Saturday, September 6, 2008

on my mind...

A few have asked why I haven't been blogging as much and wondering if I'm doing okay (thanks to those who inquired). I am doing okay. Being in an empty house and having both of my kids away at school has definitely been an adjustment. And there are times I'm sad. But I think both Don and I are getting adjusted to this new way of living just fine.

Why I haven't been blogging daily? I guess it comes down to motivation, or lack thereof. It's not just one thing, but a combination of things.

=> I don't feel like I have much to write about. I don't think my well has run dry, just going through a dry spell. I'm not too worried about this aspect and I'll be working on towards my original challenge when I started this blog - posting something every day.

=> Since Jake left the house, I felt like I lost a lot of structure to my day [and life!]. I need to find that structure again. I've been lazy and that has shown in my blogging life. I know I need structure and need to figure out what that's going to look like now in my life.

=> And I hesitate to mention this because I don't want to offend anyone, give you the wrong idea of why I blog, or guilt anyone into doing something they weren't planning to do.

Although I don't feel like I'm comment driven, I do enjoy having people comment on my posts. It is motivation for me. And as of late, comments have been at a minimum.

I know people are busy and and have very good reasons why they don't comment at any given time. I really do understand that. It just feels lonely. I used to feel part of a pretty big community of bloggers. One by one, many have disappeared - leaving the blogosphere or not wanting to read my blog (which is totally okay with me. I have blogs I like and don't like). I feel like my blogging community is very small at the moment and when just a very few people comment, not only do I feel lonely but I question what I write.

Let me just say that this last thing is my issue... not yours (my readers). Just trying to be honest with my feelings.

Ironically enough, I've been honored with a couple of awards lately and wanted to recognize those who passed them on to me.

Sharon, of Quiet Reflections, gave me the Kind Blogger Award. Thank you Sharon. I am honored you thought of me. You are the kind one.


Kailani, of An Island Life, passed on the Brillante Weblog award. Again, thank you Kailaini. I appreciate it, you, and your blog.

15 comments:

Unknown said...

I think we all struggle at times with these same things. The motivation, the schedule.

I'm still hanging around. been busy. Ladybug doesn't let me sit down and read blogs as much.

{{Hugs}}

Just Mom said...

Just popping in to say that I'm still around. I've just been really lazy. I'll pick up the posts -- and comments. I promise. :-D

Susan said...

Appreciate your honesty. I know we all feel that way, too. I've notice my comments down, too. I think the "glow" of blogging has kind of worn off for some people. Structure is so important in my life.
Susan

Anonymous said...

Ditto!! I think we all feel like that at times. . .Hang in there, people are busy, and your life is in transition. It will balance out:)
Hey. . .I love ya:)

Momma Roar said...

I feel the same way.

Its hard because we need to maintain balance...

We started school 7 weeks ago and I've been busy with that but I still try to read and comment when I can.

Sometimes I find I don't comment as much when people post heavier things - just b/c I feel like I cannot contribute much to what they've already said...but, yeah, that is *my* issue.

I'm still here - blogging, reading and being run ragged! LOL

Melissa said...

I think we all go through times where we just don't want to blog. Nothing wrong with that :)

I'm still here. Just haven't been reading as much as I'd like. I understand being comment driven... I had a fairly consistent group of commenters at one point.

Sometimes I look at all the blogs I read (over 60!) and then look at the comments I get (usually 10-14) and I wonder if I need to cut back just a tad on my reading list :)

MightyMom said...

I understand. I really do.

I told the lady who wants me to guest post "We'll dip till the well runs dry, then wait for rain and start dipping some more." sounds like you're waiting for rain. It'll come, watch out though....may come a flood.

I know that the reason I haven't written as much this year has been my big life change. And I know from experience it always takes me about 6 months to re-establish my routine. Till I get my routine down everything gets discombobulated (that's a GREAT word!)

My comments/hits are down too. Feels Yukky. But as they've dropped I've discovered some new blogs and made new friends that are new blessings. I hope that you do the same. I'm sure there are "empty nesters" blogs out there that will offer a different kind of support.

And, for the record, I love everything you write. You're a dear blog friend to me.

Anonymous said...

I hear you loud and clear. I have lost interest in my blogging due to the changes here at our house as well. I don't feel like I have much to say these day. I do still read many blogs, but use my bloglines and don't comment often. That's not really fair as we all love comments.

Hope you are finding your place in your new life without kids. It's such a change for us moms that have always been so hands on. I'm praying for you.

Unknown said...

It's a sad but true fact--I, too am often driven by how many comments I receive. And if people aren't visiting, I'm not writing.

But I think we all go through those lazy times. Case in point: I only posted twice last week and only because I forced myself to do it!

Short Stop said...

I love how honest you are...and it's one of the reasons that I LOVE reading your blog.

I could write a novel here, as Jason and I have discussed many of the issues you raised here (comments, community, motivation, etc.), but all I want to say is that I love your writing. I love your heart and passion for kids - your own and others. I secretly covet your photography skills and I laugh at your sense of humor. I am constantly challenged and humbled by your walk with God.

But perhaps more than anything, I am thankful for our friendship, and that you have invested, almost daily, in my life over this last year. And, by sharing on your blog, you have allowed me the privelege to do the same with you.

You, my friend, are most worthy of those awards you were given. Kind and Brilliant.

Heidi Jo Comes said...

yes, yes, and yes. i get each of these.

however frequent you end up writing, i enjoy the reads i get here.

Jamey said...

I can't relate to your situation of empty nesting, although my day will come :) But I have been a little "blah" since all the kids are off to school for the first time ever. I have to say I am a little sad. I didn't think I would be, but I miss my kids, my youngest a lot because she was always with me even the last few years when the boys were gone all day. It's been an adjustment. I have gotten lazy and I just don't feel like doing anything. And I haven't found my routine either with all my kids gone.

I guess I just wanted to say hang in there and I'm thinking of you with both kids out of the house now. I have told myself I need to make more time to read the blogs I love and get back into a routine of commenting again!! That's my goal for this week while my kids are at school. I LOVE your blog and read EVERY post. You give me inspiration to be a better person and you have great wisdom about things that I will need to deal with later....with my kids. Believe me...I am taking notes :) I hope you have a good day and a GREAT week!!

J-ME said...

You have voiced my feelings about not blogging regularly - lack of motivation. I am still fairly new to blogging, so I do not have much readership, but I understand how it feels to have no one visit or comment. But, at the same time, I don't always comment. Shame on me!!

Anonymous said...

Seasons of life. They change and our motivation, priorities, abilities, time constraints or more time... it all changes and flexes.

We've been going through some changes here as well and the blog is not the priority. Sometimes I need to step away from things and people that can become a distraction (not their faults, but mine) from seeking the One who I should be first going to.

Whatever the reason, don't feel bad for stepping back. It's all good!

Dana a/k/a Sunshine said...

I know I'm late Diana..but I wanted to comment. I for one have been absent, I know. Not just for your blog, but for others. I feel bad about it, but there is n't much I can do. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog. You are a Christian inspiration to me. I love your insights, your Christian example and I just love reading you. So please don't be offended when people don't comment (thought I can totally understand your feelings..) and I feel really lonely myself. In fact I think part of the reason I haven't blogged as much is I've been feeling depressed myself, lonely, etc. And I hate to keep talking about it on my blog...so I just don't. So anyway, I just wanted to say I love your blog and I feel like a very unfaithful reader, but it isn't because I don't wanna be :)