Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Not your average blogger


Have you met Dewena? 

She has a very sweet blog called Dewena's Window now, but she used to write on a blog called Across the Way.

I honestly can't remember how I met her, but she either found me or I stumbled through Blogland and came across her new one.

The picture of her header drew me in first (when you see it you'll know why), but then her words and her warmth made me stick around.

She's really an absolutely lovely person.

Anyway, as I was reading her old blog from the beginning. as I sometimes do when I find those unusually warm ones, I suddenly noticed something very familiar.


 A lot of our posts from our old blogs were eerily similar. We have a passion for the way things used to be and a love of old things.

Not only that, but one day she up and quit, just as I did.

Now obviously I shut mine down, because of one major thing, but a part of me quit for another reason....

There's a lot of pressure in Blogland. 

Sometimes we put it on ourselves.

Sometimes others put it on us.

Sometimes it's a combination of the two.

The one thing I promised myself when I came back was to not put pressure on myself, like I did before.....

Is this post good enough?

How many readers do I have?

Does anyone care about such and such?

I need to post more!

I need to visit everyone!

I need to buy more stuff!

I need another project!

I need a whole new look!

Blah.... blah.... blah ....


Sigh.


It's so silly, when you think about it.

You know why I came back?

Because I missed the camaraderie.

You know what I didn't miss or come back for?

The "keeping up with the Jones" mentality.



So here's the deal...

You won't see me posting a new vignette every week, because once I figure out what I like, it rarely changes.

(Hear that clicking? That was a few bloggers leaving.)

I won't be changing up my rooms every five minutes, because I hardly ever move my furniture around and I do not paint antiques ... imagine that!

(I think I just heard the sound of a few more bloggers taking me off of their lists)

I don't do new and unusual "tablescapes", because I only have five sets of dishes. Three of which are my great grandmothers and two are for everyday use.

(Did you hear that thump? I think a few tablescaping ladies just fainted on that one.)

That's great for everyone else, but it's just not me.

For those of you that have stuck around and decided to hear me out though...

What you will get here is all the warmth, love and friendship that I'm able to give via Blogland.



Yes, I have a few projects that I need to take care of and I'll share them when I can, but I'm not your average blogger.

As Dewena put it in one of her posts...

My home is a "memory box."

 It's filled with what I love and cherish and it's not a designer's blank canvas.

In fact, I'm not a designer at all.

I'm just "rue."



I hope that's enough.

xo





117 comments:

  1. I loved every single word. Just keep being your wonderful, unique self, and you can't go wrong. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I liked the way you wrote this. I recently discovered the charming lady you mentioned. My DD asked me the other day what I was going to do when I finished repairing this home. She had a point, since I might finish this year, because I don't change things too much. I said maybe I will go back to books. I am fortunate that I can blog for fun.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh my gosh, this was great! I've never been a follower, or gone along with latest trends, or this or that, I'm just me, FlowerLady, with a love of home, flowers, friendships and my dear husband who is no longer on this planet. Our little cottage is filled with bits and pieces we collected in our 43 years together, so I am surrounded by love, good times, and memories. What you see is what you get, not what is the latest and greatest. We always lived frugally, yet spent more when we had more, as most of us do. Life is what you make it, it is learning contentment in all ways, up or down, with or without.

    I love your blog and am glad to have found you. You inspire me, encourage me and I thank you for that. ~ FlowerLady

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your words come straight out of the thoughts in my head. THe "old days" of blogging have changed and not always for the best! I get some need/want the income but most of the content nowadays is just filler, and "nobody got time for that". I don't need to read how to clean my house on a schedule (not gonna happen), how great this product or that product is, I can watch TV for that, I want a peek into someone's true life and how they decorate their homes and spend their days. I don't wear "size 2s" and don't need to be told "for size reference I'm an XXXS b'c obviously those gals are way younger than me and frankly, my dear, I don't give a you know what size you wear! Anyway, I'm rambling at this hour but wanted to applaud you for your honesty and say Amen Sista for this post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Judy, you're a doll! I know your life is crazy busy now but don't stop blogging.

      Hugs,

      Stacey

      Delete
    2. Some of the blogs now have so many advertisements that I have a hard time reading, so I don't. I just remove them from my bookmarks and go on to the next one. I'm sure blogging can be expensive, but I really appreciate those that try to control the "in your face" ads. If I have to continually x out to read the next paragraph, I'm going to quit reading. As you said, nobody got time for that!

      Delete
    3. AMEN AMEN!! I NOTICED THAT AS WELL.....WHY do they feel the need to tell us what size their clothing is??!! Lol its bragging......thats all it is

      Delete
    4. Let's start a club entitled "Ain't Nobody Got Time For That" while wearing our size whatever clothes! (LOL)

      Delete
    5. This set of comments are hilarious!! I didn't realize that people were discussing their sizes. How odd....

      Delete
  5. Bravo! My favorite kind of blog... :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Rue, I would visit your blog even if the only thing you did was post pictures of those puppies :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm right there with ya girl! I might paint something, I might change a vignette, but there's no pressure on any count because blogging is about friendship and fun for me. Glad you feel the same way and just know that there are others who do too. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad to hear that. I thought for a minute that I'd be talking to myself after this LOL

      xo

      Delete
  8. I'm right beside you! My blog is about life, not about how much we have or the latest and greatest stuff. Just simply day to day life. Love your blog! Keep up the good work.

    Grace & Peace

    ReplyDelete
  9. I really am glad that I found your blog through Brenda. My home is not on the Parade of Home tours, I don't do those tablescape things (not enough dishes or a big enough table), I can't paint my walls every week or at all (my apartment doesn't allow it), in fact I have horrid lighting problems, so I don't do pictures all the time. As you said, I'm just me. I hope that someone reads something that makes them smile or laugh, finds out something they never knew, etc. I blog for me, I like it.
    Hope you have a wonderful day!
    Hugs,
    Deb

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a great post. I don't try to "keep up with the Bloggers". I post about our life at Linderhof as we live it. And yes, we do use cloth napkins and have flowers on the table but I would do that whether I took a picture or not. It's just the way we do things. And although I participate in the tables cape things, it is real tables that we eat food off of those dishes and it's a real table without a "pile" (I think they call it a stack in blogland) of dishes. I'm not sure how I found you, but I am glad I did and you're one of Linderhof's friends so I know when you post. And once I'm happy, I don't move my furniture around either. And if I do move it, it's because I gave it a lot of thought and thought it was a better way!

    Anyway, a great post and looking forward to more great posts!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pile? Stack? I know what you mean, but that's funny, Martha! I'm the same as far as my table settings. I actually eat off of my plates and use linen napkins, it's not for show. I don't mind the beautiful displays and in fact some of them are quite pretty, but I'm just not one to set a table for fun.

      I think I found you first and I fell in love with your home, but I'm so glad to be getting to know the lovely lady that lives there ;)

      xo,
      rue

      Delete
  11. More than enough for me! I for one am truly happy that you are blogging again and came and found me! I am off to visit your other blogging friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Penny! I think you'll really like her :)

      xo

      Delete
  12. You're more than enough Rue! I've had a problem with blogging lately and haven't done much posting. Not sure where my blog is heading, but I can assure you it's not about decorating. I've been painting my bathroom for over a week now which takes me away from my artwork. It's a hard balance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When I can't think of anything to blog about I just post what I think is silly. Weirdly enough, people seem to like my silliness more than the other stuff LOL

      Besides, I could just read posts about those wonderful painting of yours and be happy ;)

      I am curious about your sons house though..... hint hint....

      xo,
      rue

      Delete
  13. You brought up something I've never understood - you have Blogger A. Blogger A just "LURVES" her new kitchen, it's perfect. One year later, she has to redo her old, outdated kitchen. Huh? If I remodel my kitchen, you'll be sure it's something I can live with for a long, long time - say a minimum of 10 years. I don't have the funds to redo my house all the time. When I do get the urge to redo a window treatment, or items on shelves, I usually just shop the house. I do love to go junking, but it's rarely for something specific, it's just for fun.
    So, Rue - keep on posting what you're posting, we love your charming home. I can't wait to see the outside in springtime.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't understand it either. Some of the blogs I used to read have redone their homes so much, I wasn't sure if I was at the right place LOL To each his own, I suppose ;)

      xo

      Delete
  14. I'm with you -- once I get my house looking as I like it, it stays that way for quite some time. Most of my furniture can't be moved around anyway ... my floor plan doesn't allow for that. I'm amazed at some of the blogs I read (not so much anymore) that seem to completely redo every few weeks. Boy, they must be exhausted!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My floorpan doesn't really allow for it either, Ann, so I understand.

      I'm exhausted watching them do it LOL

      Delete
  15. It's enough.... Your blog is great. There is no need to change something every few minutes. My furniture is the same as the day we moved in.... I never change it around. Except my daughter got married and now I have to redo her room.

    Blessings,
    Amy Jo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll have to do the same when my daughter eventually moves out. That'll definitely be a change that I'm not looking forward to.

      xo

      Delete
  16. well said girl

    Love the pictures of the dogs, I am quitting a few things also to devote time to just ME I have let myself go trying to keep up with social networking. i want to walk go to the movies visit new friends once I find them LOL
    I just quit plating words with friends on my iphone ,trying to delete my facebook and twitter pages.
    I am posting once a week and one picture LOL

    Janice

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's weird how it takes over your life isn't it? That's why I've kept my social media limited. I just don't have time for all of it on top of my everyday life.

      Delete
  17. Its more than enough for me! I can do without the "fluff" - I like to read about real life. I love when you include your dogs in your posts, just because I love dogs! Keeping it simple works for me...lol
    Have a great day Rue
    Jeannette

    ReplyDelete
  18. Well, I am a new follower having just found you today! And you are perfect for what I am looking for! You had my attention with the pictures containing the doggies.......very old doggies.......and very old doggies are my favorite! They have old souls and so do you! Peaceful Blessings! Nancy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nice to meet you, Nancy! And thank you :)

      Delete
  19. You are always enough, Rue ~ and I'm so glad I found you and your blog through Brenda. The blogs I love and follow are like yours - ones that are written by warm, down-to-earth women who share their life and themselves with us. If someone paints their furniture or moves it around or creates a beautiful, new vignette then that's great - and I'm glad they shared it with us. Personally, I love decorating and changing things around, but that's me. We're all different and what's important is that the true person comes through the blog. I don't do tablescapes because I have three very curious kitties that would constantly be up on the table having to check things out! My home is modest and my kitchen is outdated (think 80's with oak cabinets) and my bedroom needs a total overhaul (umm, the carpet is the original of the house...26 or 27 years old!) but my home is filled with love, and that's what's the most important. PS - I've heard the name Dewena, but I have not seen her blog. I will check it out! Have a beautiful day, Rue.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love looking too! I have no problem with anyone that wants to do all that stuff. I just know that I can't be one of them. If that was all I did, then I'd just be blogging and not living life and that would just make me sad.

      Fun fact.... I used to do it for awhile on my old blog and it drove my family crazy LOL

      Your house being filled with love IS all that matters :)

      xo

      Delete
  20. Still here! And man, do I understand! The pressure is felt no matter what I do or don't do on my blog. My life is fairly mundane in that I'm like you and leave things alone once I like the way they look. I don't rearrange things all the time. I feel like my blog at times is pretty boring, so I'm always thrilled when I have something to share, even if it's only interesting to me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You think YOUR blog is boring? I shared a tree the other day LOL I just post what ever strikes my fancy and if people like it great, if not well..... I did my best :)

      Delete
    2. That's a good attitude to have, Rue!

      Delete
  21. Rue, sweet lady, I wondered about all the morning visits from An Old-Fashioned World--knew we had just "talked" last night--and was completely surprised to find my name there in your first line. To find that you had so thoroughly read the old Across the Way and understood why I left but why I just could not stay away from blogging meant so much. (I have a feeling many bloggers go through the same struggle to find a balance in blogging that makes sense to their lives.)

    When I began the new blog I took the only path that seemed to work then and didn't have comments turned on for 11 months. Through that whole time there were two bloggers that knew about it, my dear friends Poppy from Poppy View and Tammy from Peanut On the Table. They were so sweet to email me their response to my posts, Poppy giving me a gentle nudge every so often to open up comments. And I finally did because, like you, I did miss the camaraderie of blogging. I'm so glad I did, it was wonderful to reconnect with old blog friends and meet new ones like you.

    There are so many reasons for blogging but I think you have spoken in your post above for many of us. We love sharing our lives and being a part of the lives of other bloggers…but we see the danger signs for ourselves of losing precious hours that make up our real life.

    It has been a joy to step into your rooms, into that old-fashioned world you've chosen. Thank you, thank you, thank you for not changing up those beautiful rooms every time we visit! I want continuity. Seasonal touches, yes. Changes when someone finds something that is more "them", of course. With me, at my age, it is trying to make things simpler in order to give me more time.

    So please keep giving us pictures into that charming house, they don't have to be different. I could see Bubba sitting in the breakfast nook every day, that kitchen of yours that actually looks as if a meal is ready to be prepared every day. What you've written today inspires me not to worry so much about thinking I can't post because nothing is different. What I want to know about a blogger is What are you doing today, friend? What are you reading? What are you cooking? How are the pets? Oh, that gorgeous sunset!

    What I want most when I visit a blog is a Story, a story about things they love. I'm blog friends with a woman in her 80s and she had a post recently about riding the retirement center's bus with the other residents to a new Kroger store. There was one picture of the produce department and I understood exactly what she was feeling because I too believe that produce is eye candy and traveling the aisles of a grocery store is like traveling to foreign lands.

    That friendship and warmth on a blog that you promised is not only enough, but exactly what we want. Keep it up, Rue.

    And thank you so much,
    Dewena

    P.S. And I found you through nice lady Brenda of Cozy Little House's post about you. I could tell she was excited to have you back blogging. And, she is the person who took hours out of her week setting up Across the Way for me, not helping me do it, actually doing it herself for me as I was such an ignoramus.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sweet Dewena.... Those words came from my heart and I'm so happy that it made you so happy :)

      Of course we already emailed each other, but I just wanted to let you know on here how much your words mean to me. Thank you, sweet friend.

      xoxo,
      rue

      Delete
  22. I remember her and did not know she had another blog. I must go and read it. Thanks for sharing, she is a wonderful blogger.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you found her again, Betty! :)

      Delete
  23. Well, I've only found your blog recently. But I check it daily to see if you've posted. I think your home and your life are very interesting. Seeing someone else's life is what I look for in a blog. Your real life. Something a little different than my own, but doing and living in a way that I might. So, " I'm Just Rue " I think is just right. Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love Dewena - one of my favorite old books was something she shared on her blog so I hunted around to find it.

    I love your blog, and you, just the way you are and I look forward to visiting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She makes me want to buy more books as well, which is dangerous for me lol

      Thank you <3

      Delete
  25. I had to bust out laughing at the vignettes. Same way here.

    I think I wrote a tribute to Dewena when she quit because I wanted everyone who hadn't read her blog to go check it out :) I was glad to see her starting up again later, and being more relaxed about it all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL I'm glad you thought it was funny.

      It's amazing how attached you can get to a certain person through their blog, isn't it? I'm glad she started blogging again, so that I could get to know her :)

      Delete
  26. Oh, I can totally relate to this post, Rue, because I've never been one to keep up with it all, I'm just me. I laughed when you said you only have five sets of dishes because I have two.

    Oh Yes, I love Dewena. She's one of my favorites for sure. And her new blog look caught my eye too.

    Be yourself, Rue........you are just wonderful.

    ~Sheri

    ReplyDelete
  27. Yes, it's enough. I really like it here. When ever you feel like posting, I'll be reading....Oh, me too on the decorating, I move in, buy new (or an antique) what I want, put it where it looks good, and leave it alone, because I liked it from the start, where I put it. Hang my mirrors,(which I have many) and my pictures where they look best, and done. And two sets of dishes that I own. Snowmen dishes for winter, and chicken dishes for the rest of the year. They both make me happy..Good enough....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is good enough and if it makes you happy, then that's all that matters :)

      Thank you, Bonnie!

      Delete
  28. Rue you are more then enough! I love that you are you! I've been fighting with myself to stay me and only do the things I enjoy. Not try to keep up with 'blogland'. I don't do pressure well. I blog because I love the friends I've made and only want to enjoy it, not make money from it or be popular. So I'm a fan and I'm so glad to hear you say all these things I think!
    hugs,
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Linda :)

      I have no problem with anyone making money and I might throw my hat in at some point if someone offered, but I'm not so sure anyone will advertise on a blog that's about old stuff and not shopping at home goods LOL

      xo

      Delete
  29. Well you didn't hear me drop! Exactly the right sort of perfect blog is how yours sounds to me!! I only have one set of dishes by the way!! I do change things around, basically because I have too much stuff to have out so I switch it around so I can see all of my things as I would rather do that than get rid of them, so I do rearrange, but I don't really buy new - although I do buy things too if I love them! I look forward to keeping on reading your blog, just as it is! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL Amy, nothing wrong with any of that, especially if it makes you happy :)

      xo

      Delete
  30. I don't blog myself, but I do follow many blogs. I saw you mentioned in a CLH post and was happy to find you. Glad you aren't a Mommy blogger or one who changes their "vignettes" 3x a week. I am thinking, by the posts I have read, that you likely won't decorate for Christmas in a specific theme, do 40 entries about it, change up the mantle during those 40 and then have everything boxed up before dawn on Dec. 26. (And then next year not one of the things you showed will be there because you are sick of them and have a new theme.) It becomes so frantic that I get a headache. And just seeing your sweet pups in a few pictures (and on your furniture) is home to me. I am glad I found your blog!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chris, your comment cracked me up, because I know exactly what you're talking about. I promise you will never see me do that Christmas thing. I've been using the same decorations for about 20 years and very rarely get anything new.

      And I'm definitely not a mommy blogger. It's not my thing and I'm just a tad too old for that anyway, since my kids are grown. So, no worries about that either :)

      Nice to meet you too!

      Delete
  31. I like nice people, dogs, and old things. I believe you blog will be enough. : )

    ReplyDelete
  32. Rue,
    Daily nuances, small snippets of the beauty of life, special friends, warm fuzzy puppies and kittens.
    Homes with this and some of that-family and love and real women with real lives now we are talking.
    Beautifully, lovingly and sincerely expressed, so nice to know you!
    xxx-
    Jemma

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hey ..... hear the sound of those clicks?? Yep....some left. Now hear that new click? Thats ME....CLICKING IN. A new friend! And guess what? I love your blog just as it IS! So ill be "clicking in " frequently!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nice to meet you! I'm so glad you said hi :)

      Delete
  34. I think i may have broken the blog record. ......i have ONE SET OF DISHES!!!! GASP! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  35. I think every home deserves to be, and should be, a "memory box" filled with what we love and cherish....... always.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  36. Love your blog, just the way it is.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Rue, I think blogging is just like a lot of other things in life...just don't take it too seriously...have fun with it...play with it...act silly with it...get a little serious when the time needs it....no one expects a lot out of us...we are all just guys and gals having a blast with blogging. One day, my post is all about a candle...maybe the whole post is about one...lemon...or a good muffin...then, when I DO change a table top...or my mantel...or play around with cigar boxes, that's what I post about. Just have fun...and your blog will take care of itself.

    ReplyDelete
  38. And that's why I love you, Rue! :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. Well, you certainly didn't put me off! I don't blog...my initial foray into reading blogs was confusing to me. I didn't see the interest in reading how someone changed up their mantle, every week, and would write about it...I didn't get it. Once I place things in my home, I certainly don't change them up every few days...maybe twice a year when I'm doing a spring/fall cleaning, and that's a stretch now that I think about it! So keep your warm posts a coming...seems like lots of us feel the same way! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I remember how confusing all of that was before I started blogging too. Blogland can be a very strange place, but also a lovely one.

      I'm glad you chose mine to read, since you feel that way. It makes me think I'm doing something right :)

      xo

      Delete
  40. I think we're kindred spirits for sure! I could not have said this better myself. I only started blogging a little over two years ago and I instantly connected with the "real" bloggers. It seems to be such a popularity contest among some of the bigger bloggers. I much prefer to visit blogs such as yours and several others that I enjoy because I feel I get to know the person behind the blog. Authentic is how I describe your blog and the others I read and comment on. I am glad I discovered yours and enjoy my visits here. Have a blessed and beautiful evening and Friday!

    Hugs, Vicky

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Vicky! That's very sweet of you :)

      xo

      Delete
  41. Hi Rue! You just be you and that's all that matters. I know blogland has really changed since you left us. Some of the bloggers I really felt a connection with have changed so much and are on such a fast track to be discovered or something, that their blogs are just not 'real' any more and I think it's a shame. Just glad to have you back and to know you're happy and that makes me happy.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know what and who you mean, Shelia ;)

      Oh well, I'm glad to have at least a few of the old friends back, including you.

      xoxo,
      rue

      Delete
  42. There is so much pressure about blogging! I feel it every day, I started blogging when I retired and didn't realized I was getting another full time job? I go to blogs who I also feel a connection to, a kindred spirit is what I look for. I use to join so many parties, of many who didn't know I came, or who never acknowledge you for coming. Now I only party with those who comment that I join in with them. Up until recently I wrote about my home, that I love, and decorating, and realized I need to write about things I love, and let myself show. It's hard for me to do that, if you ever met me in person I am incredibly outgoing, but somehow lose that on my blog. Maybe it's because I was caught up in what other "big" blogs are doing, and now I know it's about friendship and sharing who I am. This comes easier to some, like you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HA! It IS a full time job, if you let it. I got carried away on the last blog I had. I think my kids were secretly happy when I gave it up, because they were sick of hearing, "Hold on! Let me get a pictures of that!" LOL

      I don't think you lose that on your blog at all! I think you come across as a very lovely outgoing person. And it's not as easy as you think it is for me, I promise ;)

      Delete
  43. Rue, I know this is a really stupid question, but what is a "tablescape"? I'm 68 and don't know what that is :-( I like blogs that just visit and talk about what's on their mind. I have a couple of favorites and this is becoming one of them. I lost my house when my husband died. I live in a rental now. I have 1,000 sq. ft. There are eight of us living here (including 2 little ones under 5 and one special needs adult--ME) and six little dogs. Last house was 3,000 sq ft. We stumble on toys, shoes, high chairs, clothes, dogs and each other. There aren't enough plates in the cupboard to go around. A vignette for me making sure there are still coasters on my keepsake coffee table that my dad built 50 years ago. The coffee table that all the kids, grandkids and now great grandkids pulled themselves up on when learning to walk and gummed slimy when they were teething. The last thing I painted was an old flower vase I spray painted to try to make it look like a candy corn as a gift for my adult daughter. It was a sad failure. The things that make me smile are my pugs, my grandkids, my faith and waking up each new day. I do enjoy your blog posts. Sandra

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HAHAHAHAHA...... Sandra, a tablescape is an over the top table setting. It can include all kinds of things besides plates and cups on the table, like books, figurines, etc. Basically a made up words that I'm pretty sure Bloggers came up with, because I had never heard of it before I started blogging.

      Small or not, your house sounds like a home and if you're happy and your family (including the pugs) are happy, then that's all that matters :)

      xo

      Delete
  44. Well, it looks like everything has been said but I'll add my 2 cents, too! I have been the kind of blogger that wonders how other gals can create so many tablescapes! (I've done maybe two since the start of my blogs) But, I do tend to go on and on about antiques and stuff. I rarely write what is going on in our daily lives because I guess we are just plain boring! :) Thanks for stopping by, most appreciated!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jillian, I used to wonder that too, until the other day, I came across a woman's blog that actually has 4 huge storage areas for her dishes. I was shocked! I mean if she's happy, that's great, but I can't even imagine dealing with all of that.

      And I love that you go on and on about antiques, but I know what you mean. I'm sure there's a few people out there that want to tell me to shut up, every time I bring up the plight of old homes LOL

      Delete
  45. A few readers may have left, but here I am to take their place. Works for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well thank you very much! It's nice to meet you :)

      Delete
  46. Rue, I am not a trendy blogger,either nor will I ever be, nor do I care. If I get a chance to blog once or twice a week I'm happy! I like to go places and take photos and blog about them --and every now and then i post a recipe or a family function or an activity I've participated in. I love being a grandmother and being retired and living in a new state at this time of my life. I feel my blog is more of a photographic journal, like yours is. Stay happy and enjoy it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat, your blog is perfect the way it is and I enjoy every visit there, my friend :)

      xo

      Delete
  47. Hi Rue, So well said!! I love your style and attitude for blogging. You won't hear me clicking off~~
    Have a wonderful weekend.
    Hugs, CM

    ReplyDelete
  48. Rue, you are as unique as your blog! Blog about what makes you happy, that's what is endearing! Like zooperson said...The ones that leave, there are just making room for us! The blogging camaraderie is enough, enough said!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Christine! That means a lot :)

      Delete
  49. Thank you for this post, Rue! We've been in our current old house for only 10 years, so I've had lots of painting, etc to do to make it ours. But, I'm like you. When I get a room to the point where I'm happy with it, it will remain the same for decades! I don't have the funds or the inclination to change things up every time a trend changes. While I do like a few painted pieces, love my old wood furniture and I think a room without wood elements feels cold and unwelcoming. As far as losing followers, I TRY not to pay attention to the number of followers and if I could figure out how to get rid of that number in my gadget, it would be gone! I try to find the time to visit all bloggers who comment on my blog and don't bother commenting on those who never return the visit or even acknowledge my comment. Thanks for reminding me why I'm a blogger.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I love some painted pieces too, but I just can't bring myself to paint an antique. Eventually, I think I'll be adding some painted things to my bedroom, once Annie moves out, because I want my grandfather's set to be all together in what will be the guest room, but hopefully that's far off and I won't have to worry about it for awhile ;)'

      I still visit the old friends I had that no longer acknowledge me, but I rarely comment. I just like to see what they're up to, because I'm a sentimental old fool.

      xo

      Delete
  50. Love Dewena! And we love that you're back as well.
    Brenda

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hi Rue,

    Loved this post and how ironic that I am reading it tonight of all nights. I am download pics right now for my last post to my old blog - as I am about to begin a new website/blog in a very short time. I have worries about falling into that old trap, pressures, and so on because my website is "new" and it should be exciting, pleasing, and entertaining. And yet, the whole reason for me to start "new" is because I am in a new season of life where I enjoy a slower pace, the simpler things, and more back to the basics kind of lifestyle. I loved your post when you say "click" there goes readers clicking off, and "thump" the computer closing...I think I feel the same in some ways about my new venture - but I am also hoping maybe if I lose what readers I have left, I will make new ones who live or would like to live a more simpler life and just share interests - be it home, family, faith, health, cooking, or whatever. So thank you for writing this - as this is such a good reminder for me to not worry about the "numbers" or the "likes' or who is reading, but rather just be what I want to be - me.

    Big hug
    Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, you can count on the fact that I'll be there tagging along on your new blog ;)

      Slow, simple, and back to basics.... love those things myself.

      xoxo

      Delete
  52. -happy sigh- yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!

    blog, yes. but for me, actually. to make me happy. not to put pressure on me.

    and if doing thus, others enjoy my blog, wonderful.

    but stop counting comments. which I admit, is still a work-in-progress nothing happens over night. I will just keep persevering. :-)

    so happy to have net-met you.

    gentle hugs,
    Tessa~

    ReplyDelete
  53. You share your heart and thoughts beautifully. I hear ya!
    Keep on blogging, sweet Rue. Being yourself is the best way
    to be.

    love ya!!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi Rue,

    Thought I'd comment here, on this post, that begins with the lovely intro to Dewena, a sweet lady who I now consider one of my closest friends, after clicking around (and not off!;), your wonderful blog! My darling friend and I have never actually met, but we have spent time in each other's heart and home, via our blogs, and through emails, and I treasure her friendship; she has made such a difference in my life!

    Dewena had suggested that I come over to see you, which I had already done after Brenda announced that you were back in the blogosphere, although on those first visits, I kinda tiptoed around, and came as quietly as I left, mostly due to time constraints. But, today, after making myself comfortable, and peeping into your pretty rooms, I found the time and the need to leave a little echo of my presence.

    Firstly, your home is so charming and warm, and although I don't know you well enough to declare that it is 'you', I can sense a uniqueness that represents your personal flair, and I am looking forward to discovering more of your style in these spaces on future visits.

    Secondly, I should have guessed that you were friends with the very sweet and talented Kimberly of everyone's favourite cottage, ''Dear Daisy Cottage''!! I chanced upon her beautiful blog while looking for design inspiration when we had just finished building our come in the Cretan countryside, and after 8 years of building, the time had finally come to colour that blank slate, and I had carte blanche, since I had designed, after all! Kimberly is such a warm hearted gal, who decorates with such cheery charm; I was hooked, and like you, read every single post from beginning to end - I didn't want to leave that cozy and comforting and cute cottage!!

    Well, it seems this echo has no end, so I'd better get back to Poppy View, and compose something new, since it's been a week, and my readers will think I've disappeared, just like that post of mine did! Thanks for adding me to your blogroll of inspiration; you've already been added onto mine, under the label, 'You Can Find Me Here', and 'here', at 'An Old Fashioned World', is a special place to be.

    Keep up the great work with your un-remuddling project! I'm sure it will pay off in its precious prettiness!

    xo
    Poppy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your sweet words, Poppy! I'm glad that you took the time to write them. I understand the tiptoeing around.... I do it quite often myself.

      The way you feel about Dewena, is how I feel about Kim. We've never been able to actually meet, but she's apart of my heart and home and I love her dearly.

      Thank you for adding me to your blogroll as well :)

      xo

      Delete
  55. Ha! I have written this very post many times only to delete it. Thank you for saying it so perfectly! :)
    ~Liz

    ReplyDelete
  56. Rue, thank you again!! I've been reading some of your posts and this is exactly what I needed to read (hear). Thank you for putting it so eloquently! As the "new kid on the block", I'm learning my way through things but appreciate so much the advice I've received from those of you who have been around blogging for a while. My husband is very sweet and very supportive of anything and everything I do. But he doesn't like the pressure I started placing upon myself to perform to someone else's imaginary standards or playing the "numbers" game. As I told you, I came to my senses yesterday with that one feature. ;-)

    I enjoy writing and photography. Blogging gives me an opportunity to do both of those things. I also like meeting different people and making new friends - blogging gives me an opportunity to do that as well. Something else that I have seen (that I forgot to put in the email today) is that blogland seems to foster a nasty little emotion called "coveting"...wanting what someone else has even though what you (the collective "you", not you personally :-) ) have is perfectly fine. I've noticed there is alot of bloggers trying to outdo or one-up the other ones. I stay away from those. Anyway, very well said! Have a great one! Hugs!!

    PS...I keep looking for the "like" button to everyone else's comments! ;-)

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for leaving a comment. It means so much to me that you took the time and I read each and every one. If you don't have a blog, look for a response under your comment. I try to get to them within a few days :)

For some reason, the comment box doesn't always show up, so if you want to leave a comment, replying to someone else's comment seems to work. Also, I've had to switch from safari to chrome in order to comment on blogger, so that might be the issue. If not, you can always reach me via email, located on my side bar. Thank you!