Chatted Out
Hmm ~ an experiment of blogging without comments ...are you doing a thesis on (being) anti-social? lol ~Willow
Willow's comment made me laugh. Closing comments is often perceived as being unfriendly.
It was not meant to be. My hope was to drift to a place of having a few days of comments being open and a few days of being closed. That way, I hoped that I might not feel obligated to comment so often. It would only be fair.
You may remember seeing this. It's a little graphic I created, and offered to anyone else who wanted it, as a way of saying that what I do here, I do without constraints. After a while, I thought it was kind of obnoxious so took it down. Lately, I've been ready to slap it back up as a reminder to myself that I am not on anyone's payroll and answer only to The Lord, John, and myself.
Though I am a chatterbox in Blogdom, in real life, I am quiet and reserved. Very. Those who comment all the time are, by Blogdom's definition, stalkers. You'll have to trust me on this because I'm not providing the proof, though I did once upon a year. And that's what I feel like sometimes — a stalker. It's as if I am poking my nose in or sticking my oar into other gals' business.
John says that he can't understand why I would ever want to close comments because that's really what this place is all about — comments and sharing. It certainly is true that the comments left here are the best part of blogging. I love them. It's just that I, myself, am feeling "chatted out." Does any of this make sense?
What to do...what to do... Probably the best thing to do is take a break. This is where it gets tricky because I am "cured" of blogging after just a few days. A few days without blogging and all desire to blog is gone.
Enough of all that. If my head is tired, how's yours? ☺
I warmly welcome your comments today. I still remember the advice Dawn gave me the last time I was this conflicted: Do what makes you feel lovely.
I love you whether you comment or not. I love just visiting your beautiful photos and reading what you have to say.....just do it your way. We, at least I, won't be offended one tiny little bit. :-)
ReplyDeleteI was given very good advice long ago; "say yes when you mean yes, and no when you mean no". It was some of the best advice given. Therefore, I agree to do what your heart is telling you. Those who truly have made a connection will be there for you with or without a comment. Blessings, Catherine
ReplyDeletePlease do not feel obligated to respond to this comment! Blogging is supposed to be fun, not stressful. If I don't get around to commenting on everyone's blog, it's not because we're no longer going steady, it's because I have a life to live. Enjoy your day, Vee. :-)
ReplyDeleteI say amen to that, Judy...I feel like-wise! Who says you even have to post or let alone comment everyday? Many bloggers don't. I know I haven't been at this as long as most of you but I feel our blogs are all as unique and we are, therefore we kind of set our own "rules" if you want to call them that. Vee, I also agree with Catherine (above)...do what your heart is telling you :)
DeleteI didn't realize that graphic was yours and did have it on my blog for a while. I try to comment regularly in the small circle of blogs I follow and occasionally on others I like. Being a stalker never entered my mind, just me being friendly and polite. The whole commenting thing does get overwhelming though doesn't it? When I was in Ireland I didn't post often but did follow other bloggers on FB and their method of 'liking' a post to show who has visited without having to comment is ideal. I've said this many times before, I wish blogger could have the same thing.
ReplyDeletePersonally, posting without enabling comments is still a good way to share without expecting a pat on the back or bloggers to think of something witty to say.
I can hardly wait to see what others think and will return later today.
Have a good one Vee!
I so agree with the "like" thing, Judith!
DeleteI agree about being a stalker not crossing my mind. I also like "liking". I have a few blog friends who used to comment on my blog but not like the companion post on facebook instead. I'm glad that there is a way to know they came "calling" without any obligation or stress added to their lives.
DeleteI get it. I don't know who made up the "rules of etiquette" for blogging but they clearly have more time on their hands than I do. Checking blogs takes time, commenting takes time, REPLYING to comments takes time and then blogging on a regular basis takes a LOT of time. I can kill HOURS every day doing this. I love the friends I have made in blogland, but it can all get to be a bit too much. I have a life offline, you have a life offline. All God's children have a life offline, (or should have!) The obligation part of blogging has gotten a wee bit out of hand. I hope my good friends know that if I comment a few times a week I am still visiting and I still care. I am perhaps short on time some days, and some days just don't have a lot to add, although today doesn't seem to be one of those days does it? lol!
ReplyDeleteAt any rate, I hope you don't feel obligated to comment on all my posts. I love hearing from you, but I hope all my friends comment when they feel like it not because it is obligatory. I hereby declare I will not be replying to all comments either. PLEASE don't feel you have to reply to mine. There, I said it.
Have a great day!
I never did find any rules of etiquette and just assumed them on my own. I agree that obligation has gone beyond what it should be and we need to rethink our priorities.
DeleteI think you can do what you want. There are a few blogs that I read but never comment on. I feel like they don't need a comment from me. Most blogs I read I do try to comment on, and it does take time. But I know how I feel about how many people read my blog but don't comment - I wish they would at least once! So, it is a dilemma. I'm just trying to manage my time online, as I truly could spend the whole day here. I miss when you aren't sharing anything on your blog, so maybe instead of a complete break you could do 3 a week? I've pretty much stopped posting on Sundays. Anyway, I like seeing even just a photo out your windows, of the ocean, a shot of your kitchen or sewing room. That would be enough. It's like a visit!
ReplyDeleteDeanna
"like"
DeleteAnother "like" from me!
DeleteI guess I haven't seen all of blogdom's definitions because this is the first time I've read that commenting all the time is considered stalking! Really? I have read that the polite thing to do if you read a blog is to leave a comment, even if it's just a word or two. Not that I always do that myself. Sometimes there is just not enough time if I am reading several blogs. I will confess here and now that I often just skim a blog if I'm pressed for time and just check out the photos, especially on the decorating blogs. My thought is this...do what is comfortable for you as it is YOUR blog. I have to say, though, that we would all miss you if you quit altogether so I hope you don't do that!
ReplyDeleteMe too...I'd miss you.
DeleteExcept the standard "Thank you for sharing." I find that comment all by itself demeaning and would prefer to have no comment than that one. = D
DeleteYES to what you said about "thank you for sharing" and other comments of that ilk. Dislike them intensely. I would much, much rather they not say anything at all.
DeleteMy odd humor as usual in play in the comment you quoted ~ commenting in indeed an option .
ReplyDeleteClosing comments is indeed a firm decision to decline interaction, I understand this.
Being an extroverted introvert , this is my brief form social sharing ... hmm or stalking ?
You shouldn't have to put yourself under so much pressure , we just enjoy you.
Be well and relax with your own decisions by all means :)
Willow
Amen.
DeleteI know what you are saying Vee. Blogging does take up a lot of time. I love it when I see you pop up in my comment section, but I hope you never feel obligated to comment.
ReplyDeletesame here, Penny
DeleteI agree with Dawn. . .do what makes you feel lovely. You've made a lot of friends here.....blogging and reading other blogs does take a lot of time. I think that's why I have only 3 (one of which is your's) that I check daily. Bottom line is that you would be greatly missed, but in the long run, as you said, you answer to God, John and yourself. Remember that saying. . .and I hate the grammar. . .if momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy? (Still can't say that aloud.) If you need the stillness and calm a break would provide, it is what you should have. . .even if we're all hoping it's very, very temporary.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning, I am waiting our 8th grandchild as she will be born any minute!!
ReplyDeleteBut sharing it with you seems like maybe, she does not know me! Does she even care? Is this using my timing to glorify God! What fruit is being formed by writing this comment? I will tell you this Vee, I have not been able to post or comment much myself! There is something about blogging that can allow oneself to maybe have a puffed up feeling or a false connection. It may all be a part of this tech world we live in! They say we are connected but I think there is a smaller degree of real emotion and hands on! I think taking off comments is a way to allow you more freedom to create and connect with those that we can be with. But you also can comment on any blog you choose. I was doing a link party and I had to stop as it made me feel like too many different topics for my forum or my heart! Now, once you take all this time to read this babble you could have given birth yourself! Roxy
Woot! I have a total of three blogging buddies who will welcome a new grandchild today. It's really an exciting day.
DeleteYou raise some interesting questions about the phenomena of blogging. On the one hand,
we obviously don't actually know our cyber friends and, on the other, perhaps we know one another better than most do. Does that make sense?
Vee, I think the on/off comment is a personal choice. I personally don't take it as antisocial. There have been a few posts over the years that I just wanted to share from the heart with no expectation of a comment left back for me so I turned off comments. You know, life is busy and we each have things to get done in a day's time. As for me, I work full time...plus...and it is a bonus for me to have time to blog or visit. I never, never want others to feel pressured to comment - or even visit - but it is a plus to get to hear from those who do so. John is right. Comments left are like calling a friend to chat. And who knows, you may meet a new girlfriend doing so.
ReplyDeleteSo many good comments here and as you see, I also added my two cents to them! I hope you have found some encouragement here today, Vee...whatever you choose to do is fine...hopefully you will find a happy medium here which I feel is what we should all do...OK...that makes it about 4 cents worth :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your comments Debby! I like to read comments when it's a subject like this. I like to find out how 'off base' I might be. I better go think of my own comment now! lol Hugs!
DeleteNow I am wondering how many people have considered me a stalker........I think sometimes the problem with blogging is we can end up with a lot more friends online than we could possibly interact with in real life, and keeping up with everyone becomes overwhelming. In reality, if we were friends who lived near each other, we might see each other once or twice a week at most. But online we can see lots of friends everyday. Let's all agree to enjoy each other and not to take offense if we don't always hear from each other because everybody is doing the best they can, and it is very unlikely anyone is deliberately trying to snub anyone else. I also think you are requiring more of yourself than your bloggy friends are. Blogging should be fun, not an obligation (that's what I am trying to tell myself too).
ReplyDelete"like"
DeleteWell I can see you have given this as much thought as I have. I am by nature a chatty, friendly person so it is hard to change that here in blogland. I hadn't heard ALWAYS commenting is considered stalking, lol. So if that's the case, I guess I might be (to "some" bloggers anyway)! I have a handful of blogs (yours being one of course) where I comment almost always as not only do I feel I have something to say, but because I consider you friends. I will say this.. you have quadruple the amount of "friends" and comments that I do and I would find that VERY overwhelming to keep up with too! Mine is VERY manageable. I have many blogs I visit on a regular basis and NEVER comment, and some where I occasionally do, and some I only pop over to once in a while. Does that mean I have a "click"? lol Well I guess maybe I do. Women of like minds, women who LOVE what I do, are the blogs I gravitate towards and look forward to hearing from etc., and the rest is just the icing on the cake. I stopped looking for new friends a long time ago though. Occasionally I will run across a blog where I instantly know another "kindred spirit" exists and a friendship starts up, but for the most part I avoid even looking around much. I have reached my limit time wise, especially with as chatty as I am, lol. I am under no illusion that there are probably hundreds of women out there in blogland who I would probably consider to be friend worthy, but like I said, just not enough time. I try and post 3 times a week, NEVER (or almost never anyway) blog on week-ends, and try not to stress if I don't get to it either. I do think blogging should be fun. It should be social (if you want it to be!) but you should never feel obligated to comment everywhere you read. Goodness if I did that I'd never be done, lol. Please never feel like you must comment on mine. I have thought of that often as sooo many of my posts are alike. What's there to say after a while? lol Sooo what exactly have I said? Trim it down, DO what pleases you, try not to worry about offending anyone. ENJOY it! I do hope you don't give it up all together, I'd truly miss you! Even my hubby knows who Vee and John are after all, lol. Have a good day Vee!
ReplyDeletebtw, I read the comment about being able to hit a like button. Wouldn't that be wonderful?
"like" :)
DeleteAgree with Debbie...
DeleteAnd Debby...
Signed,
Debbie
You just put into words exactly what I'm going through right now. I thought I was depressed, or something. Maybe I'm only weary of constantly being "on". Also, so many folks are busy during this economic depression trying to survive, I think blogging is a strain (at least commenting is). I'm quiet in person too but verbose when writing. If I go back to blogging, I may turn off the comments ONLY for that reason, not because I don't care what others say or think.
ReplyDeleteSo, like your friend Dawn said, do whatever makes you feel lovely. We all think you're lovely on the inside and love your friendship no matter what happens on the internet.
God bless. ~:)
About opening or closing comments, I prefer them always open, so that I can have the choice to reply or not. I never feel obligated to reply if I don't have time, or nothing to say in response.
ReplyDeleteI love to see your comments, Vee, very much so...but I'm giving you permission not to feel any sense of duty to leave a comment every time you visit. This is supposed to be fun not work.
We don't talk to all our girlfriends every day in 'real' life, so I don't think we need to feel that we must leave a comment on every single blog post we read.
I'd miss you if you left blogging entirely, but maybe a shift to something less would help. For you, Vee, you have a very loyal following (I can tell because I recognize so many of the same names coming up often). If you were to post once a week, even twice a month (for crying out loud), we'd be there to read it. We'd know it's coming and so we'd wait for it. Like I wait for Susan Branch's newest post whenever she gets a chance to write a new one.
I see someone already mentioned it, I'd like a LIKE button on blog posts too. It gives some feedback without taking too much time.
Hey... why don't we just write WE LIKE in the comment box on those days when we don't have time for more but want to say we've been there???
Is that enough for two cents worth?
Hugs,
Brenda
It seems like we've all given this a lot of thought. I'm a friendly person who is also an introvert. I spend lots of time by myself, creating, reading, playing on the computer. It's fun to be able to check my blog and blog buddies to see what's new. I feel inspired and encouraged when I do. I get busy just like every one else and I certainly can't comment on every blog (or post) I read so I try to comment when something comes into my head! lol I wish we could all take a blog break at the same time. One week off would be enough, don't you think? Sweet hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteSince I do not have a blog of my own I can only imagine how much time you spend blogging, reading other blogs, responding to commenting or commenting on someone else's blog. I read a lot of blogs and do not comment too often. Some of the blogs (like yours) I read the comments; others I do not. Maybe I see blogging with the comments on sort of like the round robins in the pen pal world. That takes awhile longer to "go around". I'm hoping that you either chose to post with comments off some days or choose to post less often with comments always on. But the main thing: Do what makes YOU happy.
ReplyDeleteHi Vee, I am one of those bloggers who does feel guilty if I can't manage to comment to most, if not all, of my steady blogger friends. It's unfortunate that I do that to myself, but that's me. :) I agree with you that the "thanks for sharing" all by itself is a bit of an insult. Not in the least bit personal. By the way, I spent more time reading your Comments section today than your blog post, which is highly unusual.
ReplyDeleteVee, I think your dilemma is a very common one in blogland. Sometimes we just get tired and don't feel like "sharing" :) or we just need a break. I've taken breaks before, but it doesn't cure me of blogging; it just makes me miss it and look forward to getting back. However, I don't have a retired husband at home and grandchildren nearby like you do. I think that would make a huge difference for me. When my husband takes two weeks off at Christmas, it's very hard for me to get any blogging done at all. :)
Gosh, I'm writing a novel here, and I sure didn't mean to. But I want to say that I sincerely hope you won't stop blogging permanently. I really enjoy visiting you, even though I don't always leave a comment. You're the only blogger from Maine that I know about, and your way of life, the culture there is so different from North Carolina. I feel like I can do a little armchair traveling when I visit your blog. :) My son had two young women renters move into the other side of his house (it's separate quarters). Anyway, one is from Vermont and the other is from Maine. I told Will that one of my favorite bloggers lives in Maine. You do what you feel like doing and what works for you with your blog and with your comments section, but please don't give up your blog. Okey dokey?
Big Hugs,
Denise at Forest Manor
Yes, Yes, Yes. Every word, especially that last paragraph. I should have just read yours and said "Ditto" instead of writing the novel below.
Deleteyep yep yep....love your point of view Vee..
DeleteWell, I'm probably going to get chatty here. If it gets too long, you might just get an email to boot.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I didn't realize that constant comments make you a stalker. I have been getting and giving comments from certain bloggers for nearly five years now, and I enjoy the relationship. I comment because I found something in a post interesting or beautiful, or a good thought, or I've developed (at least I THINK I have) a rapport with that blogger and therefore am responding exactly the way I would if we were sitting across the table.
However, I also read a lot of blogs throughout the course of a week and don't leave a comment at all, even if I thoroughly enjoyed the post. Some blogs or bloggers make me want to comment; some are just nice to read or a great source of inspiration.
To me, stalking a blog would be going from blog to blog leaving comments for the sole purpose of getting one back. That's the kind of comment that I can do without. Also, I strongly (I can't tell you how strongly) dislike it when I get the "queen wave" from someone merely thanking me for my comment. I find that extremely rude. It happened to me the first time when I was a new blogger, and to be honest, it just "stung". I knew that the person hadn't read a word I had written but had condescended to swoop in with the queen wave. That is the one thing that will make me not want to even return to a blog again. True story.
Here's just a little something that has helped me with the interactive part.
.
When I started blogging, I promised myself to always be TRUE. I want to be the person on the screen that you would meet in real life, warts and all. My daughters have both told me that I have stayed faithful to that. Miss Whimsy recently told me that my blogging friends probably know the real Debbie even more than many IRL friends.
When the whole interactive process of blogging became overwhelming to me, I did a lot of praying and soul searching, and I kept coming up with that same word, TRUE. I asked God to show me how to be as true with the interaction as I have tried to be with the writing. When I get ready to comment on a blog, I often give myself the gut check. I ask myself if I'm commenting because I really WANT to or because I think I OUGHT to. If I really want to, I make the comment.
I use the same gut check when visiting or just reading. Now, that's not to say that I don't visit a blog when a comment is left on mine by someone I don't recognize. I do that because I'm naturally curious about the blogger. I have found some of the BEST blogs that way.
I have more to say, but I've "stalked" too long.
Maybe if you post about PARTIES, I'll give you my two cents about that. Because, you see, blog parties are a whole animal all their own.
Wonder how many typos I'll have when this posts...
Wonder if it will post...
Oh.
ReplyDeleteGood. "
Grief!!!!
Way back to your kitchen post, I like to work alone, most likely because I find it hard to cook and talk at the same time. I need to focus. The fact that I'm reading that post today shows that I have not read blogs in a couple of days. I feel like I should comment if I read the blog, and I thought if you read blogs without commenting, THAT was being a stalker. But I'm finding it harder to comment, which may be "blogger fatigue" but I do miss reading blogger friends' blogs. Maybe a busy season of life may be part of it. Everyone else's comments have been so interesting. Thanks for bringing up the topic Vee but don't quit please! You bring a smile every time I "read you."
ReplyDeleteSeems like everything has already been said.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Angela and if I commented something of my own that is what I would have said. : )
I could not agree with you more and I feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, I'm late to the party. :) I didn't realize that commenting all the time was considered stalking in Blogland. You truly do learn something new every day! I like comments. I like getting them and I like leaving them. But I don't always have time to write something meaningful. And some days I'm just out of words. Real life should always come first. Blogging should be fun (unless you're blogging for business). I hope you'll find your balance, Vee. It sounds like you need to make some changes! I've always loved your blog and while I don't always leave a comment, I read every word you write. Oh wait. That sounded kind of stalker-ish, didn't it? xoxo
ReplyDeleteJeepers Vee... You are so awesome at leaving witty insightful thoughtful comments. I often wonder how you are able to comment in that manner on so many blogs. If it is wearing you out it will be our loss so pace yourself. Nothing wrong with just leaving a smilie face as a calling card either!
ReplyDeleteOh dear! That'd be as bad as the ubiquitous thank you for sharing.
DeleteI'm coming into this conversation late, because I can't keep up . . . . haha seriously! I'm still new to blogging (9 months), and I really can't keep up. I couldn't even read through all these comments because I have other things to do right now. Blogging takes a LOT of time, esp the visiting and commenting. But, I also have enjoyed meeting so many wonderful people. I'm really glad to hear you all talking about this, because I thought I was the only one, and wondering how everyone else did it!!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of parties -- I linked to a lot every week when I started, but now I'm rethinking that. Sometimes I don't really feel like doing a post that fits in with a party. So not doing as many has been a little freeing.
I look forward to suggestions -- maybe I'll try to read through all the above comments to see if I missed any! :) thanks Vee for bringing this up.
I was too early and clicked on this before it really came onto your blog this morning and it said oops nothing here for you to see. Now I'm back and see that there is something to see. Ebb and flow and lean and full and tired and energized, little and abundant. That's the flow of life and our blogs maybe...
ReplyDeleteA quote from "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" would come to mind if you decided to leave..."why you want to leave me?" My blogging energy has been low, but I feel so connected to certain people I would be sad to stop hearing from them or seeing what's going on. I would call a stalker someone who visits and never comments. If you take a break don't be gone too long please...
wow.........I am a stalker, as I love to visit and comment. I don't think a true stalker bothers to leave comments. I hate when comments are off, I understand the whole Sunday thing, but I do believe Our Lord loves all the interaction. I have become disillusioned with blogging. There are greedy ones looking to make a killing, and Martha Stewart wannabes, and holy than thou types who like to preach, and the ones who redecorate every couple of months. I read a lot less blogs these days, just not that interested. But the ones I like and admire, I do love to comment. Otherwise, it is just all these egos clamoring for magazines or whatever.
ReplyDeleteWell, I can so relate to what you've written...
ReplyDeleteHugs to you, dear friend! I will add my plea with so many others that you not stop blogging altogether, but find a way that will bring you joy. Obligation, stress, worry...those elements are not bringing anyone joy, as is evidenced by most of your commenters today. Community, sharing, thoughtfulness, friendship, peace...those are the joys of blogging that we don't want to lose!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Angela that we should all agree to enjoy one another and not take offense. Wise counsel!
All that said, I got such a chuckle out of Debby...and then Debbie...who were commenting on the comments! What a hoot! And I laughed out loud at Kathleen Grace when she said "All God's children have a life offline." :D
Where to even start? You are one of my first and foremost blogging friends...one I have met in real life...one who makes me smile...and one who I hope to stay connected with in the future. I like that advice...'do what makes you feel lovely'. Take a break...pick up where you left off when you want to. I enjoyed reading the comments right here...such good thoughts on life in blogdom.
ReplyDeleteI used to be a regular visitor to Dee Dee's blog. At some point, she changed to a new blog called 'A Whitewashed Cottage' which has never allowed comments. She also no longer leaves comments on other blogs. Her blog is still a lovely place to visit...but I somehow never find my way there anymore. Two-way conversation is a good thing when blogging.
As you know, I have done a whole lot less blogging this year...though I still love to visit my favorite blogging friends. And guess what? I like blogging...no obligation blogging. I post on occasion and visit when I have time.
Here's my advice. Take a break. Come back when you can't stand it anymore! :) Maybe next week.
I always tend to think that when a blogger starts feeling pressured...feels obligated to visit and comment...doesn't post because of writers block...they aren't really happy with blogging at that moment and should stop and "smell the coffee"...for awhile...for a long time...until they are totally ready to come back and really enjoy their blogging.
ReplyDeleteI've been blogging since '07 and have taken a few, very few, breaks along the way. I do get tired, every now and then, and that's when I leave the scene for a bit.
It's getting close to a break for Sweet Nothings....maybe you and I can catch a plane and fly off into the wild blue yonder and find something fun to do.....Oh, wait...that's another post, forming in my head.....:) :)
I love the closing comment of do what makes you feel lovely! Hopefully, you'll just take a break for awhile, Vee, but please come back. I enjoy your blog and your friendship that I've made. You're a kind, gentle soul Vee. Happy Labor Day weekend and do not only what makes you lovely, but happy, too.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely get the "chatted out" bit. I think in a sense, I have been shielding the blogging world from the realities of my own real world for so long, and watching words, that the few which eased out seemed to be a torrent to me. Make any sense? Well, I just bent and broke under the weight of the past 8 years. However, I am hauling myself back into the desk chair and I will be pontificating at length once I remember how to do so. I sound like a demented flea. So I will stop. For now!
ReplyDeleteI, too, second what Judy said. Sometimes I think we (at least I do) get caught up in visiting blogs and leaving comments just to be kind and courteous when in reality we don't have too much tie to being doing that. Often something will get neglected around my house in order for me to visit all (which is a LOT) of the blogs I follow. Don't get me wrong, I love visiting and seeing what all of you are up to, but I am having to tell myself that if I only get to your blogs twice a week than it's okay. I am learning that I don't have to be on every day and I find it's easier that way.
ReplyDeleteI have met so many precious people and friends through blogging and like to support their blogs and by visiting them only a coupe time a week I am still supporting them :) Well, I just rambled, didn't I :)
Have a great weekend, Vee! Hugs!
I'm borrowing your blogging without obligation sign. I almost always read my favorite blogs, but I don't always comment. Many times I just don't have anything to say ... I could leave a "smile" in the comment box or a wave (~~~~~) to show I've been by!
ReplyDeleteYes, I always offer my graphics free for the taking, if they are of any interest to anyone.
DeleteDeep breath...now let it out...Take a few days off and enjoy life :) This year too I've been doing what Judy @ My Front Porch has done. I blog without obligation, I visit when I can and post when I have something to post. I love visiting your blog and comments or not I'll still visit :))
ReplyDeleteBless you, Vee - and thanks for dropping by my place with a comment! I don't get tons of them. Don't know what I'd do with 60+ of them on one post like you have here! I am a writer. I put a lot of work into my posts and visuals and content. Once I get it all done and edited and published and linked - whew! That's half a day! Then, I do the visiting and commenting. Yeah - another half a day - and when I do more than one post a week . . . well . . . I feel awful when I just can't keep up. For my work as a writer, growing my online presence and platform is very important. I guess I'll keep plugging away - even though I have some big writing deadlines ahead of me and when that happens, my blogging suffers. Sometimes posting just once a week and a couple of visits is all I can manage. But, I do love the medium and have been so blessed meeting such sweet spirits like yours - and all the inspiring, creative ladies who love our Lord.
ReplyDeleteJoy!
Kathy
I really like what my friend Judy said to you and I wholly agree. It is important that we stay true to ourselves and keep our homes and our most beloved our first priority in our lives. I think I would miss you terribly if you completely stopped blogging and yet because all that has happened in our family this last year, I've just not had it in me to be creative and in talking to others, I have found that to be common.
ReplyDeleteIt is a real privilege to pray for others even when we have no idea whether their time away is for a most happy reason or for something that is causing a bit of stress.