Don sneak-shot this photo of me about 4 years ago. I was working on Dove Cottage. Hair in my eyes – my life story. I’m about to start work on the Beacon Hill, on a budget, and I’m gathering ideas. My friend Helga, who lives in Germany, has a beautiful Beacon Hill. She added lots and lots of detail and whimsy. I found myself on Instagram pouring through all her photos. And I search for other Beacon Hills, as well.
I have another blog that has been defunct for about 10 years. If you’ve been here a long while, you might remember that I briefly had a photography blog where I posted a photo a day. Eventually, like a few other blogs (a blog about how to design a blog, my book/reading/review blog) I got bored or exhausted and realized that I only needed one blog; this one, that has been around for 17 years. Anyway, I haven’t deleted that photo blog because it has a blog list on the sidebar which includes blogs about miniatures and another list of general blogs that I was reading at the time. I like to visit those blogs occasionally.
Fast forward to the other day when I was thinking about the Beacon Hill and I dropped in on that blog to see what was new with some of my favorite miniature bloggers.
Most of them have not posted in years. I sort of knew that was happening, but on that day, the reality of just how many miniaturists had stopped blogging really smacked me in the face. A few of them had moved to Instagram. But the others? Where are they?
Of course, there are several possible answers. They got tired of working on miniatures. They’re too busy. They got tired of blogging. They aren’t with us anymore. You know I start to worry about people when their online presence disappears. I worry about it with commenters on the blog, I worry about it when virtual fellow bloggers disappear, as well. I tried looking for them on Instagram, but I wasn’t successful.
My friend, Casey, for example. I’ve wondered about her for a while. She lives in Arizona and she had been experiencing health problems. She hasn’t blogged since 2019. I haven’t seen her on IG. She created that wicker chair that is in the den of Hummingbird Cottage. I won it in a contest. She was so kind and generous with tips of all sorts. The blog is still up, but it’s been six years since we’ve heard from her.
As I glance down the list of blogs, I do see a few that I know are on Instagram now. As is the case with many bloggers, Instagram seems to be the preferred thing. I’m glad they’re still around, but I have to say that IG cannot and is not meant to replace the detail in a blog post. The miniature bloggers who used to blog fairly regularly provided lots of photos and details about their miniature work in each and every blog post. You can try to do that in IG, but let’s remember. It’s called INSTAgram. Instant, quick posts about daily life. And that’s not the same, is it?
On one level, I get it. Life is busy and taking the time to write a lengthy blog post or even just maintain a blog is a challenge. And it isn’t just miniature bloggers. Most of my fellow bloggers from those first days back in 2008 have stopped blogging. There are very few of us left. And, as you know, I have thought about ending this blog. Many of us are older now and aging has an impact. And sometimes you just lose your enthusiasm for something.
So, I’m certainly not complaining! Not at all. I’m observing.
When I first started working on Hummingbird Cottage, I knew nothing. Nothing. By that time, I had accumulated a list of miniaturists that I followed and believe me when I say that those bloggers were incredibly helpful and generous. I left comments with questions. I emailed some of them. Every one of them answered and generously shared their knowledge with me. Some sent me miniatures to help start me on my journey. It was a vibrant community and boy, was I lucky! I was able to pour over the blog posts, look at detailed photos, read the how-tos. I’m very grateful to this day for all of those interactions and virtual friendships.
I’ve written very detailed blog posts about my dollhouse renovations. I’ve made lists of sources. All of that is on my navigation bar. And no, you can’t really do that in any depth on an Instagram post. It’s impossible.
Heck, I sometimes go a very long time without doing any miniature work at all. I’m just coming off of a long break. I got the Beacon Hill during lockdown. That gives you an idea of just how long it has been.
Anyway, it makes me sad. Everything is ‘instant’ nowadays. But some things take time.
And, of course, I wonder about some of those bloggers. Are they well? Is everything okay? I’ll do my best to find out, but it will be a challenge.
Just some thoughts that have been whirling around in my brain over the last few days.
Happy Monday.
Stay safe.
I, too, remember Casey and other miniature bloggers whose posts were so helpful! I also get curious to know how they are doing. I found your blog through one of theirs. Thanks for sharing.
You’re very welcome, Mary Ellen.
Stay safe.
Good morning, Claudia. You made some very interesting observations. We don’t always take the time to do that. It’s a different world we’re in today.
Yes, it is.
Thanks, Barrie.
Stay safe.
I’m glad you are going to work on the Beacon Hill. I’m looking forward to it.
I agree that many of the blogs I used to follow have stopped and I wonder what happened. I tried it briefly but it’s hard to come up with something to write about… my life is pretty boring. It quickly became another chore. I’m sure that happens to alot of blogs.
I’m so glad you are still blogging.
Take care
My life is pretty boring these days. The blog was more interesting when I was coaching in different cities and on Broadway.
Stay safe, Marilyn.
I hear you. For Instagram is pretty, eye candy. Fluff. No content except a photo and a short caption. I don’t like it. I’ll occasionally gander a look at someone in particular who doesn’t blog but nope. Not my thing. I like the depth and warmth of the blog. The feeling of who the people are who are part of it — the blogger, their circle, their passions, the interesting things they do. Some are so far from my own realm of activity and nothing I would ever want to do myself. But I am fascinated by the things I learn from them. Because of that personal side of blogging, I have built a number of very personal relationships with fellow bloggers, many of whom I’ve met in real life, others I haven’t but we exchange gifts or snail mail. I’ve stayed with them, they’ve stayed with me. Some no longer blog, but we still connect.
I always appreciate it when someone who stops blogging — whether permanently or for a period of time — makes a post about that. Several of us recently made a fairly long (and productive) search for a missing blogger we knew had had a health issue. She was (and remains) in rehab but posted after we found her to say she was there indefinitely and would be back when she could. A huge relief. I’ve shared with Rick my blog info in case something should unexpectedly happen to me.
Our blog friends become real friends and in many cases, mentors. They know things about me that people I’ve known for years but not really “known” are aware of. And when they disappear, we worry.
Same as you. I have longterm friends from these years of blogging. And I agree that people who stop blogging, even if they didn’t plan to, should eventually post about it so that we don’t worry.
I like Instagram because I’m a visual person and there’s lot of great photography there. But a blog and the depth of wriing that it provides is far more interesting.
Stay safe, Jeanie.
I’m very excited that you’re starting work on another dollhouse!!! Also, I know what you mean about bloggers disappearing. You get very attached to people even in this virtual world and when they’re all of a sudden not there anymore it’s unsettling. I follow some YouTube creators and the same with them. Of course, I realize they owe us nothing, but it’s like a dear acquaintance in life suddenly vanishing and you never know what happens to them! Anyway, I’m very thankful that you’re still blogging, Claudia. I know it’s a challenge sometimes, and that’s all the more reason why what you do is so special.
Thank you for your kind words, Jenny. I appreciate them.
Stay safe.
It’s nice that you have the Beacon Hill to work on. It’s good to pick up old activities. I’ve started doing cross stitch again and I can donate my completed projects to my volunteer group at the local history museum – we sell things there and then the money helps pay for educational programs at the museum. It’s small things but it fills my time.
I’m glad you still have your blog and always find your posts interesting, Claudia.
What a nice project for you, Ellen. And it benefits the museum, as well.
Thanks so much.
Stay safe.
I was once a very active blogger (it’s how we met) but my life changed and blogging became a chore for me. I had two Grandchildren and then full-time caregiver for my Mom and I kept meaning to blog again but it never happened. We had a large group of bloggers in Atlanta and we would get together frequently. I think only one still blogs and it’s only a few times each year. You have not stopped and it’s been an incredible journey with you. Collecting, miniatures (which I don’t do but have enjoyed learning about), travel and just lives lived. Don on Broadway, your coaching and so many other exciting events you have shared with us. In less than a month I turn 75 and I must admit my life is less exciting but still there is quality. I sometimes wish I had kept up my blogging, but alas, I did not.
Sometimes LIFE happens and we can only do so much. Grandchildren, caring for your beloved mom, all of that had to take precedence. Completely understandable.
I’m so glad we met, Linda!
Stay safe.
I’m glad you have ideas for your dollhouse. I think it’s fascinating to see the houses turn into a “real” house.
I do like reading blogs because it feels more neighborly. However, you are the only blogger left that I read. I know that you have been questioning whether to keep on writing your blog. I am a firm believer in doing what makes you happy so whichever road you decide to take will be the right one for you.
It isn’t time yet. In fact, I’ve been saving up the money to renew my hosting service at the beginning of June, so it will be around for at least another year, Betsy.
Thanks so much.
Stay safe.
i appreciate what you wrote about disappearing bloggers. for me it’s not so much experiencing “disappearing bloggers” (because i only am here and one other blog) but in general the not-knowing how people and animals i care about are doing. not to be snoopy, not to pry, just to know they’re okay … safe and happy. i am a worrier.
glad to hear you have plans for the beacon hill! will be fun for you to do and for us to see (no pressure intended).
i like the action shot photo don took and the apron you’re wearing, too.
happy, safe monday to everyone.
kathy
Yes, I am a worrier, too, which is why I mentioned Casey and her blog. Is she okay? Is she ill?
Stay safe, Kathy.
i will pray for her.
hope everyone is well, safe and happy.
xo
kathy
xo
You really miss bloggers when they stop blogging. Sometimes their archives are still accessible which is nice. You do get to know people through blogs plus the people who leave comments. Change always happens not always for the best. Take care. Hugs, Elaine
Change is constant, but I must admit, I’m not a fan!
Thanks so much, Elaine.
Stay safe.
dear Claudia/Don — am glad you are ready for some work on a dhouse — you are so good at it, even tho it is probably too tedious for me, I enjoy looking at your work. this is the only blog that I correspond with even tho I read others from different areas of the country just to “see” how things are. sometimes it can be quite “eye opening”!! like your pic although it is not current.
hope y’all stay safe/healthy
Thanks so much, Linda. Learning about others who live elsewhere is always interesting!
Stay safe.
You have never been boring! You are a very interesting, knowledge person and I think you are fun, too . You enrich my life and I am grateful.
Take Care,
Kaye
Oh, thank you so much, Kaye. Bless you!
Stay safe.
I’m always curious when bloggers disappear ….I always hope that they just lost interest, rather than it being an illness. I really do wish they would take the time to say goodbye.
I am happy to hear you are going to work on the Beacon Hill. It’s always fun to watch you create these homes.
We are leaving tomorrow…so don’t stop blogging while I’m gone lol! Enjoy! ;)
I wish they would say goodbye, too.
Have a fabulous trip, Donnamae! Can’t wait to hear about it.
Stay safe.
hope you have a wonderful trip, donnamae … easy, safe travels and lots of fun and time with loved ones. and non-existent jetlag both ways. :)
kathy
Hi Claudia,
I Loved this post… because it resonates with everything I currently experience about the mini world! I know my “style” of minis is very different from yours… (I’m building a Castle, for heavens sake!) and I don’t have a Beacon Hill… and my “Willowcrest” which is only a little similar is my “witch” house… so I get it that we don’t want exactly the same thing from our miniatures! But I also miss all those bloggers and those heady days of amazing international enthusiasm and profound generosity of spirit! My “blog roll” isn’t even very useful anymore because many of the more recent blogs I have come across would not allow me to “follow” them and show up in my list… I don’t know what changed but I don’t have the savvy to ferret it out… and I just want to use my time to be creative. I literally waited all my life to have the “time” to indulge in making dollhouses and their stories come to life, and blogs have intensified the experience beyond my imaginings! I will not stop with minis as long as I live and can paint or stitch or glue cardboard together. But I think it was a “renaissance” of a sort and it’s time is dwindling and yes, people just want instant “feed” rather than a deeper relationship and instructions.
I remember Casey’s blog and used to visit it daily… along with so many others… and the fact that she had a “witch” doll for a friend gave me encouragement to “let my inner dolls out of the closet”… or cupboard, as it were… and just play and invent and follow my Dreams. I wasn’t alone, I wasn’t “ridiculous” or “too childish”….. I was having a wonderful creative time with a hobby I am fascinated by! Every single one of my interests come together in the Miniatures world for me.
So I am with you Claudia, in mourning a little bit… but I am not giving up!
Later today I will be posting my May “lilac” blog post… I spent a year and a half building the lilacs just so they could be “seasonal” in my mini worlds…. not tied to only one time of year. I hope you can come by for a “sniff” or two!
Thanks for sharing!
I will definitely visit your lilac post, Betsy! I love your blog and I love your style. Yes, it’s different than mine, but that’s what makes the dollhouse/miniature world so exciting! I’m glad you are now able to do something you love. We all need a hobby, a passion, and you are very passionate about your creations. The instant stuff is indicative of so much that has changed in our culture – yes, it’s handy, but where’s the depth?
By the way, I have a hard, if not impossible time replying on Blogger. I haven’t been able to leave comments for ages. I don’t know why. I still have an account and that photography blog is a Blogger blog. Ah, well.
Stay safe.
Hi Claudia, Thank you for replying! (a thing I am remiss about!) As for the comments on blogger, I even had trouble for a long while on “older” blogs in particular. It turned out to be a security thing.. at least in my case… cookies and all that. My son helped me to find a way to “turn off” the extra security for the blogs I “trusted” (when you are on the particular blog the shield at the front of their address needs to be turned off…) It just means my blog can recognize theirs as safe, then I could leave comments again! I have no idea if that would make a difference for you since your blog is on a different platform….. but maybe it is an angle to investigate? I wish I knew more… but it takes so much time to constantly learn the “new upgraded systems…” I fall behind.
I really look forward to seeing your Beacon Hill develop!
I don’t know if the same would be true for me…but I’ll check it out, Betsy.
xoxo