In two months, I am moving to Las Vegas. No Rebecca Smylie/Lisa Piorczynski here. I’m telling you up front. I got a new job—a one-year stint (something legal)—and come July, I’ll be leaving DC and moving west.
And before we start talking about if I’m excited, if I’m sad, if I’m going to return to DC afterward, let me also say this: because of my new job and the variety of our other life events, we, the women of the Apron Stage, have decided to give our two weeks’ notice. We will stop blogging on the Apron Stage at the end of May.
For true.
There are, it turns out, a lot of things I don’t know about this whole situation. For one: I don’t know where I’ll be living in Las Vegas. (I’m currently looking for a roommate or two. Know any late 20s/early 30s cool LDS women in Las Vegas wanting to share a house/apartment? Send ideas to theapronstage_at_gmaildotcom.)
Also: I’m going to Vegas to look for housing soon. I don’t know where I’m staying the night of Sunday, May 23. (Anyone want to host me? I’m trying to avoid staying at the Golden Nugget. Have a free couch? I’d be lovely guest.) (Note: Since the writing of this post, I have found a place to stay this weekend in Las Vegas. The AS came through. Thank you for your generous offers, team. Thank you!)
And: I don’t know if I’ll return to DC. I don’t know if I’m more excited or more sad. And I do not know what will happen with me and Manfriend. I don’t know any of these things.
But I do know this: I will miss the AS. I will miss Rebecca, Lisa, Louise, their men, the guest posters—past guesters and those who should have been. I will miss the Sunday evening powwows with the roommates, hashing out my next day’s post, eating Kim’s kettle corn, and losing to Steph at hearts.
And I will miss you. I will miss those of you who commented, those of you who lurked, and especially those of you who outed yourselves in conversations with me at parties, at church, at work. So often, it went like this: “How’re you, Sarah?” And then before I could answer, “I mean, I confess–I read the Apron Stage. I stage. I know everything about how you’re doing.” You have been so gracious with me, so generous. I have spent the last nineteen months feeling very much like a Z-list celebrity.
Good goo, there are a million things to miss.
As I write this post, I am listening to the Glenn Close reading of Sarah, Plain and Tall, an audio book my sister Anika and I listened to every night for years, as we fell asleep in the room we shared. Sarah is a lover of the sea, who moves from Maine to somewhere on the prairie, to be mother to two farm kids and, eventually, wife to their father. During the month she visits them—before she decides to marry the dad and stay—the children are worried Sarah will not like their fields and their farm, and will choose to return to Maine and the sea she loves. But Sarah assures them, “There is always something to miss, no matter where you are.”
There is always something to miss, no matter where you are. I’m not sure why, but that comforts me.
109 comments
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May 17, 2010 at 5:17 am
dalene
isn’t that taking “what happens in vegas stays in vegas” a little too literally?
oh i wish you well. i wish you all well. but this makes me very sad. the apron stage is one of my favorite blogs. i even kept it on google reader and kept reading even after i broke up with blogging (for the umpteenth time) and cleared reader of almost everyone i didn’t know personally.
you will be missed.
May 17, 2010 at 5:30 am
SASmylie
I understand life stops for no man not even a fabulous blog site like this one. BUT I looked forward to and thouroughly enjoyed reading the article posted by four talanted writers. I loved the intelligence of the subjects and the humour that was ever present. BUT I was looking forward to hearing about Vienna, Africa and the continuing journey of romances. So will you guys be blogging your exploits on other accessable sites? Thanks for the memories and best of luck with your lives. I know this is not the last we will hear from you wonderful people. xoxo
May 17, 2010 at 6:40 am
Anika-sister
NO!
I am sad about the ApronStage ending. It will feel like Caleb realizing that “Papa doesn’t sing anymore.” And Las Vegas is far away, I’ll miss being able to drive down to DC and eat salads with you.
I know every word on the first half of the Sarah Plain and Tall audio tape, but I rarely stayed awake till the end, and now I again want to know the details of how it all sorts out.
May 17, 2010 at 6:46 am
rvs
There is always something to be missed – it is comforting, in a way. And thank you for the notice. You will be missed, though I’ve never met you in person. (I had hopes that might happen this summer at some point while I was in D.C.. Which ward are you in?)
The Apron Stage has been a delight to read and ponder. Thank you. And best of luck in Vegas.
May 17, 2010 at 6:54 am
living in zion
First off, thank you for giving formal notice. I am one of those sticklers who believes in handwritten Thank You notes and official Two Weeks notice.
As for everything else, I am going to need some time. Even though you have been nothing but thoughtful, polite and charming in your Notice of Intent to Withdraw, I still feel as if all the air has been sucked out of the room.
I certainly understand the logical reasons for your change. I honestly don’t know how you all have managed this extra assignment for this long. I know I couldn’t do it, at all, in any universe of the galaxy. But knowing in my head doesn’t change what I feel in my heart.
I also loved Sarah, Plain and Tall. I liked Sarah because she was able to be practical about things. She didn’t throw herself on the floor and bewail her fate. Definitely someone to admire. Unfortunately, I don’t live with such grace. I am messy with my emotions.
The Stage has been such a boon and comfort to me. You have been entertainment and food for thought when I needed it most. I consider your efforts to be truly a gift from Heavenly Father and I am grateful you shared with us.
We’ll talk more later. I’m getting off the podium now so others can have a turn.
May 17, 2010 at 7:21 am
Julie Olson
Dear Apron Stagers, Turning the page and starting new chapters is what we all do—but there are too many buts, and an exclamation is all I can exhale (!) and a thank you all dear sisters (and daughter) for sharing your lives with us. Love you all, Momski (to one.)
May 17, 2010 at 7:40 am
Alanna
I, too, am very sad to hear that end of The Apron Stage is coming. I have loved getting up and reading it every morning while my children eat their cereal. It’s been an absolute delight, and my only regret is that I came so late to the Stage!
As far as Las Vegas goes, my uncle is the institute director at UNLV, so my guess is that he might know of some possible roommates for you. (I’d offer you his couch, too, but my Grandma just moved in with him and his family, and I think that’s making things pretty crowded there these days!) Email me if you want his contact info, though! (Does my email show up for you? I’m never sure about stuff like that!)
Thanks for all the insights you’ve offered over the months, Sarah!!!
May 17, 2010 at 7:50 am
angie f
Sarah,
I am Tiffany Turner’s sister and I live in Henderson. You can ask her, I am not strange. You are more than welcome to come and stay in my home when you come this weekend. We have a guest room (and five kids to keep you from sleeping in too late). There are a couple of really cool single women in our ward. Perhaps they could use a roommate or know of someone who could. You can ask them when you come. Please email me at fearsfamily@cox.net or call Tiff to confirm my sanity and get my phone number from her. Vegas is definitely a change from DC (having grown up in the metro area), but I have been here for nearly 10 years now and there are many lovely things here to enjoy (small town legal atmosphere where no one expects you to wear hose to court in the summer and the world is just much more casual than DC).
As for the no more Apron Stage, with all the changes in all your lives, I was wondering how you were all going to swing it, but it does still make me sad and I don’t even know any of you personally. Here’s hoping all the new adventures make life richer for all.
May 17, 2010 at 8:10 am
Miggy
So I guess this is really it huh? Was it me? Was it something I said? No, I guess not…these things just happen I suppose. Well I hope we can still be friends.
Good luck to all you ladies…I’m a little bummed I don’t get to be a fly on the wall of your respective lives anymore. I was really excited to continue hearing about all the adventures in Senegal, New York, Europe and DC/Vegas.
I guess I’ll get over it.
May 17, 2010 at 8:32 am
Kandie
Oh, what sorrow fills me. I am surprised at the love I feel for the four of you and for all of the wonderful commenters we have all come to love. What a hole this leaves in my heart. Not only were you all excellent writers, but your articles were also full of integrity and humor about life and its foibles. Thank you for sharing with us for so long. You will all be greatly missed.
Anyone compiling the letters in a volume? “Apron Stage Wisdom” for the title, maybe? If so, I want a copy.
Good luck to all of you. Love and blessings.
May 17, 2010 at 8:34 am
Kandie
Okay, someone who is more computer savvy than me. Isn’t there someway to keep the Apron Stage group together (all of the commenters and lurkers, etc) by posting a daily topic and then sharing thoughts about it? Something? Anyone with a better idea?
May 17, 2010 at 8:37 am
allysha
Hey, wait a second. I’m going to stage a sit-in. Except that isn’t very effective on the internet. Darn internet.
In any case, I will be sad. Something good is leaving the interwebs, and that really is a bummer.
Would it be obnoxious to say I was hoping for some sort of engagement story? Of course it would. But you’ll forgive me right? And I’ll forgive you for taking a bow and leaving the stage. It has to happen eventually, right?
May 17, 2010 at 8:38 am
Kellie
How sad for those of us who love to read your stories, thoughts and humor…but many MANY well wishes on each of your coming adventures.
May 17, 2010 at 8:57 am
nakiru
Yay for all of you, but this is rather tragic for those of us who enjoyed living vicariously through you all. And now we’ll miss hearing about the new babies and the weddings and the trips.This blog has been a highlight of my workday.
But enough of the pity party. Thanks for letting us all have a window into your lives, even if only temporarily.
(I have to admit, I had a sick feeling the minute I saw the title in the google feed.)
May 17, 2010 at 8:57 am
Kathy
I am incredibly sad, but I am excited for the new opportunities that await each of you! It sounds like you will have plenty to write about again one day! (Although, I am sure that each of you will keep writing in your own way!)
May 17, 2010 at 9:01 am
shelley
I better live it up and comment at least ten times a day these next two weeks.
May 17, 2010 at 9:06 am
Sara
Being understanding is for the birds. I think that ending the Apron Stage is a ridiculous idea, and I don’t support it at all. Think about it: If you kept going with this, you could eventually have a book deal or something and then you’d all be filthy rich someday. But mostly it’d be fun just to have a book published, and I’m sure all of you would like that.
I don’t like this at all.
May 17, 2010 at 9:07 am
Red
Thank you for beautifying this corner of the interwebs while you were here. Nice work and best wishes!
May 17, 2010 at 9:13 am
hpw
So sad! Best of luck to you though.
May 17, 2010 at 9:19 am
AnnaBeth
I am so sad that I am trying not to cry. I feel like my friend(s) are moving away….ok, that’s a little creepy, right?
As for Vegas – been there, done that, know great people who live there. Northwest Vegas was my scene (away from the strip). I’ll ask around & see if I can’t pay you back for all the good blogging times.
😦
May 17, 2010 at 9:19 am
lauren k
I think you can tell a lot about what kind of fantastic women you are by the people who read your blog (sans me because this comment is not meant to be self-serving).
Reading through every comment not one is what I would fear if I had to make an announcement like this and was so incredibly loved by so many. You ladies are surely gracious, mature, sweet, fun, and examples to so many, and have thus allowed us (your readers) to feel that way too, and respond in kind.
Thank you for this blog. Thank you for sharing your lives. I wish I had an inspiring literary quote here to give … all I can think of is Ecclesiastics 3 (which is the Bible … so I guess that counts), particularly vs. 4. What a time to mourn your leaving, but what a time to dance for ever having had the opportunity to share your in your lives at all. I look forward to our last two weeks together.
PS will the blog remain up so that I can refer back to posts I love and back read things I have not yet had a chance to read? Or will the whole thing be removed?
May 17, 2010 at 9:29 am
Melissa
You had a good run.
Good luck in Las Vegas, Sarah. I think you’ll do well there. I think you’d do well pretty much anywhere. I’m secretly pleased to have you a little closer to my little spot of the world.
May 17, 2010 at 9:51 am
Kage
I understand that life is pulling each of you in different directions, and keeping up with this site must be an increasingly difficult task; however, I agree with Sara. I do not like this as all. (I also agree about the opportunity for success, but, still, I do not like this.)
Okay, so even if you are not in this for success, this website has been an awesome place for women writers! Even though you are all LDS women, your experiences and perspectives have been enlightening, funny, tearjerking, and spiritual. You have shown that LDS women are not cookie cutter “Molly Mormons”. What a great thing to show! I will miss this website, but I do hope this is not the end of The Apron Stage. Maybe one day you will all come back.
Sadly, the sadness of your readers will have little affect on the Two Weeks Notice you have given (other than to ensure that you will leave this site knowing that you will be missed). Many of us are wives and mothers with full time jobs and demanding church callings. I know that I am not alone in wondering how you found the time to devote to this website. We understand the two weeks notice, even if we are a bit selfish about what we will miss.
I look forward to what the next two weeks will bring! I have no doubt that it will be the best two weeks of writing on The Apron Stage!
May 17, 2010 at 9:56 am
Tessa
I’m so sad! I feel like a friend has died. I need to wear black.
May 17, 2010 at 9:57 am
Stephanie
Sarah – remember when we stood in the Vegas airport almost a year ago and you exclaimed, “I never want to come back to this city.”? It makes me giggle.
Please don’t go away, you or The Apron Stage.
May 17, 2010 at 9:59 am
Katie M.
You guys don’t even know me but I will miss you so much! Good luck with everything. Absolutely everything. And thank you for everything.
May 17, 2010 at 10:22 am
Jill T.
Oh, I am so sad. It’s fun to have a little glimpse into someone else’s exciting life. You ladies are the best. I appreciate the humor that is abundant in so many posts; it helps me remember that life doesn’t have to be taken so seriously. It seems like I could go on forever enjoying your lives and experiences, and learning from you. I’ll enjoy you for two weeks more, and then wish you all the best of luck wherever you are!!!
May 17, 2010 at 10:26 am
CSIowa
Thank you to the women of the Apron Stage! This is my favorite blog. I will miss it! But the timing is good for me with changes happening in my own life. I will spend a hectic summer vacation with my husband and five children, visiting relatives on both sides of the family in four different states. There will be an inordinate amount of air travel, packing and unpacking. Then my husband will start a new job, my youngest child will go to kindergarten, and I will go back to school myself. I’ll miss the diversion of the Apron Stage, the wit and wisdom, but now I will have no valid excuse to enter the blogosphere and fritter away time instead of studying.
Best of luck to each of you!
May 17, 2010 at 10:36 am
Anonymous
First Light Refreshments Served, now your site, too? What is the world coming to? I’m glad that I still have fourperspectives.com to read (also to tide me over on the blogging scene).
I’ll miss lurking on your site every once and again. Good luck with days of future yet to be had.
May 17, 2010 at 10:41 am
gamma
Rats. Rats. Rats.
How did you end up being the designated bearer of bad news, Sarah? This totally stinks–you’re one of about two blogs I actually read every day. And where will I go to get guest-post writers block? Apronstage has been an indispensable part of my morning wake-up experience–a Starbucks equivalent to jolt my Mormon brain awake.
Kandie, I like the way you are thinking. Especially because this would give our beloved Apronstage hostesses a place to post life updates when the occasion arises. Vienna, Africa, Las Vegas, Manfriend, babies, other hitherto unsuspected adventures.
But back to Sarah, et al. Thanks for making the time in your very busy lives to share them with the rest of us. We will miss you. How does one throw a going-away party online?
May 17, 2010 at 10:50 am
Traci
I’m with you Kandie, I can’t let go. Not only will I miss the amazing writing every day, I’ll miss all the amazing people who read the amazing writing. I’ll host an Apron Stage Fan gathering in SLC, if anyone is interested. We could all dress up like an Apron Stager (I’m pregnant, so Rebecca it is!)
Seriously, heaven sent, this blog has been (when emotional I get like Yoda I talk). No words, for me, but it was just lovely – lovely, lovely, lovely.
May 17, 2010 at 10:51 am
kt
blah. With this news I’m cancelling Reija’s wedding and moving back into Melville. No more change.
May 17, 2010 at 10:57 am
Britt
I agree with Sara who said understanding is for the birds. This is very sad.
May 17, 2010 at 11:04 am
gamma
Traci/Levi/Levi’s-man-in-Mumbai,
Is this proposed party really in SLC, or Mumbai? Are you really pregnant, or is Levi imagining you’re pregnant? I may have to come to UT and go all fascist on you, insisting on seeing your papers. Or we could meet up in Arizona, where it’s legal. Or we could descend on Sarah in Las Vegas, and then cross the border to Arizona. 😉
We have too many inside jokes to shut down this blog. 😦
May 17, 2010 at 11:23 am
nel
I feel as though I am, honest-to-goodness, mourning the impending death of the Apron Stage. Sarah, Lisa, Rebecca, and Louise, you are wonderful women, the sort I hope to grow to be like. I have been so, so grateful for the daily dose of cheer, insight, laughter, wisdom, strength, faith, divinity, and joy each of you have shared. For me, the words you have written have been a blessing: a little bit of sunshine, warming and brightening these last several months as I have navigated the murky waters of completing a thesis.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
And though I wish you the best in all your endeavors, you will be missed.
May 17, 2010 at 11:24 am
Traci
So this is what I propose, SLC, pot luck, everyone cook something from the favorite recipe post, we’ll eat our feelings… mmm…abandonment, it tastes just like brownies.
May 17, 2010 at 11:24 am
Hillary
NO! I can’t believe the Apron Stage is over. I will definitely miss it.
May 17, 2010 at 11:34 am
Blue
Any suggestions for what I can read to start my day? I am dissapointed but resigned. Thank you for all the laughs and insight you have shared. I will miss you very much.
May 17, 2010 at 11:34 am
Jess
“There is always something to miss, no matter where you are.” Thank you SLO.
I’m hoping that by Saturday I’m over being mad at you for quitting (not likely but I’ll still smile). I’m also hoping that within two weeks you’ll all come to senses and say “April fools”…
May 17, 2010 at 11:36 am
Anne
Call me Supportive Sad. While I’ll miss you, I vote go out on top. Better to be like “Lost” than “Friends.” Thank you for sharing.
May 17, 2010 at 11:40 am
Erika
You’re breaking up with us? This is very sad news. I wish you all would continue to post when you can, without the self-imposed requirement of doing it once a week. I suppose that wasn’t what you intended AS to be though, and don’t want to use the “we can still be friends…” line.
Sarah, I hope this means you’ll be visiting CA more often. It’s a very quick flight from Vegas!
May 17, 2010 at 11:52 am
Linda
Hey I live in Vegas. Please let me know if you need anything. You can check out my blog for a background check! Email me.
May 17, 2010 at 11:54 am
Emily G
You’ve created the downest of Mondays for me. I love AS and will feel a great void when I can no longer look forward to reading every week day. Best of luck to you in the move!
May 17, 2010 at 11:56 am
Nancy
I echo pretty much everything that has been said. I actually cried reading this! And, yes – creepy as it is – it feels like losing friends! I have shared so much of what you all have written with my family and others: the funny, the inspirational, the moving. I had a fantastic experience observing Lent for the first time because of you. I would beg if I thought it would do any good. On the other hand, talking someone into doing something that they no longer feel they can do is never a good idea.
I wish you all the very best.
And I live in Salt Lake – it would be interesting to meet other Apron Stagers. Please send out details if there is to be a get-together 🙂
May 17, 2010 at 12:10 pm
karren
Dear Sarah,
you stink of the stinkiest cheese
and the moldiest produce
and really foul wet laundry.
the end.
Hate, Karren
May 17, 2010 at 12:11 pm
Reija
KT, you can’t cancel my wedding. No way. No how. Even if you don’t come, I will still get married on Saturday.
Apronstage, I will miss you. I was driving across the country with my life in a U-Haul trailer when I first heard the idea of the Apronstage being born and will be flying back the other way across the country to be married as the Apronstage folds. What a wonderful time to be alive.
May 17, 2010 at 12:26 pm
allysha
Okay, I HAVE AN IDEA!!!
I think you should leave up The Apron Stage and just turn it over to 4 other bloggers. That way if you want to guest post, you can. I think you should ask for volunteers and then choose a few writers from the Apron Stagers to follow in your footsteps.
There. Then at least the platform still exists for intelligent posts, even if they can’t be your posts.
May 17, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Bethany
I am always proud of people for doing what is best for them even when it is hard for themselves and others. So good job.
May 17, 2010 at 12:43 pm
mikelle
I’m one of the infrequent commenters, but the Apron Stage is the only blog I read religiously. (I know, I sound just like Greg Kinnear’s character on “You’ve Got Mail” when he tells the TV host, “Yours is the only show I do watch.” Sorry, I’m not coming on to you, I promise!) I was totally blindsided by your announcement, even with all the big stuff you ladies are up to. So, like everyone else, I will be sad to see the curtain come down. To echo others, many thanks for sharing so many pieces of your lives and hearts with us. It has been a true delight!
As for what happens when you finish, I’d like to make a vote for leaving the blog up anyway. I have linked to it lots of times from my own blog, send others links to your posts, and I bring it up when I’m visiting teaching or on the phone with my sister… you get the idea. Besides, what if I need a new salad idea? Or a new good book to read? Or a rocking new game to play? What if I decide to get vanity plates and need some ideas? Where will I go if not here? I don’t have time in the next two weeks to go through and cut and paste all the articles I *might* need to reference in the future!
Just out of curiosity, if you get a big enough standing ovation here, is there any chance of an encore? 😉
No really, I understand that sometimes you just need to move on.
Again, thanks for a wonderful run. Bravo!
May 17, 2010 at 12:46 pm
angie f
Sarah,
Is this one-year-legal job a clerkship? If so, for whom? (we know a few judges, DH having worked as a “career” clerk for a federal district court judge for 6+ years) Just legal geeky curiosity here.
May 17, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Karen
Wow. I’m sorry, and sad. But I understand.
Good luck to you all.
May 17, 2010 at 1:03 pm
moddy
Not what I was hoping to read this morning. And a little part of me is hoping this will end like alot of other people who try to stop blogging and then realize they just can’t do it so they come back…. Good luck with the move, my bro & his family lived in Vegas for like 11 yrs or something and loved.
May 17, 2010 at 1:10 pm
AnnaBeth
Condolences to Manfriend, too. Didn’t mean to be so selfish.
May 17, 2010 at 1:44 pm
jes
i’ve been awfully weepy this week, but, goodness this announcement made me bawl. i will miss you. all of you.
May 17, 2010 at 1:45 pm
healthgirltv
Serious bummer. I read you guys everyday and seriously have for about a year now. I am sure the weekly schedule can get relentless so I get it, but will you guys be writing anywhere else?–you’ll be missed. Best of luck in Las Vegas.
May 17, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Sharon
Sad. Sad and grateful. I don’t use this designation very often, but Apron Stage has truly been a godsend for me.
Thank you, really.
May 17, 2010 at 2:32 pm
nakiru
(Hahahaha Traci – I would dress up like Sarah running. I would wear my running shoes and carry a bag of lettuce.)
May 17, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Shandi
Sarah,
Congrats on this new adventure! I am truly excited for you! DC will miss you though. I will miss bumping into you at random!
Apron Stage, definitely the highlight of my work day. There will be a void in my daily readings!
May 17, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Shandi
So long farewell, auf weidersehen adieu
Adieu, adieu, to you and you and you
May 17, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Jason G
Boo. But good luck nonetheless.
May 17, 2010 at 3:00 pm
living in zion
I really, really like allysha’s idea. Especially because she was bold enough to capitalize it so it is a BIG IDEA.
What about Allysha’s idea of keeping it going, with a different group of bloggers, but keeping you founder’s around for quarterly life updates or instant updates, like babies born, books published, countries conquered, whatever?
I personally love it. It fulfills my two needs in life. The first is the continuation of the Apron Stage, the second is my desire to be mature about all this madness and try not to make ya’ll feel badly about taking care of yourselves. Although I do admit to laughing out loud at Karren’s “you stink of the stinkiest cheese…” . It was straight out of 3rd grade when my best friend had to move away and it broke my heart. I feel her pain.
So, should we take a vote, or what?
May 17, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Kathryn
I saved AS today for a pick-me-up after Corporations class and the receipt of a midterm. Bad move. Bad move. Even worse now. And now I understand KT’s g-chat status. I should pay more attention to these signs of impending doom.
I understand your need to progress and change. I just need a few days to feel sorry for myself before being fully supportive. Ask me again in a week. Until then: boo.
May 17, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Abby
I am so grieved by this news, but I understand you all have do what’s best for you. I started reading this site for Sarah, a person from a very-long-ago sliver of my life, but I feel like I came to know each one of you so intimately and I took such delight in your adventures and joys. It was such an amazing time of change for each of you, and I feel privileged to have witnessed those journeys. My best to all of you. You will always be held in my heart.
May 17, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Ellie
I echo all the sentiments that have been expressed thus far, both the selfish “I will miss reading you every day” and the magnanimous “you need to do what’s best for you” varieties. However, I do have one bone to pick. If there’s going to be an Apron Stage gathering wouldn’t it make sense to do it where some of the writers live? Like . . . hmm . . . Northern Virginia? It’s probably a moot point because I’m not sure I could really make myself walk into a gathering of people I only know online, but I’ll argue for it anyway, for the sake of everyone else that lives here. I like the idea of continuing with other writers so you all can comment and keep everyone posted on your lives. How weird is it that we want to know what happens to you even though we only know you through the internet? Thanks for blogging as long as you did. It has been a bright spot of my days.
May 17, 2010 at 3:44 pm
Nancy
I would think there could be as many gatherings in as many places as Apron Stagers want to gather 🙂 If it happens, it will be rather – interesting – to meet people in person for the first time.
May 17, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Renee
Wow.
Thanks for the great blog posts, everyone. I’ve really loved reading them.
Sarah, you’re welcome to stay at my place, but I live in Salt Lake, not Vegas. And I’d totally love to apply to be a roommate, but again… live in Salt Lake. :o)
Good luck with everything.
May 17, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Laura
Rude. That’s what I think.
But BEST of luck.
May 17, 2010 at 4:37 pm
Jane
Tragic! I’ll miss you.
I second the “new bloggers” comment. What about trying out some fresh voices, and perhaps rotating through?
May 17, 2010 at 4:46 pm
Emily M.
Oh no! I rarely comment, but I always read. Waaaah!
May 17, 2010 at 5:53 pm
Katy
I’m like Emily M. — rarely comment, but always read. You four (and guests) have been a wonderful part of every day, and I will miss you! Like the rest of the crew, I’m wanting to bargain, but fear it really is too much like a bad breakup scene with me trying to convince you that we really can make it work. And so I’ll just say thank you, good luck, and please pass the ice cream.
May 17, 2010 at 6:13 pm
nakiru
I’m in Wisconsin, if anyone else happens to live in the frozen wastelands of the north. And Katy, I agree, this is a lot like a bad break-up scene. I’m kind of at the bargaining stage. If we promise to not expect grammatically sound post, are willing to settle for bullet points and text messaging abbreviations, and never any responses to our comments, would you still
lovepost for us?But no. Be strong. Walk away tall and don’t beg.
Chocolate ice cream is good for you if you put fruit on it, right? (Or should I just put it on lettuce and call it a salad? Too soon?)
May 17, 2010 at 6:57 pm
Emily N
I am so sad to hear that you will no longer be posting. Isn’t there another way to keep it alive? Sad, sad. I have enjoyed reading this blog. Good luck! How about once a month?
Thank you!
May 17, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Emily N
I wasn’t too proud to beg..
May 17, 2010 at 7:01 pm
Sarah 6
SAD SAD SAD! Really? SAD.
May 17, 2010 at 7:42 pm
lisapiorczynski
Lovely, wonderful Readers:
We will miss you, too. It still hasn’t really sunk in–even for us–that it’ll be over in 2 weeks. 2 more posts. (No pressure following this one. Yikes.)
We’ll absolutely discuss the suggestions given and keep you posted on our plans. Thank you for sticking by us over the past year and a half. We’ll have more to say on the last day. Until then…
We’ve still got 2 weeks! Let’s online party for the next 14 days.
May 17, 2010 at 8:17 pm
"a stager"
Everyday I get online, check my email, then read your posts. So sad it’s going to be over! I’ve never commented, but wanted to let you know that I love the A.S.
May 17, 2010 at 8:25 pm
smylies
Sarah–what were we thinking?
May 17, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Laura
I’m with Rebecca – rethink this one.
My husband told me that today I get to mourn, tomorrow I have to be happy. I hit him. See if he smiles at the bruise tomorrow.
I understand, really, about everything. But understanding does in no way lessen the pain. THE PAIN.
I think the only thing that will make me feel better is seeing the AS-ers in SLC sometime soon. A reunion? A meet-up? A get to know you? I can rent our community center for it.
And please, Sarah, call me. That might make me feel a little better.
May 17, 2010 at 10:02 pm
Lurker
This is a badly timed April Fools’ joke, right? I thought so. It’s pretty funny.
May 17, 2010 at 10:07 pm
sar
nakiru: Count me in for a Wisconsin gathering (I’m in Madison) – but I would suspect it might just be the two of us (any other Sconnies out there?).
Sarah, Lisa, Rebecca and Louise: thanks for making getting through my PhD coursework (aka the worst years of my life) that much easier. Good luck with the rest of your endeavors and God bless.
May 17, 2010 at 10:08 pm
sarahlolson
Team AS, thank you. Thank you for your comments today. It’s been a rainy, gray day, but I fell in love with each one of you–many of you again–reading your comments/love notes/protests. In my defense, I have to say this: My new job requires that I not blog publicly. So, I am for a year, out of the online scene. Be that as it may, real live conversations might be awesome. How should we make that happen?
May 17, 2010 at 11:01 pm
Traci
Ok, I cannot promise that I won’t threadjack at some point later to make plans – SLC Liberty Park, duck pond island, 7:00 evening of the last post. I will bring brownies- everyone bring a spoon?
May 17, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Margaret
For the record, I object.
May 17, 2010 at 11:14 pm
Traci
Oh man, I’m having visions of sitting on duck pond island with a large plate of brownies and a spoon, waiting in vain for people I’ve only met on a blog to show up. Seriously Salt Lakers, email me if you are in -don’t make me that guy.
ddmckay22@yahoo.com
May 18, 2010 at 12:11 am
AnnaBeth
Karren – I’ve ready your comment 3 times and every time I laugh. Be my friend.
May 18, 2010 at 1:03 am
Kelly P
I understand life moving and having to move with it. Not everything fits into the new reality, does it? I am no blogger, and I follow no blogs but this one. My friend turned me onto you and I have continued because you all have made me laugh, think and generally enriched my life. Thanks so much for your time, and your thoughts and the ittle piece of life that you have shared. Good luck to you– and thank you again.
May 18, 2010 at 1:06 am
Lia Filomena
I live in NW Vegas and can send out an email post for you looking for a roomie or two in my stake, if you like… do you know what area you will be working in and/or want to live in? And although I can’t offer a place to stay this weekend (an imminent baby due date will most likely interfere), if you haven’t yet found a place by July, we have a spare room. *Ask Louise – I’m one of her former students and am relatively normal, with no communicable diseases. (theshortitalian@gmail.com)
May 18, 2010 at 4:44 am
MC
Why don’t you guys each write once a month? This way there would be the Apron Stage once a week, and that’s better than nothing. Think about it? That being said, you have rocked the internet and it is always best to end things with people wanting more rather than drag yourself out like one of those rock bands from the 70s who are still touring. Even Weezer over did their mark a little bit. They should have stopped long ago.
NOT saying you should stop. I still think you have a couple more years in you at least of wide-spread fanfare and adoration. And if you want to be like Weezer there will still be some of us who will always love you, especially me.
BTW I feel lucky in that I must be one of the few individuals who knows each and every writer for the apron stage. Does this make my advice more noteworthy? So, write a post once a month? Think about it. While Sarah is away you could find someone else or just have a guest blogger.
May 18, 2010 at 6:57 am
living in zion
See? See? This is what I mean. How could you A) drop the Big Bomb B) Tell us you are leaving NY for Vegas C) Follow up said move with telling us you have a top secret new job that means you can’t publicly blog????
I will now spend the rest of my life watching police/lawyer TV shows set in Las Vegas wondering if you were involved in the real case. I hope your new Top Secret Job doesn’t include much blood and guts. All you Apron Stagers live lives of mystery to us mid-western folks. Where on the ‘Net am I gonna find this kind of life drama?
As for all you fans out there who want ice cream and brownies by the pond, SLC is not the center of the United States. Kansas City or St. Louis are much more geographically centered. Either one is 2 hours away from me. And they each have lovely ponds. I love brownies.
I second MC idea. Although once a month posts isn’t enough. You have me trained and I want my treat daily!
May 18, 2010 at 9:22 am
nakiru
sar – try me at charisrose at hotmail dot com (I’m in Madison, too!)
I feel like I’m losing a whole slew of friends. I’m a terrible phone caller, and I lose touch so easily.
Could you all just promise us to come back a year from now and just touch base? I promise to check back.
May 18, 2010 at 10:13 am
Alyson
I’m sad to hear this news but excited that you’re starting a new chapter in Vegas. X0X0
May 18, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Marilyn
Alas! Alas! I’m too sad for words.
May 18, 2010 at 1:41 pm
Nancy
Traci – Even though I live in the SL area, I am unfamiliar with the duck pond island…. Are you talking about meeting on the 27th? I will do it 🙂 I’ll email you.
May 18, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Rachel O
Dear Sarah, Lisa, Rebecca, and Louise,
What a sad, sad Monday! Joseph, mom, and I sat and digested the news in unexpected despair, and then read every comment.
Thank you for your love and your posts, the uplifting, funny, sweet, and serious pieces you’ve written and let us read. The Apronstage was always a looked-forward-to part of my day.
Love,
and thanks,
and good luck,
hazelnut azalea blossoms,
Rachel
May 18, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Tracy
What am I going to read everyday? It’s been a pleasure- I will miss you guys.
As for Vegas, there are things I love and things I hate about the city, but I hope you’ll like it- the winter is considerably more bearable than DC and you can go out to eat at 1 in the morning and get something besides IHOP. And I’ll ask around about apartments and roommates. Good luck.
May 18, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Melinda
I didn’t read this post until early this morning and have been thinking about it ALL day. I feel like I am losing friends and have never even met you.
Thank you for all of the incredible posts. The past year has been an “interesting” trial filled experience; reading AS brightened my days. Thank you and good luck!
May 18, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Kelly S
I’m gutted.
I read this yesterday morning, and I couldn’t bring myself to acknowledge it until now. How I’m going to miss you ladies!
May 18, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Micah E.
Shock.
May 18, 2010 at 10:41 pm
Jacki
My insides are all a bittersweet mix.
I am happy you will be in the west. Closer to me. Closer to Utah, where we could cross paths.
But so sad I won’t have you committed to writing me your thoughts on a regular basis, so I can pretend we still talk and play.
Don’t leave me, Sarah. Not again.
May 19, 2010 at 7:48 am
brohammas
In behalf of Brohammas (and I Kahalia) want to say thanks for writing a blog that we could read as husband and wife. It has peppered and started many a lively discussion among us. Date nights were livelier, late night lights off in the dark discussions were funnier, inside jokes multiplied.
We will miss one hovering over the others shoulder while the other commands “wait have you read that part yet?…scroll down…what’s so funny? I haven’t gotten to that yet…”
Thx for it all!
May 19, 2010 at 8:55 am
Jane Payne
Wait! Sarah you said you can’t blog p.u.b.l.i.c.l.y with your new job. Whose to say that you can’t make AS private? Don’t forget to include me in the invites.
How will we EVER know what happened to manfriend?
May 19, 2010 at 12:11 pm
mmiles
Noooo! This is one of my very favorite blogs!
May 19, 2010 at 5:50 pm
AmyinTucson
I don’t believe AS is over-simply a hiatus. And I’m delighted that Sarah is moving closer. So I will enjoy my denial for as long as it lasts. It can’t be over. No way. Right?
May 19, 2010 at 10:01 pm
stannyann
104 comments is the way to go out if you ask me.
I’m as heartbroken as the rest, but think if we could all send self-addressed post cards and you’d write back, we’d make it. Where should we send them? (really, would you do this? it’s just that paper & stamps & really clever thoughtful writing are three of my favorite things)
May 19, 2010 at 10:56 pm
sarahlolson
You’re all fantastic. Re the post card idea: I 100% love it. 100%! Maybe I’ll get a PO box and post it on my personal blog for all to see. No shame.
May 20, 2010 at 11:05 pm
Jerry
You don’t need to be in DC to blog. they have the internet in Vegas too BTW. I love this blog… don’t go.
May 25, 2010 at 5:14 pm
Cissy
I’m late to the game here, but just wanted to add that it has been so wonderful reading AS. I understand the busyness of life getting in the way of blogging…but I’ll miss this.
May 25, 2010 at 11:25 pm
Cristy from WV via Austin/DFW
Thanks! Thanks for all your time, effort, putting your heart into it. This blog has been inspiring & fun to read.
June 1, 2010 at 1:03 pm
re
I object as well. Don’t leave us!