by PD Martin
I’ve been overseas the past three weeks and literally landed at Melbourne Airport four hours ago. I was planning on writing my blog for today while I was on holidays, but with everything that’s going on with Murderati, I found myself changing my mind constantly about subjects.
Originally, the blog I had in my head for 11 April was going to be about my holiday. The family and I headed to Ireland for three weeks. My husband’s Irish and I lived there for a year and a half, so we spent our time catching up with friends and family. But there was also a very important purpose for this visit. You see, this was our first trip to Ireland since we picked our son up from Korea last year and this trip would celebrate his arrival into our family with his christening. In fact, we managed to get a wedding and two christenings in during our three-week holiday.
Anyway, then I thought I could blog about christenings and maybe even other non-religious birth celebrations. You know, even research the topic a bit plus talk about my personal experience. Even though I’m not a religious person, I found Liam’s christening incredibly moving.
But then I thought, no…I can’t blog about holidays or Ireland or christenings as part of my long goodbye. Can I? Maybe I can. I mean, the two subjects are tied together by the related themes of beginnings and endings. While I was in Ireland celebrating a wedding (the birth of a new marriage), two christenings (the birth of two beautiful boys), I was also in mourning. In mourning for Murderati. Births and deaths. Beginnings and endings. This is what’s been going around and around in my head the past few weeks.
I have to confess, when I logged on briefly from a borrowed phone to read the Monday 1 April blog and the comments I DID start to wonder…are we doing the right thing? Do we have any other options? I think I speak for all the current Murderati gang when I say it’s been a tough choice. But for me personally, since we picked up Liam my writing time has been drastically cut. I have enjoyed blogging at Murderati immensely, but with my time so limited I did have to question whether it was the best possible use of time. I need to write more books. That really is my bottom line at the moment. And I need to do it with less available time than ever before. But it’s still sad…really sad to say goodbye to Murderati.
My last blog here at Murderati will be Thursday 25 April and that will be my official goodbye. But for today I wanted to share everything that’s been going on in head re beginnings and endings — and why. And I guess I also wanted to explain why Murderati coming to an end breaks my heart but also seems like the most sensible thing to do. At some point in time, something’s gotta give and I think it just so happens that more and more of the Murderati gang seem to be in this position right now. 🙁
I can't think of a better place to contemplate these issues than Ireland. It sounds like an amazing vacation – what a beautiful gift for your son. I think you chose the right thing to blog about today, PD.
I couldn't agree more. over the seven years this blog has been up and running, we've had many beginning – when new authors joined us, and many endings – authors leaving, and sadly, passing on. So the death/rebirth theme is quite appropriate. I'll miss your fascinating life, but we will always be in touch.
PD, the entry of a new son into your life is a fitting goodbye to Murderati. As Gar said yesterday, this isn't a funeral, just a closed business, your favorite bar/pub has now closed and it's time to drink less and write more. There's a bond you all have with us the audience and even strong among yourselves. It isn't going anywhere. Thanks for all your wonderful contributions.
A lovely post, Phillipa, and so true to the spirit you've always brought to this blog, so often reminding us of the larger world to consider, families and weddings and births. Thanks so much, and I'll be looking forward to your next post — as always.
Dear Phillipa,
I think "beginnings and endings" is the perfect theme. I think I have been so very affected by this ending, because since I have been following Murderati I have had mostly endings and now endings-in-progress. Some were dramatic and public with the killings of my neighbors at the local grocery store, where I was supposed to be thanking my congresswoman for helping me get the wheelchair I needed. Others were private like the deaths of our daughter, Jeanie, two uncles, 2 aunts, and three close friends. My dearest niece has just started hospice care. We talk every day. Three more friends, one in her 30s with metastasized cancer, are dying. My husband is fighting a long battle with cancer. Every day I wake up and look for new beginnings.
Thank you for being a part of that. xo
Three weeks in Ireland, friends and family, celebrations of new lives . . . how wonderful, PD.
I think back to the time when my kids were young and I honestly don't know how you manage to do all the things you do. I've felt that same awe for the other writers on this blog who have school-aged children. It's a lot to ask, this consistent blogging thing. I'll miss hearing your stories, but am content knowing you'll have more time to be present in your life.
Beautiful, PD.
Thank you for everything.
Thanks, everyone.
I also thought about a blog on doing long-haul trips with young children…another time!
Reine, I'm sorry to hear you've had so many endings recently. I truly hope there are some wonderful beginnings coming your way.