i'm ba-a-ack!

where's a girl to start when she hasn't blogged in, eh...3 months?

well...i guess we'll start with where i've been.

most of you know i've been battling the ugly-eyed mono since april.

i was doing so well and had a nasty relapse in july (when i last posted), at which point i said "something has got to go!!"  and while i was so sad for it to be the blog, it was the most obvious choice...i.e. i couldn't quit my job or sleep anymore than i already was or take a hiatus from being a wife or friend (who would want to do that anyway?!).

the good news is is that i am healed.  truly, healed.

(that is a story for another day.)

and i feel GREAT, feel like we're really settling into life in charleston, building community (i've even roped jeff into hosting a murder mystery dinner at our house for halloween!).  we've taken up kayaking and are embracing the maritime life this city offers.  i can work an entire day and not need a nap before dinner, am back to running and have even jumped on the barre exercise craze.

so, what's taken me so long to turn my computer on?

well.  i'm going to step in the honesty box real quick and admit that the longer i stayed away the more intimidated i became.  what i mean is, i started comparing myself to all of these beautiful, creative, talented, super successful bloggers who's homes are perfectly put together, have gourmet meals on the table every night, are dressed head to toe in every hip trend for the season, exercise five days a week, avoid carbs and sugar AND iron their husbands white shirts...and i spiraled.  i told myself i couldn't do it, i couldn't keep up.  and the more i told myself these things, the more i believed them.  

we women, we're really hard on ourselves.  aren't we?  because when i'm really honest and not off my emotional rocker, i know that these seemingly perfect bloggers, or the girl at barre that is crushing it and not breaking a sweat, or the girl that is out selling me, or the one that has the latest "this" and the newest "that" are just trying to get by and she feels the exact same way...inadequate.  

oh, but we have it all wrong, my friends!

i am thankful to have been reminded of this truth.

and reminded that "the Lord God is a sun and shield;  the Lord bestows favor and honor;  no good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly" (psalm 84:11).  no good thing is withheld from us...nothing!  which means our current circumstances, no matter how difficult or painful or seemingly inadequate are the very best for each of us right. now.  and that is quite significant.  you are quite significant.

and so i'm back in the game! 

and what better time than my favorite month, october?! 

probably not daily, but a few times a week with regular programming...fashion, interiors, and recipes, but this time we're going to include more of the emotional banter that goes on in this little head.  can you dig it?

thanks for all of the encouragement to get back to it.  

and for your patience as i work it out...isn't that what it's all about anyway?

i'll be back tomorrow with my favorite fall surcee! : )