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Summer Check-In
July 8, 2015
Things have been real quiet on the blog. If you are a regular reader, God bless you, you'll have noticed.
You've been sending emails and reaching out, asking how I'm doing. With a mid-life crisis underway and a big move, a long period of silence is setting off alarm bells for some of you. I can't adequately express how grateful I am for this blog and the people who have come to care about me through my writing. It seems pretentious to say, but it's true. I care about the people who read this blog. And I am cared for, prayed over, loved on by the people who read it. I am humbled by that reality.
Also, I don't want to presume anything about the place this blog has in your life but personally, I have a handful of blogs I regularly read and one absolute favorite. If those blogs went silent for a while I would be both concerned, wondering if everything was ok, and disappointed because I enjoy the gifts those blogs bring to my life. If I am in your list of favorites, I apologize for the disruption to your reading pleasure :)
A longer post is forthcoming, I think. I've been writing one at least, slowly. But until that publishes (and there's an if in there), here's what I want to say.
I'm ok. I am living right now fully present and engaged where I am, in the tasks, pleasures, and sometimes hardships of everything that is going on. Writing is not a big priority for me right now, for many reasons I won't get into.
That is the simple reason for my absence here.
The non-simple reason is just a long, drawn out explanation of my current priorities and what it looks like to be "fully present and engaged where I am, in the tasks, pleasures and hardships of everything that is going on".
I have a lot of things to "live" this summer and writing is not making the cut. But really, I am ok.
Not ok as in "I'm through my mid-life crisis, my anxiety is fully resolved, and everything is crystal clear", but I am catching glimpses of when I will feel that way. And I believe the path towards that threshold, or milestone, is surer than it has been for months.
I know. It all sounds a bit cryptic. It's really not. It's just life, and life for me this summer, at least so far, doesn't involve a lot of writing.
Thank you for your love, concern and care.
If you want to get ahold of me, you can reach me with the contact form or at renee at tougas dot net. Some of you are in the Montreal area. Yes, we should get together. Maybe have a meet-up at my house? Later this summer/early fall? Or, one-on-one stuff is fun too. I just don't have time right now to do any of that, unless you have a pool (and you invite us to come visit) or you want to meet up at a city pool.
Free pools! Montrealers have a good thing going. We're spending a lot of afternoons at a pool these days. Summer is short, the city is hot and happenin', and we're making the most of it.
Montreal is amazing. Other than the usual city caveats, namely traffic, we all love it here. We're adjusting well, exploring our new digs, and getting connected in a myriad of ways. This is exactly where we're supposed to be.
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Jennifer on July 8, 2015, 5:45 p.m.
So good to hear that you are doing okay. I do miss your posts because you are one of my favorite quiet spots on the internet, but totally understand the life trumps blog thing! Especially glad to here you are where you are meant to be and that Montreal is working out so well. Blessings!
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Sarah M on July 8, 2015, 6:20 p.m.
So glad you are there, after the hill of moving, and are exploring the city, even if it doesn't include writing (and yes, you're one of my absolute favorites in the blog realm). I was just thinking about you the other day, in fact, but because I follow you on IG, it didn't seem quite so long. I had seen the pool, the market, etc. and knew you were out and about, checking things out!
Sarah M
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Beth on July 8, 2015, 7:14 p.m.
I'm jealous of your pool time! My kids desperately need to hone their swimming skills (outside of lessons) but the weather isn't cooperating. It's 67 degrees right now. It was 53 when I got up this morning. I'm in Milwaukee, only about a half mile inland from Lake Michigan, and the weather has, to put it bluntly, really sucked this summer. There have only been 3-4 days of temps over 80 since school got out. Enjoy the heat while you have it!
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Cath in Ottawa on July 9, 2015, 3:37 a.m.
very glad to see you back! enjoy the lovely weather.
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Lindsay on July 9, 2015, 11:27 a.m.
so glad to hear from you again I have missed you and was getting a bit concerned. I live in the UK so unfortunately wont be able to meet up!!!!!! Will keep checking back have a great summer.
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Laura Smith on July 9, 2015, 1:09 p.m.
I know EXACTLY what you mean about those "glimpses." I have recently come out of a long bout of extreme anxiety. Those glimpses were the first signs that things were going to be OK. I never thought it was going to end, but through great community I found my way out. Wishing you joy in your new home!
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Vania on July 9, 2015, 1:37 p.m.
So glad to hear from you again :) Enjoy your summer!
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Joy on July 9, 2015, 5:29 p.m.
Thankful for the update; thankful to hear that you're blooming where you've been planted :) Thankful for whatever you're able and willing to post - your words and images are always a blessing. Have a wonder-filled summer!
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Amelia on July 9, 2015, 6 p.m.
I hope you have a wonderful summer Renee! ^_^
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Anna on July 9, 2015, 6:27 p.m.
So glad to hear you are all enjoying the city. Thanks for the update (I was a bit worried). I'll be here when you get back, until then .....have fun.(at the pools)
Anna
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Tracy on July 10, 2015, 1:48 a.m.
Moving takes so much energy especially for those of us who needed a bit of security in our lives. Doing life, being in the moment with your family, getting grounded and building your community sounds like more than okay. It sounds like wisdom mixed with fun. Sounds like a good example for all of us who enjoy reading your heart's journey here at fimby. You just got a fun new backyard!!!
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Lisa on July 10, 2015, 5:14 a.m.
Yours is my favorite blog. So glad you're on Instagram so I feel in touch. Was day dreaming yesterday that you were making a video about Montreal since you haven't been writing. I do miss the videos from last summer. Thanks for writing.
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maria cordner on July 10, 2015, 4:18 p.m.
I am glad you are seizing the Summer season and to know you are well. I have come to love to read your blog and wonder how you were doing. I assumed you needed time to "nesting in" all this transition. As an older woman (I am 53) , I have to tell you that I have and expect to have several "middle life crisis". They seemed to come with transitions in my or my family life. Every time I became more invested in authenticity. These are weary periods for me but they seemed to be worth as I came out more self aware of what matters to me. I wish you well! How generous and strong you are with your writing! Tr hanks for sharing it! Enjoy your Summer!
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renee on July 11, 2015, 9:41 p.m.
Can't say I'm excited about a series of mid-life crises, especially if they cause as much un-doing in me as this one. I trust I'll weather what comes my way, but for now I'm happy to think that once I'm done this one I'll be set for a while, a person can hope :)))
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maria cordner on July 12, 2015, 5:03 a.m.
And you might be just right...I believe it might be different for every one! For me it is in same ways and I am never excited about it! ;)
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Susan on July 12, 2015, 12:33 p.m.
While I pray that you only have one midlife crisis, you can be assured that the Good Lord will be by your side. He will be your peace in the mist of the crisis.
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Emily on July 15, 2015, 5:44 p.m.
Enjoy every moment of your summer, Renee. You've been in my thoughts and in my heart. I love everything you so generously share with us, but understand (more than you know!) of the searching, the struggle, the quiet inward-ness and self-nurturing that is all part of your very personal journey.
Sending my love and xo
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Angelia on July 8, 2015, 5:25 p.m.
So glad to hear that you are finding some joy in your summer......was just wondering about you yesterday:) Your blog is one that I check often and my favorite is the same as yours......beautiful pictures by the way...take care.