Do you ever wonder where ants go when they slip into a crack? What does their "world" look like that they disappeared into?
I've been a busy ant....
And because of busy, this little blog has been on the back burner. I've oftentimes thought deeply about not blogging anymore. When I began blogging eight years ago, blogs were new and they were just different then how they are now. Not that that is a bad thing..not at all. But I'm just weighing out whether or not to keep on. There is a season for all things.
And here is the being "real" part....
You know, the world is a different place ......
I'd like to take time to enjoy the moments that are a gift and not be glued to any gnawing feelings of having to meet expectations or to keep up with the Jones'. I'd kind of like to slip into a crack and not spend so much time on social media. Can we have the 1960's back? Wholesome. Simple.
My father had a stroke in late September. He has been through a lot, and thanks to God, he is making great and impressive strides to get better. I'm profoundly impressed with his willingness to try so hard.
When these life moments happen, it makes us pause and to think about those things in life that are most important to us.
I want to go on more walks...
...and enjoy my Scotties, my family and be in touch more with nature. We have a wedding to plan for 2017! Yes, my youngest son is engaged and we are so happy for him and his fiance'.
The world is a crazy place. I pray for peace. I pray for all of us, for our safety.
Praying for France...for the world...
and God Bless Our Homeland.
So for now.....
I will continue to give some thought to keeping this blog going. I won't completely disconnect. Who can? But the reality is this, I really need to take the time to smell the flowers and breathe in the fresh air - advice given to me not long ago from a good friend. I think I need to take her advice.
Till then, love and hugs...from me.
34 comments:
I am glad to see you here. I disconnected for a few months this last year when we had so much going on...but the friendships always bring me back. You are right-it is a completely different blogging world than it used to be-not bad-just different.
God bless you- I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and we'll see you when we see you. xo Diana
I hope you don't go away but I do understand. My thoughts have been similar. I go back and forth between doing something with the blog and stopping completely. I don't want to get to the end of my life and think I spent too much time on the computer.
So nice to see you pop up on my sidebar, Becky. Just this morning I was doing my exercises and spotted the cute linen with the blue house on it sitting on the back of the chair and I thought of you and hoped you were doing well. I can completely relate to your thoughts on blogging and feeling the need to live life (away from social media). I think maybe many of us are feeling that way now, but it is hard to imagine stopping completely.
I am so very sorry to hear about your dad's stroke. It is encouraging to hear that he is making great strides. I will pray for him.
So happy to hear the news of a wedding in your family's future.
Your friend has offered good advice and I wish you many moments of peace and happiness.
Thank you for sharing your life with us. I've enjoyed the lovely pictures of your home. I've made a snowball quilt similar to yours and you've inspired me to embroider 3 pillows too. Love seeing the pics of your scotties.......we have 3 yellow labs and a coon hound. Enjoying your life is most important...as we all know, it passes too quickly. We are retired and there is no place we would rather be than at home....enjoying our dogs, chickens, garden, and all the critters that fly/ crawl around our place. We especially enjoy the holidays when our children come home with their families. I wish you many blessings and again thank you for your inspiration. Sincerely, Patty McDonald cmcdonald-44@ Hotmail.com
First of all, best wishes and congratulations to your son on his engagement. What an exciting time this is for all of you. I'm so sorry to hear about your father's stroke, but so happy to hear that he's making progress.
Beautiful post, Becky! I hear ya and I know exactly where you're coming from. Life is too short not to be smelling the roses every step along the way.
I've had the same thoughts about blogging myself, Becky. I enjoy the creative process, but there's no way I can visit all the bloggers who post on a daily basis, so I'm afraid I may seem to be rude by not reading every post. I do have a sense of freedom now that I only fire up my laptop a few times a week, so for now that works for me.
I'm so sorry about your father's stroke, but you seem to be encouraged by his progress, so hopefully he'll continue to improve. And I'm so excited to hear you've got a wedding coming up!!!
I've enjoyed following your blog since before I had a blog of my own, and whether you post once a month or once a year, I know I'll enjoy what you've got to share. This post is a good reminder for all of us to take time to enjoy all that life has to offer.
xo, vickie
I hope you decide to keep on blogging. I would enjoy hearing about the good news like the wedding in the future, and this is a way to share difficult times too. Just post once a month or whenever you like, I will keep a lookout for you.
Becky I understand your dilemma, but I sure will miss you. There are so many that have called it quits. There are so many blogs now that have so much advertising on them that it's hard to enjoy them with all those ads jumping around. I've just quit reading those kind.
I was so sorry to hear about your father. I am so glad he is doing good and is on the road to recovery. May he continue in that direction.
I cannot believe Spencer is getting married, gosh kids grow up so fast. Congrats to Spencer! Will Doogs be the ring bearer?
Beautiful post --- so happy to hear the news of your sweet son's engagement
and saddened to hear about your father. I will say prayers for everyone!
Hope you won't stop blogging completely --- hope you will consider the "whenever you can"
option which is what I have implemented, Becky! Maybe it can work for you too?
Sending hugs your way --
xoxox
Alison
Amen to that! We all need to live each day in gratitude ! We have so many many blessings and living in the moment is hard to do when we are all so caught up in this crazy world ! For now this time in my life we have moved to our 26acre farm in Boise ,Idaho area and have all the farm animals including my lifelong dream of horses! Living a beautiful peaceful life as much as possible and going after the peace of enjoying all the little things! To enjoy! There are sooooo many people and animals suffering right now! I just pray to God to hold them all tight in his loving arms! We will all be gone all to soon from this life! It's hard to keep things in perspective sometimes ! We get caught up in the little things that are such a waste of negative energy! We need to focus on the good stuff! My husband and I stopped watching ALL news two years ago and do NOT read any newspapers! It has been the most peaceful transition !! Everyone gets soooo gap caught up in all the bad stuff! We opted out! Yeeeeehaaaaw! Take care and everyone enjoy what time you have left!
You make perfect sense and seem to have your priorities in good order.
I don't believe the 19602 were very wholesome though - think "hippies and Vietnam War" -
but I'd go for the 1940s even with WW2. : - )
Anyway, whatever you decide to do I wish you all the best. Our youngest daughter got married in August - such fun, all of that planning and doing! : - )
God bless!
It makes me happy to hear that you have such personal and peaceful endeavors you want to pursue, Becky...that's reason enough to take a break from putting your life out into the world. You really have to feel it in your heart to take the time to do it---the blogging thing. So many of us enjoy your blog but we love you and understand. Take your time-you don't need to explain yourself. Follow your heart.
Congratulations on the upcoming wedding. Our kids grow up so fast but gaining new family members is so gratifying. Three of my four children have gotten married in the past 5 years!!
All the best,
Jane x
Dear Becky..so much has happened since I began blogging and perhaps it's changed. I'm don't know, as you say, if that's better or worse. It would be a lost cause for me to try and keep up with anyone..if you mean as far as our homes. For many of us, it seems that our homes, old or new, are our hobbies. We love caring for them and making pleasant places to be. We all have different taste in things we collect, colors and styles and I find them all interesting. To me blogging is like reading a good decorating magazine or reading a short true story. I do enjoy it, but like you and others, I drift away. I used to be glued to the computer trying to keep up. NO more. I blog when I feel like it..which is not really all that often. My blogging goes in spurts.
Since you and I met and chatted on the phone that day..we have both lost a beloved child. Your tragedy came first and later came my own..I remember trying to comfort you and wondering how you stood the pain. Then it happened to me. ..and still we drift back and touch bases with other bloggers. I wish you every possible happiness you can have in this often sad and dangerous world. You are one of the sweetest people I met in blogging. Keep on being real and I loved that about you. It suits you. :) You were so kind to me and I won't forget that.
Big hugs..
Mona
I am always happy to hear from you! I do understand. I don't mind it if you don't regularly post. so I dont want you to feel you must! But I hate to say goodbye! Hugs...
I know how you feel, Life is busy and precious, I rarely blog any more myself. But I have to say selfishly that I would miss your posts! It would be like losing a sweet friend!
I hope your dad heals quickly! I take care of my mom and she is going thru thyroid cancer at 85. She is healing well from the surgeries but having other issues from the lack of thyroid hormones. I feel like I need to be home with her more so when I do get out to "smell the roses" I soak it all in!
Best wishes to you and prayers for your daddy! Hugs! karen....
Life is full of curve balls. My FIL suffered a stroke last October as well. The family rallied around and made his last few months comfortable and as pleasant as they could. He was 97 years young but after losing his wife of 70 years, had been sad and lonely. I am thankful he is at peace now. Family responsibilities should always come before social media. I too have had thoughts of closing one of my blogs, but still I am drawn. Maybe it's just having the interaction with others. I send congratulations and blessings on your son's wedding. We were not so fortunate as we were pretty much excluded from our son's nuptials. So it was very sad and heartbreaking for me.
Reading your blog posts is like getting a letter from a long time friend. You remember the days of pen-pals :-) You wrote to them and waited patiently for their response. It's not so important that we blog every single day. But just hearing and sharing is what brings happy moments to our days. Thanks for sharing your life's hurts and joys. We all need to lean on each other once in a while.
Blessings, Jocelyn
Take time to refresh and enjoy your family! But, I do hope you will check in with us once in a while. I click on your blog everyday!
I think a number of us have moved into the occasional blogger status. Blog when you can and want to, and don't feel guilty about not reading others' blogs. Life is for living. Best wishes to your son and to your father.
I have slowed down considerably in my blog posts. There is so much to do and enjoy, moments slip away if you don't grab them, but I can't completely let go of blogging yet. I have met so many wonderful people through blogging and I really do care about them and love to read their posts. You and I have been together nearly that whole 8 years! I have decided that rather than totally give up blogging I will do it when it is convenient and I have something to say. Who knows? Down the road I may decide it's time to move on, but not yet. I am so happy for your son, and a wedding is such a happy occasion, I hope you'll share a little of it with us. I'll take whatever posts you have time for Becky, they are a letter from a friend :) xo
A little good, a little bad--I guess that's the way life is meant to be. I know I appreciate the good all the more. I'm happy that your dad is recovering and you're planning a wedding and that I got one of your posts to read!
Blogging is funny. I'd compose posts in my head and photograph everything. There was a time we were sharing and making new friendships and I miss it. I so seldom post anymore, but I know I won't completely give it up. Did it change when people became full-time bloggers and relied on their ad revenue? As much as I enjoy the big bloggers' creativity, I miss the little bloggers' circle of friendship. I seldom comment on those big blogs but ALWAYS on those who've became part of my life (like you!). I miss those old days and wonder what will replace them. Whatever it is, it hasn't appeared yet. Too many of us feel the same way about almost-but-not-quite giving up. Till then, enjoy, my friend!
Dear Becky,
Live your life and live it to its fullest. Whatever you decide to do that feels right for you then thats the path you should take. I will always feel blessed for stumbling into your blog. It has been a joy visiting and reading your sweet words of wisdom and seeing all the beautiful things you have shared over the years. You have shared your happiness and your sorrows. You have been an inspiration to all those fortunate enough to have been called one of your many followers.
Sorry to hear about your Dad, I hope he makes a full recovery. Enjoy planning that wedding and congratulation's to your son and his fiancé. Hopefully there will be grand babies in the not to distant future.
Wishing you a beautiful rest of your life!
God bless you,
Sheila
I can so relate to what you are saying..sometimes, with my blog, I wonder if I'm really in life and enjoying it. Life is busy and precious and can change on a dime. Hope you Dad continues to get stronger...I look care of my Mom for over years before her passing and know the challenges it brings.
enjoy......I often times wish to go back to a simpler time and then realize....it's really up to me to make my time more simple. I don't have to keep up with everyone else....I can set my own pace. Good for you that you are doing the same. It isn't easy....but life is too short for us to ignore our longing for slower, quality time. Sending good thoughts your way and thank you so much for all the inspiration I have received here!
PS..ever thought of Instagram....its fast and easy....you can post pictures easily or not...... I see so many bloggers there
I so understand what you're saying. I've decided to go for those walks, spend time with loved ones and slow down. I do want to get away from the quick and easy social media such as Facebook, Instagram, etc. For me blogging is journaling along with photos. I hope your dad is still doing you well and you will blog at the very least on occasion.
Although, I am not a blogger, I love your blog and have gotten so many ideas and inspiration from reading your blog. So, I hope that you don't quit blogging but I understand you wanting to take a break from it. Your readers and I will patiently wait for you whenever you want to start posting again. I hope everything goes well with you and your family. Our son is also getting married next year, so good luck with the wedding as well.
Debbie V.
I know how you feel. Sometimes I feel an obligation to write my blog. I love to write and it is an outlet for me, so I will probably continue. So many blogs nowadays are just advertisements for what the blogger is selling and I really don't like to read those. I love to hear what others are making, doing and feeling about things. Yours is one of the first blogs I ever read a few years ago when I got hooked on blogs. Whatever you decide, just know that you have given many people a lot of happiness and I pray all will be well with you in the future.
Your blog was one of the very first blogs I started reading. My life was in such turmoil six years ago. My Daddy had Alzheimer's and my Mom and I were caring for him. It was a stressful time and I often had insomnia. During one of my many sleepless nights, I discovered cottage blogs and I was so relieved to find others who shared my interests. Whenever I came to see you I felt a kinship and comfort in your friendly manner, your lovely home, your sweet craft projects and of course the pups. You shared the loss of your dear son with us and you grew to be considered "family" by so many of us.
The world of blogging has changed. It has become quite competitive and the tone is no longer chatty and welcoming. It seems to revolve more around, big and better and the constant effort to keep up with decorating changes and yes the "Joneses" too. I am sorry to say that I became caught up in the hectic pace to stay in the game but have grown to dislike it. I no longer want to join all the parties and force myself to change my style or who I am. Therefore, I don't join so many parties and just blog when I feel like it.
I hope that you will consider keeping your blog even if you only post occasionally. You are loved and treasured by your readers and we still want to hear from you whenever you can or choose.
My prayers are with you and your Dad. It's hard to see beloved parents become frail. I have lost both of mine now and my advice is to treasure each moment you have with him. Also take the time to smell the roses, take the pups for walkies, enjoy you home, family and friends. It's important. So just drop in when you can. We will always be here for you.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
I love and miss you. Enjoy your break and the holidays.
XXOO.
I went through a similar phase last year and took a three-month blog break. It was supposed to be a couple of weeks but I needed more time. When I did begin posting again I was more inspired and enthusiastic than before. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that it doesn't make sense to force yourself to belong, when it feels right it can be a real pleasure.
Amalia
xo
Blogging has changed a lot since I started blogging only 4 years ago. There are so many blogs and it seems each are competing for a similar audience. I'm sorry about your dad. I hope that he is recovering. My brother's stroke left me in sort of a weird grieving for who he once was. Prayer said for you.
Katie
I totally agree with you! I also did a post like this awhile back and have scaled way back on posting. My youngest son was diagnosed with Bone Cancer in September and our lives are all on hold while we battle this disease....
I also miss the "glory" days of blogging....when it was new and oh so fun meeting everyone!
FB seems to be the replacement for me anyhow...if I chose to go on....
Have a wonderful holiday season...Take care...
Sandy
Sweet Becky,
I've been thinking about you often and was wondering what was going on. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, but I'm glad he's fighting and doing better. And congratulations on your son's engagement :)
As far as blogging... I gave it up, as you know, and at the time it seemed the right thing to do. But I really missed all my friends and being apart of this crazy world and I'm glad I came back. You're right though. It's so different than what it was, but there's still a few of us out there that keep plugging along like the old days. Although, I'm not too worried about posting all the time anymore. I just do it when I'm in the mood. That way I can enjoy life and still be apart of it.
Anyway, whatever you decide, I'll always be hear and think of you.
love to you,
rue
I completely agree with everything you wrote here. Blogging is not what it use to be when we started, and being pulled to perform regularly goes from weird to downright cumbersome. I have struggled with getting those things I want to post, mostly because most of my creative energy has gone toward school. I graduate in May and have thought about ending this sporadic blogging, okay almost nil blogging, and go back to regular blogging. I have a mission trip in March that I will want to blog for posterity, and to share the trip so people can see some good in the world. I also think I will not only have so much more time then, but will be doing something I will want to share. That comment you made about the 60's keeps resonating through my mind. Oh.... for simpler, purer and freer times. Becky, your blog is, and always will be, beautiful. It is reflection of you. You life is precious~ live it as you feel lead, not how you feel pulled. Much love to you!
Helllllllllllllo Becky,
You remember me? Cherry? I was so happy to see you posted your Christmas decor. I so enjoyed visiting each room. My Mama passed away in late August...first holidays without her. Getting to visit here brought me a smile! It is so hard...life..I understand your expressions of wanting to smell the roses....I have been trying to live more "in the now", with intention. I wanted to let you know my little craft room still has my sweet banner you made me hanging on my hutch. It still brings me smiles! I still have the little Russian doll nestled on my shelf and lol...still have my heart you made me hanging on my bulletin board. Hugs, cherry
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