7.22.2009

End of the road...

This probably isn't going to come as a surprise.

After four years, 714 posts, and many wonderful memories, the time has come to close down the Martini Lounge. When I started blogging, originally calling this site, Martinis For One, it was out of a need more than desire. Recently divorced and completely confused by the dating world, I used the blog as my primary emotional outlet and personal diary. I also created a virtual persona--Diane Mandy--because I worried what family and friends might think about the honest expressions and experiences.

Since then a lot has changed, but mostly that I have surrounded myself with a group of friends that love me regardless of my viewpoints and history. My blog is no longer a personal confessional. I also don't need a virtual persona any longer. I can just be me.

Along the way, many of you, dear and loyal readers, have helped me in this journey of self renewal. You have shared my adventures--from single gal to married woman to American expat in Europe. You have been there through all the happy times and a few struggles. And along the way, I never felt judged or looked down upon for being me.

And for this, I thank you.

I honesty feel some of you are more than just fellow bloggers. You have been my friends through all these years. And for those who want to stay in touch with the real Diana, please feel free to send me an e-mail (dmandy_5@hotmail.com) and I will provide you with alternate contact information.

Thank you again for being a part of a wonderful four years. It's been quite a ride. In fact, the only thing that stayed consistent was YOU.

Cheers!

37 comments:

Sizzle said...

Cheers to you and the happy life you've made. Keep being true to you and seeking adventure. I wish you only the best!

kenju said...

I am happy that you no longer need the blog for its original purpose, but I will surely miss your posts and photos, Charlie and Max and your exciting travels. I wish you well - and I hope I will continue to see you on FB, if not here.

utenzi said...

Good luck with all the future holds for you, Diana. I'm sure you'll make your mark on the world, with the help of Max and Charlie, of course. Cheers!

Jul said...

The blogging world will miss you and your adventures.

Unknown said...

We'll miss you!

Cheryl said...

Cheers! You will be missed, but I understand. I think that's the reason I stopped blogging too. You just said it so much better than I ever did.

AmyB said...

Noooooooooooooooooo!!!! *sniff*

Although, I know I will still be able to see you on Facebook and via email. I guess I will just have to accept that. Thanks so much for being such an inspiration and great pillar of support for me over the past several years. You don't know how much I admire and respect you for all you've done and will be sure to go on to do in your life. ((((HUGS)))

(And yes, I would love alternative information on how to stay better in touch with you!)

jamy said...

I second the "nooooooooo!!!!"

Diane, when I read that a blogger is going to stop writing, I usually say, "do what you need to do." But now I want to say, "don't stop!"

I will really miss reading your blog and keeping up with your life. I do hope we meet again in person soon.

Me said...

You are awesome. It's been so much fun watching you grow and move and all of that.

I am still on Facebook with you :)

G in Berlin said...

Oh, I am sad. Even though we keep in contact, I really like the window on your life through your blog: it just makes it easier to keep a general ear open to what's happening.But I look forward to seeing you.

Snooker said...

Cheers to you Diane, it has been a fun ride. Remember that if for some reason you would like to step back into this blogging world, we would love to have ya!
All the best.
keep in touch!

Sonja Streuber, PMP(R), SSBB said...

I'm sure you'll "reappear" in some other form on the web again--you're too good of a writer to let this go.

And yeah, I'll see you on FB!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the many years of posts. It has been so fun to follow you over the years. All the best to you.

Claire said...

I'm literally raising my glass to you as I type, sweetheart. All the very very best to you!

Cxx

Anonymous said...

Bummer for us, smiles for you. When you decide to write Martinis for Three (or Four, or whatever number it may be), I'll be reading as I'm sure your experiences with motherhood will be a joy to read.

Rositta said...

Cheers to you too Diane and all the best. I'll miss you but you never know, I may come to Spain some day...ciao

Charlotte said...

Aw, say it isn't so! Is this it for you and blogging, like, forever?!

I know there are amazing changes in your life and that you are so happy, and that is more important, but still, I will miss these words on this page.

MB said...

I'll miss reading your posts. Cheers!

Anonymous said...

Although I am sad to see you go for my own personal reasons, I am happy as clams that you are going FOR YOUR SAKE. I've recently been wanting to pack in my blog but know that now, while I am going through this divorce, is a terrible time to do so. I aspire to be happy enough to leave it behind one day too.

Best of luck and lots of love to all of you. :)

The Cowgirl said...

Oh Diane, you will be missed! But I am happy that you've found a sense of self and space. All the best to you!!!

meno said...

All the best to you. Thank you for the glimpse into other lives and places.

Take care.

christina said...

Awww, sad to see you go, Diane. Maybe you'll pop back to your blog from time to time and give us an update?

jaded said...

My life bring you only the best. Thanks for the glimpse, it was an honor to be included

karey m. said...

so beyond proud of you...and the life you've made.

a toast to your happiness.

thanks for it all, friend.

xoxo. karey m.

Sue Jacquette said...

Best wishes to you!

essie said...

the bad...no more martinis.
the good...hearing that your life is exactly in the great and wonderful place that your deserve!

quoting my fav...
"walk on!"

our paths will cross again.
barcelona is on my woohoo list, thanks to you!!

kisses and wishes
hope and virtue
umarmen und lieben-
cheers!

Dan-E said...

thanks for the posts. be sure to keep in touch!

Anonymous said...

Good luck, Mandy! It's been great reading your blog. :)

Jill said...

Enjoy Spain and the new chapter in your life... I'll see you on FB!!

Berlinbound said...

I hope you wake up one day soon and say to yourself ... "Hey - I think I'll blog again just for the fun of it."

All the best in your travels, adventures, discoveries ... and life.

Jack Steiner said...

Good luck with everything.

Geotacs said...

all the best to your future!

cheers!

Paige Jennifer said...

(sigh) Okay. But I'm still keeping you in my feed. Just in case (she says with fingers crossed).

ian in hamburg said...

Hi Diana,
You might be shutting down your blog, but if you're writing somewhere else, why not just mention it in your blog with a link? Because if you keep writing somewhere, I'd like to keep reading.
Nice meeting you two in Bremen.
Ian

egan said...

I'm really late to discover you're no longer blogging, but I wish you luck. It has been fun to track you're movements and happenings online. Take care!

LZ Blogger said...

Well no wonder I haven't seen you around in a long time... you haven't been here in a long time! Best of luck to the two of you!

Vodka Mom said...

good luck, in all you do.

:-)