It's late and I've had a pretty rough day. Rough enough that Phil picked up the slack and actually spent time in the kitchen "cooking" tonight. Granted, we had breakfast-for-dinner, but still...it's effort, and I am grateful. Without being all dramatic about my day, I'll just say that work has been kicking my behind and sucking motivation and all forms of pleasantries from me lately. I'm feeling cranky, pulled in several different directions and consequently, offering less than 100% in each of those areas.
So what does this have to do with you? Nothing at all. But because most of you feel like friends rather than "readers" and this blog feels more like a little community, I wanted to acknowledge my scarcity over the last few days. I have an inbox loaded with kind emails from so many of you, most of which still sit unanswered. I want so much to respond to these emails in kind, giving each the attention it deserves, but free time is a precious commodity and I am failing miserably at this.
So what am I getting at? I won't beat around the bush. I can't give of myself if I'm feeling spread too thin. I can't (and won't) pretend to offer you insightful or honest feedback and/or conversation if I'm only going-through-the-motions and feeling pressured by time. So here's what I'm doing: I'm calling a Time-Out.
I need a couple of days to wrap my brain around things, to recharge my batteries and to just catch up. I promised myself when I first started this blog that I would write about valuable content and not just post for the sake of posting. So I'm staying true to my word and I'm calling a two-day reprieve to get caught up.
Which leads me to this: a sincere and heartfelt Thank You to those of you who read this blog and more importantly, for taking the time to comment; to say hello and to let me know that you've visited. Honestly...thank you. I think it's safe to assume we all enjoy comments on our blogs and the comeraderie we find in exchanging emails with one another but nothing is worse than leaving a thoughtful comment on somebody's blog and not being so much as acknowledged for it. And I am guilty of this. This blog--this virtual space of mine--it is very important to me; as such, for each of you who choose to visit me and make Living Aloha a part of your day, you deserve more than what I have given as of late. And for that, I apologize.
I also wanted to address something I've noticed over the last month. Thanks to trusty stat-counters, I "see" who visits. I "see" where you're from, how long you've visited and what posts of mine are of interest or significance. And I also "see" who follows and subsequently De-Follows me. I won't lie...there is a momentary sting to being de-followed and I try not to take this personally. I, for one, know how difficult it is to keep up with SO MANY blogs; although our intentions may be good and our hearts in the right place, I know how difficult it can be to try and stay current with hundreds of blogs. As a matter of fact, my Google Reader currently has 1,000+ unread posts! :( Ick. So while there is a bit of ridiculous and unnecessary ego-bruising that goes hand-in-hand with being de-followed...I understand.
But for those of you who DO follow me (whether officially or quietly and behind-the-scenes), please, please, please say hello. Shoot me a quick comment or an email to say hi. I love hearing from readers/friends and I love being able to read more about YOU, in the process. If you're a new visitor, please leave me the link to your blog so that I can find your little space here on the web. I may not get to visit your blog right away, but please believe me when I say that I "bookmark" many of your sites so that I can visit at a later date to catch myself up and follow you in return.
Finally, my ETSY shop:
I'm pushing my launch-date back by a couple of weeks. I'll be opening my shop on Monday, July 18th. I had hoped to stay on track with my target date of July 1st, but I need to be realistic...and based on how my days have been of late, that just isn't happening. So July 18th, it is. Sit tight and stay tuned...I'll keep you posted on my progress!
Again, thanks again for visiting and keeping this blog on your radar. I appreciate all of you - friends, commenters and silent-readers, alike.
Have a beautiful Wednesday!
I said that I would only post quality, not quantity so why do I feel so guilty when I've gone two days without posting!?!?
ReplyDeleteEnjoy living "real" life for a few days and relax yourself!!!
I am eagerly waiting to see your etsy shop! :)
ReplyDeleteBlogging is weird and I've had a few things that have stung or upset me as well. De-following, a few ugly anonymous comments, seeing someone that follows me but never comments, but comments everywhere else. I tell myself that I blog for me only, it's my online journal, and I'm so grateful for the few friendships I have made. I try not to get caught up in it all, but it can be hard. So, take a break b/c I do think it's good when you know that you truly need it. If it's longer than a couple of days, your true blog friends will still be here!
Have a wonderful day! :))
I LOVE your blog but would never expect anything from you except what you want to give! I'm not a big commenter...but probably comment more here than anywhere else. It seems to me that blogging should not add stress to anyone's life...be free to do whatever feels right to you:)
ReplyDeleteWhenever I craft or do something creative, if I find it "not fun" or something I don't feel like picking up at the time, I don't do it. So, I give it a rest until I feel inspired to pick it up again. (I know you're really busy and you're not saying blogging is "not fun.") It just helps the mindset to not feel obligated to do something.
ReplyDeleteI didn't even realize you could see who "unfollows" you. I don't even think I want to know how to do it. Hehe. I guess it does hurt the ego because if my number dwindles I wonder what was the reason.
I can't wait til your etsy shop launches. Be sure to remind us!
I hate that spread too thin feeling. Taking the time to recharge your batteries is a great thing though.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see your Etsy shop! Sometimes I flirt with the idea of opening one, then chicken out. Maybe one day! :-)
WE all understand...you are so right! Lately blogger has been crazy and I have had trouble commenting even on my own blog. I finally installed Mozilla Firefox and it is much better. I think summers are hard for people too..because kids are out of school and I know my kids and I are having to share computer time. UGGGHHH!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time off...don't let this blogging thing add more stress. We all enjoy your posts and agree they are meaningful!!
Looking forward to visiting your etsy shop too!
Have a great day!
:) Jen
Hey! I'm a follower of you and I definitely understand how you feel. I've been blogging a mere month and I already feel slightly overwhelmed by it all. It's almost like there's some sort of pressure there. My husband said, "Nobody is putting it there. You do it to yourself... so just stop it." ha ha...
ReplyDeleteMy blog is: www.mrstnaturally.blogspot.com
I am also starting an Etsy shop... not sure when it will be up and running. What will you be selling in your shop?
HI! I hope you can indulge and enjoy the next couple of days :) Hope you and your hubby have a wonderful 4th holiday!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your break my friend.
ReplyDeleteI have to take a break every now and then to keep myself sane. Besides, blogging should be about fun and what you want it to be about. It's not fun if you feel obligated to do it. Then we are posting just to post and that never turns out right.
Go live some aloha for awhile.
I think every blogger should take breaks now and then! I absolutely love your blog, and I follow it and a select few others on Bloglovin' so that I can catch up on my phone. You are such a sincere person---I hope you figure everything out!
ReplyDeleteXox
I'm very excited for your etsy shop :) have a good blogcation!
ReplyDeletei love all the comments on this; what encouraging ladies. i started feeling the same exact way a couple weeks ago and so i decided that i was just not going to get online at all: not check my emails, my blog, my facebook, etc., and it was one of the most wonderful few days i've had in a long time!
ReplyDeleteso enjoy this time. take as much as you need. get out, breathe in the sunshine, spend some time just to be with yourself. you deserve it, pretty lady!
Angie I don't think you ever need to apologize for taking a break. we're all human, and we all go through the ups and downs of life that leave us with no time to relax and rest.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I don't know how to find out who "un-follows" me...I'd probably shed a few tears! :)
Praying for true rest and peace in your soul.
Enjoy the next few days sweet lady. I too can't wait to see your etsy! ;)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your break! Life can get overwhelming sometimes:)
ReplyDeleteI found your beautiful blog over the weekend. I loved reading each and every one of your posts.
ReplyDeleteTaking a break is understandable and something that has to be done from time to time! Putting yourself first is hard to do so kudos to you.
Take care and just...breathe.
I think blogging should be something that is fun and rewarding to you so if you need a little time out, go for it! I totally understand. Too much of a good thing is never a good thing, right? So take a break, take all the time you need to rejuvenate yourself, and I'll be here when you return. :)
ReplyDeleteAngie! Hang in there and take some time off. We all love reading your blog and will be around when you return :) Thinking of you and hoping things quiet down a bit over the next few days.
ReplyDeleteHi Angie,
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that you are taking a break to renew and regroup. It helps you stay true to yourself when you do not feel pressured to "perform," so to speak. You are such a bright light here in blogland and I look forward to that wonderful insight, that reminder to be joyful, that incentive to continue to follow my dreams in each of your posts. You cannot pour from an empty cup so I am happy to see you take the time you need. (Of course, who am I to say, I dropped off the blogging grid months ago and have yet to really come back, because I am still trying fill my cup :-).
Here's what I know; work will get better, you will find the gift in the experience, and your readers will reap the benefits :-) So, here's to brighter days and looking forward. Can't wait to see your etsy shop :-) ~Blessings, Janet
Enjoy your time-out, my dear. We'll be here when you get back (even if you need to extend your blogging vacay). Much love and a few prayers...
ReplyDeletexoxo,
k
OK, seriously, I know you can keep track of who's on but how do you keep track of the ones who 'de-follow'??
ReplyDeleteChica, it's all good. Life can be overwhelming. We all need moments of reprieve, have no fears that I don't hold anything against you when you don't respond to my emails. Not everyone is like me, getting to sit at home all day with nothing to do. So take your time and decompress.
I'm here, Ang! I often don't comment b/c I'm at work, but I'm here! =)
ReplyDeleteI only have 30 followers so I know my "regular" readers/friends but I get all kinds of "drive by" visits...from many places around the country and even world...and I never know who they are...I wish they'd comment too!
ReplyDeleteAnd I feel you on the spread too thin stuff...that would be why I only post on my blog about oh, 1-2 x a month lately haha.
Can't wait to see your etsy shop!
Have a great 4th of July in the greatest place on earth <3
You are the kindest, sweetest, most sincere blogger out there, Ang! Seriously, you have the biggest heart, and for that I'm so thankful to 'know' you through this great community.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what your shop is!! I'll be ready, money in hand, to be your first customer! :)
xoxo
Take all the time you need Angie!! You are always SUCH a sweetheart, and we all know it!! Once blogging becomes a stress it's so not fun anymore. I hope it doesn't ever stress you out enough to call it quits!
ReplyDeleteAnd I can not wait to see your etsy shop!!
Hey Angie!
ReplyDeleteI am an all-too-silent reader, but love this space you've created.
Your blog is (I think I've said this before... or perhaps just thought it?) INSPIRATIONAL!
Mostly because you are regularly engaging and engaged in the world around you! And life is meant to be actively lived! I enjoy reading so much about your escapades throughout Maui, but I would read your blog even if you were in IOWA. I really connect with your writing.
I am an *awful* blogger. I told myself I would update it regularly, but so far I am very inconsistent.
but, in the event that I *do* get some wind under my blog sails, I'm at:
www.lizzievance.blogspot.com
lalalalala :)
Hope you get that much needed r & r.
xo
lizzie
Who can post every day!!?? We'll wait for you....If you've noticed no more sign-ins from your regular reader in Tanzania (that's me), it's because I'm in Utah now for the summer. So the Utah one, that's me! Although You probably have more than one Utah reader...
ReplyDeleteI cannot tell you how excited I am for your shop-thats so awesome that you are doing that! And gOod for you for taking a time out-this should not be overwhelming and I feel for you when it becomes that way. No fun. Takee the time you need- we all love you and will be here when you get back,whether its 2 days, weeks or months:)
ReplyDeleteI'm here Ang!!! I would never de-follow you. Although I would admit it that I wish you stopped by my blog every once in a while too *wink*. Less than a year until I'm hugging you in Maui!!!!!! WOOT WOOT!!!!
ReplyDeleteno worries, we all need a break from it every now and then! I'll be waiting for your return :)
ReplyDeleteYou have no idea how excited I am for your shop!!
you had me on "being de-followed." I have a few posts coming up that I am SURE is going to cost me some followers, and you know what??
ReplyDeleteI do. not. care.
So gonna check out your etsy shop when it opens. I place my bets it will be awesome.
My dear friend from across the world. I so love you very much. I love that we are apart of one anothers lives even though it's through writing. I thank you for your support. I feel emotionally we are going through the same thing and I know we've written to each other about it. I hope with your Etsy shop that is leading you in a better direction. I'm praying that with mine. When you do put your shop up let me know so I can adverise the heck out of it on my blog and Facebook :) I'm so proud of you! So very, very proud.
ReplyDeleteLove you!
Katie
PS - Breakfast for dinner is the best ;)
Just wanted to say I'm reading! And I can't wait to see your etsy shop- I know it will be great!! You can and do find me at livejournal.com/mobwife. xoxo, L
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with a little time-out every now and then! I totally feel what you're saying. I hit the blog pretty hard in June and now I'm ready to take it a little easier in July. It's a busy, crazy month anyway, so nothing wrong with taking a breather!
ReplyDeleteDon't feel too bad about de-follow-ers. I sometimes de-follow blogs that I just don't connect with, so if that was the case with your de-follow-ers, who needs 'em anyway, right? ;P
Hi! I'm a follower, but not a commenter!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a good "time-out" and that you had a great holiday weekend!
Hi Angie! I hope your break is what you need it to be! You are such an inspiration! I agree with you when you say that you post not for the quantity but the quality of post. I don't believe in putting up something that's there just to be there. Thanks for all the support you've given me!
ReplyDeleteHi there Angie, i'm reasonably new to blogging in here, even though i'v had a blog account since 2007, it was jus t this year i came bak to fulfill its purpose of 'blogging'..Hey, just wanted to say thanks for your candid honesty about where things are @ for yourself & blogging. Being new in here, i appreciate how inspiring you've been..Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteOh. my. gosh. I just wrote you the longest comment EVER, but then when I hit submit or whatever I got an error page and lost it. I want to stab my eyeballs out right now.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I said something along the lines of I TOTALLY FEEL YA and I get super overwhelmed with comments and emails too. But people need to understand that your posts are your messages to us, and our comments are our messages to you. I never expect a reply, because I KNOW how hard it is to return all comments. It's a catch 22, because the more you interact with your readers, the more they interact with you... there's no end to it! Having said that, I really DO try to respond to especially nice comments or comments from new followers. It's important to maintain that interaction, and I justify it because I run my blog like a business, and fully believe it will turn into something GREAT. :)
And re: defollowing. Sister, this happens to me almost daily. It doesn't even bother me anymore. I'm always curious as to why ppl unfollow, but what's important is that you remain true to youself and NEVER second guess yourself.
Can't wait for your Etsy shop!!!
((DON'T REPLY TO THIS COMMENT!!!)) :P
I appreciate this post. And I hear you on the momentary stab of seeing that you're down a follower. Although I've yet to figure out a way to see what follower I've lost.
ReplyDeleteThe day I posted about Grandpa's death is the day I lost a follower. I had to wonder why. Did they not want me to be real about my sadness? Or did they only like reading about Grandpa stories? And then I figured it probably had absolutely nothing to do with me!
And now I just appreciate those who choose to journey along with me on my blogging adventure.
Keep it up, Angie! I enjoy the posts you make :).