Not going to lie, I’ve been feeling a little bit EXTRA-lost over the past year or so. Perhaps you had guessed that due to my uncharacteristically long absence here? Perhaps you have been way too busy with your own challenges? Either is ok, of course.
I suppose the combination of work/job drama, the loss of my Nan, health challenges, moving interstate, family drama, moving interstate again (and all the confusion/exhaustion that brought) and all the things the pandemic brought has taken a bit of a toll. Part crisis of confidence, part crisis of existence, part crisis of spirit and vitality.
It’s felt a little bit like the most lacklustre game of Survivor at times, but survive I do and that is something to be celebrated. (With a very small low stakes, one-person, sitting-still type of celebration!)
Let’s face it, I am not the first person to go through big and weird things and I will not be the last, pals. There is not much point in stopping doing all the things I love to do in response to all the weird. Standing still is not going to guard against further crappy things. Much better to reassess and rebuild and rethink the ways in which I do the things I love, right? Best to grab hold of the bits that make me ME and do them as I can?
The writing bits and the making-things bits and the connecting bits and the making mistakes bits and the talking about hard human be-ing bits and the cute projects bits and the trying to make sense of the world bits are the bits that mean the most.
So with all that in mind – and a tiny improvement in the brain fog element of my myalgic encephalomyelitis thanks to some new medication – … I AM BACK. Back to pester you with squishy blankets and more-ish snacks and rad people and imaginary shopping lists and chatter about what makes us US.
In case you care about such things.
Love to you!
x pip
Find me at Hungry Hungry Pippo, too!
If you fancy, you can buy me a coffee at https://ko-fi.com/piplincolne
29 Comments
So lovely to have you back, you give courage.
Welcome back, Pip. It sure has been ‘a bit of a time’ for everyone lately.. but hey, time matches on. We’ll get there. Sending hugs x
Sending lots of hugs! Glad to hear you’re back 🙂
So glad for you, and for me, that you have found the energy and enthusiasm to return. See you again soon, here I hope.
I am glad you are back. xo
Yay Pip, time nestle into nurturing vibes you created in this special nook of the internet. We have your back x
Good to hear from you again Pip. So much going on in your life, it’s not surprising that you have been struggling. As a fellow ME warrior could you please tell me what medication helped your brain fog ? Thanks!
Hello Fiona,
YES. It’s a drug often used for Parkinson’s and it’s called Amantadine Hydrochloride. I still have all the other ME symptoms, but the brain fog is less pronounced. I take 100mg with breakfast and the same at lunchtime. It’s on The Australian PBS but your GP would need to get PBS approval when prescribing it.
x pip
Yay for non-fog meds! I always think you’re here popping around the place in all sorts of ways 🙂 Yayyyy for more blogs.
Also gahhh that life took a shitty turn. Ugh.
We love you so much xxx
Life is so strange with its shiftiness sometimes. But also it feels pretty boss to survive the hard stuff. QUITE bolstering. Love to you and your gorgeous people. xx
Great to have you back Pip! Keep looking after yourself ??
Pip, this very evening I had a friend round for dinner – who I met after finding her blog after seeing her comment on one of *your* posts about eight years ago now – and I also cooked one of your recipes for dinner (a vegan version of your pumpkin lamb casserole). You were on our minds, in other words. And now here you are, you’re back!! Is it a full moon tonight?!
So glad to read your words again and that things are feeling a bit brighter for you after your very tricky time. Sending hugs! xxx
It WAS a full moon!!!
Love to you. Thank you for this lovely message. It means a lot.
Was the casserole good?!
x Pip
I was the friend who came for dinner and YES, I can attest that it was absolutely delicious. Your writing and work, the creative spaces you’ve established, have done a lot Pip, more than you realise I think…two very special people in my life I met via your blog and blog course. So sorry to hear that times have been tough but here’s to medicine that works and hopefully brighter skies ahead xxx
How wonderful… I was only talking about project yellow box a week or so ago…
Aw! Maybe it’s time to revive Project Yellow Box. I feel like everyone is very keen for the comfort of nostalgia. x
So glad you’re back! Hope things are looking up for you x
Welcome back 🙂 it’s lovely to see/hear from you again and quite exciting to think about the prospect of squishy blankets and crafty bits. Makes the world feel a little less bland. One step at a time, right?
I have loved your musings a long time . Still make your fabulous gnocchi and pasta sauce.
Its been a hard slog for us here in Melbs. I am seeing people, friends, that I have not connected to for various reasons for a few years. Glad you are ok
How good is gnocchi? So very delicious!!! Love to you, toots. xx
Love, love, love your work Pip. Good to have you back xxx
Hooray Pip . Things have been dark for me too but this too shall pass . A lot of us are struggling to make sense in this new epidemic world , I think . I have decided to get help for me too as I’ve struggled in this last year with life and circumstances. I’ve been rebuilding the things I like to do ( and can still do ) . Just because my life looks different doesn’t mean it’s bad and I’m appreciating small joys and simplicity. Big squishy virtual hugs and looking forward to reading more .
I’m glad to hear you sounding like your own self. And so happy you’ve found some new meds that ease the ME brain fog. Onwards! xx
So very happy to hear you are feeling a bit better Pip! You have been very missed!
The planets are aligned again because Pip is back! Hurrah! Glad you’re feeling well enough to post. Fingers crossed you’re on an upward trajectory. Really, truly, madly, deeply appreciate and love all that you do.
Glad to hear you are feeling better within in yourself. Take care.?
Those were meant to be !! Not ??
Sigh. I really need to start wearing my glasses more.
Hello Pippy! Nice to have you back ??
Welcome back Pip. You have been missed x