A lot has happened while I’ve been off following the goose these past 3 years. So let’s have a little catch-up. Unfortunately, it starts with a pet loss.
Opie, my faithful companion, left this plane on March 18, 2019. He was 16—and he’d been mine since he was 5 weeks old.
Oh, how he’d complain if I dared to put him down!
Our solemn pact was that I’d always do the best thing for him, regardless of how much it hurt me. I kept my promise—and we said our goodbyes as I held his paws while he held my hand.
We often held hands—but sometimes he’d just rest his feet gently against my leg or put his head on my lap.
I found this vintage urn for him in a secondhand shop on a sunny spring morning he would’ve loved—Opie was always in rare form in the spring! It’s got our vibe, and orange flowers for my orange boy.
I also had a glass artist make some of his ashes into stained glass. I was (and still am) struggling with the grief of this pet loss. The end is rarely kind, and there are things I wish I’d done differently. But I can’t have a do-over, so I try to find peace in knowing that I did my best at the time—and I try to forgive myself for not being okay back then.
#justcried #littlemakeup #nofilter
I won’t recap everything that’s happened since I stopped writing in 2018. Instead, let’s return to the spirit of Sage & Simple’s early days—recipes, peeks into my home, secondhand finds, random thoughts, and general day-to-day goings on. I’ve tidied things up by removing posts that were relevant at the time but are irrelevant to my current life.
I’m still a freelance copywriter and editor, so I work when my clients need me. Sometimes that’s no hours a week and sometimes it’s 55+ hours. Sometimes it feels like I’ll never work again—and sometimes I go a week without washing my hair or leaving my apartment.
I’ll post when I can (target = once a week). If there’s anything you’d like me to write about, tell me in the comments and I’ll do my best.
You can opt-in via the box to the right (or toward the bottom of the page on the mobile version)—to get an email when I’ve posted something new. I hope you will :)
P.S. I’ve tried to clear the cobwebs out of the site, but 3 years is a long time to have not done any maintenance. Please leave a comment if you experience any technical issues. Unfortunately, the annoying ads will have to stay (for now)—to cover my hosting costs.
Eli says
Welcome Back! Looking forward to all the new posts.
On a somber note, I’m so sorry to learn that Opie is no longer of this earth. Pet losses are really tough. My thoughts are with you.
Anne says
Hi Sage, It’s been a few years. I’m so sorry to hear about Opie. I know you two went through a lot together. Hope you are doing well. – Anne
Alita Pacio says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Pets are really great companions. As a freelancer too, I can relate to your schedule. At times, I have so much free time. I feel like I dont have a job but at times it’s too hectic and busy too
MELANIE EDJOURIAN says
I am so sorry for your loss. When you’ve had them for so long it can have such an impact when they pass.
Sara LaFountain says
It is so difficult to lose a pet, especially when he has been with you for so long.
Sarah Bailey says
I am so sorry you lost your cat – it is heartbreaking to lose a pet. Welcome back. I look forward to following your new posts.
Lodi says
I’m happy to hear of your return!
Unfortunately there is no box on the right to ‘opt in’. I’d like to!
(At least on my phone.)
Sage says
Thanks, Lodi :) The box should be toward the bottom of the page on the mobile version of the site. Can you see it?
Rose Ann Sales says
It was so difficult to lose a pet. I just want to send you a hug! ♥
Richelle Escat Milar says
I am so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to recover when you lose a pet. I know that feeing…
Catalina says
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard can be!
Lynndee says
I’m sorry for your loss. I know the feeling. But that vintage urn is beautiful, I must say.
Ivan M. Jose says
He had a well-lived life. Just the same, it’s always sad to lose a beloved pet. It’s nice to see you blogging again!
Sol says
I’m so sorry to learn about your loss. Opie was so cute and I know how much you have been through together.
Marysa says
So sorry to hear about Opie. We have two cats that are the most affectionate kitties ever, and having lost pets in the past, I know how hard it is. Thinking of you!
Melissa says
I’m so, so sorry to hear about Opie, but “yay” that you’re blogging again! I can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to!
Anosa Malanga says
Losing a pet which has really been part of you is sad and heartbreaking. I really feel you. Welcome back to the blogging world!
Melissa Cushing says
Your kitty was beautiful and I feel for you. My cherished feline is now 10… and he is older and I can see the changes in him already. I hate to admit he is a bit heavy… so trying to get him active a bit but its difficult as he ages he is getting later. I love him so much and seriously he meows to talk to me all day long….. they are amazing pets!
NiaMia says
I’m so glad you’re back and am deeply sorry about Opie.
I hope you resume writing about vintage jewelry. I always loved seeing your collection – you have such exquisite taste!
Sage says
Thank you :) Brexit has put a damper on my jewelry-buying (it’s now subject to hefty import fees) but I did stock up a bit before Brexit became official at the beginning of the year. Stay tuned :)
Rajiv Bhatt says
Saw the post on 15th itself but couldn’t comment due to busy schedule.
First of all felt sad to hear about Opie. He seemed such a solace for you during challenging times.
Eagerly looking forward to your recipe post. I still browse your old recipe posts when looking for some ideas.
Good luck.
Sage says
Thank you, Rajiv. I miss him so much!
I have a new recipe launching later today :)
Tracey says
Wonderful to hear from you. So sorry for your loss. Sadly, we can empathize several times over. My Father, whenever we went through such a loss, always believed that the short(er) life spans of our beloved pets is/was the Good Lord’s way of reminding us we are mortal. The older I become, the more I believe this. I also believe it’s not a permanent goodbye.
Looking forward to reading your inspiring posts again.
Warmly,
Tracey
Sage says
Thank you, Tracey, for sharing that from your Father. I suspect he was right. And thanks for reading after all this time :)
Kelly says
Welcome back! I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I can’t even imagine, and I dread that inevitable day myself.
Sage says
Thanks, Kelly. We all know it’ll eventually come, but it’s worse than I could’ve ever imagined.