So where we? Oh yes. I was going a bit off my trolley with grief and exhaustion and took it in to my head to call time on Brocantehome for the Summer and then I went away and gave myself a stern talking to and re-wrote what I had written in the midst of my mini-meltdown, and ate a lot of smoked mackerel and many a vitamin tablet in an effort to get my act together… And now I’m back. Because I can’t keep away. I miss you when BrocanteHome is closed and I kind of miss myself when I’m not writing and all in all the world feels upside down when I cannot come hang out here and frankly my world has been so thoroughly spun and dragged through the wringer in the last three years that a person really needs a little steady in her life. And so enough already with following my more crazy instincts, I’m going to keep on keeping on and I thought I would get started by telling you what’s new, where I’m headed and how I plan to pump a little joy back into our little vintage world.. So ummmm… yeah: this happened… And though having my relationship status out loud and proud on Facebook makes me feel like I am doing an impression of a rather giddy teenager, truth is I’m feeling all manner of giddiness and I guess I want the world to know. And I want you to know because this happy little announcement marks a new era at BrocanteHome: an era in which I have decided to admit that I cannot run BrocanteHome all by myself, though heaven knows I have spent the best part of eleven years trying! From this day on Ste is taking over all the administration tasks I am so appallingly bad at. He is an eminently sensible man, capable even of convincing me that even after forty years of dedicated biting, my nails will actually grow, if only I would let them, and indeed in sitting me down, looking at every aspect of Brocantehome and asking me how the heck I ever hoped to manage writing, editing, designing, administrating, social networking and promoting it all by myself? And what in the name of all things ridiculous did I think I could achieve when I have lived through such significant trauma and could barely be expected to muddle my way through keeping the fridge stocked let alone trying to run a business with more angles than a protractor? Heaven knows he is not alone in his bewilderment is he? Some of you, my darling readers, responded to my last newsletter by offering help with everything from book-editing to forum running and over the next few weeks I am going to be taking some of you up on your lovely offers – for which I simply could not be more grateful. But first there is work to do. There is the delayed House Rules and Summer House downloads to deliver. There is a site to bring back to life with all the myriad of ideas I’ve had, and books I have read and pretty things I have fallen in love with. And there is hope. For rest assured that there’s life in the old girl yet, and with your help and Ste’s abundant enthusiasm and natural instinct for organization, I truly hope order can be restored and BrocanteHome can grow wings again…x
Create your own Brocante Life Book, plan Christmas, set up routines and rituals or live life the BrocanteHome way with my guided workbooks and planners.
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22 Comments
Ace news! It’s hard to ask for help, when you accept it, it makes such a difference. It opens up your life for better things to enter. x
So happy to hear that you are back. We missed you! I noticed you changed the “Vintage wellbeing” back to “Vintage Housekeeping” Good for you! It was the “Vintage Housekeeping” part that brought me to your “Scrumptious Treats” book on Amazon in the first place 🙂
My dear I am so glad to hear from you! I am excited to see you putting one foot in front of the other! The only way to do it, if we want to go anywhere ;-). With your new man taking care of the business end of things, this should free you up to do where your true talents lie – creating! ! Imagine all the things you could do! And with him, making the idea’s become reality!!! God bless on your new ventures! !!
I am simply dancing in my chair to see you back!! I saw your status change on FB and I have to say, Ste is a very very lucky man (and apparently quite intelligent). So happy to have you back, I’ve missed you quite a bit. Also, as a former nail biter, use Nailtiques on your nails and you’ll be growing out lovely nails in a month-I promise. Oooooh, so happy!!
As always, I knew you’d be back to our little corner of the world that you help us make happy and pretty. So over the moon for you and your new romance, Alison! You deserve all the happiness and more. We, faithful Brocante Sisters, are here for you through thick and thin. Looking forward to hearing more and sharing more.
Yippee!!! I was worried. I ADORE your writing and don’t want it to EVER stop. Even in the bad times, hard times, devastating and depressing times I still find your thoughts and feelings a comfort to read about. I’ve loved you long time, Alison. I’m so very thankful you have a love in your life. If he messes with your heart I swear I will march across the pond and let him have it! Carry on 🙂
So very happy you are back. And as a long time fan/groupie (but not in a scary way, I hope) I too, am willing to help with whatever you need. Gllad that things are going better.
This week just gets better and better and better!!!! Alison, I am so delighted that you are back on line. Now, gerl, (that’s ‘girl’ said in my best scouse accent, there) keep yourself together and ask when you need help. And I am so looking forward to what the summer will bring. Woo hoo! Brocante Home is back!
Bless your hear, I’m so happy you are back. I tapped the Brocante icon on my iPad more in hope than expectation and there you were 🙂 I can only echo what everyone else has said – it’s wonderful to have you back.
Bless you Alison and Ste! This is marvy news and I am sure your happiness will bless others lives…..through working together on this site. What a great idea!
I’m so glad to hear that you’re back, Alison. I’ve been following your blog for years, and I’ve kept pretty quiet until now. 🙂 You’ve made such a world of difference in my daily life, teaching me to embrace ordinary tasks and turning them into something beautiful and extraordinary. When your blog went on a break, I regretted never having said enough to let you know how much you’ve inspired me and so many others. Blog on, Alison, and we’ll be listening.
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Ace news! It’s hard to ask for help, when you accept it, it makes such a difference. It opens up your life for better things to enter. x
I m so pleased for you Alison, Steve sounds like he’s worth his wait in gold, looking forward to the future with Brocantehome xx
So happy to hear that you are back. We missed you! I noticed you changed the “Vintage wellbeing” back to “Vintage Housekeeping” Good for you! It was the “Vintage Housekeeping” part that brought me to your “Scrumptious Treats” book on Amazon in the first place 🙂
Welcome back Lovely Lady – it’s not been the same without you x
I am so excited and happy for you. I love the inspiration you bring into my life. Thank you so much. Glad your are back!
My dear I am so glad to hear from you!
I am excited to see you putting one foot in front of the other! The only way to do it, if we want to go anywhere ;-). With your new man taking care of the business end of things, this should free you up to do where your true talents lie – creating! ! Imagine all the things you could do! And with him, making the idea’s become reality!!! God bless on your new ventures! !!
I am simply dancing in my chair to see you back!! I saw your status change on FB and I have to say, Ste is a very very lucky man (and apparently quite intelligent). So happy to have you back, I’ve missed you quite a bit.
Also, as a former nail biter, use Nailtiques on your nails and you’ll be growing out lovely nails in a month-I promise.
Oooooh, so happy!!
As always, I knew you’d be back to our little corner of the world that you help us make happy and pretty. So over the moon for you and your new romance, Alison! You deserve all the happiness and more. We, faithful Brocante Sisters, are here for you through thick and thin.
Looking forward to hearing more and sharing more.
Yippee!!! I was worried. I ADORE your writing and don’t want it to EVER stop. Even in the bad times, hard times, devastating and depressing times I still find your thoughts and feelings a comfort to read about. I’ve loved you long time, Alison. I’m so very thankful you have a love in your life. If he messes with your heart I swear I will march across the pond and let him have it!
Carry on 🙂
Welcome lovely lady. Have missed you.
So very happy you are back. And as a long time fan/groupie (but not in a scary way, I hope) I too, am willing to help with whatever you need. Gllad that things are going better.
Darling Alison – I’m so delighted you are back – I’ve missed you so!! Wishing you all the luck in the world for the future!! Xxx
I could not be happier for you Alison! This is the one! I know it! Xxx
No pressure or anything, Alison, but I’m ready for a BrocanteHome Happily Ever After story.
This week just gets better and better and better!!!!
Alison, I am so delighted that you are back on line. Now, gerl, (that’s ‘girl’ said in my best scouse accent, there) keep yourself together and ask when you need help. And I am so looking forward to what the summer will bring. Woo hoo! Brocante Home is back!
🙂 🙂 🙂 YAY!
So glad you are back!
Bless your hear, I’m so happy you are back. I tapped the Brocante icon on my iPad more in hope than expectation and there you were 🙂 I can only echo what everyone else has said – it’s wonderful to have you back.
P.s. He looks lovely.
Bless you Alison and Ste! This is marvy news and I am sure your happiness will bless others lives…..through working together on this site. What a great idea!
I’m so glad to hear that you’re back, Alison. I’ve been following your blog for years, and I’ve kept pretty quiet until now. 🙂 You’ve made such a world of difference in my daily life, teaching me to embrace ordinary tasks and turning them into something beautiful and extraordinary. When your blog went on a break, I regretted never having said enough to let you know how much you’ve inspired me and so many others. Blog on, Alison, and we’ll be listening.
I’m so happy for you, Alison!♡