I’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by all of your comments on my last post. I can’t tell you how afraid I was to share it and how long those thoughts have been on my mind. There is something frightening about sharing online, but each time I do, you gather around and remind me that I’m not writing for a bunch of judgemental strangers, I’m writing for you, my friends. I guess I’ve learned that sometimes what I most fear talking about is precisely what I should! As your comments started appearing, I read them and just cried over how connected we all are, how much we share, though often silently and unaware. Thank you.
One of you suggested to me in an email that I pursue photography, and I wanted to tell you that while I’m not sure that I will ever market my photography to clients, I did purchase an online photography workshop a few weeks ago. I signed up on impulse after watching a free workshop, you know one of those things where they give you some free tips, and then offer you a deal on the paid version. I think it was money very well invested because I’ve already learned so much, and it has reinforced all that I already know. There is an insecurity that comes with being self-taught, and learning from a professional feels good. It will take me weeks to get through all the content, but being able to do so at home at my own pace is perfect. Sometimes I feel confused about what I really love, and this has reminded me of how much I do love photography.
As silly as it may sound, I also really love dyeing scarves. I enjoy the process, but more so, I enjoy the finished product. I only feel good about selling things that I love myself, and these scarves are at the top of my list. I wear them more often than knitted shawls and scarves these days and I love that they transition season to season well. I give them as gifts and want one in every color for myself. I’ll update my shop today at 3 p.m. ET with a big group of naturally dyed organic cotton gauze scarves, a fresh batch of wildflower stickers, a couple of organic baby swaddles and giant playsilks. I have more fabric on hand for making swaddles, and might add a custom listing option for those in case there are certain colors some of you might like. Oh, and there is also lavender patchouli goat milk soap available now.
As always, thank you for your kindness and your support!
Kat says
Dear Ginny,
Thank you for sharing of yourself. You clearly speak to do many of us! I am so sorry for the loss of your little one. It is so profound that a life no matter how short can have such an affect on us. I have lost 4 babies in the last decade and a half. My first would have been 16 this spring. Hard to imagine as my oldest living is 10. God has blessed us with 2 precious boys who I treasure. This past year has been a struggle for me personally as well, with health issues and a lot of emotional changes with the passing of time. I keep telling my sons they need to stop growing! 🙂 I find myself savoring moments more these days. Your blog is one of only a few that still speak to me strongly and is an encouragement to me. Thank you. What you share is real and raw. You are brave! I also appreciate the community that has gathered round.
With great appreciation,
Kat
Lisa C Uotinen says
SO many times, I read your posts and think, ‘this is exactly how I feel, too’! Thank you for your blog and for being an online friend to so many people.
Catherine says
Hi Ginny:
Your blog has been a huge help to me as a new mom. We lost our first baby to a miscarriage. I learned that for me the best thing a person could say to me was simply, “I’m sorry.” I’m sorry you and your family lost your baby. I take great comfort in knowing our baby, Job, is a saint in heaven and is praying for our family! And your baby is a saint too.
Taryn @ WoolyMossRoots says
Hi Ginny,
I get scared to write about certain things online too, but one thing I so appreciate about your blog is how honestly you share about things and how I always read your posts feeling I can relate so much. I’m grateful that your honesty is met with kindness.
I’ve had some health struggles the last few years and it changes how I move through the world and how I look at things, it makes me have to prioritize where my energy goes. Some days it takes everything I have to care for my little family, homeschool, help run our business, homestead when possible, all the while making meals to feed us as healthy as possible- and then I have friends with many more children than I do and I feel embarrassed by how overwhelmed I feel just being the mom of one. I admire you in many ways.
Lots of love your way always,
Taryn
P.S. I’m so sorry for your loss, someone very close to me had a miscarriage and I know how heartbreaking it is.
Kate Talley says
Oh, gosh Ginny. Pregnancy loss is just so difficult. I am so sorry. Talking and writing definitely helps. Thanks for being such a bright spot on the internet and a wonderful source of inspiration for us all! ((HUGS))
Marilyn says
Ginny we are so happy that you received comfort from all the comments from your last post. Wishing you a world of success and mostly happiness and joy with your photography.
Marilyn,Joan and Marion
Connie says
Ginny I’m so glad you are pursuing your photography…. you have a gift.
And because you can’t do everything, I’m wondering if there is an opportunity now for you to expand your “making and selling work” if your husband could find something part time and then help you with your sales and the homeschooling, driving etc. Of course I don’t know what his interests are, but some kind of a creative division of labor/ bringing in income for now, and just see where the Lord takes it from here….
Thinking “outside the box” may be what He is calling you to do for now.
Blessings,
Connie
Becky says
I just read your last post and cried. I went through the pain of infertility and this brought back so many memories of crying every month. Thankfully God did eventually bless us with 4 children, now grown with babies of their own. My oldest daughter miscarried and my first grandchild would have been turning 7 this year. I know he or she is safe in Jesus’ arms and someday we will meet. I really struggled with the thought that my last baby was the last one and that everything he did would be the last time I experienced whatever it was. Oh goodness, it makes me cry even now. But each season has its blessings and trials and God is good through it all. Thank you so much for sharing. I love seeing your growing-up family.
Laura says
I’m so glad all the comments were comforting to you – I’m sure there is a great sense of vulnerability in blogging!
Your photography course sounds exciting! Do you mind sharing what you are doing? I recently pulled out a book that you had recommended long ago….I was never good, but I’ve neglected my “real” camera lately and I’m even worse now 🙂 I really want to improve and learn more! I’ve started watching videos online and reading, but a course might be a good idea for me.
Fingers crossed I can snag one of those swaddles today before I run out the door at 3:15 to bring a daughter to dance! And if not, hopefully I’ll get one at another posting! As usual, beautiful pictures and goods, Ginny!
Laura
courtney says
Thank you Ginny for your last post. I too sent it to my husband. I was so moved as to how much we all have in common. Thank you for sharing and helping us all feel we are not alone.
Emily DeArdo says
It is never silly to do what you love (well, within moral bounds, obviously. : ) ) Dye those scarves!!
Arielle says
I’ve bugged you about this before, but I would be first in line if you ever did a photography course. There are plenty of “experts” to learn from, but I would love to learn how YOU get your beautiful colors and light. Your eye is truly unique, and I cannot get anywhere close to your moody light and deep colors. Please consider even just a short, informal “this is what I do” kind of course!
Frau Kirschkernzeit says
You’re the sweetest, Ginny! I understand so perfectly what you mean… Going through the rather opposite of your experience with loosing a baby you kind of longed for kind of feared I don’t know really what to say… But believe me; for me too this family thing that always changes and sometimes eates me up sometimes fills me with joy makes me helpless too; especially the ongoing change and the struggle of taking care of my family AND of me…
Right now I am going through hard times too and try my best to just keep on going and keeping my head high. You’re doing an excellent job, Ginny this I am certain and I can’t emphasize enough how glowing of health and joy your children always are in your fotographs. This sais a lot, I think…
I wish you a blessed time!
Bora from Switzerland
Julie Churchwell says
Ginny,
I sent your last post to my husband, it was full of exactly the thoughts I couldn’t put into words. Thank you for writing. You helped me communicate the deep seated longings and griefs that I have felt. You are a blessing. Moving forward into courage.