Monday, April 15, 2013

Dear Unstuffed,

It's hard to believe that we've been together for over 5 years.  I remember when we first got together in 2008, the year that I bought nothing new.  That was such a big year of change for me.  I freaked out about climate change and peak oil (still do sometimes) and overhauled my life to lower my environmental footprint any way I could.  I was ready for the economic system to collapse at any moment (still am) and stayed up way too late reading the Oil Drum and the Archdruid report (in bed by 11 these days).

I became...um...a touch overzealous, strident even. I think I turned off a few friends.  But not you.  You stuck by me through it all.  You were such a good support.  I could turn to you anytime and pour my heart out.  You would listen, not saying anything, not judging, just being there for me.

You were there when I discovered permaculture and a new-found desire for gardening.  You encouraged my rapidly growing obsession with wild food and healing plants, and I loved how I could talk and talk and talk to you about things like weeds and hedges and compost.

It was because of you that I got involved with Transition Ottawa and without you I don't think I would have gotten my permaculture design certificate, started gardening on my allotment plots, taken an herbal apprenticeship, begun leading walks and workshops, and quit my job to start my own business.

I am grateful to you for so much, which is why this is so hard for me to say.  Unstuffed, it's over.  I'm sorry, but I just think that we've outgrown each other.  I've changed so much and it's time for me to move on.

To be honest...well...I've started another blog.  It's still really new and there's a lot of work to be done yet.  I'm still getting to know it and how to use it, but I think we'll be really good for each other. 

Unstuffed, it's not you.  It's me.  I hope we can still be friends.  So if you want to hang out sometime, you can find me here.  You're the best.

Love,
Amber

5 comments:

wendyytb said...

It was here that I learned conscience...and gained so much knowledge. I was encouraged by your example. My life was changed forever, and for the better...

Thank you.

Amber said...

Thanks Wendy. It's through the blog that I was able to connect with such wonderful people like you! I'm so grateful for that.

daltxguy said...

Congratulations on your progress and the new blog/business.
I share your concerns about the economy, peak everything and the financial system. Like you I fear that it may come undone anytime but perhaps like you, realize that it IS already happening but that so far, for now, it's happening slowly enough that there is time to react, learn, adjust and set off in a new direction.
I follow your progress with interest as it reflects my own!

Amber said...

Thanks daltxguy! I have come to see my awareness of the issues as a gift that created space for me to really reflect on how I want to live my life. I feel like my path is much more authentic and aligned with my values than ever before and I have a real sense of purpose and meaning. Amidst the fear, worry and sense of loss, it is what keeps me grounded, hopeful and moving towards joy. :)

Chile said...

Congratulations on moving forward into a new business and blog, Amber.

Isn't it amazing how much we've all changed since those first early days of blogging? Lately I've been coming to grips with the overzealousness with which I approached food preservation back then. Holy cow, nobody needs THAT many jars! LOL