I’m in a weird writing place at the moment, just happy to watch the jug filling up after spending weeks cleaning and repairing it. I’m not nearly at the bubbling up and overflowing stage yet, but I’ve been reading a lot and that always leads to quotehunting which leads to me wanting to share stuff. To be honest, part of me hasn’t even missed writing; it’s like my body’s intense efforts to get well and my brain’s attempts to get clear and focused have temporarily shut down the urge. Or maybe it’s the knock-on effect of having walked away from my regular column and the ‘known’ audience and subject matter. Who knows. It’s good to be back today, though, even though it’s time to log off to go and cook now. Speak to you soon!

You’re right about the trying. Comes a time when we need to know what to let go of, and whether it’s temporary or not. I needed to let go of blogging so I could use the regained hours to dig in and hold onto things here, where they risked being swept away. Lots of situations lend themselves to letting go and letting God, but when it comes to kids, it’s a different ball game. Teenagers have taught me to let go of a lot of things, including a lot of perfectionism and the unrealistic, anxious desire to control the unknown, but because I can see a bigger picture than adolescents can, I know there are times when I not only have to hold on, but need to tie us all up to a mast and pray!

I know that every time I go on blogging breaks, I lose subscribers and visitors as well as the daily intimacy that builds up when you spend hours a week with the same online buddies, but I’m now content to be in a place where the pleasure I get from a few quality, heartfelt comments is all that matters. ‘See’ you soon!