The End

I have been writing this blog since September 9, 2003.  That's 1198 days, or 3 years, 3 months, and 11 days.  It's more than 170 weeks.  It's longer than the original Scheherazade entertained the Sultan and kept herself alive. 

Including this one, I have written 2665 posts.  Most of those I've published, although a few are just drafts.

You have left 9562 comments so far.  Some of those are spam, and some stung me a little bit, but most of them made me laugh or made me think. 

We've had two birthday parties.  We've played games.  You've seen me happy and sad.  You saw me as a lawyer and as a sailing coach.  You were there when I crashed my car and when my dog lost her leg and when she died.  You stepped in to help when my mast toppled, and that generosity and grace made me cry.  You were there during food poisoning and heartbreak and sadness and still morning walks and rowdy parties and all kinds of things.  You've talked about books and music with me, and we've talked about love and sadness and finding your path.  Some of the things you've said to me, here in front of everyone or privately, by email, have made me gasp and my eyes water with your courage and your honesty.  Thank you for that.  Thanks for the friendly forgiving eyes with which you've witnessed my life.  Thanks for keeping me company as I fumble along trying to figure out my way in the world.

I've made friends through this blog -- some of whom I've gotten to meet in person and many of whom I still hope to have a chance to meet.  I've fallen in love with someone I met through this blog, bizarre as that still seems.

Tomorrow I'll turn 34, and I'll stop posting on this weblog.  I have a present for you, but you have to wait until tomorrow to get it. 

Comments

[Patrick]

Sherry: I have not commented on here in a while. You have probably forgotten all of my emails about opening my own law office over 2 years ago.

I did it. And after I did it, I kept reading your blog and watching your life change, to the extent that I have referred to your life to a number of my friends who are lawyers who have hit a wall with their careers. Many of them did not even know what a blog was until I explained yous to them.

I am going to miss your site. I read it almost every day. You have achieved fame through your site, in the sense that a whole group of people out here feel like we know you and apparently discuss your life even though you don't know us.

Have a great life.

Thank you for putting it all out there for so long.

[Marci]

Say what?

[mlvoelz]

I'm a long-time lurker. I've been reading your blog off and on since 2004. I'm so sorry to see that you are leaving. Thanks for sharing your life online.

Your candid writing has been inspiring and a great way to allow me to re-connect with many of the things I love about the New England area. Wishing you all the best in life! Happy Birthday Sherry!

[Jill]

I hope the present is a link to a new blog you're starting somewhere else! I will miss your voice very much otherwise.

[rcs]

Thanks for the revealing and insightful posts. And happy birthday!

Thank you for your words. You have an authentic and honest voice and I wish you the best.

[Marcin Tustin]

I'm shocked. Why would turning 34, and entering your own self-defined midlife prompt a renunciation of blogging?

You seem not to be weak-willed enough, or both weak-willed and willing to admit to being weak-willed to restart on this blog, rather than another, which is bad for us.

[Megan]

Your blog showed me what bravery can be and kept me honest. I'll miss it, and wish you the best.

[ogged]

Sounds like a happy ending to me. All the best.

Reading this blog is part of my daily routine -- thank you for sharing so much with us.

Best of luck!

[girltuesday]

oh no! am i actually going to have to WORK at work??? i am so sad (for me)! i love reading your entries. i'll miss you, SOE.

happy christmas & happy birthday.

cheers!

[b]

Hi Sherry - I rarely comment, but I read your blog regularly and I find it really moving and inspirational. We share some similar background - I went to your alma mater for undergrad, and I'm currently in law school. I used to live in northern New England and share your love for its peace and beauty, and I fear a life in the law that won't let me have that. Reading about your choices and experiences has really helped me to figure out how I want to shape my own. I'm so sad to hear that you're giving it up - I will really miss you. Thanks for all your honesty and wisdom, and best of luck. And happy birthday!

[hilllady]

I'll miss checking in on you, Sherry. I hope you keep writing, in whatever form. (But enough with the midlife crisis about turning 34. You're making me feel OLD, girl! Have a great birthday:)

[turboglacier]

Good lord! Shocking. I will miss SoE greatly. [P.S. Sherry-- if you have been kidnapped by North Carolinians, and they are making you write this against your will, post a comment with the following code-words: espresso, gecko, feldspar. We will rescue you!]

[gretchen]

Oh, I'm so sad. I've been reading this blog for years--I started law school right as you started the blog, and in many ways, I feel like you've been my big sister in the law--feeling things out, figuring out how to lead a happy life, learning what it takes to be a good person. Thank you for what you've shared so far. You're so brave to post all of this, especially under your real name. It has been really, deeply appreciated.

But I hate to think that I won't know how things turn out with you, though--will you and NBT get married? Will you have babies? Will you return to the practice of law? It's like having someone pull Jane Eyre away from right under your nose, just before she says, "Reader, I married him." Please don't go away for good.

[Bill]

Well, its been a great run Sherry. Your blog has entertained me during slow times at work, and definitely made me think. Thanks a bunch, and best of luck with the goals you set for the new year.

[bill]

What Bill said. And Happy Birthday!

[Stephanie]

I loved reading your blog and will miss your writing and observations. Thank you.

[J]

oh. ouch. seriously, you're dumping us? and right before christmas.

really, i am truly happy for you and the good things you have going on now. i know i will miss knowing what's up with you. i think that's a little strange since i do not actually know you. when i read here i always think of it as "checking in on sherry." i'll miss that. even though saying it makes me feel stalker-ish and weird.

thanks for sharing a bit of your life, thoughts, insight, and yourself. all the best to you.

[Isaac Laquedem]

That does it! No kaiserschmarren for you!

Seriously, I have enjoyed your blog in all of its (and your) lives and will miss reading what you write. Best wishes.

[The Other J]

GAACK!

[Listless]

Hopefully, tomorrow's present will be a link to a new blog. That's the only answer that makes sense, because your absence here will be a crushing loss otherwise.

If you do leave, we will all miss your courage, and your voice.

[Laurie]

Thank you for taking the time and effort to write your blog. I started reading because my daughter had just graduated from law school at the age of 29 and had accepted a position with a law firm in Bangor, ME. After she received her Masters, she had taken time to work before deciding to attend law school. Since we live 3,000 miles away, I wanted a casual day-to-day take on what was happening in that part of the country from someone who had a similar background as my daughter. Your blog provided me with that through your daily entries and pictures. Simply by mentioning what the weather was like on a specific day, relationships/events with family, neighbors, friends, etc., you allowed me to feel like I was conversing with my daughter’s roommate. Even though you live in Portland, a couple of hours south of Bangor, by reading your blog, I was able to feel more comfortable knowing she was living in a community of people who valued family as well as the environment. It’s a “mother” thing, I guess. I must say I couldn’t get enough of the pictures you took outdoors, especially when you were sailing.

Again, thank you, I wish you smooth sailing and may the wind be always at your back. God bless.

P.S. I do enjoy your mother’s blog and Ronni Bennett’s too, more so since she moved to Portland from Manhattan. Love the pictures.

Sherry,

Thanks for being so brave and open. You are a rarity in the blog world and I will miss catching up with you. You have clearly reached so many people over the years, and Stay of Execution, even as it goes dark, is truly a success story.

As a new blogger, inspired by you, I can imagine that what may have started out as a completely personal exercise ultimately took on a life of its own. I can see how hard it would be to keep up with that indefinitely. You are bowing out with your usual grace.

I think you are a wonderful writer and I know that someone as talented as you with so much to say will not remain silent for long. So good luck to you, and I hope to rediscover you some day, in some new way.

Thank you so much for all of the beautiful and inspiring entries, about Maine, the law & leaving the law, and life in general. Best of luck in everything, your blog will be missed!

[Jenny Ellis]

Sorry I posted the above without signing in and I didn't mean to comment anonymously.

[Weeble]

Wow, I'm off the net for an afternoon and this happens. ;-)

As much as I will miss your posts, I can do nothing other than wish you all the best in whatever path you choose to follow. You have graced us with profound writing and honesty that is oh so rare. Your thoughts and feelings have shaped mine in a number of ways. Thank you Sherry for all that you've given. I will miss you.

Good way to end this run. Your narrative instincts are starting to serve you well.

[dov]

How dare you! You can't just leave us flapping in the wind like that :)

But seriously--

I've been reading your blog for the past year or so, and although I've never commented, it's been a constant inspiration. G'luck in your future plans.

Thanks for the unusual insights, the inspiring revelations, and the light hearted banter!

D~

P.S. I reckon I know what tomorrow's surprise is. Can I spill the beans? Dare or dare? :)

[Marissa]

I am so sad to have found you yesterday and now you are leaving already. i'll find comfort in reading 3 years of blogs and in knowing that wonderful role models like you exist. Happy Birthday!

[Dawn]

First Deb, Hatched. Then Fresh Pepper. Followed by Barely Legal. And now Stay of Execution. That's it - I'm going to quit reading blogs for they all leave me like yesterday's lovers.

Seriously, it's been a great ride. I hope you leave it up - I look forward to reading historical posts for advice and guidance. Look forward to the big surprise tomorrow!

[Co-Chief]

What? You're not even going to blog about the pros and cons of terminating this blog? Best wishes, Co-Chief

[Co-Chief]

What? You're not even going to blog about the pros and cons of terminating this blog? Best wishes, Co-Chief

[Lisa]

I may not comment often but I read your blog regularly and always thought it would be great fun to share a glass (bottle?) of wine and chat with you.

I wish you the best of luck but dang, girl, write somewhere we can all read.

p.s. I turned 40 this past summer and I'm still finding my path. Like Sheryl Crow says, "Everyday is a winding road."

I probably misquoted that.

[sidhra]

Alf layla wa layla.

Merry Christmas. Light comes back, starting tomorrow. Happy Birthday.

[Norm]

You're a great writer and a nice person. Enjoy your life.

[Kat]

Sherry, I want to thank you for your blog. You modelled for me what authentic writing should look like, it prompted me to think about all manner of things (including topics that are completely foreign to me, like sailing and bathroom tiling), you've been a gracious, creative and interesting blogger, and I want you to know I'm really going to miss reading your posts.

Thank you also for providing the forum for me to get to know some other really awesome bloggers...Meg, Charlsiekate, Tillerman, Hannah, Weeble, Turbo, Rich, bill, Lyco, Johanna, Scoplaw, Life in the Slow Lane,Ms. Feverish, Jamie..and through them, met other quality people. It's been a great opportunity to see life through other eyes, and I'm much richer for that!

Thank you, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY for tomorrow!!!*

love,
Kat.

(Oh, and welcome to the 34 club...it's a good year ;)

[Eleanor]

I echo a previous poster: GAACK!

It was my own fault for reading this post right before bed last night, but I just dreamt that I came down to North Carolina and knocked on your door (it didn't occur to me until the dream was ending -- how did I know where to go? anyway), and you were very gracious and we swung on a huge porch swing (it spanned the entire street).

And now for the bargaining stage: what about the story game? did people submit fake stories about your roommate? you can't leave now!

Ah well. I guess the point is, I'll miss your blog. A fellow reader was just asking what was going on in your life, and I rattled off the latest events as far as I knew them. Anyway, SoE has become a fixture in my life.

[twitch]

Sherry,

Happy Birthday!

May all your future endeavors bring as much happiness to you and others as this one did. Good luck, and godspeed on your way to "what's next".

You sure know how to make a girl tear up! Like any good book that ends there is anticipation for the next volume. Thank you so much for sharing so much with us in such a profound and honest way. You are one of the good ones, my dear. Is there any chance we could talk you into leaving a tip jar out?

Here here -- tip jar! Say so if you agree in your post! I want a small way to say thank you (besides the word kind).

[Chipmunk]

Happy birthday.

boo and hurrah! frolic on madam.

[Ruby]

I’m with Turbo. I’ll jump on those two planes it takes to get to NC and rescue you if necessary. GIVE US A SIGN!!

[Tillerman]

Thanks for providing us all with such a fascinating read for so long. Yours was one of the first blogs I discovered and it inspired me to start my own. Best wishes with wherever your journey takes you next.

[Doug]

What good readers you have brought together! Thank you for working to have a clean, expressive voice. It helps us to develop a clean, receptive ear.

[Courtney]

Sherry-

Reading your blog on a daily basis has been a wonderful treat. You have inspired me and encouraged me in so many ways. What a thought-provoking, honest, sincere voice that I will dearly miss.

May all of you deepest wishes come true. God Bless-

Courtney

[Meg]

Sherry! Happy birthday, and we're sad to see you go, and wish you the best of luck. Thank you, with all sincerity, for everything you've written here. :)

As an insignificant birthday gift, your horoscope for the upcoming year:

"If you are thinking about a major upheaval, maybe something that will take you away from everything you have known, you must weight up the pros and cons with great care. It may well be the right thing to do but you need to be sure of that fact in your own mind - then you can make your big move."

Take care of yourself!

[SEC]

As usual just tuned in to see what you were up to. Surprise!

I haven't posted prior (and I thought I might be the only one), because growing up with two younger sisters I have learned two things 1. you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink, or no matter how good you tacticians advice you still have to move the tiller and 2. opinions are like "you know what" and everyone has one, and from reading this blog at times one less would not be missed. Plus I ususally see you at sailing events or when you get your halyard stuck at the top of the mast, unlike some of your readers. Sorry about the halyard, what can I say I'm a brute.

Happy Birthday, all my best for the Holidays.

If and when you get back, and you're not tooooo busy we'll have to get the chess board fired up because I am taking you down. Maybe best out of three:-)

Keep in touch.

[Anthony Citrano]

i echo the above comments in many ways, but mostly about the rescue part. you know I am more than capable of leading the cavalry and "bringing it." maybe you have some kind of mental infection that's fixable? ;)

happy birthday; it's been wonderful watching SoE evolve, and you along with it. whatever's cooking, I love you. i'll give a call.

xo

[mj]

I was just thinking that I should comment more frequently and now this?

You've made me think about a lot of things over the past couple years and I thank you for it.

[turboglacier]

"maybe you have some kind of mental infection that's fixable?"

I regret to report that I have examined Sherry in depth and find her to be entirely sane. Alas, she knows what she is doing. There is no insanity defense to hope for here.

[jen]

Happy Birthday, Sherry! I've truly enjoyed your blog and also applaud your decision to step away (at least for awhile). As the other entries before this one clearly show, you will be missed by a lucky bunch of readers.

Best wishes for 2007 to you (and Mr. NBT).

[Pat]

Thank you for all you've shared and happy birthday! I've enjoyed hearing your voice and prized the wisdom and supportiveness to be found among the wonderful community of readers and commenters (even a couple of the sour pusses). I hope to hear your voice from some future platform and our family hopes someday we'll meet you out on the water. Lastly, we hope you'll be able to properly "marinize" some Tarheels, especially that litigator fellow.

[Tim]

Happy birthday, and very best wishes for the future! I'll miss your blog terribly (even though I seldom commented), but I understand that changes happen. Be well!

i want my present.
harmph.

me, too!

[girltuesday]

me, too!

[Charlsie Kate]

Me too! We are going to miss you so much! You have been such an inspiration to us all! Thank you for sharing Sherry!

[(Way) Over The Line]

Is it a kitten? Kittens make nice presents.

[Trevor]

I guess I'll have to get back to those projects/work I have been meaning to start. Sherry, thank you for all that you have shared. I will miss your voice and writings. Even saying good-bye - you do so well.

[BF]

NOOO!!

I've been reading this site for the past 2 years, and I always check in, almost every day, because your take on life is so refreshing to me, and you express your thoughts so well. I am incredibly sad to hear that you'll stop posting, because I've enjoyed having your voice be a part of my daily routine, like my morning coffee, or late afternoon runs. I'm not sure what to say, except...thank you very much for your honesty. And I wish you the best of luck...you may feel like you are charting an uncertain path in your life, but I would argue that your path may be undefined, but your inner voice is strong, and true. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[katherine]

. . . you are beautiful and funny and oh so vibrant . . . thank you for sharing yourself with us . . . :)

[Denise]

Happy Birthday. You *will* be missed.

[AdriftAtSea]

You will be missed Sherri. Good luck and fair winds on your adventures though.

Dan

[Deb]

Oh Sherry, I will miss you. But I understand. I had a panicky moment when I read that you're closing down -- I thought, "I need to go back and print a bunch of her posts! I need to keep them for inspiration!" I hope you keep the site up for awhile so I have time to at least re-read some of my favorites -- but there are so many favorites, I can't imagine how long it might take!

You are probably my favorite blogger. The way you write and think -- I just love it. I hope to see a book of yours out someday.

Happy Birthday. You are terrific.
Love, Deb (from Indiana)

[Elfie]

I tried to describe blogs to my mother, who does not have a computer: "It's like having a pen pal," I said, "who writes you lovely long letters, and to whom you sometimes send postcards. It's like having a friend you haven't met."

I will miss you. I have enjoyed the blog very much over the past two years. A different woman started this blog than the one who has finished it -- I've been honored to meet them both. You are ready for the next challenge, and I am looking forward to reading it. Happy birthday!

[David]

On to the next chapter. May it be as beautiful as all the chapters that preceded it. Somehow, I know it will. Go, you woman...

[Humor Man]

Sherry but why ?

[legis]

I've been reading on and off since 2005. (I haven't commented as much as I'd have liked to). I hope you leave your site up, because I'll be reading the many posts I must have missed. It will be sad not to have the immediacy of the new blogs anymore, but I hope your three years of words remain.

I want to wish you the best of luck in the next phase of your life! You've shown me that I don't need to be trapped in the law. Thank you for that.

[MT]

You're too generous, even in saying good-bye. I've been by and browsed only intermittently, but I've always appreciated and admired what I found. Please do consider this a job very well done, and thank you. Read, Sail, (Web)Surf Write Whatever Wherever Else In Peace.

[vme]

Wonderful and informative web site.I used information from that site its great.

[lisaaaa]

lisaaaaaa,
please don't stop blogging....
remember why you started in the first place...to make sense of things, because you enjoyed the process, bc you love it!

jsut bc you're married now doesn't mean it needs to stop!!