• It rained yesterday afternoon and into the evening, a nice gentle rain, and we’re due for some thunderstorms today. We really need the rain, so I will happily stay inside and read today, content to let the rain soak into the ground and perhaps raise a wee bit the levels of our rivers. Huzzah for some rain!
• Does anyone else out there catch their breath and/or chuckle when you see an article, say, on Apartment Therapy or Design Sponge, and the title involves the word ‘vintage’ and when you look at the photos, the furniture is the style everyone was using in your youth? I did that this morning. When I see the word vintage, I’m expecting something much older than mid-century modern – called contemporary or modern when I was growing up. So I click on the article based on the word ‘vintage’ and I end up saying, “Oh that. Vintage to you, maybe. Not vintage to me!”
If that’s vintage, then I guess I’m vintage. But it’s a good vintage, I’ll tell you that.
• This hollyhock was a volunteer and I’m so thrilled by its beauty. And its height! All of this in a shallow raised bed, and that, my friends, is a wonder. And it blocks the view of the rain barrel. (That dash of red you see at the base of the plant is a pail I have yet to move.)
• On Sunday, I did a little housekeeping on the blog navigation bar, specifically, the Dollhouse Tab. That tab used to take you to information on Hummingbird Cottage and a Source List and other dollhouse posts. I’ve now added two tabs – one for Hummingbird Cottage, one for The Studio, and one for the Source List and Tutorials. I think it’s much clearer now.
• I could write a whole post about this – who knows, I just may do that someday: What happens after you’ve been blogging for several years and you lose your mojo? Or you run out of ideas for posts? I’ve been pondering this lately as many of the blogs I used to follow seem to have fizzled out. Sometimes the posts have dwindled down to once a week, or once a month. Sometimes, and I’ve seen this a lot lately, there are hardly any ‘real’ posts anymore – just a series of sponsored posts, posts where photos copied from Pinterest or other blogs are used to create a ‘theme;’ basically, posts that have lost the author’s voice. Any blogger who has been blogging for several years will tell you that it’s hard to keep things fresh. Some bloggers, when faced with that challenge, stop blogging. Or they move on to Instagram.
There’s no rule or law that says you have to keep blogging. Or that the focus of your blog has to stay the same. Really – there are no rules at all, despite all the advice blogs that will tell you there are. This blog is my take on blogging, and it’s very personal. Not everyone wants to be personal and I get that. Not everyone wants to read a blog like mine, either, and I get that, too. But I feel a sadness when I see my preferred reading choices in blogland change and become something else, something that lacks any sort of authenticity. At the very least, they lose the voice that made them compelling to begin with.
I’ve been talking to Don about this sort of thing and I’ve made a vow that if I find I’ve lost my mojo or that my posts are becoming something that you could find on any generic blog or website, I’ll quietly fold my tent and move on.
I don’t have any answers on this one, just a plea to remember who you are and why you started blogging and what it was that drew readers to your little home on the web to begin with. That’s what your readers want to see.
There is a book review up on Just Let Me Finish This Page today. Stop by!
Happy Tuesday.
I look forward to your “words” everyday. You have educated me in so many ways, e.g. theater, acting, books. You also have made me laugh and cry, all in a good way. You , Don and your beloved dogs and family have enriched my days.
Thank You,
Kaye
Park City, UT
Oh, thank you, Kaye! What a lovely comment!
Your Hollyhock is beautiful. I hope you get the rain you need. I’m sure the people in West Virginia would be happy to share some of theirs with you. It’s terrible what’s happening there.
I don’t blog every day. Once or twice a week is what I do. My life just isn’t that interesting. Once in a while I think I don’t have anything new to say, and I probably don’t. But I’ve made so many good friends through blogging that I don’t want to give it up. I’m glad you stuck around Claudia.
Blessings, Betsy
Thank you, Betsy. I feel the same way, I love the friends I’ve met through blogging and I’d really miss them were I to stop!
Claudia, I know exactly what you mean about blogs changing. Mine has but mostly in the fact that I don’t post as often. I mean to and want to, it just doesn’t happen. Still, whenever I think about stopping I know I would miss it. My connection to all of you out there(as small a group as that might be and that is perfectly ok with me). So I continue to share my life, my struggles, my joys, my grands! I don’t like sponsored posts or idea posts or whatever they are called. My blog reading list has dwindled down to the friends I’ve made and the blogs that have something to say and share like yours. I finally got a post up today about my surgery, and need to start taking photos so I can do blog posts about things I want to share. Hoping my mojo has had it’s vacation and is now back.
hugs,
Linda
I’ll go read your post, Linda. It’s hard to get too motivated to blog when you’re not feeling well, my friend! Been there!
Claudia, won’t ad-blockers reduce your income? I unblocked mine for your blogs, for that reason. I know it’s not much, but I’m sure the income adds up over time.
The page is not as pretty, of course, but after awhile, your eyes learn to “skip over” the ads.
I just googled that, and I guess they can. I thought it was just so that you couldn’t see the ad, but if you clicked on the site it would still count as revenue. Yikes. Maybe I’d better edit my post! Just deleted that part of the post! (Oh, well. I meant well!)
I do think you’re right, we just skip over the ads.
love your blog and have learned a lot about the theatre through you. The hollyhock has me interested. In our area, PNW , we like things that grow naturally and without a lot of help. I may try one.
They sure are beautiful, Jan. Good luck!
I remember heavy rain storms with huge bolts of lightening, and thunder, when I used to visit my grandparents in Ottawa during this time of year. We could always use rain here, especially when there is a California wildfire, as we had recently in Central California. You’re very disciplined about your blogging, Claudia. I don’t get any hint from you of writers’ block or feeling an obligation to blog daily. I take away at least one thing from every post you write.
Thank you, Wendy. There are days…but I always seem to come up with something!
I definitely agree with you. So many bloggers just have either paid sponsorship posts or photos taken from blogland. To me, that’s not what I want mine to be and yours definitely is not that. I love that yours is so personal and new and fresh every day.
Love,
Judy
Same with your blog, Judy!
It’s depressing, though, isn’t it? I read so few blogs these days!
I so agree with you Claudia. It seems to me that authentic voice blogs are dwindling. So many are using promotional posts or are re-posting from other sites. I am so grateful that you are still doing what you have always done. However, I appreciate how challenging it must be to come up with something to say each day. Your writing shows you to be a thoughtful and reflective person with tremendous depth and broad interests No doubt that is why you always have something interesting to say or show.
Thank you, Carolyn Marie. I know that bloggers can feel tired and that they’ve run out of things to say. It’s a tough one. Hopefully, they will find their voice again.
Oh please, Claudia, don’t ever stop blogging! I love your blog because it makes me feel like I’m ‘talking’ with someone I’ve known forever, like a dear friend. I’ve stopped looking at so many blogs because they are nothing but advertisements and they’ve lost their personal touch. Keep up the good work!
I might stop someday, but right now I have no plans to, Cathy. Thanks for your support!
Hi, yes, so many of the blogs I first started reading have fizzled. It’s the blogger’s voices that seem to have lost spontaneity…and that’s what I first so loved, a feeling like I just had a conversation (albeit one-sided) with an acquaintance or friend. Now, sometimes I feel like I’m reading a generic post with no real soul, and that’s not what drew me to blog land. xxoo
That’s exactly what I first loved, that conversation we were having, that peek into each blogger’s life. When the posts get generic, like many have, I have to move on.
Totally agree with you on what’s going on lately with some blogs. In fact, I no longer follow the person whose blog led me to you – simply because she stopped blogging regularly [down from 4-5 posts per week to 1 or 2 per month]. And when she does post now, it’s mainly to promote her books and online store. The original folksy, chatty posts are not there anymore. And I have to admit, I feel a bit pushed aside. Which is just one of the many reasons I love your blog – it’s not basically a big old commercial for yourself. But you’re right – there’s no law that says once a blog is started, it MUST continue. So when it’s no longer fun for you, it’s time to take down the shingle, and that’s not a crime. But I sincerely hope this doesn’t happen FOR A LONG TIME. Enjoy your quiet indoor reading day…📕
Thank you Janet. I’ve seen the same thing happen – a blog becomes a promotional tool for the blogger… that should be left to an actual website. But to each his own. I’m not interested in that kind of blog, so I move on. (I totally understand the feeling of being ‘pushed aside’) because it’s the blog readers and their support that led to publishing opportunities…
I never get tired of seeing your beautiful flowers Claudia…In much of the selling world..eBay, Etsy, and others, vintage is considered anything 20 years and older and under 100 years…100 years and older is antique..therefore something from the eighties would be considered “vintage”..I have seen these changes in some blogs too but since I am not a blogger I don’t feel I have any right to criticize..I do hope that you never change because you make me feel like I am truly a friend and that I know you and Don on a more personal level from going through your happy times and your tragedies with you…
Really? The eighties are vintage???? I’m reeling!
Thanks so much for your support, Nancy. I’m so glad you read my blog.
I look forward to yours posts everyday. Regardless of the subject, I enjoy something about each and every entry that you blog. You have made many friends as a result of your blog and connect with many of your readers.
On a different note, husband and I were watching Mr Robot for the last few evenings and caught my breath and said, “I know that man!” while watching the 5th show of the first series. My husband was a bit confused until I explained who that man was. Of course you know who it was. Having just watched your video of Don “opening” his Birthday gift, it was easy to recognize him as Angelas father.
I do feel like you are friends in several ways.
Love your flowers – love how your nurture the volunteers and acknowledge their beauty.
Being the creative person that you are, I find it unlikely that you will run out of ideas to share with your readers. Gosh, I’m rambling again….sorry.
You’re not rambling at all. Yay about Mr. Robot! He’s in a couple of episodes from Season 1. He was in 3 episodes originally, but they cut the scene in one of them for some reason. Thank goodness he still got paid!
Thanks so much for your kind words!
I only recently stumbled across your blog but in that short amount of time, I have quickly picked up on your realness. You have such a genuine voice in your posts. I’ve been blogging for close to seven years (through various blogs with various themes), and you’re right — so many that I follow seem to have such a corporate/sponsored vibe going on. Anyway, thanks for sharing your feelings on this!
You are most welcome, Courtney. I’m glad you’re here!
I understand a need to stop blogging, but if you ever do I will need you to have a P.O. Box so I can write you notes. You may never want to answer, which would be fine. But blogging only once a month would be OK with me. Guess what I am saying is that I would miss you.
Thank you Tana. You’re very sweet. I’m hanging around a while longer!
I feel like I have a pen pal who writes me everyday. I get to open my mailbox and there you are! Sort of like “You’ve Got Mail”. Sometimes what feels mundane to you on a daily basis, sparks interest in my life. Makes me stop and think sometimes about how I spend my day and watch for the little things I come across. Take notice is a wonderful message to extend to others. Thanks for all you do and taking time out of your day to make a difference for us that read your blog.
Oh, thank you, Lyndia. Your words are lovely and much appreciated.
Oh please Claudia whatever else you may do please do not stop blogging.
Your blog is just about the only one left of my original blogs I read. Like you said so many bloggers have lost their voice.
You have so many interests and write about them all so well that I would miss you blog very much.
I like the everydayness (I think I just made up that word) of your blog. I like the peak into your world and Don’s
That’s a lovely compliment, Trudy. The ‘everydayness’ – just what I aim for!
It’s been so much fun getting to “know” you through your blog. During the week I take a few minutes to read your blog before the office opens – I would miss that daily ritual. (Not to mention I am super excited to see your next build.) If you keep writing, we’ll keep reading!
Thank you, Barbara! I plan to keep writing. Now I have to look at that kit for the Fairfield and not be so overwhelmed by it all!
I read your post this morning…and I laughed at your vintage comment. So as I was preparing a salad for lunch for my friends today, I remembered my vintage 1910 glass punch bowl, that belonged to my grandparents. And I served my salad in it! It was a hit…both the salad and the bowl! My friends have left…the salad bowl returned to it’s spot…so glad that your post inspired it’s use. And that’s why I read your blog. You never know when something something someone writes will inspire. And, you did just that! ;)
Perfect idea and if I was some small source of inspiration, I’m very pleased!
I hope you don’t stop blogging. Reading your blog has become a ritual with me. You always have something interesting and thought provoking to say. There is a depth to your blog that many others lack.
It’s interesting you should bring up this topic because I’ve been thinking about you and wondering if you were considering how much longer you’ll continue to blog. Maybe it’s because we were born on same day?! Anyway, you need to do what’s best for you – but I know I would miss you.
I’m not ready to stop blogging yet, Mary. I’d miss you all too much!
I can’t speak for other bloggers, only myself.
As for blogging, I go back and forth and right now, I am blogging mostly what I’ve posted on Instagram… Thats ICADs for me.
For some reason this has become a ‘thing’ for me. I’m passionate about it. I like doing it. It’s part of me at the moment.
I’ve lots of other things to talk about. But no direction really. Just day to day happenings.
I don’t blog about it because I think ‘no one is going to read it.’ Yet, someone always does. I may go and write about this too. I have lots of thoughts on the topic too many to list!
I have a shrinking list of blogs I read when I get online to read… Yours is definitely at the top! Though, I admit to not commenting as much.
I still love coming to your blog and reading about what’s happening here at the cottage.
Someone always does read it, Patricia, and what you have to say on any given day can really inspire or help someone.
Don’t worry about commenting. Comment when you can. I don’t always leave comments either – sometimes we’re just too busy!
I don’t have my own blog but I truly enjoy reading yours. I am basically a shy person and don’t know if I would have enough to write daily. You always keep your writing interesting!
I’m shy, too, believe it or not! But writing, for some reason, is different and allows me to ‘open up.’
I would surely be quite sad if we couldn’t “have coffee” every day!!! Glad to see your assurances that you plan to stick around with us for a while! I never find your posts boring or mundane. I really do not like all of those sponsored posts. It is as if some bloggers have no ideas of their own any longer and just hawk goods.
I planted Hollyhocks this year, and some Bachelor Buttons. My mom used to have those when I was little, so I guess they, too, are vintage-inspired. I really do feel old ~ or vintage, I guess!!
Oh, bachelor buttons! What a neat idea! I’ll have to add those to next year’s planting list.
I’m all for authenticity. I blog for personal connection and am not looking to sell or impress anyone. I don’t like blogs or IG accounts that only post other people’s photos. Definitely not authentic or personal.
I agree, Tammy!
I enjoy reading your blog every day along with my morning coffee, it’s like having my coffee while visiting with a friend!
Thank you, Debbie!
I love your blog. I hope you never fold up your tent and go away. As for me, I let mine lapse when the hosting expired back in March. I just felt like I couldn’t keep it fresh. I always just click past those blog posts that are nothing but links to some other website. On another note, I just got back from Universal Orlando. We stayed at their Cabana Bay Beach Resort, which is themed “vintage” from the 1960s. I felt right at home!
I enjoy your posts so much! Love that you write every day. Am always disappointed when someone stops blogging, but can understand that life gets busy. Love the connections across the world!
I do, too, Liz. Thank you!