The Weekend Send-Off

June 10th, 2011 - filed under: Furthermore » Feedback




Waits with his Dad and his Papa-san (my Dad).



Hello my dears! Firstly, I want to say thanks for being so understanding about the missing Send-Off last weekend. And thank you to everyone who left a Love List. I read them on my iphone as they trickled in all weekend, and each one was a little sparkle of joy during an otherwise somber time. So thank you all.

And now, hooray for another weekend!

~~~

Le Love List
This is going to be a list of anticipations, as I’ve been doing a lot of day-dreaming lately. But first I just want to say that I am so very grateful for the recent opportunities I’ve been granted. The past few months have been hard as hell but I wouldn’t trade them for the world, and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for this fortune I’ve had professionally. However, writing a book is a big job, and writing two books is a monstrous undertaking, and writing two books simultaneously while maintaining a blog and acting as primary caretaker/full-time mommy to one very spirited and rambunctious baby boy and playing head chef and housekeeper and dog walker and dog-food-maker and . . . well, you get the picture. The truth is that I’ve spread myself too thin (as I am wont to do, I’m working on that) and I’m very, very much looking forward to the simpler summer days that lie ahead (just a few more weeks . . . ). So with that said,

1. Getting Back to Blogging. It’s been slow around here, and I can’t wait to pick up the pace again. I’m looking forward to garden updates and FarMar photos and recipes and sharing tips and tricks and so much more. I’m so excited to begin posting 4-5 times/week again. I miss you guys!

2. Having My Nights Back. These days I put Waits to bed and immediately begin working, and continue working way into the wee hours of the morning. When all this madness is over I’ll regain that chunk of time, and I’m going to make sure I spend it nurturing and recharging. Wine in the bathtub. Hot tea and trashy novels. Crafting. Toenail painting. BRING. IT. ON.

3) Being Better For Those I Love. It’s hard to live up to my impossibly high standards for myself, but it’s even harder when I’m under so much pressure and my mind is so distracted. It hurts my heart to know that I’m missing important, irreplaceable moments with my son. So more than anything, I’m looking forward to being able to focus on being the best “me” that I can be, for my family. My boys love me and forgive me my flaws, but they shouldn’t have to. In all this craziness the greatest lesson that I have learned is about what really matters. Sometimes I can be dense, you see, and I have to learn the hard way. Success is seductive especially for a workhorse like me. But being a good person, though much less easily measured, is infinitely more important. And I’m looking forward to getting back to doing that work.


Alright guys, now it’s your turn! What do you love this week?

My darlings, this happy little post will stay at the top of the page all weekend, so stop by any time to leave your Love List, ask a question, or offer some feedback! Or if you’re new, please introduce yourself and say ‘Oi!’! This is your community, so get involved!

Have an amazing weekend, my dears!

  • http://www.mamassimplelife.blogspot.com Monique

    Hai Sayward,

    what a great words you are writing at point 3. Well.. every word on your page is great, but these are catching me. They are so true!

    What I love this week is being back to you to read about your great way of living (no I’m not scraping!) ;o) and what makes me glad is my own way of discovering more and more things of simpler living. Not only in a lot DIY’s, but also in home grown vegetables for example.

    Just want you to say that I really like your blog, you inspire me a lot and I am happy that I found you.

    Have a great day and weekend!

    Love from Holland ;o)

  • http://www.keepinghealthygettingstylish.com Laura@keepinghealthygettingstylish

    Hi Sayward, I’ve only just found your blog via the WIAW links but I absolutely love it! You really are a true inspiration and Waits is just adorable! I can see that I’m going to love your blog for lots of raw food inspiration – something I’m trying to incorporate more of into my diet. This week I’m loving the weather getting warmer, my trip to the farmers market, my health food order arriving and just being able to spend some time with my Mam early on in the week. Hope you have a great weekend x

  • http://mamasthyme.blogspot.com/ Lydia

    I hear you about spreading yourself too thin .. that’s a pitfall for me too :-/
    Thank you, for being such an inspiration. I’ve just recently started incorporating more vegan and even a few raw meals into my family’s diet, and so far, so good! Keep up the good work!

  • Alley

    I ADORE that you list “hot tea and trashy novels” as what you look forward too. My summer vice is horror novels. And people look at me as if to say “You’re supposed to read to boost your brain, not scare it…” but I know EXACTLY what you mean. I am also a head chef, chief domestic goddess, caregiver to an EXTREMELY curious one year old super girl and fledgling blogger. When you spend all day “turned on” it’s GREAT to “tune out” with something completely mindless and wholly entertaining. Summer zombies, let me at ‘em!
    So, my Love List:
    1.) I’ve never gardened. Ever. But I’ve successfully managed to sprout and maintain radishes, spinach and scallions. Even if they don’t “work”, I’m sure my greenies will be tasty.
    2.) Dresses. I love me some dresses. And flip flops. And ponytails. The “I’m a mom and I’m dressed what more do you want from me?” takes a nice step up in the summer.
    3.) Every other summer I’ve worked full time and horrible hours as a retail manager. But when I lost my job and my husband and I discovered that with a little ingenuity I could stay home with our youngling. I am SET to for the first time in my adult life to squeeze every drop summer has to offer. It’s gonna be great :)

  • http://shesgotaknife.blogspot.com ~L~

    Glad I’m not the only one that has crazy-high standards. I have a tendency to run myself ragged then look around and go “Fuck! I didn’t do SHIT today!!” lol

    1. Cooking…It’s been my outlet in so many ways lately. I never realized it could be so theraputic!

    2. Green smoothies! I just started trying them this week and am hooked! Will be having them for breakfast every morning. I already notice a big difference in the way I feel and am seeing differences in my skin. YAY! TY Sayward, I heard about them first on here, so woot.

    …Which brings me to #3…MY JUICER! <3

  • http://mutualmenu.blogspot.com Joselle

    Can I just tell you what I see from where I am? Regarding picking up the pace on the blog, you’re being too hard on yourself. :) I think you update plenty given what projects you’re working on. I think I can safely speak for most everyone reading this that you are prolific and have high quality content that people come back for. No worries on the pace as far as I can tell! Have a great weekend with your boys.

  • http://lovesveggies.blogspot.com/ Lindsay

    very inspiring post Sayward :) I like all of your loves this week! Especially the last one.

    My loves:
    1) the gorgeous weather I’m enjoying on vacation in Colorado. It makes me so happy to go outside and breathe in the cool and fresh air. Can’t get enough!
    2) Green tea. I drink it hot in the morning and at night and over ice throughout the day. I love this stuff.
    3) All of the amazing souls I’ve met in the blog world! It still baffles me a little that I have so many virtual friends now, but I love it and they inspire me each and every day.

  • http://windycityvegan.wordpress.com Monika {windycityvegan}

    I also tend to spread myself too thin! Wrapping things up (or letting them go) always helps me appreciate everything else in my life.

    And your statement “But being a good person, though much less easily measured, is infinitely more important” is about the simplest, most profound truth from my experience.

    Loveity Love List:

    1. Being done with the LSAT. Instead of studying, I have been able to watch a movie with my husband every single night this week (attending film festivals were our thing pre-Nina), and catch up on my very long reading queue, and start a new knitting project that Nina asked me to make for her, and and and . . . you get the picture. (It may look like I’m busy, but it’s such a different kind of busy than studying!!!)

    2. My husband. I don’t usually list him because, DUH, I married him and left Chicago for him, so in my mind it goes without saying that he’s top of the list. But not only does he pick the best movies for us to watch/discuss, he’s also an awesome SAHF, and when we had a plumbing emergency at 2 a.m. earlier this week, he knew how to fix the issue and replace our entire toilet, cuz he’s just handy like that. He also builds kick-ass castles out of blocks with Nina, when I can barely build her a decent square pen to keep her unicorn in.

    3. Textile crafts. I’ve missed knitting, and sewing, and not only do I have free time again, I have the silliest and most willing muse ever, my daughter.

    Happy Weekend, everyone!

  • Taylor

    I love reading your blog. Totally inspiring.
    My love list:
    1. my boyfrannnd. He’s interning on a farm right now in Maine (I’m in Seattle). I haven’t seen him for over a month but I get to see him in 3 weeks! So excited. He’s amazing.
    2. School in Seattle is over. Finally. I am in a transitory phase right now…so I’m not at the school I want to be. *BUT* I’m transferring to Evergreen for the fall and WHAMBAM, I’ll be done soon!
    3. I’m doing this no carb thing for my monthly mission (so I can look extra “hawt” in 3 weeks- hahah) and it’s got me feeling pretty great. I think for my next monthly mission, I’d like to go raw (or high-raw). Just to try it out.

    Well, have a lovely weekend!

  • http://www.creativeanomalie.com sarah

    Wow. This is why I love you. #3 is totally me as well. (I’m not the only one!!!) And that’s exactly what it is too – our expectations for ourselves. No doubt Damian appreciates that you take such good care of him (feeding the family WELL in this day is just plain hard and time consuming), but YOU always think it’s not good enough, or you could do better. And with such aspirations it’s easy to think that because, yes, technically, we could ALWAYS do better. My husband has to make me stop working often. I’m sure Damian and him have a lot in common since that is the “opposites attract” I think. They are laid back and goofy, forcing us to be, otherwise we would go crazy. Ahhh.

    1) Getting the garden planted FINALLY. (Don’t judge me lol. This has been an intensely crazy time in our lives and it has not stopped raining long enough to even run the tiller… my poor seedlings are probably so happy now. Who knows if they will even make it though…)

    2) Air conditioning. I need to stop being such a cheapskate and turn it up a little. Not everyone has this luxury and in Midwest humidity it’s something I don’t take for granted.

    3) Work. I’m going crazy because I’m so busy, but it does mean business is good. Due to my tendency to overwork myself I’ve been stressed, but this is something I should (and am) thankful for…

  • http://www.creativeanomalie.com sarah

    Oh yeah, and I do agree with Joselle. With everything you are working on, posting once or twice a week is fine. Not that I would begrudge more posts ;) but REALLY. Everyone is busy in the summer anyhow so if there is a time for you to relax a little on the blog, now would be it. Seriously. Just get those books done. I would rather you post once a week and keep a decent pace with everything, than post a ton and suddenly crash and take a month off from sheer exhaustion ;)

  • Virginia

    I pretty much have just one thing on my mind this weekend for the love list -

    Sunday my hubby and I will celebrate our 29th Wedding Anniversary. We hope to ride motorcycle, see a car show, and maybe dine out with our children. So love for my hubby on our Anniversary!!!

  • http://purplelionsblueviolets.blogspot.com/ Sierra Dawn

    #3 totally hit home for me, as well. I can really relate! I tend to run myself ragged at my full time+ job, then come home to my man and kiddos and run myself ragged until the kids are in bed. When it all comes down to it, do I want my kids to look back and think, “Mom sure did keep a clean house!”( or whatever), or do I want them to remember genuine moments spent together, focusing on what’s important. Screw the house work, ha ha!
    My list:

    1. Um, this blog! Seriously, you have inspired me in so many ways, it blows my mind. In the last few months I have really grown as a vegan. I’ve been Vegan for about 13 years or so but have never eaten as good as I have been lately, and I feel great! I have even been inspired to start my own humble little blog:)(every vegan parent needs a blog, right?)
    2. My flower garden. I’ve never really been into the flower scene, I’m more of a veggie + herb kinda gal, but this year I decided to branch out and I’m sooo glad! What a show these flowers are putting on outside my kitchen window!
    3. The 10 minute breaks I’m giving myself at work, secretly:)… I work straight through my lunch, and lately I’ve been feeling the burnout, so I’ve been sneaking into the dark, quiet x- ray room and meditating for 10 or 15 mins. Inhale blue, exhale pink:)

  • Hyla

    Happy Friday, Sayward!
    So many things to love but if I must narrow it down…
    1. Fresh, homemade Thai salad rolls. LOVE.
    2. Unleashing the farmer girl wanna-be in me and spending hours creating a new gardening space. (How lucky am I? I have two gardens this year!!) I love playing in the dirt, plopping those little seedlings that I nurtured into the ground and soaking up the earths energy. Pure joy!
    3. Sharing dread love. Today I crafted dreads for a friend of my daughters. My dreads are my guru and have taught me so much. I hope he finds the same wisdom.
    Have a great weekend.
    xoxo

  • Sandra

    Woo hoo! I made it through the week awake!

    1. My new job is vegetarian/vegan friendly! There are a lot of options in the cafeteria, and I was only down there to grab some coffee.
    2. COFFEE!!!! I work in a huge hospital now with two coffee shops, and I needed coffee to stay awake throughout orientation this week.
    3. The other cool nurses I met at orientation! I am glad to be a part of this team!

  • Sonja

    love this post! But take care of yourself, dear!
    Here’s my love lis (as I happen to be volunteering in Cambodia at the moment, my list is very restricted to my experiences here):

    1. the friendliness of the Cambodian people
    2. the kids I teach at school. They are soooo cute!
    3. fresh coconut juice
    4. trying cambodian dishes like sticky rice with backed bananas rolled up in a banana leaf

  • Stacey Bru

    This week hasn’t been one of my brightest, but even then there were some things to love.
    1. My new doctor :) Due to the incredible shortage of doctors in Southern Alberta she was hard to find, but oh so worth the wait.
    2. Feeling sunshine on your skin after a week of rain.
    3. Opening a sealed comic book to see that the art on the inside is just as beautiful as the cover. This never fails to bring me great pleasure, and so often isn’t the case.

  • Julie

    Le Love List:

    1. I work at a university, but I work behind-the-scenes and don’t interact with ‘the public’ much (which is fine, because this best suits my personality). However, in the last few months, I have come to realize that I enjoy hamming it up in front of an audience. So my new love is delivering funny (yet informative) workshops for faculty, staff, and students. Hearing the accolades of my peers is nice, too.

    2. My boyfriend. He is an omnivore who loves to cook, and he loves to cook vegan food for me. And then I love cleaning up after he cooks. (Who knew that washing dishes could take on such a caring, loving aspect?)

    3. (Secret love that most people hate:) Rainy, cool summer days. I quickly wilt and get cranky in the heat, so I am secretly overjoyed when it is cool and overcast. Hooray for the rain that is falling right now.

  • http://Alina.sabadish@gmail.com Alina S

    I was feeling stressed and not-so-thankful on Friday. Luckily I feel much better now :)

    1. The wonderful massage I was gifted with Saturday morning
    2. My brother and mom visiting this weekend… And bringing my new car with them!
    3. Filling my fridge with fresh fruits and veggies. I always feel better with a fridge full of produce

  • http://sweetness-light.tumblr.com Natasja

    Hello, hope you are having a wonderful (as much as possible) time with family.
    Just wondering if there are any posts on here about your & Damien’s wedding? – I ask because I am having a LOT of trouble finding a somewhat-ethical engagement ring which is still good quality & within a decent price range. I’ve checked out Etsy & the only ones I like are the titanium bands, but family are telling me I MUST have a stone of some sort. I don’t want diamond!
    Anyway sorry for the rant… if anyone here can direct me to a store online or any ideas that would be FAB.
    Thanks!

  • Denise

    Like so many others posted, 3 is so spot on and I would imagine applies to everyone. One has to keep themselves recharged and fulfilled to be able to give to others.

    My 3-

    1. Your tips and hints. I broke out the ole juicer this past week and started trying your suggestions for juicing mixes from a bit back. Granted my juicer is a low end thing I’ve had lying around for a period of time I won’t be admitting to, it was there and it works. :)

    2. The local feed and grain store- they have a good selection of organic seeds, staff that’s happy to give advice and birdies and bunnies to introduce my baby girl to. Yes I got motivated this weekend and got more of my ‘garden’ in.

    3.Yoga class- never regret going. Almost always feel great afterward. I’ve found an instructor I really like and it makes all the difference!

  • Felicity

    I’m so excited to read your new books. Definitely buying a copy of each even though I don’t plan to get pregnant for a few more years :)
    My love list:
    1. I’m leaving the country in a few weeks to go backpack around southeast asia and then settling in Hanoi for a few years. I’m excited and pretty nervous about those changes!
    2. Looking forward to the neat vegan food I’m going to find along the way (I’ll be starting a blog and trying to keep it updated from over there)
    3. My bunnies. My ex and I had bunnies together and when we split, they stayed at his place. He and I are still best friends so I get to see them all the time. They are little hopping bundles of happiness every time I get to see them :)

  • http://bonzaiaphrodite.com Sayward

    Aw, I love you guys so much. Thanks for all of the empathy, commiseration, and kind words.

    @ Monique – Hello there in Holland! Thanks so much sweetie, and I’m so glad you’re finding inspiration here. =)

    @ Laura – Hey lady, welcome to the blog! =D

    @ Lydia – Ooh, congrats on eating more veganish – you keep up the good work too! Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.

    @ Alley – Squee! Me too on the horror! I said “trashy” because it’s more general but really, I’m a total sucker for cheesy horror novels and Dean Koonzt is my secret love, HA!

    @ ~L~ – Yup, I tend to push myself until I collapse. It’s so important to maintain balance and I’m working on that. I know I’m not alone, it’s good to hear from other hard workers who struggle too. =)

    @ Joselle – Thank you. Seriously, that really meant a lot and hearing it helps me to take a deep breath and relax a bit. Thanks lady!

    @ Lindsay – Agree, <3 to the blogosphere. Have a great vacation!

    @ Monika – Girl, I know we have this bad habit in common. We are fierce and driven women, this is both a good and a bad thing! It makes us crazy but hey, it also gets us through the LSAT – oh yeah, CONGRATS ON THE LSAT! =D

    @ Taylor – Thanks lady, I’m so glad you like the blog and glad to hear the mission is going well. yay for looking/feeling hot and mostly yay for reuniting with long-distance love interests, w00t!

    @ sarah – No, not the only one at all. Look at how many of us there are just here! You make really good points, and thank you, because that stuff is so good (and important!) for me to hear. Thanks lady. =)

    @ Virginia – HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! 29 year, just wow. Beautiful! I hope today was amazing.

    @ Sierra Dawn – Screw the house work yes! SO important (yet so hard) not to lose sight of that!

    @ Hyla – Hey lady! Love your whole list but especially dread love. I know that someday I will have dreads, it’s in my destiny. =)

    @ Sandra – Ooh, sharing lots lotsa LOTSA love for coffee! And congrats on the new job, it sounds like it’s just awesome.

    @ Sonja – Wow, what an experience you must be having. And the food! Oh, I am envious of the food. =D

    @ Stacey Bru – I’m sorry you’re having a rough week, m’dear. Good for you for finding a few happy things, and hopefully next week will be better. <3

    @ Julie – Great list, and especially WOW, great boyfriend. Hold onto that sweetie!

    @ Alina S – Glad you’re feeling better!

    @ Natasja – Hmm, I don’t have any posts about the wedding because that was my pre-blogger days. But I have to say, you most certainly do not have to have a stone! I always wanted just a plain band and would have had one, had I not married into a family of artisan jewelers. I’m not a diamond gal but Damian had a vintage diamond, his step-grandfathers, that he really wanted me to have. His step-father made our rings, which we designed. I have to say, I totally understand just wanting a band and I think they’re elegant and beautiful and you should do what YOU want. But also, for me, I sure have grown to love my little sparkle. =)

    I understand the diamond issue. As far as I know there are a few options: vintage/secondhand, lab-grown, and cubic zirconia (who can tell the difference anyway?) I’m not sure about the price of each, but you may want to look into those options?

    I was pretty lucky with my wedding in general and people letting me make my decisions and not trying to force their ideas. It was the purely happiest day of my entire life, and so I say: do whatever you need to do so that your wedding day will be that way too. If that means fighting for what you want then fight. If that means letting it go so you don’t have to stress it, then let it go. But whatever it is, this is the one time in your LIFE where you really, really get to make it ALL about what you want. What a concept! Don’t be afraid to let yourself have that pleasure.

    Just my advice! Anyone else want to chime in?

    @ Denise – Aw yay for dragging out the ol’ juicer!

    @ Felicity – Wow big changes! Congrats on everything, you must be so excited (and nervous of course). Let us know where you’re blogging, I’d love to read about your travel eats. =)

    ~~~

    Love you guys! Have a great week!

  • http://windycityvegan.wordpress.com Monika {windycityvegan}

    @Natasja: Just my two cents’ worth —

    1. Whether or not you have a band, a stone, a tattoo on your ring finger, or no ring at all is between you and your fiance. I think outside opinions about engagement/wedding rings fall under the same jurisdiction as baby names: off limits! I mean, *you’re* the one who’ll be wearing this ring for the rest of your life, right?

    2. Do you know what style of band and/or stone fit your personality and lifestyle best? The first time I was married the ring choice was completely out of my control (the typical college “Surprise! Here’s a huge engagement ring, marry me!”), and while I loved the look of my ring it did not fit with my lifestyle. It was a simple band with a pretty big stone, and while it looked nice on my finger, I was constantly taking it off because it wasn’t practical. The second time I got married I wasn’t sure I wanted a ring at all, so my fiance (now husband) and I went to our favorite department store and I tried on at least a dozen rings. I ended up finding both a style and stone (not a diamond) that I really loved.

  • Laura Louise

    I’m a little late but here comes my love list:

    1. Oh how I love these interviews with veggie kids: http://vegansaurus.com/tagged/happy_veggie_kids

    2. Making my own clothes. Just finished a skirt yesterday, came out amazing. Next step is a summer dress.

    3. A rainy day after weeks of hot sun. It’s a nice change and I can wear my spring clothes, we almost skipped spring this year.

    4. Biking! I looooove biking and I didn’t even know it. I borrowed my friend’s bike and fell in love. Now I’m getting myself one this week. I have my eye on a mustard colored vintage bike.

    5. Aloe. It’s a brilliant plant. I’m growing my own and also using aloe gel. It’s the perfect after sun gel and helps with itchy mosquito bites.

    I could go on for at least five more but I’ll stop now and continue at the end of the week.

  • Laura Louise

    I got my mustard vintage bike and it’s totally awesome! I don’t have to take the bus anymore, at least for a couple of months.

  • http://bonzaiaphrodite.com Sayward

    @ Laura Louise – Yay, CONGRATS!