The first thing I want to cover: the shop update. Geez, Louise... thank you guys SO MUCH for the warm response! I know I don't do shop updates very often these days, but even now I get nervous about them! I don't know if that will ever go away. All of the items have sold and it blows my mind. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Now, can we just talk about how good Mad Men is? I'm so glad it's back.
I mentioned last week (in an outfit post, no less) a bad/stressful week, and though I feel like I pretty much fought through it like a champ, I wanted to revisit parts of it. We've been having a terrible month for grandparents around these parts. My great-grandmother passed away, one of Johnny's grandpas has been in the hospital and had to have his leg amputated, and his other grandpa is now said to have less than one month to live. I know we're getting to the age where the grandparents start letting go (as sad as that is to say), but it doesn't make it any easier... and that's okay.
On a lighter note, I think everyone should have a bike. I've been spending my evenings (and some afternoons) just going for a ride and clearing my mind, and it's one of my very favorite things. As you can see from the picture above, we live (kind of) in the country right now, and the little roads are perfect for bike riding.
Thanks for letting me ramble a bit. I hope you all have an amazing weekend-- I really mean it. Go outside or do something you don't normally get to do. Or, just go hug your grandma. Whatever you do, enjoy it. xoxo Katie
I'm sorry about all your grandparents. I totally know what you mean about this time being the time where they start to leave us. It's so sad, but definitely something we need to go through. I'm not looking forward to this when it happens to my family. Glad other things are going well, especially your shop! Congrats!
ReplyDelete- Sarah
A Girl In Transit
So sorry to hear about all your grandparents :( My grandma isn't doing very well either. She's feeling ill for almost 2 weeks now and is always having some pain in her legs. Luckily she lives next door, so we go to her every day to make sure she's ok and to try to make her feel a bit better.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your shop update! I totally missed it :( But I saw your pics on flickr and it looks wonderful!
xx
between me and my husband (8 grandparents) we have no grandparents left. and that's really freaky because next in line are our own parents! :(
ReplyDeleteso pleased you're at the end of your busy week and your shop update went so awesome (as if it wouldn't...)
~d.
Sorry to hear about the grandparents, I know the feeling since my aunt died just a week ago :/ but look on the bright side there's so much other things going well in your life (and I'm seriously jealous of your bike and country roads!).
ReplyDeleteAh, I'm sorry to hear you're going through trying times. Have a big hypothetical hug from me. x
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your grandmother and your husband's grandfathers. I still have all my grandparents (just lost my last great-grandparent and few years ago) and I'm terrified of losing any of them, since they've been around my entire life- a quarter of a century now. My oldest grandparent is my dad's father, and he's one of my best friends. I can't imagine losing him. I hope that you are both doing okay, and I will think good thoughts for you.
ReplyDeleteI so want like $1000 to buy stuff in your store!! :P
ReplyDeleteKatie, does your bike-companion have a name? My olive-green Raleigh is named Lotje, and she has accompanied me on many shitty-week rides to decompress. I'm glad you've discovered this secret, too. (:
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for all the problems with your grandparents and I am sorry for your loss! I lost both my grandmas when I was 9. Both my grandpa's in my 20's.
ReplyDelete*HUGS*
Katie, I'm so sorry to here about your grandparents and all that has happened. I'm in the same boat right now. I lost three grandparents in 5 months time and I only have my 98 year old grandpa left. It is sad that we are getting older and seeing them go. It makes me wish I would have had children younger so my kiddos could grow up and know their grandparents. When the Mr. and I do have kids, we will just have to fill their hearts and minds with the lovely stories that we have of them. You are a strong young woman and you and your family will get through by remembering the good times. I think watching Mad Men and riding your bike is a good mental break. Again, I'm sorry and thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeletesuch heartbreaking news katie, i'm sorry. wishing you more mind clearing bike rides, wonderful business ventures, & savoring moments of love with family & friends. hugs inside & outside.
ReplyDeleteI myself know what it like to lose grandparents. i only have one left and it makes my heart ache to think to think of her not being in my life. Keep your spirits up and keep riding that bike.
ReplyDeleteVintagehoneybee.blogspot.com
I am so sorry to hear about the grandparents!! It is never easy when someone falls ill or saying goodbye to loved ones. But I am glad that there are silver linings in your life!! Bike rides are always a good way to pass the time!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a marvelous weekend friend!!
xoxo
so sorry to hear about the grandparents! I never met my grandfathers (both my mom's and dad's fathers) and just a few days ago the uncle of my mom who I consider as my grandfather passed away. It's all part of life and at least I know he's off somewhere better and not in pain anymore. Stay strong and stay positive! Seeing all your creatures always make me happy and inspire me so much and I hope they have the same effect on you!! :]
ReplyDeletexoxo
Guia :]
I'm so sorry to hear about your grandparents! I send you hugs and wishes for better days to your family. I loooove my grandparents with all my heart, I still have two (dad's parents). They live in another city. But fortunately next week I'm going to see them, and spend a whole week of quality time with them. I'm going to hug them hard, thinking of what you're saying! Hope you have a great weekend! And more wonderful ride bikes! :)
ReplyDelete(love from México)
Oh, grandparents. I lost my "favourite" grandma, with whom I spent big chunks of my childhood, three years ago. And whenever people write about their grandparent, I just want to write: Savour every moment you can have with them. Ask them things about their past, ask them to teach you all the things you want to learn from them. Do it!
ReplyDeleteBut when they pass away, don't grieve to much (I should take THAT advice to heart *sigh*), because they have had a long, full life. They do.
It's really hard when you get to that age that these amazing people who were part of the happiest memories of our childhood pass on. I am in tears right now just thinking about my grands. It's been 10 and 5 years for me, and although our lives go on, there are many days that I miss them, want their advice on something, a hug, miss that warm sweet scent my grandma always had (wish I knew the name of her perfume), or to hear my grandpa tell a joke or "grandpa story" as we all called it. Be kind to yourself. Allow yourself to cry when you need to. Tell your kids stories about them, let them live on in the sparkle your eyes get when you talk about them. Virtual {{hugs}} to you and your family during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteAw, grandparents are wonderful, so losing them is really, really tough. It's hard seeing them go. I'm thankful to know that I will be reunited with them again someday b/c of my faith but it doesn't make losing them any easier - it just keeps me hopeful. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteAll my support with you guys, loosing someone you love is allways hard, but the time is the better medecine.
ReplyDeleteXOXO, Bea
Tuf call hun, that is a lot for you guys to deal with but I know you realize that you gotta make the best of what you got. I had a road traffic accident in australia 2 years ago and am now in a wheelchair - you carry on with life of course, but your just sat down.
ReplyDeleteI was always of the mindset to get out there; go out there and 'do' do stuff.....run, why? coz one day you wont be able to, roll down a hill, why? coz one day you wont be able to get up that hill (thats sent me a flash back of the film Up - ah such a lovely film - I cried), swap ipods with a random stranger on the bus for that journey why - why not!
It's good to be able to switch off n clear your head which is buzzing with everything going on. You may find that you have one film you seem to watch over n over again just to see you through to the other side (across the universe - that film ive watched so many times it saw me through a particularly rough time)
For now I'm gonna send you a whole lotta love, strength from within n as much positive energy that this message can take. (now whos rambling - sorry), you got love coming from all around the globe missy including England! Bye for now, sarah xox
Biking is awesome - I´ve biked around a lot lately! :-)
ReplyDeleteI hear you on the grandparents front. Doctors say my grandpa has less than a month too, so I'm trying to cope with the thought of loosing him too. So hard, especially when they are so close. I'll keep you all in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteKatie - I work at University Hospital in Columbia (Missouri!) I don't know if that is where Johnny's grandpa is, but if he is and you need someone to check on him, let me know! I work all weekend!
ReplyDeleteI really feel you on this one. My boyfriend & I lost his grandma this week, and it's been pretty hard. Just because you know it's coming that doesn't make things any easier. My best wishes to all of you.
ReplyDeletenice pictures!
ReplyDeleteamzing blog btw!
we've been talking about getting bikes. we live right smack dab in the middle of the city though. so not quite as fun/pretty as that gorgeous "country" ride you get to take!
ReplyDeleteOh, I wish I'd seen this earlier. I'm so sorry you lost your great-grandmother. It's so hard to think about them not being around forever because it seems like mine have been old for so long. And having more than one be doing poorly seems like a downpour of sad. Sending you a big long-distance hug. More bike rides.
ReplyDeleteSo, so sorry about the loss of grandparents, Katie. Sending prayers your way.
ReplyDeleteI just like you and your blog a WHOLE LOT. Take care, pretty lady. xo.
I'm sorry about the grandparents, sweetie. Yes, it's time, but it's still tough. I've been through similar things in the past year, so I completely understand. I'm glad you have hobbies and passions to keep you sane. :) On a similar note, I need a bike myself!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the bike part! I love going out for a ride. Any form of exercise is great to clear the head. I am not sure if your bike rides are your alone time or if you have a guest along.
ReplyDeleteI often have my daughter along and used this bike seat,
http://www.weeride.com/Kangaroo-Center-Mounted-Child-Bicycle-Carrier (on sale at Toys R US - right now). I wish I would have found it sooner. We got to utilize it for 2 years before she out grew it. We have passed it on to our neighbors and their little guy loves it!
I really wanted to share in our bicycling adventures and not have her behind me in a trailer or bike seat behind me, as it would be difficult to talk. Once we got our seat, we rode all over town, she has even fallen asleep on it multiple times. It has really grown her love for riding, now that we have moved onto a two-wheeler (with training wheels), she MUST take a ride daily.