I interrupt this program....

Sorry for the silence, dear readers. When I started this blog I had good intentions. Really, I did. Please keep reading....because I have a challenge for you!

Several years ago I started a separate blog that focused on travel, home decor and fashion. I loved it. And my readership and subscription level was successful by my standards.  My day job is rather uncreative at times and the blog was the perfect way to let my creative expression shine through.  Sounds cliche, but true.  However, the blog turned into a lot of work. The dreaded four letter word "WORK".  Sourcing images and coming up with new and creative topics can, at times, be challenging particularly with a full-time job and a two hour daily commute. After much thought I decided to stop that particular blog to relieve myself of the added stress it became. I wanted it to be fun not stressful. 

Fast forward to late Fall 2010. I was walking along the beach with Mr. B one sunny morning and we were discussing blogs. He has always been so supportive of my blogs...and any other crazy endeavor I come up with.  He is absolutely my biggest fan. And it was during this time together that I decided I was going to start blogging again. However, what I soon realized is that timing is everything. Shortly after I started my new blog, Dining and Decor, I had minor surgery. Once I recovered, I cared for my mother who also needed surgery. Then Mr. B became critically ill. From that point on my blog came to a screeching halt. Actually, my entire life came to a screeching halt. No exaggeration.  Although I have taken a long pause from blogging, I continue to sit at Mr. B's beside with pen and paper at hand. Old school, I guess.  But I began to journal the ups and downs of his ordeal and what my daily life has become as he lay in the hospital fighting for his dear life.  He has been on death's door on more than one occasion.  His ups and downs are my good and bad days. And my little green spiral bound journal is a good way to capture those moments of time while sharing the darkest hours of our lives together.  Throughout this ordeal, I have had a tremendous amount of support from family and friends. My relationships have grown deeper and fonder with my loved ones.  And with some, I have had to break off relationships spanning approximately 20 years. An easy decision, really.  Because what I realized during this extremely difficult time is that I need to be surrounded by emotionally healthy and supportive people who can give a little of themselves to help a friend when they most need it. Enough said.

What I learned through the bedside journaling is how therapeutic it has been. And for some odd reason, it made me think of my blog.  Do I discontinue it and forget about blogging? Maybe take it in a new direction?  Maybe not?  Do I just start over from scratch? A clean slate so to speak.  

This entire ordeal has forever changed my life. And something good will come out of it. I just know it...

Have you gone through a life altering ordeal? Have you had to break off friendships? Have you taken another fork in the road by circumstance,  chance, or by conscience decision? Dear readers, I have a challenge for you...chime in on today's post or email me. I dare you.  And I challenge you to forward this to those you know.  I would love to hear your thoughts...