Are you here? Or is it just me? I don’t know what it is. But I am stuck. I can’t move. I can’t make. I can’t even start. It’s scary and there is no plan and I have no idea where to begin. I don’t know where I am going. There is so much I want…
Category Archives: styleberryPHOTO
Back to weekly posting??! I don’t know…I’m not going to jinx it! :) Three weeks ago, I had to have surgery on my wrist. There was a giant bump on it and while it had bugged me for a while, it recently got to the point where I couldn’t do chaturungas or weight bear on it…
Gosh. Thank you all for the warm welcome back. I worried for a time that my intentional absence would leave me with no one left when I finally returned–but here you are! & you have been so kind & understanding of the choice to walk away for awhile. & I can tell you–I am truly…
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CillaSeptember 16, 2015
Yay! So happy to have you back. Everything you’ve done sounds like what I’ve been trying so hard to get to. Waking early…rest…food/health (whole30?)…and books! Rising strong is amazing! I love anything brene brown! Anywho, but you are actually accomplishing these things and kicking butt! Yay! So proud of you! I have been struggling and am sure that, as always, I will be be inspired by you :)ReplyCancel
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DeniseSeptember 16, 2015
So glad you are back, and just when I needed this bit of inspiration! I have been struggling lately. Finding time for me, time to keep my home on track, for work, and somehow cramming all of that time into the night while my babies sleep and barely getting the sleep I so desperately need. I am ripped from sleep every morning and not happy about it at all. Every day I say tomorrow will be better, but it rarely ever is. I’ve been a night owl all my life, even as a child. I’m completely intrigued that you made the switch to mornings and hope to try this myself. I know the few times I’ve been able to rise before my kids that time has been precious. I even feel like I am able to concentrate better and feel more accomplished those days. Thank you for taking the time to post about this, it has made me reconsider the way I do things and want to push for something better.ReplyCancel
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Kimber C.September 16, 2015
YAYYYYYYY!!!!! It makes me oh so happy you are back! I so thoroughly enjoy your blog and still refer friends and myself to it on occasion or look back through old posts I remember you put up about questions I had. Seriously I love you and your blog and I loved this post too! I absolutely am going to start trying to do this!ReplyCancel
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LisaSeptember 16, 2015
So excited to have you back in Blogland!! You have no idea how much I needed to read this post today. As I sit here reading…late…like midnight late, I think of all the changes that need to happen to make our house a HAPPY home. And they all start with me and my reactions to the stresses of motherhood and life in general. So, tomorrow I too will try to become a morning person…and read more…and smile more. Thank you for all of your inspiration and opening yourself and your family up to the rest of us mamas in the trenches.ReplyCancel
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donyaSeptember 17, 2015
Reading this at 6am, I can SO relate. I use my mornings a little different, catching up on the internet, doing some photography work, so I can put it to the side the moment my kids wake up. But I’ve also noticed that I’m much more adept at handling the morning chaos if I’ve woken myself up first, which is why I continually choose to do this stuff in the early morning rather than the late evening. And I love that cup of coffee. Though I’m interested to hear about you removal of caffeine!ReplyCancel
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AndreaSeptember 17, 2015
I was so excited to see your blog post pop up in my feed. I love reading and I am happy you are back. I am still struggling with the adjustment of 2 kids and finding my own time. My youngest is 1 year old and I just can’t make it all work. We live in a small rental and I find myself constantly last on the list. I am so encouraged by your post and ready to take back my mornings! Thank you so much for sharing!ReplyCancel
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MelissaSeptember 17, 2015
I found your blog while you were taking your break and I couldn’t stop reading it. I found it as I was looking for any information I could find on photography, and then I loved your style of writing and approach to life and openness about motherhood, etc. Anyways, I kept your site in my RSS feed so I could someday go back and read more of your blog and now you’re writing again! I’m so happy to have such an inspiring person in my feed. Thank you and I look forward to following your journey.ReplyCancel
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AartiSeptember 18, 2015
Welcome back! Thank you for sharing! Because no matter what your posts say, I always think of you as so put together in home, parenting, personal life….even as I know being put together perfectly is a myth. So in your sharing you give me inspiration that I, too, can make changes and can try again to become a morning person!ReplyCancel
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DanielleSeptember 18, 2015
I am so glad to see that you are back and blogging! I discovered your blog through your fertility struggle stories when I was researching my own arcuate uterus and fertility challenges. I loved your stories, your writing and your inspiration. I couldn’t get enough of it. Despite your not blogging at the time, I subscribed, hoping some day you would.
Your blog is such a valuable resource and I’m excited to see what you have been up to. :-)ReplyCancel
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RebeccaSeptember 22, 2015
I just found your blog and am so happy that I did. I loved reading this article and the changes you’ve made in your routine. Very inspiring. I feel like I had to go “dark” for a little while too. Cut out my internet use and phone use etc. I ran a successful Etsy shop for two years and it exhausted me. I took some time out to restructure how I spend my time so that I’m a better mom (i hope I’m a better one anyway!:) I feel happier and as though I enjoy my kids and my days more. Just started a blog and am loving it!
Thanks again!ReplyCancel -
Michelle RSeptember 22, 2015
Like so many others, I was excited to see two posts pop up in such short order! You’re back, yay! I found you when I was pregnant with my first and I learned so much from your blog (my first was a Fuzzibunz baby thanks to you!) cloth diapering, homemade baby food, etc. Now, number two is on the way and I can’t wait to dive back into your blog with you and see where it takes us both! I understand well the struggle for “what else.” Baby #2 has taken it’s sweet time joining us, derailing my plans to get back in to the workforce. I’d love to hear where your journey takes you and share my experiences as well. Welcome back!ReplyCancel
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Almost over. » styleberry BLOGApril 7, 2016
It’s been six long years. & at the same time, six wildly fast years. They have been quiet and rich. Loud and empty. Happy and exhausting. & I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Having my kids with me all day, for every single day of their first three-ish years, was wonderful. It was hard work…
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Amber BerkoskiSeptember 10, 2015
A few years ago (was it years? I don’t know anymore) I had the privilege of being one of the followers you kept on IG (I’m aberkoski) after your privacy was horribly invaded. Ever since I have been inspired and humbled by the example you have set with your kids to be truly present with my own. We are in different places, mine are long in full day school (10 & 8.5) but the message is the same. Where am I when they need me? I am working, most of the time. But that doesn’t mean that when they have me, that they have to share me with: my treatment plans, my case notes, my PhD dissertation planning, my advocacy work – they get JUST me. Even if that means that I have to pull an all nighter on the other side of it, they get ME.
I hope you know the profound influence you have had on many, through your business and your brand but also through your person to truly touch the lives of people that see your true heart. I don’t even know you but I know the Mama you are to your kids. You don’t need my (growingly) advanced degrees in human behavior to know this. You exude it, along with its challenges.
And I applaud you.
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Jenny busbeySeptember 11, 2015
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LindsaySeptember 11, 2015
I can relate. Today is the first day that I am home alone with my both of my girls in school full time (8 and 4). It is so WEIRD and too quiet. I longed for this many times, but now I am sad that gone are the playdate days and shopping with a buddy. My husband doesn’t understand when I tell him that a chapter of my life is over. For a brief moment, I even tried to talk my husband into another baby, lol. My husband asks what I will do all day and truthfully, I’m not sure. Of course I will do the obvious, cleaning and errands, but beyond that…? I hope to not get into a lazy rut. :(ReplyCancel
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ErinSeptember 11, 2015
please keep posting as you move forward – my youngest starts preschool next week and my oldest is at school. The idea of being alone without someone needing me is actually scary. I also wanted just a few hours to myself, for soooo long, but now I’m not sure where this leaves me. Who am I if not looking after my children? Sigh.ReplyCancel
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Julie McCuistonSeptember 12, 2015
OMGoodness! Your words could have been mine 40 years ago. I remember the day I walked our “only” to school that first day. It took all my fortitude to walk away. It is funny how I can still remember kicking the early fall leaves as I walked home by myself….without that little hand in mine that nested in mine when we ventured out into the world. I cried every step of the way home. I retreated to our apartment and sobbed most of the day. The long awaited quiet was an insult to my senses and I couldn’t wait to hear about his day at the new adventure he was starting.
WHen he went away to college I was a basket case. I cried every time I walked by his empty room. I would lay on his bed and cry myself to sleep. It took a good nine months (gestation?) to adjust to that new normal. Truthfully it has been a lifetime and I still worry about him.
At age 39 he was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer and that event literally brought me to my knees. We were lucky enough to be able to fly to any US city to explore treatment plans. He was lucky to have insurance that allowed him to have treatment at any facility in the US. I remember the call from him when he said he needed me to fly with him to see about his diagnosis. I remember the oncologist giving us the dreaded news.The words numbed me into a zombie like state. My world stopped. I remember sitting on the floor of the DFW airport calling family and friends to share my anguish. I am sure that I was sobbing so hard they could hear very little besides the “C” word.
Three years later he is doing well. He seems to have adjusted to the permanent colostomy he begged the surgeon to NOT put in. He doesn’t complain about the ravages of chemo and he kept his gorgeous head of hair. Still, every time he wings his way away from me I say a prayer for his continued remission. I pray he lives a long and healthy life. I pray that he outlives me and his dad. I rejoice in our life together and let him fly away with the promise of his return to us again.ReplyCancel
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StefanieNovember 26, 2015
Oh my goodness! I was a DIE HARD follower of your blog and IG (before you made it private) and I’ve missed your posts SO MUCH! Your posts inspired me so much and have been in my mind often during your “quiet time”. I just randomly came back to my once-beloved internet bookmark tonight and I am BEYOND THRILLED that you are blogging again!!!!!!! This makes my night. Or month?! I’m so glad you’re back (to some extent anyway). You’ve been missed!! Can’t wait to follow your journey sweet mama! Thank you for sharing your heart and inspiration with us!ReplyCancel
Hi Internet! I’ve missed you! I really have. As I sit here on July 1st, aka New Year’s Day for anyone in academic medicine, I can’t help but realize just how fast these twelve months have gone by. We’ve lived in St. Louis for a year. I have been in this house for a year. We have…
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JennJuly 17, 2015
So glad you’re back! I still reference your site all the time for meal ideas, organizational tips, and just general inspiration. One other post idea- I always loved your emphasis on creativity with your children, and I was wondering if you’d consider posting about your/their favorite toys?ReplyCancel
The leaves are changing. (THE LEAVES ARE CHANGING!!) I wish I could fully exude my happiness about this Autumn colorshow. I have been staring in awe all day, every day. Seasons. Oh, how I missed them. I was recently in conversation with a family member who was living back in the Midwest after a stint…
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LindsayOctober 30, 2014
Gosh, I just miss your blog! While my husband is not a medical resident, he travels for work {mainly to Texas} I am a solo mamma about 90% of the time. It’s hard. I need to make 2015 a year for me {kind of like 2014 was for you}. I’m always inspired by you and find myself cruising around your blog from time to time. I admire all your changes you have made this year and I feel I need to find my way and do the same. My babies need me {100% of me} and not the current me that is always checking my Facebook, blog, Instagram, etc. It’s a hard balance and I need to figure out how to prioritize to help me get closer to that feeling of balance since I know being 100% there will hardly ever come. Thank you for coming back to this beautiful space and updating us. Happy to see you are enjoying your new surroundings. I hear what you are saying about the seasons. I moved to Denver for about 8 years and loved every ounce of it. I grew up in Arizona and it’s pretty much the same as Texas…monotonous. Enjoy the change of the seasons! :)ReplyCancel
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Jenn B.October 31, 2014
Shawna, I’m glad to read something from you again, but I’m even more glad for your honesty! I had my third baby this year and it’s definitely been the most life changing event yet! I love this time but I am overwhelmed by it as well. It’s good to hear I’m not alone in putting everything on the back burner. Or that I’m afraid I don’t have a passion or a purpose beyond staying home with my kids. Thank you for making me feel like I’m not alone!ReplyCancel
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CindyOctober 31, 2014
I’m so glad you’re happy! I understand the changing leaves. I’m a Virginia gal, and we moved to the gulf coast of AL for 6 years (and my inlaws live in San Antonio). I didn’t quite realize how much I LOVED fall until I didn’t have the changing leaves, crisp air, etc. This is our second “real” fall after moving to NC and we’re loving it. I’m still in awe when I drive down the road and see all of the yellow & orange trees. Continued luck with your transition in St Louis.ReplyCancel
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CarrieNovember 3, 2014
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nowlin robertsNovember 7, 2014
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Working for what you want » styleberry BLOGJuly 1, 2015
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Becoming a Morning Person. For Real. » styleberry BLOGSeptember 16, 2015
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Creatively Stuck » styleberry BLOGOctober 5, 2015
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Overcoming Angry » styleberry BLOGSeptember 1, 2016
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Renovation: Week Nine | walls & stuff » styleberry BLOGJanuary 19, 2017
The time has come. We are thisclose to rolling out of town and I am getting sad. It’s so easy to look forward to this day–graduation day & the end of a significant chapter–and then it hits. We’re leaving her nursery. & his nursery. & I will never rock a baby in them again. The…
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Colleen PenceJune 5, 2014
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GinaJune 5, 2014
This is awesome Shawna! I think A and I will have a great time this summer as we have only been to about half of these places. I would definitely add The Quadrangle on Ft Sam to the list although now most people cannot get to it w/o going to the visitor’s center first. Such a quiet, peaceful gem!!! I will miss seeing your beautiful children playing at DS. Here’s wishing you all the best in St. Louis!ReplyCancel
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CandiceJuly 5, 2014
I have been following your blog since you lived in Omaha and it has been great fun reading your adventures here. Thanks to you I cloth diapered and did homemade baby food and never regretted it :) hope you still write when you have the chance in STL! I remember the last post when you moved to Texas you shared all the titles you held in Omaha and the ones you hoped to hold in Texas. You should consider doing that again!! Take care. Good luck with the moveReplyCancel
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Nicole GibsonJuly 22, 2014
I just wanted to say that your photos are so stunning and gorgeous!! I am just starting to get into the photography world & mostly just take pictures of my little family, but I still seek to learn & take better pictures, & it is becoming quite a passion! I have always loved your style. Your pictures are always so bright, crisp, sharp, and the colors are so perfect!! Everything about the pictures are just so perfect! I wish I knew how you did it!! Thank you for your blog & for posting as your life allows! Congrats on your move & hope you are settling in nicely! :)ReplyCancel
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DevonJuly 22, 2014
We just left San Antonio in January, it was nice reading your post and think about our former life. The funny thing is you listed a lot of places I’ve never been to, I would add the San Antonio Art Museum to the list, it was my favorite place, free on Thursday and free all the time for college students. Oh I loved Lonestar, we used the midwives but they are all great group on people.ReplyCancel
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The Decent MomFebruary 11, 2017
Hellooooo!!! I have missed this little corner of my life!!! Let’s catch up!! I finally logged into my wordpress for the first time since I last wrote in January. I’m getting the itch to write again (that sometimes happens after a nice little happy hiatus!) but gosh, not turning my computer on but several times…
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donyaMay 5, 2014
So fun to see your post pop into my Feedly reader! And so exciting to hear about your upcoming move! I have to admit, I’ve been eyeing your pins on Pinterest for your new place and they look great! Can’t wait to see what you do with it. I’ve been reading The Power of Habit as well, and have LOVED what I’ve read so far. What a great book!
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lindsayMay 5, 2014
what great news and exciting changes! it was so nice to see your blog update in my feedly feed this morning. :) i just put the power of habit in my wish list, looks very interesting, would love to hear your review on it when you have time {not like you have a million other things to do, right?!} ;) congrats and best wishes to you and your family on the big move :)ReplyCancel
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NicoleMay 5, 2014
Hi Shawna!
Loved reading your blog post today- so glad to hear you and your little family are doing well! I would love to purchase a stylebabyLOG for #2 due in a few weeks, but when I click on the buy now link it takes me to the small business Saturday link, which is for 2 logs. I only need 1… Is it possible just to purchase the one right now? Thank you!ReplyCancel
Hi! Hello! I am Shawna, the founder of Styleberry Blog. This creative corner of the internet has become a learning haven for moms and creatives, offering a warm and encouraging nudge to those who wish to be better and do better, but often don't know where to start. From Decorating to DIY to Diapers and Paleo-ish Dishes, I strive to make the complicated simple and empower women to take action beyond their personal comfort zone. I subscribe to the Shine Theory & so strongly believe that we shine when the women around us shine and mutual support—lifting up instead of tearing down--will always be the culture here. Are you in? I hope so! Beyond the computer, I run Styleberry Creativewhere I work with clients to create low fuss, high function spaces that are pretty and practical in San Antonio, Texas and beyond. I LOVE making a house a home. My own studs out renovation is almost complete and I am now back to working with clients. Please don't hesitate to drop me a line if you'd like to work together! I hope you’ll join me on this fun new adventure! Xo.
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I am definitely with you in the place of being stuck creatively! I am a part-time working mom and I always have an internal struggle between spending my time on creative activities that feed my soul and other things that I really should be doing to keep a clean home and keep up with my paperwork. I often feel stretched in too many directions, then when I do have time for creating I feel stuck and don’t know what to do! Glad to have you back blogging occasionally! I have been reading your blog since you were pregnant with Caroline :)
I relate to this so much. You are not the only one here! I realized a few years ago that at my core, I am a Creative. I may not be an expert painter, seamstress, crafter, photographer, etc… but I love trying my hand at any and all of these things and creating something beautiful. It makes me so happy and feel alive inside. I’ve also struggled with using my talents to generate income… it’s tough. But I wholeheartedly agree that we need to give ourselves the grace to just create for the pure act of it.
It is so hard to find that fulfillment as a person when we can be so stuck in the weeds as a mother, wife, general caretaker. It’s definitely something I really struggle with. But I am so happy to see you blogging again :)
This is probably one of the posts I relate to you the most about. :) As a tomboy is type of girl, I have always struggled with making “pretty” things. I am an engineer by schooling and I always feel like the technical part of my brain and the creative part argue. “You cannot go sew, you have dishes and the floor is dirty…” etc. Its sooooo counterproductive! I get frustrated and discouraged. You are a rock star and will get back into it. I appreciate your post because you have always inspired me with your pretty things and creativity and seeing you blog about feeling the same way I do, makes me feel more normal.
Thanks girl! :)
I love that quote, thanks for sharing it!
I’m glad this post ended with you doing the calligraphy, as I was going to write something to the effect of “just start somewhere” since that’s really the hardest part. I’m a single mom with a full time demanding job at a startup and I really love it all. But I realized that I wasn’t making any time to create and losing a bit of myself in the process. So I signed up for a ceramics class – one night a week I have childcare arrangements and I just create pottery for 3 glorious hours. It’s hard and different and wonderful (even when the first several weeks left me with some crappy random “pieces”). I could have never realized what a difference that time would make, but, man, it’s mood altering for me and for my outlook. Glad to see you’re releasing this part of yourself, too, and just keep going :)
[…] Have you read it? If you haven’t, run. Buy it. I made the mistake of waiting for it to arrive at the library and one chapter from the end, I amazon prime’d it so I could remove the thirty sticky notes from the library book and switch it to permanent underlines in my very own copy. I want to quote every chapter, because there was something in that beautiful mess of words that spoke right down to my core & moved me in a way no book has in a very long time. Call it the Big Magic, call it fate, call it inspiration. I don’t know. But there are so many connected dots and I am so ready to explore them. Some privately, some publicly. But they are THERE. My curiosity is at an all time high and so many parts of this book helped me see that I have my own permission to be right where I am in my own creative shitstorm. It helped me find peace with all those businesses and the ideas I still have and just weave my own way on this winding path I wrote about last time. […]