This is a question that’s been on my mind for the last couple of months now. I was pulled away from this site in 2007 due to a lot of different factors, including the loss of people very close to me. I didn’t mean to make such an abrupt departure, and hope that 2008 brings me a bit more positivity and light, as it well should.

Luxury, for me, is the ability to follow my passion — having a solid work - life balance is part of that. I like being able to just sit down and talk with you all, share what I think is popular in fashion, what ought to be popular, and otherwise just have a conversation. The Internet is the ultimate manifestation of the dream of so many — to be able to make change regardless of class, race, age, gender, orientation, or background.

I get to talk about bracelets and dresses, earrings and belts, with the best of them — and get linked to, and read — even as I was away, I saw links and eyeballs all over this blog. I’m very thankful for that.

My resolution for 2008 is to reach out and just write for pleasure — as a commercial writer, I tend to search for the next project — only to come back here and find that writing for all of you is a thousand times more satisfying than whatever assignment may find itself on my desk demanding my attention.

So, for the fashion side of it: I’ve discovered that I’m still obsessed with the kimono style of shirt, and more recently, the dress. And apparently, looking at more of the plus size resources out there, I’m noticing that the plus size fashion industry agrees with my obsession.

I also finally took the plunge and got acrylic nails, which cured my nail biting …until I discovered the tip of a few nails turning um…interesting colors. So they came off, but I’m seriously thinking about putting them back on. Why not? I love the feeling of them, and I love the colors. So…I’ll think about it, and if I take the plunge, I’ll be sure to take pictures.

Once again, thank you. I don’t expect everyone to forgive me for my absence, but that’s done with now. I hope you’ll tune in, and of course, there is an RSS feed so that you’ll never miss a moment of DeluxeGrrl!