14 December 2010
by 
37 CommentsHey, y’all! I know it’s been a super-duper long time since I posted and I’m sure many of you thought I fell off the face of the planet, never to be seen again. I apologize from the deepest depths of my heart and soul for putting y’all through that. As a blogger, I should have updated to let you know that I’ve been okay. So, please, forgive me?
It would mean a lot.
All sorts of craziness has gone on – from a cranky old laptop, to life events beyond my control. I thought of giving up. I thought of never writing or blogging again. But writing and blogging is such a part of my heart, my soul. I sometimes need extended breaks from it. But I could never, ever give it up completely. I’d wither away and die like a flower with no rain.
Am I forgiven? Do you still love me?
Thank you, kindly.
Now, on to the good stuff… 
Check out this cool, vintage Mission Bay bike I’m the proud owner of. Awesome ride, eh? More about how it came about at the end of the post (but don’t scroll down and spoil my surprise! Read through like the troopers I know y’all are, okay?)
Anyway, most of you know I love all things pink. I’m a girly girl pretty much all the way – and you know I have an old soul. I love vintage things – including my bike!
So, where have I been? I think for the most part, I needed a good, long break from blogging. There for a while, I agreed to way too many reviews and giveaways and although I wholeheartedly love doing those posts, they are very time-consuming for me as I put all of my heart and soul into them and don’t just throw up a casual “so-and-so company sent me this or that for review and I liked it or didn’t” – I go in to great detail and after a while, even though I thrive on it, it wears a girl thin, ya know?
Plus, as you all know, life happens. Things pull us away from doing what we love. And as writers, we many times put our passion for the written word on the back burner as we run here and there tending to the things life throws our way.
That’s where I’ve been. Tending. Mending. Reinventing. Rejuvenating. Recharging. Evolving. Thinking. Healing…
So… how’d the bike come about? My husband (!!) spruced it up for me. See the before picture, folks. It’s come a looooooooooong way. I’d been wanting to ride bikes forever so it’s such a blessing to have a husband who enjoys doing just that!
Yes, you read right. It took many, many years of healing from the pains of domestic violence and although there will always be bad memories, occasional nightmares, and scars, I was finally able to open my mind, heart, and soul to love again. I was scared but I made the right decision. I know – without a doubt! – that he is my soul mate.
I always wondered what people meant when they said “you’ll know when you meet Mr. Right” – now I KNOW. I do. He’s everything I ever dreamed of and hoped for!
It’s amazing how deeply he’s touched my life. And it’s amazing what he did to that vintage bike…
Before
After
And what about you? How have you been? Any plans for the New Year? News you’d like to share with me? Healthy milestones you’re bursting with? Please talk to me – I’ve MISSED you all!!!!
Also, I AM going to be posting reviews and giveaways. I just don’t plan on making them my main focus – at least for a while.
I was literally JUST thinking about you! Congrats on finding such a wonderful man- love is terrifying but when it’s right, it’s so good, and you definitely deserve it.
Ilana´s last [type] ..Hey y’all!
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Raw Juice Girl Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 5:18 pm
Wow. That’s pretty awesome!
Thanks, girl. I feel so very blessed. And it’s super nice to be back. Big hugs to you!!!
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Love the bike!!!!!!!! I saw one in Wal-Mart that was just the “old fashion” kind with a basket on the front! It was almond and sage green!!!!!!!! I have asked Santa! I have been so good……. I will sit up all night and watch to see if it shows up……..
Enjoy your ride……
Merry Christmas
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Raw Juice Girl Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
Thanks, Denise! Oh, I hope Santa brings you that bike!! Fingers crossed and sayin’ prayers for ya!!!!
I am enjoying the ride, thanks. LOVE it!
Merry Christmas to you, too!
Hugs,
Michele
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I have been thinking of you and hoping you were ok. Glad you know you were MORE than ok and taking care of yourself and finding love again. That is great news.
I totally understand what you mean about giveaways, they are a lot of work and it’s nice to take a break from them.
Welcome back!
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Raw Juice Girl Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Thank you, Bitt! Y’all are so kind with your words and it’s such an honor that you all were concerned. I’m sorry for worrying you!! Yes, it is great news and it took a while, but I finally decided to share it with y’all.
Yep, the giveaways are a lot of work.
It’s great to be back! Yay!
Hugs,
Michele
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Holy guacamole! Knock me over with a feather!
Oh Michele, I am SO happy for you. Many Blessings on your new life together. Enjoy the ride.
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Raw Juice Girl Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
LOL!
LOVE your enthusiasm, Earth Mother. *giggles*
Thanks so much!!!
Hugs,
Michele
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It’s so good to see you again, Michele! I’ve often thought of you and wondered how you were getting along. I’m glad you’re healing and very glad you’ve returned to blogging.
Rebecca Laffar-Smith´s last [type] ..More Word Count- On Adverbs And Words Ending In “ly”
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Raw Juice Girl Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
Thanks so much, Rebecca! It’s AWESOME to be back and I’ve often thought of you, too. I’m tickled pink to be back to blogging. Still don’t have a new computer but hopefully, Santa will be good to me.
Hugs,
Michele
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OMG! First of all, HUGE CONGRATS to you on EVERYTHING! The husband, coming back to blogging, the bike, healing!
Second, I am so happy you’re back and I know exactly how you feel about having left your blog for a long time…
It’s funny how one day can turn into months–but you gotta have time to yourself to take care of life, ya know.
Welcome back! We love you!
Megan Anne´s last [type] ..See What had Happened was The Apology
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Raw Juice Girl Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Thank you, Megan Anne!! Your kind words are SO appreciated, girl!
Yes, a day can turn into months but you’re right… we have to take care of life and ourselves.
It’s good to be back – love you, too!
Hugs,
Michele
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Yay Michelle so good to hear from you. Congrats on the hubby and your bike is kick ass girl power. Many blessings to you!
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Michelle Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Oops…Michele with one l. I’m a double so it’s out of habit. I know how us Michelle’s are with the correct spelling of our name. :p
Michelle´s last [type] ..Quantum Herbal Products – Liver Gallbladder Formula
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Raw Juice Girl Reply:
December 15th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
No worries. Happens all the time… I still love ya!
Hugs,
Michele
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Raw Juice Girl Reply:
December 15th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
Thanks, Michelle – for the compliments and the blessings!
Hugs,
Michele
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Hi Michele,
It is so GREAT to have you around again.
You have crossed my mind many times.
I’m happy to see you well and happy.
Love Stephanie
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Raw Juice Girl Reply:
December 15th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Hey, Stephanie!
It is so GREAT to be around again. I have SO missed blogging and interacting with my fantabulous readers! Breaks are great – but being here is even better! Love you too, lovely lady!
Hugs,
Michele
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Husband?? CONGRATS!!!
xoxo
Ashlei´s last [type] ..No regrets
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Raw Juice Girl Reply:
December 15th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Yep. Thanks, girl!
Hugs,
Michele
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Congratulations on getting married. You look so– happy. I wish the best for you both.
Cool bike! : )
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Raw Juice Girl Reply:
December 15th, 2010 at 10:36 pm
Thank you bunches, Michelle!
Hugs,
Michele
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Yay! So glad you’re back! I had been wondering for quite some time where you were. Glad things are better than okay for you – CONGRATS on your nuptials! So happy for you and that your hubby is all you ever dreamed of and more. Cool bike! Major bonus.
And hey, I hear ya on the blogging issue. It’s hard! But so fun. I wish I always had the time.
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Raw Juice Girl Reply:
December 16th, 2010 at 10:41 am
Thanks, girl! Yes, blogging time seems to be an issue but it’s such a passion, too! The bike is a major bonus, but the husband is the main prize.
Hugs,
Michele
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Michele! This has to be one of the happiest, best posts ever. I’m so thrilled for you, and I wish you nothing but the healthiest and most fulfilling marriage.
Have missed you!
xoxo,
Janna
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Raw Juice Girl Reply:
December 18th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Aaaaaaaaawwww! Thank you, Janna! I’ve missed you, too, girl!!! *hugs*
Your sweet words and well wishes mean SO much to me!!!
Big hugs,
Michele
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YOU GOT MARRIED?????
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
I am so so so happy for you M!
and your bike is so adorable!
so glad (1) you back
and (2) you are doing well and are happy!!!!
missed ya!
CONGRATS
xoxoxo
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Raw Juice Girl Reply:
December 19th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Yep! Thanks, Cindy!
I’m SO glad to be back and so honored everyone is welcoming me back with open arms. I really missed y’all!!!!!!!!
Hugs,
Michele
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I am so happy for you! I can tell you are happy because you are glowing, it’s so great to hear that your husband is the man of your dreams. Also your bike is adorable. So glad you are back to blogging and back on Twitter because I’ve missed you.
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Raw Juice Girl Reply:
December 21st, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Hey, Neven!
Thank you!
It’s nice to know people can see how much I love my husband and just how happy he makes me! ?
I’m so glad to be back blogging, too – I’ve missed y’all as well! Lots!!!
Hugs,
Michele
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Oh sweet darling..I’ve misssseed you sooooooo much! I literally thought about you everyday. I missed our little conversations and your beautiful spirit around the blogosphere. So so happy that youre back all recharged and ready to rock the world
And happier that you are now in wedded bliss. I tell you husbands can be such darlings….today to me I dont remember life with him and cant imagine life without him either. Lots of love to you and your hubby…and I love love love the pink bike. I love all things pink too! I might be minimalist..but still love all things pink 
So lovely to see you back …
HUgs and kisses,
Z~
Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last [type] ..You are loved…Constantly
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