Alright so I literally have 9 different drafts open with posts/thoughts that I've been trying to put together, but this one won for right now:) I want to write a bit about our Christmas in the next blog, but for this one I really really have to start with another bit of gratitude for you guys. I think my blog posts from the last couple years could be a great reference on all the different ways to say '
thank you', because I try to express how much you really help my family and I so often, but there really are no words that can manage that. It's
indescribable. But I'll keep trying. So thank you!!!!
Thank you, thank you so so much for all the love
since my last post. Holy moly. I just shook my head in disbelief in the days after and every day since last few days as more and more of you shared tender thoughts and bits of motivation and encouragement in the comments as well on my Instagram and facebook pages. And the emails and private messages too that have been coming in more and more, just full of incredibly inspiring stories and messages of hope and healing, understanding and faith. I just love you guys so much, and feel such a kinship! We're all on the same journey, we all want the same things, we all have our own demons. We're not alone. Not ever. I want you to know that even though I have more people than myself on my team lately, I still read every single sweet comment here on the blog and on my social media platforms, even though I may not be able to respond individually to each one. They each mean
so much to me, and often touch my heart and soul in surprising ways.
The day that I need to shut off the comments (as some have suggested) is the day I end this blog, because the connection with you guys through our interactions is the driving force behind The Freckled Fox, and always has been. Being able to see a face and to read even a few words from you guys really helps in bringing you to life. And that especially goes for those of you who have seen me in person! Those great hugs and few moments(or sometimes half hours:)) of visiting are so so special to me.
All that being said, you beauties and your big hearts have given me the confidence/kick in the butt I needed to push the go button on some really exciting things for 2017, and I can't wait to progress forward next year. Opportunities that I never imagined I or my family would have to learn and help and grow and meet and create and explore are opening up, and I just close my eyes and smile with the deep warmth I feel in my heart. I love the idea of January 1st being the blank first page in our new story, all of us, and here we sit, pen in hand (or paint brush or whatever you want *wink*) with 365 more pages to fill.
Some of those pages might be incredibly beautiful, maybe with the cries of a newborn baby or simply the breathtaking view from somewhere high in the clouds. Some of those pages might be terribly dark and lonely, full of heartbreak and fear, hunger and suffering. Some of those pages will be written for us, but most of them will be filled by us personally. No matter what I do most of my pages will inevitably be filled with stories of dirty diapers, teetering stacks of dishes, missing shoes, tickle piles, and saying "Eat your dinner." over and over. haha But the rest of the space is for me to fill, and I'm going to try and make the story as beautiful and simple and messy as I can.
This blog will evolve along with me of course, but at the same time I'm going to try my best (as many of you have been gently requesting for some time) to continue to go back to the variety of posts that I used to share more often. Things that I've not stopped doing altogether like cooking(recipe posts), doing my hair and makeup (beauty tutorials), going places with my kids(weekend wrap-ups), wearing clothes (outfit posts.lol), collecting fun or beautiful things I see on the internet(friday finds), working out(fitness tips), listening to music (mix tapes), and on and on. So, I would love to hear what you'd personally like to see more or hear more about on The Freckled Fox in 2017, and I look forward to closing my 2016 book along with you all and starting fresh on the 1st.
xoxo,
