Thoughts and a Thank you

As most of you know, aside from a few sporadic posts, I pretty much took a break from blogging, a little over a year ago.

In the last few months since I've been back, I've noticed a few things that I'd like to touch on and before some of you get pissy...

 please hear me out.

So, here they are...

1. A lot of you have decided to use Instagram and have pretty much left your blogs abandoned.

Now, I don't use IG, but from what I've heard, I kind of understand the pull.

Upload a quick photo.

Maybe, write a sentence or two.

And voila!

Done.

But, what about the story?

How can you convey everything you want to say or make people feel a certain way, in only a few words?

What about those weirdos, like me, that don't use it?

Not that it's all about me ;)

I get it though.

It's quick and easy.

But...

I miss reading your thoughts and stories.

And you in general.

2. Vlogging has apparently become a new way to blog.

In fact, one of my favorite blogs that has been around for years and years, decided to go the way of vlogging.

That blog (which shall remain nameless) was an old-fashioned respite from the world.

Now...

it's not.

She says it's easier.

I understand that, because her posts were really extensive and took hours to write.

I know this, because my posts are rarely as long as hers and they take an average of 2-4 hours.

Anyone that has written a post like that, knows what I'm talking about.

It's a lot of work and there's a lot of thought put into it.

And if she's anything like my crazy OCD self, there's at least another hour or two of proof reading the thing over and over, before clicking the publish button and then worrying for hours afterwards if it's good enough.

That could just be me though ;)

I will say that adding a video of you to your blog can be fun, because your readers get to see you in motion and/or they can hear your voice.

Not that I'm going to do it anytime soon.

But to turn the whole thing into a vlog?

Meh.

She wasn't one to leave comments on other blogs or comment back to her readers very often, and although I usually don't bother with bloggers like that, she took charming photos and there was something special about the way she wrote.

It felt like you were on a vacation from your life.

Obviously, it's her choice and she probably doesn't give a hoot about my thoughts, but...

I miss it.

3. Some of you have made your blogs private.

This I can understand, because blogging can be time consuming and sometimes rough.

Not every blogger has the time or inclination to keep it going when tragedy strikes or life gets crazy and not every commenter is nice.

I've seen major breakdowns and I've seen some incredibly nasty comments.

I also know that it can take over your life, it can be very time consuming, and discouraging when you don't get what you want out of it.

Whatever that might be.

So, I get it.

But, I hope you change your mind, because...

I miss you. 

4. And lastly, quite a few of you have gone on a blogging break.

Again, I understand.

For all the above reasons and so much more.

I've done it twice.

But, I hope you come back eventually, like I did, because...

I miss you, too.

So, with all that said...

Please understand that I know it's your blog and you can do whatever you want with it.

I'm not mad at you, or judging you, or your reasons.

Although it looks like Bubba and Mini are....

I'm just saying that I'm not a fan of all these changes.

After blogging off and on for almost a decade, you'd think I'd get used to it, because I know change is inevitable.

Bloggers come and go, and if you're lucky, sometimes they say goodbye, before disappearing into the void.

Like everyday life.

Basically...

I just really miss visiting my friends that have left for one reason or another and selfishly or not, I want you to come back.

Please :)

Well, maybe you won't, but it was worth a try, right? 

;)

Anyway, speaking of friends...

I know this is way overdue, but I owe you a big thank you.

During the time that I was gone, I received a lot of emails and comments, involving thoughts, prayers and well wishes.

It took a very long time, but I think I've read most of them now.

Some of you even contacted my dear friend, Brenda, a few times to make sure I was still alive.

And being the sweetheart she is, she picked up the phone and let me know that I was missed.

It actually took a few calls, but eventually I came back.

So... 

thank you.

To all my friends.

The ones that have blogs and the ones that don't have blogs.

All of you touched my heart in one form or another.

 You really, truly did.

And...

I missed you too.

love

rue