It's not that I haven't got anything to write about. It's not that I haven't got anything to say. Rather that I am gently considering life in a new light, and simply can't seem to get myself to write about it here.
Having children is the most amazing thing - I once had to contemplate never having any and I know just how important it has been to us - and every so often as a parent you stop and take a long view of what you've done, and what might come next. It's about as deep and meaningful as life gets, and I am quite happy being quiet while a new routine and new kind of family life evolve.
Plus, I have ridiculous amounts of things to do, deadlines to meet, stuff to make and write. September always brings a moment of reflection, especially when you wake up to thick mist and heavy dew, and you never quite know how the day will turn out. This is how it is with every day at the moment, and mostly it's turning out to be beautiful.
[simple but stunning modern glass window in Spitalfields house]
Understandable to need some time away from this space. Good luck with the deadlines and things to do, and hope you enjoy the process of finding a new shape and balance to life.
Posted by: di | September 28, 2011 at 13:01
There's a hoary old cliche about roots and wings. If they have both, I think it warrants a pat on the back.
Posted by: Liz | September 28, 2011 at 13:24
Glad you have some positive things to focus on to keep you from getting too maudlin.
Posted by: Susan M. | September 28, 2011 at 13:45
Must be such a strange feeling. I am already fretting about Ivy going to university, and she is only 10!! She is at school right now, but I am sure she would send you a "Hello" x x
Posted by: lucy | September 28, 2011 at 13:45
I hear you.
One of mine left the nest this month, too.
Posted by: Elizabeth | September 28, 2011 at 13:52
I hear you too. We're down to 1 of 4 now. But it's good to watch them fly and yet know they're rooted here. I'm still not sure I've fully adjusted though ... I miss having them around. But when they come home it's like they never left. Right down to the dirty laundry ;D
Posted by: Annie | September 28, 2011 at 14:29
My last left a year ago. Next year at this time you will be looking forward to the peace and quiet of September. It's a bit like a rollercoaster---they go away, they come home, you deal with the quiet and get used to it and then they come home again. It's blissful but bittersweet. So many changes to look forward to when they arrive and then so many changes to get used to once they leave again. But it's also a very nice time of life. Enjoy the quality time with your husband.
Posted by: Sue | September 28, 2011 at 15:52
Right there with you - we sent the 2nd of 2 off to college and now my husband and I are saying "hmmm, now what?"
Posted by: Darci | September 28, 2011 at 15:52
I agree with Sue above. This time is disconcerting. As my younger went off to university, I realized my first would graduate in the spring and might come home. I hadn't realized that and was appalled. Luckily enough, he got a job right away and didn't (hasn't) come home. My younger was home for that summer and I was so ready for him to go away again. I love them dearly, but it is a roots and wings thing. You want them to have their own lives and you want yours. The younger is living at home after finishing university, but luckily he has two part-time jobs and is going to school so I can feel that he may be launched sooner or later.
Posted by: Peg in Kensington, California | September 28, 2011 at 17:04
Photos remind me of the cover of your knitting book. Which I am going to blog about soon - I promise. Best of luck w/ your changed life Jane & Co.
Posted by: Kristin Nicholas | September 28, 2011 at 20:08
Hi Jane,
Don't worry they'll be back! Mine went off for a few years - Uni, New Zeeland etc. - but they are both back right now. You know - "boomerang kids"!
Ingrid xx
Posted by: Ingrid | September 28, 2011 at 21:42
I loved being the one left at home whilst my 3 older siblings were at uni/working. Those couple of years of just pottering with my folks - getting them to myself! After 16 years of sharing with 3 noisy yet lovely big brothers - was a special and wonderful time. That's just my experience, from the child's perspective, but it was lovely. Hope the big ones are settling in okay.
Posted by: Ann | September 28, 2011 at 21:55
The windows are amazing - what beautiful pure colours. Hope you are adjusting to smaller family life now, looking forward no doubt to hearing all the news from your undergrad twins.
Posted by: geraldine | September 28, 2011 at 22:20
the glow of your words and of the photos you post really does provide a very special light to living.
Cheers!
Posted by: Frances | September 29, 2011 at 03:16
I love Ann's response, to have her confirm what my husband thought! He said that while the older boy had us to himself for 5 years before his baby brother came along, the younger one then had his own special time with us before college without his older brother. To me, both are times to treasure. (Ann's parents have a wonderful daughter.)
Posted by: Madeline | September 29, 2011 at 03:50
I love this, Jane. I'm nearing that stage myself. It will be very quiet at home...
Posted by: Jen | September 29, 2011 at 15:03
Hannah left for university last year and I was filled with trepidation..... which didn't last very long! I loved living alone; finding the house in the same state I left it in when I came back after a day at work; finally having a spare room (ish) for when my friends came to stay... and was quite looking forward to her departure at the end of the summer this year. Then she decided not to go back - eek! Trepidation of a different kind, but once again it's subsiding as I readjust my expectations and get used to living with my 21 year old again. Hers was a good decision and I have no anxieties about that, only about how long she will live with me! Note to self: make the rent REALLY steep!!
Posted by: Claudia | September 29, 2011 at 17:51
parenting is the ultimate "gentle art" and truly the grandest adventure of all. so glad you didn't miss it.
i've just got around to reading your quilting book at long last (bedrest will give one the gift of time for such things) and am enjoying it so much, i'm giving away a copy of it on my sewing blog:
hydeeannsews.blogspot.com
(sorry international friends, u.s. residents only)
Posted by: hydeeann | September 30, 2011 at 01:49