Happy New Year! Don't let the sequins and the rather impressive bun fool you, this is not what I wore for New Years Eve... I actually wore this on Christmas Day.
We didn't really have solid plans for New Years Eve but I did have an awesome vintage dress that I was planning to wear no. matter. what. I didn't care what we did, as long as I could wear that dress. Then we ended up at a cottage near Parry Sound and though I brought the dress along, I rang in the new year in yoga pants. I shock myself.
The cottage was a lovely getaway with some new and old friends. What I lacked in proper cottage country winter attire, I borrowed from those better prepared than I (I never feel like I am the well prepared one) and we hiked, tobagganed and made snow angels like we were some winter activity enthusiasts.
And now we're back home and it's 2013, a new year. The allure of the new year is the fact that it offers somewhat of a clean slate; a re-do... This year I'm going to be nicer, more focused, and eat less chocolate... I left my sarcastic, slovenly, chocolate gorging ways wayyyy back in 2012.
I wish...
To be honest, 2012 was a tough year. I have so many blessings in my life but it still constantly feels overshadowed by my father's Alzheimer's. At the beginning of 2012, Alzheimer's was an unwanted passenger in our family van but by the end of 2012, it was Alzheimer's driving the van as we struggled to do damage control. I wrote a post about my family's struggle in the spring. That post, only about 7 months old, seems like a lifetime and many heartbreaks ago. There are times when I want to share and explain about this complicated, wrecking ball disease but then the words in my head seem too real and painful when I write them down on the page.
Looking forward to this new year, I know there is no clean slate with Alzheimer's. And so I am anxious for 2013, aware that we have had but a taste of the challenges that lie ahead. We will take it one day at a time.
I truly wish 2013 could just be about eating less chocolate...
I wish...
To be honest, 2012 was a tough year. I have so many blessings in my life but it still constantly feels overshadowed by my father's Alzheimer's. At the beginning of 2012, Alzheimer's was an unwanted passenger in our family van but by the end of 2012, it was Alzheimer's driving the van as we struggled to do damage control. I wrote a post about my family's struggle in the spring. That post, only about 7 months old, seems like a lifetime and many heartbreaks ago. There are times when I want to share and explain about this complicated, wrecking ball disease but then the words in my head seem too real and painful when I write them down on the page.
Looking forward to this new year, I know there is no clean slate with Alzheimer's. And so I am anxious for 2013, aware that we have had but a taste of the challenges that lie ahead. We will take it one day at a time.
I truly wish 2013 could just be about eating less chocolate...
35 comments :
Aww, thank you for your heartfelt words. 2012 was tough for me, too, so I understand a bit of your feelings. I hope 2013 will bring untold blessings to ease the heartache. Be well and stay strong! PS> LOVE the dress!
That dress is FABULOUS.
I hope 2013 is a easier for us all- I wasn't particularly attached to 2012.
There is no way I could give up chocolate. Unless there is some new electric shock therapy for the tongue. Is there? Because that would be helpful.
Marie @
Lemondrop ViNtAge
I am having a fabulous giveaway right here.
Love that dress!
Hi Jentine, My Dad struggled with Parkinson's Disease further complicated by Alzheimers. It is heartbreaking to lose a father moment by moment, but I will say that it is literally impossible for me to remember him in that troubled state. All my memories are of the years, days, months, hours, even mere moments of when he revealed the wonderful man he really was. I wish you Peace, Love and those precious moments this year, 2013.
Sue xo
A Colourful Canvas
Your post spoke to my heart today. A week after Thanksgiving we found out that my mom had cancer, so although I am not in exactly the same boat as you, I did happen to be in the position of knowing that 2013 was going to be a rather sucky year, even before it started. It's not a great place to be in, but at least we have the (somewhat bittersweet) blessing of knowing the stuggles are coming, so we can mentally/physically/emotionally prepare for them the best we can. As you said, we have to carry on, even when it's hard, and painful, and heartbreaking.
Your post hit home for me. I can relate and wish you all the best.
Cheers to a 2013 with a little less chocolate...if that is possible.
xx
Amanda
http://denimanddaydreams.blogspot.com/
The Internet is a funny place. It used to be this cold unknown, and now, here you are with your bright and inspiring blog and so many readers who genuinely love and support you and wish you well. Love wins.
Happy New Year, eh? ;)
Happy New Year, Jen, and I hope it brings you some peace and happiness. My father-in-law has dementia and it's not fun...completely the opposite.
We lost our dear kitty Inigo last year, and although the rest of our year was pretty good, that was a major cloud over everything.
You look wonderful in that dress!
I'm sorry to hear about your father. I followed after you revealed that information. Prayers for your father and family.
Nothing about Alzheimer's is easy or should ever be down played or joked about. May you see more hopeful and brighter days in 2013.
sincerely!
sequins AND stripes!!! amazing!
work-it-blog.blogspot.com
I would have made the no chocolate rule too, but I've already broken it. Twice. I know it's too much to say that I hope things "get better" with your father, that's such a hard thing to deal with, but cherish each and every picnic you get to have!
That dress is fabulous and your blog is truly an inspiration! I love getting to know more about you through your posts. Stay strong for your dad, my dad is going through a terminal illness as well, and it's a challenge everyday. But it's nice to find comfort in others and in blogging!
xoxo
Bree
Dream in Fashion
gorgeous girl!
Beautiful legs. Love the dress.
http://www.handbagmadness.com
yen, thanks so much for your honesty and transparency about the struggles that face your family. you always put on a brave (and beautiful i might add :) face on your blog. we all love it! but i love that you also open up and share. i pray that 2013 brings peace and love to you and yours.
Love the outfit! The striped sequins are amazing. Happy New Year!
I love your sequined dress. So cute layered under the blazer!
Sorry to hear about your Father, I lost both my grandparents to the disease, it is a very sad way to lose someone you love.
I really love your clever humour and the fact that you seem to be just so honest. Few posts have stayed with me as much as the one when you shared about your dad. May 2013 be gentle on you all, screw the chocolate.
Jentine, one of my friends says it's chocolate or alcohol. Chocolate wins every time.
You're a lovely person (this shines through the blog), take care of yourself, let Matt take care of you, and very best wishes for your family, especially your Dad.
My mother suffers from dementia and is in a nursing home and has been for 4 years (she is only 59). I totally understand the struggle, hang in there and try to see the good where you can.
Sense of humour is key!
x
Oh, sweetie, that last line breaks my heart. Both of my father's parents had Alzheimer's, and every time my own father so much as loses his keys, I get a pain in the pit of my stomach, worrying it's coming for him. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers again this year. Keep postitive and always choose what makes you happy... even if that's chocolate! Happy New Year! xo
Happy New Year, Yen! I hope 2013 brings you happiness and strength. Alzheimers is such a heartbreaking condition, but I'm glad that you speak about it openly so others can learn more or share their stories with you.
You're a beautiful person. You deserve an extra piece of chocolate!
I needed to write another comment because I will admit that I didn't read your entire post yesterday. I felt like an idiot for saying that I liked your sequined dress and not acknowledging the struggle you and your family are going through right now. I used to care for had Alzheimer's patient's at the nursing home, and know how challenging it can be. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Jentine, I love your blog and am so glad I discovered it. I'm very sorry about your father's illness. Have you ever heard of the Budwig Diet? I have read that this diet can help those with Alzheimers Disease. You can find information about it on the internet. My best wishes to you and your family for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
Molly McGuire
That is a gorgeous dress! Glad you guys had a good time.
Glad you're back, tried checking in and reading other fashion blogs....
not the same. Like the outfit but enjoy your writing the most.
Blessed New Year to you and yours.
That dress looks amazing on you.
Hope 2013 is a great year for you!!!
Sorry to hear about your dad. That is definitely not an easy thing. I appreciate your honesty about it, though; it's very refreshing for a blogger to spill details on the more personal side of her life.
On a lighter side, that dress you wore for Christmas is snazzy! I love the orange in it.
Anon 11:19- Thanks for the kind words and the suggestion. I'll share the diet with my Mom. We had been using coconut oil for a while and saw a really positive response to it but we are the point where anything is losing its effectiveness:(
That is just a lovely Christmas dress and I always love how sequins are never too far away from you. You look gorgeous, but that last sledding photo is my favorite.
I've never experienced what Alzheimer's can do to someone you love and I'm so sorry you have to continue to deal with it even with a new slate of a year. I think the one day at a time idea is the best way to handle something like this and just to always appreciate the time you have with your dad.
I've silently vowed to also be nice, not get so overwhelmed with things and to stop overeating on things like chocolate. It's some hard shit to do.
As I continue this novel of a comment, I'm still very sad I didn't get to see you. I was excited in a stalker kind of way to see your home and that closet you have and all the sparkles and shoes and things I want to ooh and ahh over. I WILL BE BACK SOON. It's only $9 total in tolls and several hours cooped up in a car with a man who farts every minute, it's all worth it though.
I'm so sorry to hear about your father's Alzheimer's, Jentine.
I am so sorry to hear about your fathers Alzheimers. I am much too familiar with that in my own family - and I know how you feel. My orayers and thoughts are with you.
On a plus side I just discovered your blog and I love your style. Now following!
Wishing you and your fam the best in 2013.
Happy New Years!
♥ xoxo Cori
www.purecanesugarfashion,wordpress.com
Happy New Year! Is it funny that I never met you yet missed your posts. ANyway wishing you the best for you and your entire family. I do not know what its like to have a parent suffering from Alzeimher but I pray that your find your way this year and that your father gets better.
Btw, this dress is so awesome: sequined and stripes are my kind of thing (if only it was in fuchsia I would have died of pure envy)
Happy New Year! Is it funny that I never met you yet missed your posts. ANyway wishing you the best for you and your entire family. I do not know what its like to have a parent suffering from Alzeimher but I pray that your find your way this year and that your father gets better.
Btw, this dress is so awesome: sequined and stripes are my kind of thing (if only it was in fuchsia I would have died of pure envy)
I love everything about this. That dress is clutch on you, and your bun is, well, perfect.
I also love your honesty in writing, and I wish you a strong 2013 with many joyful moments. <3 I am sorry that 2012 was hard - thoughts for you are out there.
x Kristin
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