Hi everyone, it’s been a while since I’ve been on here.
Almost two months in fact. Whoops!
It’s also been the first time in years, or ever really, that I have gone such a long time without sharing a post on Plaid and Sugar.
While it was an unplanned blogging break, it was a welcomed respite, to be honest. While not much happened during these last couple of months, it was still nice to step back from blogging no matter how much I love it.
where I’ve been
In early February, universities opened up again and after almost two years of doing online coursework and I went back to in-person classes.
While having to commute again was an adjustment, I really enjoy being back in class surrounded by other people and not having to be in my room 24/7 for my last year of uni.
I’ve mentioned it before that online classes were not that great for me. After last winter semester, I began having issues when it came to concentration, focusing, and being in a study state of mind. Last fall was extremely difficult for me, therefore when universities said they were opening up again I was more than happy to go back in person.
Unfortunately in the process of re-adjusting to everything, I forgot about the blog and took an unplanned break.
Well, kinda.
Truthfully, since September my blog traffic has decreased substantially and no matter how much work I put into Plaid and Sugar, it just didn’t seem to improve. And after four years it seemed as if my blog had hit a standstill and, worse, retrogressing when it came to traffic which was heartwrenching.
And while I was planning on taking a break from blogging in the future, this just seemed like the time to step back focus on school, re-assess what I want to do and just focus on me. Maybe in the process refresh my mind and figure out what I want for the blog. Which for the most part, I did.
So now I’m back.
During my break I missed blogging and now with a new month, I’m glad to be back. With it new ideas for Plaid and Sugar, my life and more.
But in the meantime here are some of the things I did while on my relache.
what I did
Besides getting back on track with school and adjusting to commuting four days a week, I did not do much perse but I did visit a couple of new places in and around Montreal.
For one of my courses, my whole class went on a field trip to the Mary Queen of The World Cathedral in downtown Montreal. But besides looking at the architecture and being amazed at the sheer size of the cathedral (it’s huge!) we also met with the Archibishop of Montreal!
While the conversation with him was great and I enjoyed it (when else am I going to meet with one of the highest Catholic Church leaders in Canada?), my favorite part was the church itself.
The minor basilica has a height of over 250 feet (!!) at the main cupola and it is all painstakingly detailed and painted. The pictures cannot capture the vastness and awe-striking beauty of this church which is a reproduction of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
A couple of weeks later, for that same class, we made our way down to the next church visit: the Romanian Orthodox Church in Longueuil. There we had a lovely conversation with the Archbishop who is the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Canada!
My favorite part was looking at the iconostasis, which is a wall of icons that separate the church from the sanctuary. It is very ornate and each image (icon) has a reason for being there and is quite magnificent in person.
Those were some experiences I never thought I’d have since I’m neither Orthodox nor Catholic and I’m so glad I took that class. Getting to know different traditions, meeting with church leaders, and visiting beautiful churches has made my last winter semester very memorable.
In other news, I got curly bangs! For years I’ve been thinking about trying something different and although two years ago I got a fringe this time I went for a more dramatic style: bangs. It’s been a challenge since I can’t put my hair in a ponytail without needing a million bobby pins to keep my curls off my forehead, but I love it.
Back in early February, I began a sourdough starter and while no bread has been made with it I’ve mainly used it to make sweets. I especially became obsessed with these sourdough chocolate chips cookies and made them over half a dozen times. They are so soft, delicious and the perfect after-school snack.
But if you don’t have sourdough but want something sweet and delicious may I recommend these raspberry oat scones? Sweet, semi-healthy, and perfect with tea for the unexpected cold days we’ve been having this spring.
So those are some of the things I’ve been up to in the last while.
But before I end this post I want to thank everyone who has made my blogging journey possible and for always reading, commenting, and sharing my post. Thank you!
I’m sure you are thrilled to be back in person at school; I’m sure it was difficult taking online classes. That church is stunning! I have been to Montreal five times and I have never visited it, but I will next time!
Going back in person has been a life-saver as my grades were being affected by online instruction. I definitely recommend visiting the Mary Queen of The World Cathedral, it’s way more stunning and beautiful in person. Thanks for coming by, Lori!
Welcome back! It was very nice to read about your experiences and field trips. So many gorgeous pictures! I’m glad you’re happy about returning to uni and I’m sorry e-learning wasn’t that positive for you. I’m sure you will enjoy the next phase much more!
Thank you, Vanessa. E-learning was beneficial to many but for me, it just wasn’t a positive experience after the first semester. Since going back the difference has been astounding, now I can make my last year of uni more memorable!
Welcome back Loren! I love your curly bangs and your photos are beautiful! I’m glad you’re enjoying university again. I look forward to reading more of your posts in the weeks ahead.
Thank you, Jodie! The curly bangs have been a stressful experience (so much work keeping them looking good) but I love how it makes me feel like a new person!
Wow this looks amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this life update, I love these images- gorgeous x
Thank you, Eleanor!
Welcome back! It’s great to hear that you’re enjoying being back at uni – I really struggled with online learning too, it’s just not the same. Those field trips look amazing, Mary Queen of The World Cathedral looks so beautiful and I’d love to visit! Your bangs are super cool too. Thanks for sharing x
Sorry to hear that you had a difficult time with online learning also, it’s something I hope we never go through again. The Cathedral is one of those places that are a must to visit in Montreal. Thanks for coming by and glad you enjoyed the post!
Hi, Loren. It was great reading about your life and what you’ve been up. Blogging breaks are super important, planned or unplanned. It gives you time to focus on life and think about the future. Wow, that church looks amazing. Canada is one country I’ve always wanted to visit, maybe live for a while. I would like to visit these places when I do. Adjusting to online school is definitely an adjustment and can be boring at times. It’s nice to interact with classmates and have a change of scenery. Thanks for sharing this update. I hope your blog traffic picks back up. I too have been struggling with building my traffic and engagement. It can be disheartened at times. Best wishes to you. 😘
Welcome back! The Mary Queen Cathedral looks stunning! I am in awe of the interior and high ceilings. Thanks for sharing your update and these amazing photos!
You had a great time!Thanks for sharing.
I invite you to visit my last post. Have a good week!
I am a firm believer in the fact that we all need to take some time off at one point or another. It’s so important to avoid issues like burnout. I’m glad that you enjoyed your time away and welcome back! Looking forward to seeing what you share moving forward.
I know school has been stressful for you I’ve seen many tweets of you but I truly hope you can successfully graduate and hope you can make it — but otherwise you are very creative, beautiful pictures taken and yummy treat there. Don’t give up.. keep fighting for what you want!
Much love to you
X
Thank you Catarina, you’re too sweet! I’ll definitely be fighting for what I want even if I have to take breaks or if I have obstacles in my way.
I am pleased to hear that you are back on campus grounds, within your classes’S walls, your friends within touching distance and no computer screen between you and your tutor. And that it stays that way, concentration remains high until uni finishes.
Those curly bangs remind me of Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing.
I’m sorry to hear that the winter semester was difficult, but I’m glad that you have classes in person again.
The cathedral looks beautiful and the other church looks lovely too.
Also, I love your hair!