According to Eckhart Tolle—one of the world’s greatest living, spiritual philosophers—my brain has been hijacked and taken over by an all-encompassing, unbounded and unremitting dictator.
This domineering tyrant is in charge of my mind and directs my focus and attention to whatever puzzle or curiosity it’s attracted to—like a magpie spotting a shiny piece of tinfoil on the ground and heading into a nosedive.
Or a bee getting that little zing up its tiny spine and making a straightaway for his morning shot of nectar dusted with trendy macha powder.
Or discovering what kind of homing pigeon call four competing gas companies receive that announce a newly made cross section of road.
All that scattered focus is part of what Eckhart defines as a wretched epidemic running rampant across our globe—a dreadful affliction, an incessant enslavement, a blight of flesh-eating, biohazardous decrepitude that is pure poison.
Okay, that last part I added myself for pungent emphasis, so scratch that if you’re a stickler for purity, but his message remains:
Thinking has become a disease.
Huh.
Apparently, the real me is buried deep within a place that requires a treasure map to locate and which is about as obtainable as nuclear warhead access codes.
But it’s there.
And from what I gather, it’s shaking its head at me and making some thoroughly annoying tsking sounds.
Super judgy, if you ask me, but that’s probably the ‘thinking’ part of me saying that, and according to Eckhart, I gotta SHUT HER DOWN.
Well, not entirely.
I’m thinking—er, guessing—that if I close off those roads the devilish despot situated in my brain’s bus driver seat will plow through and easily make a few detours. He’s determined and relentless. A big bulldozing control freak. And I can’t have him behind the controls, running rampant and unshackled.
Thinking about fewer things could be helpful.
Actually, thinking about fewer things is the new ordinance. It’s written in tiny, black ink letters at the bottom of the contract I just signed with my new publishers on page 79.
Thou shalt not obliterate brain cells unless in the effort to complete labor on our behalf.
I get it.
They’re Eckhart Tolling my evil overlord. He’s been too busy with fingers in more pots than those found in a Cuisinart factory. Which means when he rouses from slumber tomorrow morning, he’ll find a cup of tea in a cardboard mug and a bran muffin in a paper bag waiting for him by the front door, as well as his suitcase and passport.
Along with breakfast and the clean underwear I’m making sure the taskmaster is taking with him, he’ll also be tucking a calendar beneath his arm.
The one that contains my blog post schedule.
After nearly four years of popping out weekly essays, the winds of fate are asking I blow hot air in a different direction. So, if it’s not become easy enough to read between the lines thus far, here it is in plain speak:
I’m going into Monk Mode.
Hands have shaken all around. Publishing dates are set. Editors have been met. And sleeves have been rolled up to reveal many sets of attractively sculpted forearms.
I’ve split open a fifty-pound bag of dog chow for the hound and placed it in the middle of the kitchen floor.
I’ve allowed the mouse population to flourish in the basement for the benefit of the cat.
And I’ve filled the pantry with four season’s worth of tinned beans and tuna for my teenage son.
Everyone will be happy.
I’ll be wheeling around a rolling intravenous infusion pole that will alternate two bags filled with either French roast coffee or chamomile tea, and once a week I’ll slip in a dram of whisky for good measure.
This is the new normal. This is the new now.
The other half of this blog posting team will be up to his earballs in new and exciting work as well. As many of you know already, Rob’s talents extend far beyond his side-splitting sketches, and during the next year he’ll be trying to get a new theater show off the ground in Sweden. As the ground is often frozen and frequently unforgiving, it will require extra effort and a massive sense of humor.
Thank God Rob has all that in spades.
We’ve had to ponder and plan the roads in front of us.
This is not goodbye, I promise, but rather the announcement of a new schedule for Rob and me.
It’s what we’re referring to as “No Schedule,” just random, occasional posts when we both find ourselves popping up above ground for a breath of fresh air and a check to see who’s ahead in any political polls.
Change is good for all of us. It challenges, invigorates, and inspires us to see and create with fresh eyes. And just like underwear, fresh is hugely appreciated by those who take the time to sit beside you and see what new alluring and inviting art you’ve fashioned since the last time you all had a good chin wag.
We promise to keep in touch and keep you “posted.”
We’ll be thinking of you—even if Eckhart Tolle tells us not to.
~Shelley & Rob
*BONUS ROBIN GOTT CARTOON* (click)
Don’t forget to check out what we’re cookin’ in the Scullery and what we all talked about down in the pub. Plus, you can see more of Robin Gott‘s humor–all from the only pen carved from a human funny bone.
Shelley Sackier 
What a great “goodbye” post! I loved it and I am excited for both of you.
Oh, no–not goodbye. Just putting on the breaks. Well, breaks on the blog, but pedal to the metal with a few other things. We shall be back. But thank you, David. So lovely to see your words.
As Heraclitus said, ‘Life is flux.’ Wishing you fresh undies, fleet feet and brains as you both knuckle down to your endeavours. I look forward to the times you pop back to say gidday. Thanks for the words, the inspiration and your wonderful perspective. Enjoy that IV drip and bye for now. 😊
Thanks, Cheergerm. What wonderful words of wisdom. And fingers crossed the whole undies, feet and brains bit comes to fruition. It would be nice to have some smooth sailing on these new voyages.
See you soon.
ish.
😉
Yay for you both. I’m seeing a lot of shuffling going on of late. The stars are changing their alignment and purpose has shifted. Go with the flow. I’m probably going to make some changes soon too. Loved reading Eckhart Tolle, I forgot what he said. 😦 Oh well. Do what makes you happy and don’t worry about what others think. You only get one go round. Have fun with it. We’ll miss you till you come back. Both of you.
I do like the reminder that we’ve got one grand shot at this game, Marlene. It kinda brings home that message and puts a giant spotlight on what truly matters. Not surprisingly, all the lovely people who read and comment on this blog really matter, so we just can’t give it up.
Till next time, Cheers!
So in agreement there. 🙂
The only thing more certain than death and taxes is change. Roll with it – have fun. Get the book ready for reading. Get the play ready for watching……. I shall enjoy to see your [beautiful blonde] head pop up from time to time, and don’t wipe old Eckhart off altogether – he’s pretty much got most of it right, though it takes a lot sometimes to understand what the hell he means – and it has been all said weller and better from others before him too! 🙂
I agree a thousand times over, Pauline. So much of what Tolle says is rich with deep meaning and provides countless lightbulb moments. I’m a fan. I think I’ve listened to The Power of Now at least half a dozen times on audio disc–not on purpose per se, but because so much of what he says is so dense I have to rewind and rewind and rewind to make sure I understand it.
Regardless, thank you for the well wishes. We’ll see you soon. Cheers! ❤
Godspeed … In all that you are about to (successfully) accomplish!
The gift of reading that my English teacher mother gave me years ago, was one of the greatest that I have ever been given. Without it, I would never been able to enjoy your wonderful, funny, and thought provoking blog posts. Thank you! If more arrive periodically down the road, then great! If not, then I can honestly say I’ve been blessed by the many great reads that you have provided. I am sure you will create the same reading experience for many others with your exquisite writing talents. Again, Godspeed and good luck in all your new adventures!
Most sincerely,
Gary
Gary, your words are incredibly touching. Thank you. It’s been such a pleasure creating these goofy weekly stories. And I assure you, we’ll be around, just a little less predictable, calendrically speaking.
Your mama was one smart cookie and you are a fortunate fellow to have developed a deep love for words. All families should be so lucky.
Cheers to you, Gary. Until next time!
So much going on and to be thankful for. Congrats! Go forward and create! I will be here to enjoy your journey!
Thank you, Martha. I’m hoping you and Alice are gearing up for the winter winds and snowfalls. Nothing like a snug home to hole up for a winter’s worth of writing. Cheers!
Best wishes to you and Rob in your new ventures. I’m going to miss your posts and will look forward to when you and Rob pop up occasionally 🙂
Many thanks, Joanne. The idea of just a little less on my plate makes me hungrier for the work that remains there. I do like the whole concept of a well-balanced meal. And savoring every bite. We’ll see you soon!
Onward! Good luck to you. Since you’re in my reader, I’ll catch you when you pop up. I hope you enjoy the new writing and we get a periodic report!
Indeed. Periodically we will pop up with a new post. And as always, Lisa, we’ll look forward to anything you have to say. Be well!
Poor Eckhart. He thinks (and I use that word advisedly) the only path to emotional relief is some sort of mental mute button. Au contraire.
If thinking induces unsatisfactory emotions and results, Think. Different. Thoughts.
Really, dude. It’s that simple. Notice I didn’t say “easy,” I said “simple.” It’s just that no one ever really tells you that. They tell you whiskey, walks, yoga, kale, meditation, Netflix, knitting, sex, naps, pet petting, Xanax, Jesus, dark chocolate, white noise, Hawaii, pastels in the bedroom, etc, etc.
You know what all those things do? They temporarily distract you from the suck you’re pondering at the moment. But you can do THAT on your own without a prescription right now by simply recalling a happiness. (Your brain can’t tell the difference between reality and thought, they did extensive research on this.) Do it now, think of something that makes you smile or laugh. Now do it again. Do it longer. Do it more often. Do it on a regular basis. Do it as a sport, do it as a religion, cancel bitch sessions with girlfriends to do it, instead. Turn of the television and do it. Close the laptop and do it. Insist on doing it, don’t take No for an answer, not even from you. Do it as if your life depended on it.
Don’t turn your brain off, that’s like throwing out all your money. Just spend it better. Do you have any idea how fucking rich you are?
I really love what you’ve written here. You play devil’s advocate with smooth aplomb and illustrate how choosing the right path for one’s life is not just left or right. And I’m a huge advocate of straying from the beaten path.
I think I’ll print your comment out and post it next to my computer for the coming autumn and winter. You offered up a wonderful meditation exercise that is sure to bring many moments of pure joy bubbling up to the surface. Promise to practice it.
I can’t stop the thinking, as work does depend upon it, but I can make the act of thinking a heartening, valuable, worthy endeavor. Cheers to you
Thanks, I think my official nickname should be Aplomb.
And I’m not saying give up those fun things, I’m just pointing out that they are external triggers for something you can do on your own.
The thing about turning down or turning off thought is that when you turn it back on (because work, showering, shopping for laundry detergent), you go right back to where you were. It’s like pausing a movie with a monster chasing the hero. When you hit Play, the monster gets right back to chasing, he doesn’t suddenly decide to pick daisies or chase someone else.
But your thoughts created the monster. Yeah, you could have an effin’ good reason for mental monster sculpting but does the damned thing have to chase you all day? Do you have to feel bad about your problem constantly? What does worry really solve? I don’t see any monster corpses laying around, so clearly it’s a rotten extermination device. Must be a social status thing: “See? I’m frazzled. My life is so full, I must be very important and in demand and accomplishing things.”
Being frazzled only impresses other frazzled people. I repeat, with feeling: Being frazzled only impresses other frazzled people. Or being busy. Or being tired. Or suffering through a new style of food restriction. I’ll warn you now, you’re gonna lose some frazzled friends when you consciously choose mental ease but fantastic mental and physical health really softens the blow.
I enjoyed your comment too. i think it’s all very fine and dandy to talk about “living in the now”, but now and then you have to think about the “and then…” (or do I mean Zen?) 🙂
Well, crap, you just gave Whole Foods a new marketing idea for a pre-packaged, vegan, slow food snack section: Now and Zen.
Just kidding. Joke’s on them: you cannot write or speak Zen, it is ineffable. Like the indescribable relief in discovering you are not the only neuroplasticity researcher atheist cat lover at the cocktail party.
thanks, y’all, for the “line” above. i’m slow enuff awlreddee, and yoove awl slowed me down even more. (poink! maybe i’ll become toadulleee stawpt ! )
Yeah, I’m doing the same thing, sort of. I mean, I’ve never really had a schedule to begin with, but with school here, I don’t have to feel bad about it. The only thing I’m trying to keep up with it updating the story I’m writing on Wattpad.
Ooh, I love Wattpad. So many treasures come from that site, Susannah. Good on you with the story. I’m super happy to hear of it.
And yes, with school, most everything has to take a backseat. But it’s a lovely backseat to slide into and go for the occasional ride.
I’ll be thinking of you. (Hope your head is all healed up!)
It’s not goodbye but au revoir as we say in these parts. Good luck with the knuckling down. May the only voice you hear be kind. See you again when you cross the finish line!
It’s such a gorgeous language, Mel. Such shapely elegance to the words. So yes, let’s say au revoir and leave the whole ‘chow for now’ on the curb, yes? Be well!
All the very best to you and Rob. I’m sure you both totally rock your adventures to come. Look forward to your dispatches when you’ve got the time.
Thanks, Sue. Totally looking forward to the new undertakings, although at times it may feel more like rock climbing than actually rocking it. Par for the course, right? And now we soldier on!
Ah, but the views when you get there (or just look back to see how far you’ve gone) 🙂
Sunday mornings won’t be the same without you both. But I do wish you well in your new ventures. Change is what ‘it’s ‘ all about. Keep in touch. 🙂
Absolutely, Anne. No way am I losing touch with you! We will continue to exchange all the updates of stories and books and writings. And eventually … TRAVEL! 😀
An enviable resolution taken with an emphatic goose-step. Tolle in hand and Now wrapped securely, out into the world of creation in clean undies. Bon voyage. I’ll miss the fun, but maybe this is the nudge I have been waiting for, to do likewise ( unfortunately without the publisher waiting to catch the squarking babe) Mine will be another foundling.
Oh, Philippa, your exquisite words are always a sumptuous feast to ingest. I do hope you find yourself with a squawking babe to offer up as well. The world is full of people like me who are hungry to read what you decide to write. Cheers to you!
Oh dear, my Sunday mornings will just not be the same Shelley but as I’ve truly embraced the inevitability and force of change this year – so much has changed round here these last months that I’m in the process of changing everything I can, it becomes invigorating once you stop being afraid of it – I understand completely that you must follow the force and I wish you and the riotous Rob a wonderful journey towards your goals. As the person who inspired me to begin my own blog I shall of course look forward to any snippets of news from you and your mountainside. Me and my hillside send warmest wishes 🙂 x
Words to warm the soul by, Jane. I’m so happy that you made the decision to join the world of offering up art online, as I for one, and bucketloads of others, are so much richer for the experience of seeing your work. You are an amazing talent, and I’m looking forward to seeing the changes you make (if they end up online) and hope that one day I will be able to actually lay eyes on your magical world. We will be in touch, and until next time, here’s a hillside hug. { ❤ }
You’re very generous as always Shelley, thank you! I’ll look forward to your news whenever it finds its way into my Reader and if by any chance you should find yourself in my nec of the woods, well, tea and cake will be waiting! 🐻 😀
I entered into blogging for my own enjoyment and pleasure. No schedule except for the A to Z challenge each year. I am retired, after all. I will look forward to your future posts when they happen. Enjoy your new routine.
Many thanks, Denise. I know so many folks who had a wonderful experience participating in the A to Z fun, although, good heavens, that’s a massive commitment too. Hope the gardens are enjoying the season of winding down. See you soon!
Good morning Shelley,
I have quite a bit of catching up to do on your past few months of whimsical posts I’ve unfortunately missed, which, to my luck now that you and Rob shall consider a bit of a sabbatical, (and yes, I do consider you to be my type of prof), I am in luck. It will be my winter’s serenity to read. Sorry to have missed so much yet thank you for what is there for me to read and enjoy.
My girls love your book and are waiting with much excitement for your next publishing. Off to make Sunday breakfast before church. Much love to you from the four of us.
Stoshu 🙂
Hey bud, so lovely to see your words here. And it’s rather an amazing thing how life gets in the way of living, isn’t it? That’s a phrase my wonderful yoga teacher has spoken many times, and now it feels a perfect explanation and comforting reasoning for why I get behind.
Of course the bright side is, you’ll have a few bits to read on the cold winter mornings, or long chilly nights. Bonus.
Give those gorgeous girls a hug for me, and an extra one for loving the book. Each one of them. That’s a lot of hugging for one family in such a short space of time. I can see it might end up in a wrestling match with dad at the bottom of the pile.
❤
Oh, those pesky brain cells. I’ve often wondered how on earth the two that remain can contain so much in the way of thinking. Gosh, you will be missed – I’m sick to the stomach – but how delightful those occasional posts will be. As for Robin’s theatre show, as long as it’s not open air, he can have my services for free! Rather good at female dictators. 🙂
TWo?? No way, Sarah. Your work requires the brains of two heads filled to capacity with neural inventiveness!
I hope your stomach will settle soon. I find ice cream is a sound solution. 😛
We’ll see you soon. Cheers!
Good thinking, batman! I have a Cretan raspberry and vanilla. 😀
I’ll miss your zing and Rob’s massive sense of humor! Wishing you both smooth sailing on the new projects 🙂
Lovely words to read, Linnet. We’ll see you soon with hopefully a little more pep and playfulness. Cheers to you!
Thanks, Linnet. “To insanity…and beyond!”…:)
(shhh! Rob: you’re the sort of guy who prob’ly shouldn’t go into Bed, Bath … and then venture into that cob-webbed labyrinthine part of the store which is “Beyond”) (you see/remember the moovy “click”?)
Your Inner Dictator looks a lot like Miss Trunchbull in the Matilda movie…now I’m picturing her throwing the shot-put at whatever shiny thing distracts you! Anyway, I’ve said it before, but best of luck with your revisions and writing. Can’t wait to see what emerges from that IV-infused state!
You know I thought she looked familiar to me too! And I’m kinda liking your idea of having her stand beside me at my desk, grim and menacing.
And thank you for launching me into my next mode of monking, Abby. You truly are one of the people I treasure with a measure that goes beyond words.
I’m blushing =) I’m so glad to know you, Shelley – you are a true bright spot in my life.
Well-spotted. The Trunchbull is exactly who I had in mind 🙂
My Sundays will never be the same! Looking forward to the new posts as and when though. Just hope they aren’t too far apart. Good luck to both you and Rob with the new projects. 😀
Thanks, P. I’m sure I speak for both of us when I say that we truly appreciate your sentiments (and well wishes). Cheers for now!
Eckhart Tolle is a god, I know, but this means I’m condemned to a bad place because I could not finish “The Power of Now.” Kept thinking, if we’re in the now, what separates us from my friend’s mother in memory care?
Au revoir and re-bonjour for your comings and goings. Best wishes in your new writing endeavors. Remember you can OD on chamomile, and, if you need help sleeping, indica marijuana is now available in our state as of last Monday. Not that I’ve tried anything like that, ever.
Cheers! Oh, and watch out for bears.
You can? OD on chamomile? Shoot. I might have to rethink my IV bags.
Thanks as well for the sleeping tip. My state is one of those, NOT OVER OUR DEAD BODIES kind of communities. It’ll be a fair way off I think before the Old Dominion votes “yes” on Mary Jane.
See you soon, JB. Cheers!
Oh, sure, just when I get on board reading your blog, you stop writing. I’ll try not to take that personally. I do hope you’ll be by sometimes and keep us posted on your new endeavors–good luck to you both!
Oh, no, definitely don’t take it as a bad sign, Kerry. And I promise, we’ll be back. It’ll just seem like we’re taking long naps in between posts. 😉
Oh dear! Sunday mornings won’t be the same, altho’ I can’t say I’m surprised with all the book writing you’ve committed to in the recent past. I’m glad you’ve got Eckhart to keep you company thru this transition in life. He pretty much keeps saying the same thing, but is so articulate, he finds so many different words and expressions to re-penetrate your brain, shake loose all those “weedy” thoughts, and revive that sense of space (or whatever you wanna call it!)
Best wishes with all your writing and art efforts and for the muse to keep flowing! Looking forward to any moments when you re-surface here with some cheerful quips and cartoons to share!
So much Eckhart to absorb, although no doubt you are miles ahead, Rhea. I’m hoping when you return in January, you may be channeling some of his all-encompassing wisdom. In the meantime, no one has been capable of channeling YOU thus far.
Maybe I should find a way to get you in my IV drip bags. Ugh, if it could only be done!
Miss you, Rhea!
tooo bad there’s not a “i don’t know whether i LIKE this or not” button. sometimes your esoteric undercurrents whisper to me and i’m carried along. not this time. logJam(b) cross-ways (and in my case deafeningly (k)NOT with) the current. huh. but it was inevitable! your weekly missive to the wandering other monks and nuns in blogger wilderness — to ostensibly abide more with bio- or geo- or sidereal- rhythym-ness than the crunch of the wheels uv da masheen. “who” (or more pertinently WHAT) is you? Patanjali said it best …
Uh oh. Would I big fat, “I’m sorry!” help, Jay?
Surely Patanjali would have eventually come across me curled up in child’s pose moaning about the workload and would have said, “Yeah, maybe cut back a bit.”
We’ll be back. And around. I promise.
🙂
let’s just say i was more than the usual somewhat overwhelmed! (w)ree(dis)memburrr: i say this “in a good weigh” –> your multi-tentacled intradimensional reach …
after a less-pre-constraind mined-set: ditto. (your “n+1”-edness, thatizz)
where is your comment EDIT button?
“after a less pre-constrained-mindset” re-reading of your post: ditto (etc. as above)
(he duzzn’t stawp!) : the comment on the ever-present IV bags of coffee & chamomile tea. AND ONLY ONE DRAM OF U-NO-WOT every week?!
I just saw the most incredible holiday gift idea ever (for me, anyway)–it’s a dram a day advent calendar. I seriously went weak in the knees. But yes, unless I’ve got friends visiting, or it’s a holiday, or I’ve just sold another book, one dram per week is my usual. The other six days I gaze longingly at all the bottles and decide who gets the coveted spot come Friday nite.
gosh dang it, you have such resolve, ‘n self-control. i could hate you (but you know i don’t) ~
Good luck to both you and Rob. Be sure to share your IV drip with him in case he needs it to unfreeze some of that frozen Swedish ground. Guess this leaves more time in the week to read up on Tolle quotes.
Pretty sure there is a near endless supply, B. Thanks for the well wishes. Cheers!
So sad to hear I won’t be getting weekly doses of humor, but…. it is for the betterment of you, and Rob, and it’s needs doing. You are both getting bigger than the blogging space, and I’ll take the sporadic posts with pleasure. 🙂 I think it’s wonderful for both of you… and I hope you don’t ‘think’ too much about what’s going on that you miss the incredible awesomeness that is this new journey/flight plan/rocket ship.
Beautiful words, Alex, both heartfelt and wise. Thank you for them. I’ll keep them close and use them as tiny handwarmers when my fingers remain too idle hovering above my keyboard.
Promise to see you soon. Cheers ❤
Thanks, Alex, and fear not. I have paper and pencils at the ready, so I can leap into artistic action as soon as one of Shelley’s gems wings it way to Sweden 🙂
Just as I catch up it seems that you’ll be off to pastures new and only coming back for an occasional visit! I’ll try very hard not to wail and gnash my teeth but I’m not promising anything. 😀
In all seriousness I kinda guessed this would happen sooner or later – as a somewhat sporadic blogger myself I was always in awe at how meticulously you kept to the weekly schedule. I shall look forward to seeing your blogs as and when they arrive (all I have to do know is work out how to get them on my phone, blimmin thing has changed settings on me, or something, and I don’t know how to get it back. Ho hum, that’s a problem for me to solve another day. In the meantime good luck both of you with your projects – they all sound amazing.
Oh, I meant to add earlier, I asked our local bookshop about ordering Dear Opl. They can’t yet, apparently, but maybe in a few months. No idea why the delay, but I shall keep asking them.
Oh, I’m laughing, Laura. What a boon to one’s ego to think that we are that cared about. Thank you!
And I so hope you’ll be able to work out the whole phone issue. I literally just finished a blog post (I think it’ll be out toward the end of the month) all about our phones. Yes. Frustrating with a capital F.
Lastly, a huge hug of thanks for all your efforts with trying to get a physical copy of the book. Let me know how you get on, because if you’re still not finding any success within a few months, we’ll brainstorm a new plan.
We’ll be in touch soon. Cheers to you!
It doesn’t help that I’ve switched from a Windows phone to a ubiquitous iPhone – this new app doesn’t want to recognise that I follow anyone in the Reader so it just gives me ALL the Freshly Pressed stuff! It took some time to find out a way of bypassing that to find you. Ho hum.
We have a tentative date for a new blog post? Woo hoo – that has cheered me up!
As for the book, I shall don my Deerstalker to track it down – they did say that books not released here took a while to get onto their system. If it doesn’t look like it will ever appear I’ll get back to you and we can hatch a plan! 😀
May the gods of Peace & Quiet shine on your endeavors! I’ll happily watch for any posts that may slip through the chinks of your monk’s cells. And happy writing!
I am so liking the sound of those gods, Melissa. In fact, I promise to brew them up a pot of whatever will warm their benevolent hearts if they promise to kick off their shoes and stay awhile.
See you soon. Cheers!
Hurrah, Shelley and Rob! Sounds like you both have some wonderful projects on the go.
Shelley, I have been going through the same thing lately in trying to figure out where to focus my thoughts…thus my own blog silence lately. I needed to listen and get away from the glare for a while. I will miss your weekly posts, but I look forward to seeing what inspires you when you pop in randomly in future. I am grateful to have found you in this friendly and funny corner of the blogosphere! I wish you joy in your writing. 🙂
Change is good for all of us, right, Sue? It’s invigorating, it’s goal affirming (or adjusting), it’s like putting on a new pair of yoga pants. It’ll take a while to get the feel of it.
Regardless, thank you for your lovely words and friendship. We will be around, just a little more on the quiet side for the foreseeable future. Of course, whilst beavering away on my scripts, I may be spending a few more minutes on your site in the continual pursuit for clearer, more concise, fantastically magnetic writing skills.
See you soon, Sue. Cheers!
I hope that Eckhart Tolle changes his strategy and make you think of us… I quite understand your reasons… and even second them to a point… But I hope that you don´t leave blogland… hence I´ll say I ´ll read you soon …
Note that soon is a relative word… As many farewells are…
Sending love and best wishes. Aquileana 🐉☀️
No, Aquileana, our blogland real estate is safe and secure. It’s still too much fun to up and sell this joint so I think we’ll stick around. You may not see us out in the yard quite as often, but rest assured, we’re probably inside adding a few things to spiff up other spaces.
We shall see you “relatively” soon. 😀
Hi Shelley,
I’m finally catching up after being in an internet black zone for a few days and can totally appreciate and understand where you and Rob are coming from – and going to. I will miss my Sunday Peak Perspective on your world and all it’s charms, but will equally look forward to and appreciate your “no schedule, just random, occasional posts”. And, just like Sue, I am grateful I have found you in this very friendly, very funny corner of the blogosphere!
Cheers and every success to both you and Rob.
Clare
A thousand thank yous, Clare. I can’t imagine what I’d be missing out on without tagging along on your incredible adventure as well. I have thoroughly enjoyed running alongside your RV and looking through your lens. Okay, that sounded a little creepy. But you know what I mean. I am hugely grateful to have found you too. And I don’t plan to have you go missing anytime soon.
Be safe. See you soon! 😉
Thanks Shelly for the heads up on your impending transition. You’re absolutely right that change is good, and most of us will pretend to agree. Separation anxiety aside, best wishes on your journey into the next chapter of your life (sounds exciting yet challenging).
Bon voyage! Do drop us a note on how you are doing as you will surely be missed. We will keep our painbody in check until then.
You bring up a good point, Terry. I wonder how many of us actually pretend that change is good versus embracing the concept and jumping in with both feet? I know that personally, my motto has often been ‘change equals death,’ but I’m doing my damnedest to modify that every once in a while by tipping the snow globe upside down and seeing how the chips fall.
Thank you for the well wishes. Promise to be in touch. Cheers!
Will see you whenever. Take care of your health as well as your contract. ❤
Thank you, Glynis. Wise words as well as warm ones. We’ll see you soon! 🙂
Good luck with all of your endeavors, both of you. I’ll look forward to the every-now-and-again-when-there’s-time posts as much as I do for the weekly ones. Though really, it seems lots of people are taking some time to reschedule and rework their creative lives. Maybe it’s the season. Maybe I’m out of the loop. Maybe I need to switch things up myself. Maybe I should stop drinking four cups of coffee a day.
In any case, I’ll [your posts] later, I suppose. Hope the not schedule allows you to grow even more.
I think the four cups of coffee a day sounds utterly reasonable, NJ–especially because it echos my caffeine requirements as well. No judgement here.
And yes, a solid shake up every once in a while is a refreshing idea – although you’ve got a notably big one coming up. I think that pretty much qualifies as turning your life upside down and seeing where it settles. I’m really excited for you and Alex.
We’ll definitely be in touch, and around, and uber-caffeinated.
Cheers!
Hi Shelley, You and Rob have great plans, and I hope both sets come to fruition to the joy of editors, readers and play-goers. And yourselves of course. As for scaling back and focusing down, I could stand a little of that smeared on my toast with my butter and jam. Perhaps I’ll even do it, once I feel less post-surgery-crappola. Best of luck! Brenda
Love that expression, Brenda–smeared on your toast. Made me laugh.
And so sorry to hear you’re under the weather. I’m hoping that whatever the surgeons found important enough to tinker with will leave you feeling good for another 100,000 miles.
Thank you for all your lovely well wishes. See you soon!
I need some intention jam. 🙂 I hope that the good effects of the surgery start to show themselves soon. I have to remember not to use it much, which is hard for me. I more of a do-er than a sitter-around. XOXO
I’m excited for both of you, but feeling a bit wistful too. I’ve loved the time spent here and without it would never have met you. Congratulations on all that will follow. You’re an amazing writer and an extraordinary soul. Rob has talent to spare in many areas of life. You’ve collaborated beautifully together.
I know, I know, you’ll be back for the occasional post but time marches on, and so it should.
I’ll miss you. Thanks for so many smiles.
I promise to do my utmost to make sure that smile never fully deflates, Alys. You’re one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ people who one does not let slip through their fingers.
Posts, or letters, visits–virtual and veritable. I’ll do my part to make sure we stay tied. ❤
Thank you, Shelley!!!!!!!
I am coming up for a bit of air myself – and had to go hunting for your posts, as I was sure I had missed at least 3 of them, only to find this one. 😦
Waaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!
But I don’t want you to go away! (Says the girl who has published 3 posts on 3 months…)
Seriously though, I’ll miss your words and Rob’s images. xoxo
Promise we’ll be back, Nancy–no worries. We’ve got the next one ready to roll–and nearly another one to follow. But you’ll hardly notice the spaces in between because, like, you know, you’re crazy busy too!
Won’t be long. We’ll see you soon. Keep busy and keep in touch! ❤
Will do, I promise! xoxo
Great blog! Love your images, they are fantastic!
A million thanks, Steven. Super kind of you to say. Rob’s sketches really are the bomb.
Cheers!
Btw…loved your blog too, particularly your whiskey exploits!