Tuesday 10 January 2017

I'll Remind You........

Dear You,

Yes......it has been a year.

Yes....it feels weird now. I'm not sure what I am doing. I'm not sure you reading this, when you finally get to read it.....re-read it, what you will make of it. You might laugh....and think 'Ness, you IDIOT', or you might be a little happy that you thought to jot a few things down. After all, you could be reading this when you are ninety......hey, you might even be grateful your younger self thought to do this.










..........







So.......it's been a year since you closed this little space. Twelve months of you being away. Twelve whole months when so much has happened, yet so little has happened.

I'll remind you that you decided you had nothing left in you to write about. I'll remind you that you thought it was a little repetitive. I'll remind you that you needed to stop.......and just be still.

I will remind you, that you thought this was a naff idea to write a post after you had 'closed' your blog. I will remind you that you wondered why you should not just buy a diary and write in it, then shove it to the back of a drawer. I'll remind you, that you thought you might cave and press 'delete' quite a few times. I'll remind you, that if your younger self actually published it, it was to do with the fact that she was scatty and thought it was best to have everything in one place where it could be located. Plus, in a brief wave of abandonment, you thought it was your blog and you could do what you liked with it.














..........






I will remind you that 2016 was a difficult year, in so many ways, and for so many people. It was a year in which so many people felt scared and uncertain. It was a year when so many people felt like they didn't know anything anymore. It was a year in which so many felt like they were standing on quick sand, and not firm rock.

It was a year when there was so much more bad news in the world than there was good. It was a year when people just wanted to hide away from it all. It was a year, quite frankly, a lot of people were happy to draw a line under and move on from. I'll remind you, that you found it weird, that you didn't meet anyone who thought it had been an okay year....if not in the bigger picture, not even in their own little bubble of achievements. You were sure there must have been though.

I shall remind you that, for you, this was a strange year. A year that you felt you needed to hibernate. A year long hibernation. A year where your creative juices really didn't flow. A year where you felt you were totally spent, and just needed to re-group.

I'll remind you that you sucked at housework and ironing. I'll remind you that you enjoyed reading books again, and I'll remind you that you always need to be in the right frame of mind to decorate.






I will remind you that you that although your creative juices just sort of stopped, it was the year of embroidery for you, and you spurted those out in the vain hope that it would jolt you back in the game. Whilst you liked the embroidered outcomes, and the speediness of them, they did not jolt you sadly. It was only in the final weeks of 2016 that you picked up your hook to see if the crochet love was still there.






I will remind you that 2016 was the year of reflection and procrastination. Not that it was any different to all the years before when you were like that, but because you seemed to have nothing to show for the year (creatively speaking), it appeared that the year was a wash out.






Having said that......

I shall remind you that your three bears have spent 2016 blossoming, and you write about them with huge pride and love. Big Bear started college and turned into the gentleman you always knew he would become.  You find it funny his most treasured friend is a can of hairspray, but you love how he doesn't want to shove you to one side when you are both walking down the street and he sees his mates.

I shall remind you that Middle Bear is way too funny. I shall remind you that he is the best person to have at the dinner table, and I shall remind you that 2016 was the year the hormones settled down and you realised just how amazing he was when he was not grunting. You also realised what great bear hugs he gave.

I shall remind you that Baby Bear is super. I shall remind you that everyday when he comes out of school he asks how you day was, way before he tells you about his day. I will remind you that he loves to do stuff to put a smile on your face, and I will remind you that this was the year that the Three Bears bickered the least!






I will remind you that 2016 told you, yet again, how fragile life could be. I will remind you that it felt tough being an adult when you still, at times, felt like a child in your head. I will also remind you that you realised that you just couldn't solve everything for everyone. Sometimes you just had to be there, and that was enough.






I'll remind you that early morning cups of tea with the fairy lights twinkling on the Christmas tree in a quiet house, is one of the best things EVER. I shall remind you that you are never too young for kids birthdays cakes AND I shall also remind you that you were so glad you discovered double cleansing (how's that working out for you? Is it paying off?!)






I shall also remind you dearest Ness, that you decided that whatever 2017 had in store for you, you felt ready to wake up from your hibernation, well rested and have a productive and creative year ahead.  








Vanessa, I hope you will look on this post, when you do, and remember all that which you have forgotten. A post about your year. Maybe, if you have it in you, you'll post again next year to remember 2017. I guess it's nice to remember....the good....and even the not so good. There is always something to be learned from everything one experiences. 

Until next time....maybe x


144 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness - I nearly cried when your post popped up. How I missed you. With love from a stranger you never met xx

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  2. Great to see a post from you! I'm glad you came back to revisit your space. Hope 2017 is a better year for everyone. Your bears sound delightful :-) I am a little further behind you with three small boy bears myself, eldest just about to turn 8... can't wait until it's all about the hair instead of Lego :-) I'm joking, Lego is great, all 4 suitcases of it... Best wishes to you and yours!

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  3. Yay!! Whoop whoop at seeing this delightful and thoughtful post Vanessa! So lovely to have you back, even if you only write this post (though I secretly hope you will pop back again).I love your pretty embroideries, you've inspired me to have a go myself. I too felt that 2016 was a pants year, well it was for me. Onwards and upwards though! Anyways there's loads I'd love to say, but I don't want to overwhelm you Ha ha!
    Happy New Year to you lovely girl, lets hope it's a good one! xxx

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  4. So enjoyed hearing from you. Hope you will return again...you really do have a special blog and are so very creative. Thank you.....

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  5. Lovely to hear that you're still around. There have definitely been better years than 2016 but that's the way it sometimes goes - onwards and upwards I say!

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  6. Hello!
    I just wanted to say how nice it was to hear from you after a year, even if it only was a one time thing. It was like a post card and it warmed me to read. I hope you have a wonderful 2017, and maybe we'll get another post card. Perhaps.
    Much love
    Josefine

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  7. Great post. And I hope welcome back x

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  8. You sort of make me think of Wu Wei! No need to do force things or force your creativity into doing something at any cost... just letting ideas come or hibernating if this is what the mood says you really should do! Yeah...
    And 2016 has had a lot of good things in store for me, really. Just to let you know that some people did think 2016 wasn't that bad.It wasn't such a worse year as any others, even though I'm living in France and man, we have had serious bad times. I only wish the media could focus onto good things happening too and not only on bad events. It puts everybody down. But yes, of course, the US elections were bad news for everybody ;-). Who knows, American people might learn something through it though.
    Hope you won't wait until you are 90 to give some news though... hi, hi... Funny, I was just thinking about "cleaning" my list of blogs I keep in touch with when yours came at the top to show some activity. It might be a sign :-)

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  9. oh my lovely, sweet precious girl, it is sooooooooooooooooooooooo good to hear your voice again!
    Sometimes we need to enjoy a fallow period to replenish energies and lay low and quiet for a while, it's all part of being a creative soul. I am hopeful that you will find your way back here as and when it feels right, you are a much loved part of the blogging community Ness, and I know like many, many others, I have missed you so much! Sending loads of love xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  10. What a blessing to find you had written a message here. I check all the time to see if you had changed your mind about your blog. You have been missed more than words could express. I hurried to the bottom of the page hoping you were going to say you were back for good. 😭😭
    Wish the best for you in 2017. Wish you would write here again.

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  11. Hello there!
    Happy new year Ness. What a lovely surprise to see you pop up on my blog feed. I miss you but that's ok, there's loads of blogs out there that I can read, but today you made me smile. Thank you and if you decide to pop back some other time well I'll be here then too.
    Sending you big hugs from a complete stranger. (((❤️)))

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  12. So lovely to see this post, Vanessa. I'm sorry 2016 was not a good year for you but, as you say, always something to be learned from both good and bad experiences. On the bright side, it sounds like your boys are a reflection of your lovely mothering. I hope 2017 is a year of joy and contentment. ♡

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  13. What a wonderful piece of wonderful loveliness! Just a little reminder from me that your readers are still here and haven't forgotten you - I was thinking of you before Christmas when I got out some china that I think you have and it reminded me of you! - and that although 2016 was a truly sucky year and 2017 hasn't been so hot so far for me yet - but I know it will get easier as it goes on - things can and do pass and will get and better. Lovely to hear from you. I think it was meant to be that you wrote this, because I really enjoyed it! I look forward to 2018!

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  14. I'm glad that you managed a blog post. It can be difficult after a break, but you know people will always drop by to visit, just to check in. It would be lovely to meet again in a year or sooner if you feel up to it. I hope this new year is everything you wish for xx

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  15. Oh I do hope you come back..........I've missed your beautiful blog x

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  16. This really reflected my year and has brought a tear to my eye xxx life is challenging at times and I,like you,find it hard to comprehend at times why I can't fix things for.people and make then happy. And sometimes I struggle with understanding what makes me happy. I hope you have a lovely 2017 and it was nice to have you back for a brief moment to help put some things into context xxx

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  17. How lovely it was to see a post pop up from you. Lovely to hear you and your three bears are well. Warmest wishes, Laura.

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  18. So very happy to hear from you!I miss this blogspot,and what you have to say!I look forward to new posts in the new year,if not I still wish you a beautiful 2017!with fondest regards,JULIE

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  19. I kinda thought you might be back, even if just for a post or two now and then, so I left you in my bloglist...AND HERE YOU ARE! Glad you had a nice year and hope you have a fab 2017. Missed you, but I totally get why you left. I've been blogging for 10+ years now and think about quitting quite often, but I never do. ♥♥♥ Pammy Sue - www.scottys-place.blogspot.com

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  20. Lovely post - very thoughtful. And welcome back. Looking forward to more posts. Thanks for sharing.

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  21. Hello! I just learned to crochet after being a knitter since I was six :) and found your lovely photos on flickr while searching for granny square color inspiration. So I was happy to find your blog to look thru. Wishing you a happy 2017!

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  22. Wow I just had feeling to check out this lovely spot and behold! A post. Great to hear from you and hope it may continue. Happiness for 2017. Cheers Sheridan in Queensland.

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  23. Well, 2016 hasn't been a good year for a lot of people but I am hopeful that 2017 will be better.It is good to have you back.
    Kind regards,
    Gaia.

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  24. Nice. It's good to see you again. I've missed you. :) Will never get bored of your rambles and sharing. Pure delight. What a great way to start my day over here. Happy Wednesday!
    Xxx
    Annette

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  25. Vanessa, I so loved reading your blog, the softness of the colours you surround yourself with, your many makes and how beautifully you capture them on film for us to see, as one who often reads blogs but rarely comment on any, it was wonderful to hear from you once more and hope everything is well with you and yours, you have been missed, all the best Tory

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  26. It was so lovely to see a post from you again. Xx happy new year xx may 2017 be full of hopeful and creative good things for you. Xx your blog really inspires me.

    Best wishes.
    Keep Calm and start writing -
    www.23millymay25.blogspot.co.uk

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  27. I nodded my head in agreement so many times in this post! And smiled many times too. ❤

    S x

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  28. And if the older me knows the older you, I'll remind you what a beautiful, honest and gentle soul you've always had ... even if your clothes could do with a bit of an iron. Much love. xxx

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  29. Lovely to have you back, even if it is fleeting! I've missed reading your posts and seeing your inspiring images. Yes, 2016 was a difficult year for many of us, here's hoping 2017 is more positive and happy. Delighted to hear you're starting to crochet again! Hope you have a very happy and creative time ahead. xx

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  30. Vanessa, what a beautiful post!...sometimes we have to step back and let life " do it's thing" to be able to try and make some sense of it..2016 has been a hard year for me too, but it was so lovely to hear that you all have grown together. Bless you, sue x

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  31. What a beautiful, thoughtful and reflective post..... It sounds like a lot has happened in 2016... I hope 2017 is kind to you and your family. Thank you so much for popping in, hope you come back soon... Xx

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  32. Hello Vanessa and Happy New Year to you and yours!

    I only discovered your beautiful blog very recently when I was feeling utterly exhausted with the Christmas period and all it entailed for me this year! I was longing for some "me time" and having only just started viewing similar blogs to yours, I discovered you - and it helped, it helped enormously! I was obviously sad that the first post I saw was that you were saying farewell but I started to read from the beginning and I was quickly hooked! After reading through your archives I did feel really sad you'd stopped writing, then today what's this - a new post from you!! It was wonderful to read Vanessa and I know I'll not be the only one to say so and I'm hoping you will feel able to say more in the future! Thank you Vanessa, I wish you a wonderful year ahead lovely lady xx

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  33. How lovely to hear from you, it seems despite 2016 being a pretty naff year you did have bright moments and they were bright enough to share :)
    I am one of those people who enjoyed 2016 with lots of travels and new experiences but despite that my overall feeling was still "meh" when the year finally shuffled off.
    Your pictures are beautiful (especially the dandelions) little snapshots of colour in a gloomy January.
    I hope we hear from you again soon :) x

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  34. How lovely to see one of your beautiful posts. I wish you a happy and creative 2017.

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  35. What a happy surprise to see this pop up in my Feedly! I've missed your posts and gorgeous photography. Hope 2017 brings joy and inspiration your way, and maybe I'll see you again next year. :)

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  36. I will remind you that you are clever, stylish, creative and just a little bit missed. But that's okay because we all have to do what we have to do. Nice to catch up...... hope to hear from you again sometime xx

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  37. I really miss your beautiful posts. They ministered to me! I realize that we all have seasons and God called you to a different season to rest. It's ok. I hope you will keep posting!

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  38. Lovely to see you back, if only briefly x

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  39. Gasp!! Are you back on the blogosphere?! Double gasp and yaaayy!! (I think I'm hyperventilating, I'd better sit down ...) Oh I do hope you are back. We've missed you, Mia.

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  40. Vanessa, I can't tell you how thrilled I was to get your blog in my email. Your photos inspire me endlessly. 2017 will have it's challenges, but I feel a coming together of disparate elements. Thank you for your wonderful blog, with it, this year is already better than the last. :)

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  41. How lovely to find a post from you! So many things you said that I agree with. Glad you are OK and lovely to hear about your boys. Wishing you peace and blessings for the year ahead x

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  42. Hej Vanessa,
    oh, it's so nice to hear from you!
    A happy and wonderful year for you and your family. That all your little dreams come true...everything you want from your heart.
    I was one of these "silent readers" of your lovely blog. Well today I was thinking of you - and had just to stop by! So I have the good fortune to write you a few words(o:
    Enjoy your life - with all these "up's" and "down's"...be always yourself.
    With all my heart the very best for you
    Susanne

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  43. So lovely to hear from you again. Look forward to more in the future x

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  44. Dearest dearest Vanessa
    I think I squealed when I saw your name in my inbox! How absolutely lovely to see this blog post from you, you have been sorely missed with your beautiful words and images. I love how you've written this - a reminder of 2016 dedicated to yourself. Your words struck a cord with me - especially the lovely piece about your bears. My boys are at very similar stages and I almost welled up at how beautifully you put it. I really hope 2017 is a better year for all of us and that you find your creative mojo again (is it too much to hope that you will feel inclined to share any new projects with us!) However even if this is just a one off or even yearly event I am delighted to see you here again in this special little space. Loads of love for 2017
    Vanessa Arran xxxxx

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  45. Nice to see you back! :) The thought that came to mind after I had read your beautiful piece was (my abridged version!) 'To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven; .....A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;.......A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; .... a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;...' Enjoy 2017 with all it brings. Your family sound very precious to you and a wonderful way to keep a balance in your life too. :)

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  46. How lovely to hear from you and what a wonderful surprise to find you in my inbox after all this time! well, I shall buck the trend and say 2016 was good for me! I had a big birthday at the end of the year and will celebrate in style for the whole year to come! I hope you enjoy exploring your crochet self as well as enjoying more embroidery and how fabulous for you that your 3 Bears are growing into such wonderful young men. Fabulous to see you back, if only for the once...but I do hope its more???.... Have a great 2017 and enjoy whatever it brings. love and big hug. :) xx

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  47. Yours was the first creative blog I ever read. You were the first person I ever purchased a pattern from. I'm glad you've take time off even though we all missed your words and pictures and wonderfully creative decorating ideas! Do whatever you need to do to feel happy and peaceful!

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  48. Welcome back to blogland. Always some ambiguity with posting. Just throwing your thoughts and feelings out there without really knowing what's to come of them. I enjoy reading your blog and hearing what's on your mind. And seeing your creations. Happy Winter!

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  49. I know you are known for your lovely pictures but for me your words have always been as beautiful and missed too. Why not write a book (fiction perhaps, or anything that shows of your insights while perhaps allowing you to keep anonymity)? Anyway, lovely to read your words. And yes 2016 was truly a stinker in a very intense and life changing way for me also.

    Hope to hear from you again. Have missed you.

    Sara

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  50. Welcome back!!! I nearly leapt out of my chair when I saw your blog post in my inbox...especially as I had no idea that you ever planned to return. You have been sorely missed. I only started crocheting this year and in December was racking my brain trying to recall what even made me want to learn in the first place...And then I remembered, ahhhhhhhh it was Vanessa over at cocorosetextiles.... and all the pretty things. Thank you for all the sharing you have done in the past and will hopefully do in the future - I now LOVE to crochet and don't know if I ever would have taken the leap had you not opened a door. And yes, 2016 left an awful awful lot to be desired...devastating on so many fronts. I can only hope and pray that 2017 is a much better year.

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  51. I was on My Rose Valley blog & Annette mentioned you had writtian a new piece. I was sooooo excited and rushed over to see. So lovely to hear from you & about your year. I shall wait with much anticipation to see if another little post might come again. Oh how I hope !!!!!!
    Take care
    Love Janexxxxxxx

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  52. helloooo lovely! its kazzy here...i know it says 'a mermaids purse' hehe...not sure why it wants to post as that! ive not logged in for so long that my country rabbit blog wont let me log in~ oh well...less about that more about YOUUUUUUUU!!!! IM SO HAPPY to see you blogging again!...and like two peas in a pod i had started a new blog too...because i was missing it to be honest, the whole 'remembering the days' , the little moments in life. i know sometimes it does feel a bit weird after a long good bye.I was trying hard at the beginning of the week what to write in my first post but you've hit the nail on the head about the honesty of starting a new...it would be lovely if you stayed blogging you know i was always your biggest fan!,,,hehe!!!!....xxxxxxxxx (saltypebble.blogspot.co.uk)

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  53. What a lovely post filled with sooooo much truth!
    Hugs for now... and hoping you have a Spectacular New Year!!! (Your writing and gorgeous photos are missed)... but no pressure :)

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  54. What a beautiful surprise! It's always nice to read your posts. I wish us all a peaceful 2017. And I hope you keep on posting. Simona

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  55. See how many people love your creativity?..me included....Keep posting we all enjoy your words and pictures....And please join Instagram.....X

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  56. A beautiful post and a wonderful way to start my day- thank you so much. May 2017 bring you joy, happiness and special moments. Enjoy your day and always know you are wonderful.

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  57. So wonderful to hear from you, your words have transported me once again and oh how I have missed you this past year. I hope this means you are coming back but if not, I hope you are well and have a lovely year x x x

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  58. It was so nice hearing from you! I read your post and understood! I hope you are back, you have been sorely missed!

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  59. Vanessa,
    I visited your blog, which I found closed, at the first of December (2016). I had not been in awhile and didn't know you were gone. It was so good to see your beautiful photos that I decided to make it my homepage for Safari - even if it was closed. Imagine my real surprise just now - when I opened Safari to see that you had returned!

    I know there are many who will also be very happy and surprised. welcome back - I look forward to seeing some more beautiful photos and stories too.

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  60. Love it! So glad to hear from your blog.

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  61. Thank you for your lovely post. I didn't realize how much I had missed your beautiful pictures and musings until you visited. It was so nice to have a drop in from an old friend. Okay, we've never met but I do feel that way. Thank you and take care.

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  62. What a pleasant surprise! Welcome back... I hope..... whatever you choose. x

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  63. Beautiful post to describe the feeling and indolence that sometimes lives in us blogger. I understand. But each one of us has so much to tell and give, so........keep in touch!

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  64. Hello Vanessa,
    It's so lovely to visit here again.
    I do hope you feel inspired to keep blogging.
    Lots of Love
    Jacquie x

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  65. Hi Vanessa, I just had a need for your colourful blog, that's why I came around just to see...am I happy to find your post...a beautiful post...and I hope you'll have a good 2017 and hope to find you writing here again! Angela

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  66. so happy to see your post - i would pop in occasionally to see your blog and imagine my surprise when i saw this entry. i even checked out instagram to see if you had moved there. yes 2016 was a funny old year, both in the public domain and for me personally. so, i am looking forward with great anticipation to 2017. so glad to see you back xxx

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  67. A joy to hear from you Va'ness'a!! Missed you x

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  68. So wonderful to find you well and all is good with your and yours. Wishing you the very best for the year ahead....and hoping you might write a little more x

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  69. Congratulations on doing what is right for you. All these comments tell how much you mean to other people (me included - your words are soothing and photos inspiring) but your blog is about you, what you want to bring to it. I hope it continues to be a happy place for you. With very best wishes for a creative 2017, whether you choose to share your projects or not xx

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  70. How lovely to read a new post from you, come back! Not at the beginning of next year, during this year please! I'd love to see the colour and the makes and hear about your doings.

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  71. Hello and welcome back! On a rather grey January morning, your post has brought a generous helping of joy, friendliness and wisdom. Here in the States, 2017 is looking like a very challenging year to many of us. It seems an excellent time to stay connected with all that is positive.. Wishing you and yours a very fine 2017. xo

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  72. So lovely to hear from you again, hope you'll be back x

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  73. Oh WOW.I am so glad that hopefully you are back.I have always loved your blog.welcome,you have been missed.Huggles for 2017.xx

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  74. It is great to hear from you! This is a lovely post and you are writing just for yourself which is the best kind of writing, hard to find in other blogs really. I missed your colourful updates and as a creative wannabe who aspired to be as good as you I am doing well this year now, I am making your all boys blanket too. I always felt I could relate to you and your three boys. 2016 brought me another boy though, so with four boys and can't find anyone blogging about that! But it's good to hear the bickering eased, I hope for that. All the best to you for 2017, thanks again for your lovely writing.

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  75. Oh what a special gift, not to just you dear Vanessa, but to all your crafty cyber friends. Wishing you the very best in all that you do in this new year. May it be inspiring (as you are to us) and creative. Lots of love.x

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  76. fingers crossed you are back! Love to read and see your inspiring ideas. write again soon.........please
    Cheers Chris x

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  77. Hello
    :) So good to hear from you!

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  78. It's so nice to hear from you again. Reading your blog is always a pleasure.

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  79. So wonderful to hear from you again. Your blog is sorely missed but I totally get the need to be just you. Sounds like your boys are a delight to you. How lovely. All the best for 2017. I hope you'll be popping along here again soon. (No pressure -just expressing the joy it brings when you do) Oh and been loving your pins too btw.

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  80. Oh my! It was so lovely to see your post, I actually "squeaked!" 2016 was indeed a year of great sadness and disbelief...and then you posted...I knew this would be a good year...and you posted the eve of my son's wedding day! (I SO wanted to comment then but it really wasn't the time!) And so we start the new year, and in spite of my beloved eldest son (I have twin sons)having gotten married to a lovely girl, moving to Qatar for two years it already feels like a happier year. Wishing you and your family the happiest of new years...until you post again, Pamela.

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  81. Glad you came back, you were missed!

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  82. I love this post, it made me cry but was something I really needed to read and take into my own life. Thank you. xx

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  83. I kept your blog in my favourites list! Every now and then I had a look, and here you are again!
    It was a nice surprise!
    Love, Liz. xxx

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  84. We have missed you!!

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  85. Wow! What a great surprise! Welcome back (I hope). You have been sorely missed and your blog is always an inspiration. I have also lost my creative mojo this year and am hoping to find it again soon.

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  86. Hey, fantastic!! So great to have you back again. Hope to read you more often this year!
    ~~~ Hugs & happy 2017 ~~~

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  87. I missed you. Came back here every once in a while, in the hope that you might have reverted your decision of stopping keeping your coco rose(textiles)diaries... its good to hear from you again.I shall come back :)
    Have a wonderful cozy 2017!

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  88. It was so nice to read your post. I hope you feel refreshed and ready to enjoy 2017. It would be lovely if you took us along for the ride. As you can see, there are a lot of people who have missed you.

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  89. Oh, Vanessa, how wonderful to see you back here! I'm cheering, honestly I am. I keep hearing people say things like "blogging is over" and I think no, absolutely not. Not when there are people like you around - creative, inspiring and talented. Welcome back gorgeous. Xx

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  90. There is nothing wrong with hibernating, if it helps to keep body and soul together, so be it! Judging from the number of comments, people have really missed you and are glad you are back, whether you feel you have something to say or not.Keep at it, it obviously helps you in some way and we certainly enjoy visiting. I too opted out of 2016, but I am glad to say that I am back again. I love your creativity, your pretty home, your 3 bears, your lovely sister and I say 'bring it on!' xx

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  91. How lovely to see you back here Vanessa, wishing you lots of happy moments in 2017 and hoping that you revisit to tell us about them xx

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  92. You have put a huge smile on my face this morning! I have randomly popped by over the last year, on the off chance there might be a post, knowing full well that you were taking a break. So to pop by this morning and see there was a new post, I was so happy. I agree 2016 was a bit of a crappy year. We can only hope 2017 is a bit better. I always leave your blog feeling both calm and inspired. x

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  93. Thank you for posting again, it's good to hear from you. I hope 2017 is a good year and you feel able to drop in here occasionally to let us know how it's going

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  94. Lovely to see you posting again. Have missed your posts

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  95. How utterly lovely to have you back! So glad you're feeling refreshed and revitalised - missed your posts and hope you feel up to sharing with us again. Many hugs xx

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  96. So lovely to hear from you again...I've missed your posts so much and all your lovely photos...so hope you find it in yourself to post again this year x

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  97. So glad I stumbled across this, lovely to hear from you again x

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  98. I spotted your blog image in Lucy's sidebar. Hooray! Thanks for sharing your thoughts (so familiar, I relate to much of it). Downtime is good, I think, just like the earth needs a rest before bringing forth a new crop. Your beautiful afghans and motifs, lovely mugs and cups, and pretty flowers added cheer to my evening. Thank you. Kind thoughts, Alexine in Maryland

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  99. So nice to hear from you again! I miss you so much and I keep coming back to read your old post, hope to see you again :)

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  100. Glad you are back. I missed your creativity! Joanna

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  101. Oh my gosh I was so happy when I saw that you were back! Your blog is one of my very favorites and a huge source of i inspiration. I'm so sorry 2016 was such a hard year-I really do hope that this year will be much different for you. I also REALLY REALLY REALLY hope that your creativity engine starts running(as well as your blog engine!) :D Thank you for your post(one of many many more this year I hope)!

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  102. Its lovely to hear from you I miss your blog so much X

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  103. Excellent post. And good to hear from you after so long.

    I see in the background of one of your pictures you have Signe Johanssen's How to Hygge book? That makes this question easier. I write https://howtohyggethebritishway.com/ and I'm starting a series on blogs that are hyggely without being called hygge blogs. My argument is that we've always had hygge, it's just now we have a word for it. Your blog has been recommended as a beautiful blog by Lucy of Attic 24. She's actually my first victim on March 3rd. I wonder.... would you be prepared to answer a few questions about your blog and hygge? I's love to feature you at some time in the future.

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    1. Hi there, it's very lovely of you to invite me to feature in your series. However, my blog isn't really active anymore, so I'm not sure I'm the best person to have a place in your series. I do love Hygge though and really enjoyed your first feature of Attic24. It was a really good read! I do believe we've always had Hygge here too. Many thanks again for thinking of me and my blog. Kindest regards Vanessa

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  104. Don't you hate it when you discover something lovely and find you are years too late. I'm so sorry I did miss you but perhaps you will keep popping up randomly and in the meantime I can read the past posts. Stay safe.

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  105. This is as if you had read my mind and told my life story. So similar…. I am glad you are back. Looking forward to see what 2017 is going to bring to you.

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  106. Hello Vanessa I was a long time reader and I couldn't bare to delete your site from my bookmarks and would come here from time to time to feel inspired. I'm so happy to hear you're doing well and so are your bears. I hope we hear from you soon if you feel up to it. Take care x

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  107. I wore your shell stitch scarf today and thought of you, then decided to check and see how you were doing. Your talent is amazing, and I will gladly take whatever inspiration you care to show us. And aren't you lucky to have three bears - I do too, although the boy is in the middle and asks me about my day too.

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  108. Love seeing you back! We've missed you!

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  109. This is a beautifully written post. I had a lot of the same feelings and I don't know anyone that enjoyed 2016 either, but I know there was some good and I focus on that. Sure glad it's over though ;)

    rue

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  110. Wonderful that you are back!!

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  111. It's been a long time since I last popped by your blog and this post is just what I needed to read today. I do hope you are having a good 2017 x

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    1. Hi Caroline,

      Thank you for stopping by! Yes, it's a lovely one so far! Xxxxx

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  112. One year? Why does it feel like three or four. Missing your beautiful blog posts. Just like Rue, I hope you will come back too.

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    1. Hi Genevieve,

      I'm enjoying this year so far, maybe I'll have something to talk about to talk about again some time! Xxx

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  113. Oh beautiful one! How did I miss this? This tiny little gift sat here waiting for me until just the moment I needed it. Your name just popped into my head as I sat here on the laptop taking care of some last minute business before I'm out of commission for awhile and while I'm feeling all anxious and worried your words were patiently waiting for me to find them and soak up their wisdom and calm. Thank you dear friend, for this lovely gift today. I hope to stumble upon you here again soon and the meantime I hope you are enjoying days full of creativity and love.

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  114. Still reading your sweet blog...greetings from Gijón, Spain

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    1. Hi Rosa,

      Thank you for still popping by my blog and having a read over old posts. I hope you still enjoy them! Xxxxxx

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  115. Hi,
    I've been checking in on Coco rose for many years now. I was sad to see you 'retire' but I understood. I've never commented before, so I wanted to say a huge THANK You! For sharing your life, makes, artistic sense of everything and all the inspiration and beauty you so elegantly gave to all of us out here in the world. I so appreciated getting a little view of the other side of the pond. Thank you again! Greetings from Plymouth, New Hampshire.
    Sincerely,
    diana

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    1. Hi Diana,

      Thank you so much for your kind words. My Blog has meant so much to me over the years, but I found that my life was changing quite significantly. The Bears were growing up and I was starting to work more, which left less time for being able to be creative and be able to document my life here.

      I do miss it, but I decided that perhaps I might just do yearly updates for myself to look back on, so you never know.......the odd new one might appear every now and then!

      Thank you once again for taking the time to leave a comment. I HUGELY appreciate it, and am glad that people like to pop back here from time to time!

      May your days be beautiful, Vanessa

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  116. COME BACKKKKKKKKKK!!!!! I JUST found your blog :( and I'm in love. So I'm quite heartbroken that you will not be posting. I follow on Pinterest. Huge Canadian fan.

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    1. Awe thank you! Maybe the odd post every now and then! I do miss it, but time is so limited for me these days. : )

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  117. I hope 2017 has been more creative and loving towards you. While I just found your blog, I plan to read past posts and enjoy it. May 2018 be even sweeter for you.

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    1. Thank you Vicke.

      Welcome to my blog! I hope you find some posts that you enjoy to read! I’ll write about my 2017 at the end of the year and hope that 2018 is a fun one!

      Warmest wishes

      Vanessa x

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  118. It's nice to hear from you. I miss you. I hope we "meet" again.

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  119. I hope you are well my sweet friend. I think about you often so thought I'd pop by and say 'hello'. I hope the year has treated you kindly and that there has been enough happy to see you through any bumpy bits. xxx

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    1. Awe my lovely.......right back at you! Have been thinking of you often too. This year, so far, has had more ups than downs, I’m just hitting that time of year where I feel my usual love/unloved for this time of year! Often the time of year, when I blogged, all the posts were probably a tad moany and depressing! Ha ha!!!!!!!!!

      Weirdly I’ve actually really missed blogging these past couple of weeks. Maybe in my head I have a lot to get out at the moment, so am missing my outlet. I was even thinking of a quarterly round up of life as opposed to a yearly round up on here. Actually, maybe it’s more to do with me feeling older and not being able to remember stuff quite so well! Yikes!!!!!!!


      I hope life is still gentle on you and your wonderful ‘you’ is returning in abundance.

      Much love........V xxxxxxxx

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  120. Thinking of you and keeping my fingers crossed that your urge to blog is growing .......

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    1. Many Thanks! There may well be a New Year post.....if I can get my act together........AND remember how to blog!!!!!!!! xxx

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  121. Even a little Coco Rose is better than none! Happy New Year! Hope we hear from you soon!

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    1. Happy New Year to you also!

      I’m getting my thoughts together for an old year roundup so there maybe something soon!!!!!! Xxx

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  122. I just had a little look to see if you had left a new message. I hope you are keeping well. I am glad that you are thinking of blogging every few months. Looking forward to reading your post. Love your work. xx

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    1. Hi Jan,

      I just need to get my act together to get a post up! Plus........it's been so long, I'm not even sure that I remember what to do! ha ha! This New year is flying by so quick already! xxx

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  123. You know when you just click with a blogger, and get a little depressed that they haven't blogged in over a year, but you keep on checking their website because you have numerous blog posts to still read, and miraculously one day you see a BRAND NEW POST!!! Needless to say, thank you for brightening up this very cold and snowy February so far that I am having in Canada. THANK YOU!!!!

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    1. Awe thank you for your kind words! I have enjoyed writing my last post, so maybe I might do the odd post now and again if I have the urge to gabble or have anything to jot down that I have made! Watch this space! xxx

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