[ 5 years and thoughts ]

IT'S incredible to think that this little blog-o-mine has been around for 5 years! It's always during these blogiversaries that I realize how quickly time goes by.

When I started this blog, I was taking my first official step away from my magazine art directing career for good. I was living as an expat in Ireland and I had decided to give up the freelance work I was doing and focus on my newly discovered handbag designing business full-time. No one could have predicted where time would lead me ~ moving to Dubai was certainly never on my radar ~ or that I would have to shelf my handbag business while there due to logistical problems.

Now that my expat days are over, I have to admit moving back to Canada has definitely been an adjustment. I had heard many times that the longer you live away as an expat, the more difficult it is to readjust to life in your home country. I didn't really believe it at the time, but after 7.5 years away and now after almost 8 months being back, I understand what people were talking about. I think it's been less of an issue for my guy ~ he's been so busy with work all along ~ but still, old familiar things have felt foreign and it's been weird discovering the changes that have happened while we've been away ~ new plastic-feeling currency, no more pennies, tv shows and movies we had never heard of, cities exploding in size with new neighbourhoods, new stores, a new stat holiday in February...etc.  My brain forgets to readjust all the lingo from overseas to local lingo like pants, pop, gas, cab, cell, loonie, etc. And I've had to remind myself that this is not just another visit and I don't need to stock up on items I can't find overseas to load up my suitcases, our house is really ours and not just another rental and it's ok for me to change whatever I want.

But the biggest adjustment? I can pursue whatever I want now. I think this has had me the most stumped of all. Do I revive my handbag business or start something new? Do I go back to my old career or savour not working in an office? Do I take a course? Do I start a new hobby? What about my blog? Being an expat gave me plenty to blog about while I explored new places, new cultures, new hobbies. Now that I'm back, finding topics to blog about have felt dull and uninspired ~ hence the sporadic posts ~ and I've felt a bit like I've been floating about, unsure as to where I'm headed. I'm sure I'll eventually figure it out. I know that everyone goes through blips like this so it's nothing new. But for now, thanks for so patiently sticking around and for still popping in to see what's new. I'll try to say 'hello' a little more often! xo

lisa

[via houseofturquoise]

[ 4th blogiversary! ]

CAN YOU believe my blog is already 4 years old? Gosh, how time flies!

When I think back to when I started this blog 4 years ago, I can't believe how different blogland was back then ~ a buzzing, vibrant community filled with ideas, conversation and inspiration. With the explosion of Pinterest, blogs are no longer the main place to get inspiration for decor or DIY. Many of my regular stops have packed it in, in favour of Instagram to share up-to-the-minute goings on of everyday life ~ so much quicker than putting together a blog post when life gets busy.

The thing I have loved about blogs is the discussion, the support and the sharing ~ getting to know the person behind the pretty pictures, feeling a connection. Does Pinterest do that? No. Instagram? Not really ~ after all, you can only say so much with a pic and for that reason, I haven't joined in. I feel like the interaction has become disconnected in many ways and I have to say that I miss the good ol' days.

I've made some lovely connections through my blog and my heartfelt thanks to those of you who still visit me regularly ~ your comments and emails are what keep me going and I truly love the friends I've made, this blog bringing us together. And I'm grateful that many of my absolute faves are still around, those whose blogs were always on a more personal level than just a stop for a pretty picture fix. I wish more of them would come back.

So what will this year bring? Well, I can't be sure. But for now, I'll continue to be here ~ and I hope you'll continue to pop by and say 'hello'. Big hugs!

lisa

[ 1...2...3! ]

IT'S HARD to believe that today is my 3 year blogiversary! Doesn't time fly by?

When I started this blog in 2010, I had no idea where things would go. Or for how long. Who knew that blogging would be so much fun, that I'd "meet" such lovely people from all over the world and that it would become such a big part of my life!

My heartfelt thanks to all of you for following along and for all of your amazing support and sweet comments. You are what makes this worthwhile. And as long as you're there, I'll be here! xo

lisa

[sexyqueen.tumblr.com]

[ 2 year blogiversary! ]

SO, 2 YEARS ago today I started this blog {read my first post here}. I had no idea what I was doing, if anyone would read it, how it would evolve or if I would even keep it up. I was embarking on a new chapter in my life, having shelved my magazine career. I was determined to look forward, pursue other interests and live a happier life.

And so I created my first post. And then another. I soon discovered that blogging would become a bit of a scrapbook for me ~ to share decorating ideas, travel photos, recipes, diy projects, all the things that I was about. And eventually, something happened along the way... I started to love it.

Over the past 2 years, I have made some wonderful blogging friends. Full of encouragement, laughs and generous compliments. So many people still look at me blankly when I say that I have a blog and just don't "get it", but that's ok. Posting that first post was the best thing I could have done. I took a leap and it opened up a whole new world of friends, inspiration, positivity and joy.

Thanks for sticking around and becoming such wonderful friends. Bopping around as an expat isn't easy but all of you have made it a little easier and I've come to depend on you for your support, kind words and just being there. I truly appreciate each and every one of you. Here's to another year of fun posts!

lisa

[shakti space designs]