Been a bit MIA

Monochrome Wednesday - Princes Pier again

I have been a bit MIA in the last few days. I have to admit social media just wasn’t in the plan. So much has been happening, so I want to catch you up.

Saying goodbye to Tiddles

In my last post, I told you that we had got bad news about Tiddles, our cat. Well, yesterday was one of the hardest days as we said goodbye to him. The vet came to our home and put him to sleep as my daughter held him. It was perhaps a beautiful time, if not incredibly sad, as he was surrounded in love. He was such an affectionate cat and I know I’m going to miss all his cuddles. Our home is going to be lonely for some time.

Been a bit MIA
Tiddles asleep on my desk.

Empty nest

Another reason for the MIA is that our youngest daughter moved out over the weekend. She was invited to move into a house with other housemates. Someone left the house, so a room was available.

I’m not sad about it, though I know I will miss having her around every day. It will be very good for her I think and I know she is going to have a great time.

The timing, as it turns out, is really good. I think because she is not living here any longer will help her with her grief over Tiddles. He was her cat and she was very attached to him. She was given him for her 7th birthday, so she would not really remember a time without him. Hopefully, the new house and new life will help her deal with it all.

So now we are here by ourselves. No children left at home and only one cat. We still have Susie.

I’m happy they have reached the next stage of their lives. Part of our weekend was helping her move and cleaning up the mess left behind. The house is quiet, but that is nice too.

Backseat photography

Something happened here a few weeks ago and I haven’t really told anyone but close friends. My husband and I had a discussion and I told them that I wanted to take some time off from making money from photography and clean out our house. It is a job that has needed to be done for some time now, but I never seemed to have the time.  So I am now a housewife.

I’m not going to lie, but I love it.

That doesn’t mean that I won’t do things that will earn me money. Maybe the odd workshop, or if someone wants me to do something. However, basically photography is going to be a hobby. I’m going to be an artist, that will be my job. The plan is to exhibit more and go more in that direction.

I will continue blogging, but it is probably going to be more about my photography and not so much teaching. I still want to do reviews and such, but I want it to be more personal. One thing I’ve noticed is that my interest in social media is waning a bit. Not sure what will happen with all of that, but I love blogging and the connections I’ve made.  Time will tell, so, for now, I’m telling people I’m a housewife. I love how my home is looking, it has been neglected for far too long.

Been a bit MIA

Photos

I thought I might use this opportunity to show couple of other photos that I took and processed from Princes Pier. The one above was taken along the walk that connects Princes Pier to Station Pier and this image is towards the later. It isn’t often that you go out for photos and get so many you want to process, but that is what happened. There are still a couple of others that I want to do, so stay tuned.

This next one you have seen before, but it was in monochrome. I used it for Monochrome Wednesday a few weeks ago, I will add it as the feature image. I converted it back to colour and I think I like this version better.

Been a bit MIAThank you everyone for all your thoughts. It has been a hard time but made so much better knowing there are so many people out there who want to show support. I really appreciate it.

I’m sorry I’ve been a bit MIA, but things should start getting back to normal now.

Been a bit MIA

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34 Comments

  1. I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved cat, we lost our dog and cat within a few years of each other and it was very hard.
    I hope you continue to enjoy dedicating yourself to your home and that exhibiting again is hugely rewarding.
    I LOVE the images you posted, the drama leaps off the screen!

    1. Thank you zannyro. Oh that would be so hard losing both so close to one another.
      I am really looking forward to the future and am loving how my house is coming together.
      I love drama in my images and I am always happy to hear that others like that too.

  2. Sorry for your loss. I know how it feels losing them like that — Bonny left us suddenly 11 years ago at 19yo, but still miss her. They become such an important part of our families. I loved reading about youg Susie.
    All my best wishes for your new path. Enjoy it.

    1. It is so sad, and I know what you mean, we will always miss him. Susie is so cute and funny, my face lights up when I think about her and spending so much time at home means I’m not lonely. Thank you so much.

  3. I’m sorry for you loss, Leanne. At least you have Susie left at home.
    As you know, I said goodbye to one of mine in June and his brothers health has been challenging the last years too.
    Try to do something, as make you happy every day, just one thing only for you. This helps.

    1. Yes, it is nice that we still have her, not sure how she is taking it, but she does seem okay.
      I hope you have a lot more time with the brother Irene.
      Thank you so much Irene, we are remembering the funny things about him. There were many.

    2. I don’t know, how close your cats were to each other, but mine as brothers were very close. This resulted in starving from the brother in about 2-3 months after he lost his brother. This gave challenges to keep him alive.

    3. They weren’t really close, they knew the other existed, but didn’t spend a lot of time together. She is only 3 years old and she tried to play with him, but he was grumpy about it. So I think she will be fine. That would be harder when they are very close. I hope you can help him.

    4. YOu’re welcome, I have to say a lovely surprise arrived from the vet yesterday, the vet who came sent us a card with a print of Tiddles paw in it. He wrote some lovely things, it was so unexpected but so wonderful that he took the time to do it.

  4. Sorry to hear about your cat, Leanne. Losing a pet is always difficult. We are also empty nesters with three children scattered in surrounding cities. To be honest, we’ve come to enjoy the new lifestyle. And, it makes visits with the kids that much more special. We’re looking forward to having everyone, and their pets, here over the holidays. Looking forward to seeing whatever images you choose to share here.

    1. Thank you Dave, it was sad, but it was the right thing to do. Empty nest is interesting. Thankfully our girls are not that far away, so we can still see them often. Christmas will be good having them all together, enjoy your time with them Dave.

  5. Sad to hear about Tiddles. The loss of a pet is always difficult. But at the same time, I’m excited to hear about your daughter spreading her wings and also your change of pace. Best wishes, Leanne.

    1. Thank you Carol, it is very sad, but you are right, it is exciting that Klara has moved out, she is going to have a great time. I so happy for her.

  6. You aren’t alone in neglected house syndrome due to photography! I am sure that you will enjoy your new directions.

    1. That is good to hear Chris, it can take over, the photography I mean. I have a lot of work to do. I’m enjoying it so far. Thank you Chris.

  7. Leanne, I am so sorry about the loss of your beloved Tiddles, I completely understand your grieving, as I have lost two cats within 4 months a few years ago, as well at the same time my husband divorcing me. The house felt empty, but we always can eventually fill it again with happiness. Take care and enjoy your new plan in life.

    1. It is horrible when it all happens the same time. The house is feeling very empty, but I am sure it will just be a matter of time before we get used to it. Thank you so much Cornelia.

  8. Again, so sorry for your loss of Mr. Tiddles. He was a handsome boy. I have a Susie cat too – she’s a calico-point Siamese, and a lovebug and a half, and lots of fun.

    Backseat photography, for a minute, I thought you be taking photos from a car’s backseat, lol. My blog writing has gone long form of late. I enjoy writing more in that it gives a better sense of what the pictures are about, or the pictures supplementing the writing. The readers, I don’t know if they really like reading more. But, you do what feels right.

    The exhibiting more, that sounds exciting.

    1. Thank you David and sorry for yours as well. Our Susie is a rescue cat, black and white fluffy little number.

      Yeah, I thought I would play on the words a bit. My blog writing went south for a while, but I’ve been trying to make sure I do it more. I haven’t been writing as much, but that may change. You are right, you do have to do what is right for you.

      I can’t wait for the exhibition.

  9. So many changes Leanne, but a few challenges as well.. Enjoy your ‘me time’ at home – I have a little inkling on how you feel. Love the two photos of Princess Pier, especially the second one in colour – looks awesome! Hopefully you will still post from time to time so that will be something for us to look forward to. Enjoy it all and thanks for the tips and hints and sharing.

    1. Yes, so true Pauline, thank you. I’m looking forward to that time at home. I will still post as usual here. I enjoy blogging too much to let it go. Thank you so much Pauline.

  10. Leanne, my heart goes out to you and your daughter. We have had to say goodbye to a number of cats over the years and it never gets any easier. I was aboard one of these cruisers last week. Enjoyed our seven days, but glad to be home again. Your decision to stop using photography as an income source will likely free you up to be even more artistically creative. Looking forward to seeing you develop as an artist during this next phase.

    1. Thank you Don. Oh no, though I can understand why it wouldn’t get easier. Good to hear you enjoyed your cruise. I am hoping for that, I want to be more artist I think, try out some stuff.

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