It’s an exclamation point at the end of an accidental 10-year epic. The closing of a volume in my life’s body of work.
Today marks the tenth anniversary of the day I published my first post on houseofprince.blogspot.com, which became this site. I have since published over 2,000 posts and countless others for my secret blog, my hyperlocal blog, my friends’ and colleagues’ blogs, and articles for my freelance gigs. A plethora of words.
But I always come back here, to this patch of space. It is my most consistent project I have kept up, the longest commitment to a creative work in my life. It’s the longest time I’ve done anything besides be married to my husband.
In spring of 2005, as I finished decorating the nursery, I mused:
I often stand back and try to imagine what it will look like with a crib and a baby in it, and wonder if the baby will like it. What if he gets to be four years old and tells me “mommy, I hate this color”? Will I be heartbroken thinking of all the work I put into painting the room, or will I hate the color by then, too?
The baby grew into a boy and now he is on the far edge of puberty – he is thick, tall, solid. Yesterday I was putting sunscreen on him at the beach and noted how it no longer felt like putting sunscreen on my little boy. “Why don’t you try doing this yourself,” I offered. But he still needs me. He is only 9.
The Jig Is Up
Yet last week at school, goofing off instead of working on a project, Kyle Googled his name, and up popped the blog with pictures of him fresh from the womb. I gave up his anonymity on the internet long ago – in fact, I never considered preserving it for a second, nor for myself, or Brady, or even my husband. They have unwittingly come along with me into our virtual home on the internet where I have shared too much at times, perhaps, but always just enough to keep me sane. Time will tell if it was worth it.
Kyle was pleased to know that his – our – stories are on the internet and that people have read them. These are raw, real stories straight from the heart where readers, especially myself reading from the future, have witnessed my growth from a determined, intentional young producer ready to tackle her next project: (“Parenthood! Your call time is 3AM.”) – to a shocked, sleep-deprived new mother, to a brand spokesperson, to a cranky veteran, to a professional writer, and back again, to myself.
Return To Me
Overall this blog has told the story of my evolution as a person. It is here that I found myself, truly. I grew up. I finally identified myself, and for my nature, which craves definition and at least the illusion of control, that knowledge is comforting. Click anywhere in these archives, and you will find me: I’m a stay at home mom, a fangirl, a social media junkie, a music lover, a working mother, an advice columnist, a party planner, a chef, an editor, a spokesperson, a comedian, a worried daughter, a grieving friend. I am one of these. I am all of these. I am none of these.
I think of this blog as my legacy now. If I took the site down, cached pages would still exist. Scraped content is out there somewhere, maybe not attributed to me, but they are my words nonetheless. The videos I’ve made, the articles I’ve written, the pictures others have taken of me, that’s all out there, the digital ghost of my real life.
There’s no use taking it down, starting a new site, reinventing. But I have indeed decided to change it.
Reboot
The creative life: without it I am just another mother in a house making lunches. With it I am a superhero, a rock star, a poet.
It seems very fitting that next week, in the midst of an incredibly busy time for my family, I am taking an epic break from my life. I am going to Costa Rica for 8 days, ostensibly to attend a social media retreat, but then extending my stay for quality time with my friend in an exotic location, a departure from my normal, a salve for my wanderlust which has suffered quietly in the corner in a closet as I go about my suburban, provincial, necessary life.
It’s an exclamation point at the end of an accidental 10-year epic. The closing of a volume in my life’s body of work.
And a resetting. I’m not putting too much pressure on myself, but I do intend to come away from the experience with renewed purpose for my creative life. After all, it is the one that fuels the mundane, makes it all bearable. Without it I would be just another mother in a house making lunches. With it I am a superhero, a rock star, a poet.
Long live the House of Prince, in whatever form it takes.
And thank you, whoever you are, for reading.
Congratulations!!
You are my hero; Beautiful writer, beautiful friend, beautiful person.
I was not along for the first nine years of the accidental epic, but I am eternally grateful to have hopped on the KTP train now.
You inspire me to reflect, to be mindful of what feeds my soul, to be honest.
With myself and others.
So carry on, wordsmith. You are one of the best writers I know and I’m awestruck by your volume of work. Can’t wait to see what’s coming next.
julie gardner recently posted…The Heavy Bag
Heh. I think I may have read that first post in 2005. I’m glad you stuck it out longer than I did! (Although I do keep hoping that someday I’ll revive the OddMix – I’ve started taking photos agan, at least)
Anyhow, Congrats! And have fun in Costa Rica. “See you” when you get back.
Congratulations on an epic journey! You have an incredible way with your words, no matter what you are writing. Anxious to see what the next 10 years bring.
And? ROAR away, babe! Have a wonderful time down in Costa Rica.
Sherri recently posted…She’s Sweet Sixteen
I have always admired the honesty in your posts. You are so very talented and I know your next chapter will be equally amazing and inspiring!
I am proud of you. I am thrilled for you. I am excited to see you in the midst of your ‘exclamation point’ – this is but a portion of your journey – you still have miles and miles to go. xoxo
Danielle Smith recently posted…10 Tips for What to Wear in Family Photos
You ARE a superhero, a rock star, a poet. I’m so happy to be able to witness the evolution of the next volume. I know I’ll be impressed, and probably watch & take notes. 🙂
Congratulations! I think we met when you were not quite at the halfway point on this journey, and you’ve been one of the people who’s inspired me to keep going ever since.
Change is nervous-making and exciting all at once. I will be watching to see what happens next.
Also, I need you to come over and help me clear out books again :-). xo
Florinda recently posted…(Audio)Book Talk: LOVE LIFE, by Rob Lowe
Cheers to you, rebel poet, on this very special episode of House Of Prince! You’ve authored my favorite blog since the beginning of Internet time. I’ll enjoy the intermission while you’re in Costa Rica, but I’ve reserved a front row seat for Act II. I love and admire you so much as a writer, as a mother, and as a friend.
Wonderful! Time goes by so quickly!
Feels very monumental. Can’t wait to see/hear what you come back from CR with!
Jane Gassner recently posted…Writing As Process: The Other Part of the Equation
Sometimes I don’t feel like there’s a “creative me” inside me anymore. But reading your words makes me wonder if I could muster the energy for a “reboot”, myself! Thanks for your open, introspective words. I’m hooked!
Congrats on your milestone and all that it signifies.
Whit recently posted…The Parents’ Phrase Book: A Sample of Bullies
Looking forward to your reboot – just as I look forward to everything you write!
(And yes, you are a true superhero, rock star and poet indeed!)
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary my friend!
I’m so happy we have met along this journey. Happy blogaversary my beautiful friend!
Amazing!! Happy 10-year-epic! I can’t wait to celebrate in Costa Rica with you. Xoxo
Andrea Fellman recently posted…Fall Fashion Color Forecast
Happy anniversary! I just realized that November is my 10 year as well. HOLY MOLY WE’RE OLD! 😉 Can’t wait to see you again next WEEK!
Aimee Giese | Greeblehaus recently posted…Higher Ground Music Festival 2014
And I’ve been on your journey the whole way…how lucky am I?
Costa Rica…must report.
Love, love, love!
A perfect ten.
Enjoy the 8 days+.
Looking forward to the next chapter(s).
Amanda recently posted…NFL-No F*cking Law
Congrats, Kim! Enjoy your break and best wishes on your reboot!
Fabulous Kim. In 4 years when and IF I get to 10, my wish would be to express that milestone half as eloquently as you did. Enjoy ROAR, and good for you to be going. xox
Darryle recently posted…Life@50+ Top 10 List
Mazel tov on 10 years! I’ve only been around for the last couple, but I’m happy to be here now. Here’s to the next beginning.
Cheryl at Busy Since Birth recently posted…The Writing Process Blog Tour: What Process?
Congratulation. I am honored to now count you among my friends. I am inspired to share in your creative spirit, your wisdom of experience and your sweet council.
This I love : I finally identified myself, and for my nature, which craves definition and at least the illusion of control……oh how I too am in love with this idea.
Thank you for committing to sharing your ideas with me.
Rina recently posted…The Sand House pt. 3
That’s amazing. So many writers don’t write much at all. You walk the walk (write the write?). Congratulations!
This is wonderful. You are too.
“I am taking an epic break from my life…a salve for my wanderlust which has suffered quietly in the corner in a closet as I go about my suburban, provincial, necessary life.”
I can’t tell you how much this thrills me. So many of us mothers shove our personal and professional lives, our creativity, our beings into the closet and succumb to the vortex around us. My month in NY, my time away, my 30 days to renew was the healthiest gift I’ve ever given myself. I’m so impressed that you, at such a young age, realize the importance of this time of renewal, and are actually doing something about it.
I can’t wait to hear from you when you return.
lisa recently posted…Phew! Another adventure.
I am so excited about and inspired by this. I will think of you as I make lunches.
Chara recently posted…Not Something You Advertise
WOW,congratulations on your Tin Anniversary! Good luck on which ever road you decide to travel with your blogging future!
Jennifer recently posted…2014 Pumpkin Patches in Orange County | #Halloween #PumpkinPatch
Thank you for the comments, people inside the computer. How wonderful to see names across the board – from back in the blog’s long history all the way to new-to-me ones! I so appreciate you telling me you came and read my words.
Kim, you are such an amazing person and writer. Congrats on defeating the forces of non-writing and getting words to page (screen?). You are truly an inspiration. Enjoy your trip (and please tell us all about it when you get back!).
Congrats and here’s to 10 more!
Happy Blogiversary. It is a hell of a ride but so very rewarding.
What an incredible journey and many more adventures to come! You inspire me and so many others with words that come from your heart and touch the hearts of all of us who are reading. I love you!
Congratulations, Kim! I love the reflection you give here on blogging, on creating, on raising your boys. It’s inspiring and encouraging. And from a personal standpoint, while I’m about three years behind you, I found your blog in my first months of blogging and followed enthusiastically because I found comfort and encouragement in knowing someone else was doing what I wanted to do. Your like a big sister.
Cheers to you as you grow and evolve and create. I’m glad to know you, even if it’s via the internet.
Callie Feyen recently posted…Good Year