Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Roseville Series and Blog Business

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So far. They’re propped up on the music stand and I’ve run out of room! Quality problems, I know. I’m going to start a new one today.

I’m enraged by the technicality that let Bill Cosby leave prison. Don’t forget, I know someone very well who ran out of his house in NYC when she realized what he was about to do.

But, even if I didn’t know her, 60 women came forward. He was found guilty. This is the kind of ‘technicality’ that only someone who is enormously wealthy can afford to pursue. And still his wife defends him. And Phylicia Rashad. Real and Fake wives remain resolute in turning a blind eye to the facts.

And don’t get me started on the judge’s decision as to Brittney Spears.

Okay, I’ll stop.

We had a big old thunderstorm last night and the temperatures have dropped. It’s still humid out there, but not nearly so oppressive. More rain is on the way.

Some blog business. I’ve been a bit remiss. After deciding that ‘tomorrow is another day,’ I didn’t pursue the email subscriptions to the blog ending in July. It’s July 1st. I have no idea when in July they will cease. Maybe today? Maybe not.

So I took a survey last night on IG. (Side note: I don’t know how to phrase a survey question as was painfully obvious.) The vast majority of readers who answered said the email subscription wasn’t necessary. Some, of course, like getting the emails and I understand that. But I am reluctant to take on more blog expense at this point in the life of the blog for the less than 20% who would like an email. And, as this was unofficial, I don’t even know if those who responded regularly read the blog.

Here’s the deal: I provide all of this for free. I don’t want you to have to pay to read this blog nor do I want paid subscribers. I’m not comfortable with that at all. Yes, I know everyone and his brother is climbing on the Patreon wagon, but that’s not for me. I have done my best over the years to be as user friendly and available as I can be. There was a time when I loved nothing more than adding new things to the blog, trying out new services. Those days are over.

Don’t worry, I plan to keep blogging, but the fact is, the blog does have a finite life. I am particularly uncomfortable with taking on an added expense at this point.

And here’s the key point: You KNOW I post every day. In the rare case that I don’t, I let you know that I’m not posting via Instagram. This isn’t the case of a blogger who posts sporadically so you need to know when a new post is up. I am not that blogger. I blog every day, in the morning, so that the post is published by 11 am at the latest. Why should I have to let you know what you already know via an email subscription that costs me money and I’m not even sure how many of those subscribers read the blog any more?

The answer is obvious. I shouldn’t have to.

And the solution, for those of you who love getting the email, is to bookmark or favorite the blog via your browser. It couldn’t be easier. One click. Then, around 11 am or earlier, you click on that bookmark or favorite and you’re taken directly to the blog. That’s how I read blogs, and I read several every day. The alternative is to follow it in a feed reader like Feedly or Bloglovin’. I am on Bloglovin’ and I used to have a box on my sidebar that you could click to follow me there. I’ll put it back in the next few days.

Then, when you check your particular feed reader, you’ll see my post. And, being the wonderful people you are, you’ll click on the post and go directly to the blog.

This is what I’m going to do. No more email subscriptions.

My friends, this blog is in its 13th year. Writing a post every day has been a source of satisfaction and joy. And I wouldn’t be here without you. I know that.

Sometimes I consider ending it, but I’m not ready for that. As Don reminds me, “You would regret that decision.” He’s right. But, having just paid my annual fees for security, for backups of the blog so I don’t lose posts should something nefarious happen, and for my host, I just can’t stomach paying for something that simply isn’t necessary.

And there you have it.

If you need help with bookmarking or favoriting the blog, I’m happy to help.

Stay safe.

Happy this seems like a Friday but is really Thursday.

 

Comments

  2. Your paintings are amazing!

    I’ve never used a service to let me know if a blog has a new post. I have a list of my favorite blogs (yours is there!) and each day when I read, it shows me in order who has a new post. Easy peasy. I think you’ve done an amazing thing to inform your readers but as your IG post survey showed, likely not needed. I hope it works well to give that up. Less for you to do. More time for painting!

    X Chy

    • Many thanks for the feedback, Chy! I appreciate your thoughts on the subject.

      Stay safe.

  3. i am glad you made that decision as it will cut some expense for you. plus you are very consistent in posting and we all know that and can just come here and find it.

    thanks again for all the time, effort, costs, etc. you take to share parts of your life, thoughts and heart with us in words and photos. it’s all very interesting and inspiring and much appreciated.

    your paintings look lovely displayed on the piano. you get a lot of details onto those papers … 6×9 is not very big … good job!

    home again. no call yet about covid test results. plus my temperature went up to 101.7 last night (my usual is 97.2 to 97.6). and i see things around here that need to be done, but that’s not happening right now. ugh.

    also, today marks 22 years of working at my job.

    hope you are feeling good and have an easy, cooler day.

    kathy in iowa

    • Many thanks for your support, Kathy!

      I’m so sorry you’re still feeling unwell. I hope you get test results soon, so you can move forward. Prayers for a quick recovery.

      Stay safe!

      • thank you, chy!

        right now isn’t fun, but will get better.

        how are you? hope you and your family are well, safe.

        thanks again.

        kathy in iowa

    • Kathy, You don’t know me, because I seldom post, but I read every day. And I look forward to your replies. I am distressed to hear about your temp and I am praying that it will go away very soon and you will be well
      jane-in-tx

  5. I have you in my Favorites. And as you said after all this time, I know to look for your post around 9:30a – 10a (central).

  6. I use Bloglovin and it couldn’t be easier. I have just started clicking on the link to take me to the original post for all the blogs I follow. I hope that helps you all out. I did the IG survey and I don’t think the email is necessary.
    My son-in-law is taking a few vacation days to stay home with my granddaughter. I needed a break. It doesn’t give me a break from the worry, but it’s hard to see her so miserable. We are waiting for more blood culture results, and next tuesday she will have more blood work to check her wbc and sed rate. These have both been elevated indicating infection or some inflammatory process. The hope is that they will start decreasing. Prayers and positive thoughts are still needed and appreciated.
    I agree, the Bill Cosby thing is just infuriating! I feel so bad for his victims.
    It looks like a beautiful, sunny day today. I am going to drive by Lake Mich today and just breathe. It’s my “church.” It’s where I go in times of trouble to find some peace.
    Stay safe

    • I’m glad you’re getting a break, Marilyn. You need it. Prayers are continuing for your girl. And for your entire family as the strain and worry must be taking its toll.

      Many thanks for your support.

      Stay safe.

  7. Hi,

    I agree with all your comments, all of them.
    I enjoy your blog and have said this before it has truly enriched my life and educated me.
    Your paintings are a wonder. You are very talented..in so many ways.

    Take Care,
    Kaye
    Park City, UT

  8. I love your paintings all lined up on the piano. Seems so natural.

    I was also astounded at the judges verdict regarding Bill Cosby…how is that fair to the victims? It isn’t!! It is infuriating!

    You have my full support in letting go of email subscriptions. Since you’ve been favorited by my iPad, it’s so easy.

    Enjoy your day! ;)

  9. I have bookmarked you under blogs. You are the first one on the list. Easy Peasy. You shouldn’t have to send an email everyday and pay for it.

    PS. love the paintings.

  10. PS. I hate that they let Cosby out too. I guess crime against women just doesn’t count if you have money. I keep wondering who he paid off.

  11. Your paintings are lovely!
    I can’t believe I’m been reading your blog for so long! I don’t remember how I found you but I feel like you are my friend.
    Thank you!
    Betsy

  12. You have really captured the “Roseville” look. Great collection!

    I actually prefer not to have the additional emails and have done what you suggested – mark the blogs I read regularly as favorites.

  13. Roseville series is beautiful Claudia. I could not even read all the words about Bill Cosby being let go. I remember you knowing someone and I told you I always thought her was a predator. Something about him set off my alarms. Brittany, just so wrong what is being done to her. I just can’t say much more.

    You are bookmarked for me so I won’t miss the email notifications. Hugs!

  14. Somehow I missed that your Roseville series had different colored backgrounds. I like seeing them in a row…so different from each other but obviously related. You’ll have fun arranging them on your wall.

  16. I love your blue vase on the pink background. (And the others, but this one in particular) For what ever eason it reminds me of Marilyn Monroe – curvy with a small waist. I know I am 1/2 a world away (Australia) with different political and legal systems, but neither decision regarding Bill Crosby or Brittney Spears is fair! Just cruel for the victims. Angela

  17. Well, again, I’m a regular reader of you and also a regular commenter, for YEARS, and I have never relied on email; clicking on MHC is just part of my daily routine. Gosh, Claudia, save money where you can! We’re in the fixed-income years!

    Is that gorgeous or what, the lineup of Roseville paintings on your piano! Look what you’ve accomplished in such a short time; how can you possibly be a novice at this art? Amazing. You were untapped talent. The colors are scrumptious.

  18. Just want to let you know that I enjoy your blog and I read it regularly. I appreciate all the time and effort you expend bring it to us free. Many, many thanks.

  19. I also thank you for your time and sharing on your blog. Email is not necessary. I know where to find you, and I’m here every day!!

  20. Thank you for allowing us into your world everyday Claudia and all the work that goes into making that happen. I look forward to following you for as long as you continue to enjoy blogging.

  21. I think I have you down on my bloglovin’ list — if not, I’ll double check.

    Don’t start me on Cosby. I didn’t realize you knew one of the women, That makes it even more personal. But it’s just as bad either way. At least they nailed Weisselberg (sp) today and the T-org. It’s not enough but it’s a start.

    I’ve never heard of Patreon. No idea!

  22. Thanks, Claudia! As a reader for many years, I am here daily. I was one who appreciated the email every day, but certainly can do without it and still read your posts. Some “problems” just aren’t…… Your paintings, your knitting in the past, your dollhouses, the egg cups, etc. are all so lovely! You, and your commenters, are my daily coffee buddies!!

  23. Love your paintings and enjoy watching your skills develop. Keep creating! I just unsubscribed from your email service and have added your blog link to my homescreen here on my tablet. No need to take on added expenses. Stay safe! ❤

  24. The paintings look beautiful together. I have you in my favorites so I am fine with you dropping the emails especially since it costs you money! You are usually my late afternoon entertainment. Thank you.

  25. I have been using feedly for a loooong time and it works perfectly. There is no sense in spending money.

    All the best!

    Regula

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