Friday, October 23, 2015

thoughts on blogging: back from an unscheduled break


So I took a completely unplanned, unscheduled break from this little blog the past two weeks. I actually had all these ideas and plans for posts about Slow Fashion October, about a few new patterns and designs I've got in the works, and whatnot but then life got in the way. I took a break from posting one day, and then another and before I knew it two weeks had gone by! 

Taking this little break has given me a new perspective on things for sure. Sometimes, when I'm in the middle of all these projects- knitting and designing and sharing and writing up posts, it can all just seem so overwhelming. The truth is that while I love blogging and appreciate the creative outlet it has been for me, it's not the centre of my life. I blog about my life, about things that matter to me because I have something to say. When I catch myself writing for the sake of having something to post, or organizing my projects around what will look pretty here on the blog (or on Instagram...) then I know I've got a problem. 

I know it's going around lately- big name bloggers are taking breaks, and everyone's talking about how no one reads blogs anymore. It's all about fast, scrollable sound bites these days. I hear all the arguments loud and clear. But for now, this blog isn't going anywhere. The truth is I love telling stories and building connections in this creative community and sometimes that requires more than 140 characters. I think there is value in taking the time to actually read what someone has to say, rather than scrolling past a photo that's little more than a colorful blur in a long feed. I like to think (and to hope) that there's still space for blogs out there in the noise that is the internet. And so for now I'll be here pounding out these words on my keyboard for myself, but also for anyone who would like to read them. 

Things may look a little different- I'm seriously contemplating reducing the frequency of my posts and I'll be taking a careful look at the sorts of topics I really want to be sharing about, but the heart of this blog will stay the same. 

As always, my most heartfelt thanks for visiting this space. I'm so grateful for every single comment and positive response I receive here. Hope you're all staying warm and cozy. It's been cold and blustery all week here, perfect weather for knitting!  

11 comments:

  1. I love this post! I love reading your blog. I am so glad you write more than 140 characters. :)
    What yiu said about how you blog about life but your life isn't about your blog is so perfect and so true. Everyone always talks about how important it is to blog consistently and be constantly pouring out content, but I would rather write and read posts that actually mean something instead of a post that it written just to have some content postes.
    Also, I love your stamp!

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  2. I love this post! I love reading your blog. I am so glad you write more than 140 characters. :)
    What yiu said about how you blog about life but your life isn't about your blog is so perfect and so true. Everyone always talks about how important it is to blog consistently and be constantly pouring out content, but I would rather write and read posts that actually mean something instead of a post that it written just to have some content postes.
    Also, I love your stamp!

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  3. I totally feel you and thank you for sharing this. The speed of our everyday life concerns me too.
    thank you for saying something I needed to say too...
    :)

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  4. Oh so true! Your blog is special because it's about things in your life not that blogging is your life! Thank you for sharing!

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  5. Even with all of the other media outlets I am still a dedicated blog reader. Enquiring minds always want to know more. :)

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  6. You're not going to believe me, but I was just thinking about you yesterday, wondering what you've been up to as your blog and IG had been so quiet. I completely agree that our blogs should be for us to savor, enjoy, and share our creativity. Breaks are a natural way to recharge!

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  7. I've always felt that if I'm not into writing a blog post, then how can I expect anyone to get anything out of it? I think you are wise for stepping back and reassessing what it means to blog.

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  8. i have always enjoyed the heartfelt simplicity and connection to a life of creating from your soul space that this blog conveys.that is what i hope will never change.... <3

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  9. This post really resonated with me. I shall be blogging for as long as I have something to say in words not just pictures, because without the words who are we?

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  10. Loved this post, Ruth! I definitely still enjoy reading blogs and I hope my favorite bloggers never close down their blogs! That said I don't mind less frequent posts (on any blog, not just yours) since the sheer number of posts to read often feels overwhelming.
    I feel very guilty neglecting my blog (which I love!) for weeks on end but sometimes life gets in the way and I hope my readers still enjoy the few posts I do manage to produce.

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  11. Your post speaks from my heart. When I started blogging it was because I had the feeling this is what I have to do, because everybody seems to do it. Now that I get the hang of blogging and really enjoy it, it looks like everybody is neglecting their blog and uses Instagram instead.
    Happy that you don't plan to stop blogging!

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