Today I Must Confess* … I am suffering from a strange combination of performance anxiety and writer’s block.
You see, over the weekend this magazine landed in our letter box.
With this article inside.
Yep, that’s Yours Truly, sharing my story of climbing back out of the pit of redundancy. Don’t you just love the title: Redlands Writer Refuses to Get Blogged Down!
I’m all sorts of excited and thrilled about it! It felt very strange to be the interviewee, rather than the interviewer, when Carly and I met for coffee (and as a fellow writer I have to say I think she’s done a great job of telling my story!).
As a result I am struggling to write this – because I know there are a heap of new people coming to check me out, and of course, I want to make a good impression ;-)!
So today I want to issue a warm welcome to ALL my readers, old and new, with open arms (I’m a very huggy person!).
This blog has changed a lot over the last 10 months. I initially envisioned that it would be primarily about local people, places and issues – but quickly found that this blog is not the place for serious reportage (well not all the time anyway!). And that due to the global nature of the internet, a lot more people were stopping by to read than just local residents.
I also discovered that the posts that seemed to really hit the mark, were the ones where I am just *myself* (in the words of a former Academy Award winner – You like me! You really like me!).
Here at Redland City Living, I am passionate about:
- The wonderful place where I live;
- Living life to the full;
- Fashion for the real world – no matter what your size, shape or budget;
- Books, libraries, reading and magazines;
- Health and wellness – especially when it comes to mental health;
- Making the most of our relationships (married to the hubster for 23 years and counting!);
- Parenting – our own kids are now 19 and 16;
- Working from home, writing, blogging, social media, etc;
- Making a house a home;
- Chocolate, my vege patch, my kitty, teddies, and all things cute;
- Sharing hints, tips and experiences;
- Encouraging others;
- and that’s just the start!
If you would like to receive a regular email letting you know there’s something new here (and I really hope you will!), then why not sign up to follow my blog with Bloglovin!
Is this your first time here or are you a regular reader? Please leave a comment below and let me know you’ve stopped by!
*On Mondays I join in with the “I Must Confess” linky, hosted by Kirsty and My Home Truths.
Silly Mummy says
It’s an inspiration to me because that’s similar to my own dream! I want to be a writer and an academic 🙂
Good on you for staying strong and pushing through. I know people who took redundancy differently and found it hard to climb out.
Well done!
Janet says
A lot of people told me I should take a break before doing anything but I really felt I needed to throw myself into something so I wouldn’t sink into that pit of despair. It’s worked out well so far!
Kathy Marris says
Hi Janet, I am an empty-nester (more or less) with two kids that are boomeranging back and forth at different intervals. I also like to blog about similar topics to you. It’s a shame we don’t live nearer as I live on the Gold Coast. But never-the-less I will be dropping by to read your blog.
Janet says
Hi Kathy, yes it was exciting to realise you were another “mature” blogger when I visited this morning! Look forward to getting to know you through our blogs and comments 🙂
Ness says
I always enjoy your posts, Janet, even though I don’t live anywhere near there. Obviously! It’s great that you cover a mixture of topics. You also seem really positive and your optimism shines through onto the blog and is uplifting, especially for a negative Nelly like me.
Congratulations on the article! xo
Tegan says
Awesome that your story got published! I love coming to read what you have been up to and like Ness I can see your optimism shining through your words. Don’t change a thing 🙂
Lisa says
Of course we “really, really like you!” I love that you are truly yourself on your blog, it looks like in this phrase of your life (blogging/writing/media)you are really having a ball.
Emily @ Have a laugh on me says
Great article and very well told I think! GO GIRL – you’re world famous in Redland! Your blog is great, honest, funny and clever – keep up the great work xx
Kirsty @ My Home Truths says
Woohoo to you Janet – woohoo! So well deserved, keep it up my friend!
Jen says
You go Girl!! You should be very proud. Congrats as it such a great article. I’ll look forward to what’s next in store.
Carly Findlay says
Well done for finding a new path after redundancy, and the great news article 🙂
Also, thanks for the lovely comment today x
Jodie@freshhomecook says
Love your work Janet!! You’ve built something fantastic here & it comes across with passion, honesty & fun! 🙂
Mystery Case says
Looks like we do have very similar backgrounds. Funnily enough, I was made redundant when I was pregnant with my first (15 years ago)and have been self employed one way or another ever since.
Janet says
YAY for redundancy 🙂
Rita says
Congratulations Janet! This is very exciting! Wishing you all the success you deserve and more!
Janet says
Thanks Rita!!
Jackie Katsianas (@JackieK_) says
That’s an inspiring story – well done. A redundancy package changed my life too – though perhaps not as dramatically. It’s all about seizing the opportunities you can, isn’t it.
Janet says
Thanks Jackie, yes, carpe diem!
Pinky Poinker says
Congratulations Janet! What a lovely story and I love reading your blog every day as it’s always so ‘up’!
Janet says
Naww thanks Pinky 🙂
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
Well done Janet!! For some reason we don’t get this mag, so I’m glad I read it here. x
Janet says
It may yet turn up in your letter box …