Saturday, November 29, 2014
Thankful
Thanksgiving Day may be behind us, but we're still enjoying our long weekend at home together. The weather has been beautiful, more like mid-October than the end of November. We've spent lots of time outside, and virtually no time in stores. We cooked our traditional holiday meal together, the Bear and I, doing what we always do: he separates the turkey breast for me to roast in the oven and then he puts the rest in the backyard smoker. He also bakes bread outdoors in a Dutch oven, an old favorite of ours. Meanwhile, inside, I also make smallish amounts of all the traditional side-dishes: candied sweet potatoes, mashed red potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, stuffing. I always make my cranberry sauce the day before, to help it thicken nicely, and bake a pie then too. This year I chose to make a pecan pie. It was not necessarily a success; the crust caved in under the weight of the custard and nuts as the pie baked, and there was a thick, hard candy shell under the crust. Delicious but hard to remove from the pie pan. It looked pretty, though; I will definitely try again.
The rest of the weekend has been spent at home, save for a quick trip out for coffee and some groceries this morning. I've done some sewing. The leftovers are gone, except for a little turkey. Tonight, we're going to make pizza for dinner. I, for one, feel turkeyed-out, and there isn't enough for another meal anyway. I'm looking forward to decorating our Christmas tree later this afternoon; we always do it on Thanksgiving weekend. I know it seems early to many people, but I enjoy having it around for the whole month of December. I love knowing it's standing in the living room during the day, and I adore sitting in the dark with the lit tree at night. I had big ideas about making an advent calendar by now, but it didn't happen. I've got a cute cardboard one instead, with tiny chocolates behind each door. The small Bears are used to this kind, and I don't think there will be any complaints.
I'm so thankful for this life. I love to be at home with my family, sharing simple, happy things that we all enjoy. I've been thinking about how I express this on my blog. I've read numerous posts out there lately, pointed posts about how blogs are changing and other social media sites are seemingly taking over. I've read what feels, to me, like complaints about the kinds of blogs that are available to read these days, in the absence of the apparently amazing ones which no longer exist. I've read comments in which people complained about blogs' content (not hard-hitting enough, I gather), decisions about monetizing, bloggers' interactions with their readers. I've seen certain kinds of blogs derided as "twee." I'm not even sure what that means. I realize that people must miss blogs that have gone away. But I think we still have a rich, varied community. I'd like to know your thoughts, readers, on this situation.
I know that blogging has changed me for the better. I choose to highlight the good things here. I choose to be happy. I am a happy person, after all, but it would be foolish to assume that everything in my life is happy. Trust me, it isn't. You would never come back if I chose to write about that stuff. I make things, and I share them. I love where I live and I'm proud of the life we've created here. I love being a mother. I don't regret not having a career. I don't complain much in real life and I won't start doing it here. If that makes my blog unappealing to some, so be it. This blog is not a business, it's not a ploy for attention or an online diary. I know what makes me feel good. I will continue to write about the good things - the positive, uplifting, soul-nourishing things I feel so fortunate to experience.
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I think blogging has changed me for the better too. But I admit to being among those who regret the bloggers lost to platforms like Instagram, not because their blogs were any better than those that continue but because, given that I don't really use Instagram, in some cases I feel like I've lost touch with a friend. One of the joys of blogging for me is the sheer variety of blogs out there. Our blogs are an extension of each of us I guess and surely they should be exactly as we wish. Yours is one of my favourites.
ReplyDeleteHi Annie, thanks. I love your blog and I am so excited when there's a new post to read. I agree with you about feeling you've lost touch. That's a very good point. I have had the same experience myself.
DeleteThe second part of your post has really struck a chord with me and expresses so well what I have felt, but not necessarily been able to quantify or describe myself (the first part of your post is lovely of course and I liked seeing that you are already using your birthday candlesticks which look lovely on your table!). I have had some difficult times with blogging recently and it has not been easy, I keep going, but when I read things on other blogs such as those you describe I do wonder why I keep going. Then I get a lovely kind comment or e-mail and I think to myself, no, I am going to keep doing what I do and I will remain as nice as I try to be all the time online and in real life and I will ignore the rest of it all. I hope that these things won't get you down and that you will keep going and doing what you do because yours was one of the first blogs that I started to read and follow and it is so lovely and calming to come and read what you have to share. I hope that the difficult times will go and that you will have a smooth rundown to Christmas this year. xx
ReplyDeleteHi Amy, thank you so much. I have been feeling a little demoralized myself lately. It just seems like there's a lot of negativity. I understand that people are upset about the way blogs have changed, but I think it can be discussed without some of the put-downs, as I see them. I'm glad you understand my feelings. :)
DeleteJennifer I so agree. Our blogs are a reflection of our individual personalities and yours always cheers me up. Life is not easy these days, there is so much wrong with the world. But we only have one life, and it's short, why not make of it the best we can?
ReplyDeleteExactly, Jessica! I feel the same way. I really try to focus on the positive things and I'm glad there are others who see why it's so important to do that.
DeleteHi Jennifer !
ReplyDeletePlease don't change the way you blog - I love your blog just the way it is ! It is a happy blog, but also a véry interesting one, giving me (and others on the other side of the world) a "window" to look through, to see how you live, how your life is over there.
As for Instagram, I was on it long before I started blogging. And I predict that everyone who switched over to IG and stopped blogging, will eventually come back here.. IG may give quick & instant gratification (don't know how to describe it otherwise, the "likes" on photos and the short comments posted - if any !)), but it lacks social interaction. I still use it, but only for friends, and the stuff I post there would never be a topic for a blogpost... It is more for family-and-friends-photos... A true blogger will never be happy with only using IG !
And as for Thanksgiving, I loved reading what you cooked for dinner - sounds so mouthwatering to me... Especially the pecan pie with that candy shell :-))) !!!
Thanks, Ingrid. The pie was a little...weird...but it tasted good! I haven't tried IG, but I can definitely see a place for it. I'm sure it can be a lot of fun. I'm glad you enjoy my blog, I really appreciate knowing that.
DeleteI think blogging has changed me for the better too. It helps me notice some of the little things that happen when I want to share them. I've met so many wonderful people, one being you! I love that you focus on happy things. It's always a place I leave feeling happy and refreshed.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Mari. I really enjoy your blog as well. It's happy and upbeat, and I always learn something new. I hope you had a good holiday, especially with the new baby in the family.
DeleteThank you for this lovely, tranquil, thankful post. Looks like you had a lovely day with your family, beautiful food and none of the 'drama' that goes with big holiday events.
ReplyDeleteThat last paragraph could have been written by me. I have a great life with beautiful family and friends. We are comfortable. I'm sure people don't want to know when I spill a cup of coffee on the floor, they'd rather see the cookies I made to go with the coffee. It is disappointing when bloggers choose to close their blogs - I've lost a few - but I guess its not for everyone and life can get insanely busy. I often wonder how those few ladies are going because what drew me to their blogs was a look into a different life on the other side of our big world. It fascinates me how people live, decorate their homes, their food habits and traditions, how they fit things into their lives.
Don't go changing your blog, its wonderful just the way it is. I dont understand people criticizing blogs - if you dont like something, find something else to read! Its that simple!
Anyhoo, i always love popping in to see your vibrant pictures and goings on so long may you continue to blog.
Happy thanksgiving to you (albeit late)!
Thanks so much, Joolz. I appreciate knowing you "get" me. I totally understand that older bloggers must be missed and I wish they could keep up their blogs in addition to the other pursuits but I know that would be difficult. I think there is still so much good to be found in blogging, and I'm glad to be doing it.
DeleteI love your photographs and your delicious sounding feast, and I'm thankful for the way you blog and for the friendships that develop through this amazing world x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tess. I'm glad you enjoy what I write. I love your blog too, I think you're funny and very clever in the way you write and I love seeing what you make.
DeleteI've heard these comments too, although I'm relatively new to the blogging world and I'm not entirely sure what it was like five or six years ago. I've found a selection of blogs I love, and I haven't really noticed any change in them. They are quite varied, but I think what they have in common is a certain warmth and a feeling that the blogger is genuine. I really enjoy reading your posts, you have created a very pleasing place to visit. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteThanks CJ. I really enjoy blogging. Yours is one of my favorites to visit. I only started reading blogs about four years ago myself and I don't personally see much difference, but it seems to be a strong sentiment among some people. I think there's a lot of variety and much to enjoy in blogs today. If anything, I'm sort of addicted and should maybe spend less time on them, but I really love them so much.
DeleteI love reading people's blogs because, even though you live so very far away from me (Scotland is a long, long way away), it seems like, if we met on the street, we would smile at have a wee chat with each other. I doubt we'll ever meet but that, somehow, makes it even more interesting.
ReplyDeleteI know which blogs I love to read and yours is definitely one of them. :o)
Thank you, Anne. I feel the same about you and your blog. I always learn something and enjoy whatever you share.
DeleteI love your blog because you have no agenda and you write from the heart. For me, blogging will always be number one. Distractions like instagram are fun but come no where near blogging. IG is like passing someone in the street and saying hi, blogging is like being invited into someone's home for a cup of tea. Xx
ReplyDeletePS happy thanksgiving sweet friend. Xx
You're so right, Gillian. That is a perfect way of putting it. Thank you so much. I surely hope to have that cup of tea with you someday.
DeleteI love your blog and all the things you write about here. That's why I keep coming back! I like it here a lot. Your Thanksgiving meal looks delicious. We decorated our tree today as well. We always do the weekend after Thanksgiving. Thanks again for being here! Your blog is such a delightful place to visit.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julia. Your tree looks so pretty, I just checked your blog a few minutes ago. I'm glad to have a kindred spirit in early tree displaying. :)
DeleteHi Jennifer! Happy Saturday my friend. It sounds as if your Thanksgiving weekend was perfect. So was ours, but I did miss our children this year. I know that's what happens when they grow up and move away and I refuse to make any of them feel guilty. They know we love them and we'll be here when they can come home.
ReplyDeleteAs to the other part of your post you said very well what I've thought lately. I've never been on instagram-I have no idea how to use it at all. I am so very grateful for the wonderful friendships I've made through blogging, both the long distance and "skin on" friends like Gracie, Taci and Teresa down in Oregon. I treasure all of these relationships. I love hearing about your life and your family. Keep on keeping on as long as it makes you happy.
Blessings,
Betsy
Your Thanksgiving meal is gorgeous! That pie is STUNNING!!! You made me hungry for the meal all over again! I am with you on blogging. I don't use it to make money or anything....it really is just a place to share the wonderful things that happen in life with people who are like minded. I have read the articles about how many bloggers are taking a step back. Most of those blogs they listed were in it for the business and simply got burnt out. That is what I love about the circle of bloggers that I have met here...we kinda are all in it for the same reason. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season...sorry if I have not been around this week....the stomach bug made a grand entrance into our home this week! Nicole xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nicole. I love to cook! I've heard about some of these bloggers too, it must be such a rude awakening when it goes bad after such success. I don't begrudge them the opportunity and if it came along for me, I'd have a hard time saying no, but I'm glad I get to just do things my own way. It feels more fulfilling this way. I'm sorry to hear about the illness. I hope everyone is well now.
DeleteYour Thanksgiving sounds like it was wonderful - traditions and family and good food. Your pecan pie supports my theory, tested many times over the years in our family, that there is no such thing as a failed dessert. Even when it didn't turn out exactly how I had planned it was always eaten. :-)
ReplyDeleteAs for blogging, it's always sad when a blogger we've gotten to know decides to quit writing. It's a bit like having a friend move away and not being left with any way to contact them. I didn't start blogging until late in 2009, so I think I must have missed what seems to be thought of as the "golden age of blogging." I think there will always be a place for those of us that like to write and share our lives with our online friends. I've recently started using Instagram, but from the little I can see there is no way it could ever replace a blog. It's mostly about pictures and only a little about words. Blogging is the opposite. Words are what matter the most, and pictures just help shape what the words are trying to say. I love your blog Jennifer, and look forward to each new post.
Thank you for your thoughtful and thought-provoking comment, Kristie. I think I must have missed the golden age myself, having started reading blogs seriously around 2010. I'm so happy to have found bloggers with similar interests and mindsets. I think we have a wonderful community.
DeleteWhat a feast you have prepared, looks so yummy. Happy Thanksgiving!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Joy.
DeleteJennifer.. I've read the blog posts that question if all the good blogs are gone.. but my Pollyanna self just takes it as someone who's a deep thinker, who questions, who wonders. Me.. I don't worry myself with such things. I have REALLY enjoyed all the extra friends I've made all over the world. I tried Instagram.. don't like it. I have Twitter and have tweeted a few times.. it's for the birds. :-) I think there are plenty of wonderful blogs -- you and I know who they are. One thing I can't tolerate is a purely commercial blog.. I don't have any of those on my blog list. Now -- some hugely popular blogs do sell things and such.. but they are SO GOOD that I keep them anyway. I also won't keep a negative blogger on my list. Life is way too short. But.. I ADORE you and your blog and that's that.
ReplyDelete((hugs)), Teresa :-)
You're so right, Teresa. I do know the ones and you're right. I don't mind a little selling here and there, but the purely commercial ones are not my cup of tea at all. I'm glad you get me. I'm always so happy to correspond with you and see the world through your eyes.
DeleteHappy Thanksgiving! Your meal looks delicious; I've never roasted sprouts but will definitely give them a try now and I'd love to have a go at your pecan pie. Please keep blogging just as you are - I've only recently discovered your blog but find it instantly calming and your photos are always gorgeous. Enjoy decorating your tree. x
ReplyDeleteThank you. I really appreciate your kind words and the fact that you enjoy my blog. Yours is a very happy new discovery for me too!
DeleteIt looks and sounds like you had a great thanksgiving. :)
ReplyDeleteThere does seem to have been so many negative comments on and around blogging recently. I enjoy reading and seeing the happy parts in your life. I like sharing happy, pretty bits too. I don't understand why some people get so angry about blogs, although there are some bits I miss. If I don't like a blog, I no longer follow or read it! It seems a simple choice to me!
Have fun decorating your tree. x
Hi Sara, thank you. You make a really good point; they do seem angry! I don't really get it either. This is one of my favorite hobbies and I've been really fortunate to meet so many nice people through blogging. I guess I also have to wonder, if they're so unhappy about the state of blogging, why don't they step it up on their own blogs? Be the change, so to speak. I'd think there's a huge market for it nowadays since so many have stopped blogging. Ah, who knows. I love your blog and I'm really glad we have connected.
DeleteYour thanksgiving celebration sounds perfect, and I do love a pecan pie!!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, keep it just as it is. And I love blogging, it has been a great way to connect with super people all over the globe.
Helenxx
Thank you so much, Helen. Blogging is really wonderful, I think. I've made real friends and learned so much. There is so little here not to love.
DeleteHi Jennifer, I am happy to see that you had such a lovely Thanksgiving with your loving family. Your dinner looks so delicious, I adore sweet potatoes with turkey :)
ReplyDeleteAs for the second half of your post, I can only agree with the comments above, I love your blog just the way it is. The happy glimpses into your life on the other side of the world, your honesty and beautiful writing style is what makes me come back again and again. As you know, I don't blog very regularly and am not a very active member of the blogging community, but when I do blog is it something I do for myself and to share something happy or pretty from my life with the few people that still read my blog. As for the blogs that I read, I have found that some of my favourite blogs from a few years ago have been turned into completely commercial beings, but the writers of such blogs have become "professional bloggers" and in a way have reached a celebrity status and I can understand why they would no longer want to share details of their personal lives with the general public. It is sad when I no longer enjoy reading a blog, but nothing ever stays the same forever and luckily there still are plenty of really great blogs that I love to read, like yours :)
Thank you, Elle. You were one of the first people I connected with when I began blogging and I have always appreciated your input and really love visiting your blog as well. I agree about the "professionals"; it has been amazing to watch some of the transformations over the past few years, and while I'm happy for them, I also wonder if there will be a "downfall" too, eventually.
DeleteI choose my 'blogs' carefully, and this is one of my favorites.....insightful, uplifting, and beautifully presented. It does make me sad to see some favorites disappear...in favor of instagram or facebook both of which feel so impersonal to me. :) please stay just the way you are!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Steph. It makes me really happy to know that you appreciate what I do here.
DeleteSo glad you had a lovely family thanksgiving !!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is perfect as it is Jennifer!! :)
V x
Thank you, Vivienne. I appreciate that very much.
DeleteWhat a lovely autumnal feeling post, must be all the fab orange in your photos.
ReplyDeleteI'm late to the party as far as blogging is concerned so don't know what it used to be like. I love your style of blog, I like to read about 'normal' peoples lives, where they live and what they like doing. I don't like blogs that are' too professional' or are sponsored so are trying to sell us something, or are too 'preachy' telling us how to live our lives. I also like blogs that have the same musical tastes as me, or the same political views that we can discuss. There is something for everyone out there if you look hard enough. As for Instagram I really don't think it is an either or situation. It is a completely different animal. I put photos on there and follow people whose photos I like, usually fellow Cornish IGers. Well that's my two pennies worth :)
Thank you, CP. I feel the same as you, there are some blogs which are a little hard to take and I don't tend to gravitate toward those either. But there really is so much good out there, and I'm glad to have been embraced by such a nice community.
DeleteHi Jennifer. You're right, there does seem to be a lot of discussion around blogging at the moment. I'd love to have an Instagram account and will probably start that in the next week or so. I also use Twitter, mainly to pick up on anything interesting rather than bombard people with a continual commentary of what I'm doing.
ReplyDeleteCertainly many people seem to have abandoned once enjoyable blogs in favour of adverts and sponsored posts, or have started using their blogs to promote themselves and their friends. I find it a bit of a turn-off and have stopped following several as a result.
However, there are lots of great blogs out there, plenty of people who are supportive and lots of inspirational stuff to read. We all find one another eventually and it's fantastic to be part of this genuine community of creatives who enjoy a simple, meaningful life.
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you have fun in the run-up to Christmas.
Sarah x
Hi Sarah, thank you for your thoughtful comment. I agree, it's wonderful to be part of such a supportive community and I'm glad to know that so many of us still appreciate that sort of thing. Your blog is always inspiring to me and I am really glad we've connected.
DeleteHi Jennifer, I'm glad you had a nice relaxing Thanksgiving with your family. That's how we celebrate Thanksgiving too ... not much fuss except for the big bird filling the house with tantalizing aromas all day long :)
ReplyDeleteI try not to get too wrapped up in the blogging vs other social media dilemma. I like writing on my blog and sharing my photos. It adds a nice balance to my days. To receive a friendly word from someone in response to my posts is gratifying and I enjoy the connection with like-minded souls. I find it so interesting to read about others lives from all over the globe, and to be able to connect with these people is really quite special. Wendy x
Hi Wendy! Thank you. I feel the same way about social media v. blogging; I think there is room for both and people should do what they like. I just think we should also embrace the blogging community as it is because it's still really good! I'm surprised that people don't seem to think this is the case nowadays. I'm very happy with it myself. :)
DeleteSounds like you had a perfectly lovely Thanksgiving weekend with your family. Blogging: here's my opinion, for what it's worth. I realize not everyone will agree with me, and that's fine. I think there's too much competition out there every which way you look at blogging. From formatting to your header to your photos to links to social media to your photography to your writing. You can drive yourself nuts. And heaven forbid if you don't have a perfect house and all the latest decor from all the hip places. Maybe some people are into all that, and that's all fine and dandy for them, but I'm not one of those people. I don't want any stress with my blog or to be in competition with anyone. I take a peek at some of the "big blogs" once in a blue moon for decorating inspiration, but I prefer the down-to-earth, "real" blogs much better. Like yours. Keep on doing what you're doing - your blog is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your opinion, Melanie. I totally agree with you. There really is too much competition and it's so easy to fall into it if you're not careful and confident about what you care about. Blogging is a pleasant hobby for me and I want it to stay that way for a long time!
DeleteI'm so happy that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. And I just want you to know, I absolutely love coming by and visiting your blog. You are so happy and positive. :) I hope you have a wonderful weekend friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stephanie. I really appreciate knowing you feel that way.
DeleteI am so glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your dear family, it all looks so warm and delightful. I love your blog, Jennifer, and the way you write. Please don't change a thing....happy and positive, mindful and observant of the lovely little details of life.....perfect.
ReplyDeleteHappy new week
Helen xox
Thanks, Helen. I enjoy your blog and your work so much. I always feel energized and inspired whenever I visit.
DeleteJennifer, I am so glad you choose to blog and that we found each other :) In communication, I love that we have freedom to choose what we read and what we create. While I am not blogging as a business, I do follow some blogs that represent business efforts, but not ones that are flashy or pushy. I have not gotten involved in other social media platforms although I have tried a few, but my techie skills are limited as is my time :) I LOVE the artistic possibilities of blogging, and the opportunity to enjoy others of like mind. I love the opportunity to enjoy beauty and creativity in this format. I love to visit you and yours through your blog. I am thankful you had a Happy Thanksgiving as did I, and I am thankful that you inspire me to positively grow. xx
ReplyDeleteHi Gracie, thank you so much. I agree with you, there are so many choices and we can find the right blogs for ourselves. I like the same kinds of blogs you do. There are many possibilities and it seems like we can only grow and change for the positive!
DeleteI'm so glad you and your family had a lovely Thanksgiving, I always enjoy seeing what you have been up to hopefully I will get my Bloging mojo back soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks Suzzie. I hope you do get back to blogging, when you're ready. I enjoy your photos and your recipes very much.
DeleteFirstly Happy Thanksgiving. I am so glad you had a lovely family time. As for your blogging question. I think the secret is to do it for yourself. Your blog is a joy to visit. A happy place where we get to know you. I hope mine is the same. Like minded bloggers connect through their blogs and I think this community we're part of has staying power. Bee xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bee. I feel the same about your blog. I agree, we have strong, powerful connections in this community and I am sure they are here to stay.
DeleteIt sounds perfect Jennifer, I'm so glad your family are enjoying this time together. :) xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday and I love the way we choose to spend it, just a quiet day at home together with good food. :)
DeleteI love your post today Jennifer. I feel the same, I am sad when a blooging friend leaves to quicker social media, or just leaves. You invest your time and they suddenly slip away and you don't know what happened to them. I love to blog as you know, it takes a lot of time and energy but it is worth it.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you,
Meredith
Thank you, Meredith. I totally agree with you. It does feel like a loss when they leave, or move on to some other platform instead of blogging. I know that I put my heart and soul into my blogging and I hate to think it's wasted energy, but then again, it's mostly for my own growth anyway, so it's never really wasted as long as we feel good and fulfilled by what we've done.
DeleteI love your blog.. when i come here it is always a calming experience.. the words you choose the way you share.. something about it always soothes me. keep doing it.. and well the haters are always gonna hate hate hate.. (oh my god did i just quote taylor swift!)
ReplyDeleteyour thanksgiving meal looks delicious
Thanks, Hena. You made me laugh! I'm not a big fan of Taylor Swift, but in this case, she is totally right! I'm really glad I can offer a nice experience for readers, that really makes me happy to know.
DeleteJennifer, thank you for your sweet comment! I'm always read your blog when you post, too, but I don't always comment. Gosh, your Thanksgiving dinner looks good! Don't tell anybody, but we had Stouffer's TV dinners for Thanksgiving dinner on Friday! They had a turkey, dressing, and mashed potato dinner, and I augmented that with some candied sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and deviled eggs. It was surprisingly good! It was just me and The Captain, so I guess that's okay, right? :0
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pammy Sue. I happen to love Stouffer's dinners, even Lean Cuisines are pretty good! Your dinner sounds delicious. I'm glad you had a good holiday with The Captain.
DeleteHi Jennifer! As you might have realized by now, I totally love reading your blog. Sometimes life happens and I don't always get a chance to comment, but I still read! :) I enjoy different blogs because people are different from another, and that fact enriches all our lives~! I like reading about your family life, it takes me back to when my children were still little! (Now they are all grown up!)
ReplyDeleteI don't know about the 'good old days of blogging' because I didn't know blogs then, but I love what I got now - lovely people who share what they are doing and take the time to comment on my blog as well. For that I am very grateful indeed. :)
Hugs!
Ingrid xx
http://myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be
Thank you so much, Ingrid. I totally agree with you, there's so much diversity out there and it can only be a good thing. I enjoy your blog very much; your work is inspiring and you share it in such a pleasant, upbeat way. What's not to love? :)
DeleteI love your Thanksgiving feast with your family. I think it's a beautiful celebration, full of lovingly made food and treats.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is a wonderful place to go to. You write about crafting, kids, family life - things I can relate to and I'm glad to have 'met' you through blogging. I only started my blog last year. So far I've learned that there are those who may not find what I write about
interesing, or witty or creative enough and that's fine. There are many other blogs out there that they can look at. I'd rather have just a handful of of people who read my posts but are nice and friendly and sincere with their comments....Anyway, I like what you write about and how you write about them so just keep doing what you're already doing really well! : ) Have a great week!
Thank you, Marion. I agree with you, it's better to have a smaller, faithful audience who really appreciate what you do. I've seen some of the bigger blogs receive such wild adulation, it just doesn't seem sincere. I enjoy your blog too, you seem to have the kind of calm, peaceful life that I really strive for myself, and it's nice to connect with like-minded people.
DeleteHi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteGlad you and your family enjoyed a lovely thanksgiving celebration and I enjoyed seeing your photos.
I could not agree with you - blogging should be fun and I have met so many wonderful friends here.
Thanks for your friendship and all you share with us. I always enjoy coming to visit you and see what you are up to. So often I have been asked to advertise someones product on my blog and I am not interested.
Hugs
Carolyn
Thank you, Carolyn. Yes! Blogging should be fun and pleasant, not a chore or a source of anxiety. I'm so glad I started doing it. I really feel better as a result.
DeleteYour thanksgiving celebrations look wonderful. And the food looks so delicious but then I always love looking at your foodie photographs! I really enjoying your blog Jennifer and hope that you will continue as you are doing, it really is such a nice place to visit here. I admit that I had become a little disheartened with blogging myself lately, and I haven't been posting so much. I have read some of those blogs you are talking about where there have been comments about blogs changing and how blogs are not as good as they used to be. In my own blog I simply post about my crafts and the nice things in my life and it is no way intellectual and probably is a bit twee and frothy! But that is what I like to post about! I have also been enjoying Instagram but I do feel there is a place for both...Instagram is obviously quicker but I do think blogging is so much nicer. Anyway, I have enjoyed reading your comments about blogging and I'm thankful for them as I actually feel that I have got a little bit of blogging mojo back after reading them!
ReplyDeleteMarianne x
Thank you, Marianne. I appreciate your comment so much because yours is one of the blogs I really look forward to reading. Please don't feel discouraged. Your blog is inspiring and such a visually interesting place. I really enjoy the way you present your projects and other things you share.
DeleteYour blog is lovely so just keep doing the same.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Gillian. I really appreciate it.
DeleteYour thanksgiving looks just how this English girl imagines it should, cozy, colourful and tasty! I'm glad you and your family enjoyed your day, I'm also very glad that you found my blog and connected with me when you did. Both you and Nicole came along at a time when I was floudering a little in the blog world. I started blogging just over 6 years ago but had a two year break and when I came back a lot of the bloggers I had connected with had gone and blogging seemed to be a very different place. I tried to go with the flow, but it wasn't me and I found it so confusing that everything was so commercial. It took me a while but I eventually found my way and now I am happy with my blog life, I don't always blog regularly and I'm still trying new ideas, but everything I do is for me. I've found and continue to find, a lovely group of bloggers who are genuine and friendly and whose blogs I love. And a lot of that is due to you and Nicole, so thank you. I love your blog, the beautiful pictures and elegant words you share, you inspire me!
ReplyDeleteHi Cate, thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoy my blog. I really enjoy yours too and I'm glad you've kept at it because I find it very inspiring and interesting to read. I always look forward to new posts.
DeleteHappy Thanksgiving! Blogging for me is a way of organsing my thoughts and making connections with others. I followed and watched lots of blogs before attempting my own. It is the connection with other I enjoy the most. I really enjoy reading about your life through your blog x
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lovely description of your family Thanksgiving meal, Jennifer. This is exactly what I love most about blogging - the chance to get to know people in other parts of the world and learn about their lives and traditions and ways of looking at the world.
ReplyDeleteI can't say I've read any of the critical posts you mention, but that's probably because I don't follow any big or commercial blogs, but just those personal ones, like yours, that I've stumbled across and connected with for a variety of reasons. I've been blogging now for nearly 4 years and have seen a few blogs I follow fade away, but there are always others starting up. I'm not on Instagram, Twitter or Pinterest, but I did finally join Facebook in the summer and am enjoying the interaction with family and friends on there, including fellow bloggers, but it certainly doesn't replace blogging for me and I can't imagine it ever will.