Etsy – Roasted Tomato Feta Scones
Spring is here and I have blooming daffodils I planted two years ago on my porch to prove it. However, I’m struggling with the fact it’s April and feeling quite confused as to what happened to January, February, and March. The only conclusion I’m willing to concede is that grief is not a respecter of time or months on a calendar. In fact, I’m learning grief has a supernatural way of tricking my mind into believing we must still be in February because so much time has passed since the start of the new year. At the very least I should have more to show for it here on Savory Sweet Life. But I don’t.
As many of you know my dad died in a pedestrian – auto accident a few days after Christmas. He was crossing a street and a speeding car hit him. The trauma to his brain could not keep him alive more than a few hours after the accident. Just long enough for my family to drive to the hospital and allow the one part shock, one part denial, and one part reality of the moment sink in. I left the hospital that evening hugging and kissing him for the last time. We buried him New Year’s Eve.
Tasty Kitchen – Rocky Road Krispie Treats
My mom moved in immediately after his death and the first couple months I would spend each day, all day, helping her close their business and moving her belongings to my home. March was the first month all of us started to adjust back to our typical schedules. However, the number of posts I would publish each week dropped significantly. In fact, it’s still not as regular as I would like it to be but with so much happening here right now I’m just trying to do the best I can given the circumstances.
I know it may seem as though I’m being a little hard on myself but I can’t help it. Then it happened. I had a light bulb moment when I realized I had been producing consistent content, just not here on Savory Sweet Life. I needed to be reminded that the reality is, I’ve been working really hard producing great content for Etsy, Tasty Kitchen, PBS Parents, and Savory Sweet Life. A part of me rejoiced when I could hear myself saying, “Yes, I’m not a slacker”!
PBS Parents – Strawberry Spinach Bacon Feta Salad
If what I’m saying seems trivial, it is. But if I learned anything from my father it is this. Sometimes you have to encourage yourself because no one else will.
PBS Parents – Quick and Easy Egg Muffin Sandwiches in Under 2 Minutes
Lastly, I want to point out all these beautiful photos (and video) I shot of recipes I’ve published elsewhere. I hope these new posts make up for the lack of them the last few months. Feel free to click on each picture to be directed to the recipe. And if you want to say something nice to me below, I won’t stop you. Your encouragement has been a source of strength from me. Thank you so much.
alice says
Thanks again everyone for your sweet encouragment.
Maggie: I’m sorry for your loss. I know what you mean about driving. I have these moments while driving completely distracted by my thoughts and then I arrive at my destination without knowing how I got there.
Maggie @ Vittles and Bits says
Alice, thank you for being so real and sharing your heart with your readers in addition to your wonderful recipes. I lost my mom to cancer 2 weeks after my wedding (she died the day I got home from my honeymoon) and I was on auto-pilot for months afterwards. Things got done, but it’s like when you zone out while driving, only to arrive at your destination realizing you have no recollection of how you got there. That was a year and a half ago and it’s true when people say it gets better with each passing day. In the meantime, I hope you know that your fans appreciate everything you do!
Marina Loper says
You are truly an amazing person! Even though I am wanting to write some words of encouragemet, I must first say you have made me want to turn a new leaf. I recently had surgery and will not be able to work any longer and as I sat here in my depressed state and browsing the Pioneer Woman I found you! Thank you for all you share. Your strength and endurance motivate me. I am sorry for your loss and will keep you in my prayers. I will be visiting very often. Stay strong…for in our weakness we are made stronger.
Sandy says
“Sometimes you have to encourage yourself because no one else will.”
Boy, did I ever need to hear that. Thank you.
June says
One thing about grieving is that I’m not sure it ever really ends, but it does change color. Eventually you’ll remember your Dad in a rosy glow filled with memories of shared laughter and sunnier times. Hang in there – he’s still with you. Hugs to you and your family.
L33anna says
I love your strength! You are doing a fabulous job at keeping me entertained as well as well-versed in a variety of recipes. My thoughts go out to you and your family in this difficult time. You are such a strong-willed woman and I enjoy reading about you and everything you do. Keep up the good work! It’s true that you are your best motivator!
Traci says
Thank you for opening yourself up and sharing this. Many are afraid to share their feelings on the internet, and I appreciate you taking the time to share as I know it helps you just as much as it helped me to hear your beautiful thoughts. May your family continue to heal and adjust during this difficult time. My thoughts go out to you.
TJ says
You have been producing really great work! Even if you had not done a thing, you’ve gone through a great loss. I’m glad you’re getting to your new normal.
alice says
Thank you everyone for your sweet words of encouragement. They mean so much to my family, mom, and myself. I don’t deserve to have such wonderful people, many of you strangers, to encourage me daily. So thankful for each and every one of you.
xoxo,
Alice
Splendid Little Stars says
coming here from the etsy post…. What a wonderful recipe! Thanks for sharing!
I am so sorry for your loss. very tragic. I, too, have experienced painful loss but not in the sudden shocking way that you have. God-speed.
Forks Knives and Spades says
Alice, I appreciate your honesty more than you can imagine. I lost a parent somewhat recently as well, although not quite as suddenly. I know that my grief has always come in waves – even now, 2-1/2 years later. Just remember you’ll never find that “normal” again – you’ll be creating and finding a NEW normal. Take care and thank you for sharing.
One Hungry Mama says
You are amazing. Thank you for thinking of us, your readers, but it’s most important to think about yourself and your family. The fact that you’ve been able to create so much while going through what you’ve been through this year is beyond inspirational. A slacker? Yea. Don’t think so. BUT, I know how you feel — I think we’re all too hard on ourselves sometimes — and hope that your aha moment makes you feel more balanced. In the meantime, I assure you that we’re NOT disappointed!
Karen says
Alice as I read your blog I sense that you are the core of your family – grieving is so hard especially when those around you are leaning on you for guidance. Teaching children how to grieve, by example, is one of the greatest, and hardest, lessons you will ever teach them. They are lucky to have a mother who can express that grieve – it gives them permission to do the same. God bless . . . you continue to be in my prayers.
Amber says
I am a very new reader of your blog and had no idea of the tragedy you have recently experienced. My sincerest condolences. We all need time to heal after such things. Grief is not linear, it knows no limit, but there will come a time where it doesn’t consume your every thought and you can regain some normalcy in your life. We all look forward to seeing new posts from you – when you are ready.
Kind regards
adrene says
Alice,
After such a horrific senseless accident, ironically during the time of year that we celebrate family, a new year, goals, dreams and ambitions, I truly admire your strength in re-building and maintaining some sense of normalcy for you, your mother and your family. I love this post as it demonstrates so beautifully your creativity, vision, and determination of moving forward even though the ‘fog’ has been so dense. I have recently been following your blog as well and love your spiritual depth and awareness of family, life on earth and the here-after. I truly believe that families will be together again with our eternal Creator and I sense that your spirit recognizes that truth as well. You have been blessed with a profound gift of self, family, and creative talents and I am happy I stumbled across your site a year ago. Thank you.
Suzanne says
Grief knows no boundaries of time, space, energy. But, grief does heal the heart and mind over time. You’ll know when you’re ready to make space in your heart and mind for other things. The process of grief can not be rushed. Take care XXOO
Amanda Thompson says
I know this probably sounds like a trite saying, but “time heals all wounds”. You will always miss your dad, but the pain will slowly ease as time goes on. When you are ready to post more often, you will. And we will be here waiting for you.
sewa mobil says
Very nice, thanks for the information.
Linda says
I just found your blog last week and have really enjoyed it since. You have a lot of great information on it. I hope everything works out for you and your mom. Slacker – no way – you are a very talented writer. Thankyou so much.
Stefanie says
Dear Alice, I started following your blog just prior to your dad’s passing and I just want to say how sorry I am for your loss. Your dad would be very proud of you for honoring his memory and taking care of your mom. God bless.
Jenn B says
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I did not know and I can only imagine the heartache. grief is a difficult thing and it does make it feel like time stops and when you start getting your head above water you realize it hasn’t. take the time you need…. Family first. I will say a prayer for you and your family.
Kirsten says
As you know, family is more important that feeling successful, posting regularly, producing creative masterpieces, and keeping your audience happy.
I am amazed that you have somehow been able to do all this while taking care of your family.
I’m sure the past few months feel like a blur – but you’re obviously a very strong lady, ever more strengthened by He who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.
Maris (In Good Taste) says
This is an amazing round up of recipes and beautiful pictures!
Rocky Mountain Woman says
I lost my sweet mother to Alzheimer’s last year, coming on top of several other losses, it kind of took me by surprise how it rocked me.
I’m so happy that your mom is with you and you can help each other. My dad has moved in with one of my sisters and it’s working well for them..
hang in there sweetie and keep posting, it’s like therapy….
xxoo,
RMW
Wenderly says
Alice you are doing such a phenomenal job. I’m so glad that the light bulb went off and you realized how much you are indeed doing. Right now you are so entrenched in all of the tedious work that comes along with grief that you have no idea how beautiful the tapestry is on the other side. One day soon you’ll see the amazing pattern that has been created by you & your hard work and tears and you’ll be able wrap yourself within it and find solace & strength.
Praying for you and your family love. You are a beautiful person with so many gifts. Keep walking.
xo