Hi friends! Happy 2014!
I’m sorry for the radio silence – things have been quieter on the site than I meant them to be this week. Honestly, I’ve been getting a little burned out the past few months and I’m trying hard to shake off this funk, but I’m struggling a little. I had hoped the holidays would be a little more restful, but they were so crazy that I didn’t really get a chance to hit that reset button during my time off. And sadly, it seems like every time I get this stressed out, something bigger happens with my health that forces me to slow down a bit. This time I fell and broke my arm at the elbow. I’m doing pretty good, and I don’t need surgery like we thought I might. Just trying to take it easy for another few days. I’m hoping to use the down time to get re-energized and re-inspired. I’m hoping all the swelling goes down sometime soon too. I feel like a balloon! :)
A few days before I fell I managed to get a primer coat on the music room walls. The primer was tinted to be lighter and brighter (and a little less green) than the final color will be, but it’s fun to get a sense of what the finished product will be. I can’t wait to get that done!
I got a few other projects done over the holidays that I need to photograph and share, so I’ll be back with those over the next couple days. Thanks for hanging tight while I get all this straightened out and while I focus on mending my arm (and my head). xoxo
Oh no! So sorry to hear of your injury! I hope it helps force some rest upon you. We moved to AZ at the tail end of 2012, and the Christmas/NY period that followed was a huge emotional drain for me. As you said, sometimes these things come along to help you take stock and take care of yourself. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Hope you get better soon!!!
Feel better! We've all been there and it gets better. You have a beautiful home & family!
Gads! I had a sense something was up when your site hadn't been updated – I was starting to get anxious for you. Do take care, we all love reading and seeing what you are doing, but we can wait until you are ready and healthy.
Sorry to hear about your injury! That stinks. Take as much time as you need girl! We all have plenty of old posts to keep us busy for years. You need this time to get your groove back. Love you Jenny!
Dixie
Jenny- I am so sorry to hear about your elbow, I know how disheartening this must be! I've followed your blog for several years, and moves ;) now- and please just know from this reader like so many others, that you should absolutely take all the time you need- both now- and in the future. I am quite certain there is pressure to keep the posts, and clicks coming- but seriously, your content is such an incredible gold mine post after post- that we will be here for it, whenever it happens. Period.
You GOT this Jenny!!! Now go recharge bosslady-
Love you to pieces!!!!
Any chance of travel soon? I've read somewhere that taking a trip to a very different place is one of the best antidotes for creative blocks. And did you ever get the chance to appreciate all the gorgeousness that surround you right now? If not, then… be sure to enjoy your beautiful black fireplace, purple chandelier, yellow velvet chair, green closets — did I cover most of the gorgeous colors you've brought into your home? And that wonderful blue in the music room! And that seductive red rug in the entryway! And… I think I'll stop here. Rest and recharge.
:( Oh lady! Take all the time you need! I think photographing and blogging need to be the least of your worries right now. How about how to cook a meal, put a shirt on and brush your hair! You've got bigger fish to fry!
We will all understand. You're fabulous, and if I've learned anything by events such as this, it often feels like God's way of saying "if you don't slow down, I'll have to allow something to slow you down." Ugh. Praying for a speedy recovery and I hope your girls are being great little helpers!
Thanks for letting us know what happened – it's funny how you can worry about someone you've never met! I told myself that this was the year I stopped looking at pretty house pictures and starting making a pretty house, so you picked a perfect time to take a break as far as I'm concerned. Best wishes to you for a peaceful recovery!
Please, please please REST. Don't worry about us. We will be here no matter how long you need to rest. Let those who love you help.
Take care of yourself and forget posting for a few days. We will all be waiting for your return.
*HUGS*
Get well soon!
Hi! I love reading your blog and seeing all the projects you do around your home. I just re-read the DIY stair runner post from 10 Dec 2012, hoping to recreate it in my house (I just found solid pine stairs under some nasty old carpet). I have a couple questions about it though: how did the rugs hold up? Any pull away after awhile? The brad nailer you linked to didn't have great reviews on Amazon, is there anything else you would recommend, a year later? Thanks! (also, get well soon!)
Poor you Jenny, what a disaster. Wishing you a speedy recovery (and some well earned rest and relaxation) and really looking forward to more posts when you're up and running again!
My goodness you do do a good number on yourself don't you! Hope you get better as soon as possible :) Looking forward to hearing more, but please don't stress, just rest!
Happy New Year:-) and hope you get better soon
Awesome interiors looks so nice. I loved your flooring.
interiors decoration
So to hear! Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Happy new year!
Having the same issues myself getting 2014 started.
Also fell-on Dec. 19- and broke my elbow. And like you, no surgery required. I spent 6 days in a splint and now three weeks later I am almost 100%. Most important-take it easy!!! I've had some good days where I do too much followed by a couple days of doing nothing but resting my arm.
I agree it is a sign to slow down and be more mindful. I don't think I have ever felt more slothful but really feel like it has also been a gift to myself. (In addition to the elbow, I also got the flu four days later. Merry Christmas to me.)
Hang in there. The music room looks marvelous.
Your blog is wonderful.
I figure with my end to 2013/beginning of 2014 – things can only get better. Hope that is true for you also.
Rest and restore!
Take it easy, Dear!! It's a marathon, not a sprint. Must rest and care for yourself with as much love as you do your girls — we'll be here.
Happy New Year!
I'm happy to know you are ok. It's just time for a break! You've been working so hard over the past few months!!!!
PS: love the wall/backsplash tile in your bathroom (what is it called?)
Take care so you have a speedy recovery. Do what you need to do, especially any rehab on the arm/elbow, but be careful. Better to go slow for a little while than for a long time if the healing gets interrupted. Barbara H.
Hope you are feeling better. I have been checking in every day and sorry to hear the blogging break was due to a real break :( Please take care of yourself.
Get well soon!! I've found a few other bloggers have been exhausted and in a little funk themselves. I think its the time of year. So take your time, heal, decompress and you'll get your MOJO back. Try to read inspirational things. Watch a good chic flick that makes you laugh and happy. Turn on some great music! Journal your feelings if you can, so they're not bottled up. Drink lots of water and try to do a little exercise (walking, since you have a broken arm). It's good for the mind. Easier said than done with so many responsibilities but try it if you can. We'll all still be here when you're ready. :)
Your stamina lasted longer than mine would after a cross country move and major renovation. You've earned a break….just not the one you got. I hope you heal quickly, in the meantime, enjoy some down time.
*Gasp* the dramatic color in your music room is breathtaking! I, for one, will stick around if you need to hit pause on your posts!
Best wishes for a healthy elbow and recharged New Year.
I'm so sorry! Take it easy. Enjoy a little bit of a break for a while. We aren't going anywhere. =)
Thinking of you and sorry to hear you are burnt out and that your arm is broken. Help yourself to a much needed vaca from posting and painting and come back whenever the symptoms have subsided!
I'm sorry to hear about your arm. I hope you make a full recovery. You are so talented and creative and kind to share it all with us I'm not surprised you need some rest. I always marvel at how much energy you have. Please take care of yourself.
Feel better and take all the time you need! Your health and your time with your family are the most precious things. We will all be here when you are back!
I hope you feel better soon! Take your time, your readers can wait a bit!
Gorgeous blue walls. I'd love to do that in my boys' bedroom.
Oh my gosh you and me both! I dislocated my kneecap over this holiday season, and had been running myself ragged up to that point. A slow down is in order! Glad I'm not the only one :)
Take good care and don't worry about taking time if you need it- I'm amazed at all you've accomplished in your new home already and will continue to follow!
No hurry! We will be here waiting!
Moving is a major stressor alone! I fell and broke my arm just above the elbow and had to have 6 pins and a metal rod put in my arm- it was miserable! I found the easisest clothes to wear were maternity tops with the sling while healing. Take time to rest and let your family pamper you!!! Love love your blog- think you are fab!
so glad you are ok! That blue is looking so handsome, even though he's just a primer.
Hi Jenny! Your blog is hands down my favorite. You are so inspirational with your energy and ideas! I will definitely compulsively check for updates, just because I am excited for what's next, but I'm glad you're taking time to rest! Praying your elbow heals well and quickly!
Hi Jenny, I'm a huge fan and I will check for news from you. Get well soon because we need your posts!!
xoxo Ana
I broke my wrist this fall at my daughters rollerskating party (talk about embarrassing) I had to have surgery (on the kids first day of school)and I thought I would never feel myself again. 4 mos later and my arm is totally mended. This is just the universe telling you to slow down a bit. In no time your arm and your head will feel better. Enjoy your amazing home! Corinne
I hope our love for you and a mandatory reboot will help with your head. Your bones will heal themselves. Love you, love you. xox
I'm an avid follower of your blog over here in Scotland and although I LOVE your regular updates, your health comes first. Rest up! That 'funk' can become all-consuming so take time out. Your fans will still be here…we may not know you, but we are devoted. Haha! wishing you well xoxo
Good Golly Miss Molly! Take care and enjoy the gorgeous blue in that Music Room! You deserve a break!
I love your blog and hope you are feeling better. As an OT and certified hand therapist, I see arm fractures and problems with swelling daily. If you haven't been referred to one by your physician, you might ask for a referral. I'm sure there are some great hand therapists in your area. Hope this wasn't too weird, but had to say something as I love helping people with similar deficits at my job and I've seen how much difference therapy can make with healing well. I love your blog, by the way, especially your DIY tutorials. So great.
oh gosh so sorry about your arm – and your head.. we have all been there at some time. i love reading about what you're doing but also know everyone needs a break sometimes :) I'll keep checking in to see what you're up to until you say you're not blogging anymore! (which i hope does not happen lol) take care of yourself :)
I think all moms are burned out after the holidays. We're so busy with the activity of giving to everyone else, we forget to give a little to ourselves. Start your 2014 by being good to yourself, and it will help everything else fall into place.
I am ALWAYS amazed by how much you do and blog all that you do! So it is completely under stable that you are burned out. Be gentle on yourself and let yourself heal a bit. Yes, sometimes our body tells us we need to slow down. I learned this a few years ago and now I have learned (slowly) to say NO more often, and not feel guilty about resting more.
Take care – we'll all be here if you want to take a break or post less per week.
Get better soon, Jenny! Thank you for keeping it real.
btw I filled out your survey- good deed of the day checked off! :-)
Sending healing thoughts your way!!! And, yes, we will all be here. Be good to yourself and try to enjoy what you have accomplished for a bit! Easier said than done, right?
I hope you feel better soon. Rest is such an important thing don't take it forgranted :) Sending lots of hugs and good energy your way.
xo