Monday, September 2, 2013

Blogging - Behind the Scenes

Woman Writing Letter at Bureau

In the early morning hours, before the family woke up, I used to write here about homemaking. 

These were like visits. I often shared what was going on in my own home.  In the beginning, I wrote daily. This has slowed down to a point where I am only able to write a few times a month.

A few times, I tried to quit blogging. I even packed up my old laptop and put it away for almost a month.  I didn't write at all.  I was in the middle of a physical breakdown and was bedridden for a time.  Writing wasn't possible. When I recovered, I came back at a slower pace.   The pressure seemed to be off.  (Why do we feel pressure to blog?)   I changed my own rules and made things much easier to write.  It was different. Things were better.  I could write when I was well enough. 

I started to put together books, thinking there might be a time I had to stop here.  I wanted to get the books ready for anyone who wanted them, so I didn't have to worry about what would happen to the blog - If I stopped writing, or if my computer broke, or if I lost all the files.  The books became a permanent, safe place for some of the writings.

I have done many things with this blog. I have reviewed hundreds of products, books, food and movies. A few years ago, I was sent off on a trip to Boston by T.J. Maxx and Marshalls and treated like royalty.  The trip came at such a wonderful time.  I also worked with Erin Chase at $5 dinners for almost 2 years, writing recipes. I thought it was a volunteer job but was delighted to be paid.  I have graduated 2 of my 5 children during my blogging years here. I became a grandmother, and started a small book publishing company.  I have publicly homeschooled and shared much of our life.  I have gotten to know many people by visiting blogs; and reading the comments and emails of my own visitors.  I have been greatly blessed and encouraged by you, the readers. I am so grateful.

Behind the Scenes of this blog, is a normal family, with normal troubles.  I have often written despite tears and pain. I have often written through financial troubles or family worries.  But most of the time, there have been joyous times and seasons and I have loved writing during those times the most.

Last month, after 4 and 1/2 years, my blog reached a milestone, of one million views.  I know there are far bigger blogs than this one,  and far better ones, but I was so grateful!  I am so grateful.

I appreciate your patience with me, even when I have an occasional public breakdown (who hasn't?)  - gentle smiles -  When one is one's own editor and publisher, sometimes things get through the blog that we look back and say, "I better delete that post!"   We all learn to focus on what we want to write about and do our best to maintain some dignified privacy:  Because blogs are public.  We have friends and family who read, but we also have random strangers and "drive-by" readers who visit once by accident and aren't able to find it again. There are also readers who cause trouble.  Many bloggers have dropped out and deleted their entire blogs because of the troublemakers.  Others have changed the settings on their blogs to make them "private" for invited readers only - genuine friends and family.

This is a public blog and will always be a public blog.  When I make mistakes, I will just go back and adjust my writing or delete things when it is called for.  But public blogging does bring some pressure.  It is an incredibly hard volunteer job with little or no pay.  It is a work of love.

I wanted to share this with you today, because I notice things are changing. I am blogging much less than I would like.  My hands keep swelling up, making it difficult for me to do much. Even though I have wanted to write each morning, I can't physically do the work.   I have stopped hand-sewing and knitting projects. The last few weeks, I can't seem to find time, energy or strength to write.   I don't want you to think I am ignoring the blog.  I also feel so bad when I can't respond to all emails and comments.  I can't visit blogs like I used to. I can't keep up with the sweet return visits I would love to do for the 'callers' who come here and leave me a note.   I love that you visit and encourage me!

I also want to thank you so much for shopping through my amazon affiliate links, and the occasional donations that come in!  This income is an incredible blessing that helps with food, clothing and the heat of this old Vermont Estate.  May God bless you richly for your kindness!

So now I am back to blogging only when my health will allow.  I still have a great many review obligations, which I am looking forward to. But things will be slow.  .  Thank you for making this blog a lovely place for me to write.  Thank you for your prayers and sharing your wisdom and kindness with me. 

Thank you for taking the time to be here. 


Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

Is your Fridge clean?  - Beware of Random Kitchen Inspections.

Mother's Holiness - Amazing Dedication.

Trouble with Mister - Forgotten Kindness in Marriage.



Order My Books:


For Home-keeping Inspiration, - For The Love of Christian Homemaking

A 90 Day Bible Study, inspired by John Wesley, -  "Early Morning Revival Challenge

To Encourage the Mother of Waywards - Mother's Faith.

The incredible life and marriage testimony of Connie Hultquist  - Dear Kitchen Saints.






An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 






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22 comments:

Glenda said...

Thank you for this blog. I am very blessed by your writings and they have given me pause for thought many times.

Chronic illness is difficult, at best. One day one feels fine, then boom. I have three autoimmune disorders that frustrate me, but God has a reason and I am learning to be patient and not push myself so hard.

I enjoy sewing by hand, quilting, and hand embroidery, but can no longer do it. It hurts my muscles too much and my hands swell, also. Pacing oneself is extremely important.

Thank you for not closing your blog and for writing whenever you feel able. You will continue to be in my prayers.

Many blessings to you.

Anonymous said...

You are in my prayers. Your blog is such a blessing to me, thank you so much.

Mama Said No said...

Dear Gracious Lady--

I am grateful for every word you hve written in the past few years aince I found your blog while parked outside a little college early one morning. It was dark, and I had to find something to do while waiting the sun to come up and the stores to open. I first began looking at blogs that morning, and you were one of the first I found.

You do whatever it takes to get well, and when you find time to blog--we will all be here waiting for you.

Much love,
Bible Babe

Mrs. Laura Lane said...

Dear Mrs. White,
Your letters are worth the wait. May God bring healing to your body, rest to your body and spirit, and the peace of financial stability.

Laura Lane
Harvest Lane Cottage

Anonymous said...

I kind of like that your posts aren't "regular". I certainly don't like the reason behind this (chronic illness), but I love when it pops up in my FB feed that there is a new post, it is like an unexpected treat in my day!
All the best to you and your family-
Brianna

Anonymous said...

Dear Mrs. White,

of all the blogs I have been reading in the last two years, yours has been the most uplifting. Your gentle frankness and transparency is refreshing and filled with wisdom. I will pray for your health issues, and pray for your dear family. Whenever I'm meandering through the internet and find need of encouragement, I can always find it here in your words. So I feel indebted to you and ask God to bless you as you have blessed people like me. Thank you.

Teresa

Janet said...

Mrs. White,

As I've said before, I love your blog and share your posts with my mom. You are one of our favorites! We understand that you cannot write all the time. Just knowing that you WILL write is such a comfort. As Laura said above, your writings are always worth the wait!

Love,
Janet

susie @ persimmon moon cottage said...

Your posts are always well written and inspirational.

In past years I have suffered with problems in my fingers and hands. It is hard to deal with, as it affects almost every activity that one does. Painful, frustrating, and exhausting trying to accomplish the simplest tasks. I hope that your hands will be better soon!

I will keep you in my thoughts and continue to look forward to future posts.

Take care,
Susie @ Persimmon Moon Cottage

dora said...

Its a great blog.

jviola79 said...

May God give you the strength & health to continue blogging! I visited from Titus 2sdays :)
Blessings,
Joanne

Deanna said...

Dearest Mrs. White,
Your blog is one of my favorite blogs. Hope you always blog.
I will pray for your health. Please don't give up. I am sorry there is swelling of the hands.

Over the years, my ankles would swell so badly. I'll have to look it up when I find my book by Judy Lindberg McFarland. She mentions a vitamin for swelling and I did this and it did work. I just can't remember what it was now. There goes the memory.

I have health issues and that is one of the big reasons I blog. My energy level is very low, but told myself I'll do what I can. Reading, typing, sitting, praying, doing paper work, driving a car, some home chores, some slow shopping is my pace for now.

I so enjoy visiting your place.
God bless,
d in the kansas flint hills

Ellen said...

I am so sorry to hear that your health is keeping you from writing as often as you would like.
I do want to share that your blog has been a blessing to me many times. I enjoy my "visits" with you and will keep you in prayer.
Blessings to you, Ellen

Mary said...

Dear Mrs. White,
I am so sorry you are having health issues, despite this you always have a wonderful attitude about life. Your blog has been such a blessing to me. I have loved your transparency about your home and family. I found your blog on a very "blue" day, it was meant to be, I came away feeling revived! Even when I visit your blog and you don't have a new post, I read an old post and always come away with food for thought. Thank you, you have pulled me through some difficult days. Take of yourself.

Tamara said...

Like others have said, yours is one of my favorite blogs and I enjoy the archives, too. I am glad that you feel less pressure with writing less. We know you have a family and home responsibilities, too! Sometimes I am amazed that people write so often - it seems like it would be a big commitment even in good health. Thank you for being an encouraging, godly voice in a distracting world.

Linda said...

I am so glad you are not going to stop writing. You are such an encouragement to the homemakers.
We all love you and will pray for your healing.
Linda

Anonymous said...

Take care of yourself, dear!

Lisa

Anonymous said...

One million views.....wow! That's wonderful. Congratulations! You must know, for sure, that you are touching a spot in people's lives, & have something important to say to them.

I'm sorry about your discomfort, though. I don't know what it's like to have a chronic condition, though I am fighting a short-term (hopefully!) health condition right now, & that causes me lots of fatigue, achiness, etc.

May God allow your good days to be good enough to allow you to write smoothly, & consistently.

sincerely-
Brenda

Unknown said...

Although I spend plenty of time perusing blogs with a thousand cute project ideas (followed by equally as many guilty and discontent thoughts), and hundreds of ways to save money, I always love the godly simplicity I find here. Thank you, a hundred, a thousand times, for the gentle encouragement of example. Quiet and rare on the internet. Many blessings.

Kathy said...

Thank you for your blog and for sharing your thoughts and life with us. You have blessed many of us.

Lisa said...

From one who has been a drive by reader for some time, thank you, and God bless you! :)

Ceil said...

Hi Mrs. White! I had no idea that you were dealing with such pain, I am so sorry. Chronic pain can really drag you down, and I hope you have some relief.

I am so happy that we became blog-friends, and you will have my prayers for sure. I'll always cruise by to see if you wrote anything new, so don't worry about the frequency of your posts.

I appreciate your honesty. You are very courageous.
Ceil

Debbie said...

This post if very timely, as I just awarded you the Lovely Blog Award over at A Million Skies!

Thanks for writing from your heart.