Hatching a Blog
“What if I fall?” “Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?”*
For years I have tooled around with the idea of writing a blog. Somewhere I could explore and showcase those things that make the world an interesting place, both at home and away. I spent my career in the worlds of media, culture and the arts, from my decade in magazine publishing in New York City to running two major arts organizations in San Francisco, blogging always seemed the perfect next step. But life and excuses always got in the way: career, home, family, until the right time presented itself.
In 2019, I moved with my family to London for my husband’s job. I left my position as Director of The San Francisco Fall Show, the international art and antiques fair I had run for seven years, and set off on a new adventure with my husband, 8 year old daughter and 3 year old labradoodle. The move was exciting and slightly overwhelming, but soon enough we had settled into a house in Notting Hill and started our new life across the pond.
Sojournest
So here I am, ready to hatch my newest endeavor, a blog called Sojournest, a combination of two words I love: Sojourn and Nest. I love the idea of a sojourn, a short trip to a new place; dipping my toes in the waters of another piece of the world. There is something soft and sophisticated about the word. And I have always loved nesting, something I do continuously (more so lately!) to make my home inviting and cozy. These two opposing ideas are what I plan to write about. Sojourning and Nesting; the world and a retreat from the world. And bringing the world home, through life experiences, and beautiful things picked up along the way.
As a first generation American, the world has always seemed rather accessible to me. My father was born and raised in Buenos Aires of Scottish parents, and my mother’s parents were Swedish immigrants who came to America via Ellis Island. My family is now 5 generations deep in Argentina, 3 in the United States and we’ve lost count in Scandinavia. Despite the distance, we have always had a close relationship with our cousins around the world. Joining family for reunions, weddings, and holidays in Europe and South America feels like going home, because for me, home is about family and friends, wherever they may be.
With Sojournest, I hope to bring you interesting ideas for making a home a true retreat, a beautiful place though design and collecting, entertaining, cooking and parenting. For me, travel is about expanding horizons, exploring new cultures, and seeing the world in a new way and I’ll take you along on our trips and attempt to share the less obvious discoveries.
I hope you’ll stick around, and even, dare I ask, subscribe. I’ll do my best to make it worth your while.
~Ariane
*This quote by Australian poet Erin Hansen is pinned over my desk in large, deep blue lettering. It reminds me to take the leap when I am happily (fearfully) standing in place. So, here I am, attempting to fly.
