the flipside

For every story there's another one.

For every earnest heart wishing for a small farm in a friendly town with an orchard and room for chickens and a big veggie garden, there's an orchardist lying in bed tonight wondering how he's going to pay his water bill and how he'll keep those damn chickens out of the veggie patch.

For every exhausted working mother facing down the long fortnight of a school holiday juggle, complete with guilt and deadlines, there's a stay at home mother itching to do something else, tired of quiet coffee in a clean house, feeling frustrated and undervalued. 

For every nasty comment I get, I get three delightful emails from people who might be on the other side of the world but feel a connection in this little corner of the internet. Thank you, it's funny how we can fixate on the negative and find one critcism can overwhelm any sense of achievement. Actually all I wanted to achieve this week was a habit, almost daily blogging, and I think I've achieved it. It's a habit I've wanted to re-form for months, (even if it's late at night!) because I expend an enormous amount of energy getting stuff done at present, and THIS place, this little corner, I do this just for fun. 

For every workshop we pour our hearts into, and hang on by the skin of our teeth hoping the whole idea will fly, we suddenly discover a magical transfer of energy. The amazing people coming through here are energising the hair off our heads. 

I was sent a hand-drawn gift today, from a workshop participant. 

 

Amazing. Thanks Fiona-Kate. It's absolutely gorgeous.

For every down, there's an up and I hope you're on it too. Thank you so much for dropping in here, and for keeping me up.

xxx

Comments

[wanderingsue]

Wow, that is gorgeous- I'm about to go dig out the watercolours! You keep feeling the love, my dear. I adore your blog, and know there's lying awake in bed, as well. Inspired by you, more than ever!

[Estelle]

Love you Fi and I'm so excited that you're doing exactly what you said you wanted to do when I first met you 8 years ago!

[Suzie B]

Do you really get much criticism? I find it astounding that someone would find something negative about being kind to chooks, giving the local community an alternative for excellent produce and 2 lovely people working their butts off to make it happen- what is there to criticise about that??? Very disappointed to hear others are raining on your parade :( Please count me as a keen supporter!

[sue]

I often pop over and read your blog...sorry to hear you are getting bad comments...I don't know why people even bother with that...they are a bit sad I think...I love what you have to say:-)

[Natasha]

I really enjoy your blog because, although you seem to be leading a dreamlife, you keep it real and balanced and simply come across as honest and authentic in your writing. Really lovely to read. Thanks!

[Ania]

I for one am absolutely delighted that you are blogging again! Your posts are a make-a-cup-of-tea-and-have-a-moment-to-myself delight, where I get to escape my frantic city life and breathe some of that amazing fresh air you send down the wire. Please keep it up!

[Bruisemouse]

I just don't understand why people have to make nasty comments. Everyone is entitled to an option but they also need to be respectful about how they convey it. Leaving the page and vowing never to return is one way, or writing a well articulated reasoned response, acknowledging the writer's view, is another. In my opinion, cowards and the ignorant write nasty comments.
Keep doing exactly what you are doing. You are following your dreams and living the life that you are your family have chosen.
Take care.

[Andrea]

Hi Fi, please know that you are incredibly inspiring. I almost died as a result of a violent attack in early February and suffered extensive nerve damage in my hands also. Your lazy lady slice was the first thing I cooked when I was well enough. Your gorgeous recipes helped to keep me going as I was determined to cook honest food from scratch for my two smallies (as you call them!) who were also injured. You are a godsend x

[Mulish]

I can't even imagine what content in your blog could possibly generate negative comments. Your blog is lovely, you're writing sincere. I don't believe I've ever left a comment here but I had to let you know I always have good feeling when I see your blog has been updated with a new post.

[Merryl Chantrell]

How on Earth could anyone find your blog content offensive or inappropriate is beyond me. It's a pity they don't do as my Mum always says 'If you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all'.
It's always a pleasure reading your blog and I often wonder how and where you are when you haven't blogged for an extended time. It has been very nice to read your daily posts this week.

[Kylie Lee]

Criticism is not always a bad concept. Students are taught to be critical thinkers, it's particularly important in today's style of learning and should overflow into the workplace. If we are developing and/or maintaining a public profile through social media or other means it is essential to expect and accept criticism. Every profession deals with criticism and the way one manages it will ultimately be reflected in one's longevity in their chosen venture. Using marketing, through this very blog, appears to be your greatest tool for addressing the highs and lows of your experiences. The blog captures the attention of your readers and encourages readers like me to post a response. Seems as though you're dealing very effectively, creatively and dare I say, calculatively with your issues.

[Melanie @ M&M]

It is completely foreign to me that anyone could find something nasty to say to you! I adore you and I've never even met you :)
I recently saw this quote from Jimmy Kimmel -- “In person people are nice, because you can punch them in person. Online they’re not nice because you can’t.”
I thoroughly enjoy living vicariously through you a life I would never have :)

[Becs :: Think Big Live Simply]

I can't believe that you would get negative comments?! Sigh, I am amazed. I love what you guys are doing (I met Adam at the recent Allsun Market Garden Course - took me a day to put two and two together!).