I seem to have lost my motivation to blog. I take photos and think this will be good to blog about... and then I can't be bothered. I'm finding it hard to believe that anyone else could possibly be interested in where I've been, what I've been doing or what I've got to say! I'm feeling a bit like that generally about everything, which I'm sure has a lot to do with my (nearly but not quite) empty nest this week. Struggling to be bothered...
On Tuesday we went into London and Jacob came in to meet us for lunch. It was a good compromise, with neither us going to Guildford to see him, nor him coming back home. And he's doing okay... settling in day by day. The reason for our trip was to go up the Shard. This had been my birthday present to Stewart, and after all the sunny days this summer we'd booked to go on Tuesday... a very drizzly, grey and misty day!
But despite the weather it was still brilliant and worth doing. The views were amazing and we could imagine how fabulous they would be on a clear day.
We then had a wander over Tower bridge to see the absolutely stunning installation of poppies at the Tower Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red. It was breathtaking and thought provoking. And I especially thought of my Dad, who served his national service with the Royal Fusiliers at the Tower of London. He would have celebrated his 81st birthday this week and yesterday it was two years since he died. Probably another reason I feel out of sorts.
So, I'm still distracting myself by working in my sketchbook and really enjoying the process. I'd forgetten the pleasure of losing oneself in a sketchbook. And maybe soon when I feel more enthusiastic about blogging and everything else I'll show you the results of this sketchbook work. Have a good weekend.
"Feet why do I need them when I have wings to fly" Frida Kahlo 1953
Sorry to hear that you are not feeling yourself Gina. You have a lot going on right now with thoughts of your Dad and Jacob moving and no doubt that has bought a total change of home life and routine. It isn't any wonder really. We are interested in whatever you have to say, whenever you want to blog and will wait patiently until you are ready to write and press publish. No pressure. It is a shame that your visit to the shard was on a grey day, it looks as though the views are amazing. I hope that you have a good weekend and get to relax and have some time to do whatever you want. xx
ReplyDeleteIt's not surprising you're feeling a bit blue; change, even if it's good change, can feel very odd. Even more understandable considering the anniversary too. But I'm always interested in what you've been up to; your blog is the first stop on my tour of what's been going on over the summer in blog-land!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you're feeling a bit out of sorts, Gina. It sounds like you've had a lot of adjusting to do this past week or so and I daresay there was a good deal of build-up to Jacob moving away.
ReplyDeleteThere's always such an urge to try and carry on as normal but sometimes we do need to just give ourselves space and time to get used to the new order of things.
Anniversaries of losing someone dear are never easy, and I find they tend to sneak up on me and I'll suddenly remember the date and realised maybe that's why I feel a bit unsettled.
(((hugs)))
Well I'm always interested in what you have to say Gina and it sounds quite logical that you are in a "can't be bothered" mood. glad to hear Jacob is settling in well too. must admit I'm having the same problem with my blog (although I did blog about the Kaffe Fassett exhibition yesterday)
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain Gina -- do you think it's because we've been blogging so long? Is there anything left that we haven't blogged about? At least you're lucky you have the new Shard to experience -- the photos are beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteFirst - totally understand your first para. Second - YES we're bothered. THIRD - wiping away the tears having just read your post about Jake going! xCathy
ReplyDeleteIt's horrid when the last one leaves home - you need a little time to adjust to the new order. I love seeing your sketchbook pages and envy your style of drawing. Mine are far too sketchy and tentative but I am trying to accept and improve my own style. Glad you enjoyed your trip to London and that Jacob is settling into his new life.
ReplyDeleteWell firstly, and I'm sure I'm not just speaking for myself, I'm very interested in what you do, that's why I and others keep coming back.
ReplyDeleteI suspect it's the upheaval in your family life that's making you feel like this but it will all settle down again, that's life all ups and downs.
Looks like you had a lovely day out in London, I would love to see those poppies they are absolutely stunning and very moving.
V x
If we weren't interested we wouldn't pop by, and we do, so we must be, don't you think :)
ReplyDeleteI do understand. I think sometimes when we're caught up in the stream of life we have no need to blog, we're too busy just being, which is surely more important. It's good to just go with the flow at such times.
I love visiting your blog Gina. What seems not blog worthy to you can make someone else's day shine. At the moment, I can't wait for the first child to fly the coop (they take up so much space, teenagers I mean) but I am sure once this time is upon me, I will be a wreck. Meeting in a neutral place seems like a good idea, maybe a little less emotional? The poppies are just amazing. Take care Gina! Cx
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be emotionally battered Gina. Be good to yourself and don't get hung up about blogging; we will all be here if you return after a break. Glad you enjoyed London.
ReplyDeleteThat poppy installation sure is effective in putting the message across of so many lives lost, especially with so many being lost even today.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if you are into virtual hugs or not, but if you are then have a one from me, failing that a cuppa tea. Always makes things better :)
I totally understand how unsettled you must feel Gina.The trip to the Tower is on my to do list and how comforting it must have been to know your Dad served there.Its good to know that even the most creative bloggers sometimes can't be bothered.I feel quite at home with that thought at the moment.
ReplyDeleteFeeling a bit the same way Gina, but then I just feel a lot Older! love your blog and it connects me with things going on in the UK.
ReplyDeleteGina, what a lot you've had going on.
ReplyDeleteHoping that you will be able to have a restful weekend. Perhaps even letting some other folks pamper you a bit.
Playing with ideas in your sketchbook sounds grand.
xo
Time out?
ReplyDeleteIt must be quite a privilege to serve at the Tower? One of those poppies, is for my grandfather.
Love reading your blog,chin up we love you.xx
ReplyDeleteThe view from the Shard looks amazing, I especially like the shapes of the buildings seen from above. The muted misty day has made your photo very atmospheric, like a black and white image tinged with sepia.
ReplyDeleteIt's not surprising you feel unable to focus, you're in transition and so is Jacob - I'm sure you'll both settle into new projects very soon.
We got a glimpse of the poppies as we drove past the tower last weekend, we'll have to go again for a proper look. It's a very moving installation.
Take care, C x
I'm glad Jake is feeling more settled, that's sure to help you feel better too. The view from the Shard is spectacular and maybe all the better for being a flatter day. I like the view of the river twisting away, not one you usually see. Hope you have a relaxing weekend and feel like your shiny self again soon xx
ReplyDeleteI think the problem is August! It's just a stinking month. So, on Monday, all will be wonderful again! Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteYour trip looked devine! And with a sketchbook like that, you can't stay down long. You will be back to posting voraciously in September!
Promise.
xoxo- Julie
Hope you're feeling much better now. I think an inspirational visit to Camden Passage et al is definitely in order. xx
ReplyDeleteI'm ALWAYS interested in what you've been doing, even if it's only cooking.
ReplyDeleteI now what you mean about the blogging thing though, it kind of waxes and wanes - but if you don't feel like doing it, just chill until you do. We'll all still be here xx
Hi Gina, I'm often here, though I don't often comment. I'm entirely unsurprised you're feeling glum, you're probably all squeezed out and need some recharging! But you still take a lovely picture, and you're always interesting, even if I do scurry past your posts of yummyness in deference to my expanding middle! Be gentle with yourself.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely lose yourself in your sketchbook. Always a good idea. Keep taking photos, just for you!
ReplyDeleteI understand how you feel about the blogging I'm the same, I think lots of us are the same at the moment. I do or make something take a photo for the blog then think Why would any one be interested! I'm glad that Jacob is settling its hard when they go away especially your youngest. Just as your nest has emptied mine has filled again, not by choice (as I think I told you) I don't think it'll be for long. It's odd having James back home after him living away for so long, but I'm enjoying it, not sure he feels the same!
ReplyDeleteHope your feeling better about things soon, and your photo from the top of the shard is lovely. I must get myself together and hop on the train and see the poppies.
I go away FOR A SHORT WHILE and you get up to all sorts. Good luck to Jacob as he sets out on this new adventure. All this parenting, teaching, trips to London, filling sketch books - not to mention baking - I think that you are blogging quite nicely thankyouverymuch. Now go and make a cup of tea and put your feet up for a while!
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