AuntiePea »

Shabbyjuls - Sending you a great big {{hug}} You know I love ya:) I know those feelings of isolation all to well...but I am prayin for ya and know that it will get better. This year has already started out alittle rocky....I keep sayin too it's gonna get better it has too. Stay strong sweetie:)February 12, 2008 - 1:39 pm

Mel - So glad to see you back!!! The 365 photos are great so far!! love looking at them! Sign me up for the giveaway.February 12, 2008 - 1:42 pm

Amanda - Soooo good to hear from you! Life can hand us some horrible times, but I really believe what doesnt kill you, makes you stronger!!February 12, 2008 - 1:59 pm

Michelle *ChellyBelly* - Always loved your blog and your layouts. I'm glad your posting again. Please sign me up for the giveaway i would love to have a cool blog like youFebruary 12, 2008 - 2:02 pm

Emily - That physcological isolation thing sounds familiar- and I live with my husband and 2 dogs.. for me though I think it stems from having lived in the city for years on my own and then moving to the suburbs when I married my husband. My friends are all in the city and the only people we hang out with in the suburbs are my hubbie's parents.. I'm not sure how to meet new people and how to un-isolate myself and I'm not even sure I have the energy to bother sometimes... anyway.. love your blog- been lurking for quite a while. And I love Shabby Miss Jenn and have been planning to start up my very own blog sometime soon so this giveaway is great! Glad you're back!February 12, 2008 - 2:02 pm

Amanda - Yay!! This is awesome. Youare such a sweetie for doing this. I hope I win!!!!!February 12, 2008 - 2:29 pm

carissa... brown eyed fox - So glad your back! It is all part of the ride... isn't it. The roller coaster gets wild sometimes and scoops really low. I think the balance & load of it all gets really heavy. Keep up your beautiful chin! Big hugs!!!February 12, 2008 - 3:16 pm

Kasie@~The Art of Life~ - I'm so glad to see you blogging again! I'm sorry that you've been feeling lonely. Sometimes I feel like I isolate myself from my loved ones also. I'm not sure why. I think a lot of creative types are also naturally introverted. Hope you feel better soon! :) I would love to be entered in your drawing.February 12, 2008 - 3:29 pm

katelyn - ANNNNDDD she's alive i know youve been insanely busy, so i've just been sitting.. waiting.. patiently. miss you, like super bad. bummed that we didnt make the florida trip happen.. soon though.. (thats what we always say). glad you finally got your computer back. i loved juno too. and cant wait to see no reservations. i'm reading a really great book too right now.. and a biography to boot. it practically screams me when i am reading it (albeit an older me) it's called no reservations.. i'll mail it to you when i am done if youre interested. kisses call meFebruary 12, 2008 - 3:51 pm

blizzardstripes - Hello, I am new to blogging and found your blog because of Shabby Miss Jenn. I too feel lonely some days and think it's easier to talk to friends than family. I will add you to my blog list. Hope you days get better.February 12, 2008 - 3:59 pm

Maegan - Holy Cow! I almost fell off of my chair when I saw a new post (from YOU no less!) Glad to see you are back sweetie. And no, you are not getting rid of me that easily. Love ya!February 12, 2008 - 4:41 pm

Anna M. - That was quite the blog entry. I have really been wanting to see Juno too, I might need to go by myself since my DH isn't sure if he wants to go.February 12, 2008 - 6:06 pm

aBookworm - I'm like that too - use it or lose it! sigh Count me in for the giveaway. It's the best!February 12, 2008 - 6:49 pm

Sandra - welcome back... you were missed... I would check my feeds and every once in a while pull up your site to make sure my reader was working lol... What you touch on is something so many of us face. Lonliness and isolation is so hard to handle and I have dealt with it for quite a while even while living with some family. I think I will get that book. HugsFebruary 12, 2008 - 6:55 pm

MelodyA. - I just wanna hug you too. Gosh sometimes being around so much chaos daily can make a gal lonely too. I can say that being the one who makes sure a house runs not so smoothly can make me feel completely lost and lonely for what makes me me. Just keep pushing through and find your inner peace.February 12, 2008 - 7:26 pm

Christie - Hey Shawn long time since we've talked! Lots of exciting news for you :) I was wondering if it would be possible to have you design graphics for me for an ebay store... or if you only do them for blogs. Let me know! :)February 12, 2008 - 7:36 pm

Roslyn - I can imagine what's life like without computer/laptop. Good to see you back!February 12, 2008 - 8:34 pm

Donna - Oh Shawn, it is so great to see that you've posted again. I've missed you tons!! I'm like you. I hate when my computers down or gone.I do a lot of late night wind down with my favorite t.v. shows on the computer too. I'm sorry about yor holidays sweetie. Sending hugs your way. I'm sorry that you've been feeling so lonely. I completely know how you feel. Just know that there are alot of us here that just love you to pieces, and is here for you. p.s. i loved Juno too!! Have a Great Day!!February 12, 2008 - 9:57 pm

jenn - Hey, welcome back! It's good to see you posting again! I've missed you!February 12, 2008 - 10:34 pm

Teresa - Hey there girl- It's so good to see a post from you, I always look forward to reading them. You write with such clarity and honesty....I could never put myself out there like you do in talking about such important issues, although I'm so sorry to know you're struggling. I've pushed a lot of people away lately too...just always think "I'll have more time, when...". Gotta get past that. :) Care to toss that book my way when you're done? LOL Sounds like a fascinating read. 365...I commend you on keeping it up! I lost my momentum very quickly. Might try to pick it up again soon, but need to let myself miss a day or two without feeling guilty about it. I very rarely update my blog anymore, but had to tell you....we have the same background. :) Just love that blue. Mine isn't nearly as cute and customized as yours, though (how'd you do that font in the sidebars??). I bow to your talents, you've got a fabulous eye for this and I'm happy to hear it's been so successful for you! I should have just sent you an email, eh? :) Hope you have a great week....I'll have to check out your 365 photos, they're always very inspiring (and possibly costly if I finally talk myself into that remote!). {{big hugs}} T.February 12, 2008 - 11:12 pm

Margot - Yay! You're back! I feel ya on the lonely thing, it's hard isn't it? I don't think we as people are really meant to be alone, and top that off with being used to being with someone, and it's really a hard thing to do!February 13, 2008 - 12:32 am

Danielle - YAAAAAAAAAAY! You're back! It's me! The computer-illiterate-blog-need-help-with-stalker! I'm so sorry you've been feeling lonely. I don't know you personally and don't know the hardships or tribulations you've been going through, but I hope you find some peace and reassurance from family and friends as well as us in BloggerWorld. It takes courage and foresight to see that you are feeling that way (isolating yourself, I mean) and to want to do something, whatever it may be for you, to make you feel better. Good luck! I hope I win!!!!February 13, 2008 - 1:04 am

Yvette - Hi, I'm checking out all your blogs...to much fun. Thanks for the fun giveaway!!February 13, 2008 - 1:13 am

Diane - HI Shawn I just happened to pop over to see what you were up to and so happy to see a post! I understand your lonliness. I am 44 and most of my life that I can remember I have felt different from other people and that makes me feel even lonlier. I don't know what it is that makes me feel different. I think part of it is the creative spirit that I have just like another post said. I am an introvert. When I was very young I know I had social anxiety. When I was asked a question in church I usually cried, really, I couldn't answer out loud. It got worse until I started going to college and then well you just don't cry! LOL! A lot of that came from living with an abusive husband who just beat me down so that I didn't think anything I had to say was worth hearing. I have lived the single life after being married and I don't like it. I know how lonely that life can be. I am not a bar hopper and every guy I met would say wow you talk so much on the phone but in person you just lock up. It is true I have a really hard time meeting new aquantances in person! I am sounding really weird now huh? However, after getting into my late 30's things changed. I think you have to live life to get more confidence. The more you live and the more you go through the more confidence you will get in yourself and the less lonley you will feel. For the last 5 years I have almost totally isolated myself from my friends and family....I just felt this huge hole in the pit of my stomach and nothing could fill it. I didn't want to talk to anyone, I didn't want to be around anyone. (my poor husband) I just wanted to suffer through whatever I was going through alone. The whole was JESUS Shawn. He wasn't in my life at all during that time. When we moved to Arkansas I tried going to church but I would just sit there and cry, which truthfully was a good thing, but to embarrasing for me. In all honesty it was God convicting me. Anyways I am still not going to church, for now it is my day of rest and a day to have my house to myself. I am a type of person that NEEDS alone time and I wasn't getting it after Dylan moved in. So for now it is my alone day and Papa and Dylan go to church. I know I need to go and when I feel better I will. I am trying antidepressants and having a hard time getting the right one. I thought I could beat this depression thing myself but when it got to where I wasn't brushing my hair for 3 days I knew I needed helf! Jesus is now in my life again through my blog. I believe that is why God brought blogging to me. So that I could spread his word in a way I could. The women I have met through my blog are my church right now. So many people have told me that I have changed or touched their lives and so many of them have changed and touched my life! I just feel so humbled thinking that. A church is where you go to get your nourishment to make it through this crazy life. Without that nourishment I was starving and that was that hole in my gut. I don't know about your religion and you may be going to church. Please don't let me offend you but I just encourage you to spend time with Jesus. Even if it is through blogging. I told my dtr to read one verse a day from her bible and just let it speak to her. I am trying to do that myself now. I don't feel so lonely anymore. Jesus is in my life again and I have so much to be thankful and grateful for. The main thing is even when you think he is not there he is. I know it is easier to talk about than to actually live. I don't think anything happens by accident. I think God is in control of the whole show. I will be praying for you Shawn. One day you will look back at this time of your life and say "OH that is why that happened." I don't know if you have heard of Charles Stanley but I really like the way his teaching. So very simple. If you would like a link to get a daily devotional from him let me know and I will send it your way. xoxo DianeFebruary 13, 2008 - 10:45 am

Diane - Me again sweets I forgot to tell you that I used to feel so different and it really bugged me but once I hit 40. I was like I am different and that is OK. I lived all of my life trying to be somebody I wasn't and I threw that out the window and now I am just me and I like me!February 13, 2008 - 10:48 am

Noelle - I would love a beautiful blog! Have a great day!February 13, 2008 - 11:38 am

Heather - Remember... this is just a hiccup in life, a blip on your radar... even though it may seem like an impossible mountain today.February 13, 2008 - 12:58 pm

Artsy Amy - Big hug from a former lurker. Your honesty about being lonely touched my heart. As a fellow late night computer user, movie lover and creative type I truly understand. I'm married, have a 14 year old son and two cats; yet I couldn't feel more alone. Blogging has been a lifesaver for me. Meeting virtual friends with similar interests from all over the world has been a light unto my dreary path. I too have held family and friends at more than arm's length for many a rationalized reason. (I think I'm really protecting them from me.) Please know that you are not alone although it may feel like it. Hugs from Alabama...February 13, 2008 - 3:50 pm

Margie S. - I can't believe you had to spend Christmas alone! How sad-I remember doing that years ago and it was the pits! I have to come back and play catch up on your blog-it's been so long since I have had time to enjoy it!!February 13, 2008 - 5:34 pm

megan duerksen - i am so glad you are back. it makes me sad to hear you going through a rough time. but you sounds like you are getting a hold of it....? maybe. i think you are right on about choosing to isolate. when i start to feel depressed on grumpy...i just go more into myself. when i KNOW that talkng to a friend...getting out of the house...even just talking on the phone makes me feel way better. then i get grumpier! maybe a gift in the mail??? will make you feel better. i will try to get it out this week. you are super talented! i love all the bright colors on everything you do! have a good day today. and pick me to win. :) -megFebruary 13, 2008 - 5:58 pm

Rebecca K - I've been a fan of your blog for some time, and I love your work. I just wanted to let you know that I have been in a similar situation (single, living alone, isolated from friends and family, deep in a funk). While I don't have a magic answer for making it better, I can say that came to realize that I am just not cut out for living alone. I hope things get better for you soon, though, since you seem like such a sweet person. Oh, and thanks for the drawing entry!February 13, 2008 - 6:22 pm

Sandra - I almost didn't click on your little pea name on by blog list for fear of seeing the same post I've seen for the last however many days. Lucky for me, I did and was rewarded with a new post! I'm so sorry your holidays sucked, but glad your birthday was better. I really understand what you mean about keeping others at arm's length until you get this life together. I've been doing that for 10 years with the excuse of "I'll be moving away soon, so I don't want to get to invested here." I wonder what relationships could have blossomed in all those years I spent not giving them water. I hope your book reading efforts lead you to a happier more at peace with yourself and your life you. :)February 13, 2008 - 8:56 pm

Mallory - Shawn. I am glad to see your updated blog...I can't wait to see the awesome blog you are creating for me... I know that wait will be worth it...I have so many pictures just waiting in the camera. Hopefully I will be able to figure it out. You might have to help .February 13, 2008 - 9:02 pm

brene brown - you really are shiztastic. love your blog, your creativity and what you bring to all of us!February 13, 2008 - 9:40 pm

kim in Camas - ScrapToMyLu - I wondered where you were.........So gald you're back.February 14, 2008 - 12:00 am

Corrie -- Quilt Taffy - Glad you are back. Take care of yourself. We hope to hear from you soon.February 14, 2008 - 1:07 am

sharon k - I would love to win a blog install. sharonFebruary 14, 2008 - 1:36 am

Laure - glad you're back...would LOVE a new blog :)February 14, 2008 - 12:05 pm

Julie L. - Ooh--I am so excited that you are giving us a double chance for a shot at winning your fabulous blog install! Thanks!February 14, 2008 - 3:20 pm

anna - hi shawn so nice to see ablog entry from you!!!love your view on 365, and cannot wiat to see your photos, take care and huge hugs anna xxxxFebruary 14, 2008 - 8:11 pm

Kelly L. - Ahhhh....girlfriend.... So glad to hear from you...the good, the bad, and the ugly. Yep, that pretty much sums up life. Hope you see many, many more happy days in 08. Did you know it's the Year of the Rat and that is the year of new beginnings? You = New Beginings A good thing. Love ya, KellyFebruary 14, 2008 - 10:27 pm

Jen R - Shawn, I am so glad to see you back. Lonliness is hard and you are not alone in feeling that way...If you ever want a chat, pop me an e-mail...No one ever has enough friends. hang in there and stay around so we can be here for you. We missed you! Jen RFebruary 15, 2008 - 1:35 am

Kerry - Hey Shawn! I hope things start looking up for you soon. It seems like you have lots of wonderful things in your life that you need to enjoy. Have a great weekend. Your in my thoughts! KerryFebruary 16, 2008 - 12:31 pm