la vie en rose...a sweet life: Closing Shop

Several months ago when I decided to begin a new blog that focused more on my photography than my writing I wasn't quite ready to give up my Sweet Life blog. Having two blogs would mean I could move forward and still hold on. It's been difficult for me to decide to end this blog. It has meant so much to me. It's introduced me to new friends. It's offered empowerment I've never experienced before. It's given me a place to share my story. The thing that makes it most difficult is that so much of my identity as a blogger is tied up in this blog. My name in this great big blogging world is connected to la vie en rose. And my heart and soul are burried in these posts. That's not an easy thing to walk away from. It's like starting over. It's like entering a witness protection program. It's like breaking up with a lover, one you still feel very connected to. Even though there's nothing really wrong with the relationship you know its just time to move on. You've outgrown it. It's served it's purpose and now it's time for what's been waiting for who you've been becoming. But I think I'm finally ready to say good bye and to focus solely on my Tangled Wings blog. As hard as it's been to make this decision it also seems like an appropriate one.

When I began blogging I had no idea what I wanted or where it would take me. I settled on the first name that came to mind and a blog was born. But that's been over two years ago and since that time I've changed. My voice has become stronger. My writing has become more confident. My photography has blossomed. All that growth deserves a new blog, a blog that is more reflective of where I am now and the authenticity I want to lend to my blogging. In a sense moving permanently to my Tangled Wings blog is an act of ownership. I am owning my blogging. A Sweet Life was a name I randomly decided upon. Tangled Wings was birthed directly from my poetry. While A Sweet Life has certainly served me well and while my truth and my vision is apparent in every post Tangled Wings seems to belong more to me. It seems a little more mine. At Tangled Wings I can really plant my voice and my vision deeply into my life and let them take root. Tangled Wings is a place where my purpose can be authenticity as opposed to popularity.

So with bittersweet farewells and many glances over my shoulder, not to mention kisses flung from my fingertips into the air, I say goodbye to A Sweet Life. And it truly has been the sweetest. But remember I'm not giving up blogging. I'm just moving on. I'm choosing to own my blogging by creating a blog that is more truly reflective of who I am right now. You can still witness the untangling of my wings at Tangled Wings...the blog. Click here to find me.

October 2007

Comments

Wishing you all the best with the new blog hun... Sometimes a change is what is needed... I'll check in on your other blog later...

Big hugs,
love Toni

Posted by: Toni | October 18, 2007 at 04:16 AM

i'll read you
no matter
where you are

Posted by: gkgirl | October 18, 2007 at 04:48 AM

Maintaining two blogs is a lot of work. I tried it for a short while and decided one is enough.

Congratulations on growing and simplifying and refining.

Posted by: deirdre | October 18, 2007 at 07:22 AM

Yep, no matter where you are, there we will find you.

Posted by: susan | October 18, 2007 at 10:16 AM

so funny how things run their coarse. i just reclaimed my old blog identity because it felt more like a home for me than my work blog...funny we were switching roles at the same time. i love, loved your writing on a sweet life, and look forward to seeing you evolve on tangled wings. congratulations on moving forward!

Posted by: pink sky | October 18, 2007 at 10:24 AM

i will miss you here but am so happy that i will still be able to read your sweet words and see your amazing photography as you continue to evolve over at tangled wings. xoxo

Posted by: schmoops | October 18, 2007 at 01:32 PM

see you at tangled wings :)

Posted by: angela | October 18, 2007 at 04:29 PM

Blowing kisses right back... see you in Tangled Wings (very soon to fly I'm sure).
Thank you for sharing your journey - it has truly been sweet and full of life.

Posted by: gracie | October 18, 2007 at 05:52 PM

It's an evolution, my dear. And that is a gift you give to yourself. Looking forward to your continued growth & expression. Peace & love, JP/deb

Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | October 18, 2007 at 07:45 PM

i really identify with this - i've been thinking about my blog identity a lot lately, what/who i am here. i've loved you here and i'll love you over there, congratulations on being comfortable taking the next step. xo

Posted by: kristen | October 19, 2007 at 12:39 PM

i will miss this, i've followed and commented for a while. and i check up on tangled wings anyway. congrats on this step!!! fly!!!!

Posted by: carolee | October 19, 2007 at 01:32 PM

Gorgeous photo! And, bravo for all of it ALL of it-- the journey, the letting go, the new focus-- I will see you at Tangled Wings-- ANd I will see you at ARTFEST, baby!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Elizabeth | October 19, 2007 at 03:31 PM

nothing but support and love for you honey!!!

as long as you don't. stop. writing.

!!!

xoxoxox

Posted by: megg | October 20, 2007 at 02:54 AM

I'd follow you to the moon.

Posted by: tongue in cheek | October 20, 2007 at 01:28 PM

Ahh, I'll miss you here. This is where I first met you, but of course I'll follow you to your new blog or wherever else you go.

Posted by: Heather | October 22, 2007 at 04:51 PM

What a big decision...and you know I will follow you, wherever you go! I do hope you leave up La Vie En Rose for as long as you can...just because a blog is like a book, in so many ways, and I know someone out there in the blogiverse will enjoy going through all your posts...and will be blessed.

Posted by: Sam | October 23, 2007 at 08:08 PM

Change is good.

My son would say that this is like moving from an old house to a new house. Think of all the new photos and stories you'll be sharing over there.

Posted by: January | October 23, 2007 at 08:30 PM

sounds like you arrived at this decision with heart and intellect...knowing the time is a gift. i look forward to the unfolding of tangled wings.

Posted by: eileen | October 24, 2007 at 07:33 PM

take a deep breath.

good.

i'll follow you anywhere. ;-D

Posted by: jenica | October 25, 2007 at 08:12 AM

Trust me, sweetie, I know how hard this decision can be. I hope it will feel as good and freeing as it has for me. "so much of my identity as a blogger is tied up in this blog..." That's exactly why it was time for me to move on. I have no doubt that you'll create just the kind of place you want to be at your new space.

Posted by: Marilyn | October 31, 2007 at 05:25 AM