It didn’t happen intentionally. I don’t think I’ve ever taken a break like this on The Coveted. This month has been a mixed bag of amazing things and also some very trying things. Professionally, the Evolving Influence Conference was a success, it was so great to see everyone together. Though, at the same time, I’ve been going through some personal trials, as life has changed so much over the past year. I’ve come to realize that some of the ways I’ve lived my life doesn’t really work anymore. Some of the ways I’ve connected with people, some of the ways I’ve behaved can cause a lot of damage. This month I have been in New York and wanted to get a bit of clarity and, well, the clarity came.
It’s really hard to be a professional when your private life is a mess.
My private life, which I’ve been neglecting over the past year is officially a mess. It’s not the other people, because it can’t be everyone else when the only common denominator is me. I thought I could keep things separate. But in the end, writing a personal blog about personal style, it became evident that it’s impossible to post cheery pictures when I’m not feeling it on the inside.
With all of this going on, I was deeply saddened to find out my grandmother had passed away last week. I had mentioned her before, and I’ve even named a shoe after her. She was the one person in my family who made me feel like I was related. Not that I don’t love my other family members, it was just with my grandma, it felt I got all my good things and quirkiness from her. She was a great lady. I’m heading out to Hawaii to make a final visit and to be with my grandfather, so it might be a few days before I get back to my regular posting schedule.
In the mean time… I have been keeping up on my other blogs, Independent Fashion Bloggers, for those of you who are bloggers and who may aspire to be, please stop by, we have a lot of great posts coming up. And eat, sleep, denim, which I’ve taken up doing street style photography. It’s so much more fun to be behind the camera, and being in NYC, there are so many beautifully stylish people. Here are a few pics from the past week:
{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
Yikes. That divide is hard to keep. I am glad you were able to get clarity and I hope it aids you in being happy in the near future! I’m very sorry to hear about your grandmother and extend my sympathy.
jesse.anne.o´s last blog ..My Kingdom for a Skirt!
thanks so much for your kind thoughts, it really means a lot.
I’m so very sorry Jennine. Sending love to you and your family….I lost mine in my teens and I wish that I got to know her a bit more…xo
Tami´s last blog ..Givenchy Play for Her Fragrance
yeah, i really have to feel lucky the grandparents are living so long, or i’m so old or my parents were so young… holy moly. thanks for making me feel more grateful for the time we had.
Jennine I am so sorry to hear of the death of your grandmother. You had a very special bond, and I know how wonderful it can be. When my grandmother was alive, I too felt like she was the one person who really knew me. I still have fond memories and miss her.
I really enjoyed meeting you and I wish you all the best with your life going forward. And I really hope we meet again, soon!
Your photos, as always, are terrific!
I am so sorry to hear that, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
My heart goes out to you Jennine. When others go through losing a grandparent, I instantly relive my grief of losing my Grandpa. Its hard, and it sucks.
I’m also so sorry you are having to go through so much personal life messiness too. However, usually these times leave us changed. We can either let these things be an excuse to act out and beat ourselves up, or we can use them to change and blossom into better people. I understand this all too well. Take time to grieve. Take time to heal as well. *hugs*
AlysonIsNeat´s last blog ..Modern Day Scarlet OHara
thanks alyson, i hope that’s what’s going to happen… and i guess everything happening all at once was a gift because i knew it couldn’t go on like i’ve been going on. change is certainly good.
jennine,
Im so sorry to her the loss of your grandmother. I lost mine at a very young age, I know it can be so very hard. As far as your personal life, that too, can be very trying when you are putting alot of time and focus and your professional career. I hope things will work out for you, the sorting is sometimes already done for us:)
I know how it feels to lose a person that holds great importance to you. I lost my grandmother on my father’s side when I turned 20 and it was hard to just snap back into things because she met the world to me and still does. I totally understand if you aren’t blogging as much. I’m so sorry to hear about your lost and my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
SweetyPW´s last blog ..All you need is Mirilovelove
Sorry to hear that things have been rough, Jennine. I know that it’s hard to keep up with blogging - especially when you’re a blogger committed to so many projects. It’s even more difficult when the type of blogging you do doesn’t allow for you to be anything less than cheerful and self-affirming - a mode of operation which is sometimes diametrically opposed to how you’re really feeling at the time. You have built an incredible community and your work has been such a gift to the blogging world. We all get burned out on blogging, but I’m glad to see that you’re back. Hang in there. We love you!
-Grace
http://www.highfashiongirl.com
grace, i couldn’t have said it better myself. i think it’s that pressure to put a positive spin on things, and things aren’t always like that, sometimes life is hard emotionally, i can put a happy face for everyone, but in the end, a blog like this calls for authenticity.. and it starts to feel like a chore.
but thanks you for your support, really.
I’m sorry to hear about your grandmother - mine passed away this summer while I was away in Europe and it was a horrible experience. Hang in there
Courtney´s last blog ..I Have a Vested Interest in Cocktails
So sorry to hear about your grandmother, Jennine! Take all the time you need, and I hope you work some things out. Deep breaths and lots of wine usually help me
Don’t be so hard on yourself! :-/
WendyB´s last blog ..The Fight of the Century- Waterston vs Schulman
well, you’ve heard it from the beginning, thanks for reminding me.
I know that we’ve only met a couple of times but in meeting you and reading your blog, you seem like such a sweet and lovely person. Wendy is right- don’t be so hard on yourself.
Sending mushy love vibes.
xox
I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother, Jennine! I hope your trip goes well.
xo Marissa
(The Well-Appointed Catwalk)
I am so very sorry for your loss. My grandma passed away six years ago and I still think about her everyday. I truly hope that things get better for you.
Your street style shots are incredible. If I lived in a more populated area, I think this would be so fun to do.
xx
Maria
Maria´s last blog ..A Harvest Picnic by Dear Creatures
thank you so much.
you know, i really enjoy doing street style shots. it’s so much more fun than taking photos of myself.. because it’s a combination of the hunt and interacting with other people, love it.
Very sorry to hear about your grandmother. But believe that she is watching over you and will guide through whatever things arise. Take all the time you need to regroup, you deserve it!
I’m so sorry about your loss Jennine. Thinking of you gal.
Emily Goligoski´s last blog ..SPUR Welcomes GOOD Design
I’m sorry to hear about your grandma. I totally understand what you’re talking about when it comes to blogging taking over everything! I just took a very long break and I’m ready to blog again, but I don’t want to get sucked into the hours upon hours I was doing before. I’m trying to make a more streamlined plan this time and not get burnt out…because I really do love it
Kate´s last blog ..Cheetah Print
Jennine - I offer you my utmost condolences & the knowledge that you loved your grandmother so much. If you ever need an ear, or heart, I am here for you darling. You are an uber strong woman and just know your grandma is watching over you & loves you so dearly!
Heart you sweetie!
XOXO
Amy
“It’s not the other people, because it can’t be everyone else when the only common denominator is me.” Do you know what a brave and wise statement that is? Like the other commenters said, don’t be so hard on yourself. My deepest condolences to you on the loss of your grandmother.
So sorry to hear about your grandmother, Jennine. Take care of yourself.
My condolences!
Be strong about turmoils in your life! It’s hard to keep everything balanced in your life but it’s possible. It’s said that when you have success in your work your personal life suffers. I believe that only partly as I think that gaining success and submerging in work helps to understand true values, to find out who your true friends are, gives clarity about who you really are and what you want in your life. So, I know that everything will work out with the best result for you!
Ginta´s last blog ..giving in
Jennine, I’m so sorry that your Grandmother passed away. Both my Grandmothers have passed away and one had Alzheimer’s so I can understand what you are going thru. I’m sure your Grandmother is looking out for you. Take good care. xo
Favourite Vintage Finds´s last blog ..Gloriously Shaded & Giveaway Winner
I hope things get better soon for you!
Wow, very tough times! I can understand how you’re not feeling the photo-post right now. I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother and the challenges in the rest of your life. I have every confidence things will aright themselves with time. I’m thinking of you.xo
K-Line´s last blog ..Systematic for the People
I’m saddened to hear of your lovely grans passing away. I hope your time with granpa is sweet and special and even restful.
I’ve just “returned” from a 2 wk. stay-cation and I feel re-energized to tackle my 548493 projects! Time-outs can be a real good thing…and not just for naughty children
I’m sorry to hear about your loss and difficult times, Jennine. They do happen to most of us from time to time…and blogging and picture taking can be extra difficult during these times. I hope you feel refreshed, and it looks like you may have reinvented yourself with street photography. Amazing photos. I love the next bit you had with Nicole Miller. Keep your chin up.
Krista´s last blog ..Trying On The Platform Wedge Ankle Boot Trend