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One Year Ago…
One year ago, I was experiencing a seriously rough time. Like, life-changing rough. I didn’t know WHERE I wanted to live, or HOW I was going to live. All I knew was that I was suddenly single, and that everything was changing. So much has happened in the past year. It’s so different, and so very good.
Now…
I love what I do every day. When I leave the house, I kiss the dogs and say “Bye, I’m going to knit!”. I never use the word “work”.
I am surrounded with friends. Not just any ol’ friends. Friends who look at me with a soft focus. They are slow to judge, and quick to help. They support me when I need it (or they send their husbands if it involves electricity or a lawnmower), and they call me out when I deserve it. They challenge me, they knit with me, they hold me, they make me laugh. They are introducing me to this new city, drinking wine with me at my house, and skipping dinner to talk with me on the phone. I’ve found friends who don’t expect me to censor myself or to try to impress them. They’ve seen me swear like a sailor with chipped nail polish, and they are still my friends.
I have a dinky, outdated, wonderful house. I have a big yard that has me complaining every week, but I love it. Every morning I wake up, make coffee, and open doors and windows to let the fresh air in and the bad dogs out. I’ve been here six months, and I haven’t even finished unpacking. It’s new and awesome to me every day.
I’m dating. I don’t talk much about it on verypink, but it’s really fun. (Enough said on that for now.)
I’m busy. I knit, I take photos, I teach knitting, I design, I hang with the dogs, I date, I see my friends, I watch old movies, I read, and I try to feed myself well. I manage all this, plus a 15 minute nap in the afternoon.
I’m learning. About who I am as a single person, and what I enjoy when there is no one else to consider. I’m learning about Austin, and air conditioning, and allergies, and photography. About food, and dogs, and other people.
I am so grateful. Every single day. I can barely remember the woman who was so sad and confused one year ago. Lookit me! Hey! I did it!
Thank you, thank you. For the support, the Christmas cards, and the emails. I don’t know how to express how much they helped. People actually email ME now to ask me how I made it through the turmoil. ME!
I am so happy, and excited to see what the next year will bring.
I am so glad to see you on the other side. I know this last year was rough. congrats on the dating thing though. Thanks for keeping us all up to date and as one who has been there, nice to see you come out of the tunnel intact!
Comment by Margaret — July 14, 2008 @ 8:35 am
I understand those anniversaries. Every New Years Eve I’m not in the hospital is a good one. Congrats on making one year. I bet each year will be better than the last.
Comment by Sally Villarreal — July 14, 2008 @ 8:46 am
Aw, your post made me tear up a little bit! Having gone through my own personal turmoil and written one of these “I made it to the other side!” blog posts myself, I know just how you feel!
Heartiest congratulations, fellow Stac/i/ey/y/ie! You deserve all the rewards you can get for staying in the fight for the good life! Have a fabulous week!
(And wow, have I been reading Very Pink that long? I guess so!)
Comment by Stacey — July 14, 2008 @ 8:47 am
Good for you Staci! You deserve the happiness that you have now and I’m thrilled that things have worked out so well for you–even if it did mean you had to move away from here.
Comment by Laura — July 14, 2008 @ 8:48 am
YAY!! For two things…
- For posting, because I miss seeing v e r y p i n k in my reader.
- For doing so well, for learning about yourself and learning how to be happy again.
YAY!!
Comment by Victoria — July 14, 2008 @ 9:29 am
I’m so proud of you.
And thanks for letting us be there with you this year. Know that its inspirational, sappy as that sounds.
Comment by Melody — July 14, 2008 @ 10:15 am
Wow. What a year.
Thanks for coming along on our wild little ride.
It can only get better and better!!
Comment by Stacy — July 14, 2008 @ 10:33 am
Congratulations on a year of learning. And thank you for sharing v e r y p i n k with us.
Comment by Jo — July 14, 2008 @ 11:37 am
You go, Staci!! I know you only from your fabulous blog but I’d say that you deserve only the best. Smooches to the boys and HOORAY for dating!!!
Comment by Molls — July 14, 2008 @ 11:40 am
HUGS! wow, it has been a year. we’ve both come out the other side and we’re definitely better than ever! i can’t wait to hear more (you know you have to dish about it all soon!!!) and share with you.
congratulations, to both of us.
Comment by zeghsy — July 14, 2008 @ 11:47 am
Yay! It’s good to take the time to realize what you’ve been through and that you’ve (very) succesfully come out of it.
Also, I envy your ability to take 15-minute naps.
Comment by m — July 14, 2008 @ 11:58 am
Your post gave me ‘goose bumps’ : )
I am thrilled that you are happy and that the tough times are behind. I know there are always challenges ( that is life) but you have and will overcome some tough ones and came out smiling and successful !!!
Keep smelling the fresh air and enjoying all the wonderful things in your life !
Comment by Beth — July 14, 2008 @ 12:19 pm
Here’s to you sugar! You deserve all that happiness and tons more.
Comment by Abbe — July 14, 2008 @ 1:07 pm
It’s exacty a year that I started reading your blog. It’s adorable how you made it!
Comment by Astrid — July 14, 2008 @ 1:30 pm
wtg, Staci! I am so glad that your life is happy and full of adventure.
Comment by Kim in Blacksburg — July 14, 2008 @ 1:32 pm
I started typing something all preachy about how going through the rough makes you a better person… but…bleh!
Doesn’t having fun and not having to answer to anyone but you totally rock?!!!! Getting over crap happens in bits and spurts – enjoy every second you can.
Comment by Lisa — July 14, 2008 @ 1:35 pm
yay! i know all those good things were really about me. it’s cool. you’re welcome.
i keed i keed. i’m glad you’re here and things have turned out so well for you! you deserve it, sistah.
Comment by meg — July 14, 2008 @ 1:39 pm
Congrats Staci, you are awe inspiring, plus a really good knitter. Love following your blog. best Wishes for another fantastic year ahead.
Comment by Toni — July 14, 2008 @ 1:39 pm
I am so happy for you! I admire how much bravery it must have taken to move to a new city and start over. I am not at all surprised that others are seeking your advice.
Comment by Shannon — July 14, 2008 @ 1:41 pm
Congratulations to you and I must say you GREAT! I have just recently myself come out on the other, better side. Well done.
Comment by Kristi — July 14, 2008 @ 1:49 pm
I’m so glad that you have moved to a place where you have found unconditional love and support! I hope that the next year brings new surprises (the good kind) and continued joy … PS You’re just as talented with your photography hobby as you are with knitting
Comment by Cassie — July 14, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
Hi Stacy! I am so glad to hear that things are going well and that you are enjoying everything you are doing!
Comment by Christine — July 14, 2008 @ 2:03 pm
Hi Staci,
And, I thank you for your great classes and for helping me figure out my knitting how-to’s and making me laugh!
I am so glad you have weathered the “storm” and feel so good about yourself and Austin and your new-found home. Oops, and your dogs!! There’s nothing like positive growth and I’m SO happy for you. Sylvia
Comment by Sylvia — July 14, 2008 @ 2:48 pm
Staci:
I am so very proud of you! I know how hard it can be when something that you held so dear was suddenly gone. It is such a hard thing to deal with and you did BEAUTIFULLY! You are such a strong, beautiful, and talented woman! Congrats to you for learning you you are and loving it!!!
Love and Light…
J~
Comment by Jenn Liang — July 14, 2008 @ 3:25 pm
Go you! I’m glad you have come out of such a rough spot and are doing well. Despite moving to NJ – I’m still enjoying every post, keep it coming.
Comment by Jenny T. — July 14, 2008 @ 4:11 pm
I’m so thrilled to hear that you are doing well and loving where life has planted you for now. You look gorgeous and happy. Congratulations on finding yourself contented and invigorated, and sending you many well wishes for continued growth and peace in the coming years!
Comment by Tara — July 14, 2008 @ 4:29 pm
I love reading and feeling the happiness.
Here’s to every year being more amazing! Go Staci!
Comment by Janet — July 14, 2008 @ 5:40 pm
Hooray! I’m so happy for you and am too learning – the best is yet to come!
Comment by wendee — July 14, 2008 @ 7:27 pm
Hooray! Here’s to another great year.
Comment by Zarah — July 14, 2008 @ 7:31 pm
Bravo, you have gotten through this year with an amazing amount of class and grace. I have so much to learn from you sensai!
Comment by teki — July 14, 2008 @ 8:33 pm
Whew, I always worry when you take a leave of absence from your blog – I’ve come to look for a new one every Friday, at least!
So glad to see you taking stock of the wonderful things about your life. You are indeed a lucky and very lovely woman. Thanks for sharing your talents with us!
Comment by Chey — July 14, 2008 @ 8:59 pm
Hey Staci! I am so glad to hear that you are happy and doing well. I miss seeing you at SNB but I’m so glad you found a place that feels like home.
Comment by Mo — July 14, 2008 @ 9:02 pm
Gosh! One whole year already? You are in SUCH a better place – I can totally “hear it” in your posts. I’m happy for you.
Comment by Anne — July 15, 2008 @ 5:29 am
You must feel terrific! I have a couple of friends who have been divorced for a decade and haven’t made it to the place you are! Good for you. It’s so great to have been able to “share” your year and see you come out of it so gracefully and ON TOP!!!
Comment by linda — July 15, 2008 @ 8:18 am
Cheers to you and your new life! The way you handled the BOOM of last July is really admirable. I hope the next year is even better!
Comment by Sarah — July 15, 2008 @ 9:15 am
Rock on! I wish I was doing half of the stuff you are
Comment by Danielle — July 15, 2008 @ 10:18 am
MMMMWAH!
Comment by brenda in toronto — July 15, 2008 @ 12:25 pm
I remember the boom post–you’ve come a long way, baby! :O) But you must have always had this strength and joy in you, so I’m glad you’ve come even more into it this last year.
I stumbled onto verypink from cuteoverload somehow, and now it’s in my reader. I’m also glad you posted some of the flickr portraits, and I check those sometimes. They’re like mini-versions of verypink posts
Thanks for sharing all that, Staci. I’m always rooting for you across the internets!!
Comment by Karo — July 15, 2008 @ 12:56 pm
Congratulations! It is truly wonderful to see you a year later stronger than ever and enjoying life to the full! And thanks so much for sharing your journey with all of us!
Comment by Lisa Lessard — July 15, 2008 @ 2:28 pm
I’ve been a lurker for a couple years now, first comment. Congrats, on making the best of life, you’ve chosen happiness, good for you! Keep on truckin’!
Comment by LauraLee — July 15, 2008 @ 7:33 pm
I’m so happy to hear this. This kind of thing is so hard, and I’ve never seen anyone handle it with better grace or compassion. I am so jealous of the life you are living
enjoy every minute of it!
Comment by Rosie — July 15, 2008 @ 10:16 pm
Staci, i first found verypink a couple/few months ago after stumbling on one of your beautiful projects on ravelry (though it could very well have been cute overload; i’m visiting both far too often). Your entertaining writing, beautiful photographs, and adorable dogginzes moved me to read through all the archives, and I’ve been surprised by how much I look forward to seeing new posts. I hope your headache troubles are past you; you seem to have kicked your heartache in the ass, and more power to you! I think you’ve pegged all the important things in life, and loads of people twice your age can’t say that.
Comment by mandybird — July 15, 2008 @ 10:47 pm
Staci,
I feel really blessed to have you as a friend, and I wouldn’t have ever known you if you didn’t live nearby. You’re an inspiring person to say the least! You’re upbeat and happy, and a damn good knitter who makes me constantly challenge myself to try new things.
I know how fast life’s changes can break you down, but I also believe that these types of things happen for a reason, and I could be wrong (but doubt that I am!) when I say that you seem to be content with where you are in life right now, and I only hope that the passing years feed your soul with happiness and delight.
Comment by Steph — July 15, 2008 @ 11:16 pm
Gosh, has it been a year!? Congratulations on your milestone – and thanks for your honesty and for sharing it with us. Here’s to the next 12 months.
Comment by Nora — July 16, 2008 @ 5:20 am
It’s been a year already and you’ve done so awesome! Seriously! I’m in awe of you and all your great-ness.
Comment by Rebecca — July 16, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
Hi Staci,
I rarely make comments, but I have been a loyal lurker since way back when you were in Holland.
Grace, bravery, dignity and strength: The past year has shown that these are what you are made of. It’s kind of a surprise, isn’t it?
Comment by Keet — July 16, 2008 @ 3:16 pm
I’m so happy that you have so much good in your life.
I do miss you though.
Comment by ~drew emborsky~ — July 16, 2008 @ 8:51 pm
OMG I can’t believe its been a whole freaking year! You’re an inspiration Staci!
Comment by Rita — July 17, 2008 @ 12:36 pm
wow, a year already? congrats! you look so happy, and your house is awesome, and honestly, i’d love to have your life right now. jealous!
Comment by kate — July 17, 2008 @ 12:41 pm
Congratulations for surviving the storm! I’ve been through a divorce too and it’s not pretty no matter what the circumstances are. You’ve blossomed in the past year and it shows. Doesn’t it feel good to be so clam and happy?!
Comment by Tammy — July 18, 2008 @ 8:26 am
It’s like NEW YEAR’S in JULY!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Comment by Strider's Mistress — July 18, 2008 @ 5:50 pm
I’m thrilled to see this very positive and uplifting post from you. I started reading you just as the boom hit last year. I’ve been through divorce and when I read your post, I just had to leave a comment. It’s amazing when you think about where you were coming from to where you are and continue to move forward. I’m glad you’re here on the other side!
Comment by Wanda — July 19, 2008 @ 11:27 am
Staci – this is a wonderful post! You are a wonderful person! I’ve been with you for over a year, and yes- you’ve done so very well – you made it look easier than I’m sure it was.
I’m so glad you have found such valuable friends, that you have held your head high, and continued with the things you love, accepting the challenges with grace and poise. I look forward to your posts and am so glad you have continued to write, design and post your photos.
Please know that your readers rely on you as much (and maybe more) as you rely on them.
Hugs to you, here’s to many more successful years! Please keep sharing your world with us! You are inspiring in more ways than you know.
Comment by Denise — July 20, 2008 @ 8:36 am
You made my day.
Comment by Steven — July 20, 2008 @ 3:34 pm
Congratulations on making it through a tough year. You managed quite nicely. May you find your joy in Austin. Onward Thru the Fog.
Comment by Julia — July 24, 2008 @ 7:23 am
I don’t post often but did want to say how happy it makes me to see you so happy with your life. Congratulations!! You give me confidence as I worry about going back to work after being home for 4 years—THANKS!
Comment by Eileen — July 24, 2008 @ 11:30 am
Congratulations!
Change is growth, ultimately growth is very good.
Look at the strength you have. You did it.
I knew you could, What a gal!
Look at that smile. . .you knew it too!
By the way you look marvelous.
Comment by Ahrisha — July 25, 2008 @ 8:22 pm
I always knew you would make it to the other side and that you could face every challenge that came your way — no matter how difficult. I always saw such strength in you. It is good to see you see it in yourself. Congratulations on making it through the past year — it is delightful to see you so happy.
Comment by Christine — July 28, 2008 @ 7:11 pm
I haven’t had time to read any blogs in a while, but today I thought, “Hey… wasn’t there a blog I used to read? Something about pink? And some dogs? BASENJIS!” And then I did some chanting and incantations (by which I mean I Googled the phrase “pink blog basenjis”) and lo and behold! Here ’tis. And it’s great to hear that you’ve been doing well over the past year. Yay for happiness! And yarn! (…and I still haven’t learned to knit but continue to say that I will!)
Comment by Katy — August 17, 2008 @ 6:39 pm