There it is again: summer's inexorable pull, luring us to the beach, to the garden, to country tag sales down winding mountain roads with not a laptop or smartphone in site. Forgive us for taking Google chairman Eric Schmidt's advice happily to heart. "Turn off your computer," he said, speaking at the University of Pennsylvania's commencement in May. "You're actually going to have to turn off your phone and discover all that is human around us."
After last December's move to northwest Connecticut and the epic snowfall that ensued, Jaithan and I had begun to think good weather—and all of its many joys—would never arrive. But on Easter morning, the last snowfall of the season slipped quickly away and spring began to smile! Over the next several months, as the garden we inherited took shape, so too did a host of new friendships with neighbors who've welcomed us wholeheartedly into their town—and their lives. These real-life connections have enriched and inspired us in ways those that are virtual simply cannot. And while we also hold close to our hearts every reader, fan and friend out there, checking in with us these past few weeks, patiently waiting for an update, we also know you understand that all of us, from time to time and especially now, must pause, take a breath—and Live.
Permission granted. Looking forward to a detailed report later.
xo, Rosemary
Posted by: Content in a Cottage | August 02, 2011 at 12:46 PM
I hope you guys are enjoying the sun with good friends, cold cocktails and sand on your toes! xx
Posted by: Kate from Party Resources | August 01, 2011 at 09:43 PM
Indeed do take advantage of the summer .. although i do miss your posts .. but you guys will soon be back! Happy August
Posted by: themodernsybarite | August 01, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Great post...and good for you both. So important to stop, put all things aside and breath. Enjoy your summer xoxo
Posted by: Iris | August 01, 2011 at 12:24 AM
It's amazing how much time being connected can "steal" from our busy lives! Stopping to smell the roses is a necessity :)
Posted by: Tamara | July 30, 2011 at 04:55 PM
Enjoy! That's what summer is all about! So looking forward to hearing more from you and hopefully you sharing ideas from your new home with us!
Robin
Posted by: Robin | July 30, 2011 at 11:17 AM
Especially at the
beach. That is truly
living in the summer!
xx Suzanne
Posted by: Suzanne | July 30, 2011 at 09:07 AM
I couldn't agree with you more! Go be merry and happy. And enjoy every moment of it!
xx
Posted by: Perfecting Pru | July 30, 2011 at 07:23 AM
Beautifully put : o ) Enjoy the summer days...
Posted by: tricia | July 29, 2011 at 06:13 PM
That was a beautiful post...
I'm so happy that you are taking precious time out of your lives to truly LIVE.
Kudos on a great decision. Enjoy every minute.
This was the best gift you've ever given yourself!
Much love,
Terri
Posted by: Therese Long | July 29, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Amen. So glad I'm not the only one enjoying a little self-prescribed blogging break this Summer. ;) I like to call it "refueling." And I can't wait to see the inspirational love child that is borne out of your enriched, and full it sounds, life tank. Live it up boys!!!
Posted by: Amanda | July 29, 2011 at 02:13 AM
good for you...trying desperately to do the same. enjoy! Mona
Posted by: Mona Thompson | July 28, 2011 at 11:11 PM
Wow..amazing post...Hope you and Jaithan are enjoying your summer!!! Miss you guys!!! XO
Posted by: Nicole | July 28, 2011 at 08:31 PM
Glad you are refreshed. Eagerly awaiting more.
Posted by: My Design Guide.com | July 28, 2011 at 06:45 PM
Good for you! More of us should turn things off and reconnect with people and the good stuff around us.
Posted by: Kerry | July 28, 2011 at 04:44 PM
It's the only way for a creative person- recharge your batteries by living, gardening, relaxing.
Have a great summer.
XOXO
Bea
Posted by: Modern Country Lady | July 28, 2011 at 02:04 PM
Best advice on a site that I have ever read.
Well written and needed!
Bravo!
Lynda
Posted by: lynda | July 28, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Everyone should unplug and take a time out. Our internet went down yesterday and I almost had to move in with my parents whose internet was working. Ugh, I must REALLY need to get away.
xo
hooper
Posted by: hooper patterson | July 28, 2011 at 10:26 AM
I have been doing that for the past year! Enjoy the little things in life...living each moment to the fullest.
take all the time you need :)
Janet
Posted by: Janet Doherty | July 28, 2011 at 10:02 AM
I am taking a cue from you....and start enjoying what life is all about.
Posted by: Erox | July 28, 2011 at 09:56 AM
Not to be too much of a pill, but fame has its cost. Living [well] is indeed the best revenge, but so is maintaining a brand and securing fiscal success from supporter's investment.
As a pretty regular reader I can fully appreciate when "real life" might make for a delay; and a summer holiday is warranted for all people. But www.eddieross.com aspires (to my mind at least) to be greater than just one person. The goal of inspiration and education through living well and beautifully is a good one. I hope that you and your team will be able to strike a happy balance between brand and personal obligations.
All the best in life and business.
Posted by: Jonathan Janis | July 28, 2011 at 01:07 AM
What a wonderful post, E+J. I am thrilled that you are taking some time to enjoy life! xoxo!!
Posted by: traci zeller designs | July 27, 2011 at 11:21 PM
Dear Eddie, you are fabulous at what you do. Please come to Waco, Texas and decorate my Montessori classroom (grades 1-3) and help us put some style and creativity into learning.
And, while you're at it, stop by the house and rearrange a few things. We'd love it!!!!
Sue Elliott
Posted by: Sue Elliott | July 27, 2011 at 10:21 PM
Good for you guys. I hope the rest of the summer is just as much fun for you both!
Kat :)
Posted by: Kat @Low Tide High Style | July 27, 2011 at 10:10 PM
Amen and beautifully said. In the end we will not care how much we blogged, but we will regret not living our lives in real, physical moments. Summer is a gift and is fleeting in New England. Love it while it lasts!
Posted by: Carol@SofasandSage | July 27, 2011 at 09:02 PM
Good for you!! Enjoy the rest of the summer!
Posted by: Sandra Jonas | July 27, 2011 at 08:42 PM
Absolutely!!! Enjoy the Process is my byline and if you are not then it is time to regroup and figure out why so you can begin!!! So glad to hear that you both are doing so!! You know I will always be here for your return. I am connected!!! xo Kathysue
Posted by: kathysue | July 27, 2011 at 08:33 PM
Enjoy the rest of your Summer:)
Posted by: Carrie Waller | July 27, 2011 at 08:19 PM
I am so happy to hear that you've been welcomed into your new community with open arms! Now, I just need to come up there and take in the serenity with you!!!
xoxo Elizabeth
Posted by: pretty pink tulips | July 27, 2011 at 08:06 PM
Good for you.....enjoy!!!!!
Posted by: Andrea at Big Creek Cottage | July 27, 2011 at 08:04 PM
Eddie,
Thank you! For sharing the very wise words from the CEO of Google.
I am going to be taking take your advise and Mr.Schmidt's advise and LIVE!!!
Posted by: Maureen Sullivan Stemberg, Interiors | July 27, 2011 at 07:55 PM
Beautifully said.hugs ~lynne~
Posted by: lynne@lynnesgiftsfromtheheart | July 27, 2011 at 07:53 PM
Oh ...to unplug and enjoy the peace and quiet..good for you!
Posted by: diane | July 27, 2011 at 07:07 PM
How wise! I hope you and Jaithan are enjoying the season. Love to you both. xoxo, Patti
Posted by: Patti Davis | July 27, 2011 at 07:05 PM
Dear Eddie and Jaithan,
My husband always sends me messages and todays message
"The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once, your life is for living and you need time for living"
Big hug,
Renee
Posted by: Under Spanish Moss | July 27, 2011 at 04:35 PM
I will be here when you get back to this blogging world
I think I will take a break in October
enjoy
Posted by: Curtains in my Tree | July 27, 2011 at 04:32 PM
Summer is flying by and busier than the rest of the year. It's hard to find time for a break ... and I haven't even hit the beach yet!
Posted by: Pat Smith | July 27, 2011 at 03:49 PM
What a beautiful post! Summer always makes me feel so much more refreshed, alive, and human--your words captured the feeling perfectly.
Posted by: Amy | July 27, 2011 at 03:23 PM
Wonderful advice!
Posted by: French Basketeer | July 27, 2011 at 02:51 PM
Good for you - it's a beautiful summer so it should be enjoyed!
Posted by: patti | July 27, 2011 at 01:31 PM
So very spot on! I think many bloggers forget to stop and LIVE life instead of just writing about it. Enjoy this wonderful time of the year to the fullest! What I wouldn't give to be one of those lucky neighbors. :)
Posted by: Shelly | July 27, 2011 at 12:09 PM
Good for you guys for taking a bit of a break. There is so much to be said for making real-life connections and living life to the fullest. Enjoy every second of it! xo
Posted by: Marianne {Style For Living} | July 27, 2011 at 11:01 AM
This is so true in today's very fast moving, stay connected culture. Sometimes we forget what life is like without laptops and now smartphones. We all need to stop sometimes and smell the roses.
Posted by: Yvonne | July 27, 2011 at 10:45 AM
Indeed. Living is our best revenge.
Enjoy the Summer breaks in your garden and on the road.
Off to Chicago -
pve
Posted by: pve | July 27, 2011 at 08:00 AM
good for the both of you to take some time to be in "the real world" and make new connections with your new neighbors and all... and best wishes with your garden and the new things you are discovering...
yes, your virtual friends do understand..and we're a little envious that you have stepped away from your computer..some of us are still waiting to unplug ourselves... :)
maureen
Posted by: eclectic revisited | July 27, 2011 at 07:49 AM
Enjoy every minute of your break. Summer is flying by and if we don't all enjoy it while it's here, the next thing we know it will be gone.
Posted by: Paula | July 27, 2011 at 07:11 AM
So glad to know all is well. Saw Debra from Scentimental Gardens recently and we talked of you -- good things, of course! Enjoy your and Jaithan's new life in your new home and get back to us when you can.
Posted by: Sharon in chicago | July 27, 2011 at 01:22 AM
Beautiful post! As usual!
Regards
Jamie Herzlinger
Posted by: Jamie Herzlinger | July 27, 2011 at 12:28 AM
Such a refreshing post! Please enjoy your new home and your summer...
fondly,
joan
Posted by: for the love of a house | July 26, 2011 at 11:09 PM
I do whole heartedly understand! I hope you both get a lot of living in and when you return I look forward to seeing what you have been up to!
Posted by: katiedid | July 26, 2011 at 09:59 PM
Oh so poignant Eddie and Jaithan! I hope you are enjoying your time this summer!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Posted by: Karena | July 26, 2011 at 09:47 PM
Very wise to unplug and live! I have been doing the same thing this summer and it has been wonderful. Enjoy your summer. You two fellas are the best!
Posted by: hamptontoes | July 26, 2011 at 09:14 PM
oh yes, do breathe ...
Posted by: savvycityfarmer | July 26, 2011 at 09:14 PM