Hello dear friends
I've had a wee break and
this is my first post in almost a month,
hence the title of this post...
"What's it all about Alfie?"
I've lost my 'get up and go'
with regards to blogging.
To be fair, after working three days a week
(at my great age, ha ha)
my energy levels are a little low.
I thought about stopping blogging
but at this stage I can't bring myself to do that
...you see
...I have made such lovely friends
all over the world
through blogging
and I don't want to lose touch with any of you!
Some of you will understand
as I know you have had similar feelings.
Judith of Lavender Cottage
spoke about it here
Blogging has broadened my horizons
I enjoy reading about your lives,
visiting your homes and hearing about your
children and grandies.
Most of you will be aware by now
my darling daughter and her family
live in France.
They want to come and live in New Zealand
and I pray that this will happen soon
(your prayers would be most appreciated in this regard)!
I enjoy reading posts about your gardens
a special pleasure for a keen gardener like me.
I keep a notebook on hand and
I often jot down planting schemes I see on your blogs
or the name of a new rose.
I bought my rose Pierre de Ronsard
after seeing it on Elizabeths blog
Cornish Cream several years ago!
I'm still trying to track down another rose
Belinda's Dream
that I saw on Mary's blog A Breath of Fresh Air.
I think you can tell I'm not ready to pull the plug just yet...
I intend getting back to posting once a week....
but I've decided I'm not going to put pressure on myself.
I would love to hear your thoughts
either comment here or send me an email!
I'm joining
Judith for Mosaic Monday
and
Stephanie for Roses of Inspiration
(if Steph has returned from her blogging break)!
Please be kind to one another
Merci à bientôt
Shane
What a wonderful post, Shane! Your blog is very beautiful and I really hope to see your lovely posts also in the future.
ReplyDeleteYour daughter's family moving to live in New Zealand must be like all your dreams coming true. :)
Gorgeous photos and collages in this post. Thank you for sharing!
Blogging is supposed to be fun. Not an obligation. So post when you want. When you are able. I stopped worrying bout how often I do it. The friends I've already made will be there even if I'm gone for a month. They've already proven that and I'm good with that. I'm not looking to gain new followers. Just want to keep the close ones I've made so far. Sending up a prayer that your family can move closer very soon. Best wishes, Tammy
ReplyDeleteDear Shane, I was so happy to see your post pop up tonight, as it is always such a pleasure to see your beautiful words and images. So happy you are continuing to blog, at least at the moment. I have wondered what is the natural end of a blog, and at times feel quite uninspired about it myself. Then I suddenly find myself happily writing another post. It is sad when bloggers we really love and enjoy disappear without notice, and you do wonder what happened. One lovely blogger announced that she had 'grown tired of her own voice'! Nobody can argue with that one :)
ReplyDeleteLots of Sunday love xxx
Lovely to see your post . I know how you feel about getting down to making a post. I've never been a weekly blogger, I just share something when I feel like it. So Shane my dear friend, all I can say to you is post when you feel like it, don't feel pressured, but please continue I'd miss seeing your beautiful pictures and if I hadn't met you through 'Grow your blog' I wouldn't have the rose 'Pierre de Ronsard' in my garden. I always think of you when I cut off one of the blooms. Seeing yours made me choose one this spring for my new rose arbour. See how we all pass on our likes & dislikes. Enjoy your new week, and I do hope your daughter and her family can soon be with you.
ReplyDeleteHI Shane. Please keep blogging, even if you only have time to do it once per month. I don't post as much as I first did, but still enjoy it for the same reasons that you do. I read many lovely blogs, so even if they all posted only once in a while, there would still be a lot of beautiful stuff to read! Please don't leave us! I do hope that your family moves close to you. I can relate, as my entire family lives a 12- hour drive from us. It's especially hard during the holidays. Love and hugs, Sue
ReplyDeleteI love the little pansies on your cakes Shane. I know all about the problems keeping up the blogging, I have the same. I try to make a blog once a week, because I love reading all those nice stories of all of you all over the world, it is really very special. I shall pray that your daughter comes to live in New Zealand, the most beautiful place in the world. France is nice too, but New Zealand is our favorite, we were there and enjoyed 6 wonderful weeks.
ReplyDeleteWish you all the best and hope you don't stop blogging.
I understand how you feel, Shane.
ReplyDeleteHello, it is nice to see a post from you and such great news too. I hope your daughter and her family move to New Zealand, that would be awesome for you. Keeping my fingers crossed and prayers that the move happens.
ReplyDeleteI do not think anyone should feel pressure to blog, I think you just blog whenever you feel the need. We will be here to read your post. It is a wonderful way keep up with our blogging friends from around the world.
Happy Sunday, enjoy your new week!
Dear, sweet Shane, post when you feel like it. I also work three days a week, but the off days fill quickly. Sometimes I am inspired and sometimes not. Right now I have more to post about than there are days in the week, LOL!! Take care of yourself. Take some time off, we will be here whenever you post.
ReplyDeleteShane,
ReplyDeleteWe all have been where you are. Trying to keep the blogging posts fresh and interesting can be like having a full time job in itself. I have been where you are so many times especially with my life being upside down right now with the hubby trying to find a job and our home on the market to sell. Life sometimes gets in the way of blogging.
Glad you decided to stick with it. I would miss you if you stopped. Hey my motto is post when you have something to share and visit other blogging friends when you can. When it gets to be a hardship or not fun then it is time to quit. Just take it easy on yourself and post when you can. We are all here for you.
Kris
Hi Shane, I'm new to your blog.
ReplyDeleteThere is no one right answer to how/when/if we blog. Everyone is different, and that's what makes blogging so unique. When I started blogging I posted three times a week. I spent hours posting inspiration on FB also. Then I realized it was too much. I felt like a hamster in a cage. I don't blog for money, so what was I running myself ragged for? Now I post about once a week, and it works well for my life, but your mileage may vary ;).
I've always taken exception to the idea that a blogger needs to post a certain amount of times, or even that they be consistent. Who cares??? Advertisers maybe, but if that's not your agenda, no need to concern yourself with any of that.
Your friends are your friends and they don't care, so you shouldn't either. Post when the spirit moves you. Comment on other blogs when the spirit moves you. To do otherwise will result in burn out, and everyone loses.
xxx
I think blogging, knitting and crochet should be fun and done when it suits us. There is enough pressure in our lives already. I enjoy your blog, so even irregular posts are welcome.
ReplyDeleteThe color scheme of your photos today brought delight to my eyes, and I love violets and primroses! Oh, I DO hope your daughter and her family find their way open to move to New Zealand, even though I enjoy the glimpses of France you give us when you visit her there.
ReplyDeleteFor me, blogging is an essential outlet so I can't imagine NOT blogging, but yours is more of a "beauty blog" to me and as such I bet it takes even more time to compose. To each his own in these areas!
So good to hear from you Shane. Your cup is so sunny and beautiful and it sings of spring! That's a nice thought since we are in autumn and need to get through winter yet...
ReplyDeleteAs for blogging, I feel it's something one does best if their heart is in it. There are times when I don't blog for two weeks at a time. That's mostly when I am away and don't want the pressure of scheduling anything. I sure do miss when someone is absent or completely leaves the blogging world but I also understand. Will keep thoughts and prayers that your dear loved ones move to NZ to be close to you. Much love!
Like others have said, post when you would like to post and don't feel pressured. I am one that enjoys reading your posts and seeing the great photos. Sending up good thoughts and a prayer that your daughter and family can move to New Z. and be closer to you.
ReplyDeleteI am another one that has debated about giving up the blog, but I also know I can use it as a diversion from other things dealing with in everyday life.
Lovely to see your post pop up Shane. I often think about you as I go about my day - especially when I am in my garden. I think blogging should be just a "when you can type of thing" - we should not feel pressure. I find it enough to post weekly & even then its a struggle sometimes. But its also a wonderful journal to look back over for ourselves. At times when it feels like I am achieving nothing I read back over my blog & think that in fact, I have achieved lots. And yes, its a wonderful place of inspiration too & I have gleaned loads of ideas from seeing other blogs, especially gardening ideas as you say. And then, the friends I have met (like yourself) - if you had told me years ago I would meet all these people in cyberspace & become close to them & feel like I know them well (& worry & pray for them at times) then I would've thought you were quite, quite mad. So there you go ... I pray that your daughter & her beautiful family end up in our gorgeous country Shane. Have a wonderful week my DEAR FRIEND :-)
ReplyDeleteOh that would be wonderful if your dear family moved to NZ near you! I often feel how you do and then come up with another post. I think I would miss it but more I'd miss my blog friends, though I suppose I could still visit their blogs. I'm coming to my ten year mark. You would think there would be nothing more to say, but life keeps giving me new experiences!
ReplyDeleteDearest Shane. As you know we only recently became blog friends through Stephanies teacup exchange, but can I tell you that your blog has already brought me great joy and peace during a somewhat turbulent time in my life, and I think it's easy to forget that we know not, who views our blogs or why. My troubles are not internet-worthy, so I won't share them, but suffice to say that the blogging world can be as much an escape, as burying my head in a good book, but without the need to feel that I have to finish the story. I recently said to Stephanie when she announced her break from her beautiful blog, that I've taken many long sabbaticals from my blog over 7 years, and nobody thought worse of me, and they were all right there when I felt ready to return. Your first duty is to self and real family. Your cyber family will be here whenever you feel refreshed enough to give of yourself again. Meanwhile, look at what a beautiful legacy you leave us to devour at will. I will pray very hard that your daughter and her family move closer. Mine live on the opposite side of town and I find that difficult. The opposite side of the world is unthinkable. Blessings to you. Much love, Mimi xxx
ReplyDeleteDear Shane, I noticed you weren't blogging lately and apologize for not writing to see if you are ok. I'm glad to know that you are fine and life is keeping you very busy and I understand that you may have to slow down in blogging. I think trying to do it once a week, without pressure, is a good thing as we don't like to lose touch with you. I think it's exciting that your daughter and her family are wanting to join you in New Zealand! I'll pray that all will work out to that end very soon. Your photos today are so pretty and I especially love that teacup. It looks so familiar and I must check to see if I have a similar one. Do take care and I hope you will try to blog now and then. You would be missed if you stopped completely!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Pam
I have only visited you a very few times yet I love what you share. Family is all important and I shall send along prayers for your move. I believe blogging should be enjoyment and never a chore. I have come to realize I cannot keep a regular schedule...so I merely post when I am able to and it is working well for me. Like you said...I love my bloggng friends I have made all over the world. Blessings and Creative Bliss...
ReplyDeleteDear Shane, sweet friend, thank you for this wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteI know, sometimes there are more important things than blogging, but it is wonderful to meet you all here ...I would miss you and your always wonderful posts!
So, post, whenever you have time and you want to, we will wait and be here :O)
Sending much Love, hugs and blessings to you,
take care and have a wonderful new week!
Claudia xo
Wonderful post! I enjoyed your blog post. Thanks for sharing! I wish you all the best!
ReplyDeletePlease don't pull the plug! Just cut back if you must but don't pull the plug!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I have built a wonderful community of friends through blogging and I think you know how that enriches and teaches us all. I am happy to count you among them. And while it is likely we may never meet our blog friends in person, I do believe they can really help enrich us in many ways.
I've heard this discussion in a number of blogs, with people going to Instagram and FB. Here's my take. Facebook can give you a snippet of life and share some photos but no depth. Instagram gives even less depth. If you want to enjoy pretty images, these are great platforms but if you want to learn about others and build relationships, the blog is the way to go!
So, think no pressure to post or visit, but do what you can when you can. And meanwhile, we'll keep those good vibes going for your family's move!
Shane I do so hope you keep on blogging because I so enjoy your post. I will continue to pray for you and your family. Have a blessed day. Madeline
ReplyDeleteHello dear Shane,
ReplyDeleteYou are right, sometimes blogging can be a chore, even it should not, and I have also ,in between, had thoughts ,of stopping, as I`m also sharing my thoughts and art on fb, meeting a lot of the same friends, with whom I`m blogging, -and which also have been more "relaxed" about posting on their blogs !! Well to be honest I don`t know, yet, as I also love visiting and getting visits , so I wil probably go on, only with posts now and then. For the moment I`m very much enjoying dear Wendy`s neutral party , and have posted there each week.
Hope you stay ,or to see you on fb.
Hugs ,Dorthe
Oh I do hope and pray your daughter and family will move nearby. I can't even imagine being that far from the grandchildren. As far as blogging is concerned I often have the same feeling and then I remind myself I do it for me. I do so appreciate and love the friendships I have made online through blogging. Some days it is hard to inspired, but it keeps me taking pictures and thinking of words to inspire. I would miss you.
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear from you! I certainly think that you have to do what you want and when you want and how you want when it comes to blogging. I had been putting more and more pressure on myself about blogging and then I stepped back and I feel soooooo much better about it. I hope that you too can find the right balance for you, which is what is most important, you can see by all the lovely comments that your readers and friends around the world will still be there. I hope that your daughters and her families wishes to move come true! xx
ReplyDeleteA lovely post. Found my way here via Mosaic Monday today.
ReplyDeleteI do totally understand about the need for blogging breaks and wondering the next step and season to one's blogging life. Down seasons are healthy for the soul; we all need those times to be quiet and to fill the pond by gathering new images and thoughts and ideas.
Personally, I hope you won't say goodbye entirely to the blogging world. Your presence here would be greatly missed by your many fellow bloggers. If a post a week or even one a month would work, that keeps your thumb in the pie, as it were, and your connection to all your beautiful friends, without the great commitment.
I wish you well as you search your own heart as to what it wants to really do in this season.
Wishing you also a beautiful week ahead.
Brenda
I think we all experience this at one or another. Posting less often takes a lot of 'stress' away from blogging. I don't want to quit because I've made so many wonderful friends...like you. I would miss that TOO much! Enjoy your week! Sweet hugs, diane
ReplyDeleteBlessings to your daughter on her move. I enjoyed all the beautiful photos in your post, and thank you for the update on yourself. Blogging can be very time-consuming if we let it be.
ReplyDeleteI love going to read your blog Shane. Wonderful news to hear your family wanting to come to N.Z. to live. My thoughts are with you in the hope that it does happen. I love the genteelness and beauty of your blog posts and do hope you are able to continue. I wondered how you might be getting on with your lace, ribbon vintage pages.
ReplyDeleteDearest Shane,
ReplyDeleteWell, this post had a lot of promise and hope in it!
Your love for roses and very romantic things will never leave you, not even in high age.
But IF prayers do become answered that will help you in a big way. No more long trips to be planned but instead you can share the company of your dear daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren within reach!
That would be such a blessing! Let's hope for it.
Sending you hugs and prayers.
Mariette
Oh Shane - how thrilled you must be at the possibility of your daughter and her family moving to New Zealand. I will certainly pray that the move can happen. It would be so wonderful to have them closer.
ReplyDeleteBlogging gets to be a bit of a chore for me once in awhile, especially now that I'm working regularly again. There just isn't time for everything. But, like you, I'm unwilling to let go of the friendships and contacts made through blogging. Like-minded people are not always easy to find in real life. I've learned so much through my blogging friends - practical things as well as just how to live life well.
Allowing yourself the freedom to post or not post as it suits you is just as it should be. Your blogging friends will be glad to see posts appear at any time!
Shane it is good to take a break...and I do understand how the longing to keep going can wane. Keeping good thoughts for your daughter and family to join you.
ReplyDeleteI hope your family can move to Australia to be closer to you Shane.
ReplyDeleteCan't say I have my blogging mojo back 100% yet but then I've become busy with other things too which take up my time.
With friends we make through blogging, I feel we're there for them no matter how often they post - we just pick up where we left off.
Praying for your wishes my friend.
Wonderful images. Keep blogging. Looking forward to more from you.
ReplyDeleteDear Shane,
ReplyDeleteTake the time that you need to feel better. Post whenever you like and enjoy life in the meantime. Hope your family will be able to join you!
Have a lovely evening!
Madelief x
I so agree with you about blogging and the wonderful friends that are made. I would miss my blog just because of those contacts I've made through the years. I used to try to post five days a week but I find I'm slowing down somewhat and now I average maybe three times. I have given serious thought to doing what I see a number of people doing now - and only posting once a week. For now it's just a thought.
ReplyDeleteI'm writing this as the news is on with the horrible story of what has happened in France. I hope and pray your family is safe.
My dearest Shane,
ReplyDeleteI'm so very overjoyed to read a post of yours, and so beautiful, as usual !
Actually I've been missing you and I hope you go on blogging, your words and thoughts bring such a serenity to me, my friend !
I wish you a most beautiful end of your week
sending dear love
Daniela
Dearest Shane. I hope your darlings are safe from the horror of the last 24 hours. You are all in my thoughts. Mimi xxx
ReplyDeleteDear Shane,
ReplyDeletelovely post. I hope for you too, that your daughter and her family go back to New Zealand. Horrible times for France and Europe. We all have to stand together.
Vive la Liberté!
For freedom, respect and tolerance!
Luv Barbara
Shane, I've always loved Stephanie's Tea Cup Exchanges, but have never participated yet. I did, however, see this lovely tea cup on her blog and remember liking it very much. I know what you mean about blogging. I have been wanting to take a break for awhile, and I think we all want to do this from time to time.
ReplyDeleteThis is a special post today about blog friends and sharing feelings.
~Sheri