…that have been floating through my mind, off and on, since I read this at Melissa Wiley’s blog…and received only one comment on my last post…and with all of my desires and intentions for this Rosehip Bower that constantly ebb and flow.
I started blogging in 2006 with the intention, I believe, of sharing some of my life with my Small Meadow Press customers who only saw me briefly in my booth at a show or what they could glean from my website. But I quickly fell in love with the weaving of words and photographs together and then the way that weaving was embroidered upon with the comments my posts would receive. Unlike all the other journals of my life which last for only a matter of days or weeks…this sort goes on and on and still tugs at me, after all of these years…
Facebook doesn’t come close for me, tho’ I have both a personal and public account…all of that blue and clutter and too-muchness…I am not at home there and don’t linger long enough to have many conversations. Tho’ I do appreciate it for the ways it keeps me in touch with those I wouldn’t be in touch with otherwise. But it is blogs for me, and I deeply hope that they are here to stay, even if the glow of them is somewhat tarnished. Does anyone have blogiversaries anymore? I did for so many years, but somewhere in there, the focus of my blogging changed.
When I became my mom’s caregiver and no longer had satchels of stationery to give away, when homeschooling and everyday mothering ended, when I struggled this past year with what exactly my role in this world was and struggled even more with how to “present” all of it in this space. All I have wanted this to be for a long while is the sharing of what is in my heart, on my mind and in my days. I want all of my online spaces to be as peaceful and nourishing to my guests as I try to make my brick and wood home here in the green fields. But how to do that and also keep my creative businesses alive and flourishing?
So I got quite distracted for awhile…with angst about the popularity of my blog (or lack there of)…with sidebar links and mailing list strategies and marketing advice. And most of it stayed in my confused brain and behind the scenes, for I really never strayed too far or for too long from what I now am clear on…
I obviously need to write about life, and I will keep doing so here, whenever the longing comes to me.
I can’t go through a day without picking up my camera over and over again, so I will go on sharing my photographs, too.
When I am excited or happy about something I am offering to the world through my Post or Wisteria & Sunshine and any other ways in the future, I am promising myself not to feel any qualms over sharing about it here.
It is all…me.
(taken in Williamsburg a few weeks ago by my friend Dori)
Sharing…it’s a word that comes up a lot…in this post and in this webby world. I just looked it up on my little computer dictionary and what I found is really very nice…
•have a portion of (something) with another or others
• give a portion of (something) to another or others
• use, occupy, or enjoy (something) jointly with another or others
• possess (a view or quality) in common with others
I think that pretty well sums up why we blog and why we read blogs…we are sharing Life.
Hmmmm…I did have some very practical thoughts, too, in regards to Lissa’s post. And some of them are about commenting. I found myself starting to say that people just don’t comment very much anymore, for a host of reasons (you might read all of the comments in Lissa’s posts for some very interesting ideas there, if you are interested), but then I think of all of the blogs I read that are flooded with comments….so…I think it is safe for me to say that much about blog comments are a mystery to me. But they are also lovely and important.
So I’ve tried to make it easy to do so here. After being inundated with spam comments the first few weeks, I found a plugin that simply asks you to click a little box when you want to leave me a note…no Captchas to decipher or logging in. And today, I added another plugin that give us the little heart you see in the bottom right of this post. It is my version of the “like” button. Because I do understand that there are times when that is all that can be managed, or feel right. And I will be so happy, I know, when I see the numbers grow there.
The thing is, I was going to end with something about it all coming down to blogging because I need to, want to…comments or not. But the reality is that response, in some way, is essential…because of all those Sharing definitions. Writing words and pasting photos into a paper journal just for me wouldn’t give me nearly the pleasure and satisfaction that this medium does…because…I want to give some of my Portion to you…for you to Enjoy…and to find out if we Possess a Common feeling about that Portion….
There.
Now I feel free to go on with my blogging, unencumbered with my own or anyone else’s notions attached to it. Hooray for creative joy, creative freedom, creative sharing. I didn’t realize it until this moment, but this post is an echo of some of what I took in at the retreat last month in the Hudson Valley…where all of these photographs were taken.
xo
sarah November 10, 2013 at 1:25 am
I am here and with you. There is so much to say, and on this sleepy Sunday I have few words. I’ve sat with this subject over and again through the years, and all I can say now is that blogging is changing – such a speedy life it’s had – and we who are enduring the transition must find the most satisfying paths for ourselves. Thank you for all you share, it means a lot to me.
Dori November 10, 2013 at 2:29 am
I do love that photo of you, Lesley. I almost didn’t get my mini up in time, and I’m so glad you were taking your time composing your photo.
Comments…even the shortest…are simply so sweet, and the portions you share are so lovely. They are gifts, most thankfully received.
xo
wendy November 10, 2013 at 2:30 am
oh la la so lovely is this post dear lesley! i am super-new to reading blogs, and am glad to see you will continue sharing despite the mystery of response quantity – please trust that your sharing is appreciated deeply!!! i love your photos wow – merci merci for it all…and i just signed up for your newsletter and am intrigued by the title of your ebook, as shrine-ettes have sprouted regularly in my life also…AND really digging my petit precious booklet you gave me at the retreat – massive merci for that generousity! xxoowendy
BONNIE BUCKINGHAM November 10, 2013 at 2:48 am
Very lovely post and those thoughts go through all of us as
we see the world change so fast. I used some of your stationary today!
I love how you put beauty on this screen. Don’t think about stopping!
BONNIE BUCKINGHAM November 10, 2013 at 3:05 am
btw, I came here from FB!
Got a word for you , Lesley:
Timefulness: the sense of having all the time one needs, unhurried, the cadence of Glory.
It was referenced in The Living Page by Laurie Bestvater and comes from
“Living Gently in a Violent World; The Prophetic Witness of Weakness” by
Stanley Hauerwas and Jean Vanier.
Marianne November 10, 2013 at 5:00 am
Beautiful post Lesley. I have another thought about this too. I get very few comments on my blog any more, but people engage me in conversation about my posts on Twitter and Facebook. Which is fun, but doesn’t get saved alongside the post and so – as a researcher and a sometimes-biographer – that makes me a bit sad. The conversation is happening, but lost (or at least much harder to find) in terms of archives.
Kyce November 10, 2013 at 5:18 am
I am so new here, so utterly smitten, and so very grateful this post didn’t lead to a farewell to blogging statement. In your space I feel as if I have come across not a needle in a haystack, but more a pearl in the wide sea. It is so rare to find online beauty and depth and heart in the generous amounts you offer. I can say so much more, but want to let that thought linger. Thank you for being so human and lovely here.
melissa November 10, 2013 at 5:40 am
I understand what you say about comments. Communication is good. It feeds everyone, because if nobody says a word, I feel as if I’m talking to an empty room.
Kathryn November 10, 2013 at 7:29 am
Oh what a lovely post. Your photographs from our amazing retreat capture a sense of timelessness. I’ve been blogging for 5 years and I still love this medium above all social media options. It provides me with the best outlet for telling my stories and sharing my journey. I too have noticed the number of comments have declined and like others have said, people will comment on Facebook. I’ve been letting go of “chasing the numbers.” I’m trusting that those who are meant to read my posts will and if they have the time and courage to reply then that is a bonus. I’ve had people follow me for years and finally they reach out often in a personal e-mail. You never know who you’ve touched. Keep sharing in a way that feels true to you. I’ll be back often. I discovered “bloglovin” and it is a great way to keep up with your favorite blogs. Blessings to you beautiful one.
Kerstin November 10, 2013 at 12:44 pm
You have expressed much of how I feel about blogging and social media. I’ve been at it since 2005 and despite long lulls I can’t quite banish it from my life. Like you I love blogs that feel good, too, i.e. where the design is cozy, thoughtful and uncluttered and I always prefer to read on the blog itself rather than through a reader. It is a very visual experience for me and I will not read blogs that look loud and overwhelming. To me reading a post is very much like visiting you and listening to your stories while having a cup of tea in your lovely living room. I generally don’t comment much these days because I have a busy day job and are often too exhausted to muster the energy, plus I only comment if I feel I have something meaningful to say, otherwise I stay stumm. The like button is nice though, it’s a feature I love on my Squarespace blog but given my lack of readers these days it is sadly underused. Alas, I will keep writing and sharing, and as long as there are blogs like yours I think this world of blogging will continue to exist.
kkkkaty November 10, 2013 at 1:27 pm
I am touched by your thoughts..I simply don’t have the time to invest in all the blogging I would like to do 🙂
jenni November 10, 2013 at 2:56 pm
Hi Lesley,
This is such a meaningful post and I think it’s something that a lot of people who write blogs are going through myself included.
I love what you share here and the sense of peace it brings so I’m very happy to read that you will continue, it’s such a lovely place to visit.
Maggie Pinque November 10, 2013 at 11:05 pm
Ah, beautiful Lesley ~
What I have discovered is that I may never get a comment, or a like, but often I will get a text or an email or a face to face encounter with someone who says, “Hey, I really liked when you wrote blah, blah, blah.” So, although the response isn’t ticked off via comments or the like button, I am connecting with people and find out FROM the people – which is kind of cool.
Your clog is a beautiful and serene as you. It is a lovely place to visit.
xo
kim s. November 11, 2013 at 1:20 am
Such an interesting & thoughtful post. I am a frequent visitor here (especially of the archives), yet I rarely (if ever) comment. The beauty of your blog moved me months ago to create a word document entitled “Beautiful Thoughts,” where I cut & paste words & poems & pics that move me from here and W&S. Now I have a beautiful collection of thoughts & images that inspire me to BE…all thanks to you! What I now realize is that you have shared so much to enrich lives (even unknowingly), but I have not reciprocated to help enrich YOU by sharing comments & thoughts. While not every post moves me to write, I will try much harder to fill your cup as you fill mine!
jademichele November 11, 2013 at 3:00 am
all of your blogs are lovely , i’ve read them for a while , thank you for sharing beauty in the web, it is much needed
Sunny November 11, 2013 at 3:59 am
Lesley, dear kindred spirit, your writing is a delight and a comfort. Thank you.
Laura November 11, 2013 at 12:14 pm
I have you on my sidebar and keep an eye out for updates. I leave a reply rarely, but I visit often! I don’t have a facebook, but I check up on my son’s quite often and I agree with your sentiments about it. For some reason it leaves me frazzled whereas reading a blog is very relaxing over my morning coffee. I wasn’t aware that blogs were a bit outdated! 🙂 I’m a bit outdated you see. Miss you all at Wisteria and Sunshine and my oh so cute little mother hen avatar!
Have a great day!
~Laura
Christina Frei November 12, 2013 at 1:11 pm
Leslie – I’m really glad to see you at the Creative Joy retreat. This is just transcendentally beautiful. Thank you for opening your heart here, and being clear about what you love. Hugs. Christina
Sherry Early November 13, 2013 at 2:43 pm
I really like your “confirm you are not a spammer” checkbox. I came here from Lissa’s blog, and I enjoyed reading your thoughts on blogging. Yes, I do write partly for myself, but yes, response and communication are important.
Thank you for the food for thought today.
Debbie Hosaflook November 15, 2013 at 11:44 am
Leslie,
First let me say thank you for commenting on my blog the yesterday. It truly is such a wonderful feeling when someone writes back with back and shares their feelings. Rarely does anyone comment on my posts, but I keep blogging along anyway, I need to for my soul. Writing is my way of getting out the feelings I cannot always verbally express and using my written journal and art journal are other ways I am able to do that. Reading your past posts on your Mom’s passing were very comforting to me. I loss my mom just two years ago this past October 31, and the pain and sadness are still right on the surface. Reading how beautiful your Mom’s passing was, helped me. That is what reading blogs does for me, it helps me see things either differently or see that my feelings are normal and shared by other beautiful souls. I don’t watch the news, I escape into my blogs and see the more gentle side of the world instead. Your photos and words are so soothing and comforting, even if they speak of the more difficult parts of life. Thank you for letting me and others into your world and wanting to make our worlds a little more gentle, comforting and loving.
Much love always
XXOO
Debbie H.