I'm back...

I've been having trouble coming back to blogging after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School...   I'll be honest that every time I try to write something, I can't because the things I write about here are mostly frivolous & pretty inconsequential, and it seems ridiculous to be writing about those things like everything's okay when it isn't.

I know so many of us feel this way and that the pain won't ever fully go away for most of us...  And that's okay because it means we love and we care.

There are times when I look at my profession- decorating houses- and feel like what I'm doing is crazy when there are so many more important, life-changing things that need to be done.  There's been a stirring in me for a while now to use it to help others more.  I don't think there's any greater pain than losing someone you love and I know I want to somehow try to ease this pain for others.  Dave & I have been doing a lot of talking about it over the past few months & have some ideas cooking...

I've also heard that the students at Sandy Hook will be returning to school in a new building after the new year & that they are trying to turn the new school into a "winter wonderland" by filling it with thousands of paper snowflakes.  You &/or your kids can make snowflakes & send them to the PTA for them to hang.  Here's the write-up I read: "When school resumes for Sandy Hook, it will be in a new building. Parent-volunteers are working to ensure that the students are welcomed back by a winter wonderland with the entire school decorated with as many unique snowflakes as possible. We encourage senders to be as creative as possible, remembering that no two snowflakes are alike. Please make and send snowflakes by January 12, 2013." 


{image via here}

Please send all snowflakes and donations to:  
Connecticut PTSA 
60 Connolly Parkway 
Building 12, Suite 103 
Hamden, CT 06514

It's a simple project that can hopefully make some of the kids feel a little less frightened when they go back to school...

So...  I probably won't be talking about it much & I'll continue to write about the frivolous little things in life, but it will always be with me...  I won't ever stop praying for & thinking about all of the families in pain and I'll always worry a little more about my own babies.


{Our Christmas Eve snowfall}

I hope you had a happy holiday & this year, Christmas was really special for our family...  I'll be back after the New Year & am taking the time with my family & trying to savor every minute of it- and also to keep my eye from twitching when I look around at the mess that is my house.   ;) 

{My littlest one- Luke or "Louie" as we call him-sorry kid!!;)-  all tuckered out from the Christmas excitement}

Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to read my blog {and for not emailing me about the constant typos that I know are present ;)  and for coming along for the ride.   I truly value your time & your encouragement.  My very best to you & yours.



32 comments:

Cassie Bustamante said...

i've been taking a break since then as well- i feel the same way... anything i have to say really is not that important in the grand scheme of things. and we have been cutting out our snowflakes, too!!! i love that idea and anything that might bring those kids some joy.

BaileyWife said...

What you do is not frivelous at all! And your blog makes so many of us happy, even when we are having difficulties in life...reading blogs such as yours makes someone like me feel like I have a friend that lives far away. (Much like a pen pal) So THANK YOU dear pen pal! Enjoy your family time! ~Kim

Carolyn@Sweet Chaos Home said...

I have been feeling the same way and have had difficulty blogging lately. Just wanting to spend time with my kids and enjoy every minute with them. I had heard of the snowflakes, but I appreciate you sharing more details.

I love the idea of 26 acts of kindness to honor their lives.

Merry Christmas! Enjoy your sweet babies.

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Best to you and yours in this new and fresh and shiny new year...Keep moving forward...

Tiffany Leigh said...

I've been struggling to get back into the blogging groove too. My heart hurts for all those affected. May you have a safe and happy 2013! xo

................. said...

Thanks for posting this, what a beautiful idea to send snowflakes. I blog about frivelous little things all the time because it's what keeps me sane and grounded. I'm a psychotherapist and deal with serious mental health issues ALL day, so to take a little break and read lovely posts like yours lauren is exactly what I need, so thank you. Xo
Iris Parffinovich

Anonymous said...

So well said Lauren. I am a designer as well and struggle with all of the things you mention! I also think we have the gift of making thing beautiful and that is something worth while. Environments can change a way a family lives, often for the better! Merry (late) Christmas and Happy New Year!

Luci @Bungalow At Home said...

I understand completely and still don't feel like blogging about decorating or celebrating the way we usually do.. but I don't want my children to see me this way since it can scare them even more than they already are so I go on and try to make things as normal as possible... Wishing you a safe and happy 2013!

Flatironview said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
SmileyIsles said...

I know exactly how you feel. When my mom was sick and then died my blog died along with her. I would sit at the computer and then think, 'oh, what's the use' 'what's it all about anyway'... and so on... I still haven't come back to it really, I guess it's just not for me..
However, I think your job as a home decorator is a wonderful one. It's important to have a lovely and warm home to share memories in, and if you can do that for people then it's nothing to feel ashamed about. It's not frivolous as all...

Acquired Objects said...

This post makes me a little sad Lauren, sad that you think your blog is frivolous and fluff. I know I don’t comment very often but I’ve been following your blog for years, through the birth of each of your sons to the houses you’ve purchased and turned into homes. I’ve watched your business and you flourish into a success and I couldn’t be more proud of the loving and decent person that you are. So don’t belittle what you write if you truly want to honor those poor children then live the life that God gave you since those little ones can’t. Live your life with the joy and wonderment that you’ve always shown. Living life is the greatest gift you could give to those fallen angels.

XXX
Debra~

Mar gar et said...

Lauren,
The tragedy has touched all of our hearts, but we may not say it.
Your talent has been utilized in order to support your family-never regret that decision, especially since your grandmother encouraged your path.
And, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you help decorate a home for battered women?
The snowflakes are awesome, and I saw the most beautiful display on Andie's "Divine Theatre" today. Her fellow blogger, Richard Cottrell, from, "My Old Historic House Blog," cut paper snowflakes, mailed them to Andie, and then she made the most beautiful bow garland adorning her window. These type of kindness acts are what makes the world a better place, and thereby helps all of us heal.
Happy New Year to All.

Claire O'Connor said...

You are bringing more beauty and physical comfort into the world. That that feels so important to me, along with all the other important things. Keep making beauty, and comfort. Merry and Happy to you and yours! ~Claire

jessica said...

I love the idea of making the snowflakes.
You are an incredible person.
You have a big heart!
Your blog isn't frivolous or 'fluffy' !
May you have a beautiful holiday season!

Thanks for sharing that address. I will make a craft night with my girls!

kristin said...

I have to say I have been checking your blog each day to see if a new post would appear. I knew when those posts didn't appear it meant that you were just as heartbroken, consumed by, and confused by the tragic events on December 14. I kept checking and when a new post wasn't on the screen I had the sense that I knew why...I do not blog but try to stay connected with friends and family on Facebook. It definitely took me a while to start posting about anything relating to my own little world, things did feel trivial in comparison. I have two young children and have spent recent days just hugging them more, praising them more, staring at them more, and just going about my days in a more gentle and gracious way. The world just doesn't feel quite the same...but I am happy that there are sensitive, compassionate people like you in it to make it feel and "look" more comforting and full of promise. -Kristin

Richard Cottrell said...

If you iron the snow flakes after cutting they lay so beautifully. I set the iron on cotton, and the folds just go away. I am making a package to send also. Great ideal.I made them this year for lots of people on my gift list as I had no budget for a lot more. i am glad the ideal has caught on and people are enjoying them.Richard from My Old Historic House.

Fluff your nest said...

Lauren, you are such a sweet person. This is why your blog in one of my favorites. You are real and you care. I too can't stop thinking of the families that were affected by this horrible tragedy. It was hard to celebrate Chridtmas. I prayed for them and counted my blessings everyday. Enjoy your sweet family. Much love to you.

Fluff your nest said...

Lauren, you are such a sweet person. This is why your blog in one of my favorites. You are real and you care. I too can't stop thinking of the families that were affected by this horrible tragedy. It was hard to celebrate Chridtmas. I prayed for them and counted my blessings everyday. Enjoy your sweet family. Much love to you.

Filia Artis said...

Is there anything that can be said here besides *hug*? Sending a virtual one your way.
XOXO
C

carol jane said...

I too, have been so sad from the school shootings. I can only imagine the sheer terror those beautiful children and teachers went through. i just can't get that image out of my mind. Did that really happen? Is it all real? seems like a movie.Things like that should not happen. EVER! My little sweet adorable grand daughter is starting pre school in Jan. and I must say, I am a bit worried. No. Alot. They are so precious and innocent and just love life and everything about it. What is this world coming to. I pray everyday for the sweet victims and their families.

kristin said...

Carol Jane...these have been my thoughts exactly...did this really happen...my mind just is not able to process this frightening reality:( Sendind peaceful energy to everyone out there.

Tiffany McEldowney said...

Thank you, Lauren, for your love of beauty. You bring joy to people. You create nests and havens and places for friends and family to gather and share their lives with each other. You play such a very important role in helping us create spaces and lives filled with peace and harmony and soft places to land. Please, please, please keep blogging and sharing and growing and doing that which you love :-)

Lane McNab said...

I feel the same way you do Lauren. It's hard to care about these frivolous things in the face of so much tragedy. That's exactly how I felt after 9/11 even though I was doing other frivolous things and we were a long ways off from starting a family. I came to the conclusion that there is value in beauty and art as long as we keep it in perspective. These snowflakes are a great way to feel like we are doing something to help though--thanks so much!

Mona Thompson Providence Ltd. said...

A very beautiful post, Lauren. I'm wishing you and your family the best in 2013. Happy New Year. Mona

Wonderwall said...

Lauren, I completely understand what you mean. I can't stop thinking about Sandy Hook either. Thanks for this post.

PS My second son's name is Lucas, and we call him "Louie" too!

Ayleen

Carla Aston said...

What a great idea to comfort the children when they return back to school; those babies need all the love they can get. If I were more crafty, I would certainly send snowflakes. Wishing you a happy new year!

Ali said...

Lauren,

I understand how you feel, but am so happy to see you back. I've missed you! In fact, I started to worry when clicking on my bookmark for your page because I was worried I'd be "heartbroken" all over again. I so share that sentiment. This is my first ever comment, but I love your blog and your style inspires me to create a beautiful and meaningful home for my family in which I hope we will make many wonderful memories. I am a surgeon and found out about the shootings minutes before going into surgery. In my work I have learned to be very compartmentalized. Thinking about and working on other things (even "frivalous" ones) does not lessen the pain or empathy that we feel but is important for moving forward. There are so many sad things in the world and I think we should do everything we can to help, but you can't "take home" all of that pain or it will consume you. I don't think this awful day will ever leave me. But I'm back to pinning every pillow in sight because it's distracting, fun, and a stress reliever for me. Thanks for everything you do. It is truly appreciated.

Ali

Anonymous said...

Lauren, what a good post. I feel exactly the same way and haven't yet been able to return to writing on my blog. The idea of making snowflakes is wonderful and I will certainly do so with my kids. Thank you for the info.

Anonymous said...

Lauren, what a good post. I feel exactly the same way and haven't yet been able to return to writing on my blog. The idea of making snowflakes is wonderful and I will certainly do so with my kids. Thank you for the info.

Anonymous said...

Lauren, what a good post. I feel exactly the same way and haven't yet been able to return to writing on my blog. The idea of making snowflakes is wonderful and I will certainly do so with my kids. Thank you for the info.

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

Lauren, I could not agree more with your sentiments. What happened is heartbreaking, but what a wonderful project. I am leaving here to get some made...something I have not done in 20 years!

Best wishes to you for a happy new year!

Elizabeth

Market Decor said...

Hi Lauren, After the busy holidays I've have been catching up with my favorite blogs. I always enjoy your blog! You mentioned thinking about using your talents and doing something helpful to those in need. This reminded me of something I read many years ago - it always stuck with me. A small group of "church ladies" got together and formed a sort of "decorators to the rescue" thing. For instance, if someone was going through illness, or a difficult move of some sort, or maybe just sad over something...whatever the reason, these ladies gathered all their talents and resources and showed up - maybe to redo a bath (cosmetic) or update a bedroom -paint a room. Obviously at no charge - they just did it to help lift someones spirits. I read it in some magazine - I always thought it was such a great thing to do! Thanks for your wonderful blog!