Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Bonjour

Mum and I visited Sydney last month and it was fabulous, as you'd imagine!


Bonjour dear friends,

I am so pleased to be back from my blogging break, and thank you for the lovely comments and emails I received since I was last here.  I really, really appreciate them.

Something I’ve been thinking about lately is that I’ve always told myself I’m a quiet person who values their own company, and it’s true.   But hearing the phrase recently ‘fear of being seen’ or ‘fear of visibility’ really rang true for me.  When I first started this blog I only told two people about it and they were my only readers for quite a while.  That felt comfortable to me.

Then others found me, as we do, by searching around the internet for our passions, hobbies and interests, and even though readers of this blog are nothing but the kindest, loveliest and most fun people I’ve ever had the good fortune to interact with, I felt afraid when my blog got too big.  And it’s not even that big!  I saw the stat counters of how many people read each day and how many page views and it freaked me out.

Instead of having my blog be a fun and happy place to be, I felt responsible and under pressure.  I know, I know, it was all me, and completely unnecessary.  But the mind is a powerful thing.  So I stopped my blog.  Then after a few years I restarted it because I really missed it.  And even though my readership had dropped off because of  my break, it still felt too open.  I never considered taking the blog down though so it can’t have been that, so just what was I afraid of?

It’s something I am actively working on, working out why I want to hide away sometimes.  It feels like self-imposed exile because it is.  It’s the fear of people thinking what I’ve written is shallow or dumb.  When really, it’s not the law that someone reads my blog, it’s an option they can take or not take.  Just as I have the option to feel happy writing on my blog for fun, or feel frozen with anxiety over writing/not writing.

I know.  Nutter!  So I’m putting my negative mind chatter to one side, and look forward to continuing the sharing of thoughts and conversation on living a chic life.  I hope you will join me.

See you Friday!

37 comments:

  1. I read your blog because I enjoy it!
    You willingly give wonderful suggestions.

    As a reader, I cannot ask for more.
    Thank you.

    Irene

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  2. Welcome back Fiona. I just happened to check to see if you had started writing again and yes your back; just awesome. My sister introduced me to your blog about 2 years ago, and I really have enjoyed it. I have found your writing to be fun, inspiring, honest and down to earth. Please continue to be yourself. I think you have a book in this blog of yours. Good luck. Cheers Lu

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  3. Welcome back, Fiona! You were greatly missed! :)

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  4. Great to see you writing again. You have always provided such stylish commentary on life and style not just fashion. Such an elegant lady. I am glad you enjoyed Sydney when it was at its best. We have just moved back to Sydney after a sojourn in Melbourne and the weather last week was quite frightening. I look forward to your writings when you choose to share your thoughts. All the very best.

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  5. It's lovely to see you back Fiona!

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  6. Yay, Fiona! I have always enjoyed reading your blog and somehow make my way back around when you were on your long blog break:). Cheers, Pingxoxo

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  7. Oh Fiona! I am so delighted you are back. Seeing your email alert in my inbox is wonderful..I have missed your blogging - your blog is the first I ever subscribed to and I have always enjoyed your outlook on life. It always resonates with me. I am so pleased you are back to writing and look forward to all you have to say. Much appreciation and kinship. Lucy

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  8. I am very much a card-carrying introvert myself, and fully understand your reasoning. That said, I am most happy you have come back.

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  9. I just found your blog recently so I'm fortunate in that I didn't have to miss you too much! I love your blog and have gone back YEARS to read some of your posts! Your posts are neither dumb nor shallow and speak volumes to me. I love hearing of ways to live more simply, more meaningfully, more gracefully. Your blog is all that and more ❤️

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  10. Figuring out the balance between public and private is really tough when you're a blogger. I still don't post photographs of myself, partly because I'm nothing special to look at, and partly because it just seems terribly public. Do what keeps you comfortable, and rest assured that you have friends and supporters, no matter what you choose!
    warmest regards,
    Janice

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  11. Bonjour.. I just only found you a couple of weeks ago and am so pleased you have started blogging again! Welcome back to Blogland!

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  12. I was just the other day thinking about you Fiona, and wishing for your return. I was thinking, well, just read some old posts then! :o)

    It's so great to see you back. Your writing voice conveys such a lovely warmth and intelligence - you're like the voice of the friend I wish I had in real life. Welcome back!

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  13. Welcome back to Blogland Fiona! You have been missed!

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  14. Yay! I was so happy to see your email in my inbox this morning, as I absolutely love your blog. So glad you're back!

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  15. Bonjour Fiona, welcome back. I see that you have listed my little blog "Rustique France" on your reading list. Thank you and I hope you enjoy my stories about life in France for an Aussie expat. I can only say that you must just relax and enjoy your writing. There are two New Zealanders living near me who also have blogs, "Fabulously French" and "Chateau Carbonneau". Perhaps you would also enjoy them. Bonne journée

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  16. Welcome back! We missed you! :)

    Michelle from Boston

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  17. Bonjour, Fiona! Nice to see you back. I enjoy reading your reflections on life, they resonate so much with my aspirations. I hope you'll write more again.
    Best regards,
    Maria

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  18. I am happy that you are back to your blog. I find what you say very refreshing and thoughtful, you have a "softness" that is indeed visible.

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  19. I'm so happy to see you back, Fiona. I, too, am an introvert and am selective about who I interact with. I have fear of being 'seen', as well, but have learned over my 58 years that people are kind. There is so much kindness in this world. As you said, people have a choice to read your blog or not. They don't read it to criticize you. Not every posting needs to be life-changing or even inspiring! Just be you. I frequently remind myself "KISS- keep it simple, Shawn." For you, it would be KISF- keep it simple, Fiona. Be real. Be yourself. All is well.

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  20. Nice to see you again Fiona. I have missed your blog so much.

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  21. Welcome back! Sometimes it seems that there is really nothing new to be said. I enjoy reading your blog because it is thoughtful. If readers aren't interested, they aren't forced to read. I still have a hard time with selfie photos or of taking pictures of clothing. I'm not a fashion photographer. Missed you.

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  22. Welcome back!-Carla

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  23. So delighted to see you back! I've missed you and look forward to reading your lovely blog again. Charlene

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  24. What a great surprise to see you back! I hope you enjoyed your break, and I look forward to reading your new posts. I always enjoy your perspective.

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  25. I'm so glad your back, I've missed your delightful posts!I put no pressure on you and have no expectations so please feel free to be yourself and write what and when you wish. Again welcome back. I look forward to what you have to share.

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  26. So thrilled you are back and looking forward to your lovely posts.

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  27. I'm so happy to see you are back from your break :)
    You have been missed.
    Looking forward to Friday, too :)
    ~~MJ~~

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  28. Hooray! Glad to see you've popped back up again, Fiona. Clearly, what you've done in the past has really resonated with a lot of us.

    Cheers,
    Marsi

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  29. I hope you never feel pressured to write! it is a pleasure to share your thoughts as you wish to share them. you seem so grounded and serene.
    I love that you are not caught up in how to make a gazillion outfits from 5 easy pieces, or tell us how to look younger, etc. you radiate well-being and contentedness. if you could bottle that vibe, you'd be a millionaire, but I suspect you do not count wealth in $$!
    know that someone from Los Angeles truly appreciates your whimsical meanderings and heartfelt inspirations!

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  30. I have been a long time follower and so happy to see you are back. Love your writing style and how calm and peaceful you seem to be. I have learned so much from you and want you to sincerely know how much I appreciate your blog. Thank you for being you!

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  31. Welcome back. I love your blog.205

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  32. Welcome back Fiona. I'm a fellow introvert; and I get what you're saying. and sometimes I think my posts aren't all that, either, but I take a deep breath and hit publish.
    People (including me!) love your blog; just do it at your own pace.
    I'll never forget yours was the first comment I ever got on my blog! I was so excited!!

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  33. Yea !!! You are back !!! Like everyone else I love your blog ! Just continue
    to be you and tell fear to kindly step aside. Merci for your blog . Returning wishes to you to have a tres chic day !

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  34. I'm so happy you are back!!!

    Adelaide.

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Merci for your comment. Wishing you a chic day!

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