THE CITIZEN INDEX

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Monday, December 3, 2012

December- Come Home


'Tis the season, yeah? 

 I'm rounding up my year in my head- and let me tell you there's so many good things inside it. 
A year ago this month, I was living in Sacramento, making arrangements for my dude to come visit, to spend the Holidays with me. Today, I woke up in a home that we share- after spending a delicious weekend together, just hanging. The long distance phone calls, the pining away days are now over, and we are here, building our nest together. That is, as Martha Stewart puts it: a good thing. 
Seasons Greetings from the Citizen sponsor: Karina Dresses. Use coupon code ROSC30 for $30 off your purchase.

Don't call it a come back, or a happy ever after- the story is still unfolding. And at the gone-to-seed age of never-you-mind-forty-plus-something, I'm just getting started. For the first time in my life, I feel like I've come home. 




Peek-a-boo: Bella tries to blend into the header landscape at the Citizen Rosebud



And voila! The now headless new blog header. Blooming gladly.
This blog has come home, too. I'm now crystal clear on what I want from it, and for it. You may notice that the header has been changed, and my image is now out of the picture. That is deliberate. You see, although the Citizen Rosebud is stamped with my hopes, dreams, values and character, it never was intended to be about "me." What started as a way to fund a co-operative art collective (yet to come to fruition, by the way) became the seedbed of this blog. And the blog became an avenue to explore subject matter, and experience culture in a whole different way than I've ever done. As a somewhat introverted person, blogging forced me to put myself out there- meet with strangers, go to events solo, and actually speak in front of groups of people- which I never thought I would enjoy doing. Spoiler alert: I like talking at ya! I enjoy coming up with a style story, and crafting a post. I enjoy connecting with like minded people, and I really enjoy the community that has come from all of it. You my friends, are that community. You, my friends, are Rosebuds.

So gather, while ye may. 

 This month, we'll be celebrating home and community. 
All in the key of PLAID. 

Oh, and happy Holidays.    -Bella Q

45 comments:

  1. That's Not My AgeDecember 3, 2012 at 10:43 AM

    This is excellent news! Me & Mr TNMA didn't get together until just after my 40th birthday - and that's still a good thing. Loving today's scarf arrangement!

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  2. VixDecember 3, 2012 at 10:49 AM

    Babe, I'm delighted for you.
    Here's to an even more fabulous New Year. xxx

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  3. Sara KristiinaDecember 3, 2012 at 10:53 AM

    I am so happy for you <3 !!

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  4. Señora AllnutDecember 3, 2012 at 11:04 AM

    wooouuhh, blooming madly, my dear lady, and love your new blogheader in all its glorious wisdom!
    and so glad you're feeling at home and enjoying it!, and celebrating home and community!, and tartan!
    I'm always glad when tartan is around!
    besos & flores

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  5. UnknownDecember 3, 2012 at 11:20 AM

    Life is good ! Me and Lover Boy got together when we were 43 ..
    So happy for you !

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  6. Please may I?December 3, 2012 at 11:26 AM

    How lovely that you are both together and blooming! So pleased for such a lovely person.

    X x

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  7. KristyDecember 3, 2012 at 11:30 AM

    So happy for you! I feel the same way. Just got married to my soul mate in October and a new start. I'm in my forties and he's in his early fifties. It's great to be home!

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  8. Anne M BrayDecember 3, 2012 at 11:34 AM

    You sing the key of Plaid so wonderfully! Bloom on!

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  9. Anupriya DGDecember 3, 2012 at 11:35 AM

    I'm glad that you are 'blooming gladly' now, my dear Bella! Here's looking forward to the new petals of this blog as it unfurls in all its glory!

    You & Plaid go hand in hand all the time!! :)

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  10. Pam @ over50feeling40December 3, 2012 at 11:36 AM

    I smiled the whole way through this post...you are exuding such joy about being in a really good place right now, Bella. I am really happy for you. So excited to see where you take the blog and I love the key of plaid...sing away!

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  11. Gracey the GiantDecember 3, 2012 at 12:13 PM

    Wonderful post. I loved reading this and can't wait to read more in the New Year.

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  12. AnonymousDecember 3, 2012 at 12:29 PM

    May the coming year be even BETTER than this one!!

    I can't wait to see where your blog is taking you...and all of us your readers!!

    I married my soulmate at age 45!!! And got me a boy toy in the process!! (he's 7 years younger!!)

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  13. lasophiaDecember 3, 2012 at 12:41 PM

    I AM a rosebud! What a great analogy. Beautiful Bella. Keep doing your thing. Xoxoxo.

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  14. AnonymousDecember 3, 2012 at 1:19 PM

    Wonderful! We love blooming right along with you.
    x Laura

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  15. Adrienne ShubinDecember 3, 2012 at 1:30 PM

    I am proud to call myself a "Rosebud" and am thrilled you are in such a good place right now both in your personal life and with your wonderful blog.
    xo, A

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  16. HelgaDecember 3, 2012 at 2:51 PM

    It's a bloody BRIALLNT thing, the two of you coming together at last and making a new life! I'm so thrilled for you!
    And, I'm wearing my Karina frock today,and have been thinking lovingly of ALL DAY!
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Rock ON!

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  17. UnknownDecember 3, 2012 at 2:54 PM

    So glad things are working out so well for you, Bella! Sarah xxx

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  18. CurtiseDecember 3, 2012 at 3:29 PM

    Good for you, Bella, you sound very happy and positive about the future. It's going to be another good year to come! xxxx

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  19. Tamera BeardsleyDecember 3, 2012 at 4:56 PM

    My dear I love what you have done with the place...it all looks great! i love you and your head wrap ... so, so Bella!

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  20. NatashaDecember 3, 2012 at 5:55 PM

    Congratulations my dear. I still haven't experienced that in my life as yet. This is why I've been spending so much time loving my own damn self and I am finding that this is making a huge difference, as in it's sharpened my bullshit detector and lowered my tolerance level.

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  21. SheilaDecember 3, 2012 at 6:19 PM

    That's such a sweet story for you and your love this year. All the best to you for the year ahead, Bella!

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  22. KristaDecember 3, 2012 at 6:27 PM

    Elegant as ever Bella! I'm glad to be a rosé bud or maybe just a bud;). I'm happy you are in a place with the blog that you like. In a lot of ways you are a leader in this community!
    Xoxoxo
    Krista

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  23. AnonymousDecember 3, 2012 at 6:32 PM

    Love you, Bella! Thanks for taking me into the fold! I wish much love and happiness for you. The most beautiful accessory is the twinkle of love in your eyes. I've had mine for 22 years and counting. Here's hooking you have it for at least that long ;-)

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  24. AnonymousDecember 3, 2012 at 6:34 PM

    Hoping, not hooking lol autocorrect fail!

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  25. BerylDecember 3, 2012 at 6:37 PM

    I like how you celebrated plaid by wearing 3 of them in that picture. Very cute!

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  26. Penny-RoseDecember 3, 2012 at 7:27 PM

    Really happy for you Bella. I love your blog and I think you are a real inspiration and leader.

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  27. Bohemian ChickDecember 3, 2012 at 11:09 PM

    What a great post. I almost didn't read it because I haven't had a great year. I'm well into my 40's and have met plenty of wrong men but not "the man". I also lost my sweet kitty in October after 18 years. She was one of the very few constants in my life and I can't imagine Christmas without her.
    But your post gave me hope, so thank you!
    Donna
    www.prettysparklythings.blogspot.com

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  28. UnknownDecember 4, 2012 at 2:29 AM

    That is good news. I am so happy for you.

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  29. paoDecember 4, 2012 at 2:58 AM

    Happy unfolding Bella. Like your new and improved, refined and refashioned blog header too. I met my true love in my 40's and now we just turned 60! Everything improves with age.

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  30. Miss Simmonds SaysDecember 4, 2012 at 4:57 AM

    you're such a darling, blogging really does change your life. xxx

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  31. mispapelicosDecember 4, 2012 at 5:59 AM

    We start walking, and never know where the path will lead us. I would never thought I would find the right platfor for my passion for fashion either, and here we are.
    Leave an open mind, and be glad of what everyday brings.
    I am so proud of you, my dear Bella.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  32. PattiDecember 4, 2012 at 6:40 AM

    Keep blooming madly, gorgeous Bella! I met my husband when I was 37, and got married when I was 46 - and it's the best, best ever.

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  33. AnonymousDecember 4, 2012 at 8:53 AM

    You look wonderful darling Bella and it's true that happiness gives us extra beauty, I'm so glad things are working better for you!
    xxxx

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  34. superheidiDecember 4, 2012 at 11:24 AM

    *just smiles*

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  35. UnknownDecember 4, 2012 at 12:59 PM

    Well, then it looks like I've picked the right time to follow you! Looking forward to new things to come!

    Monica
    http://www.pear-shaped-gal.com/

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  36. Lynn HastyDecember 4, 2012 at 1:37 PM

    Love hearing the happiness in your voice! And I so enjoy visiting your blog and reading about your ideas! Well done. xoxo Lynn

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  37. The Style CroneDecember 4, 2012 at 1:58 PM

    Your headwrap is magnificent! Your creativity is boundless and waiting to see where your blog takes you, now that you have 'come home.'

    I just read an insightful book by Susan Cain, 'Quiet: The Power of Introverts.' I too have this characteristic, so it was helpful to understand myself and others in my life through what this author had to say.

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  38. UnknownDecember 4, 2012 at 2:11 PM

    What a great time to make the change ... now that Mercury is out of Retrograde!
    Oh, yeah ... you are just a young whippersnapper. Really, life doesn't even really begin until 60. Seriously.

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  39. UnknownDecember 4, 2012 at 3:26 PM

    So excited for all your changes, Bella! I say age be damned, just live beautifully as you are doing. Looking forward to seeing what the new year brings for you and your blog!!! ~Sarah of Sarah Hulbert Style

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  40. Lyosha VarezhkinaDecember 5, 2012 at 5:48 AM

    awesome news! very happy for your changes your deserve it!

    Lyosha
    Inside and Outside Blog
    P.S. I'm hosting a glasses giveaway on my blog here check it out!

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  41. PJ SanderDecember 5, 2012 at 7:21 AM

    Love at any age is great. Enjoy! Thanks so much for putting yourself out there with your words. I'm so glad I found your blog!

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  42. FASHION TALESDecember 5, 2012 at 9:36 AM

    It's wonderful to be loved and in love. Glad to hear all is going marvellous for you! Madison :)

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  43. The Goodwill FangirlDecember 5, 2012 at 12:48 PM

    Yay! I'd hug you if I was there. I didn't meet the love o' my life, or maybe just the fellow that would put up with me, 'til I was 40.

    I liked your image. But I also love your blog, and see a glow coming back in the pics you do share. So I'll follow you on your journey, and ask stupid questions, like, "Is the whole month plaid?" because I always forget the single day events...

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  44. AnonymousDecember 5, 2012 at 5:23 PM

    What a lot of late bloomers! I met my husband (first and only) at 37 and married at 39. But I left Seattle when I got married. I still miss it - I love that city - but I got to live in England for 10 years until returning to my childhood stomping grounds in Oregon. Someone once told us, Love travels many oceans. It's so true. I hope your new life in Seattle is infinitely rewarding!

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  45. UnknownDecember 12, 2012 at 5:38 PM

    well, I really enjoyed reading this post. you are looking good and sound extremely happy. Good for both of you. Here is to your happiness always.

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You are rad. Thanks for your comment!