We've had our fair share of out of town company over the past Summer and Fall months, the last of which headed home a week ago. Although we enjoy sharing our home and our little part of the world with those who live elsewhere, we are an insular couple, who happily enjoy each others company. Thus, when all depart, we give a big sigh of relief and settle back down to 'our life'.
I've also noticed what happens when we have company - being it getting ready for company, hosting said company, and settling back down after our company leaves - I disconnect from Blogland. I can't keep my head in the game when I am constantly interacting with those not in this ttwd world. You may or may not have noticed my off again, on again participation over the past few months ... no comments on posts by fellow bloggers, few if any posts of my own and when I do post, late or no comments back to those who follow ...
Due to this lack of participation, plus the lack of time and inspiration to write, I have considered, many times over the past couple of months, I should just drop out of Blogland. In these times, I feel like I have nothing of value to add to the conversation and I feel guilty about my lack of participation. Each time I've talked about doing so, Frank talks me out of it. Wise man that he is, and wanting to keep us on this new road we've chosen, he recognizes the value of hanging out with those with similar mindsets.
The word that comes to mind when I think about all of this is Community ... all of you out there in ttwd Blogland are part of our community, a special, secret society behind the regular scene of life.
Now that there is no foreseen company on the horizon for the next several months, I hope I am able to fully rejoin you Blogland .... I've missed you all ...
... hugs! ... nj
OH I am glad you decided to come back -- I would feel cheated if you stopped writing right after I 'found' you :)
ReplyDeleteFor me -- truthfully -- it's rather nice to find another couple here in Blogland close to our age.... struggling the same as we are with combining the public life with the private life !!
Glad you are still here :)
That was one of the attractions to Blogland for me, Morningstar, finding out there were several couples close to our age, you and your man included ... Happy to have you popping by :) ... nj
DeleteOh, I agree with Morningstar! I am so grateful you are here! You teach me so much on this ttwd journey plus I love knowing there are Canucks out there and I am not alone! You would be sorely missed young lady, so listen tonuour HOH.
ReplyDeleteBoo
I smiled when I read this, Boo ... In my mind, we are still very much in a learning phase so the idea that anyone might be learning from us, was a new way of looking at things for me. Thank-you for that. And it was nice to know you are Canadian as well :) ... nj
DeleteNJ,
ReplyDeleteBlogland ebbs and flows throughout the year. Many of us who have blogged fro a long time know this happens. Hang in there. Life just has a way of swooping in and that is where things are at the moment. I lvoe your posts and want you right here with all of us. Do not give up. The ebb and flow occurs and bloggers do come roaring back.Send me an email if you want to talk.
Meredith
Thank you, Meredith! I'm hanging in. It helps to remember, when you're in the midst of a downturn, that other long time ttwd folks, like yourself, still go through similar struggles but manage to keep on going. Thank you for your support via here and email ... nj ... xx
DeleteHi NJ,I too am so glad you have decided to remain in blogland. You would be sorely missed, and you do have much to contribute.
ReplyDeleteAs Meredith said, blogging does ebb and flow, as does ttwd and it's hard to keep up and to be in the right mindset when other areas of life are busy.I think we all have periods where both ttwd and blogland takes more of a back seat.
Hugs
Roz
I don't think you ever take a back seat, Roz ... you are always there, supporting everyone. Thank you! ... hugs ... nj
DeleteNJ,
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you came back here on your own so that I didn't have to hunt you down and ....... wait, I fish, not hunt, never mind. HA! Seriously, you are important to me inside and outside of blog land. I would miss you as my fellow newbie blogger too much if you weren't here! I'm glad things have settled a little bit for you and we are both done going out of town for now and can hang out here again. Thanks for being honest in your post because we all struggle and it helps to hear from the long timers that it's really just normal to go up and down in blog land and in life. I'm glad you've been here for me through both! As Storm says, "You're a good kid!" Hugs! Windy
Yeah, I'm pretty sure if I tried to get away, you'd reel me back in, Windy :)) Being newbies in this Blogland certainly has given us a special connection which means I wouldn't let you go either ... and you can tell that man of yours, anyone who calls me a 'kid' these days, gets an extra big hug! ... nj ... xx
DeleteWell aside from agreeing with Boosghost's comments about being Canadian ( there is a huge whack of us currently LOL), I would also agree with the fact I am happy you have decided to stay.
ReplyDeleteI remember when I first started blogging, gosh just over 6 years ago now, I blogged about every little thing. I had so much to say and I was discovering so much about myself. Often when I struggled back then I wanted to withdraw from blogland, and sometimes I did for a bit. What I discovered back then was when I was busy or struggling that was when I needed blog land the most- to help me keep my mind in the 'game'.
I don't require that anymore, but for several years I did. I pop in and out of blogland. Sometimes I go weeks without reading/commenting, and my blog(s) currently are coated in dust. That being said, I don't feel the need to walk away because I don't participate much. I hope some day you will feel that type of security with all of this too.
Blogging after all is about sharing what and when you want. It shouldn't be an added pressure. Enjoy your life, your new discoveries and come and go as you please. We'll be waiting.
willie
Thank you for that, Willie ... I do have to remind myself every once in awhile that this is my blog and although it's shared with others, it should be something I do for me, and for Frank ... not a chore or an obligation to do for others ... nj
DeleteFrank is right about that one....there is great value in spending time in blogland.....reading, sharing, commenting about our lifestyles etc. It’s important for us to fit into an accepted community where we can be who we are and not worry. That’s the reason I looked for blogs about people with similar needs as my own, and I am forever grateful to have found so many amazing ones, yours included.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Wilma, don’t stress about not always being present, life is busy and will continue to be. This is your blog and it’s a great one....write, comment, or share when you’re able to, and want to....it’s more than fine.
So glad to hear that you’re sticking around. :))
Thanks, Laurel! ... I appreciate your support and I always enjoy seeing you join in with your thoughtful comments. Ever think of blogging? ... haha! ... I'm pretty sure you've had some encouragement in that direction ;)) ... nj ... xx
DeleteOh I agree, don’t leave!
ReplyDeleteI am often too busy to blog but love our secret society! I was gone for a long time but am happy to be here and read or blog when I can!
Thanks, Minelle! ... I think everyone is happy to have you back, whether it's via commenting or posting. Plus, for me, you sharing your sketches with us, is quite a treat :) ... nj ... xx
DeleteGlad you're sticking around. I struggle with this and accidentally lost my blog bc of it (see post on my site) so I am learning to live by the motto... if you feel tired learn to rest, not quite!
ReplyDeleteAnd you do have something to offer!
Hi Jlynne ... I've added your new blog (becominghisbeautifullyhis.blogspot.com) to my roll. I look forward to reading what you write when you have the time and need to do so! ... hugs ... nj
DeleteNora Jean, since I have had several hiatuses from Blogland myself. Some for happy reasons and some so not happy. But I always feel its presence in my life and the support of the people who I have come to know, including you, NJ.
ReplyDeleteHugs From Ella