A year ago around this very time I was making decisions that would impact my life, though I was not entirely aware of the repercussions. What I thought was a break turned into a BREAK.
It has been an interesting journey to say the least, this leaving one job and pursuing a new dream, and it is scary at times, but I trust in myself and my gut and all will work out. as it should.
My article was published in the Globe and Mail this morning. There is no online link to the article yet, though if you have an e-reader, you can buy the newspaper in the store and read it that way. It can be found in the Facts and Arguments section. As soon as I can link it here I will!
So I continue on the journey and continue to pursue connections and actions that I can bring joy to. For really, if we aren't about creating goodness for ourselves and others, in whatever form that manifests in your life, what are we about?
I have been thinking about clothing and shopping in general lately.
I only received one article of clothing for the holidays (save a beautiful silk scarf from a friend!) and it was perfect for me: a lovely rich berry-coloured White and Warren cashmere cardigan:
It is luxuriously soft and best yet, was purchased for a song. It goes well with other things in my closet and I have decided that in the end, shades of berries are my favourites: blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries....
And besides the sweater that Barry will give me for my birthday which was purchased long ago, this is it. For a long while.
We all get "shopped out" around the holidays I think, regardless of how little we purchase. Over the past year, I have purchased clothing that fit my new, non-corporate life. But I found a cycle developing: each purge would somehow give me "permission" to purchase something else for my new lifestyle.
Shopping when necessary is fun. But I have become increasingly uncomfortable with shopping as a recreational activity, whether it is clothing or something else. I need nothing. So in 2014 I will shop my closet. I will not pop into store to "see" or visit sites online.
This year, I will continue to focus on making me a better me and to do that, I need to remove those kinds of distractions. I hope you will continue to come along for the ride and I will enjoy and delight in others' purchases, but for me, the no-shopping will be a wonderful thing. Balance is everything and I think of this as a recalibration...
Anyone else considering taking a true break from shopping?
****
In the meantime, I think I may have to switch into furs and winter whites solely - we had another dump of about 30 cm last night and I have gone from living in Narnia to living in Russia during the revolution a la Dr. Zhivago. I am imagining myself as Julie Christie, waiting, waiting, waiting for Omar Sharif to arrive.
I mean seriously - this is now bordering on the ridiculous...
The following should be sung as pathetically as you can muster...
Somewhere, my love, there will be songs to sing
Although the snow covers the hopes of Spring
Somewhere a hill blossoms in green and gold
And there are dreams, all that your heart can hold
Someday we'll meet again, my love
Someday whenever the Spring breaks through
Although the snow covers the hopes of Spring
Somewhere a hill blossoms in green and gold
And there are dreams, all that your heart can hold
Someday we'll meet again, my love
Someday whenever the Spring breaks through
If we get more snow we will have to officially close the pass and I will be stuck up on the Mountain for the rest of the winter with the Pontipee Brothers in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers....
Oh never mind. This is a good day. First day as a published author. Managed to slip it in within year 1. Am feeling quite Dorothy Gale-ish this morning and know what my Mother especially would be loving this...is loving this...
I like to think of myself as an object lesson: it is never too late and the dreams that you dare to dream really can come true..
Have a most happy day and stay safe out there!
UPDATE!!! It's now online (thanks Shopping Celle for letting me know as it wasn't on this a.m.!)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/facts-and-arguments/i-was-holding-my-dying-fathers-hand-when-my-blackberry-buzzed-i-answered-it/article16125073/
Best of luck to you in the no-shopping adventure! I do not think I am likely to cut myself off entirely, but my consumption has *drastically* decreased since leaving N. America. The post I have scheduled for tomorrow notes that another post will be forthcoming about why it is that we buy buy buy and what are the factors that promote that and inhibit it -- my own experience leads me to believe that very much of it is environmental and it is something I am trying to puzzle out because it is very interesting (and relevant) to me. I love the W & W cardigan on you -- it looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteAck! I meant to say first and foremost, CONGRATS ON THE ARTICLE!!!! That is WONDERFUL!
Deleteha! No worries Michelle - I knew you were congratulating me in your head!!!!! Can't wait for your posts!!! I realized that I was buying things that I loved in the moment! Have decided in future I will do a 3 week thing before buying - it I still want it after 21 days I will consider - will alleviate the impulses!
DeleteCant wait for the link Wendy!! How exciting:))
ReplyDeleteI only shop big twice a year and actually my new resolution for 2014 is no schmatty. If it's not an item i can see myself wearing for a decade then no! I won't even enter H&M Primark Zara this year. No sirree. I have more than I know what to do with and having lived in the same rotation of clothes the last several months I realize so much from this. Although I love looking at everyone else's shopping bags!
Naomi, "no schmatty" that's hilarious!
DeleteNaomi - I am with you!!! The things I loved the best that I bought this past year were the white and warren cashmere cardigans I bought - they are amazing quality and so soft....Worth their weight in gold.
DeleteCongratulations baby! So proud of my girl. Looking forward to the link...you may have to just post it here, are you allowed to do that? Anyway, Shopping has slowed but the new season will be rolling out soon and that is always a toughie. My goal is not to buy anything until 1) I go through all my winter/fall purge and 2) get out spring/summer items to evaluate. I do seem to purchase the pretty only to then realize I have roughly the same damn thing already. Your snow is killing me. of course we are having a hard time getting rid of our rain but wow, that's a lot of snow.
ReplyDeleteI will write to the editor, but I believe I am only allowed to link. I won't buy till we are in Florida and even then, anticipate getting little (I hope!)
DeleteThanks for the good and kind words!!! They are much appreciated!
Oh and it started F^&%$ing snowing again!!!! and more to come on Friday!!!!!!! I think I am moving to Tennessee!!
I am really happy for you, that is fantastic!! I look forward to reading it if you would like to post the link.
ReplyDeleteI'm not ready to quit shopping, although I don't exactly want to shop either if that makes sense. I am ready to get rid of a lot of older things, though. I am quite a clothing (and purse)(and shoe) hoarder (mine and boxes of my mom's) and need (and want) to let go of a lot. I'm already doing it but I need to kick it up. I found a new consignment store recently and my things seem to be selling well there. It's good to have someplace where I can get some money back on my mistakes! :)
Cate - I hear you! I would love to be more judicious and am hoping the cold turkey for a couple of months will be the ticket to get me back on track!!!!! I just mailed an item back to J Crew! I am trying to be super good!
DeleteCongratulations on your article! I have been reading your blog for over a year now and it always brings me joy. You have such a great outlook on life. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Robin! That is so kind!!!! I am excited for you all to get to read the article!
DeleteWell Wendy, published authoress, what do you think I did as soon as I woke up this morning? Yes read your article in the Globe and Mail! It's amazing! I loved it and it gave me chills! Congratulations my friend! I'm going to be telling everybody I see today about your article.
ReplyDeleteWow that is so much snow, don't lose Indy in it. How does she like the snow? When I lived in NB for that short period of time we had a winter with SO much snow, I couldn't believe it, I'd never seen so much in my life.
That cardigan is stunning on you, those really are your colours. They light up your beautiful complexion perfectly. And a break from shopping: I love it! There is a blog titled "Twisted Skirt" you can link to from my blog list written by Kate, she is a fashion stylist and writer who is taking a year long break from shopping, I recommend her recent post. She has an interesting take on it and is so immersed in that world (which has sickened her with the High St. junk, poor quality, and blink-and-you'll-miss-them cycles that consumers try to keep up with). I bought a few things around Christmas with the sales (something from Brora and something from Tory Burch) and I doubt I'll buy anything else for some time. I'm so picky it's hard finding things anyway... I'll be interested to see how your year progresses with it for sure!
Have a great day Wendy.
Thanks Dani! I may be the hit of your neck of the woods!!!
DeleteI haven't bought much this fall, but it still seemed like too much to me, so this will be a good opportunity to really rethink how and when I shop! I am off to go look up that blog post - it sounds awesome! Your new purchases are amazing - the thing is to only have things that make you look fantastic, regardless of weight!
Wendy so wonderful, I thought about today and went looking but they don't link to all the articles in lots of papers, fingers crossed though for yours.
ReplyDeleteI am checking on how to link ASAP. Barry gets the paper on line, but I don't think there is a link there, it is just their app.
DeleteArticle! Article!
ReplyDeletewell, I'll have to wait for the link.
I've managed to switch from shopping to shop/return, and the next effort will be to do that less. I'm better when I try to improve in stages.
Fred - I am like you! I moved on to shop/return midway through the year and bought significantly less. Now I would like it to be cold turkey and force myself to love all that I have!
DeleteWendy, huge congratulations from one writer (still aspiring to be published) to another! I hope you can post the link -- looking forward to reading what I'm sure will be the first of many wonderful Wendy reads! I'll be checking in here regularly to see what's new on your blog, shopping or not -- I so enjoy your eloquent, musical way with words. As for shopping, I aspire to have your fortitude (especially because every time I pull a J. Crew sweater or tee out I find a new hole and am reminded of their declining quality). I do need a few new spring things, but one of my resolutions is to delete an item from my closet for each new thing that I bring in.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year -- and I'm with BlueBooby (a fellow Southerner) in envying that snow!! I cannot imagine what Atlanta would do with 20% of the snow you've got -- but I can promise you it would be comical!
thanks for the kind words! My musical way with words - oh my - I cannot sing a note, though Tabs told me once my voice had a lilting quality (though I did pay her to say so!).
DeleteMy fortitude will be surely tested, but I believe that I can do 60 days. Can't I? She said, suddenly feeling like a caged animal... :-)
Oh and ps - if you ever want to talk about writing offline would love it! sydforry@hotmail.com
DeleteCongratulations!!!!! Could not bring up this section of that paper so will await the link. What are you doing to celebrate? The drying out may have to wait...
ReplyDeleteThose berry colors are truly yours; brings out the pink. I am trying not to buy much; I have finished getting rid of things that are too big ( I "shrank" this past year--all that extra time to exercise).
All you snow envy-ers-- another foot coming Thursday after yesterday's bounty. Getting a bit much.
Lane - I am coming to sign up for the Lane cure! I have gained 8 punds despite exercise - too much asstime writing, so am adding more stuff to get it all off!!!!
DeleteWhen I saw the snowfall warning for later in the week I could have cried. This is incredible - the snow on either side of our walkway is higher than my waist...
No drying out till the 5th, its the law in Scotland!
Deleteyou need to stay pickled to forget the resolutions...
DeleteTabitha, is it the Morning After The Morning After Hogmanay? Or the First Hogtuesday After Hogmonday?
DeleteWendy, so proud of you! I can't wait to read the article. And from one writer to another, welcome to the ranks of the published, though you are bound to garner more fame than this humble academic. It is so joyful to watch you live your dream. I can only pray we are blessed with more of your words!
ReplyDeleteI hear you on the shopping. I have bought quite a bit with the sales, and have run out of hangers in the closet I share with my husband. I love everything I have, and have a few sewing projects in the pipeline, so I have to slow down, but sometimes the allure of the new helps me cope with some stressors. I think stopping the "just to see" pop ins at shops and sites might help. I am going to try that! And congrats again. We are all in awe of your accomplishments.
oh I am definitely I need this because I am a) bored b) stressed c) chubby d) destined for greatness and must be ready kind of shopper so I hear you!!!
DeleteThanks for the kind words - they mean so much!
Three cheers, Wendy! I just finished the luxury of reading all three of our (old-fashioned) delivered papers...and the G&M was last this morning...and there on the last page was you! At least, I was pretty sure it was you. I found the article both moving & inspiring and thank you for sharing such a deeply personal & profound event. Oh, and the berries are absolutely perfect on you! I wish you a very berry New Year (sorry, that was a true groaner - things have been silly around here).
ReplyDeleteThanks Rebecca - was indeed me!!!! I was shocked at how much space they gave it and I loved the illustration! I did feel a bit like I was standing naked out in front of the world, but I always think that you can only write a) what is true and b) what might help someone else (even if that help is pure entertainment!) Thanks and Berry new year to you as well!
DeleteI think you will have nudged a lot of people in a very positive direction....especially this time of year with resolutions and all that. So, naked suits you, my dear! Ditto on the illustration!
DeleteCongrats on the article! I have the Globe and Mail app on my iPad and just searched for your name on their site. Well done!
ReplyDeletethanks Rose!
DeleteOh, and I hate to throw temptation in the way, but just in case anyone is interested... the Brora Winter Sale online starts on 3 January...
ReplyDeletelalalalalalalalalalalala!!! Can you see I have my hands over my ears!!!! If I would stop buying clothes I could FLY over to see Victoria myself and introduce myself as Dani's manager and immediately begin to negotiate her contract!
DeleteLalalalala! you are so funny!
DeleteWhy don't you start a little travel account, whereby you pop in the moula you'd have spent when you feel sorely tempted...it would be interesting to see the quarterly accumulation. I may actually try that myself!
Congratulations on your article Wendy! That is quite an accomplishment to achieve in year one. I look forward to see what you get up to next year.
ReplyDeleteWe got more snow yesterday too and in the country it is piled up everywhere thanks to the snow plows, ours included. I just hope we don't have another flood when it melts in spring.
I can't possibly be on a shopping ban for 2014 as I expect I won't be able to wear all my pre-pregnancy clothing and may need to make some adjustments but that is fine with me. I look forward to motherhood and shopping for the little ones, that should be a fun change.
xoxo - I hear you - you will NEED to shop - which is different than my recreational attention to shopping!!! I am looking forward to excitement in your world especially! Who knows - we may even catch up in person if I can get out to Alberta to see my brother in Jasper!
DeleteIn all honesty, without sounding holier than thou, I have never been one for recreational shopping but then again, I never had your career or salary, I've always had to watch my pennies and invest wisely twice a year.
DeleteI think it is also a north American thing - and I am freeing myself of it once and for all!
DeleteOh and I think if I only bought a couple of REALLY nice things annually, I would be much happier and less flustered, so I do think you have it right. That's how my mother did it - a spring/summer outfit and fall/winter and nothing else, save odd boot or coat when they were needed.
DeleteIt seems like I am always a day late and a buck short. I had mostly warm-weather clothing when I lived in the South. When I moved to Canada I needed to buy cold-weather clothing because I had almost none. I expanded my career wardrobe in I way I thought smart and now wonder if any of it will ever fit me again. :^( I plan to go back to work so will likely have to buy new clothes and the thought of retooling is annoying me already. I may just see if I can work from home and take my meetings on the treadmill to get back into shape. Until the next pregnancy. (*_*)
DeleteI can understand how women get to a point where they are just fed up with shopping in general. I am interested in how your shopping ban goes for you.
xoxo - you may be surprised how quickly you bounce back!!! And thank GOD for purses and shoes!!!!!!!! They are your friends!
Deletexoxo...don't be disheartened and think you won't get back to your pre-preg size! Most likely you will be back to yourself again in six to nine months! With breast feeding and general busyness it seems to happen quite naturally...especially for younger mothers, such as yourself. I am so excited for you! What a special time...especially twins!!
DeleteCongratulations on your year! I can't wait to read your article!
ReplyDeleteI am shopped out myself and have really been reviewing my wants vs needs. I've lost 17# and have more to go so I'm only filling in a few items as the journey continues.
I love your berry shades but have found none yet that will work for me, so the search for those shades will continue to be a shopping focus. I really need nothing but have a list of 7 items I'd like to acquire in 2014. That's it. 7 things-some of which I spied during the spring fashion shows - Tory Burch sling backs, a coach bag, a new DVF wrap dress and a few other trend items that may or may not pan out. I'm going to work in a law office, part-time and am looking forward to dusting off some of my dressier pieces and shoes and I will only shop my own closet for "work clothes". I have a new suit - my first in years and bought on F&F promo. It is navy and will work year round.
Looking forward to the new year and all the promise it offers.
My best to you and yours.
Yay Julie - that is what I need to lose too, so am glad to hear of a success story!!
DeleteI bought Tory Burch wedges in the spring and never found them comfortable. I can make do for an hour or two but would not walk anywhere in them. sigh....
I would love a DVF wrap dress, though want to try one on next time I am in states to be sure I can do them!
Congratulations and don't forget us little people. I just read your article and it is fantastic. Like you I need to step away from my mobile. My drug of choice the iPhone rather than the crackberry. Perhaps they have a twelve step program for me. It was easy to find your piece. I googled globe and mail and then searched for Wendy and it led me straight to it. ON MY IPHONE!
ReplyDeleteOh it is on now - Will have to update with a link! thanks SC!!!
DeleteCongrats! I look forward to reading it! And you do wear berries well (do you suppose the love for Barry has anything to do with it? Thought that was a great unintentional juxtaposition!)
ReplyDeleteI am always keen to cut back on my shopping, which I somewhat accomplished by only shopping a few places, but I still fall in love far too easily. sigh. Must check out that 'twisted skirt' recommendation...
Oh I am just like you! I like too much - I must develop a picky personality!!!!
DeleteHi Wendy - congratulations on your article! I found it on the website this afternoon but could only read the title and first line before the G & M told me in no uncertain terms that I had had my free articles this month. I'll try to find the paper copy.
ReplyDeleteWe will be trying to save for our holiday later this year, so I'm with you on the spending ban. Good luck to us all!
I just put the link up so hopefully that will work!!
Deletethanks for the nice thoughts!
Success! I found the newspaper. That's a lovely piece of writing Wendy, and the nicest thing is that we have followed on your journey and these are things that you have mostly already shared with us.
DeleteLet's hope that this leads to more published pieces!
Thanks!
DeleteThanks!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Wendy - this year, an article, perhaps next year a book! I admire and appreciate your courage and honesty in sharing such a meaningful experience and I'm sure it will be inspirational to others who find themselves at the same crossroads. I retired a bit early myself and am so glad I did, as I had lots of time to spend with both my father and my father-in-law before they passed away.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the snow ... it does look quite spectacular from the inside, although after a while there's nowhere left to put it when you're shovelling!
Thanks Lily! I do think that spending time with our families is such a gift!
DeleteYay, hooray, Wendy!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI was sad earlier as an American reader with no access; I am thrilled to have finally read your piece!!!! Congratulations--the first of many published pieces, I am sure. I see a contract in your near future :)
Thank you, too, for saying what I have been feeling about shopping, and actually, about blogs that talk about shopping. I went through a period of over shopping that was directly related to stress. It is over now, and while I'm not one to look back with regret, it does occur to me that, while clearly emotionally necessary, it was time and money spent.
I plan to delete--with some sadness--from my bookmarks the blogs that focus on shopping or what I call "closet bulimia" in the new year. This will surely create lightness and focus for me as well.
Thanks anon! I am like you - I love clothes but I do not like to be ick in their thrall or in companies marketing to me constantly!
DeleteWOW, Wendy! That was one heart felt article! I enjoyed the few uninterrupted minutes I had to read your published work. You wrote with such heart and love that I could feel what you were saying. I hope to read much more in the near future. Sending you positive publishing vibes for 2014! Even numbered years are always the most lucky, IMO!
ReplyDeleteI bagged THREE garbage bags of clothing last week and hauled to the Goodwill. 95% of the clothing were still EUC but I don't wear them at all. It was time. Now, I can see everything in my closet and in my drawers. I've put the self imposed no more shopping challenge as well. Let join forces! The book, "Overpriced: The high price of fast fashion" by Elizabeth Cline was an eye opener. She also did the year challenge of not buying any clothing or accessories. Instead, she 'repurposed' many of her items than languished in her closet AND learned to sew. The book was very interesting and thought provoking. I haven't bought much at all this year, esp from J Crew. I guess that 's fine since I have plenty to wear!
Happy New Year and New Path! May 2014 bring you much happiness and health to you and your family.
Wendy - thanks so much! I have to read that book! My goal is to only buy one really nice outfit in the spring/summer and one in the fall/winter - not sure I could go a whole year, but wow, that would be amazing!!! We should definitely help each other, as people are going to have to talk me off the ledge when Melissa or someone else wears something especially fetching!!!
DeleteTERRIFIC, Wendy! I'm not talking about the berry colours or the snow or the good intentions about not buying more clothes, (although all are great) but about being a published writer. Congratulations, a warm and wonderful piece - and your father would be so thrilled for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteMy sincerest congratulations! May this be just the beginning of much success in your writing career. I read your piece online and, as in your blog, your writing is truthful, candid and extremely approachable. I enjoyed reading it as the you I know came shining through.
ReplyDeleteOn the topic of shopping, I too am totally shopped out. I am not a minimalist. I have never been one nor do I aspire to be one. I like things. I have no problem holding onto things even if I know there is not a significant chance of using it soon. I like options and treasures. All that said it is time to step away from the crazy buy/return, tracking shipments and stalking sale items. It is exhausting and embarrassing. The over accumulation is time consuming and utterly foolish. So I too am imposing a shopping ban on myself. Good luck to all of us on the same path!
Teacups - thanks and I agree on the over-consumption. I am completely off it and will avoid the sites for quite awhile!
DeleteYou've done such a great job with the article, congratulations on an excellent piece and may there be many more publications!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cate!
DeleteI read it. I wouldn't change a word. I am proud to have you as a friend.
ReplyDeleteAnd since friends are truthful with one another, I am also just a teensy bit jealous. You told us what you wanted to do, and by God you went and did it. In awe.
DeleteAw thanks Fred! Now for the books! You all will be in the acknowledgement so for sure! I am so glad to have friends like you all!
DeleteHi Wendy,
ReplyDeleteI've been checking the globe this past week and jumped for joy this morning.
what a way to end the year .
Last week I was walking our dog and I met Alice Munro. Of course I spilled the beans and told her about our son who writes for the Globe. She asked who his profs were from the writing dept.as she knew them. My eyes got misty as I know he's facing unemployment as the Globe is on a hiring freeze? She told me to tell him that at one point in her life she was a single Mom with three children and not a dime to her name. Alice said never to give up. I remember a few months ago you had a moment so I thought I'd pass this along.
So thrilled for you.
Marsha - you are one luckt woman! I feel for your son - the paper business is so different now! I have decided if need be I will become my own juggernaut, but it think that my next fairy godparent is out there waiting! Thanks for the kind words and inspiration!
DeleteSo heartfelt! Huge congratulations to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks A!
DeleteHurray, Wendy!! Huge congrats on the article - I read it and was so touched. Like I said in my comment on Facebook, I've been following a similar path, chucking an established career path and striking out for the unknown and the uncertain. I have had many moments of self-doubt and crises over the past year, but you are such an inspiration to keep at it! Like you said, life is too short to spend on a career you don't love. Thanks for writing such a wonderful, heartfelt article!!!
ReplyDelete(PS - I cannot believe the amount of snow you have!!!)
Thanks Louise! The funny thing is that this path, despite not being published yet and still rewriting and rewriting my first book to make it the best it can be, is in many ways "easier" than the old path. Obviously I did well in my job - I rose through the ranks to run a billion dollar organization, but I also feel it was scraping and clawing and many times, was pretty joyless. Even my worst days of editing and writing are better than most of the best days of my career, except for some exceptions, like when I got to create NB's autism program or developed the early childhood curriculum for child care centres. Those were great days and times, but the higher you go the further you get from being able to directly help people. Now I am visioning a future where you and I will be having a nice dinner before I go sign some books and go read to kids at a local bookshop or school - won't that be great? That's how I'm going to meet everyone!
DeleteCongrats Wendy on your article!
ReplyDeleteI havent read it yet,as i am still on vacation,but i will,as soon as i have some time.
Youre an excample for sticking to what you feel is the right thing to do!
Thanks Ina! And hope you are having a wonderful vacation!
DeleteI am astounded, first at your brave choices and then at your heartfelt words. I don't know if your father knew of your repressed dreams, but I am sure he would be pleased to see you now so happy and fulfilled. That's all parents want for their children, isn't it? Add mine to the string of "congratulations" you've received today. I did not know you were in the education field before, but I hear what you're saying about the bureaucracy sucking all the joy from things. I am a high school teacher and am often in despair at all the hoops I have to jump through that take away from the creativity and enjoyment of teaching.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your sociable and friendly writing style, so I will continue to enjoy whatever form your updates take, whether or not they are style related. Hopefully with your berry colors you won't leave out the blues that look so lovely as well. Best of luck with the no shopping; I always think that sounds so good but am unable to stick with it for long! :)
WA Shopper - the lucky thing about me is that I am completely all over the place, so you know the blues are always there, too!!! And then black, and then the neutrals.... I think the teaching profession has just been beaten about the head in terms of the writing of plans ad nauseum, but that is my own personal opinion! ;-)
DeleteOh you will all get to help me shop my closet too as I have the attention span of a gnat and will need assistance to stick to the plan!
Super huge congrats on the article!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on no shopping 2014... Let's keep each other in check!
thanks Laura! Oh we must do a wee bit o' shopping now and then, musn't we? Even my zen master Tabitha does that! Maybe our mantra must be: Would Tabitha buy this now? chances are the answer will always be no!
DeleteNice article and congratulations!
ReplyDeletethanks GSL!
DeleteGreat article-I love the G&M.
ReplyDeleteI will watch with interest to see how the no shopping thing goes. I have read so many blogs that profess to be over shopping only to then post multiple entries about their new purchases! lol. I am not extreme one way or the other. I am going to cut back but never say never!
Thanks Anon! You are right on the posting about new purchases! No - I am only taking a couple of months off to recalibrate. I could never go a whole year - that would be terrible!
DeleteCongratulations Wendy!! Your article is so moving and beautifully written. I got goose bumps thinking about how that experience would have effected me. I hope I would have had the courage to make the same decision and embark on a whole new journey. You're quite a gal!!xo
ReplyDelete