I keep starting posts then abandoning them. This is reaching ridiculous proportions right now, because the longer I stay away from the computer, the harder it becomes to start and finish anything. Discipline, Linds. Discipline.
I was just thinking how the profile of my blogging friends has changed over the years. So many of my dear friends have slowed down, or stopped for now, and yet, yes, I know, there are new friends to make and get to know too. That is always exciting. But I miss my old friends from the days I started out so tentatively here. I miss their words. Their wisdom. Their lives. Sure, many are on Facebook now, but it is not the same. I may know what they are doing at any one time, but I don't know what they are thinking. And if your Facebook status is anything like mine, it is what I am NOT saying which is the point. Sigh. How to get the balance right.
And another thing - I miss the ordinariness there used to be in the blogging world. Before super organised, streamlined blogs became the norm. Some of my friends have become mega-bloggers and while I am delighted for them, I miss the times when we all seemed to know each other. Blogging was never a business back then. It was simply stories we wanted to tell. Progress, I suspect, is what I will be told. Things evolve. Oh yes, they certainly do.
Sometimes I hesitate to comment because there are already 298746788923900 comments, and what I wanted to say has already been said a thousand times or more. And I wonder if they remember.......
I like being able to tell my stories. I love(d) reading their stories. I loved Becky's Alphabet soup. Barb's Sunday Meanderings. Susie's wonderful photos of California. Chris's hilarious stories of her life and family. Mary's tales from Australia. Shannon. Antique Mommy. Diane from Diane's Place. Jeana. Heather. Jenni. Scribbit. Heidi, Kelli and Pam. Some still write now and then, and that is a total delight when I see them pop up on the reader.
Nostalgic. That is what I am. Not for something that existed decades ago. But for the days before the power-blogging started. Just a short while ago. Maybe some people felt they could not take their blogs to the next level? I don't do levels. Is that necessary? Does it matter? I am happy right here. It is so much less, yet so much more for me. Maybe people are writing books. That is great too and of course I want to read them. They are all moving on with their lives, I know. But I think of them often. And wonder how they are really doing.
But I still miss the simpler days. Them.
Sigh. (Setting the rocking chair in motion and reaching for the coffee)
Maybe I am getting old.
Anyhow.....
Maybe I will have to think of something different. But in the meantime, I am going to play with templates. Time for Spring, I think.
15 comments:
"When the blogging gets tough, a blogger plays with templates." True enough I think.
Funny how I was thinking about much of what you've written here today at some point last week. I miss so many of my friends for all the same reasons that you are missing yours. And the thing is, I didn't expect any friends when I started blogging. I thought I was just blogging for me. That quickly faded when the first comment came in.
I find myself asking "Where did everyone go?" And then I remind myself that I, too, take off and am gone for days. Sometimes blogging is a lonely thing for gals such as we who aren't looking for the next level. I don't know about you, Linds, but I am just looking for some comfort and cheer along the way and a kindred spirit or two.
Mercifully, I have found that in you!
Now have great fun with the backgrounds and templates!
I see the template playing worked out and spring is on the way! I turned my counter and my map off and blog from the heart now. Of course staying in touch with my family was my first motivator and that continues. I miss Susie and Becky too. Change - progress - moving on - part of life but we can still mourn for the past. I'm so glad you are still here :))
I so agree. So many have gone for the money. Oh well, there are still many of us out here blogging to just share of ourselves.
I read every single post you write Linds. I don't comment a lot because if you click on my name, you will find me still stuck in the rutt I was in when I abandoned ship. Spring is coming and I am determined to get back to my blog and writing things down. I miss the friends too, most of whom I met through our precious Kelli when I started my blog. I am praying that this is her year of miracles and she can start living the life I know she misses so much. God bless Sarah so much for her gift. I can't wait for Spring to get here:) Love you Linds.
Love and Hugs, Laurie
Hi Linds,
Never had a blog but read a few of them, and no one does this better than you. I truly feel as though as I know you - and like you very, very much! (Sorry to be an Anonymous, but don't want to join Google.)
Your unknown friend,
Linda B. from Michigan
When I look through the list of bloggers from four years ago and the list now I know exactly how you feel! I miss them too and wish they would come back and get off that blasted Face book! Face book is just not the same, one liners for the most part. Can't sink your teeth into that. Thank goodness a number of us have stuck with it, a super blogger I will never be but it's my world and what I know best. Great post my friend!
Happy Birthday to your sweet granddaughter! Has it been two years already!!!???!!!
Can't believe your granddaughter is already 2. Time flies.
I totally enjoy reading your blog...have kept up with it more than most others. I struggle at times with what to write and why...long for comments yet at the same time write mainly for myself. Most of it is telling my story and just because typing is faster than handwriting usually for me.
Thanks for being a faithful friend on my blog.
I love the new look!!!
:)
Hello - as you know - I've only just discovered your blog but I've read every one since. Hope that you're able to reconnect with old blogging friends. I don't like the idea of Facebook at all but do understand it serves a purpose for the younger generation. I enjoy the real people and the ordinary stories. It's wonderful to be able to connect with people from around the world and share stories and pictures.
I really do agree with you, Linds, even though my own blogging has slowed dramatically. Those early years of blogging were so much fun. I still pop in on you, Crystal, Pea and some family members, but my own brain is just so empty of blogging content. I think my sabbatical blog is where my head is right now.
Yes, I miss the simpler days, too. It won't be long, though, until I see you in person. Woohoo!!
It's Tuesday afternoon here in East Texas...Can't help but wonder about Dawn. She has been in my prayers all day. I hope all is well. Please let us know! Thanks and God bless you as well as your daughter. Vicky
Soooo true! I really do miss many of the old time bloggers. I really miss Susie and wish that she would start blogging again.
Unlike you, I seldom ever read the other comments. I just write what I feel.
I often feel this way...I feel like it used to be more about just posting whatever and meeting people, getting to know each other...and now it's just... so much.
I'm not progressing, but I'm happy where I am with my blog, though sometimes I feel like that's really okay with me.
This post has resonated with me since I first read it.
I was thinking about this not so long ago... "the good ol' days"... and pondering how much has changed.
Your typed words here spoke my heart.
I agree too. I miss the old blogs of days past! (That sounds kind of like an oxymoron - but you know what I mean!)
Goodt thoughts!
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