New Places, Old Friends
I’ve just moved home rather suddenly and speedily, and naively believed that Telkom couldn’t take more than a week to transfer my internet. Hah! Anyway, after much gnashing of teeth and pulling of hair they’ve done the deed, and I’m very nicely back online. One of the very many reasons they had not to move my line was that the new area I’m living in can’t get ten meg broadband – only four, which sounded great to me as long as I was connected. Interestingly enough, for whatever strange reason, this new connection is a whole lot better, steadier, and faster than the old one, so I’m a happy bunny.
I want to say a very, very big thank you to my lovely author clients for waiting so patiently for me to get through this without zooming off elsewhere, and a very very VERY big thank you to my beloved friends Sally Cronin, Chris, The Story Reading Ape , and our dear Ronovan Hester of Lit World Interviews fame for their staunch and awesome support during the past two crazy, terrifying months. It’s done now, and the crazy terrifying is too – I’m very sure of that now, and boy is there a book in there!
Anyway. I have some fabulous jobs to do now, and am having a ball getting paid for doing what I love to do – illustrating and generally doing anything writing and publishing related really take me to my happy place. Also, as I settle into my new routine, I’m starting to get some urges to get back to my scribbling again. It was so surreal in the beginning of this trip. I was one hundred percent convinced that I was going to totally crash and burn – the end. I’ve learned though, that it really is true that doors don’t just close without others being opened for you. Fair enough, you have to get over the fear of going through them, but when you do you may just find nothing at all scary on the other side.
I had to find homes for Bella and Freddie, which started off with a whole lot of tears, but ended up perfectly after all. Their new humans are fabulous farmers not too far out of town whose daughter just happens to be a vet. They have hectares to romp around in, and new doggy family too. Both also very happy bunnies now. The feathered horde is with me, of course, and after initially having their beaks well out of joint at having to go in the car again, they’re back to their happy zooming and using my monitor as their personal toilet.
March 9, 2016 at 12:42 pm
Glad to hear you are getting there, and with the minimum of upheaval. I have had a nasty shock recently, and now I am coming out of the other end, I am looking forward to getting my life back on track too. They say experience of any kind can be rewarding, but I could have done without this one.
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March 9, 2016 at 2:17 pm
Thank you Anita! I’m sure all the upheaval is done now. I’m sorry to hear about your nasty shock! I’ve been so absent – will you share what happened here?
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March 10, 2016 at 1:08 pm
Jaye has been having treatment for breast cancer, and it’s been tough on all of us. But it’s nearly over now, and she will be free and clear, which is wonderful news.
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March 9, 2016 at 12:51 pm
Nice to see you and hear things are looking up, Jo. Love and all the best!
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March 9, 2016 at 2:18 pm
Thank you my dear friend! This feels like being home again and this internet is so rock solid it’s like a present. Lots and lots of love and a huge HUG! ❤
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March 9, 2016 at 12:56 pm
Missed reading you, Jo, my dear! Happy to be back and glad to see you back in this space xo
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March 9, 2016 at 2:21 pm
Long time no see my lovely! It’s fabulous to see you again – we must catch up with our old gorgeous crazy XXXX
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March 9, 2016 at 1:13 pm
Congratulations on everything, not just survival. Glad you are happily resettled and ‘together’ enough to work and communicate. No small feat Jo.
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March 9, 2016 at 2:22 pm
Thank you dearest Philippa! You’re right – it was definitely not a small feat – I’m probably a much bigger ninny on the inside. I’m really looking forward to catching up with you – feels like I’ve been gone forever. ❤
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March 9, 2016 at 1:15 pm
I know waiting for the internet to be re-connected is beyond frustrating and I’m glad that is all sorted now and you are back doing what you do so well and love doing. 🙂
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March 9, 2016 at 2:25 pm
Thank you Peter! 🙂 They nearly drove me gaga with all the excuses. There’s a thing here that striking workers do called toyi toyi where they do an angry dance. I was tempted more than once to go do that in front of their offices and throw things at their windows. 🙂
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March 9, 2016 at 1:25 pm
[…] Source: New Places, Old Friends […]
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March 9, 2016 at 1:26 pm
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
I am sure that many of you would love to head over and welcome Jo Robinson back full-time after a very tragic beginning to the year. Our Jo is extraordinarily strong and is now moved into a lovely new flat with her feathered friends.. We have missed her but her place in our lives was never filled until now. Please head over to the original post and say Hi..
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March 9, 2016 at 2:26 pm
Thank you my gorgeous Sal! It’s wonderful now to be zooming back with you here again. ❤ HUGS!
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March 9, 2016 at 2:41 pm
The door was open waiting Jo.. hugsXX
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March 9, 2016 at 2:15 pm
Nice to see you back, Jo… and more fire to the hairdo? Sounds good to me 🙂
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March 9, 2016 at 2:27 pm
Thank you Sue – it’s great to see you again! Now that you mention it – could be a bit warm. 😀 It’s for a cover. ❤ XXXX
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March 9, 2016 at 2:30 pm
I’m all for fiery hair… and miss mine, though at this length the orange might be a bit much 😉
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March 9, 2016 at 2:35 pm
Sounds brilliant to me though – I think there’s something fabulous about proud and out there hair – go with the fire! 🙂
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March 9, 2016 at 2:39 pm
I might when we get beyond the workshop in April …which is why I was growing it out and, bizarrely, hoping it had managed to go grey while I wasn’t looking. It hasn’t… so it may just get jazzed up some for summer 😉
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March 9, 2016 at 2:22 pm
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
It’s SO GOOD to see Jo back online after a harrowing few months.
DON’T FORGET
JO ROBINSON INDIE AUTHOR SERVICES is OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Proofreading, Book Covers and original Photography, Formatting for Kindle and CreateSpace…
Click on her photo in the right column of this post and whizz over to book her services.
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March 9, 2016 at 2:28 pm
IT’S GOOD TO SEE YOU TOO MY WONDERFUL FURRY! MWAH MWAH MWAH and MWAAAH! 😀 ❤
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March 9, 2016 at 3:08 pm
YAAAAAYYYY Bananas all round for Everyone 😀 😀 😀
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March 9, 2016 at 2:27 pm
That last paragraph is really wise and true. Something I’ve been thinking about recently. Have fun with the work.
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March 9, 2016 at 2:30 pm
Hiya Charles – it’s wonderful to see you again! I can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to. I’ve really been thinking about it a lot too – it’s hard when we get stuck in a habit of expecting bad and sad to change, but I reckon it’s doable and mustdoable too. HUGS! 🙂
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March 9, 2016 at 2:55 pm
Not much here. Just writing, errands, and occasionally remembering to sleep. As usual my life is dull and the only interesting parts are in my head.
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March 9, 2016 at 2:48 pm
Welcome back! Don’t ‘overdo’ in your exuberance! Leave yourself some ‘me time’.
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March 9, 2016 at 2:51 pm
You’ve been on my mind the last few days, wondering how you were getting on. And then you popped up with an explanation of your absence. You will have many more bumps in the road. Just remember we are here to support you. 💜
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March 9, 2016 at 2:56 pm
Happy Heart Hugs, Jo. Great to hear you’ve had awesome support from Sally and Mr. Ape. ❤️
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March 9, 2016 at 2:56 pm
So glad to hear you are doing better after quite a shock and loss. My heart goes out to you and also my prayers that you will find peace in your life. Stay well and know that you are loved and thought of often. Take care and write! ❤️
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March 9, 2016 at 4:02 pm
Good to see this update from you, Jo. You are going through several big changes and handling them with grit and grace. My continued best wishes to you.
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March 9, 2016 at 4:03 pm
So good to know Jo you are settling into your new home and a new job and routine.. Wow.. lots of things to immerse yourself in.. So pleased the animal kingdom is happy too.. And I know you will grow ever stronger as you push open yet more doors in your life..
Sending lots of Love to you..
Take care and enjoy your new work role..
Love Sue xxx
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March 9, 2016 at 4:57 pm
There are pearls of wisdom in every experience, Jo. I’m glad you are seeing some sunshine through the clouds. Your message to make the most of every moment and leave joyful footprints is universal, for every ear to hear and heart to embrace. I hope you know how well-loved you are out here in blogland. Step through those doors and enjoy the days ahead 🙂 ❤
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March 9, 2016 at 5:30 pm
I’m so glad to hear, Jo, those good things are happening since you’ve moved to your new home. I’m sure things will continue to go well for you. All the best. 🙂 — Suzanne
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March 9, 2016 at 8:31 pm
Wonderful blog post Jo. I particularly enjoyed the last paragraph; so very true.
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March 9, 2016 at 9:30 pm
Glad to see you are moving forward. Best wishes.
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March 9, 2016 at 10:27 pm
Wonderful that you are immersed in some projects. Glad you are well.
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March 9, 2016 at 10:57 pm
Glad to hear that you are getting there Jo, it can’t be easy. All the best for your continual growth and happiness in the future months.
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March 9, 2016 at 11:19 pm
Heartwarming to hear you’re settling in. Your bright feathered friends are cheery by their brilliant color. Who doesn’t smile at the color yellow?
Good to hear your upbeat voice. ❤ ❤ 😀
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March 10, 2016 at 12:14 am
Good luck with for the future. I’m glad you are feeling up to facing it in a positive way.
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March 10, 2016 at 2:18 am
Happy you’re back and busy, Jo! Missed your adventurous posts. Know you had some very rough times. Glad you’re in a new place with a new start. 💛 Elizabeth
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March 10, 2016 at 2:52 am
Reblogged this on jemsbooks and commented:
Welcome back to Jo Robinson, a lovely and talented author, who offers authors services for publishing their books. It’s great to have you back, Jo. Blessings to you! Readers, please check out Jo’s fabulous site.
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March 10, 2016 at 7:46 am
Good to hear you’re over the worst and have work to do.
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March 10, 2016 at 1:50 pm
Welcome back, Jo. I can’t wait to see what is brewing in that pen of yours.
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March 10, 2016 at 3:34 pm
So pleased to hear you’re settling in to your new home, Jo. Here’s to a few more unicorns and flowers coming your way. Take care.
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March 10, 2016 at 4:09 pm
Good luck. I look forward to your future posts.
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March 10, 2016 at 7:04 pm
Jo, this is such a powerful and touching post! If only we could live without fear, how much more we could offer the world, how much more we could let the world be part of us. ‘We should be leaving the most joyful footprints that we can behind us.’ Congratulations also on your new business and great you are so busy – very exciting time for you. You’re strength and thoughts are an inspiration.
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March 12, 2016 at 4:39 am
So proud of you Jo. And so happy you are finding you way back to yourself and joy in what you do. God bless. 🙂
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March 12, 2016 at 9:20 am
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March 13, 2016 at 12:02 pm
We never know what we’re capable of Jo till were thrown into a situation. Some people sink, some manage to keep their head above the surface, but it’s not easy. You clearly are made of strong stuff, even if you don’t feel like it half the time, You’ve still got a lot to give. We can’t pretend to understand this journey were on, but we have to keep putting one foot in front of the other, dont we… who knows where it could lead? Lots of love to you! 😊 xxx
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March 17, 2016 at 1:41 am
You’ve done something that we humans don’t like to do – make changes in our lives – and seem to have weathered the transition with grace and style. You are one impressive woman, Jo, and I wish you all the best for your future journey. This is a wonderful, uplifting post!
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March 17, 2016 at 9:40 am
Thanks for your wonderful post. You are right that too much time is wasted in living in fear rather than take the chance to live fully and leave those joyful footprints.
I wish you healing and happiness.
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