When the bottom falls out of your life and you’re faced with something terrifying and unknown, you can do two things: drown yourself in ice cream or wear a new dress.

Dress, Sandra Darren via Von Maur (Thanks, Mom!)
Shoes, Target
I’m not saying the ice cream isn’t happening (for me, it’s frosting out of a can. Hey, I never said it was a good idea). But if there’s such a thing as needing to wear a new dress, this is it.
My boyfriend of almost nine years moved out this week. My life has become unrecognizable. Everything I thought was a given is gone, and I am facing a life alone now.
Ok, that’s overly dramatic and not entirely true. I have wonderful friends and family. But when pretty much the only serious relationship of your life ends, you find yourself wandering.
I almost decided not to post this at all. But I have promised to be honest with you, my most appreciated readers. And to pretend that I’m happy and peppy and all into my outfits would be a lie. The last thing I want is to lie to you, because you all have brought more joy and fun to my life than I can say.
I make a goal to post at least four times a week, and I hope you’ll understand that I’ve taken that pressure off myself for the time being. If I feel up to it, I may post my outfits, but right now I just need a moment, and then I’ll be back. Promise.
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xoxo BBF. And many hugs too. Now hand over a spoon and share that frosting!!
Ok ok! (It really is a genius snack, btw.)
lots of love to you, Catherine. it’s a big transition, and a painful one, i know. but i hope in the journey you will find all sorts of beautiful futures you never imagined.
That’s my hope too Bon.
Love right back to you!
I am so sorry that you are going through this! Just know that the pain and confusion won’t last forever. We are all here for you in blogging land! You look beautiful in your new dress, btw!
Mandy, you have no idea what that means to me to hear. Thank you.
You look beautiful!! I just got a tattoo that means she flies with her own wings and I think YOU fly with our own wings, now is your time to SOAR xoxo
Thank you Amber!!! That sounds like the perfect plan.
You have just proven with that post what a strong and beautiful woman you are….. we have already seen that on the outside and despite this you are still shining. Life hands you things where you just need time. I have no doubt you will find your way….. In the meantime know that your online folks want the best for you.
Wow Dana, thank you so much! You are so kind to say that. It means so much to me to hear.
I am so sorry Catherine! Sending interweb hugs your way.
Thank you! Hugs back to you!
This dress is lovely, and you look lovely in it. I love that your mom bought you the dress- oddly enough, I still think of your mom on a regular basis. She’s one of my all-time favorite teachers. Please tell her I say so
Also, so sorry about the terrible life shock that you’ve been going through. I have a few friends going through similar situations as well, and please know that my heart hurts for you. Take the time (and frosting!) you need to get though this tough time.
She saw that comment and says thank you!
And thank you so much – I just bought a can yesterday and broke that baby in last night. Feeling better and better!
I love the dress, and I also love frosting out of a can. I’m so sorry about your unexpected life change. You are a strong woman for being so open about your situation- I know these kinds of things are never easy to talk about. Take all the time you need…we’ll all still be here to read whenever you’re ready!
I am definitely one that talks it out, so posting this has been very theraputic. Plus I know I’m not the only one to go through this. It’s so wonderful to hear everyone’s support!
ALWAYS SO PROUD OF YOU..AND EVEN MORE SO RIGHT NOW!!!
LOVE YOUR STRENGTH AND WILL TO KEEP GOING…THIS TOO SHALL PASS….YOU ARE ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMEN I KNOW…
AND HECK..THAT DRESS LOOKS SUPER ON YOU!!
FAKE IT UNTIL YOU MAKE IT!!!
<3
Oh my gosh, I am so sorry! This is such a major change in your life and it’s going to take time to get through this. You definitely deserved a new dress. Hang in there, girl! Sending you hugs!
-Sharon
Thank you so much Sharon – hugs back to you too!
Oh dear! I’m so sorry! If it happened, it’s probably for the best! You’ll get through it and be stronger for it…and maybe even have a better wardrobe…
Hang in there and eat all the icing you want for awhile!
I am already working on the wardrobe…oops! Fashion therapy is alive and well, let me tell you.
So sorry to hear about this, Catherine…but so proud of you for posting about it (and managing to look super fab in that dress to boot!). Just remember that you are strong and beautiful and that you had a life that was full and happy prior to the past 9 years. I’m sure it’s hard to remember right now, but it will come back to you, I PROMISE. Hugs across the Internet, hun! Hang in there!
http://www.butshoppingmakesmehappy.blogspot.com
Hugs back to you!
I “so” agree with everyone else’s comments. You look great in your dress..and you are strong to post today. Way to go girl. Hang in there and be tough. You will come out on the other side a stronger, better person for this. (Make him see what he’s missing.) BTW….can frosting has great medicinal value…;)))
Thank you so much, Pam. I have learned how kind people can be at at a time like this from words like yours – please know how much they mean to me!
You go girl for posting today! Love the dress your mom has good taste
She does, doesn’t she?
So sorry, Cath. Like I said, if you need anything let me know– I’m only an hour or so drive away. It’s a really cute dress and you should be proud of yourself for writing such a serious and honest post. People like to read the truth about others because it makes them real. Let me know if you need a stand-in photog. You prepare a few weeks of outfits, and I’ll drive down and shoot you.
Thank you for the kind words – and the feedback! I would love to do a DIY craft post with you sometime!
I’m so sorry to hear about your difficult life moment…there is a lot of heartbreak and loss to deal with I’m sure…but I know you’ll come out on the other side and find ways to heal. SPend time with family and friends, find joyful moments, and treat yourself to something special now and then. I’ll be thinking of you and wishing you the best.
<3 Cambria
jupefashion.blogspot.com
Thank you so much, Cambria. I have the best friends (and readers – who I honestly consider my friends). Your kind words are much appreciated!
I’m sorry that you have to go through this. We’ll be waiting for you, and pulling for you. I love to try to look at the bright side of things, but sometimes, things just blow! I bet you come out on the other side of this much better than you think. Good luck
Thanks so much Susan – I’m doing much better, and new dresses definitely help!