Lately, I haven’t been online much. With a 7-month old who doesn’t like the computer and is constantly in motion, my hands are very busy! We’ve also taken some intentional time to experiment with being more unplugged than usual. It’s been good. We’ve been soaking up every last bit of the beautiful fall weather with long walks. We’ve cast footprints, planted garlic, climbed trees, shot arrows, read books. There’s been knitting, spinning, sewing, tinkering, letter writing, visiting, and a new resident quail who ended up in a cage in the kids’ room, rather than on my dinner plate. Reflecting on this past year, it’s been something of a blur, so I welcome the transition as we drift gently into the quiet season. In all of this, blogging has been at the back of my mind. I’ve blogged here for quite a long time, so it’s hard now to write what I know will be my last post here. I’ve come to the inevitable conclusion that it’s time, for now, to make some space, for the fullness of life, and for other reasons that I’m finding difficult to articulate. I’d hoped to make some clearer decisions about where to go with blogging before posting this farewell. I thought maybe this one would morph naturally into something new, and there are things I’ve been wanting to write about, but it hasn’t happened like that yet, and so it’s time to take a step back.
It’s interesting what happens, blogging. For me, it started out as a homeschool journal that I just put out there. It was a scrap book, and a creative outlet, and I enjoyed writing each and every post. The blog changed a lot over the years, and that funny thing that is now part of our digital world began to take place- I made connections with you, my readers. We visited each other’s blogs, and left comments to greet, encourage, relate... I’ve always kept my blog relatively anonymous, and so felt both connected and disconnected- the odd paradox that is our virtual lives. Given the choice, I would rather write you a personal letter; send you some photos of my beautiful children (they really are beautiful!); make you a cup of coffee and share a visit at my kitchen table. Sometimes I think I am too much a Luddite, and will be left in the dust by my children’s generation. The funny thing is, I’m more and more okay with that all the time.
As I was writing this last post, the season’s first snow began to fall. I held the baby at the window in the kitchen, and he looked out intently with his big blue eyes. Seeing the wonder in his sweet little face, as his brothers burst out the door to meet the change of seasons head-on, I felt reassured and grateful for nature’s gentle nudge towards this quiet season.
Love and blessings. Thanks for spending this time with me.
7 comments:
Leah, thank you for all you've shared here. You've been an inspiration to me with your thoughtful perspective and practical instruction. I have very mixed feelings about the blog medium, too. Blessings on your path as you move forward. These photos are just gorgeous.
I wondered if this was the reason for your absence from posting. I am disappointed, but I certainly do understand! I would imagine that after another year or so, I will want to leave off blogging, too. It is already starting to feel like too much of a time suck. This is why I deleted my Facebook account. I'd rather live real life, when it comes down to it, than talk about living!
But I can't deny that blogging has brought me many unexpected blessings in the way of new friends. I hope this doesn't mean I have to lose touch with you. Would you like a new pen-friend? :)
As for being a Luddite...I am in that club too!
This is bittersweet, inspirational and deep. I am feeling rather similarly as of late and loved talking to you in real life (imagine that!) about it all.
Lucky for me, I do get to sit at your kitchen table and share coffee and ideas with you while our kids run around.
Some days I really feel like a digital immigrant and my kids are the digital natives. Navigating this new world feels tricky to me sometimes and I often crave more of a sense of connection. Thanks for being this very connection!
Perhaps being that we are Saskatchewan neighbours, I can take you up on that cup of coffee some day. Good for you for unplugging. That quiet is definite missing in most of our lives.
Hugs, --Shanon
Leah,
Thank you for sharing. I have been reading your blog and admiring your life with your family. I hope one day I too will have such a tranquil country life.
You seem like an excellent person with her priorities in all the right places. Good for you for extracting yourself from time consuming internet. I have three little children as well and know that spending time with them is much more fulfilling then endless internet reading.
I am from Ontario, so I can't join you for coffee but I would if I was closer. Continue enjoying your life.
Best Wishes.
So sad (for me!), I just found your blog this year and have really enjoyed your writing. Funny, I often had the urge to contact you and invite myself out for a coffee! I envy your lifestyle and am striving to get a little closer to where you are. It's a struggle though. Thanks for sharing!
-J from Winnipeg
I just read this today at work (don't tell the boss, 'kay?) and I kind of felt like I was hit in the stomach...because I'll miss you and because I've been thinking much the same way. Enjoy your family and your home and everything. And if you're ever down this way...
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