Hey everyone, long time no see.
In case you were wondering where I’ve been lately, I didn’t fall off the planet or join the circus or move to Mongolia.
I wasn’t abducted by aliens and I didn’t get amnesia.
Or did I? I honestly can’t remember.
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Here’s what I do know–
I didn’t fall off the planet but I have fallen off the blogging planet the past few months. Is five a few? Anyway, I’d like to say it was an intentional hiatus and that I had concrete plans to take control of my blogging destiny. But that would be a lie because frankly, I’m not that organized. Regardless, I did get some big and important things done such as:
- moving my blog to WordPress (finally!).
- learning how to use WordPress (still).
- learning to monetize my blog so I can finally justify all the time it takes.
- collaborating with some awesome bloggers on a few big projects (Essential Oils Summit, anyone?).
- taking over a room in the house for my office/photo studio.
I didn’t join the circus but I didn’t have to. Summer vacation with three teenage boys (none of whom can drive yet) is a circus we enjoy from the comfort of our own home. And instead of elephants and lions we have dogs, cats, chickens and bees.
Oh and did I mention the three teenage boys? Two of them are homeschooling this year so the circus will be in town for a while.
I didn’t move to Mongolia although there were plenty of days when I considered it. Instead I decided to take over the front room of the house and turn it into my office. If you work from home you need a dedicated office. Period. The kitchen table doesn’t count.
Moving my office into the front room of my house was such a pain that I nixed the Mongolia idea entirely. I have too much blogging crap to move across the living room let alone the planet. The front room will do just fine.
It’s a work in progress as you can see, but allowing myself a real office is a game-changer and I am grateful for it. That said, getting a door installed is now my entire bucket list.
Okay, okay, getting my office a proper “after” photo that I can post all over Instagram is on there too.
What’s that front room called anyway? The sitting room?
Well, now it’s called “mom’s office” but more sitting happens here than ever did before. I sit in front of my computer all day and think about talking to you people. Then I think about organizing my new office and actually putting things on the walls. Then I get distracted by funny cat videos on Facebook. True story.
I wasn’t abducted by aliens although that might be a nice vacation from my crazy life. If the alien’s home planet has a pool and a day spa, I’m in!
We did manage to squeeze in a camping trip to Fish Lake National Forest in southern Utah. Farm kid #3 has recently discovered fishing and. is. obsessed. I had one of the best meals of my life on this trip, with rainbow trout provided by my sons and expert grilling provided by my amazing husband.
These guys almost make me enjoy camping. Almost.
Fish Lake National Forest is HUGE and it has, not just the namesake lake, but a lot of other lakes too. There’s great camping, hiking and fishing (obviously) and it’s wonderfully uncrowded unlike it’s close neighbor to the south, Zion National Park. If you’re ever in the area, you should stop by.
I didn’t get amnesia but I did kinda forget why I started blogging in the first place. I lost my passion a bit this year and while I had lots of post ideas, I couldn’t seem to motivate myself to write very much.
Then, to make matters worse, the FDA recently decided to slam the essential oil industry into submission. No one has been more affected by Big Brother FDA then bloggers like me who talk a lot about the benefits and uses of essential oils. I’ve spent sooo much time redoing posts in order to get them “compliant” and it sort of took the wind out of my already sagging sails. (cue violins)
One thing I know for sure is that we can only grow through change. The bigger the change, the bigger the growth. But here’s the thing: most people avoid change at all cost and in the process, avoid growth too.
I sometimes (okay, usually) complain when change is forced upon me but I’m always grateful in the end for the growth and clarity that came with it. This time is no exception.
There’s been a lot of changes in my business the past 6 months and while my posting schedule has suffered, the growth is beginning to show it’s beautiful face. I feel energized and motivated and excited for the future of my blog and my business.
And mostly I feel grateful to all of you, my fabulous readers, who have stuck by me and encouraged me and kept me going. The Fabulous Farm Girl community is AMAZING and I feel blessed everyday that you allow me to be a small part of your lives.
I have a Post-It note on my computer that says:
Hippychickee says
I have moved this summer! My oldest son had his first baby September of 2014, (so I am a new gramma) and I told my husband that it was time to move back home (Arkansas). We lived in Wyoming for six years, but moved away from Arkansas 11 years ago. So it was time. So, this summer I moved, bought a house and am so happy to be near my kids, and now, grandchild again!
Cheryl says
Grandkids are such a blessing, we have 4 grandsons. 9 , 6, 3, and 2. Enjoy~
Cheryl says
I have enjoyed our wonderful family, hubby, 2 great kids that are married to super spouses and they each have 2 boys. (We call them the fabulous 4), our grandsons! Brayden, Bryce, Blake and Brock, couldn’t be more blessed!
I lost my mom a year ago and helping with the care of my dad that has Parkinson’s has been an adjustment for all of us but its our story and we choose to make it a happy one.
Thank you for all you do to help us through the crazy and wonderful days!
Karen C says
The best thing that happened to me this summer is my daughter moving back to Texas. She had only been gone 2 years, but seemed like 20!
Deb at Counting My Chickens says
Love the office. My summer project was going to be get my office organized (and write my novel). Of course, that didn’t happen! (And the novel didn’t get written, either.)
Leah says
I hear ya Deb! No worries, there’s still time. I say focus on the novel and then when it becomes a best seller and you’re rich and famous, you can hire someone to organize your office. Have a great day!
–Leah
Renee@Two in the Kitchen says
Glad you enjoyed your summer with the boys Leah! And no, you are not allowed to even consider quitting with blogging. You are too good at it and you always make me laugh! 😉 Besides, you introducing me to essential oils has changed my life in many ways so screw the FDA and keep trekking on girl!! 🙂
Lisa @ Fun Money Mom says
It sounds like you’ve been pretty busy! I also made the switch to WordPress a few months ago and it was a lot of work, but definitely worth it! Good luck with everything!
Visiting from Saturday Sharefest
BritishMumUSA says
Oh my I do the same thing. Live in the midwest and we have to seize the moment with out door activities. So I take the summer off, to enjoy and live…..
I puffy heart “WordPress” Have fun tooling around it….
xoxoxo
Leah says
Thanks for the encouragement and good to know I’m not the one who took a needed break this summer. I’m definitely still learning WP but it’s getting easier so there’s hope (except my new office is still a mess!). Oh well. 🙂