As longtime readers know, my life fell apart over a year ago when Felix was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease and we spent the next five months living in the hospital with him.
My blog kind of fell apart, too. Or at least, it was transformed into something completely different. Instead of being a home for essays on gentle parenting or do-it-yourself body care, it became a place where I could keep friends and family up-to-date on Felix’s treatments and progress. It became a place for me to wrestle with my shock and grief and anxiety, a place where I could feel heard.
Slowly, life is returning to normal. We’re at home. Felix is recovering. I’m doing normal things like cooking and researching educational activities for Lydia and experimenting with homemade makeup.
So, naturally, my blog is starting to change again, too.
I still plan to keep friends and family apprised of Felix’s situation on the blog as he continues (hopefully) to improve. Many of you only started following this blog in order to keep up with the latest news on Felix. And those who’d been reading for years after searching for a deodorant recipe or tips on going shampoo-free got caught up in Felix’s story, too. You have grieved with me, worried with me, prayed with me, and rejoiced with me. You’re all my friends now. You care how Felix is doing. So you want to stay updated.
(At least, I know that when I follow a blog that touches on the author’s real life, I become invested in their story. I want them to keep me updated on their kids.)
But I also want to keep blogging about other things. I’m still excited about topics like radical nonviolence, peaceful parenting, creation care, de-consumption, frugality, and health/wellness. I think these things are all connected, and I love to explore these connections, especially as they relate to my faith in Jesus.
But they’re also kind of disparate, too. And not really related to Felix all that much. This blog has become a weird mishmash or different parts of my life and interests.
I need to completely rewrite my About page. I would love to give this whole blog a makeover, and find a way to tie all my various topics together in a cohesive way. But I don’t really have the time or energy right now. I hardly even have the time or energy to create new content.
So . . . I guess what I’m saying is, this blog will probably continue to be scattered and disconnected and kinda shabby. At least for a while. But I’m going to stick with it.
I hope that’s okay. Thanks for sticking around.
TOTALLY okay! Isn’t that Life tho’? It’s all easy to want that streamlined beauty featured in the magazines (or on ‘lifestyle blogs’), but that’s not where the sweetness is hidden (hint… it’s in the messy in-betweens).
I’m here because you’re a Mennonite Nerdy-Girl who likes books and Loves her babies and husband and gardening and Peace and onward. I’m very privileged that you’ve allowed me into your world to see your family’s joy at having children after your struggle and the heartache of having a sick little boy. There have been many prayers sent, and they will continue to be sent — along with Thanks for the Blessings that God has bestowed upon your family.
I’m here because I value you (a person I’ve never even met IRL) and your perspective and will continue to be, as long as I am welcomed into this space — no matter whatever form it takes. Peace and Blessings to you!
Thanks so much, PepperReed. I appreciate having you as a part of this community! Thank you so much for sticking around!
Kathleen,
Don’t think about changing it up. You divide your posts nicely in the categories on the menu. It’s so nice to just read what you have to say, misson statement be darned!
Thanks, Jacqueline. It’s just that blogs are “supposed” to have a cohesive theme. Sometimes I feel like I’m blogging “wrong.” I so appreciate your support!
It’s funny, the same exact thing happened to my blog. It started off being about Christian marriage, then morphed into being mostly about faith, then changed again into baby-central and all about Cody. Then there are other interests that I write about when I have time. I just decided that it’s okay, and embraced it! It’s a blog about my life, and my life has many different facets. I enjoy your blog for all that it is, and I hope you keep it up for a long time!
Heather recently posted..Happy 15 Months Birthday, Cody!
Glad you’re going to stick with it…you drew me in with your “no poo” posts and I’ve been hooked ever since. I like to learn and get ideas from people, so thanks! And so, so thrilled for how Felix is doing.
I’ve always loved your thoughtful exploration of the topics you care about (everything you listed above is of interest to me) but have also really appreciated the updates on Felix and your honesty as you’ve navigated the issues around his health. Please keep those scattered posts coming, I like them all! I’d hate to see you edit out any of the content to streamline your blog. Thanks for all the time you put into it :)
It is clear this journey has been a big upset in your daily peace, but if you look at your url and your subhead Felix really fits right in. Why can’t his journey just fall in with the rest? His journey is no different than Lydia’s and she was nestled right in with your blog right before. If there is anything that can be understood about having two children is that they DO NOT go together at all. My children are 15 months apart and it never fails that if one says banana the other says olive. His story is about being peculiar and there is not reason you won’t approach raising him with the same hopes you have for Lydia. You already found Nori as a paper alternative. If that isn’t a typical post I don’t know what is. Sometimes when we are in the thick of it nothing seems right, but I think it all seems FABULOUS! So hang in there.
Thanks so much for your perspective, Tina! I guess Felix has had a peculiar start to life — I’d never thought of it that way. Thanks for your support and encouragement.
This is perfect.
I am really excited that you are going to keep up your blog. I’ve been reading for over 3 years now and have always loved your thoughts on various topics, and of course I am very interested in hearing about Felix and your personal life. Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s all great and I want to keep reading anything you put out there.
Thank you so much, Grace! It means so much.
Just keep going. I love reading your blog. I have picked up so many good book leads from you.
Thanks, Meg! So glad to hear it.
I originally found your blog some years back after I googled “homemade deodorant” or something of the like. I’ve found the blog very interesting, including the parenting stuff and I don’t even have kids!
Then when everything happened with Felix, I was so reeled into that and prayed so much and felt invested even though we’ve never met! So, just know that all different kinds of people come here to see what sort of tidbits you have to share. I love the “what I’m into” posts too. I’m always going to the library and enjoy seeing what others have enjoyed and recommend (or don’t recommend!)
Keep on keeping on!
THanks so much for the prayers and support!
Are you kidding? I LOVE all this blogpost diversity! I’ve been reading for years, tried no-poo, discovered the Life-Changing Magic of folding one’s clothes, have cried and prayed for you and Felix and your family, and have rejoiced in it all.
When it comes to writing (especially writing about your life), it’s the journey itself that’s fascinating.
Thank you for providing us with a compelling home on the internet! :)
Awww, thanks Elyse! Thanks for being a devoted supporter through it all.
I don’t know how I ever found your blog, but I’ve read it for a couple years and will continue! I don’t mind the mish-mash :) I’m so glad Felix is doing well. Thanks for keeping us posted!
My heart sank when I read your post title, but feeling better after reading through. Count me in with the crowd that loves your updates, regardless of the topic.
Life is scattered and disconnected and shabby. I always look forward to your posts. I’m glad you’ll be hanging around for awhile.
:: off to learn more about radical nonviolence ::
hi Kathleen! I have been a devoted reader for a while now. I think what o have always appreciated and liked about your blog is how genuine and authentic you are. I am so glad that you will continue writing and sharing your thoughts on a variety of topics. life is complex and it makes sense that your blog will reflect that. honestly, you help so many. may God continue to bless you and your family. im so happy things are going better for Felix :-) :-) :-)
I’m late to reading this post, but add me to the list of long time followers who love this blog the way it is! Sounds like the have lots of awesome ideas for the future, but thought I’d mention I’d especially like to hear more about Lydia’s days and if/how you incorporate learning into them. Anyway, please keep writing and don’t feel like you have to change anything – I like all the different topics!
Hi Kathleen,
I stumbled across your blog while searching for ideas for my own blog. I am a 40-year-old stay at home mom and part-time student. I graduate in the spring and one of my classes this semester is a blogging class. I wanted to pursue a minimalism angle, but one of my “why’s” for minimalism is to increase my relationship with God. When I searched on these criteria, your blog was listed.
Thank you for sharing your story and being so up front about your Christianity. It is refreshing and it inspires me to remember my “why”. I know this is an old post, and from reading your blog, you may not have time to even read this comment, but I couldn’t let the rawness and honesty of this post go unnoticed.
Thank you!
Jackie Thompson
@ClutterMama