Another year is about to begin and it will be a significant one for me: the year I will turn forty.
Aside from me getting on in years, what will it bring in terms of the blog?
I am not entirely sure, to be honest.
Perfume is covered expertly by my lovely contributors Tara, Sandra, Michael and the inimitable (and unstoppably energetic) Portia, so that topic is in good hands.
How can I keep on writing a blog dedicated to perfume though, when I don’t explore the fragrant world any longer? (At least for now and the forseeable future).
Well, nobody says this blog has to be dedicated to perfume alone. I made OT, I can decide to widen its scope.
The inspirational Lila Das Gupta (of Perfume Lovers London) told me to write about whatever interests me, whatever captures my passion at the moment and some people will follow, some won’t.
As I have let the blog take a pause this past week, I have received several not very friendly comments as to my lack of commitment and while it astonishes me that a pause of a few days would cause such venom in some, it also tells me that it would be missed, if I decided to let it go completely.
WordPress does an end of year report and the statistics in there told me that almost half a million people visited OT in 2014 and I am humbled by this number.
In my mind OT still feels like a chat with friends. A place where I can share my thoughts, also private ones and feel safe and among people who understand and respect each other.
Those comments had a very different feel, but still, they galvanized me into action.
2015 will see a broadening of themes here, I will write about beautiful things, about art, about frivolous luxuries, about books, about lifestyle, about things I love and the occasional snippy bit about things I hate.
And, thinking of the ever wise Undina’s advice here, I will do so when I feel like it, because blogging, writing, sharing thoughts should be a joy not a chore.
OT has brought me many joys, good friends, lovely acquaintances and – not to forget – more samples than I can count. 😉
Thank you for reading, commenting (even for the snippy comments!) and for coming back time and again.
All the best to you for this shiny new year.
May it bring you what you want and need in your life!
Olfactoria's Travels 
Never give up.
Ok! xoxo
i am overjoyed that you will be broadening out the blog, B. I look forward to you writing about a range of topics at your own pace. Even – or especially – some snark 🙂
Almost half a million visitors. Wow.
Here’s to another great year!
Thank you, dear T!
Here is to a new year with your fabulous perfume reviews and my new stuff, whatever it may be (it will include some Hermès that much is for sure! 😉 )
Happy New Year Birgit! Keep doing what you’re doing because it’s obviously working 😀
😀
Thank you Thomas, a very happy new year to you and Nigel!
Dear Birgit, your blog was one of the first fragrance blogs I read and commented on, and remains my favourite. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you as you’ve written about fragrances. And I look forward to the new directions your “travels” will take you and all of us, your readers and friends. Love and all the best for you and your family in the coming year.
Dear Jim, I know I can always count on you! Hugs, B
A very Happy New Year Birgit. Looking forward to reading about all the new things you will be introducing us to in 2015 – you are a true style guru. Bring on the art and bring on the fashion, we are ready!
Hope your family and little boy all well now and don’t forget to unleash the husband on the blog a little more in 2015. The Hermes diagram still making me smile.
x
Style Guru! Ha!
Thank you for your suggestions, dear Lila! I’m looking forward to hopefully seeing you again this year.
And yes, The Husband will be put to work! 😉
I love Olfactoria’s travels!
Through fragrance you have touched on so many other things
Like …
style, emotions, raIsing your children, places you have visited, on & on …
And HERMES!
Happy, healthy New Year to you and your family
Please keep writing
Thank you very much, Keren, that is so good to hear!
Happy new year to you and yours!
Happy New Year Birgit!You will never loose my longdistance friendship,no matter what happens to OT.And I will still read AND enjoy your excellent essays,no matter what the topic!(Nod to Victoria at Bois de Jasmin,who does that extremely well already too!)
Big Hugs from SA!Come visit soon!xo
Dear Johano, what a lovely comment, thank you!
You’ll be my first point of call should I ever travel to South Africa!
Yay!!Cannot wait!!Lol!(Seriously if you do:I offer my services as travel guide to our local perfumeries!)
Thank you!
Happy New Year, Birgit! Your blog, your rules…and in your own time. I am very much of the view that you should follow the muse wherever it leads you, and you are the perfect person to branch out into writing on luxury goods and cultural topics of all kinds. Sounds like 2015 is going to see OT ‘change it up’ in radical and exciting ways. Good on you!
Thanks, Vanessa, I feel so much more free now, I have given myself permission to let the perfume go (for now at least) and post what I want. I have lots of ideas… now I only need school to start again so I have the time! 🙂
Appalled to hear about the snarky comments; it`s not as if we readers are paying for a subscription!! I`m delighted to hear you will continue blogging no matter the subject as I have always enjoyed your non-perfume posts. Wishing you and your family all the best in the new year.
Thank you, Lindaloo, the best to you too!
Some people seem to think they have a right to regular posts… 🙂
As I am the kind of person who would really like to provide them, it has pained me to feel so uninspired and laden down with obligations I felt I couldn’t fulfill. Now I feel the excitement again, yay! 🙂
I will read whatever you write, dear Birgit! I’m sorry there were snippy comments, perfume should be a joy, after all. Best wishes to you and yours 🙂
Thank you, ringthing! Happy new year!
Happy New Year, Birgit! Regardless of where the blog travels to, it will be a worthwhile journey for your readers and doubtless for you as well. I look forward to reading about all of your adventures!
Lovely! Thank you for travelling with me, Holly!
Dear Birgit,
Happy New Year! I can’t believe that people write negative things when you don’t post for a few days, instead of trying to understand. Blogging isn’t our full time job, and we blog because we want to, so don’t let anyone ever dictate when or what you should write. Lack of commitment? I’ve gone for more than a month without writing, and that’s nobody’s problem by mine and mine alone. I love your writing, and will continue to support you even if you’re not writing about perfume. Hugs!
Thank you so much, Joshua!
All the best for you and your studies. Enjoy life in the US!
Best wishes for the New Year, and the new ideas. I’m sure that you will be writing lovely stuff, whether or not it’s about fragrance. Your blog is my favorite too, just like many others who follow it. You have given me so many new ideas and they are deeply appreciated. Thanks to your other writers too and the many people who make such interesting comments.. My hope is that your asthma will subside and that you will be well and happy.. Your friend, anitathepianist
Dear Anita, I appreciate your kind and thoughtful comments so much and I’m so glad you are with me on this journey.
Happy New Year! I am so glad that you will continue to write – not that you need any advice on this, but I would love to read about Hermès carrés, jewellery and other ;-). All the best!
Iuliana, Hermès scarves and other lovely things are first on my list, glad to hear you will be happy to see them!
Happy new year!
Happy New Year! I am among those who would be perfectly happy to read more about Vienna and Austria (also about good shopping and art events). Never feel an obligation to publish a given number of times per week on your blog, after all it is not a job. I wish you and your family all the best for 2015.
Great to hear that, Ingeborg!
Happy new year!
I’m sure I’ve told you this before, and I sincerely mean it: I love your “off topic” posts, where you write about the beautiful places, people and things in your life. More scarves, more Vienna, more cute boys and charming husband. More of anything you want to share with us, in other words.
And the perfume angle you have covered nicely (more than nicely – fabulously) with your contributors. So don’t feel guilty about a thing, and Happy New Year to you and your crew, Birgit!
Yes, you have said it before and now I finally allow myself to hear and heed it too!
Happy new year!
Write what you want and when you want to. I think it’s awful that people would be nasty because you hadn’t posted. You do have a life beyond the blog. I’ll read whatever you want to write about.
Have yourself a very Happy New Year my dear!
Right! Thank you, dear Poodle!
All the best to for 2015!
Wow! I’m shocked to hear that people would leave unfriendly comments as to your dedication to the blog. While its great that your audience enjoys the blog – blogs really exist to serve the author! And while we miss you when you’re away, that’s no reason to pull out the fangs – if anything the comments should be friendly to say the commenters miss you! I’m excited for you to branch out and blog about anything you’re passionate about, and always on your own timeline. 🙂 Wishing everyone the best in 2015!
Thank you very much, Sun Mi!
It is so good to know that readers will stick around even if things change around here.
Can’t wait to read about new topics on your blog. Love your writting style. Happy New Year! 🍀
Thank you, dear Vanessa! Hermès will feature prominently, that’s for sure. 😉
😉 What I truly enjoy most on OT, are your travelogues. Always such a fun read.
I must travel more then! 😉
As Val says – never give up! Your blog has brought me such joy and more importantly new friendships. I cannot wait to see what 2015 brings. xoxo
Indeed! 🙂
Thanks to you and the others, the perfume side will not suffer either. xoxo
First of all, a very happy and healthy 2015 for you and the people you love! And secondly, I would like to thank you for your blog. It’s one of the very few blogs I read and enjoy, because it is intelligent and interesting (and I learn something new every week😊). I am looking forward to your essays, no matter what the topic. Have a nice New Years Day🎉.
Marjo, that is so kind of you to say, thank you!
A very happy and healthy 2015 to you and your family!
Hi Birgit I mentioned to Tara recently that you are a great writer. Whether you write about fragrances or otherwise, I’m sure I’ll love reading that.
Here’s to 2015 , all the best to everyone for their health and whatever passion they follow.
xxx
That is so kind of you, Mahesh!
A very happy new year to you!
Happy New Year, beautiful. I hope it finds you happy and well and doing everything you want…
The same to you, allgirlmafia!
Hello Birgit, I’m reading your blogs for some years now. Although I have never replied I enjoy reading your blogs even when they are not about new discoveries in the perfume world. You have such na nice way of writing, I hope to hear again from you this year and to be able to see the nice pictures you post when I check your blog with a cup of tea. I whish you and your family a happy and healty new year!!
Thank you for “delurking”, Wathirel! I’m happy you enjoy reading OT and I hope we talk again soon!
Happy New Year Birgit! May it bring you happiness!
I look forward to broadening of subjects. 🙂
It’s your blog, you can do whatever you want with it and it really is all about having fun while doing it.
P.S. And why in the world would people get snippy if you decide to take a (deserved) break?! Honestly, the presumption of some people astounds me.
I wish you the same, dearest Ines!
Thank you for your loyalty over the years. xoxo
Your plans for the blog sound definitely good. to me ! (and I wonder about some people out there who feel the right to demand a blog from you as they want to have it …)
Have a very good time in 2015, my dear B. !
That is good to hear! All the best to you too, dear M, hopefully not too much time passes before we meet again.
Gutes Neues Jahr, Birgit. I’m looking forward to the things to come. It sounds very exciting. And some people are just weird, best ignored.
Best ignored, so true.
Gutes neues Jahr, liebe Sabine! (See you in London in spring hopefully?!)
I am appalled that anyone would write anything negative or demanding regarding your blog, especially given the difficult times you’ve shared with us. Your blog is filled with beauty and grace no matter what the topic. It is one of my favorites, and I look forward to the new direction it will take in 2015. Here’s hoping the new year brings your whole family better health, much joy, and many blessings!
Thank you, Kandice! I’m so happy you enjoy reading my blog and it is comments like yours that make this a warm and respectful place to share our common passions.
Birgit, I wish you, your children and The husband all the best for 2015! The blog changes sound very exciting and interesting, scheiß’ auf die depperten Grantler…
And a Happy New Year to all your wonderful contributors and readers!
Sometimes German can’t be beat! 😉
Thanks dear Anka!
I am late to the party, and you have such intelligent and eloquent readers that it has all been said – but here goes: I love the blog, not just for the fragrance, which is still wonderfully covered with your guest/alt/co-bloggers, but for your writing and point of view. Change is a law of life, and life has changed your focus on this blog. I am very glad you have found a new way of approaching writing for OT. It needs to bring pleasure to you or it is not worth it. Hermès, beauty, life, – bring it on! And Happy New Year!
Thank you, dear Empliau, you are never late!
A very happy new year to you!
I’m glad you’re continuing OT, I still read all the post even though I’ve commented a bit more seldom lately. And the non-perfume posts inspire me as well, as my now sizable collection of Hermes scarfs can testify 🙂
Happy New Year!
So happy we share the scarf passion, dear Eva! Happy new year!
Happy New Year Birgit! ”
Lack of commitment”? That surprised me. I always enjoy your blog and it seems so much love and energy go into yours. It’s your blog, do and write whatever you like! 🙂 Enjoy your life and enjoy blogging.
Thank you, Yuki! All the best for you for 2015!
I love your blog. I can’t wait to see what the new year brings with your blog. I will always follow no matter what topic you choose to write. Happy New Year!
So good to hear that, thanks Katherine!
I look forward to reading your blog, no matter what you choose to write about. Thank you for everything you and your guest bloggers have shared! Have a wonderful New Year 🙂
You too, Nemo! Than you!
Happy New Year! I would never criticize you for cutting back on writing for your blog, as I have had to cut back on my blog reading, so it’s perfect timing. I’ll note that you were prescient in naming your blog–it perfectly suits any change in emphasis. (Looking forward to the broadcast of the Vienna Philharmonic tonight, too, although I always find myself counting the number of women playing.)
Perfect timing indeed! 🙂
The few women in the Philharmonic are still a strange sight, since that orchestra didn’t accept women at all for so long. But every female face I see playing makes me happy.
From reading your blog for some time now I can write wholeheartedly that you have a nose for beauty, and if that can’t include scent and perfume for now I am sure it will lead you somewhere else that is worthwhile.
Inspired by OT I visited a Hermes shop in shop yesterday my husband treated me big big time to a travel set of 4 Hermessences and….a scarf!!! Blue d’Afrique, very beautiful, silk jewellery.
Excellent! What a lovely husband! Ors Beus d’Afrique is a great scarf by Zoe Pauwels, I have one of that design in red silk mousseline. What colourway is your scarf?
And which Hermessences did you choose?
Yes, he is absolutely fantastic! The colourway of my Ors Bleu D’Afrique is Terre Cuite/Bois de Rose/Bleu, really beautiful terra, rosewood and blue, I am a strawberry blonde/blondish redhead and my natural pale colour lightens up by it (I think, and ofcourse the SA confirmed many times, I wonder if she did a sales given course by a famous Austrian Orange Sales Mercure Consultant 😉 ). I chose Cuir d’Ange that on my skin, well moisturised, stayed for 5 hours, a lovely refined chic leather violet, Rose Ikebana, Osmanthus Yunnan and Epice Marine for my husband, who loves the sea.
I am considering buying a mai tai scarf ring, they seem very reasonably priced and I think it may help me wear the shawl more.
Lovely perfume picks!
MaiTai’s scarf rings are wonderful. I’m planning to write a post on them. Definitely a high quality choice at a very good price.
I have three MaiTai scarf rings and never use anything else now. They are beautifully made and great quality.
I am 43. When I turned 40, a slow change started in me. I started realizing that I’ve had a great life, but now was when I needed to start doing all the things I’ve always wanted to do. I stopped focusing on what others wanted from me, and in the process I found that I’ve always lived for others’ expectations rather than mine. And I realized what a waste of time that was. I love your blog……but there is absolutely nothing wrong with change or following your heart’s direction, wherever it leads you. I love that you see the beauty in so many things…..keep finding that beauty and share it with us when you feel like it, and embrace that you’ve lived long enough to know how to make a difference. What a gift to be old enough to have the wisdom from past experiences! Now you can move forward in your life with fewer mistakes and regrets. Embrace it! I hope this doesn’t come across preachy, but what you wrote resonated with me on some deep level. Happy New Year!
Dear Audrey,
thank you for that, it doesn’t sound preachy at all, just like you speak from experience. I feel a similar kind of perspective now that I didn’t have before.
Happy new year to you!!!!
Dear Birgit,
Just writing to echo what so many others have said – please ignore the bad manners of the few (the internet is an open field for them) and just write what you want. You have no obligation to anyone but yourself. Women are so bad at realizing that, aren’t they?
I would love to read about jewelry (one of my favorite things) or Hermès scarves. I only have one of those scarves (and I never wear it, so I refuse to get more) but I love the art of them. And I love reading/seeing about Vienna.
One of the beauty vloggers I sometimes follow recently broke her back. Actually broke a vertebra. And couldn’t post every day, because of the pain and the drugs, even though she also couldn’t go out. And commenters on her YouTube channel were very cruel about “Why doesn’t she post, if she really broke her back it’s not like she’s going anywhere.” !!! There are too many horrible people in the world. My grandmother always said the correct response to a rude comment is to fail to hear it. I suggest you take up this approach. I’ll keep reading.
Hugs
Judith
Dear Judith,
yes, women and obligations are inseparable. 😉
Awful story about the vlogger, I hope she is better and didn’t take those comments to heart. I am with your granny here, ignoring such things is surely best (albeit not easy to do).
Hugs and happy new year!
WOW!! Great numbers Birgit!
You were one of my first blog finds, certainly the first one I commented on. I am proud we are now working together on this amazing home for frag heads the world over that you have created and curated.
Can I please put my hand up that I would like to see more of your photography. I love your Beauty Photo Essays of things around you. Maybe you could invite specific people to send in a set of 10 beauty photos through their eyes, as you used to do your interviews? I love seeing what other people think is beautiful in their lives.
More than anything, Happy New Year. No matter what happens you have a friend Down Under,
Portia xx
Great ideas, Portia, thanks! And thank you for being such a help over here, even though you have your plate full! Happy new year!
A very happy new year to you Birgit. Lovely to hear that you’ve found a way to keep writing, I shall be looking forward to that very much. Cheers to 2015
Happy 2015 to yo, dearest Asali! xo
Well said, I am sure that your witty, funny and expert point of view works on many topics, not “only” on perfume, I would love to read about eg your detailed knowledge of Hermes careees the history and the artists behind them, on food and travel………
And maybe one time I could contribute my very humble knowledge on jewellery, keep on, your blog is not limited by perfume, your personality and passion is the reason I read it…..
What a good idea! I would love a guest post from you about pearls, diamonds and all glittery things!
Thanks for your kind words, dear G, and for enabling the Orange! 😉
Birgit, there is so much more to you than perfume…share your passions…
We will love it! Happy New Year!
Thank you very much, Darilyn! Happy 2015!
Of course you can do what you like with your own blog! There are many excellent perfume blogs: bois de Jasmin is fabulous with a friendly, good natured community. I wish the best of luck with your new endeavor!
I know I can in theory, but it’s not so easy to give myself permission.
I’m not worried about a lack of perfume blogs. 😉 And as you say, BdJ is surely one of the very best.
I’m thrilled to see what’s to come next on OT, Birgit. Presumably some more travels? Or more leather goods? I’m game! 🙂 (Also hoping to see the contents of the ominous orange box!)
I’m all for more travel! 😉
Glad to hear you will be reading!
I will be for sure 🙂
P.S. If you happen to visit Berlin, check out the Fragrance bar in the Ritz Carlton. It’s quite something!!!
Berlin is definitely on my list!
Lemme know 😉
Congrats on your numbers for last year. With the new direction you are going to take, I can only see that increasing. This is *your* “baby” therefore your choice to do whatever, whenever. Scarf rings! I eagerly look forward to that post and to be educated on Hermes scarfs, of which I know nothing. A very happy new year to you, your boys and The Husband – may it bring you all good health and new adventures together.
And as far as the naysayers are concerned – “off with their heads” … 😉
Ha! 🙂
A very happy new year to you too! Thank you for your words of encouragement,
Hi, I’m so glad you will continue the blog. I rarely comment but I read all your columns and very much enjoy them. I cannot believe people would write snarky comments about your “commitment” to blogging? It’s your life and your time and you can do whatever you like! I look forward to whatever you choose to blog about.
Thank you, rickyrebarco, I’m glad you will continue to travel with me!
(I’m traveling so commenting with a delay – Happy New Year, dear Birgit!)
Now, to the point. What do you mean you took a break? What were you thinking about?!! We pay high dollars for access to your publication… wait… we do not pay anything but how dare you not to provide the expected entertainment?! 😉
Most of the perfume blogs I follow I read, mostly, because of people who write them, not because of the topic. For information I read press-releases and sites that make announcements, without much communications or discussions. Your blog is great because it reflects your personality. And it won’t change much for me no matter what topic you choose – as long as it’s your blog.
I feel the same about blogs and their writers as you do.
Thank you for taking the time while travelling to remind me!
Safe travels and happy new year, dear Undina!
Dear Birgit, You could write about what you had for breakfast and I would read it.
Happy New Year to you and your lovely family!
So kind, thank you Farouche!
(The Husband wants you to know that he had bacon for breakfast. 😉 )
Happy new year!
And my husband had bacon for lunch! (A BLT sandwich) 🙂