Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Life in our little cottage in the country

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Sixteen

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On this date in 2008, I signed into Blogger, wrote a very brief introductory post, and hit publish. I didn’t even know how to post a photo. But I figured it out shortly after that. And so, this little corner of the online-virtual-social media world began. I was tentative at first, wondering if anyone would find me out there in the early days of blogging. Blogging was quite new and there weren’t many of us yet. But if you followed another blog, that blogger would most likely return the favor, and slowly I built up an readership. The list of what I didn’t know was very long, but you know I like a challenge, so I researched and observed and added a header and tried my best to style my blog. It really reminded me of the Wild West. So many of us were trekking into this new world, trying to build our homesteads on the web.

In those days, enhancing the look of the blog was an ongoing challenge. I was always trying something new. We were pretty much stuck with Blogger’s basic layout. It wasn’t until I moved to WordPress (which was a big deal) that I was able to experiment with new layouts, new designs. I learned a  bit of coding. I really loved it. I did the entire changeover, moving all my posts from Blogger to WordPress all by myself and believe me, I had no idea if it would work! But it did.

The blog has had many different looks in these 16 years, but this current look has been around the longest. At some point, I was happy with it and the need to change it melted away. WordPress has changed a lot, too, with a new block editor function. I happily said NO to that and I stuck with the ‘classic editor.’

I experimented more than once with trying to make this blog a big money maker. Wouldn’t that have been nice? But I finally realized that I would have had to fashion this blog into something it wasn’t. I would have had to stick to one thing – for example, decorating – and promote it constantly, trying to get sponsorships, thinking about keywords, and stats, and all the things I didn’t want to think about. Mockingbird Hill Cottage is about me and my life here in the Hudson Valley. I write from the heart. All that would have been lost if I’d gone the way of the ‘big’ bloggers. In the end, it just wasn’t me.

My dashboard tells me I have written 5,047 posts. It’s actually a bit more than that – I lost a few in the change to WordPress. Most likely around 5,055 or so. I’ve had 182,408 comments, but 50,572 of those are my responses to comments, something I couldn’t do with Blogger in those days, but could when I changed over to WP.

For the vast majority of these blogging years, I have blogged every day. I decided to cut back a bit last year – from 7 days a week to 4 days a week.

Of course, the best part of all of this has been you. Believe it or not, there are some readers from the very first days of this blog that are still with me. But mostly, there are some that have moved on, for whatever reason, some who have passed away, some that are newer readers. Just like in real life. I used to read a lot more blogs than I do now. And many of the blogs I read daily have disappeared, or haven’t been updated in years. Many now use Instagram as another form of blogging. (Though it isn’t a blog in any way, shape, or form.)

ANYWAY. I’m grateful you’re here. I’m grateful for the friends I have made here. Thank you.

But, honestly, I’m feeling that it’s more of a chore these days. I’ve said so much over these past 16 years. Whatever I wanted you to know about our life here, you know. (Believe me, I don’t share everything). I’m not coaching as much anymore – I have a strong feeling that my days of coaching are coming to an end, given my age and the changes in theater and budgets. I hope that is not the case. Just writing those few words brought tears to my eyes. As you know, both Don and I need to and want to work and there’s not much, if any, of that happening now. We can’t afford to travel these days. Our lives are more contained and more routine. In some ways, we really like that. But it doesn’t make for scintillating blog content. How many times can I say: Don went grocery shopping. Made a pie. I cleaned the bathroom, watered the plants, etc.?

Nothing is for sure, but I think this might be my last year of blogging. It costs me money to maintain this blog and my ads help with that. Nevertheless, there are a lot of moving parts, not the least of which is security for the blog, that take a chunk of money yearly. And more than that, I’m losing my appetite for it. I often feel that I’ve said all I can say.

I go back and forth on this issue. I would deeply miss all of you. I might feel rudderless without this blog. So: I don’t know yet, but I’m giving you a heads up. I’ve never worked at any job in my life for 16 years –  just this blog. It might be time to start winding down. But I will stay with it through this year. Who knows? I may stay with it even longer than that. I’ll know more as the year progresses.

Thank you, my friends. Thanks for being here. It means more than you can ever know.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

 

Comments

  1. Oh, Claudia, we would all miss your blog so much. When I first discovered your blog I went back and read your archived posts. It was almost like reading a book. I do understand, though, your feelings that perhaps it’s time to say good-bye. So glad you plan on continuing till at least the end of this year. Enjoy your weekend. We have a long weekend here in Canada as Monday is Family Day. Hugs, Elaine

    • Thanks for your kind words, Elaine.

      We also have a long weekend because Monday is President’s Day here (combination of Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays)

      Stay safe.

    • For what it’s worth, I very much enjoy reading your posts and making the occasional comment.
      I found you through your sister’s blog.
      While there are so many differences between our lives, there are also many similarities and like spending time with you when you do write!
      Thank you, and good luck for this coming year. From very far away, it seems to me that all Americans are in for a bit of a bumpy ride over the next few months.

    • 16 years is a long time! I’m not sure when I started following your blog but it must be at least 10 years. I would be sad to see your blog end but I do understand your reasons.
      I know you may think your life is less interesting at this point…but so is mine. I enjoy reading about normal daily life. You can write about cleaning the bathroom and I will be here for it!
      One thought though…could you switch back to Blogger to do something maybe once a week? I understand that it would cost you money to stay with WordPress.
      If you decide to end this blog, I hope you will continue on Instagram.
      Take care

      • It’s not just about the money, Marilyn, it’s that I’ve been doing this for a long, long, time. So all of that goes into the decision. I’m weighing everything, I promise. I’ll stay on Instagram, of course!

        Stay safe.

  2. I would miss you a lot, too! I love hearing about your thoughts and days. I love the dolls. I love how you research things you don’t know how to do and then learn them. Also, I love hearing about the mundane, like grocery shopping, what’s cooking, etc. It’s something we all share. I understand if you are truly tired of it. Maybe at some point you could go down to once a week? Anyway, thank you for all the years and time that you’ve invested in the blog. You’ve brought a lot of happiness to others through your words and photos.

  3. Sad to think you’re considering retiring the blog. Maybe once a week? Hope you will decide to stay. I enjoy reading it very much. In any event, best wishes whatever you decide to do.

    • The problem with once a week: I won’t get enough visitors for any ad income and ad income is what enables me to pay for this blog.

      Thank you for your kind words, Terri.

      Stay safe.

  4. Dear Claudia, I know it is somewhat of a one-way street when you blog and others can observe and not comment (I raise my hand here!) but it is also a network of connections and opportunities and even influence and it has been deeply appreciated. I hope you decide to continue to blog, maybe not as often, more of a weekly check-in with your “neighbors” if we can count ourselves as such. I have blogged roughly weekly on my blog since I began in 2010, so I can relate to the experience of the shifting audience and slow demise (it feels that was sometimes) of this form of exchange. My blog is more targeted than yours, (and is still on blogger) and has international connections, but it is experiencing a similar shift. Most people are not naturally wordy writer types and are happier with heart emojis than conversations. Instagram wins. Whatever you decide to do, that is your life and you need to do what makes you happy. But you will be missed! And I will be forever curious about your Beacon Hill dollhouse! :)

    • Since this blog has to be paid for and I do that through advertising, going down to once a week would diminish any advertising income to cover the cost of the blog. It wouldn’t work. I’m on a server, which is Bluehost. I could do that with Blogger, but not with a paid server. I’d lose money.

      Thank you for your kind words, Betsy.

      Stay safe.

  5. congratulations on sixteen years of blogging, claudia. in this electronically-fast-changing world, that is a wonderful accomplishment!

    you change this blog as you want, trim the schedule, stop it … whatever is best for you. thanks for the notice.

    thank you for taking time, effort, photographs and financial cost(s) to write and post mhc. thank you for sharing all that you have about your life and things going on in the world, pieces of your mind and heart.

    i know you’re not planning to stop mhc right today (whew), claudia, but i want to say thanks for all i’ve received here through your persistence and willingness to share in such a public way, through your kindness and that of others who come here. i’ve seen so many beautiful things through your photographs that my eyes may never see in real life. i’ve learned about books i want to read and am reading (“war and peace”, page 812 right now! … i can’t hardly believe it!), theater, movies (including “spoiler alert”!) and tv shows to try, music, behind-the-scenes things and so much more from you. i’ve received support during some very tough and painful times in my life these past seven(?) years or however long it’s been since i somehow thankfully landed at mhc. i’ve enjoyed getting to know you and everyone else here in ways big and small. i’ve gained friends-i-haven’t-met-yet in you, don and everyone else here (and do hope we meet someday). thank you, claudia. thanks to don and everyone else, too.

    happy, safe weekend to everyone.

    xo,
    kathy

    xo,
    kathy

    • Your kind words made me tear up, Kathy. Thank you. It will keep going through this year. Maybe beyond. We’ll see.

      Stay safe.

  6. Oh Claudia-It would be so sad to see your blog end. I have so enjoyed it! I don’t always comment but I read it when I know you have posted. I can understand though how you feel and with not working it is difficult at times to write about your daily ventures. I enjoy reading them too though. I hope Don and yourself can find some work in the theatre as this is your passion. I am sad to see the theatre change. Years ago I went and saw Phantom of the Opera, one of the first big plays in Toronto I saw. I will never forget it. In London we have the Grand theatre but it does not equal Toronto. Hope Don and yourself stay healthy and happy in case you are able to find an opportunity that comes your way.

  7. Your dogs were always a part of your blog. Maybe go to your local shelter and rescue a dog. You said you can’t afford to travel so lots of time for a new fur friend. I’m sure a dog would love the walks you take. It would give you lots of material for the blog. A well behaved mature dog might be a good fit for your lifestyle. Just my thoughts, do what ever is best for you.

    • We are not ready for another dog and, of course, we wouldn’t get one just for blog material. It’s a serious responsibility and we discuss it often but are still not ready.

      But thank you, Olivia.

      Stay safe.

  8. Claudia, we all realize the time and energy your blog requires. We realize that because of the quality of your blog. I read more than a few blogs and some are as excellent as yours but the majority of those have something to advertise or sell. Yours is such a thoughtful and refreshing conversation with your readers. I love escaping into your world of cottage, performance, Blythe, dollhouse, books, and anything else about which you have an opinion.

    I echo all the commenters who wrote that they’d miss you. At least we have one more year of MHC.

    • Thank you, Chris.

      It’s all very complicated and there is no way to retain the blog online after I stop paying for it, so I have a lot to figure out.

      Stay safe.

  10. Claudia, I know the cost of running a blog makes a difference in the equation. And making it safe. Well done! My water color friend gave up his blog last week because of cost. 😕 You hit on the nose for me….your blog isn’t a dedicated subject blog. That’s what I enjoy. Real life. I peep into your world and see I’m not much different and that “mundane “ is a lovely life. Who needs drama every day. Ugh. Those blogs get old fast….thank goodness I can’t relate to them. That’s why we read Mockingbird Hill Cottage. We are a family you created. I always find the blogging world interesting that way. And we all learn things we didn’t expect, such as liking dolls and long long novels we never expected to read if we escaped doing so in high school. HA! So…I’m happy that you ARE still here! That’s a great accomplishment! Every day has been a gift and I will continue to the end.

    Here in CO we are having a beautiful sunny day. We’re going to get out and enjoy it! Hope you two have a lovely day ahead as well.

    • Oh, Verna…such lovely words. I do appreciate them so much. I just cancelled my professional website because of cost. It really doesn’t bring much work my way and it was recently changed from free to a monthly payment. Bye, bye!

      We’re trying to make it on a very limited income, basically no work, and a mortgage. It’s very difficult so it’s now time to really cut costs.

      Stay safe.

  11. Congratulations for owning a stellar blog for so long and for being one heckuva writer, Claudia.

    A lot changes with all of us in these years and I do think we pull back to essentials as time becomes shorter. I’ve pulled back from blogs but also from people in my life who were leaving me feel drained. I only have so much time in a day for the ‘regular’ things of life including my husband, my dog, my house, my health.

    As one of your longtime readers, I would miss you, yet I would totally understand where you’re coming from. I wrote for my local newspaper for an entire year but I, too, began to lose my appetite for it. So, again, I completely understand everything you’re saying today.

    But don’t let that take anything away from your sixteen years of amazing words-thoughts, photos; sharing; instructing; it’s been quite a feat amid so much change on the internet, Claudia; I’ve appreciated your consistency; the reliability of your blog.

    To me, it may be cyberspace, but you’ve still been a supportive friend, in some ways no different than someone standing before me ‘in the flesh’. Thank you.

    A window closes; a door opens. We all deserve to make our lives easier and less stressful. Change WILL occur and all we can hope is to be happy and healthy.

    • You are all my friends. I would miss you terribly. We’ll see what happens in the next several months, Vicki.

      Thank you for your kind words.

      Stay safe.

    • I’ve been sitting here looking through your archives trying to recall when I first started reading your blog. From what I can determine it was in 2012, and I’ve been reading your blog ever since. If your blog goes away I will truly miss it and you and Don. Over the years I haven’t commented too often, but I have enjoyed reading about your everyday lives, your careers, the places you have traveled, the books you read, (grateful you led me to Janet Evonovich), your gardens and the back 40, and dear, sweet Scout. The community you have here is a wonderful place of peace in an otherwise chaotic world.

      I totally understand the need to cut back on expenses. I have to do the same and try to generate extra income due to all the medical expenses of 2023.

      In the meantime, I hope you are getting sunshine today and can take time to enjoy it.

      • I don’t know why I put Janet Evanovich in my comment Other than she is another of favorite authors. I meant to write Louise Penny.

      • I do love this community, Denise. I know how rare and precious it is.

        Thank you for your sweet words.

        Stay safe.

  12. Sixteen years is a great achievement! I’ve been reading your blog for about five years, every post and all your readers’ answers! It’s a great community that you have created and I would be sad if
    you decide to close but ultimately, it’s your blog and your decision.

    You need to do what’s best for you.

    Happy Saturday

    • It is a wonderful community and I would truly miss it.

      We’ll wait and see, Dee Dee.

      Thank you for your kind words.

      Stay safe.

  13. Congratulations for keeping up your lovely blog for 16 years! You will know what to do when the time comes. I will miss your writing but I understand completely. 16 years is a long time. Maybe you will decide to write a book! Trust your heart. xo

    • Thank you, dear Betsy.

      I’ll just have to see what is indicated at the end of this year.

      Stay safe.

  15. You are such a nice person. You have been a lifeline to me to stay strong in times when I really did not think I could. I am so happy you and your husband have such a strong relationship. My husband is my “rock” also.

    If you decide to stop blogging know that I will think of your beautiful home, handsome husband, and you every day.

    Have a wonderful weekend.

  16. I too have followed your blog for I don’t know how many years after finding it through another blogger. Yours is one of the last ones I read regularly. Sixteen years is a great achievement! Since I’m retired now and don’t have coworkers to regularly daily interact with, I’ve enjoyed even more reading about your life in the Hudson Valley. I know it is “work” for you though and will understand perfectly if you find it a chore now.

    I’ve especially enjoyed getting to know you and Don and your lovely relationship, the ups and downs of your professions. Maybe because we also have been involved in the arts. Dean lobbied for the arts and the handicapped on the Hill in DC. Then we moved back to not only be close to grandparents when the kids came but also so he could take over running the Wisconsin Arts Board. That made me feel an immediate kinship with you both. As others have said here you must do what is best for you. Just know you have touched many lives in these sixteen years.

    Take care,
    Kay

  17. Happy blogiversary! And thank you, Claudia, for inviting us into your life! I know I was following you before I moved to my current home, and I’ve lived here for 12 years. I’ve definitely not been a prolific commenter, but there are very few posts that I haven’t read on their published date. I miss reading about your dogs😕 But I’ve LOVED reading about your collections, the dollhouses, your lovely little cottage, your career, and everything else. You’ll remember it was you who jump started my leap into dollhouses and miniatures. That has been a wonderful hobby for me, with the bonus of sharing it with my (now 11 year old) niece.

    I would be sad to see your blog end. But, of course, would completely understand. It would be hard for me to think of something new/different/interesting to write about every day. Thanks again for being a friend.

    Debbie

  18. Oh No! I do hope you continue to blog. I have been enriched by your words, your stories, your hobbies your life in the theater, books and the wonderful relationship you have with Don. I cannot fail to mention your beloved dogs.
    If you want to use advertisements I am okay with that, because I adore your blog! But, know I support your decision.
    Take Care,
    Kaye

  19. yours is one of the first blogs I read every day. I do a couple of puzzles first to get my brain going. I have read you for a lot of years, not the whole 16, but many. Thanks for posting such interesting topics.

  20. From the time I first read your blog, you felt like a kindred spirit. I love hearing about your activities even if it is just about going for groceries or baking apple pies. Both you and Don feel like friends even if you are about 3000 miles away. I appreciate the time and dedication you have put into this blog and I would greatly miss all your wonderful musings, sharing of collections and dolls, as well as your daily routines.
    I am glad that you will continue to post for awhile yet…..Looking forward to your next post :)

  21. I hear what you are saying, I understand it. But…it doesn’t make me feel any better. I’ve been following you since maybe 2011? I fell in love with your cottage, your life, which is so different from mine in some ways, yet so similar.

    So…I will continue to enjoy your posts for as long as you write them. Life isn’t very exciting I’ve found as I get older…but it’s comforting. And it’s made me appreciate relationships I have with different people. With you, and a lot of your readers, I feel we are all friends. And when that ends, I will definitely miss that friendship.

    Enjoy your day! ;)

  22. I know how you feel Claudia. Actually I did not know how much went into blogging until
    I read your explanation. Your blog is the first one I go to each day, I like hearing about your life and your sweet little cottage you share with Don. Many of us do not have as exciting lives as we once did, so I don’t think you are alone on that. Please know how much I enjoy hearing from you.
    I know this will be a hard decision. Take care.

  23. Dear Claudia,
    I saw this coming. Anyway thank you for another year of this blog! This will be a very difficult year in many points for all of us human beings. The world will turn a little bit darker without your wise words. You would be painfully missed.
    I sometimes see your comments on “threads” I still don’t get warm with it, but I’m learning, guess it could be a future medium for you.
    Hope and care

    • I’ll do my best to get us through this year, Helga. And I may change my mind and continue, as well.

      No matter what, I’ll be on Instagram.

      Thank you, my friend.

      Stay safe.

      • Sometimes I just want to set a “like” instead of loosing many words. I’m fine with Instagram!
        Stay safe

  24. Well, I’m late to the post but this one…. wow. Well, I hope you don’t leave, that you find a way to continue blogging that will work for you. I’d miss you if you were gone, that’s for sure. (I think you’re the only blog I read who doesn’t read or comment on mine!)

    I understand what it’s like to blog for a long time — I started in 2008 also and I used to post much more than I do now. Remember, no one makes a rule that you have to post every day or even every week. You make the rules and you can change them. A post can be as long or short as the post calls for, and as frequently or as infrequently as you feel like writing. I hope that in the time you’ve cut back a bit that you’ve begun to see that you still have people following you but a little more freedom — not just with your time but with your blog home, too. More flexibility. Less pressure to come up with a new post idea.

    But It should never be a chore, this community, being part of it.

    And yes, sometimes it’s just hard to write — so, that’s the time to say “I’ll wait a few days” and then something happens. A groundhog or a wren. A new doll. A sighting on a walk. A great book to share.

    Your blog is real life and it’s you — the highs and lows. What you share is interesting, warm, fun, real. A lot of us would miss that. So I hope you find a way to stay on in one form or another. And till then, I’ll continue to cherish every post! (Oh, and one other thing — blogger has changed a lot in recent years — you might find the free platform would work for you now. It’s always worth a look.)

    • I believe I told you once before that I do read your blog. But I am unable to comment on Blogger and haven’t been able to for years. I can’t even comment on my sister’s blog! I don’t know why as I have a blogger account and gmail as well. Ah well. I know several people who have the same issue.

      This blog is on a server that I pay for. Money is also an issue.

      Thank you, Jeanie.

      Stay safe.

  25. We have been really working at de-cluttering here. We have so much stuff and now we have added so much of his sister’s stuff….that I get easily over-whelmed. So I am late on commenting to this monumental blog post!!

    I have been reading your blog since May or June of 2009. I remember so many specific posts I LOVE your What are you reading? posts. I have received so many ideas for wonderful books and authors to pursue.

    We made it (somehow) through the “Orange Idiot” (horrific) years. I am soooo dreading the next 9 months….and beyond. We know there will be a beyond when he is involved. When I hear some of his stupid stupid remarks, I often wonder what you are thinking.

    I think about so many of your readers every day. It is as if we are actually friends. When I was so very sick last year, reading your blog was so helpful, and I know the prayers people sent were heart felt and helped to keep me going.

    I have been thinking of Vicki during the storms in California. When Iowa has bad weather I think of Kathy. I prayed for good weather for Donnamae’s son’s wedding and I keep Shanna and her husband in my thoughts. I have followed your sister’s blog and Jeanie in Michigan, also, which I found through your posts. I remember your working on the dollhouses, and my amazement re: the miniatures you showed us. The Egg Cups are always so fun to see each year as well as your beautiful pottery.

    So, though I truly understand how you feel, I wanted to add my thoughts to let you know how very much you will be missed should you decide to step away. But please know that all of us understand and will support your decision. We will surely make the most of this year!! Take care!!

    Chris xoxoxo

  26. Dear Claudia…. I’ve not visited as often in the years since the pandemic, but when I do, I sometimes fix a pot of tea and read for hours to catch up. I’ve nodded my head in agreement, smiled, laughed and cried. You’d be so missed if you depart, but I understand the struggle. I’m in the process of closing a tiny business I’ve had for 25 years; 12.5 years as a brick&mortar, 12.5 home-based and online. I’m going to miss it and my oh, so lovely regular customers so much, and I’m struggling with the blog part of it all. The costs, the time, the often lack of words that comes from recent years challenges and events. I just don’t know….. Whatever you choose, know you are loved and appreciated. xo

    • Thank you, Dori. I’m sorry you have to close your business, my friend.

      Yes, there often seems to be a lack of words lately. I completely understand your dilemma.

      I’m so glad you stop by.

      Much love,
      Claudia

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