As I was walking through the kitchen yesterday, I spied a butterfly in the Chicken Wire Fence Garden.
Me: Oh, there’s a big butterfly in the garden!
Don: (silence)
Me: Do I dare try to get a photo? It will probably be gone by the time I get out there.
Don: I wouldn’t bother.
Me: (ignoring him, because I wasn’t really asking his advice) I’m going anyway.
These kinds of conversations go on all the time here.
It was hot and humid and sunny. And the butterfly stayed long enough for me to get a few pics.
And now for the gist of this post:
I’ve come to the conclusion that I’d rather read than pin.
It’s been a long time since I’ve been on Pinterest. It simply hasn’t been on my radar. Oh, I know that Pinterest can bring a lot of visitors to a site and that means more ad income. A lot of bloggers strategically pin images (and also pin for pleasure, of course) that will hopefully go a bit viral. I get a fair amount of visitors from Pinterest and I’m grateful. I’m also flattered and grateful when others pin images from this blog. Perhaps I could get more income by strategically pinning. It’s one of those “I know I should, but I just can’t bring myself to do it” situations.
When I’m working on the dollhouse, I’ll usually end up pinning some images and tutorials. I know my sister loves it for crochet and knitting patterns. I totally get why so many people love it. The truth? I don’t go back and ‘visit’ my boards very often. Once pinned, usually forgotten.
I just can’t seem to get excited about it. I am bombarded with images (especially decorating photos) on a daily basis, simply by visiting other blogs. And let’s face it, both on blogs and on Pinterest, there is often a sameness to the designs and color choices, so it’s very rare that I see something startling and unusual enough to want to pin or repin it. More often than not, the images/designs are variations on the same theme.
Heck, I’ve had a copy of Flea Market Style sitting on the coffee table for a week now. I bought this particular copy on Tuesday in NYC. I’m sure it’s full of beautiful photos and great ideas for repurposing.
Have I cracked it open? No.
I am sadly lacking in the Pinterest gene.
Is it simply a matter of Decorating Photo Fatigue? Or, just plain Photo Fatigue? Probably a little of both. I just don’t want to spend hours on Pinterest. Or even an hour. I have no desire to be a Pinning Pro.
But I know lots of you spend time on Pinterest and love every minute of it. It provides lots of good tips, ideas, and inspiration. It’s like an uber-magazine.
So, I have a feeling I’m the exception here. The oddball. That’s okay. I’ve certainly been in that position before and most likely will be again.
I’m sure you’re thinking, “What are we going to do with her?”
Sigh.
My name is Claudia and I’d rather read a good book than pin.
(New post up on Just Let Me Finish This Page.)
Happy Monday.
I’m no pinner either. There is so much of anything already I don’t need more. Happy reading! :-)
I couldn’t agree with you more….I did try Pinterest… and it’s a lovely place to visit…like you, I would rather read a book .
Enjoy your reading, Meggie!
I think there is a glut of too many images, Regula. Now I’ll get back to my book!
Looks like we are all oddballs Claudia – haha! I occasionally visit Pinterest but rarly stay longer than a few minutes and I don’t have my own site (if that’s what it is called). Thought of you and Don over the weekend when we watched Steve (our groundhog) drag a cantaloupe (that had fallen out of the raised bed box) a good way across the yard and settle in to dining. The funniest part was when he (she??) picked it up with his/her front paws (do they even have paws??) and shove his/her face into the flesh! Too funny. Later I was walking out back and saw the remains — just a shell…every ounce of orange flesh had been consumed.
Oh, what fun that must have been! Yay for Steve! This morning, I let Scout out before realizing that Henry (our groundhog) was right by The Chicken Wire Fence Garden. He took off like a shot! Poor Henry.
There seems to be a common thread here Claudia, I just can’t see the appeal in Pinterest. I tried, I would put something up there that caught my eye and just never go back and look at it again . I dont look at other peoples boards or search for anything. Frankly if I want to research a recipe or something I just google it. Way quicker. Now….where did I put that mystery I am reading…Love a good book!!! Cindy
Me too, Cindy!
I do not pin. I have often looked at Pinterest , in the past, but, like you, have found it to be repetitive or similar to other ideas. I understand the need for inspiration, however, the over use of white – white – white has made me weary and starving for more color. I do love fall and summer has mostly been tolerated by me (I know – I’m horrible) . I look forward to earthy colors and smells, good books, and hot chocolate or tea.
Hot chocolate always wins my vote, Ranee!
I have obviously latched onto your unused Pinterest gene Claudia! Yep, I’ve evidently let it morph with my own Pinterest gene to create a gigantic Pinterest gene! :) I love Pinterest – not as much for the decor stuff (though I have plenty of those boards), but I love the recipes, and have created several boards that have to do with dollhouse stuff. I see your dollhouse entry way pinned on a regular basis! I would guess you do receive some extra blog traffic when you pin from your dollhouse posts, there seem to be a lot of miniature enthusiasts on Pinterest. I bet pinning your beautiful butterfly pics from the past couple of days would also bring by some visitors.
I’ve seen bloggers who “attach” pin buttons on their blog posts. Maybe you should think about that, then all of us could do the pinning for you, LOL! ;)
That entry photo gets pinned all the time and believe me, I’m not sure why!
Most people can pin via a pin it button on their browser and remember, there’s a pinterest button at the bottom of every post of mine. You can pin from there.
I don’t want that darned pin it button attaching itself to each photo because I find it annoying and I don’t want to take away from the photo, if you know what I mean.
Haha, I’d never even noticed the Pinterest button on the bottom of your posts, I need to be more observant! But, no, you definitely don’t want those stupid Pinterest things on your photos!
xo
I would definitely rather read a good book than pin too, Claudia but I do enjoy the pins and I do need it to promote my blog. SIGH!!! What I have had a hard time getting into is Instagram. I can’t seem to spend enough time editing photos on my little phone screen to post them. Love the butterfly and it was well worth it. I’m pinning :)
xo
Laura
I’m in and out with Instagram, Laura. I started off strong but then I fell by the wayside. I have to make myself remember to take those pics. The whole thing has gotten out of hand. There’s only so much time in the day and I’m darned if I’m going to spend it constantly promoting the blog!
I think there is a lot of fatigue out there. Many bloggers have written about it.
ISN’T THERE JUST SOMETHING ABOUT SEPTEMBER, that makes you want to go back to school? I’m restless and a bit bored with everyday and need an infusion of creative!!! The Farmer’s Market brings lots of opportunity to see something new, maybe to do a little foraging and perhaps try some of that marvellous yellow corn that can become corn chowder soup! :)
Yes, we all want to get a fresh start in September!
This is awesome. I’m going to PIN IT! Hahahaha!
But seriously, I adore all of my blog friends who write about decorating, and as a former magazine-a-holic, I thought I could NEVER get enough of decorating. But lately . . . meh.
It’s a bit overkill when bombarded with the same-old-same-old thing. I like a bit of variety for my senses, and that why I like popping over to see your blog – always something different. I especially like when you have a job on location. Your career fascinates me.
I’m more than a bit ‘meh’ Leslie Anne. I totally understand!
I’m off to Hartford mid-month, so you’ll definitely get more of the location posts.
I agree. I love to travel into other worlds with my mind. Good writing pleases so many of my senses. The only thing that can beat reading is music or a good movie or play or to get outside and enjoy nature. I am not a pleasant person if I have not read some each day. I have been reading some of Rhys Bowen’s mysteries lately. I read the Julia Dahl book you recommended and found it strangely interesting. Bellweather Rhapsody by Kate Racculia had a twist that I greatly enjoyed. I would read more of hers. Craig Johnson’s slow moving western mysteries made me look up new to me words. I liked the challenge.
I’ve heard a lot about Rhys Bowen, though I’ve not read any of her books yet. Enjoy!
I don’t understand the “pin it” culture, instagram, or any of the other techie crazes. My kids call me “old school”, which is fine by me. I have an iPhone, but really don’t know how to do much with it other than answer when it rings-ha! I would rather iron old linens than sit and fiddle with an iPhone :-) I’m not one who has ever tried to fit into every social circle. I rather enjoy my uniqueness :-)
And so you should, Jeannine!
I don’t pin either! I tried it and actually pinned some ideas for wool applique, but seldom go back. There are other things I would rather do. No more appeal for me. A little technology is enough for me.
I make a show of pinning, but I think I’ve only gone back once to look for something!
I’m like you. I just don’t “get” Pinterest. I go there when directed and Pin things, never to look at them again. I have yet to be able to find a pattern or a recipe. I see the links for such things, but am unable to locate it. I give up.
I would rather have the problem of which book to read next. Much easier to figure out.
I agree. I can’t seem to locate anything either!
It depends on how it was pinned, I guess!
Sometimes the links are hard to find, that’s for sure!
I certainly don’t have the Pinterest gene…thank goodness. Isn’t it just like the old system of cutting out pictures and recipes from magazines and saving them…and never looking at them again for ages? If I’m so busy following everyone else’s pins, Instagram, twitter, and blogs, then I don’t have time to keep up with my own life. I can manage a few interesting blogs, like yours, and not feel overwhelmed…cause that’s so easy to do these days! ;)
Well, it is. Just like all the things I clipped from magazines and made into cute books that I NEVER look at.
I’m with you, Claudia. I’d rather read any day. Just finished The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd…what an amazing story!
Cheryl
I have to read that book, Cheryl!
I just can’t get excited about Pinterest either. I’ve tried. I’ve pinned some things around Christmas and haven’t been back since. My daughter is on it all the time. It just doesn’t hold my interest at all.
Maybe it’s a generational thing? Might be.
Ditto for me. Haven’t been able to get interested in pinning either. I have old doggies and many kitties that take my time.
Me too! (The doggie, that is. No kitties!)
Well I am certainly glad that you grabbed that camera and went after that butterfly..great pictures..I do pin some things..mostly recipes..and a few other things I like..But I also rarely look at them..But I’m not like some people I see on there with thousands of pins in each category and I think “do they possibly ever look for anything they’ve pinned in there”..lol..I’d say Pintrest could be useful but it tends to get out of control..
I’ve definitely seen some good recipes there. But I don’t do the cooking, so I don’t pin them!
I’m new to Pinterest [just a few months] and for the way I use it, I do like it. I find it a very easy way to “clip” all the things I used to cut out of magazines or save as digital images to folders on my laptop. Overall however, I think I have to steal a line from Betty White when she hosted Saturday Night Live. About Facebook she said, “Well, we had the phone book when I was a kid, but we wouldn’t waste an afternoon on it…” That pretty much sums up my views on all these “come-see-what-I’m-doing” websites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc etc. And I thought something Tina Fey said when she did “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” with Jerry Seinfeld was thought-provoking too. “Why is it that people feel they have to have an audience now for every moment of their lives?”
The problem for me with clipping things is that I do the same thing with Pinterest that I did when I clipped things out of magazines. Stuck them somewhere and forgot about them!
Good morning dear Claudia – Your pictures are just breathtaking! So pretty. We are having a nice, gentle rain today and we really needed it.
Have a great day!
Judy
I’m so glad you’re getting rain, my friend. You guys need it! Love to you and John.
I like the magazine Flea Market Style. I bought the first issue. I don’t reread magazines and the price of $9.99 to just look at pictures and read a few articles is too much for me to justify. I also tried the pin thing and did not go back. I looked at a beautiful picture of food and no recipe was included. The whole reason I looked at the picture was to find the recipe.
Usually if you click on the picture or the link, it will take you to the recipe, Olivia.
The only magazine I buy is Flea Market Style and since it comes out quarterly, I figure the expense is not very much. $9.95 for 3 months isn’t so bad.
If you have a CVS card and get their weekly emails, magazines qualify for their % off weekends and you can also use bonus bucks on them. One of the few places that honors discounts on magazines. About once I month, I’d gather up my bonus bucks (for buying things like Cheerios or Dove Chocolates) and then treat myself to a magazine or two. I think they carry Flea Market Style, but if not, there’s usually something that catches my eye.
I have never been to pintrest and I will probably not go. The computer consumes my work life and I find I have no interest in using it at home. Am I from the stone age? I proudly say yes.
I totally understand wanting to be OFF the computer when you’re home, Deanna.
BEAUTIFUL photos.
I am glad you took the photo.
Me too!
I found last year ~ during the Winter that wouldn’t quit ~ I did enjoy more time on Pinterest. Sometimes it is a good place to go just to get a few ideas or an inspiration. This time of year I truly don’t spend time on it. And a good book will ALWAYS win out over screen time for me. Today I am putting a few mums out and getting some Fall stuff out in the house and I did look at a few Autumn inspirations just for ideas. The bad thing is then looking up at the clock and realizing an hour has gone by and remembering what a time suck it is.
SAY!! Will you sometime share what you got in your Dollhouse swap when you made the little things to exchange? If I missed it, I will have to try and find the post.
Happy day, kiddo!
To be honest, Chris, some of the things I received were not to scale and not at all what I would use in the dollhouse. A few things I can use. That’s why I didn’t post about it.
I must be an oddball too, Claudia. I’ve visited Pinterest a few times, but I’ve never joined. It’s somewhat overwhelming to me. I’d much rather curl up with a good book!
Love your beautiful pictures.
Thank you so much, Sherry!
I have always liked everyday life blogs like yours, Claudia. I visit Pinterest on occasion, but I have never joined. Just keeping up my blog and doing an occasional post is about all the time I have. So many things online can take up all your time if you’re not careful, so I’ve learned to just focus on what I want to do and not worry about the rest. I agree there is a sameness to a lot of the decorating photos out there and I get tired of all the white decor all the time, so I visit blogs that show more color! I think taking a computer break and reading and pursuing projects you really enjoy make life more interesting. Enjoyed your butterfly photos, so lovely.
You are not alone Claudia! I pin on occasion, but then like you I don’t go back and look at my boards. Oh well, I’d rather read a book. :)
hugs,
Linda
Really, I sincerely understand your Pinterest feelings. I was never able to get on board. I am useless on Facebook (let me rephrase that, it makes me uncomfortable in multiple ways, of which long and conflicting paragraphs could be developed…) If you don’t come back, what’s the point! More stuff to not maintain. hehe.
I decided a blog and ravelry were good enough, and then I joined Instagram, but mainly so i can shadow my Middle Schooler, because I believe in an appropriate nosy Momming. ;) He’s boring now, with pictures of various fancy automobiles, but I want him to know someone’s watching, ;)
I still am so slow on the photo take though, eventually, I’ll work on that, too :) Always a lovely visit with you.
I had rather read too
I pin images I like as I’m going through blogs or web sites, but I’m only on the Pinterest site itself maybe once or twice/week. And I’m lucky if I’m on it for 10 minutes. It’s usually to look up a recipe. I’ll look on my own recipe boards or I’ll use the Search feature. My Pinterest page is for ME – things I like to look at and refer back to for inspiration. I’m not at all interested in using it for any promotional reasons or ad revenue (which I don’t do anyway).
I’m totally pinning this to my birds and butterflies board! LOL
I love being in such good company!
jane-in-tx
Pinterest is great if I need a recipe..But, since I don’t cook, I rarely use it…I spend enough time on the computer or my IPad without doing that as well..I haven’t added to my boards for a long time..Enjoy your day
I have been on Pinterest twice. What is the point? I read blogs , sew, cook, garden, go to church, see my grands and children. Life is too short and busy. If someone likes Pinterest , great. I find it boring.
Coming late to the comment party — working full-time rarely leaves brain space for comments and I find it too difficult to comment via my iPhone. So here we are, the weekend.
I have a number of boards on Pinterest, some of them short-term, some of them I never look at any more. I go back most often for recipes, it has to be admitted. Occasionally I will look at the “Popular” board (which Pinterest’s most pinned pins I guess) and scratch my head at it because I can’t figure out why these things would be popular … except maybe those things that involve cheese :)