October 26, 2013

The Good Old Days


Lately I've been missing the good old days of blogging. For me in the beginning. blogs were about sharing stories, ideas, inspiration, and the thrill of connecting with people that got you. Now I think we're trying to take in so much as quickly as we can that we just speed through our blog readers, then on to pinterest, twitter, facebook, Instagram and an endless number of other digital ways to suck up our time. That's not bringing pleasure to my life.


I'm in the middle of a personal epiphany and I realize I want less but better in every aspect of my life. I want the things I own, people I surround myself with and the way I spend my time to add something to my life. I've also cut way back on screen time to make room for more important things. I'm trying to limit my time to things that encourage, or inspire me.


Much of blogging has become so impersonal. It seems so much like a sport. It's competitive and commercial. It's about traffic, branding and advertising. Not to mention the perception of perfection being distributed as real life on so many blogs. That's fine if that's your thing. It's just not my thing and I'll be honest I don't want to read those blogs. When I go to a blog and the front page has 20 tabs and is covered with ads I suffer from sensory overload and hit that little x button straight away. I'm a simple girl. I like blogs that are genuine. I want stories, creativity, ideas and to feel like I'm visiting with a friend, sipping cocoa and eating scones in her kitchen. I hope that is the way my blog makes you feel.


I think all of this has been keeping me from blogging regularly. This space is important to me and to my family. A few weeks ago my little one was having a bad day at school and when she told me that she started reading back through my blog at school to make herself feel better and to get in a happy place it made my Momma's heart about burst. I couldn't be there with her to encourage her and hug her but my blog could be. That made me so grateful for this blog.


So I've decided that I'm embracing the old ways. I've added back my blog roll of the creative, inspiring blogs that I visit most often so that I can click right over and read and comment on their blogs for a more personal blog reading experience and I'm still using my blog reader for the rest of the blogs I follow but wanted to use it more sparingly because it's hard for me to feel connected when I'm using a reader.


Most importantly I'm hoping to get back to regularly posting here, capturing the special moments to be found in every day life and maybe occasionally inspiring someone else. I hope you'll join me.

80 comments:

  1. Standing up and cheering!
    I am in total agreement with you about "busy blogs".
    Reading your blog has me slowing down and enjoying the simple, yet powerful moments.

    "The most important things in life...aren't things!"

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  2. Couldn't agree more. It has all become look at me, this is what i have, making others feel less and having to keep up. I have also stopped visiting most blogs that are "braggers" not bloggers.
    Lets get it back on track and from the heart :)
    Amy

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  3. I agree whole heartedly. I for one with be with you always.
    I think YOU have inspired me today. I was feeling the same way and haven't blogged regularly because of it.
    Thank you

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  4. so enjoy your honesty. I have cut down my "favorites" by half for the very reasons you give. I always look forward to reading yours....and it is exactly as you describe.....I love to read a blog that I feel like I have just spent time with a friend catching up! Thank you!

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  5. Amen and amen Jen. (Hey that rhymes!) You know how I feel on this subject and you said it beautifully. I have done the same thing on my blog and have talked to so many early bloggers who feel the same way. I am only blogging from the heart to friends who want to know what I'm up to because that feels right to me. I look forward to seeing more posts about your beautifully imperfect life. Patty

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    1. Patty, you are also one who does it so well! Thanks for sharing!

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  6. I follow many blogs...I don't always read them...when I saw yours today I had a "yay" moment...like seeing a friend. Your writing style and content is what I adore about your blog and it truly has a personal down to earth feeling.
    So inspired by you!
    Thank you

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  7. Oh. Jen- You could have written this post for me. I don't do Pinterest or Twitter or Instagram, and I hardly do Facebook. I am like you- I want to feel connected to the bloggers that I admire. I want to enjoy it every time I visit there. I have quit commenting on blogs that are all ads. They drive me nuts. I like the down-to-earth people that don't have 25 pillows lined up in a perfect row. Good for them if that makes them happy but I like a person that fails at being perfect-someone that is more like me!;>)

    Good for you- I have MISSED you since you don't blog as regularly as you once did. I hope to see more of you here cuz you are REAL, girl...and I love REAL!

    That is heartwarming what your daughter said- kind of makes blogging all worthwhile, doesn't it? xo Diana

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  8. Hear! Hear! I feel exactly the same way.And I hit the "X" when I see advertising,too.

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  9. Beautifully written and I share your sentiments.

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  10. Oh ya, I loved how it used to be before all the perfect images and commercials took over. I'm happy to hear you plan on continuing in the way it used to be when it felt cozier.

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  11. Hurray for staying true to yourself! The personal blogs w/o all the ads are always the most fun for me! =)

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  12. Although I may not comment much, please know that I appreciate and look forward to your blog all the time, and every day, I am looking to see if you have posted a new story. Thank you for doing what you do, your blog is the only one I come back to, after 4 years or so that I have been following you:)

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  13. I feel the same way. In fact, I've written about it off and on. I have advertising on my blog, but I try to keep it as inconspicuous as possible. But the fact is, I need that extra bit of income. We are a couple who works in the arts and our income is meager. Every bit helps.

    I do think there has been a change in blogging and I, like you, stay away from the overly commercial blogs. But again, many bloggers are trying to earn their living that way and I have grown to respect that. These are not easy times for so many of us.

    I regularly blog about imperfection and most every photo I take is NOT styled. Because that's not real life, and, hopefully, my little blog is all about real, warts and all. I also stay away from blogs that have changed from the sort of intimate, real places they were to a vehicle for hyping that blogger's achievements, whether it be photography or books or awards. While I applaud them, when every post becomes about the book or the whatever, I stay away. I also spend very little time on facebook, pinterest or twitter. These are what I call time-sucks. They keep me away from being in the moment in my life.

    I'm glad you are going to continue to blog! We'd miss you terribly.

    xo
    Claudia

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  14. I also agree! Looks like alot of us do! I have kind of stopped blogging because I can't keep up. I have a simple point and shoot, so my pictures aren't nearly as nice as most, we live in our home, so there are messes. I also get tired of having to X out of all the pop ups when all I really want to do is look at their post. But, most are a sponsored post, so I X out....bored! I enjoy your blog and glad to see you when you have something to share....like this post! I hope some of the bloggers that do what you speak of also see your blog, they need to! Thank you for this sharing what alot of us have wanted to!

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  15. I totally agree with you and Claudia. I have found that I am really turned off by blogs that are flooded with advertisements. I've also stopped reading the ones who receive one comp after another. I realize they are trying to make money from their blog, but for those of us on a very tight budget it's disconcerting. I love blogs like yours and Claudia's for keeping it real. Your blogs feel like time spent with a good friend.

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  16. I totally agree. I have been absent from my blog for a few months and think about getting back to it often. I miss having an online diary to look back on but sometimes get an overwhelmed feeling about where to start again. Miss you regularly blogging and hope to hear from you more often.

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  17. Amen!!!! I so agree with your every word......this would be why I left the blogging world last year.....I do however hope on to keep up with some of my old favorites, yours being one of my most favs!!!

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  18. I am completely with you on this topic!! Thank you for continuing a genuine journal for us.

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  19. I feel exactly as you do. I have a blog roll on my sidebar, not only for myself, but to share with others who stop to visit my blog. If I visit a blog that's a "me" blog (nothing but highlights of their own blog on their sidebar, no blogroll, extensive advertising, etc.) I've already lost interest. I feel they don't care much about content and sharing, they're only concerned with the number of page visits (aka money to be made). I do like to visit the big linky parties for ideas from blogs I haven't visited before, but as far as Facebook, Hometalk, etc. I have absolutely no interest in spending all my time on the computer when I could be doing something creative instead. I make no apologies when I haven't posted for a while because I've been too busy. And if somebody stops following me because I can't visit their blog every day, so be it. I'm in it for a creative outlet and if I inspire somebody along the way, that's the cherry on top. I hope you find a happy place in the blog world again and enjoy it as you did in the beginning. :)

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  20. (((((Jen)))))

    Whenever I treat myself and "land" here.... I find a peace that only your energy can ripple into our world. Whether it be your prose, your images, your creativity, your recipes, your sweet sweet family.... there is a Jen peace that is so authentically you.

    The ebb and flow of life.... can be so sweet and bittersweet....but it is all meant to be. We just keep on paddlin'..... and hopefully listening to our hearts.

    Thank you for always making my heart a little lighter.

    Love,
    Me

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  21. I love your words and the simple meaning behind each post..photo etc. I look forward to your posts even more as some of my favorite old blogs have gone very commercial. I love seeing your life evolve in the village and well remember your journey to get there. Happy that your little one could tune in at school and feel her Mama's love via your words in print. xo

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  22. I am feeling every word you are saying Jen. Not sure where I fit in anymore. Way too slow to be a DIY source for anyone. Way too quiet to attract much attention. And so, so far from perfect. Please know that I love your posts because they are real. And genuinely funny. And kind-hearted .

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  23. I know you already know this, JJ, but you were my very first blog love. I was in awe when I discovered your blog, and read all your archives, stalked you for a while, and then one day sent you that fateful email. You are why I started my blog. I loved your style and your writing from day one. I'm also your biggest Pinterest stalker, and this summer when I had so much time on my hands, I'd go check out who you're following on Pinterest. It's a no brainer that if you like it, I'll like it.
    So you've got the inspiration thing down pat, JJ! I'm so happy when you post because even though you live so far away, I get to feel like I've paid you and your darling house and your sweet family a little visit. I know your life is not perfect, but it's perfect for you, and it's fun to see just how much you love living it.
    Keep doing what you're doing, girl.
    Love you.

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  24. I completely agree -- I really miss the way it used to be. It was such a great community & it was all about sharing stories and about being excited to find other people who shared common interests. I remember I was just so excited to find other people like me. So much pressure has developed over having "new material" and doing amazing projects and having perfect pictures.

    I continue on my blog because I feel like its my special place about the things that I love most. And, it is a treasured record of my family's life. When I visit you, I feel that you are sharing those same things.

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  25. could not agree with you more.
    i've been thinking that maybe blogging is over...maybe it's not every going to be what it once was.
    but after reading this, i'm realizing you are right.
    there are still meaningful and wonderful blogs.
    and thankfully, it's not over yet.
    thank you for your honesty and sharing your thoughts!

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  26. Love your thoughts...I'm a no-frills blogger, visit if you'd like. I only share what my heart tells me to. xo

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  27. Well said! I'm looking for a sense of community in blogland. I read a couple of "big" blogs, but I don't bother to comment because they never respond, and they've never bothered to look at my blog. I don't expect every reader to comment every time, but I do have a handful of regulars, and I think that I've made friends among them. I'm not interested in how to 'grow my blog' and sell advertising. Like you, I exit when I reach sensory overload.

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  28. I like your blog a lot, always happy when you post, but also like those bigger blogs too. No need to compare, just be yourself. Both are enjoyable for different reasons. I am a reader only, have never taken the plunge to start one myself.

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  29. Jen I certainly "hear" you! I blog for me and if anyone wants to read it great-if not, it's my journal I guess and I'm ok with only me reading it :)...I even enjoying looking back and seeing what i did or felt at a given time.
    Hoping you can get back to finding enjoyment and your original purpose in blogging...because, I for one, LOVE when you share :)

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  30. Yes! Thank you for sharing, thank you for inspiring,

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  31. I did this after a long blogging break due to illness and just being tired of it. Good for you for taking back your blog and living life the way you really want to live!

    Kat

    P.S. I might be out your way in November, not sure yet, but if I do come, I'll give you a shout and maybe we can meet for coffee in the village.

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  32. Hi Jen! I love visiting and reading about your life in the village. I know that many bloggers make a living from their blogs, but "in your face" ads and sponsored posts make me hit the "x" button. Keep on blogging and inspiring. I'll be reading :)

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  33. Hi Jen! I have been reading your blog since the beginning and it is still one of the first 2-3 I visit because you really have kept it simple and honest. It is calming and relaxing for me to visit you and it makes me happy. Some blogs make me more stressed out with the sensory overload as well. You are doing an AWESOME job. I will be reading...

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  34. I feel exactly the same, your blog was one of the firsts I stumbled upon (I think I found you through Freckled Farm, I loved that blog and sadly it's gone). So many blogs I used to love have changed and not so much for the better! I miss the simple days of blogging and like you said just the day to day sharing of life :)

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  35. Jen, I can't tell you how much this speaks to me. Everything about these last few months for me has been about being able to breathe. In my life, in my mind, in my heart. I am finding that the best way to make enough space to really take a deep breath is to eliminate everything extraneous. Need, use, love. And not just in my house, but in everything. It''s funny, though, that it hadn't occurred to me that I could choose to eliminate the extraneous on my blog, and go back to blogging the way I did in 2007. When it felt like there were just a few of us in this little community, sharing our lives together. I don't begrudge all the many, many new bloggers and amazing creative people out there -- many of my favorite blogs and people are new. But I just can't read 'em all, not and still have that space to breathe that I need so much. Thank you for that gift of clarity today. <3, ~Angela~

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  36. For a second I got scared and thought you were going to stop blogging :(
    Your blog was the first I ever started reading (a couple months ago) and keep coming back to time and time again. My husband and I also made a life changing move (following our dreams) to start a fresh, simple and more meaningful life for our two young children. We left the city and down sized but in exchange I am able to be at home with my kids and we now live in a lovely little town (although not as beautiful as yours) where living life comes first before having "things". I admire your life and look forward to each and every new post. P.S. made your chocolate chip harvest cake this weekend...Totally cook book worthy!!! Thanks for sharing :)

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  37. Well I just couldn't agree more with you! I long for those good old days when I found myself inspired to hit 'post' that first time! I am honored to be included among your favorites on your sidebar......and you inspire me to share my heart more on my own blog when I begin thinking I need to be more 'polished'.....Nice to visit you today!
    xo~Jill

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  38. I am so happy to hear all of that!! I read tons of blogs and many of them are great, but I, also, have started to hit delete when I sense the post is about advertising or way too perfect rooms that clearly no one actually lives in! I gravitate towards and will always read the ones that have some personal story to them. Blogs were originally about sharing lives and making us all feel connected, so happy you are going to that style!!

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  39. Love your posy and totally agree with it. I actually call the busy blogs with all ads and very busy look the corporate bloggers. I have no desire to do this while I am blogging. I blog for fun, share ideas, decorating tips, recipes and hopefully connect with other bloggers in return.

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  40. I, too, love the simple blogs...I get turned-off by blogs with way too much advertising. Thank you for your honest, from the heart, post :)

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  41. Absolutely perfect Jen. Just the way things should be, for everyone. :)

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  42. Amen! I agree; simple, honest, true, inspiring --- just life and family. Thanks for pointing this out.

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  43. Reading this post was funny because your blog is one of the few blogs I read before I had a blog and I still look forward to reading. Several of the blogs that spurred me to start a blog have become so commercial that I have stopped even checking them out.

    I understand that some people blog for income and they need the income, but I prefer the blogs where people share their family story along with their latest project. Despite the fact that I have never met you and probably never will, I enjoyed your hunt for a house in The Village, the sale of your old house, your vacation in France . . .

    Thanks for sharing your life and family.

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  44. It's like you've read my mind!
    I didn't blog much over the summer, just enjoyed life. Now I am in the midst of projects around the house and hope to share them on my blog soon, hoping to inspire or entertain others!

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  45. I wanted to thank you for this post. We all blog for different reasons, and whatever those reasons- it's ok!

    You share your life and your crafty, and I love reading about the life you have, and the joy you find in your home and family. Me, I'm crafty-capped- not even kidding!

    So I write for different reasons- I write because I want to improve my skills- smoother flow of thoughts, craft an intriguing story, effectively make a point... and this post of yours has validated me, has told me that it's ok that I write for the sake of writing, and it's ok that others write for notoriety, or to "go viral".. that's their choice.

    To each his own.. and thank you!

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  46. Thank you Jen! Finally, someone has said right out loud what has been on my heart for the past year or more. I have been blogging for almost 8 years (!) and it has been a source of personal growth and wonderful friendships. Remember when a giveaway was your favorite teacup and apron or some pretty handmade tags? Now it's $100 gift cards and high end wares through advertisers. We've sold our blogging souls to the highest bidder I fear, and lost something in the process. I don't have time for every social media outlet, and while the lure of $$ from advertisers has crossed my mind, I'm loathe to give up the complete freedom I have found in expressing myself on my own little blog. My family follows my blog and so do friends and aquantances. I have blog friends I have never met who know me better than some of my friends that I have coffee with, and some have been with me the whole 7 1/2 years of blogging! I thought I was the only one who felt as you do. I have been reading your blog for ages and I love it. You are the real deal, and yes, your blog is like visiting an old friend and pulling up a chair to her kitchen table. I'm going to quit worrying about defining my blog by today's terms and just enjoy it for what it is. I so appreciate this post! Thank you friend:>)

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  47. your blog is my yoga :)! the cottage nest is a place that i know i can always retreat to just to be and for inspiration & snippets of everyday life lived beautifully from a creative person who created the life she wanted.

    thanks, jen!

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  48. A big resounding YES Jen!!! Coming back to how it used to be, to what it is we seek when we blog and read others blogs!

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  49. I'm right there with you. I haven't posted in a month and just can't seem to get the gumption and it's for all the reasons you mentioned. I once posted similar feelings and a person told me that all of those things you mentioned such as traffic building, Pinterest, etc... are important if you want to monetize your blog. Honestly, I hadn't ever even heard that term but it is a real thing. That's not why I blog at all. For me it is about connecting with other ladies who love their home and want to share real people ideas. The fact that your daughter sought out your blog on a bad day is a sure sign that you do it the right way for you. Stick with it!

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  50. I would love to join you. :) I am one of those blogs that is very simple, no ads, I don't care how many numbers I have. I just love reading how others are spending their time and living their lives. Your blog is wonderful! Come and visit me in Montana if you like. I just share how it is to live in the mountains. :) Kit

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  51. I could not agree with you more on your post! I have been a blog lover for many years but I really gravitate to the creative and personal blogs that seem to click with why I read blogs. I explore blogs new to me and write down my favorites. Your blog is on that list of my favorites!

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  52. But how can you not love and adore my new V8 ad??? ha!!
    I get it, JJ. I totally do.
    The best thing about blogging, BY FAR is finding my people. You were the first "people" I found, and you'll stay in my heart forever.
    Things do seem to be moving faster and, in some ways, slower, but it's up to each of us to decide our own pace and then own it.
    Good for you, Mama.
    xo

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  53. This is a great post! I was recently invited to a local blogging event and someone asked for my card. Um,what?

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  54. Like others, I've just quit visiting blogs that have gotten to be regular commercials!

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  55. I rarely comment on blogs these days, but I love your blog. Yes, it makes me feel cosy. I love simplicity too! I applaud you for writing this :) I like to read British beauty blogs, but so many review the same item that they get as a PR sample. I'm kind of over it. I haven't blogged in ages, but I hope to get writing again soon. I miss it. Thanks for being genuine! xx

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  57. I applaud you and I agree with you and I love, love, love to read your blog! Please don't change! It was so sweet what your daughter said. That right there says it all!

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  58. Jenn I wholeheartedly agree!
    Those days when simple friendships were made, not phony competitive ones I observe today. Before blogs flourished and inspired. I will most definitely check out your blog selection to see if once again I too can return to "Good Old Fashion" blogging as we once knew. Since loosing my son I have found it incredible difficult to return, but maybe this is just what I need, not "ads and brags"!!!! Lori

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  59. jenn -
    i too completely agree.. i have really fallen of the blog bandwagon - reading and writing. im anxious to find an afternoon to stroll thru your new list - and i always love visiting your blog - like your daughter, it is sometimes the exact thing i need! keep up the good work - we love your creativity, warmth, spirit and honesty!

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  60. I immensely enjoy reading your blog, and I'm glad you're going to get back to posting more regularly. Yours is one of the few I visit anymore.

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  61. I just found your blog...this post was most appealing to me.
    I certainly do long for the simpler days of blogging.
    I think it is wonderful that your daughter found your blog to be such a comfort.
    Isn't that what we wish for each and every reader?
    clicked over from Cardinal Acre blogroll.
    I'm also following you on IG...
    so very nice to meet you. Pat

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  62. I just hopped onto your blog, from happylittlecottageblog. Yours is just the sort of blog I love to read!

    Have you ever looked at Attic24 blog? That's one of my favourites, so heartwarming and uplifting and inspiring!

    Deb

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  63. I almost wrote a post a few weeks ago about "the good old blogging days." Granted, I have ads on my blog. I'm divorced and was injured and have no other way to support myself. But I hate the competition, the crazed projects that seem like they're coming off a production line in China. The "sign up on one blog and get seen on three!" I just hate the obvious, I guess. That blogging is not what it use to be when I started. It was a great community. I tried Wordpress well over a year ago. After a year, I came back to Blogger. I missed the good old days. I didn't like the vibe there.
    Brenda

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  64. Jen, such wonderful sentiment. I agree that blogging is a great way to connect. Your post makes me think about the holidays. Some people are frustrated by all the commercialism, but that time of year can be filled with simple memories of cocoa by the fire and baking goodies in the kitchen. We all have within us to make our experience what we wish for. Hats off to you, and I look forward to reading more.

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  65. Thx for keeping it real.... and for being you.

    (I don't blog, but read a lot of them. I save them all in my favs.... you're one that I check on daily)

    xo

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  66. thank you--thank you! is this why I hate to blog anymore? I feel if I don't have a ton of ads or, or & or--I'm not good enough. I want to blog without all these standards. I want authenticity---sure I do have ideas for my business, but I want to write without all the bells & whistles {am I allowed?! I want simple---& true to me. I'm real--my house gets messy & I have 3 little children--I'm doing the best I can.
    xo
    kara

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  67. i have found myself thinking similar thoughts...and have recently deleted blogs from my usual reading if i find myself grumpy or not content when i leave.

    yours is one of the coziest spots (and one i've probably read the longest!) and i think it's because you are so authentic in this space and in life. hugs, friend!

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  68. AH! I heart you... I have been thinking about this topic for a long time and was recently discussing this with my husband, especially the perception of perfection on some blogs. There is no way that some of those folks daily lives (with their many children) are as picturesque as that! I have one child and some days are just disasters and my house is chaos more often than not. That display of "perfection" really only makes others feel they don't measure up, much more than it inspires them. I always enjoy visiting your genuine blog and am so happy you have included mine on your sidebar as a cozy place to visit! I have started using Feedly (a reader) and have listed only blogs that I find truly genuine and inspiring. I would do the same with a sidebar on my page, but I can't add it on my website...I may start a separate page for it though. I kinda feel disconnected with feed readers too. I totally agree with all the competition of bloggers, it's like high school! Looking forward to reading more here as always... :)

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  69. I very much agree. I want to blog at my site and create too. Not just get in another different rat race.
    Love this post. It makes me feel like we could already be great friends. :)

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  70. Me too!! There are so many wonderful, personal blogs written by everyday people, but they so easily get lost in this overwhelming world. I also think there has been a loss of deeper thinking with people feeling like they must post daily in order to keep up stats. Few writers are truly capable of producing publish worthy material every single day and I think that shows in the blogging world.

    I love that your daughter went to your blog for comfort. I often do that with mine.

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  71. AMEN!!! (and yes, it is worth shouting!)

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  72. I have been blogging for a little over 2 years, and you said so well how I feel! Sometimes I get caught up in the "envies" where I think my blog isn't enough and does anyone really want to see what my family is doing- just our simple, ordinary life? Reading your words reminded me that I do what I do for my own pleasure and that keeping it simple is just who I am and how I want to be.... I love your style- thanks for sharing your days with me! xo

    beth at brownsparrowstudio.blogspot.com (if you're interested...if not that's ok too...haha) : )

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  73. Hello there I have been reading your blog since you started, when you were looking to settle in the country and now you have and you are living where you love. I don't even have any readers of my blog really but that is because I only post very rarely and I obviously have a very boring life !!!! I read your blog because I like to see the American life in your village and how you and yours go through life. Your country is different to mine and that's what I like about your posts. I still work full time but am probably going to be made redundant in March. I want this to happen as my life needs to change and I need some 'me' time. We will have very little money next year as my husband is already retired but we will manage. I now have a precious grandson and so I am entering a new stage in our lives when I hope to help to look after Jackson when his Mum goes back to work - Oh how I look forward to that. I am a sewer and a crafter and I love my home, I read blogs that make me feel like I am OK doing that and that others like me don't need to have 'everything'. that the world tells us we need.

    Keep blogging - I have your Christmas to look forward to and I hope that as my life changes in the Spring I can find a bit more time to post about life in North Yorkshire, England.

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  74. Hi Jen,
    I've been visiting off and on for a while now and something about this post really encouraged me and "hit home." I like "cozy" blogs too and yours is definitely one I always come back too. I'm adding a link of this post on my blog so others can read your inspiring thoughts. Thanks!

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  75. I miss those days too, blogging just isn't as fun anymore....it feels more like a competition than a place to share & connect. Encouraged by my son I just added ads on my blog (sure why not everyone else is), but I'm still not quite sure how I feel about it. On one hand it's kinda nice to know that I'm getting a little something for all the time and effort I put into a blog post, on the other it definitely takes away from something that's all your own. I've taken a lot of time away from my own blog for some of the same reasons as you...I'm trying to get back into it for all of the good old days, I miss the friendship and sharing. It's just finding that balance between screen time & real life. Thanks for the inspiration to get back to the good ole days....I'll be back...I adore your sweet cottage & it's homey feeling. Blessings, Carrie

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