your mindset on when to blog! Always eager to se your work! ~ MUCH Love, Cynthia
I am happy to hear from you again!! Good to hear all is well!! Missed seeing your posts. Look forward to more of your content in the future : )
Hello there! Hey we all need a break once in a while to renew our selves. I know I need them. Just glad that you are not living in a crazy reclusive cult (although that may make for some real fun blog posts), lying dead in a ditch, or just gave up on us adoring fans of yours. Take whatever time you need we will still be here. Friends are like that, giving you the space you need but always there when your ready.
Thanks Amanda. How did I get so lucky to have all these understanding and lovely readers? It’s such a breathe of fresh air.
COMMENTSuper de vous retrouver. Linette près de Paris France A bientôt
I have been thinking of you, hoping you and your family is ok. Glad to hear you’ve just been busy with the everyday stuff. xx
Thanks Anna.
Welcome back! Can’t wait to see what you’d do next..
Woot! Welcome back! I’m glad things are ok, and can’t wait to see more of what you’re up to!
I am this person: drop in and drop out… it’s so very hard to achieve consistency. But you’ve done amazingly! and for so long too.
Thanks Frances.
Welcome back! I was so happy to see an update from you in my inbox when I got back from holidays. Like a little holiday extension ;) Spring is here!
Looking forward to seeing and reading about all the things you have been getting up to.
Sometimes a longer break is needed to enjoy it again!
Wow! Relief! I thought you’d stopped blogging just as we bought a home and I’d come racing back to try as many of your projects as possible! Glad you’re back – love all your DIY especially as it’s Australian based