Thursday 27 September 2012

The New Improved Milkmoon Manifesto (of sorts).

My dearest friends, readers, and fellow bloggers,

I wear many hats, and even though some days I even wear two or more at the same time, I like to try and make them compliment each other. There are some days I feel overwhelmed by having so many, but loving each of them equally, I cannot give any up.
Now, I am not, of course, talking about real hats, though this household has an impressive collection, rather, I am referring to metaphorical hats.
I blame my mother.
I have written before about growing up in the home I did, and how music was a huge factor for us, the effects of which are, to this day, a major influence.
I could write five different posts on the vast variety of other influences provided without effort by my parents. Honestly, I do not exaggerate when I say my mother is a SuperWoman: Seamstress, potter, wood turner, furniture maker, painter, glass artist, gardener, cook. A walk around my parents home and I would say my mother has made more than half of it! The quilt you tuck round your sleeping child, the lamp you switch on, the dress you wear, the table you sit at, the bread, the salad you eat, the bowl you eat out of, the cup you drink out of, the painting you gaze at, all made by my mother.
I like to say she is a hard act to follow, but also an amazing role model and inspiration.

And did I mention that my Dad writes? And aside from being the best practical joker in Dun laoghaire, he is a splendid cartoonist, as my children will shout to the rooftops about.
And so between them both, they have made me (and my four siblings) a very busy bee indeed.

So I like to write, and take photos, and draw pictures, and stitch little things, and cook, and listen to and share music, and I've also added my own things to this list, such as my yoga practice, and my interest in diet and nutrition as a result of my own inability to eat quite a list of things.
While everything on the first part of this list is generally what makes up Milkmoon, it's the latter things that are somewhat missing. Now don't worry, I won't be posting pictures of yoga poses, more, it's the influence that practicing yoga has on my life, that I want to share. A mindfulness, (not a word I like, but  I'm sure you understand what I mean by it), a compassion that influences everything from how I strive to  parent my children, to how I endeavour to conduct myself day to day, and it's influence on how I 'tread on this earth'. And I would also like to share this journey I am on with regards to cooking and eating, something that has a profound effect on my day to day living.

Some of these things might seem like strange bedfellows on one blog, but all I can say is, they are all my hats, and together they make up something quite well rounded and, well, me! They work for me, and so I hope that translates into a blog of diverse and interesting topics, but ones that sit comfortably together, and I hope that those of you who come to see photos, or read my flights of fancy on the weather, or the seasons, or whatnot, will also pop by to maybe find a recipe, or muse over something I've discovered, or shared.

This blog of mine will be five years old next week! And so, over the next week or two I'll be launching a new-look Milkmoon, posting a number of wordy posts like this explaining just what is coming on the new and improved Milkmoon, and hosting a Giveaway of Splendidness!

So, for any of you that read this with dismay, please don't. I think apart from the new look, the other changes will be subtle. I am feeling newfound enthusiasm for blogging again, and my previous doubts about continuing to blog are nowhere to be found. For the first time in years, I have several draft posts lined up, awaiting rewriting, editing etc.

Over the last couple of years so many of my favourite blogs of old have sadly fallen by the wayside. I know it is very difficult to keep up enthusiasm for it, and I was on the point of giving up myself, so many times. But the reality of it is, now I have a growing number of new pots on the boil, so to speak, and I want to share it with all of you.
I hope you'll stay, and please do bring a friend!

Love Ciara xxx


20 comments:

Jennifer said...

Our blogs should evolve and change just as we do should they not. I always try to remind myself that first and foremost my blog is "me" in written and photographic form.

Can't wait to see Ciara, having followed this place for quite some time, I know it will be good things. Our hearts follow a similiar beat.

And thanks for the boost, I haven't posted in a while and was just sitting down to write a catch-up when I read this first instead.

Martin said...

Count me in, Ciara. I just know I'm not going to be disappointed.

ramona said...

Your new and improved cannot help but be who you are. I see a beautiful, compassionate and creative woman sharing her life.

You come from a creative family and your music is uniquely yours.

Press on Ciara! xo

CJ Kennedy said...

Looking forward to the new view

Mise said...

Bravo, Ciara! I look forward to reading about your many accomplished hats, and I always love stray tucked-in recipes in blogs.

Mairéad said...

I love blogs which are a hodge podge of what life is about, not just blogs focusing on one topic. Our lives, as you rightly say, are made up of many interests and roles and it's good to see that reflected in a blog.

elizabeth said...

I am delighted to see so much of your enthusiasm for change, like waves we come and go, and change and turn I enjoy very much dropping by. This here was the first Irish blog I followed!!! Its a nostalgic thing by now: ) It inspired me no end to find my own space in the blogosphere to express myself. Will keep a keen eye out for your new endeavors. x E

Ciara Brehony said...

Thank you all for your warm and encouraging words! Now I just need to run with it! xxxx

Jess said...

I'm really excited to come along for the journey to your new blogging! I've always loved your posts and your poetic words. Your creative childhood sounds very inspiring. I'm looking forward to your posts. :)
Jess xx

Lynn said...

Beautifully put.
Any good blog reflects the unique personality of its writer.
I'm looking forward to your upcoming posts!

yew tree nights said...

I'm looking forward to it! And I'm so glad that you are feeling happier about blogging again too. Plus, you know I doubt if there will ever be another Halloween where someone around here doesn't make that barmbrack recipe you posted... my was crazy about it. Sounds like many good things are on the way!

Half-heard in the Stillness said...

I love your new photograph, and as you know already I love your writing! So, waiting with bated breath to see what follows..... ;)

Hugs Jane

Kerry O'Gorman said...

Finally I could read the whole post! Happy Days for you ahead...no use blogging if the feelings not there. I often feel blogged out and figure, mostly I do this for me so I try not to be too disappointed if the mood doesn't strike. It's a journey that I like to share and love being part of this type of media. Of course I love to hear how others live, think and do and whatever the case may be, for now, it's all good...change is good. k

Beck said...

Hey there! I love to hear from you on Instagram and I have been following your feed for ages. Now it's nice to see you in blogland too! I look forward to finding out more about your new adventures lovely one xo

Pandorah's Box said...

This is all wonderful news! As a long time reader, I am excited for what you will bring to something that is already wonderful xo

Ciara Brehony said...

Thank you, dear friends, for your continued support and love-from-afar (and not so far!) xxx

Acornmoon said...

five years is something to celebrate, it is difficult to keep up the enthusiasm but I always feel that your blog comes from the heart.

Tracey said...

Blogging ebbs and flows, like life. I am looking forward to some recipes.

Gigi Thibodeau said...

Your manifesto speaks to my own heart and mind. Five years is ages and ages in the blog world. I'm thrilled to hear about your new directions and enthusiasm. I am in a funny spot with blogging right now. Waiting for my own new spark of inspiration, I think. xo Gigi

MidoriLei said...

I can relate to sooo much of what you wrote, especially having so many interests. Some days I feel like I'm not enough, some days, I feel like I'm too much. Funny how that is.

I'm finding that peace comes in mindfulness, yes, but with mindfulness adding a dash of just plain ole' acceptance- whatever will be will be, which actually, suprisingly tends to bring contentment.

This is who I am. This is my life. This is what is happening at this very moment. Maybe it's not perfect, maybe it's not what I expected, but it's mine, all of it. And at the end of the day, it's more than okay:)