A Haven for Vee

Thursday, June 27, 2013

The Challenges of Reading My Blog

On my chatty days, the challenge is for me to write so that you don't feel as if you're riding a roller coaster. Some of the most fun times here at the blog are when I've been misunderstood. It happens nearly every day. It used to cause frustration. Now I can laugh. ☺

Recently, I've been accused of giving readers a headache, which is not much fun for them I'm sure. This is partly my own fault — my lack of communication skills — and partly that a portion of readers aren't really here; they're just moving through on a swift train. They aren't in a reading mood. I get that. Sometimes all I want to see is a picture book, too. And when it comes to a picture book, this is not the best blog to be.


Glimpses of my little corner are not all that photo worthy...I know that. This is a case in point: the best I have to offer you today is a hanger of linens on the upstairs dresser...oak. (I have a new iron and suddenly ironing has become a joy again.)

All this to say that I am feeling very blessed that so many people have wandered through this blog in the past six years. Why I have any readership is a source of constant wonderment to me. As you know, Google reader is leaving July 1. I have yet to learn whether Google Followers will be gone as of that date, too. My best guess is that since it's all connected, one day we'll wake up to find them gone...poof.

(Oh boy...it is so tempting to say something right here that would toss many for a loop. Some of you will know what I'm thinking and others will just have to guess because I'm not connecting the dots today. Another day...)

If you had told me yesterday morning that the oppressive heat was going to leave and that it would be chilly enough to bake those wonderful molasses cookies last night (recipe in sidebar), I might not have believed you. If you had told me yesterday morning that the Supreme Court was going to rule as they did, I might not have believed you either. All day long I felt as if I woke in one country and ended the day in another. I'm weary. I'm tired. I'm yearning for home.

50 comments:

  1. Good morning Vee
    I view visiting your blog as a chat between friends over the back fence. I don't always have much to contribute to the conversation, and being Canadian I don't understand the political frustrations that arise but I always enjoy my visit with you.
    It takes a while to figure out what bloggers are looking for, and I have to agree it's usually pretty pictures and quick look before moving on. You can tell by comments sometimes that the text hasn't be read.
    BTW, I enjoy ironing my linens.
    Judith

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  2. I enjoy each and every visit here, as if we sat down for tea, even if google eats up all the blogs I will still follow you, I have you book marked,

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  3. Hello Vee. The news and current state of affairs makes me weary every day. Ironing a joy?? Please tell me what kind of iron you got so I may enjoy it too.

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  4. oh and I think the photo is the very best kind, its real life,

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  5. Vee, reading between the lines - I'm pretty sure I get it. I agree with you and seems like I yearn for home even more nowadays. I also love your blog and posts! Everyone one of them.
    Lisa

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  6. Vee,
    I also LOVE ironing my linens....almost as much as I enjoy shopping for them.
    I always enjoy reading what you have to say. I sometimes (ok many times) get chatty on my blog as well. As for the Supreme Court decision, I do believe they try to make life equitable for all. While we can't always understand or agree with all decisions made, ultimately, in the end, those whose life choices are deeply affected by yesterday's decision, will be judged by God.

    Hope you have a lovely day Vee! Wish it were cool enough here to bake cookies!!!!
    Linda
    mysewwhatblog.blogspot.com

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  7. -chuckle- Giving Dear Readers a headache hu? -grin- It's just that you tend to be vague. Whether on purpose, or it just happens... It's so. We learn to ask questions, back channel, if we realllllly need clarification. :-))))

    What a BEAUTIFUL photo! I am *in lust* for those old linens. Simply lovely. Seeee? that's a very photo-worthy corner pic!!! So there! "Auntie" sezzzzzz... :-)

    Glad your heat, took a holiday.

    Would you believe, I'm not sure about what *The Supremes* did...? I did see some complaints. But it didn't look, like they came from Conservatives. ??? Oh well, I had a much better day, without knowing. (Said the "Ostrich") ,-)))))))))))

    "Auntie"

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  8. Re: Google Followers and all that going-poof-jazzzzzz.......

    See! Here is a question, which I will ask you, backchannel! :-)

    Mmmmmm... 'Backchannel' is an old way of referring to e-mail.

    "Auntie"

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  9. Good morning! I am on the market for a new iron too so I would really like to know about yours, lol. I have never really minded ironing, but then other than when I sew I don't use one much. I LOVE visiting here. It's like a quick chat with a favorite neighbor. As for the Supreme Court decision, hubby and I have best that to death and I don't dare get started again...sigh. Enjoy your day Vee!

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  10. Good Morning Vee, I love your blog and enjoy any post you write. O.k. so I'm a bit concerned about Google reader; I have Feedly as a reader too but only on my IPad. I tried to sign up with Bloglovin but it wouldn't do it so I'll try again today.
    Have a great day!
    Noreen

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  11. If I could come to your house and sit on the floor....looking through those old books and breathing in the scent of the freshly ironed linens, I would be at peace....in my own little world. (I'll need my glasses and probably help getting up off the floor! heehee!) I read the last paragraph aloud to my hubby and it was a topic of conversation over breakfast. Sweet hugs my friend, Diane

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  12. I love your photo by the way! I have a thing for pretty linens and oak furniture....

    I laughed at your "not connecting the dots" - I get your meaning! I've read that when the British surrendered to Washington at the end of the Revolutionary War that the British army band played a song called "The World Turned Upside Down". They couldn't fathom that the colonist could beat the worlds greatest military power. I feel like we are in a "World Turned Upside Down" or at least a nation turned upside down.

    Thankful to know the ONE who holds us all in his hands.

    Deanna

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  13. Oh yes! And I love your photo. I had an oak dresser like that one time. See, we all connect in the smallest or the largest ways. I don't understand about the google followers -- since I'm not one, Maybe readers will find us if they want to. hmmm

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  14. I didn't know our country had more money to pay out to people. All I hear is that this and that will be cut back. Oh to be an Ostrich! I'm working on that. : )

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  15. Oh dear...that's the whole challenge of living here. Living as a sojourner. One whose home is somewhere else. It is a good thing to long for it (that other land), although it is a difficult thing to see things here getting worse and worse, when right is wrong and wrong is right.

    I love the glimpse of your upstairs corner...and I love my visits with you!

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  16. I love coming here, sometimes I'm too busy and don't get visiting anyone :(
    Definitely no challenges for me...I like to read what you say or just look at a photo or two like the one you posted. I hope you have a wonderful day today!

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  17. Vee, I was drawn here by your lovely photos. You have a talent for creating a focal point with pretty things in your home. As for the ironing... I'm afraid they have not created an iron that would get me to enjoy. I have no idea about the Google thingy. I am in the dark about all that stuff but I hope nothing explodes.

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  18. Vee, I feel like visiting your blog is just as comforting as a chat with my next door neighbor; so inviting and warm. I love your linens hanging on the dresser. They look as if they belong. Ironing can be so therapeutic and I do love the end result. I've tried not to dwell on the path our nation is walking... I have discovered it's not good for me or my kiddos. I think of Proverbs 22:6 a lot these days ... "Train up a child in the way he should go..." Maybe more people should have done that years ago instead of dabbling in Hollywood, money, & other worldly temptations. I do think it is a shame that the minority is controlling the majority.

    Have a wonderful day my friend.

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  19. All it takes is a new iron to make you want to iron? I need to know what brand and model you bought. Maybe there is redemption for me yet.
    And speaking of home, the closer I'm moving towards it the more appealing it is. Makes me want to break out and sing "This World is not my home..."

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  20. First of all - thanks for the great idea for storing ironed linens - I hate to fold them and make so many creases - and I just got some wooden coat hangers with the rod on them - so that is going to be my project - iron some linens and and hang them - terrific idea. Great photo too.

    I am always happy to find a blog that has more than one or two photos and 4 words. I like to read and I like to sit and enjoy a long blog - so keep on talkin' - I love it.

    I am sad when people zip through my blog (on a fast train - like than analogy) and leave three word comments that only show they have visited - and have not bothered to settle in to enjoy the blog. I am thankful for all readers, even if they don't comment. My preference is a long, chatty blog - with irony and a bit of sarcasm when necessary - it lets me learn more about the blogger so we can become cyber friends.

    Thanks for chatting. And do tell us more about your iron.

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  21. Vee, you are such a sweet encouragement to me and I love reading your blog. I was surprised to find that I wasn't subscribed? So now you are in my feedly and my email!

    Melissa~

    PS When my youngest was 5 years old, I got out the ironing board and he asked me what it was. Apparently he had never seen it...in five years...that is a sad and true story about me and ironing. :)

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  22. Vee, your little corners ARE photo worthy. I love them, and I love the one you posted today, the freshly pressed linens draped in such a lovely way. I look forward to your posts, but have to admit I've been one of the ones who got confused, probably because I didn't read intently. At any rate... we plug along from day to day, not knowing what the next day will bring. I too am yearning for home. ~ Abby

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  23. Vee, your blog is you. It's like chatting with a friend. Conversations between friends go from one thing to another. Love you photos too!

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  24. I love visiting your blog. Your chattiness welcomes me and draws me into your world. Sometimes it's pretty, like the linens you've shown today, at other times you share something that's burdening you. That's friendship.

    When we lived overseas and I longed for my home country, and then when I was in my home country and longed for overseas, I realized that my real home was still in the future. At times like this (Supreme Court decision) I realize more and more that my home is still ahead.

    Do share what kind of iron you have. I need a new one and since the camera collaboration (:) seems to be working out, perhaps an iron one would, too.

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  25. I love coming by to visit because it is one of the few remaining sane places to visit in this rapidly changing (declining) country we live in. I need these sane, normal places to visit. I'm not much for the McMansion-type blogs that showcase their homes and the latest thing they've purchased. That smacks of materialism, and I'm into enjoying a sweet, simple life these days. And all those DIYer's just plain wear me out, too. Your home and the stories you share are much more interesting than you seem to know, my friend. Keep 'em coming! Please. Thank you.

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  26. Vee,
    O, how I understand. Many days I want to shout, "even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!" It is difficult to not let what is going on around us affect us. But as Paul said in Philippians 4:4-9 rejoice always,(very hard to do sometimes)do not be anxious about anything, but pray about all things, and the peace of God will reign in you heart. He goes on to instruct us to think on whatever is true, right, noble,etc. I run to this verse every time I feel my JOY slipping away from me. I refuse to let the evil one rob me of my JOY! Take heart, HE HAS ALREADY WON THE BATTLE!
    So glad to have found your blog. I enjoy your words and your photos.
    God bless you.
    Looking Up!
    Ginger (agingerlypace@blogspot.com)

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  27. I always understand your blog. I always enjoy my visits. I love the header and background, so soothing love the colors. xo

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  28. Oh mercy....will the world continue if Google reader goes away? See I am on my way to my oncologist, so I get rather snarky! Maybe, we could all go back to the nice simple blogging that was like having pen pals. I miss that, and I know it isn't going to happen. Blogging is big business now! But, that is ok, I will enjoy ironed linens on a hanger on a not perfect picture! That's more real life anyways!! (See, I told you I was snarky!!)

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  29. Funny how a photo of freshly pressed linens can be so soothing. I recall in one if the Little House on the Prarie books where they had traveled for days in a cover wagon to a place smack in the middle of nowhere but grass as far as they eye could see and the first thing "Ma" did after they unhitched the wagon was to start ironing. I took that as a sign of insanity when I read it as an adult in the 1980s. Now I think Ma was just trying to calm herself in the face of so much unknown.

    Yesterday's Supreme Court over ruling the California voters, the mob that shut down Texas legislature so babies could be still be murdered at 20 weeks in crappy abortion centers more than 30 minutes from a hospital, and the quiet report that Russian and China have accessed everything that Snowden took...like "game over...let's go get in our car and leave before the rush and avoid traffic" moment. Except there is no car or place to go.

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  30. Hi Vee. I read every comment today and I guess I could say "Ditto" to just about every one. I read between the lines of your post and understand where you're coming from. We have been 'there' in our country already. It always surprises me that the US is the "world leader" but Canada seems to get these new laws ahead of you. It makes me sick at heart and long for "home" too. Our world is falling so fast into the pit of self destruction but I am thankful that our God is in control. I like what Ginger said above about not letting the enemy rob us of our joy. We have the victory!
    I love your photo today. The linens, wooden hanger (found 3 in the attic!), and the old dresser with the vintage books stored under it speak volumes (no pun intended!) to me.
    I always enjoy visiting you, my friend. You can get a great conversation going and I enjoy that about your blog.
    I'm having second thoughts about not joining Bloglovin'. How do you like it? Do I have to click on the icon to follow you or only if I have Bloglovin'? Wish I understood more about it. I guess I'd better bookmark some of my favourite blogs asap. Just in case.
    It's very cold here today. Only 50 and rain or drizzle. I'm in my winter clothes again to keep warm but refuse to put on socks and sneakers in the house. Ha!
    Sending hugs to you.
    Pam xo

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  31. I always enjoy stopping by for a visit with you, Vee! Keep doing what you're doing, dear friend! Gorgeous dresser btw! xo

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  32. Like I said before, I have "you" bookmarked. Love the linens and the dresser. Also, feel like I'm living in a foreign country, and some of my "worst enemies" are family and close friends. sigh. Funny that your heat wave left. By Monday, our coldness is going to be replaced by 90+ weather. Also, guilty of not always carefully reading... Hugs.

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  33. We downsized, but if we still lived in our former, 100+ year old home, I would find a way to copy your photo...down to the books under the wardrobe.

    As I was ironing the other day, I realized that it's time to buy a new iron. Please share the brand of the one you're enjoying.

    I must live in a fuzzy little world. What is Bloglovin', Google Reader, and anything else you mentioned that I'm missing? Class, please!

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  34. Okay, I looked them up and learned that I've never used Google Reader. I always bookmark the blogs and everything else. I'm feeling better!

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  35. I don't know where you get the idea that folks don't like your blog. Look at the number of visitors. If I had that many I would be doing the happy dance. I love a touch of lace where ever I can find it. Keep doing just what you are doing. I love your blog. Just saying.
    Peggy

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  36. I can't imagine getting a headache from my visits here. I always enjoy hearing what you have to share and also what the readers have to say. It's like having a good conversation among friends.
    Personally I'd much rather hear about your new iron and see the photo you shared than visit the blogs that feel a bit like a popularity contest to me. I'm sooo not interested in that.
    I think sometimes our own photos don't seem too exciting because we look at these things every day. I found your photo today to be peaceful and pretty. Makes me want to get out my linens and get ironing. Count me among those who are curious to know about your new iron. I don't mind ironing, but my iron gives me fits. I think it's time for an update.

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  37. I always feel home when I visit you Vee. Warm, comfortable, homey...
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  38. p.s. I follow all of my google reader blogs through bloglovin now...

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  39. I love your blog Vee and always in enjoy your many photos. Today's photo is lovely. I noticed all the books too.

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  40. I adore your blog because your personality shines through. Plain and simple. And don't beat yourself up on the photography because you do a mighty fine job. Yes, indeed! You can even make ironing sound interesting, LOL.

    I never really cared for Google Reader. Google Followers will still continue. I signed up about a month ago to bloglovin' - after reading some reviews by blogging friends - and I love it. It really helps me clearly see how delinquent I am in visiting everyone - haha! I suggest that you give it a whirl. It was easy-peasy to transfer followers over. Two of my followers somehow didn't get transferred, so I added them manually.

    And the state of this country? It's in the toilet. Whoosh!

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  41. Hehehe, I take about three or four times as long to write my Mom Heart posts than I do on my own blog as I figure I have to be more cohesive there! It's nice when it is your own little part of Blogdom to be yourself and we like it here. :)

    I had a feeling the Court was going to rule that way judging from some past decisions. I can't believe how rapidly the country is changing and not for the good.

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  42. Vee, I love the white linens against the Oak dresser.. I hate it when things change in cyber world can they just leave things alone? Never heard of google reader.. I barely learned blogger.. oh boy.. Love your humbleness.

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  43. I always fell like I'm sitting at your kitchen table having a cht when I come here. You and I seem to be on the same page... Supreme Court??? Unbelievable!

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  44. Vee
    I think I know how you feel. It is so disheartening the direction the country is heading. I want to never hear the news again and live in my own little cocoon sometimes. Maybe the Quakers got it right.....
    I don't find your post hard to understand. True that I don't always know what some of your Eastern terms are, but you've been patient in explaining them to me!
    Now I like the way you've stuck your books under that dresser. I wish I had a dresser that sat up high enough off of the floor to do the same. Especially now that I had to leave behind two tall bookcases-thanks to U=Haul!
    I don't think bloggers going anywhere soon. Now don't you get any wild ideas and disappear on us!!

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  45. Oh no, Vee, you aren't thinking of packing it all up and leaving, are you? I think after five plus years of blogging I have every blog I love memorized, so I'll always find them and I don't need google reader. I'll probably not join Bloglovin until I have more time. These 6am til 5 pm babysitting days are loooong for a 60 year old...lol!

    I will e-mail you an interesting story about the new SCOTUS ruling.

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  46. I'm not sure about whether my followers will disappear on July 1, either. If you figure it out will you share with us? I guess it really doesn't matter because I don't have great numbers of folks who read my blog. BTW, thank you for being a frequent reader of my blog & commenting so often. I appreciate that very much!

    Smiles,
    Carol

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  47. Hmmm... Followers actually disappeared last year (for new blogs) but you can still find it as a secondary option under gadgets. But I do hope they do not take it away completely. I completely understand how you are feeling about the state of the country. I haven't watched news in weeks because it is so heartbreaking. I just get angry.

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  48. I love your blog and it makes me feel like we are neighbors and I've dropped over for a chat. Don't change, XOXO

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  49. Glimpses of those corners is what life is made of.
    Like it so keep writing :-)

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  50. I tell you what Vee - I agree with each and everything you said. Everything. I get it all. sandie

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