When Life Punches You in the Gut and You Have to Take a Break

When Life Kicks You in the Nuts and You Have to Take a Break | Not Dressed As Lamb

I’m taking a short break from the blog: we’ve just had some pretty crappy news in the family.

I wanted to post today just to say that I’ll not be posting at all next week – I think it will be the first time EVER in nearly eight years of blogging that I’ve not posted at least once a week. (The link up is still on so do link up all your posts as normal.) I’m working abroad next week and had originally intended to have written and scheduled three posts before I leave on Sunday to cover all of next week.

On a normal week I would have slogged my guts out and got it done.

But this hasn’t been a normal week, and instead of slogging my guts out the whole family has had a punch in the guts instead.

I’m not going to explain any more than that unfortunately as I hope to revisit this when I have more positive news in the near future…

No, let’s change that to I will have more positive news in the near future. Positive mental attitude and all that.

It’s not something I want to go into in detail (I’m all for sharing things about my life but this is different), so I’m sorry if that’s ambiguous but sometimes you have to draw a line at how much you share on the old interwebs. I mentioned on Instagram last night that all virtual hugs, good vibes and positive thoughts are welcomed with open arms.

So I decided yesterday not to work at a hundred miles an hour to schedule everything for next week and instead simply come back to it after my week away. I’m off to Prague for several days and I’ll hopefully be able to share what’s going on there either when I’m there or afterwards (not sure if there’s an embargo on sharing what I’m working on yet).

But I’ll definitely have some free time to explore the city while I’m away so will be sharing some pictures and videos on Instagram at least. And hopefully I’ll be more enthusiastic about Prague once I’m there, it’s a bit hard to be jumping-up-and-down-with-excitement about it right at this minute.

Therefore nothing will be on the blog until the week after next (Tuesday 19th March). I’m sure you can forgive me – the blogosphere will keep turning till then I’m sure – and I’ll see you on the 19th.

Remember to hold your loved ones tight and make the most of life in EVERY way possible. You never know when it’s going to punch you, or the ones you love, in the guts 🙁

I HOPE TO HAVE HAPPIER NEWS WHEN I RETURN TO THE BLOG… REMEMBER, ALL POSITIVE VIBES AND VIRTUAL HUGS WELCOME (AND RECIPROCATED) x

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92 Comments

  1. 19 March 2019 / 7:50 pm

    Wishing you good news…and peace.

    xoxo Bettye

    • catherine
      Author
      27 March 2019 / 6:21 pm

      Thank you so much Bettye xx

  2. 18 March 2019 / 8:44 am

    I’m so sorry to hear you’ve had bad news Catherine.I hope everything will be fine at the end. Good luck,

    • catherine
      Author
      18 March 2019 / 2:36 pm

      Thank you Nishi, I appreciate that xx

  3. 12 March 2019 / 8:30 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear you’ve had bad news Catherine. I hope it all turns out ok and that you enjoy your trip to Prague xxx

    Emma
    http://www.style-splash.com

    • catherine
      Author
      18 March 2019 / 2:36 pm

      Thanks so much lovely Emma xx

  4. 12 March 2019 / 5:32 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear that you are going through a tough time. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
    ~Jessica

    • catherine
      Author
      18 March 2019 / 2:36 pm

      That’s so kind, thanks Jessica x

  5. 11 March 2019 / 10:55 pm

    At times like this I find strength by trusting others to do their best and having the faith that things can get better. Sending you love, trust and faith . X.

    • catherine
      Author
      18 March 2019 / 2:37 pm

      I’m very hopeful Mary, thank you xx

  6. 9 March 2019 / 7:33 pm

    Sending prayers and positive thoughts to you and your family. Thanks for hosting.

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 6:32 pm

      That’s very kind of you, thank you Patrick x

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 6:32 pm

      Thanks so much Debbie xx

  7. 9 March 2019 / 2:09 am

    Catherine,

    I hope your time away from the blog is restful and helpful. And that your family issues are resolved. Those are things that are most important and the things you will be glad you took the time to attend to. My thoughts and best wishes.

    xx Darlene

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 8:56 pm

      Thanks so much for such a lovely comment, Darlene xx

  8. 8 March 2019 / 11:55 am

    Dear Catherine. Since you are rightfully vague about what is going on in your private life, it is hard to find words of comfort. I think the following quote may apply in many cases and I hope it’s inspirational for you and for fellow readers of your blog:

    “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away” – Maya Angelou

    Love, Lieske

    • catherine
      Author
      8 March 2019 / 12:42 pm

      That is a great quote, and a very comforting one… thank you Lieske xx

  9. 8 March 2019 / 11:46 am

    Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers that whatever has punched you will resolve quickly and easily. And yes, there is a definitely a line to be drawn about how much we share on the good old interwebs. And only we can decide what those things are…

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

    • catherine
      Author
      8 March 2019 / 12:42 pm

      Thanks for your understanding and love Shelbee xxx

  10. 8 March 2019 / 9:55 am

    Hope everything works out and you manage to enjoy some of your break away. We will all
    be thinking of you.
    Alison
    xx

    • catherine
      Author
      8 March 2019 / 12:43 pm

      Alison that’s so kind of you, thank you xoxo

  11. Wendy Ormerod
    8 March 2019 / 9:13 am

    Sending you loads of hugs and positive thoughts.
    Take care and we hope to hear that your worries are overxx

    • catherine
      Author
      8 March 2019 / 12:43 pm

      I hope so too, Wendy, thank you xx

  12. 8 March 2019 / 8:58 am

    So sorry. Sending virtual healing and light. You take care and concentrate on yourself and your family. With love x

    • catherine
      Author
      8 March 2019 / 12:43 pm

      Many thanks Penny my lovely xx

    • catherine
      Author
      8 March 2019 / 12:43 pm

      Thank you so much Anna xo

  13. 8 March 2019 / 8:08 am

    You know we’re here for you my love xxxxx

    • catherine
      Author
      8 March 2019 / 12:44 pm

      I do, and you know how much I appreciate it Liz… thank you thank you xoxoxoxo

    • catherine
      Author
      8 March 2019 / 12:44 pm

      Thats’s so kind, thank you Sarah xx

  14. 8 March 2019 / 6:13 am

    Virtual hugs winging their way to you now dear Catherine. I do hope that a change of scenery acts as a distraction for you in the short term and that on your return to the UK things have improved at home. Be strong and know that you are loved xxx

    • catherine
      Author
      8 March 2019 / 12:45 pm

      I hope so too Anna – and thank you x

  15. Danish Pastry
    8 March 2019 / 5:43 am

    Virtual hugs seem totally inadequate, but those and well meaning words are all we’ve got in this virtual word. In times of crisis it’s totally the right thing to do to concentrate on the real world and those that mean the most to us! Look after yourself.

    • catherine
      Author
      8 March 2019 / 12:46 pm

      I’ll take all the virtual hugs I can get Susan, thank you ever so much! x

  16. Sarah
    8 March 2019 / 4:42 am

    Sending love and all possible positive vibes to you and your family, Catherine. I hope there’s some good news very soon. x

    • catherine
      Author
      8 March 2019 / 12:46 pm

      I hope so too Sarah, thank you so much xo

  17. Georgina
    8 March 2019 / 1:14 am

    When life ‘ bites us in the back of the leg’ the only thing we can do is to deal with what really matters at one moment in time – one of the hardest things to bear is to feel utterly powerless.
    When there is no easy way through the trouble and we are powerless to put it right the best we can do is to keep watch and pray and hope and that has to be enough for the moment.

    May the road rise up to meet you
    And the wind be at your back
    May the sun shine softly on your face
    And the rain fall gently on your fields
    And until we meet again
    May The Lord hold you in the palm of His hand

    • catherine
      Author
      8 March 2019 / 12:46 pm

      Many thanks Georgina xoxo

  18. 7 March 2019 / 11:10 pm

    I hear you! sometimes it is not good to share too much. dealing with outside noise (even well meaning) can be exhausting when dealing with a family crisis. best wishes.

    • catherine
      Author
      8 March 2019 / 12:57 pm

      Thank you for your understanding Linda… best wishes to you too xo

  19. Heide V
    7 March 2019 / 9:55 pm

    Keeping you and all your loved ones in my thoughts and prayers, sending a virtual hug too

    • Sue
      7 March 2019 / 10:53 pm

      Love and hugs to you and your family. We will all still be here when you get back, whenever that may be. Take care of yourself and try to enjoy Prague.

      • catherine
        Author
        8 March 2019 / 1:02 pm

        That’s very kind of you, thank you Sue x

    • catherine
      Author
      8 March 2019 / 12:57 pm

      Heide thank you thank you x

  20. 7 March 2019 / 9:51 pm

    Prayers Catherine. Take the time you need. All the work seems to wait on you doesn’t it? I hope Prague brings a bit of freshness to you.
    Take Care,
    ~Melissa xx

    • catherine
      Author
      8 March 2019 / 1:02 pm

      Thanks Melissa – yes normally I wouldn’t need to take a break, but the week away meant double work this week in theory! thank you xo

  21. Carole Furr
    7 March 2019 / 8:45 pm

    Oh Catherine, many many positive vibes being sent your way right now! Take care next week and stay positive

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 8:57 pm

      I know Carole, everyone has been so kind!! Thank you xoxo

  22. Rona Book
    7 March 2019 / 8:12 pm

    Love, hugs and prayers to you and yours. XOXO

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 8:58 pm

      Rona thank you, I really appreciate that xx

  23. Michelle Springer
    7 March 2019 / 7:59 pm

    As I said on Instagram, I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers Catherine. I hope that you have a good time in Prague regardless (I love that city) and we will be here for you when you are ready. Sending you lots of virtual hugs!

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 8:59 pm

      I’ll take them all with me, thanks Michelle xx

  24. 7 March 2019 / 7:14 pm

    Hope all is resolved as well as
    Can be. All the best

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 8:59 pm

      That’s so kind, thank you Vicki xo

  25. Debbie
    7 March 2019 / 7:01 pm

    Having only just found you, I shall miss your postings but sending you lots of love and hope that things get better for you and you get back to blogging life soon, but when you are ready xxx

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 9:01 pm

      Oh Debbie I’m so sorry I’m taking a break so soon after you discovered my blog!! Only 10-12 days or so, not too long. And thank you for the good wishes x

  26. 7 March 2019 / 6:58 pm

    Catherine, so sorry you’re going through some family stuff. I’ve been there, and it sucks. Not sure if this place is still there, but there was a really good vegetarian restaurant across the street from the monastery up on the hill in Prague, and that whole area was so peaceful and lovely—I’d recommend a long walk that way if you have time!
    Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 9:02 pm

      Thank you lovely Cheryl : -)

      If we have enough time I’ll see about checking it out, thank you! xx

  27. 7 March 2019 / 6:57 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear this 🙁 Virtual hugs sent! And take all the time you need, your readers will be here.

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 9:02 pm

      That’s very kind of you, thank you Suchot x

  28. 7 March 2019 / 6:56 pm

    You’ve got to take care of yourself at times like this, C.

    The trip will probably do you the world of good once you are there. I hope it does, lovely girl.

    Thinking of you xxx

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 9:03 pm

      I hope so too, thanks Sharon my darling xo

  29. 7 March 2019 / 6:51 pm

    (((((((o)))))))) Big hugs and safe travels. xxox

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 9:04 pm

      Thank you SO much Anne xxxxxx

  30. 7 March 2019 / 6:38 pm

    Take care of you my darling girl and try to enjoy your trip?
    Sending much love to you all and a big kiss to Riley!
    safe trip
    Ashley xx

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 9:05 pm

      Aww bless you Ashley, thank you!! On my way to London for the flight now, I’m missing my boys already… 🙁

  31. 7 March 2019 / 6:33 pm

    I’m so sorry, Catherine. I hope you get the good news you’re all hoping for soon.
    Hugs
    Suzy xx

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 9:05 pm

      I hope I’ll have good news to share in time, thank you Suzy xx

  32. Christine
    7 March 2019 / 6:23 pm

    Kind thoughts and warm hugs coming your way Catherine – one day at a time x

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 9:06 pm

      That’s exactly how we’re approaching it, Christine…! Thank you xx

  33. Michelle
    7 March 2019 / 6:20 pm

    I’m sorry that you are going through a difficult time. Praying for all to go well ,and take all the time you need.

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 9:07 pm

      I will Michelle – and thank you xo

  34. 7 March 2019 / 6:19 pm

    Virtual hugs. Hope things get better soon.

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 9:21 pm

      Thank you Gail XOXO

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 9:22 pm

      I hope so too Julie, thank you xx

  35. I’m so sorry to hear you are grieving dear Catherine. It takes its own time and can make us focus on what matters the most. I’m so glad you’ve taken time out for yourself. Sending lots of positive vibes xxx

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 9:53 pm

      That’s kind of you, thanks Maria xx

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 9:53 pm

      So kind, thank you Tatiana xx

  36. 7 March 2019 / 5:23 pm

    I think you’re very wise to take time out under the circumstances Catherine. It’s reassuring for me (and I’m sure everyone else who loves you) to know that you’re being kind to yourself and spending time with your family. Everything is crossed for you over here my darling xxx

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 9:54 pm

      You’re such a doll, thank you *MUAH* MT xx

  37. 7 March 2019 / 4:54 pm

    I wish you good luck.

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 9:54 pm

      Thanks Nancy x

  38. 7 March 2019 / 3:38 pm

    I hope you can enjoy your time away Catherine xx

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 9:55 pm

      I’m sure it’ll be fine, thank you Laurie xx

  39. Kathy
    7 March 2019 / 3:27 pm

    Of course we understand. You don’t have to explain anything. Please accept my very best wishes. I hope you enjoy your break away despite the news. I look forward to your return and reblogging – but do take as long as you need. I and I’m sure all your readers will be here. X

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 9:55 pm

      Kathy thank you so much for your understanding…!! X

  40. 7 March 2019 / 3:26 pm

    Catherine, So very sorry for whatever is going on. One of the great things about our blogs is we’re the boss, so you can take as long as you need. Prayers. XOXO

    • catherine
      Author
      10 March 2019 / 9:56 pm

      That’s very true Lisa, thank you xo

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