Hi, friends. Where have I been? I don’t know, here? Living my life? Busily trying to figure out what’s next for me? Writing too much and reading too much and attending too many parties and loving everyone? All of the above.
I’m still uncertain about where I want to take this space and what my commitment to blogging is going to be. I know that I do not feel compelled to document my clothing as I once did; I attribute this not to a failure of the project I undertook when I started The Life Academic, but a success. I started this blog over a year ago when I felt uncertain about how I physically present myself as a woman, an academic, a teacher, a scholar. Documenting that presentation was invaluable in helping me gain clarity about how I enact those roles. I no longer feel confused about how to present myself, and I think I both look and feel more at ease in these roles than I possibly could have without this space and this community. Thank you, all of you, who have been a part of that journey.
So what now, then, if that project feels like it has concluded? Like I said, I’m still not sure. But I know this: I named this blog The Life Academic because it was meant to be about what it is to live as an academic. What I think, therefore, is that what I need to focus on is just that: life. My life, as self-indulgent as this all feels, is what I’m interested in. My life and how it intersects with academia. What being an academic, living an academic life, looks like.
Therefore, I don’t think you’ll see as much of me here anymore. But you may read a lot more words, if you wish to, about my living. If you leave, I won’t blame you. If you stay, I’ll cherish your presence, as I always have.
I miss your posts and your beautiful smiling face but understand the place you in now. Even if you don’t post about fashion I’m still going to read because of your honest, beautiful, and often times hilarious writing.
Thanks, dear! It’s so lovely to hear from all the blogging folks I’ve missed while off and away from blogland.
I think the life/academia split personality we sometimes feel is as valid to discuss on a blog as your academic fashion choices – especially as it’s *your* blog and you can do what you want
… And it’s a blog – it is, by its very nature, going to be self-indulgent!
Thanks! I think the fashion stuff is part and parcel of the life/work split, but it’s the flashier, pretty side, so I guess it was a more comfortable starting place for me. But you’re right: this is my blog, so why not indulge in self-indulgence!