I'm Susan — devout Francophile, mother of twins, writer, creative director, and aspiring author. I've been sharing my life here since 2010...thanks for reading!
I’ve been busy with work lately, which means while mr. fleurishing watches the babies (nights and weekends), I am in the office with headphones on. Music is a major passion of mine, and I really should devote more posts to the subject. I listen to just about everything, but these are currently on repeat…
what are you listening to?
alabama shakes // boys and girls
fleetwood mac // peter green’s fleetwood
michael kiwanuka // home again
the lumineers // the lumineers
these moments…are the ones that words cannot do justice…the ones we treasure forever.
My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer today, totally unrelated to me posting this ( but kinda freaky). She has been told that surgery should take care of it, no chemo or radiation needed so we are very thankful. It is still very jarring hearing those words….I happened to be at my parents house when they got the call, and I’m glad I was. The realization that my health and the future health of my daughter being impacted is also on my mind, secondary to my mother’s health of course. It is all very sobering, and is a reminder to treasure every moment, every day. I love you more than words Mom.
This past weekend we drove into the city for our favorite outdoor market, indoors! Clover Market can usually be found in Ardmore and showcases amazing local (and beyond) talent. Antiques, artisan crafts, vintage clothing, jewelry, and original artwork are amongst the bountiful offerings which make up the upscale bazaar. Founder Janet Long had the opportunity to bring the market to center city at the historic Armory, and she turned it up a notch with artist workshops, early access, and food trucks!
The early access VIP pass was such a great idea-the market is yours to devour while things are still fresh off the trucks! I ran into many friendly faces…first was my friend Chanee of Melongings. Her eco-friendly, handprinted textile designs and pillows make divine home accents. I spotted the spirited Jay McCarroll proudly showing his fun and funky fashion, and enjoyed chatting with him for a bit (billy even got a hug). Color, color, and more color pretty much sums up his booth…very fun textiles!
I’m a sucker for monochromatic goods, so naturally I was drawn to Mae’s Market booth, awash in neutrals. Made by Liddy really caught my eye and I brought home some lovely hand stamped envelopes, perfect for valentines. Spotted Horse Textiles, a favorite of mine (and many) is the place to find authentic vintage german and french grain sacks transformed into unique upholstered pieces.
Last but certainly not least, two more local favorites of mine…Fresh Vintage is the antiques shop that you almost don’t want to tell people about, to keep it all to yourself! It’s not an option though, as the word is out-I’m just glad that their shop is only a few minutes from where I live. Chairloom is quite well known and I always enjoy their latest projects and findings. Breathing new life into upholstered pieces, they are on trend with fabric options and ideas!
As you may have guessed, I highly recommend adding this event to your calendar. Bring the entire family (like we do)-furry babies are welcome and encouraged. Henry + Marie had sensory overload and enjoyed getting out but staying warm. Read more about Clover Market and future dates on their site!
I've been struggling a bit recently with my online identity. Now that I'm a parent, I have less time to devote to blogging (especially as a WAHM with infant twins). I have always maintained that I blog for myself and my family, as a digital journal so to speak. If I'm being honest with myself though, I know I also blog for my readers. I find that my efforts are more purposeful and focused when I know it is for mass consumption. My mantra has always been that if it ever felt like work I would stop, and thankfully it has remained a joyous creative outlet. As my three year blog anniversary approaches (in may), I find myself at a crossroads…I feel I either need to quit or take things to another level. After much deliberation, I'm happy to report I have chosen the latter. Making it a reality will take some time, but the decision is made.
Making that choice comes with a price though, and not just the dollar bill kind. It means that my life is lived with a lens almost always by my side, blog ideas constantly taking up headspace, time spent in front of the computer, and social media outlets continually updated. All of these things are not necessarily negative…everything in moderation, as they say. But as many of you know all too well, it's a slippery slope-unplugging and savoring the analog pleasures in life is easier said than done. It is so much more evident when you have children, in my opinion. Even at such a young age (six months), they have noticed when I'm staring at my iPhone or laptop, and I've caught myself doing it at times when I should be fully present as a mother. Bring on the mommy guilt!
After the guilt subsides, the search for justification begins. Why do I blog? It's a question many of us ask ourselves or struggle with at some point. I've now joined the ranks of those who are driven to examine the hours they dedicate to this passion. Many come to the conclusion that monetizing justifies the effort and time. I'm not there yet, but it has been weighing on me. So far I have proudly flown the "ad free" flag, mostly because I don't like clutter, but also because I haven't been in a position to make that choice. I'm so curious of why some choose to accept sponsors, and am wondering if it would make me feel better about the time I spend here, outside of my family life. What made you decide to grow your blog, and did you choose to monetize it? I would love your thoughts, and thank you, as always, for joining me here.
photography by courtney apple…styling by moi
After many gloomy, rainy days, this weekend thankfully brought sun and warmer temperatures. Henry and Marie had yet to experience swinging, so with visions of cute photos dancing in my head we made our way to the playground. Mommy and daddy were a bit more excited about it than they were, but they were content and super cute sharing the swing! There is something so symbolic to me about the last photo…the push and pull of motherhood…wanting your children to grow wings and stand on their own and yet always wanting them to return to you. Obviously I don’t know much about that just yet, but I know the time will come. I’m savoring these days of pom pom hats and binkies!