A Retrospective

As 2015 comes to a close, it’s time for Longhorns and Camels to come to a close, too.

I started the blog five years ago when we moved to Dubai. I can’t think of many things I’ve done consistently for five years! I wrote it for my family and friends to answer all those questions about what it was like to live in the Middle East. I wrote it for myself to remember those fascinating little details that easily escape us when time erases them from memory. But most of all, I wrote it for my kids. I wanted them to have a thoughtful account of our time abroad that would hopefully encourage them to revisit our experiences from an adult perspective when they grow up.

Even though they didn’t appear on the blog much, my kids were such a huge part of getting blog ideas published. They were in the backseat while I stalked gardeners. They got their heads bonked by my camera while they dangled from my chest in a baby carrier. They patiently waited when I would suddenly park the car to jump out and take a photo. They sweat in strollers, scampered through burning hot sand, and endured countless car trips when I turned the wrong way and got lost – all in the name of a good photo. Thank you little ones for not complaining (too much) and having so much patience with your camera crazy mother!

And to anyone who read, liked or commented on posts publicly and privately – thank you! I was always very grateful anytime someone visited my tiny home on the internet and took the time to read. I started out a bit skeptical of the whole blogging thing but ended up amazed by readers’ friendly and encouraging attitude and by the immense talent and creativity of other bloggers. Some of my “blogging friends” have moved on over the years and we’ve lost contact, but I still send out best wishes to them, wherever they may be now. Some are still dedicated to their craft and have many more stories to tell. Looking forward to continue following your adventures.

Longhorns and Camels brought me all sorts of interesting and unexpected experiences. I met and interviewed a famous chef. I got to see my name and blog’s name printed in a published book. I was contacted by House Hunters International to see if I was interested in appearing on their show. (Ha! Did you know it’s filmed after-the-fact? There’s no way I could pull that off!). More importantly though, blogging inspired me to get out and learn about the new country I called home and encouraged me to learn more about photography. Overall, it was such a positive experience.

Since I’ve repatriated and have now been home for more than a year, the reasons I started the blog are no longer applicable, so it’s time to say goodbye. I’m including some of my favorite photos and moments from the UAE below – a sort of Longhorns and Camels retrospective. 🙂

Happy New Year everyone! 2016 – a new year, a new start!

Please keep in touch. You can find me at my etsy shop or on instagram.