A Vintage Blonde: A Year Recap
As much as I found my blog my safe haven, a creative outlet and a place to explore my passion of writing I have been making excuses and excuses to not come here, sit down and write.
I do enjoy living without the need to turn every moment into content for an Instagram or blog post but I miss the cathartic feeling of writing short stories of pieces of my life or sharing my love of fashion history.
I decided to recap my life, adventures (or misadventures) and my little blogging world!
September 2020
One of my best friends, Sarah married her love Zach in Maine. It was a welcome weekend away and we stayed in Bar Harbor. The first night we (all her guests – small group of us) took a boat ride off Bar Harbor’s coasts and I fell in love with the lighthouses, the summer houses that look like castles, the little private nooks and beautiful birds and stately mountains.
The next day we spent time in Downtown Bar Harbor. I loved the classic crooked rows of avenues of storefronts and historic homes that New England does so well.
They had an intimate wedding on the beautiful Little Hunter’s Beach in the Acadia Park. It’s a rocky, stunning beach and the sunlight poured over them so angelically as they took their vows. Their reception was held at Bar Harbor Inn where we overlooked the stunning Atlantic Ocean. As the sun settled into the September night it felt so serene and just magical.
September 20th also marked the day I stopped drinking after having such a complicated relationship with alcohol and having a hard time completely abstaining.
The Rest of Fall/Winter 2020
Honestly, I struggled immensely with my anxiety – namely my health anxiety. As COVID was a global backdrop I lost myself in fear. I wrote about it more in detail in my post, The Strength Within. During this time, I started reading up about health anxiety and found the Anxiety Guy on YouTube to be a huge help. I also joined a Health Anxiety group on Facebook. These really helped soothe me. I was open with my colleague and property manager, Krystal and she’d encourage me to get out of the office and take a walk, watch a video and breathe. Our mental health is so important, and I truly believe effects our physical and spiritual health.
2021
In January, I finally met with a psychiatrist who prescribed me an anti-depressant which is great for anxiety (Lexapro). I meet with him every three months to check in. I realized, just like my physical health I need a team to help me! I think it’s vital to normalize therapy and to de-stigmatize mental health disorders. Hiding in the shadows with my panic attacks only hindered my ability to reach out for help and learn natural coping skills. I was working with a therapist and in August I switched to a new one. I didn’t make that decision lightly as I loved my former therapist but decided to go for a therapist who works and is highly proficient with CBT techniques and art therapy.
Spring 2021
For a late birthday present, my mom gifted me with a night at the charming, vintage wonder of Westbrook Inn. Tucked into the pretty avenues of Westbook, the Inn is cozy and full of coastal antiques and genuine warmth from staff to ambiance. We were the only two people there and it was a great way to ring in a new age - with grace and elegance all around me and my mom by my side.
In April I was able to collaborate with the superbly talented Lucy LaRiot. She is a fantastic photography with a wonderful vision but specializes in vintage pinup style, burlesque and boudoir. She also does hair and makeup which is perfect to create that Classic Hollywood look I love. I’ve worked with twice now and it’s great to have someone that specializes in vintage style & photography located in CT. I also collaborated and commission art from Lucy La Doodle and Art by Miss Alice Meow for further branding of my social media.
Summer 2021
After years of applying for LTK/Reward Style I finally was accepted! I love creating collages of both vintage and modern styles of what I’d wear and offer that up to my audience. It’s another outlet for me, a great way to relax and create and I make a small commission on the sales!
In terms of summer time, I truly just worked. With the pandemic still going and a tough work schedule I tried my best to get outside and enjoy nature - hiking, beaches and little getaways when I could.
One very important thing was I was saved in the Christian faith. I never expected that to happen, and it’s been a really amazing part of my story. On August 1st, I was baptized at my church in August 1st!
September 2021
I have continued to really work on this blog and continue writing. Sometimes life gets busy but this has always been my haven, my outlet. I’m so thankful for another year!
