Hello, friends.
Gosh. I’m not sure where to begin.
As I said in the title of this post, I took an unscheduled break all through October, and intended to restart again in November. That was the plan.
But as with all best laid plans, it went awry and before I realised, November is half over!
As I have received many messages of concern as to whether I’d return to blogging (yes, I will), I figured that I owe you an explanation 🙂
So, hello! What’s been happening? 🙂
Much has been said about 2020, and how challenging it has been for us all on all fronts. Our life and plans have been curtailed and what started out in March as a rather exciting little adventure has settled into a rather tiring little routine of staying home, wearing masks and avoiding social gatherings.
While I was rather upbeat the first time lockdown happened, I felt rather out of sorts when they put us under controlled movement again in October.
Perhaps it was fatigue. Perhaps it was frustration at the system and the politicians, and the feeling that we are merely pawns in their game. Perhaps it was the feeling of helplessness, at not knowing what will happen or for how long we will be stuck in this time warp.
Either way, I was in no mood to write, or share on Instagram. I was still online, still keeping my finger on the pulse, but I wasn’t in the mood to share or have a presence.
The truth is that I feel rather insipid talking and thinking about beauty products, when so much more is happening around me. People losing jobs, not having enough to eat, businesses closing, and here I was telling you about a blush that costs RM260.
I couldn’t stomach it. So, I shut down.
In the past month, I’ve used products without thinking too much about them. I’ve thrown out bags of empty bottles and tubs, without feeling that I should talk about them. I’ve done complicated skincare routines, and I’ve done simple routines.
I basically had to go and find myself again, because the truth is that the constant feeling that I had to be online, to post on Instagram, or to share an Instagram story began to overwhelm me.
And that explains the unscheduled break. I woke up one day and decided I’d take the time off. I needed to reset my mind, and to reconsider my priorities.
I must also apologise here for failing to reply many recent comments. Most of you know that I am a stickler for replying to comments, but I slowed some time in the middle of the year, and I never managed to catch back up.
This guilt at not managing my comments section better ate at me, and was part of the reason I felt awful opening up my blog to write. I was simply overwhelmed.
What I will do now is to go back and answer questions that need answering, so I’m afraid not every comment will receive a reply. However, I will promise you that going forwards from today, all new comments will receive a reply, as I have been doing all these 13 years I’ve been blogging 🙂
While I took a break from the blog, I’ve channeled my time and energies to building my little dog treats brand. I’ve had to learn much about e-commerce and online marketing in a very short time. It’s been rewarding but tough! 😛 I know that there are many among you who have given me your support, and it warms my heart to know that your pups are enjoying what we’re sending out. Thank you!
As busy and challenging as the new business is, I decided that it was time to return to writing again. It is my one true creative outlet that brings me more joy than mere imagery.
So here I am 🙂
Hello again. I hope you are well 🙂
xoxo
Paris B
Welcome Back Paris!!!!
Hi, and thank you 🙂
Blog about homecooked food instead? 🙂
I would, if I could keep the dog away long enough for me to take some nice photos hahah! But seriously, I cook very simple stuff so probably not so exciting there 🙂
A lot of people are depressed about the way their politicians are handling the COVID crisis. Many have become destitute and the suicide rate in m any countries has gone up dramatically. It’s difficult to stay hopeful.
I haven’t been thinking about beauty or fashion because I rarely ever leave the house except to run or hike (I am in a sparsely populated region). I have poured my energies into watercolor painting, learning Latin, and reading classics like Don Quixote.
Sounds like you’ve adapted to cope Evie, which is great! 🙂 We all cope in the best ways we can in this case, and worst of all, 2021 isn’t looking any better!
Glad you’re back! I was beginning to worry that something had happened to your health. Best wishes, and, though you may feel insipid, reading your perspective on beauty items has always been a relaxing break from the serious realities in my life. Thanks for being there 🙂
Thank you for the concern Swoozy <3 Thank you too for letting me know that what I deem insipid or banal brings someone else joy 🙂
Welcome back, Paris. While we do what we can, I don’t think we should feel guilty about what we buy. At the end of the day, the economy survives when there’s spending. I have that guilt feeling too, making big purchases but heck, I’m not in debt, still have my job, drawing usual salary, managed to save a third of my take home pay and can’t travel. Makeup products do not get my money anymore, skincare continues. I’m glad you are back and look forward to more posts.
Good perspective, Nvie 😀 Actually, not being able to travel much or at all has been great for the savings hasn’t it? It’s savings I’d rather spend, but any savings is nice to allow for the odd little splurge
A dog treat company sounds wonderful. I’ve bought a few makeup items, but don’t use them except for my usual lipstick when I’m maskless inside my house. I’ve taken up color pencil drawing, and will probably try watercolor painting this winter.
My dog is a senior and even though all the restrictions are tough, I love that she and I are getting to spend our days together. Good luck with your dog treat brand, and just work on what moves and inspires you. I keep trying to remind myself things are difficult enough without beating myself up all the time.
Thank you Charity and much love to your dog too. It must be wonderful to be spending so much time together at this time!
Glad you are back Paris!
With all the sad news out there, sometimes other “less serious” news can be helpful in taking our minds off things.
We still need to shop, even with a reduced budget, and help people keep their jobs too.
Writing well is an artform that not everyone can do, so we love to hear from you.
Thank you Dorena, and I’m glad to hear that people aren’t averse to reading something a little more banal perhaps, after sitting through a firestorm day after day!
Welcome back paris.missing your blog for the past month but glad to hear from u again.hoping that everything is o.k. and stay safe but most important is be happy and healthy.
Thank you Yeo Hua and I hope you are keeping safe and healthy too! It’s quite troubling times out there, but we’ll get through this!
I guess we are all coping the best we can. That is the way it is. It is better for us, let go assurances regarding almost everything. If it helps I shall tell you that your blog is the ONLY ONE I read on a regular basis. I am happy when you post it but if you do not I am happy too. Take it easy and never let go hope.
You are too kind Patricia, thank you so much! Keep safe and stay healthy!
Welcome back Paris!! As happy/ relieved as I am to learn of your return, I am not sure if I am agreeable with your action plan of having to respond to all new comments. At least I am not expecting one when I am not asking any question ^_^
Most importantly, glad that you are well and back. Take care and stay safe
Hahaha I will still try to respond where I can Adrienne, it’s always been my policy that if someone could take a minute or two to leave a comment, I too could take a minute or two to reply 😉 Stay safe and healthy!
Welcome back and thank you for sharing ! I am relieved to hear (read)that everything is ok – as far as anything can be ok these days. Take your time and share a thought from time to time. We all care!!
Hi Anna, thank you so much for your concern and care! I truly appreciate the support. Do stay safe and healthy where you are <3
It is nice to see you back again! Of course, not saying you must force yourself to for the sake of your readers – I think everyone understands when you want to be away 🙂 hope you are well, and take care
Thank you for the care and concern 🙂 It has been trying times hasn’t it? And it doesn’t even seem to be letting up anytime soon! I hope you’re staying safe and healthy too
Welcome back! It was a long wait, but you totally deserve the break. I should take one soon/too! 🙂
Yes, a break is good for the soul! Hope all is well!
Yayyy…!!! You are okay. Yes, our politicians are &^%$# but you do what you need to do to be safe and well. You GO Girl…. Welcome Back
Thank you Joopah <3 And I'm still out there bemoaning the sorry state of our local politics and politicians every single day! I can't believe it's almost a year since this all began and they're still grappling in the dark