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Sunday 21 September 2014

The Double-Edged Sword

I had decided this was going to be my last post.  I gave myself time to reflect and whilst my mind was saying one thing my heart was telling me another.  So what if we are all busy bouncing between family, real life and the evergrowing expanse of social networking?  Never mind if this small space of mine is attracting less comments than before.  When it comes to the crunch I cannot forget the valuable connection made with precious souls through this blog and theirs.  Wonderful, inspring ladies have expressed my mixed feelings so much more eloquently than I could, both here and here.  I will, for the time being, stay here with gratitude for the friendships and inspiration offered to me in these past three years.
 
September has been glorious; continuous mellow, dusty heat with ripening apples, pears and grapes.  It has also been hard.  A precious member of my family was unexpectedly taken ill two weeks ago causing us all to scurry hither and thither, drawing ever closer in love.  I've been left with feelings of gratitude for my parents and siblings, again, but fear of inevitable, impending mortality too.  And that is why, perhaps, this September I have finally put my finger on my usual reticence to embrace autumn.  As the meadows and countryside change colour around us we find the shimmery hues of autumn leaves thrilling.  But in a sense they dupe us for they signal death and disintegration.  In time they will become fragile and return to dust.   Leaves sublime from one beautiful state to another - much as some religions tell us we will - and as they lose their green life they bloom with urgent colours.  "Carpe Diem', they seem to whisper.  This early autumn I hear their message loud and clear.  Life is precious and I intend to honour its beauty in my humble, happy manner.
 
I leave you with a palette of greens, yellows and plums.  Happy autumn friends!  Because, despite my sombre words, it really is a precious season.

 Featured above:
 
Alaria Shawl knit with divine Skein yarn Merino Cashmere Fingering in Sunspot.  My Ravelry notes are here.
 
Mademoiselle Apple And BlackBerry Crumble who is off to start a new life in Australia.
 
Mickäel and I are off to Marrakech next weekend for a short stay.  I hope to return with a few pictures to share with you all.
 
Warmest wishes to you all.
 
Stephanie

67 comments:

  1. Glad you decided to keep blogging, I don't always comment, but I do enjoy your blog. Your pictures are lovely.

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    1. I hope you can imagine how much your message here today has touched me. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave those kindhearted words.

      Stephanie x

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  2. Hi Stephanie - so glad you've decided to stick around Blogland - I, for one, love reading your posts. I find it therapeutic to put thoughts down on 'paper' on my blog - gets them out of my system and, just maybe, they sometimes help a passing reader. I do get a kick out of receiving comments, but would probably continue even if they totally dried up. You do start to think differently about life - my Mum lives with DH and me, and has started having mini strokes (she's 90) and I realise how fragile our grip on life is, and try to appreciate it all (often failing miserably though!!) Your shawl and Miss Crumble are gorgeous - thanks for sharing. I don't mean to put pressure on, but I look forward to reading your posts for a long time to come. Have a great week, Chris x

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    1. Dear Chris,

      I am deeply grateful you took the time to write these words today. You have put a finger on my feelings perfectly; life is fragile and our happiness truly dépends on the living existence of our loved ones. Reality hits us hard when a parent shows signs of illness in his/her later years. I wish you and your mother many happy years and precious moments to come.

      Stephanie

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  3. Oh I'm so glad you are staying! I've only just found you! (I'm poppypearl on Rav and Ladyaga on Ig!) I think your appreciation of life, including the beauty, colour and gentleness of your point of view is unique and lovely! A lovely place to visit. So thankyou. (And for the knitty inspiration of course I have your Rav pages as well)
    I hear you about life too. Recent family events have brought that into the spotlight here too. It can help you to see things almost hyper-real I think- realising its ephemeral.
    Have a nice rest of weekend now.

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  4. Life is so busy and time is short, I love reading your beautiful words and seeing your lovely pictures. There is something special about blog connections. May you and yours know much peace and comfort as the seasons change. Xx

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  5. I really enjoy your blog. Your writing and beautiful photos are comforting and peaceful. I think blogland is changing and I'm not happy about it. People seem much more interested in other social media and I think it's a shame. My pageviews and comments seem to be done too, which is disappointing, but I think I'll keep going. Blogging makes me very happy, whether people are interested or not. :)

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  6. S......I too love your blog, because you have a generous, beautiful view of life and all that it holds....
    sometimes I do not leave a comment, but I nearly always read...and if there is not time to read all the words, or leave a comment , i gaze at you images and smile...so blog if and when you want too but don't say goodbye!
    bestest from Daisy sending you blog love

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  7. My friend, in your first paragraph, you have expressed the very same feelings I have wrestled with over the last two years. I too, (and I feel strange saying this since I do get a large amount of comments) have noticed a DROP of "interest" from commenters. HOWEVER.....like you have brought to the forefront, I too realize that I stay in blogging for these two reasons, and the greatest of their importance according to their order:

    1. YOU, MY DEAR BLOGGER FRIENDS WITH WHOM I'VE CONNECTED
    2. Because I need to express myself.

    In my mind, what good is it to create if there is no one to share it with? That's just me. But the power of media and culture dictates to us that value depends on the AMOUNT of followers. But I've come to learn through struggling with whether to stop blogging or keeping that the precious few with whom I connect now on a daily basis are the people that keep me going. I would still continue to write and strive to improve so I could try to publish, but sharing and growing with others really is the core of blogging for me.

    I delight in your companionship, your GORGEOUS artwork and your view of your world, Stephanie. I am here to enjoy your company. Many wishes to you my friend for a sublime and peaceful autumn. BISES, Anita

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  8. Hi Stephanie!
    I really like to come here and read your words. It doesn't happen to leave a comment very often from me, because I found my English so poor, especially when trying to write something deeper than the usual "lovely" !!!! ;oD
    happy holiday, xxxxx ale

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  9. Beautiful thoughts and images as always Stephanie. I love reading your blog. There is always such peace and warmth in what you write.

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  10. please don't stop blogging.It is my contact with the wonderful,beautiful Loire Valley.We should have been near Chinon in June but my Husband was ill and we had to cancel.I just love your photos and am going to look up the stole pattern.Love from me!

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  11. Dear Stephanie, your posts are written with so much poetry and elegance that it would be very sad to not read you anymore. I am glad you have decided to stay. I have learned much from you and from other bloggers too. Blogging has been very helpful and although time is always an issue, I think it can be an inspiring force to accomplish the goals we have set for ourselves. Your knit shawl is beyond beautiful! Such a beautiful art that you have mastered! You are so talented and I admire your creations! Mortality is forever on my mind as well and this is perhaps why I enjoy life more now that I accept its inevitability. Have a wonderful trip and come back with many great memories :)

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  12. You're right there are a lot less of us out here commenting, it's difficult to keep up! I for one love your little space here, glad you're staying a while longer :) xxx

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  13. I too love your blog.....and now I feel that I should have let you know by commenting a little more often. Enjoy your trip away. Juliex

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  14. Diane (in Ireland)21 September 2014 at 18:56

    Stephanie, I simply cannot imagine how a busy working mum like yourself can manage to squeeze the time into your day for blogging...however, as long as you can do it without putting heaps of added pressure on yourself, please continue. Your beautiful blogging voice here is very much appreciated and would certainly be missed. As for the sentiments in this post, I have so much kindred feeling for what you have expressed. This autumn has been the loveliest and simultaneously the most trying I can remember...and you are correct. It is, still, a precious season. Bisous xx

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  15. Oh Stephanie, I'd miss your posts so much. You have such a wonderful way with words, a truly precious gift. However you need to do what is right for you and your family. Life is ever more fraught and we all at some time have to come to terms with the mortality of those we love. Spending precious moments with those whose time is becoming shorter is the most important thing.
    Do what you need to do, dear Stephanie, and we will all understand.
    Hugs, Sue x

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  16. You have a very special and magical gift for connecting with prople through words...more than I and many, many others have. Please keep writing, even just for your own comfort at times and more importantly, even with or without a blog. Reduced traffic is the nature of our fast changing internet trends but so nice to be able to share images through other sites and who knows where the future will lead us all. Autumn is beautiful, low key energy as plants go to sleep and quiet time for reflection. Many best wishes to you and always follow your heart, Susannah xxx

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  17. Ah my dear I'm reading this on a very balmy Riviera evening, I'm so glad you decided to stay, I would really miss you! Just a few weeks back I was in the same mind as you, my stats revealed that numbers were in decline but then I thought about the lovelies who still did drop by, many lovely friends and I too decided to stay.
    You know I feel the same about autumn as you but we will get through it and just look at the beautiful colours it shares with us.
    Beautiful hare and beautiful shawl as always.
    Take care,
    V x

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  18. Oh you scared me there for a moment! Your posts add such beauty to my days, your words, your pictures, it's so inspiring to come here and I'd miss you so much. I know you're on FB but a blogpost can be savoured so much more by the reader.
    I know what you mean about less blog visitors. That's happened to me too and it can be quite disheartening can't it but please know that myself and many others find your blog so very special, sharing a small peep into your beautiful world.
    Thankyou for staying but having said all that, I understand completely how time is precious and if you did choose to stop, we'll understand.
    Jess xx

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  19. The blog world would be a much lesser place without your erudite words and charming photos.
    I know exactly what you mean as I too have noticed that comments are much reduced - it does seem as if blogging my have found its peak and is now on a downward trend. It makes you question whether what you are writing is of no more interest and I personally am afraid of boring people with my posts.
    Mainly though I shall continue as I actually enjoy using the space creatively for my photos and things that I want to write.
    Have a wonderful visit to Marrakech such a vibrant and colourful place to be - you will love it.

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  20. Dear Stephanie, I am pleased that you have decided to stay for now. I for one would miss you and your lovely take on life. I owe you a longer reply to your last comment to me... Although the pace of life is crazy at the moment. Enjoy your break in Marrakesh. xx

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  21. Dearest Stephanie,
    I'm so happy you decided to stay for the time being, so happy. I know that somehow we will meet and keep in touch, but I would feel lonely here without you. The blogworld might become less popular than it used to (a FB side effect maybe) but it is still precious to me. It is still a place where we can take time. I usually visit each of your post several times and enjoy it!
    So no need to say I love your September post, as much as I love Sptember itself with its soft golden lights. No need to say that I'm in love with your new Mademoiselle Crumble (oh! she's one of my favourite ever, as I always feel when I discover a new one!). And your golden shawl is a marvel, perfect on this beautiful young lady.
    Your words on life and death, on autumn nostalgia so perfectly meet my present mood. The leaves in our little garden turn golden and fall already.
    Enjoy you time in Marakech and take care. I shall wait for your next post...

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  22. Please keep blogging Stephanie. You may mot get so many comments but people do read it and it gives great pleasure. Your photographs are beautiful and I will say it again to you both shawl and daughter are gorgeous. Sometimes technology fails and makes it harder to leave a comment. It certainly happens to me and I give up trying. I read every word. Enjoy your trip and wishing your family member better health.x

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  23. I am glad that you are going to keep going as I enjoy reading what you have to say and looking at your beautiful photos, and I generally do comment! I know though that it is hard for bloggers and readers, I do wonder though where the people who follow my blog but never comment are, and who the people reading are as I have some wonderful and lovely people who leave comments regularly, but they don't account for the number of page views - unless they are re-reading a lot! It is a mystery isn't it. Hope that you have a great time away and return revived and refreshed and raring to go. Take care. xx

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  24. Just found your blog and it's so lovely! Your knitting, sewing and photos are beautiful. Please continue!

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  25. Dear Stephanie,

    Your blog is always a delight to come and visit - love all you share and your writing is beautiful.
    I was happy to hear that you are going to continue blogging and I look forward to seeing what you share again next time.
    Life is precious and sometimes it is hard to juggle family life and everything.
    Love the sweet photo of your daughter in the lovely shawl and your sweet Mademoiselle Apple and blackberry crumble.
    Have a wonderful time away in Marrakech and I look forward to seeing your photographs.
    hugs
    Carolyn

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  26. I don't often post but I love your blog, snippets of your family, your beautiful sewing and knitting, please don't go.

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  27. Stephanie, I love your blog and would miss it dearly should you decide to stop blogging. It is hard to juggle everything life throws at us daily and when someone we love is taken ill, it just makes that juggling seem so much harder. I am glad you have decided to continue. I love seeing your Mademoiselles. One day I will commission one for myself. I so want one of your beautiful creations.

    hugs,
    Sharon

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  28. I am so glad you are staying - I love your photos, your writing and style. I am not on IG or Facebook, so blogs are important to keep up with the people I follow. Yes I may not always comment, but I do always appreciate what you write and your beautiful work.

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  29. Glad you are not giving up the blog. Love reading it, even if I don't always comment x

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  30. I can relate to your feelings, writing a blog post takes time and effort but I would miss you if you vanished. Your writing, photography and needlework are inspirational and light up my day. x

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  31. I blog less often, but I still find my blog is a nice way to record a day out I want to remember and add links to all the places we visited for future ref. or to write about the background to one of my prints so I can send a gallery or customer there to get to know my work. The instant gratification of Instagram or chumminess of Twitter is seducing. Don't get me started on Facebook - I do it because I feel I have to as most galleries and lots of customers seem to like it. I really don't get it, especially the nagging emails from FB telling me to update my page!

    I've now added you to my Bloglovin list so I'll notice when you post again x

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  32. Hi Stephanie,

    I've been waiting to sit down with a cup of tea to devour your latest Post. But firstly I just wanted to say I adore your blog, I find so much inspiration here and enjoy reading your words. I feel the same though, I really do. I've been blogging a lot more sporadically, sometimes going a month between posts. I also thought it might be time to stop but I can't seem to let it go. I enjoy the community so much and I'd be popping in to see the friends I had made through blogging so it makes sense to continue being part of it myself. I'm convinced there will always be a place for blogging even if it is falling out of favour with those who prefer the "faster" forms of social media. That's such a gorgeous shawl and I love the yarn especially - just stunning! Sorry to hear about your family member.

    I hope you have a wonderful relaxing trip next week.

    Take care,

    Mel x

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  33. Once again such beautiful stitches and words. I particularly love your apple cross stitch design, are these your own patterns? Don't give up writing, I do so enjoy reading your blog even though I don't always comment. Love PJane

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  34. Dear Stephanie, the beginning of this post had me a bit concerned. I continued to read your beautifully expressed thoughts and recognized much that connects to my own current feelings. And truly, it's that sort of connecting that interests me in blogging.

    Your posts are unique and I usually look at them more than once. The visual beauty is always a treat, as it your sense of history, and the way in which you tell me about life in France in this still very young century.

    Learning that you do plan to continue posting has brought sweet happiness to this NYC morning (helping me to overcome the assertive noise of the chaps drilling on the masonry of this building...just the other side of the wall to my right.)

    It is so good to be reminded of the goodness to be found in our lives.

    Many thanks to you, Stephanie, for sharing your talents and sensitivity with us.

    Your knitting and new Mlle are wonderful. Your daughter is as beautiful as ever!

    Have a grand time in Marrakech. What a feast of colors will surround you. xo

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  35. I'm so glad you're staying with your blog Stephanie, having only recently found you I'd hate to lose you. Mademoiselle Apple And BlackBerry Crumble is beautiful and so is your shawl - wonderful yarn. Happy autumn to you too, lovely colour palette. Have a great week.
    Jane x

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  36. Please stay ...
    I don't very often comment but I do read your lovely blog.
    I would love to go to Marrakech so look forward to reading all about it. Have fun.

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  37. Chère Stéphanie, quelle merveilleuse palette automnale, côté nature, côté tricot et avec ce modèle de fée, ta fille qui pose si merveilleusement . Ton blog mérite une belle place dans cyber Space , n'en doute un seul instant. Bon séjour à Marrakech, amusez-vous bien!
    Olympia

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  38. Your pictures are so full of Autumn colours, so beautiful. I am so glad you have decided to remain here, your posts are always such a delight. Hope you have a wonderful holiday and your family stay well. Sarah x

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  39. I would miss you so much if you were to leave. Your gorgeous photos, your amazing projects and you gift with words.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  40. What a near miss we've all had, dear Stephanie. I am so glad you decided to stay in Blogland. It's very difficult indeed to keep up with all our bloggy friends, especially as they seem continually to grow in number. If only we could be granted an extra 5 or 10 minutes a day for each new online friend we make.

    Yes, you have put your finger on the beauty and sadness of autumn. I am so sorry to hear that a loved one has been ill. I hope that all is now well ... or at least better. Life IS precious, and fragile, and we are at an age when we begin to see how suddenly things may change for our dear ones, and by extension for ourselves.

    Keep writing and making as long as you can, and we will keep reading and admiring. Mlle A&BC is stunning! Her apple-green jumper, her blackberry-wine skirt (what beautiful fabric), her exquisite embroidery ... all are perfect.

    Have a wonderful trip with your dear husband.

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  41. I am happy to hear you will be around, so to speak.

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  42. I love your posts Stephanie! I hope the September colors will lift your heart :-)
    Michele

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  43. I love your shawl...don't forget that as you embrace autumn, such a glorious season, we are heading into the wonders of new life with Spring. Everything has a season and a reason...good luck to you...wonderful photography.

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  44. Blogging has become many things for me....I thought I was documenting a crazy knitting life (for myself) and have found friends and soul-sisters all over the world. I have dabbled with facebook and instagram but find them all not quite connective-enough. One liners and single photos don't express what I want to express. I didn't realize how much that connectivity meant. I love to see pretty photographs...still visit instagram.....but I'll never care about those people quite the way I care about my blogging friends.
    I'm afraid I never spend the time many spend on their posts...I'm too 'quippy'....but I want you to know how much I treasure the day I tumbled in to your blog world; I treasure your thoughtful, informative posts, and I revel in your creative work.
    Thank you for being here.

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  45. Please don't ever stop your blog. I love blogs far more than Facebook or instagram and yours is my favourite. So inspirational and beautiful. I have read so many books inspired by your reviews and your creativity spurs me on. Your blog is such a joy in this world, I love reading about your children and part of the world and your exquisite photography of it all.

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    1. Me too, I dislike the layout of Facebook and everyone knows your business which I loathe. I don't have a smart phone so instagram is not an option. I think people forget these things.

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  46. Dear Stephanie,

    I, for one, am very grateful that you're staying to blog. I love this blog. I hesitate to give compliments sometimes because compliments can be so prolific in the blog world, and I don't know how, by means of a short, typed message, to convey the genuine feeling that is sometimes easier for me to say in person, but I will make an effort here.

    1.Your blog is original. I get just a glimpse of the wonderful place you live and am always thirsty to see more.
    2. Your creations inspire. I wonder how you have the time between family, studies, and general life to create such beautiful things, but then I remind myself that we all have the same 24 hours in a day, and I am inspired by your work and accomplishments.
    3. Your words are heartfelt and personal. One of the most difficult things about blogging for me is to allow strangers glimpses of my life. I am an introvert by nature, and "letting people in" is outside my comfort zone. But I know that for blogs like ours to remain lively, there should be a glimpse of real life. You do this particularly well. I leave your blog with a smile. It reminds me of reading Anne of Green Gables when I was a little girl. I knew I had just read words of a kindred spirit.

    Héloïse looks lovely modeling your shawl.

    A wish for health and happiness for your family,
    Keri

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  47. I read several blogs and rarely comment on any, yours included. I usually feel that I have nothing to offer that someone else hasn't already, or will, say, so remain mute. I guess I am in error, if not commenting causes thoughts of not blogging any longer. I love the way you write and todays words about Autumn are truly real to me this year. The second week of this month I celebrated the first anniversary of my hubby's death, one day after my birthday and five days after his. It was a difficult time to go through, but each day gets easier in its own way. A friend told me after he died "It doesn't get better...it gets different...the loss will never go away." I find I am beginning to move into the "different" anticipating each day and the discovery of what is different for that day. Thank you for your beautiful blog. I love all the photos of flowers and the beauty around you, and the beautiful words that you use. :-)

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  48. Dear Stephanie...
    Such a beautiful post (how I love your description of the 'mellow, dusty heat'....) You know my views about your beautiful blog well already...I have to use the word 'precious' too...and you must never leave! It's hard to juggle things and when it comes to blogging it seems I never manage to achieve anything I plan to do but I enjoy it and wouldn't like to loose it...Are you liking Instagram, I wonder?...I may come and join you one day soon...
    Your shawl is beautiful, as is the yarn and of course Mademoiselle Apple And BlackBerry Crumble is exquisite.
    Happy Autumn lovely friend!
    Susan x

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    1. P.S I've just realised that I've used the word 'beautiful' rather a lot Stephanie :-) but then it does sum up your blog so very well!! :-)..xx

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  49. Dear Stephanie

    Your words about autumn echo mine exactly and I have always struggled with the decline of summer as the seasons change. Just last night we heard of the passing of my partner's aunt which once again compounds my connection with mortality and this season. Alas it can be difficult to shake that connection but even so, autumn is a season of bounty and for that we must be grateful.

    The autumnal shades in the lovely shawl modelled by Heloise and of course Mademoiselle Apple & Blackberry Crumble are inspiring ....

    I'm so glad to hear of your decision to stay here for the time being. Your blog is always a delight to visit even if I don't do so as often as before ... I'm generally blogging less these days but I do enjoy posting about visits I've made and updates on the garden. I blog for my own record and amusement as much as anything else, comments are lovely but I don't take note of visitor numbers at all. I decided not to get involved in any other social media - there is, and always has been something very special about the connections we make through blogging. Stephanie I love finding a comment from you on my my blog, always heartfelt and sincere, they alone make blogging worthwhile and indeed whenever I look at my lovely Mademoiselle Bloom in the Garden I think of you, the Loire Valley and your beautiful family.

    Enjoy your visit to Marrakech.

    Jeanne
    xx

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  50. Dearest Stephanie,

    So sorry to hear of one of your loved ones was taken ill. I hope his or her health is improving and all will be well.

    Like you I try to embrace autumn. I keep telling myself how beautiful the season is. The thing is when you say it to yourself often enough you see it :-)!!! The golden leaves, mist over the fields, the fading colours.......

    Beautiful photo's of your eldest daughter Héloise. She looks so serene. Wearing a beautiful scarf too!

    Stephanie, I am glad you decided to continue to blog. I think most of us in 'blogland' see that our blogs are visited less. I agree with you. It's not the amount of visitors that counts, but the friendships we build up. They are really precious. I am glad I met you. Hopefully I will be able to meet you in person one day, so that I can thank you for your kindness.

    Thinking of you. Hope your loved one will be ok.

    Love,

    Madelief x

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  51. Such a beautiful colour palette, I think perhaps my favourite. And the apple her ankle....so lovely! Keep blogging and sharing your lovely thoughts and makes. You are really very unique. I think things go a little quiet over the summer. Take care Heather X

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  52. Although I bookmarked your blog ages ago, I have only visited occasionally - or I might have realised where you are! Now I have taken the time, I had to smile - we spent the long, warm summer at our house in North Brittany and decided to take a detour on our way home to pass through Tours and visit Villandry… bliss, I tell you. And although I rarely sew, there was knitting all the way; love this shawl pattern I'd not seen before, and how well it suits the season!

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  53. Phew! You had me worried there. I often think that our blogging community is dancing a kind of quadrille ... sometimes we lead, sometimes we follow, and sometimes we step away for a breath of air or a glass of fruit punch. It's hard to sit out for long when the dance is so much fun, but if we are to keep going all night we also need to pace ourselves. Perhaps I've overworked the analogy but I know you'll understand. Enjoy your holiday dear Stephanie. But please put those dancing shoes on again on your return x

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  54. thank goodness you are still going to blog. I find that people come and go in commenting. I also notice that it is very challenging to comment if reading on an iphone or ipad (trust me.....it's a challenge) so while some may not comment I believe there are readers out there that love your stuff. Like me :)

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  55. Ach, Stephanie, wie oft habe ich schon kurz davor gestanden mein Blog zu schließen...ich kann Dich sehr gut verstehen. Es ist ein großer Zeitfresser, keine Frage!. Oft frage ich mich selbst: "Was mache ich hier eigentlich, diese Zeit könnte ich doch auch gut für andere Dinge nutzen". Jetzt sitze ich hier, um Dir endlich ein paar Worte zu hinterlassen (was ich bereits seit über einer Woche vorhabe) und würde doch eigentlich nach einem langen Arbeitstag jetzt gerne in den Garten gehen...Es ist, wie Du sagst, ein zweischneidiges Schwert, einmal mit dem Bloggen angefangen, kann man nicht so schnell davon lassen. Ich würde auf jeden Fall etwas vermissen, und sobald ich darüber nachdenke, wie viele schöne virtuelle und auch reale Begegnungen ich durch mein Blog bisher hatte, verwerfe ich sofort den Gedanken daran aufzuhören. Ich beschließe dann immer wieder von Neuem, mein Blog in erster Linie für mich selbst zu schreiben, so als eine Art Tagebuch, und das Ganze locker zu sehen.
    Liebe Stephanie, ich bin so froh, dass Du Dich dazu entschlossen hast weiterzumachen. Ohne Dein Blog würde der Blogosphäre wirklich etwas fehlen. Ich lese jeden Deiner Posts, leider habe ich nicht immer die Zeit, ein paar Worte zu hinterlassen, auch wenn ich das gerne würde. Dein Blog ist für mich eine kleine Oase voller Schönheit, Ästhetik und Poesie. Auch dieser Post begeistert mich wieder, die Farben, das wunderschöne Tuch, Deine hübsche Tochter und Mademoiselle Apple and Blackberry Crumble (oh, was für ein Name!), alles ist so stimmig und harmonisch.

    Ganz liebe Grüße von Bärbel (die den Herbst besonders gern mag)

    PS: Ich hoffe sehr, dass der/die Erkrankte sich wieder auf dem Weg der Besserung befindet.

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  56. Beautiful images, filled with perfect, repeating colour. I think this blogging dilemma is something many of us face. I find it increasingly hard to make time to blog, but that just makes me stubbornly more determined. I think my comment numbers have dropped, maybe because I don't have the time to visit blogs that I used to, but honestly it doesn't bother me, and I hope it doesn't bother you either. The real, true blogging connections will remain, regardless. x

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  57. A simple thing but I rarely read your blog as I don't have a blog reader as I don't want one, preferring to check manually if blogs have been updated. I have no room on my favourites as I add more everyday and blogs just get lost. The problem with your blog is that I can't spell it! So I never look it up. Usually I find it in passing on another bloggers blog list.

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  58. Gorgeous images of landscapes, fruits, crafts and knitting, the colours are wonderful. Your blog is beautiful, so please don't leave.
    Thank you dear Stephanie for your visit to my blog and your kind words, I have lost my muse and my inspiration and am finding it difficult to continue on with my blog. I feel I need some time to reflect on my life and hopefully I will find some inspiration to overcome this inability to move on and write once again.
    Warmest wishes
    xoxoxo ♡

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  59. Hi Stephanie, just found your very beautiful blog through a bit of bloggy comment hopping this morning, and I have so enjoyed reading through some of your recent posts, I do hope you continue blogging, you are so creative and write very beautifully. I will start following you on bloglovin and hope that there are more posts to come X

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  60. I found myself writing a post after a month of being away. Maybe it is the time of year, but I feel a sense of melancholy which, I hope, soon passes.

    I'm sorry that one who is dear to you is ill, Stephanie. Life can, indeed, be fragile and I hope healing comes.

    Karen

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  61. Hi Stephanie. I commented recently on your Facebook, Marian Ennis here, about reading your blog in my lunch hour back in my grey office and loosing contact having been ill and left work. Well I thought you might like to know that since making that comment I have gone back to the very beginning of your blog and over many breakfasts and lunches at home I have now read each and everyone of them and had a thoroughly wonderful adventure in doing so! Thank you for sharing all your lovely creations, the garden world you inhabit, your family life and your many and varied reflections on life, all of which you have given us the privilege in participating from afar. I live in Australia though I was born in England to Irish parents. One of my daughters-in-law is French making two of my grandchildren French/Irish/Australian!!! A very interesting combination! What I love about reading blogs, as well as so enjoying the visual feast, is the inspiration they bring. I started reading blogs quite accidentally about five years ago and was delighted to find that they set my imagination and creativity alight. I have discovered that I too can sew and design and learn and be adventurous. That there are no rules, only great excitement to be found as each creative project fuels the next one. Thank you for your inestimable contribution

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  62. You know I've felt, that is the one place to come back to. No matter how far we go.
    Please stay. :)

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  63. Great work! This is the type of info that should be shared around the internet. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my site . Thanks

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