I thought I'd share some random, meandering thoughts about blogging.
I've been writing on this blog for five years but started posting everyday three years ago from July of 2010, missing only about three days. It started as a challenge because I enjoyed writing and especially loved the feedback. What a heady feeling to be connected to new friends around the world and my cousins and friends here in Hawaii and the mainland. And for everybody reading, but not commenting please know that bloggers LOVE comments. It's the fuel that keeps us posting.
There are difficulties with maintaining the blog because I don't want people to know when we're gone on trips. There is that security issue since we don't know who is reading our posts. My brother works for the police department and I've been warned.
Therefore I have to schedule posts to go up while we're gone. That isn't always easy. But it's another challenge. My children are also concerned about the privacy issue and want me to be careful about revealing too much or my actual identity.
When I don't know what to post, doing this blog can feel like a job. I was beginning to think I would stop posting everyday despite those wonderfully encouraging friends who told me they read my post with their morning coffee.
Then I saw in the news that people who kept on working instead of retiring were able to stave off dementia much longer. My daughter has told me she likes the fact that I do the blog because she knows it forces us to go out and do something we normally wouldn't do just so I'd have something to blog about.
I also love all the advice and feedback I get. I have gotten very valuable information from all of you and a lot of spirit lifting cyber friendship.
It's true.
And then I happened to read Len's blog, Lenman when he placed a comment on a recent post I wrote. He said he thought I was posting Monday-Friday. This is an excellent compromise. I'm going to start doing that from tomorrow when I actually reach my three year mark of posting every day.
This is what I mean about blogging. You get ideas from all over the place.
I've been writing on this blog for five years but started posting everyday three years ago from July of 2010, missing only about three days. It started as a challenge because I enjoyed writing and especially loved the feedback. What a heady feeling to be connected to new friends around the world and my cousins and friends here in Hawaii and the mainland. And for everybody reading, but not commenting please know that bloggers LOVE comments. It's the fuel that keeps us posting.
Therefore I have to schedule posts to go up while we're gone. That isn't always easy. But it's another challenge. My children are also concerned about the privacy issue and want me to be careful about revealing too much or my actual identity.
When I don't know what to post, doing this blog can feel like a job. I was beginning to think I would stop posting everyday despite those wonderfully encouraging friends who told me they read my post with their morning coffee.
Then I saw in the news that people who kept on working instead of retiring were able to stave off dementia much longer. My daughter has told me she likes the fact that I do the blog because she knows it forces us to go out and do something we normally wouldn't do just so I'd have something to blog about.
I also love all the advice and feedback I get. I have gotten very valuable information from all of you and a lot of spirit lifting cyber friendship.
It's true.
And then I happened to read Len's blog, Lenman when he placed a comment on a recent post I wrote. He said he thought I was posting Monday-Friday. This is an excellent compromise. I'm going to start doing that from tomorrow when I actually reach my three year mark of posting every day.
This is what I mean about blogging. You get ideas from all over the place.
Here's a comment from a regular lurker: I'm so glad you are safe after Flossie.
ReplyDeleteI love my lurkers too, Tillybud. You always bring a smile (or laugh) to my face.
DeleteGood morning Kay, I agree with everything you say about blogging. I wouldn't have believed how much enjoyment I get out of it, especially meeting all the wonderful people from around the world. At the moment I do a lot of posts ahead of time but Betsy at Joyful Reflections takes her breaks on a weekend and have always thought what a good idea that is.
ReplyDeleteI usually try to keep two or three posts ahead of myself so I'm not too stressed out. Isn't it amazing how we really get to know and like each other even without seeing each other face to face?
DeleteWill miss u on weekends..glad to know that u all are safe..
ReplyDeleteSigh... I might cheat and still get a post in on the weekends. I think I'm addicted to it. ;-)
DeleteHi, Kay. I'm taking a few minutes to catch up with you. Sounds like the typical weather frenzy leading up to nothing. It happens to often that it's becomes like crying wolf. glad all is well.
ReplyDeleteI gave up blogging every day a long time ago. I have sort of a minimum standard od a couple times a week, but otherwise I blog when I have something to share.
As you can see I am blogging while traveling. I like doing it in the evenings, and it becomes my travel journal. I worry a bit about broadcasting our absence from home but not enough to change my ways. I hope I don't have to pay for it.
We talked to a bunch of people about Flossie yesterday at a funeral we were attending and it's surprising how MANY people are just disregarding the warnings now. I spoke to one friend who went to Costco to pick up some supplies and was surprised to find the store almost empty of people. People just weren't getting excited.
DeleteI'm always so envious and impressed how you're able to fit so MUCH into your life. Your energy level is amazing!
Life wasn't half as much fun before we started blogging, Kay.
ReplyDeleteAnd you, my dear, dear friend is the one who got me started. I am utterly grateful. Shalom.
DeleteKay I will look forward to your posts whenever you post. I find it it easy coming up with things to post about, but then my posts are usually quick and short, and I find that when I am upset or pre-occupied about something, I can't post until I am in a clear state of mind.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Christine. I find my writing comes in spurts. I'll think of 3 or 4 things and just write them in one night. Then I'll hit dry spells and sit at my blank computer screen.
DeleteI appreciate your example and support over the years. I sometimes blog every other day but love digging for ideas to write about.
ReplyDeleteThat challenge is what makes it so much fun. I love hearing what other people think to things I ask.
Deletecongratulations Kay on such a long running successful blog, I would never miss a post and I have read almost all you back posts, writing from Monday to Friday sounds like a wonderful idea, I too worry about security but with being an artist my name is on my work but I have never revealed where I live exactly, always something to worry about isn't there, I think it is good for us and I have made so many good friends, I count you as one of those, my far away friend, in the land of paradise,
ReplyDeleteYou are so very kind, Laurie. Your paintings have so much love and beauty in them. They bring warmth to my spirit just to look at them. Please know how much I appreciate your visits when I know what you're going through right now.
DeleteI know that blogging--mostly the reading others' and through comments to my own--that blogging has expanded my world view. I also know that even though I have not done much writing or reading over the past week or two, when I have a minute of respite, the first thing I do is go to my blog list. Just knowing that there is a wider circle of supportive thoughts and prayers around us has been a comfort.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with you, Olga. I have learned so much from everybody. I always love visiting you too.
DeleteI started blogging not long after you did, Kay, and at first I wrote almost daily. It became too much like work, as you said, so I changed it to three times a week: once on the weekend, Tuesday and Thursday. I also have another blog where I write once a week, early Sunday morning. Four blog posts a week is plenty for me. Nobody is setting up the schedule but me; however, I find that my mind begins to think of "blog fodder" before I post. My friends from all around the world enrich my life in tremendously important ways. You are one of them whom I cherish as much as old friends and family. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan, you're one of my oldest (not age, but duration of our knowing each other), most exciting and motivating friends and I always love hearing from you! Anytime I think about just vegging out and not exercising I see your posts and it gets me moving again.
DeleteEnjoy your writing-free weekends. Bet you'll be able to do more things that you can blog about!
ReplyDeleteThen again, I'd also have more time to be able to catch up on my visiting which I never seem to have enough time for.
DeleteI have arthritis issues which make it difficult to get on the computer everydaya and sit for several hours, so you won't find me here every day, but I do enjoy your blog when I get a chance to read it and would be sad if you went away. I think many people are posting when they can these days and that's fine. Dianne
ReplyDeleteYou are so kind to leave your wonderful comments even through your pain, Dianne. Please know how very grateful I am. You always leave such knowledgeable, insightful information.
DeleteOne of the fun things about blogging is there is such a variety of styles and topics. I think people do it in a way that works for them and we all have a choice about what we read. I think you have done a great job blogging every day for so long. Mine will most likely always be just a little family blog with no real schedule, but that is what works for me. I know that your readers will keep coming here whenever you post. Someday I would like to see a "guest post" from your mom.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid mom can't write in English so it would be difficult. I wish she could though. It would certainly be interesting.
DeleteI always look back at when I started almost three years ago. Lot of change and a lot of growth.
ReplyDeleteWhen I look back to 2008 when I first started blogging it brings back all kinds of wonderful, loving memories. There are blogging friends from back then who are now really terrific friends even though I've never met them face to face.
DeleteI'm glad you are taking some pressure off yourself. Like you said, it was a challenge as well. But striving is so worklike. Hmmm...some striving is good....maybe what keeps us young and healthy.
ReplyDeleteOf course I have enjoyed your posts so much these past two years. Mahalo!!
L...w
I do like having that bit of challenge for myself, but I think it's time I take a little pressure off.
DeleteHi Kay -- Certainly, do what's fun and enjoyable for YOU! I've learned LOTS of nice things from your blog, as it's certainly good to expand OUR worlds! You and your family are like little diplomats of humanity. Thanks for the heads up on your schedule change. I've always wondered if the blog host thinks it's an unpaid daily job requirement. I certainly don't have daily excitement in Kansas. When its tornado season, we like it to be boring. Cheers, DrumMajor
ReplyDeleteI am ALWAYS learning from you, DrumMajor. You are my go-to person for all things medical.
DeleteUh, gee Kay, you better call your handy NP Kathy first. My ambulance has too many miles of land, mountains and ocean to get to you....Aloha, DrumMajor
DeleteKay, it is such pleasure to read your post daily.
ReplyDeleteYou and your family inspire us being a better person.
Thank you for sharing...
Mary L
Hi Mary L! Thank you so much for your kind message. I really, really do love hearing from my reader friends. You just added more sunshine to my morning even though it's raining outside.
DeleteI had kind of an identity problem when I started blogging. Am I Marianna Scheffer or this odd cybercreature "Hattie?" I was working up at Kulani prison at the time and didn't want people to be able to identify me easily. Now I don't care, but Hattie remains.
ReplyDeleteI would love to post about my children and grandchildren but have to be very limited in what a say and the photographs I post of them.
I post in real time. Not too concerned with break-ins. We live in a reasonably safe area, and my neighbors are vigilant, plus which we don't leave valuables in the household.
Sorry to say I don't quite live in as safe an area as you do. (Ummm... you guys have been in the news lately though.) My brother checked and said we have quite a bit of crime (robberies) in our area. Oh course, Art and I also actually saw one in progress so it's freaked us out. My daughter and son-in-law have asked that I don't show a full frontal photo of my granddaughter so I run my photos past them before I post them.
DeleteKay, next week Thurs Aug. 8 is National Night Out. Neighbors make gatherings or block parties to get to know your neighbors and exchange of information. In our town you call to let them know you are participating and the police and fire department personnel visit these block parties. Our neighborhood participated once but have not in a good many years. Yesterday I mentioned it to one of my neighbors and she just kept right on talking about wanting my phone number... ignoring my mention of the event. I guess she is not interested in us getting together and organizing one on our street for next thrusday.
ReplyDelete~L.
Hi -L, Thank you very much for the information. I will check out the link you gave me. Unfortunately, it gives out my location so I had to delete it. I think block parties are great, but nobody has organized any in the 6 years that we've been here.
DeleteKay, I'm sorry. I did not know.
Delete~L.
No problem, -L. I'm sorry I have to be so careful about this.
DeleteHad an hour-long phone talk today with an old friend who was thinking about starting a blog, but had many questions and some reservations. My bottom-line to him was, "Just go for it; get started and you'll enjoy the experience." Here's hoping you continue enjoying your "work" for a long time.
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right, Dick. You have to just pinch closed your fears and jump in. Once in, swimming through cyber space can be a warm and wonderful place full of friends.
DeleteLook at all those notes. :)
ReplyDeleteI admire you and your husband, I appreciate your unique voice, but your viewpoint is special to all of us. Glad you found a way to feel more comfortable here, Hugs.
Mage, you are so wonderful to take the time to comment when I know you're going through some awfully challenging times. I wish I could bring over some mango bread. I'm thinking about you.
DeleteI started blogging in August 2008. For years I posted a minimum of three times a week but in the past six months or so I cut back to just once a week. It's a temporary change until we retire at the end of the year and I have more time but I miss the more frequent posting schedule and interaction with readers. I salute you for posting daily for all of these years! That's something!
ReplyDeleteI definitely wouldn't have been able to do this while I was working. Retirement is lovely.
DeleteBlogging really shrinks the world doesn't it? Wonderfully so. I was an everyday blogger for about a year, then started skipping days and now have settled comfortably into once a week. Your daughter is right. Besides making us get out and about more, it also makes us look at our outings in a different light--how will it translate into print? Got to be good for the old noggin.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely all for anything that keeps my brain moving because we do have dementia and Alzheimers in our family history. My brother and I are always comparing notes. He'll probably keep on working to keep his brain working too.
DeleteWell Kay..you know how I feel as you and Dina found me. I posted every day for 5 years and stopped at the 6 year mark and now I am coming up on 7 years. I didn't want to feel that I had to post everyday as it was making me feel stressed. Now I see that I can post when I want and I don't have a large readership, but that is no longer important. I see with everything that has happened to me in the last year that it is the dear friends whom I have connected with in blog land and how supportive they have been though my cancer. That is what makes me smile and I think that as most people use readers or get an e-mail, they can find me... I am glad everything is OK... hugs..Michelle
ReplyDeleteYou do have the most wonderful teaching blog, Michelle. I learn so much from you and love your beautiful photographs.
DeleteGood for you Kay! When I read your post and saw you referenced me in the last paragraph, I wondered if maybe I should deactivate my blog for a few days. But since there seems to be positive responses on your decision, I'm going to leave it up. ...and my truck parked where I usually park it. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are too funny, Len. Ummm... would you prefer I take the link to your blog off? I wasn't sure.
DeleteHa ha! No - I was just kidding about that. It's fine, thanks!
DeleteWhen I started blogging in 2005 with another webside I tried to blog as much as possible, but now I write only once or twice a week since I have a blog with blogger. I have two or three memes I follow and answering all commentators takes enough time to keep me busy in a pleasant way. I also try to read their blogs and learn a lot from you all. Like you I don't like the world to know that I am away from home, but still some people must know where I am going and when I will be back. I always take a lot of photos and when I am back again I try to use them. I enjoy reading your travelling stories.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment! You know whenever you come in Holland please do visit me and stay here at my place.
Oh my! You are too wonderful and kind, Wil. I would love to see the Netherlands again, especially Keukenhof.
DeleteI try not to disclose too much personal information on my blog but a lot of my followers know who I am and where I live and sometimes they will reveal things in their comments. Does that happen to you?
ReplyDeleteOh yes! It does happen and I have to delete that comment right away.
DeleteKay - Other than me continuing to post daily (I can't seem to stop!!!!!)
ReplyDeleteI want to say "Amen" to this post. All of it. I love my blog pals.
And people like you and Art that I have met are even MORE special.
Plus the alzheimers thing :) LOL
ALOHA from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
~ > < } } ( ° > <3
I wonder if you will have "off-line weekend" or just visit others? I'd say to take at least one day off-line :)
ReplyDelete