I lost my way with blogging a bit over the summer. It's hard to keep it up on a regular basis when you're away on holiday, or visiting family, or hosting family. The longer I leave it, the more there is to say and the harder it is to get going again. Blogging works best for me when I'm back in my usual routines, as I am now. I do sometimes worry that my posts are repetitive, but I don't think you can blog for any length of time and not have this worry. Some of the things I most like writing about, like the change of seasons, what I'm making or cooking, what makes me happy - well, there is going to be some inherent repetition in that. And that's ok.
I remember when I first started blogging, almost three years ago, reading something online about how to write a blog, and one of the things that particularly stood out was write little and often. And when I started my blog, I did that, for no-one starts writing a blog when they're pushed for time, you start when you have space in your life a new venture. I can't post as often as I once did, but I would like to post more frequently.
I've been able to spend a little more time on this space lately, and I've enjoyed that. I've added three new pages (Craft Projects, Friday Happies and Press & Sponsors) to the sidebar on the right, which all feels a bit tidier. I've been meaning to get all my tutorials in one place for ages and it was satisfying to do that. Do you remember, ages ago, when I wrote about our mantel, and how I like to follow the seasons and what's happening in our daily life through what I display up there? I'm going to write about this once a month, starting next week, and it will motivate me to be more creative. I'm going to cook something in our new slow cooker once a week, and post about that too. (Thank you so much for the book, website and recipe suggestions by the way, I've noted them all in my blogging notebook.) I've got ideas and I feel engergised and inspired. September always does that to me, it's my New Year.
But this blog would be nothing without you lot, you lovely readers and commenters. Thank you for your interest, your support, your friendship. I started my blog to share and to connect with people, and they are still the reasons I love to blog now.
I missed your more regular blogging over the summer but I know how hard it is to blog regularly. It's also (for me as a new blogger) sooooo hard to know how often to blog, how much to put in each blog, whether to have lots of pictures or more text and so on. It's good to hear that you're feeling energised and inspired; ready for your new year. I'm looking forward to your posts!
ReplyDelete:) I look forward to your cooking posts - I've lost my way with cooking recently! I always use the slow cooker more during the winter, so it will be good to see something different. I hope the return to school is going well. x
ReplyDeleteLove all your posts! No shortage of variety so far!! Loved your cowl in your last post. I think that might be my next crochet project!
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit if a sporadic blogger & think I am often too wordy. The blogs I enjoy following the most are the ones with lots of beautiful photos and not too wordy, so I am trying to do things more that way too. I do find that even when I'm not getting around to posting I am constantly writing a post in my head!
ReplyDeleteI agree - September's my New Year too, always has been. As for blogging: I'm probably going to go for a more image-heavy type of post and save the very texty ones for when I feel strongly enough about something.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing wrong with a bit of repetition either. We enjoy your posts because we have something in common and like reading about the subjects here.
I don't know about you but my blogging notebook's so full of ideas I'm not sure when I'm going to fit them all in.
I suppose it's just a case of being realistic, selective and ultimately limiting yourself to the things you really enjoy blogging about.
Sarah x
Couldn't have said it better myself! xx
ReplyDeleteI agree with a lot of this Gillian and I love the repetition of the seasons. I found it hard to blog over the summer too when life was very relaxed. It's almost like I gain my blogging momentum in term time when life is busier! I love the support and friendship too - your comments on my blog always seem so personal, thank you xo
ReplyDeleteI'm getting back to my little Bloggy space too, just wish I had the know how to revamp it a little, pop a new header on! I'm doing a monthly mantle spot too.....I do love a good mantle! :) xxx
ReplyDeleteGillian, I really relate to this post! September is my new year too!
ReplyDeleteI too would love to post more often (but then I think of the few readers and comments I get on my weekly posts and that I would get even less if I wrote more often and that's a bit disheartening..)
I like the idea of having a theme to write on weekly/monthly. I'll certainly look forward to your slow cooker posts!! Actually, I always look forward to your posts, especially your Friday happies. They always make me happy too!
And I have to say I don't tire of your crafty/change of season/mantel posts.. I love your blog just as it is, but I certainly won't complain about more frequent posts ;-)
Oh, don't be disheartened by things like reader numbers of commenters, I feel bad that you'd be put off by things like that! Just blog for yourself. Visiting lots of new blogs to say hello might encourage more people to stop by yours, you could try that...if you have time! x
DeleteThanks Gillian! I don't have many readers but I genuinely appreciate the ones I have :-) - and I'm very happy to count you as one of them!
DeleteHi Gillian - I'm with you there. I reckon all our blogs are usually the first thing to go when time gets squeezed, and we need to be kind to ourselves. Mine is often full of the mundane, and the little things that float my boat - but, hopefully, others can relate to my posts, too. My life rarely gets 'exciting' (thank goodness, as I wouldn't be able to keep up!) and I love to read the day to day stuff in other lives, too. Keep going, your blog is great! I especially love the Friday happies x
ReplyDeleteJust discovered your blog and it is lovely! Keep posting!!!
ReplyDeleteAlways love your posts, Gillian! xxx
ReplyDeleteI was the same, but for different reasons. It took me 10 minutes to work out how to get back in to blogger! Welcome back...X
ReplyDeleteConnecting with you right now on so many levels. Getting myself together, two girls now at school, cooking, crafting and entering the world of work again. I secretly must say I like short posts BAM! a instant hit of happiness for me and I always get it here. Jo x
ReplyDeleteI think the BAM thing is why Instagram is so popular - just a quick photo and a few words, but the same feeling of connection. It's not a patch on blogging from my point of view though. x
DeleteI think you have a lovely blog and I enjoy everything you have shared here. I think little and often is a great approach and I strive for it too.
ReplyDeleteThis is where *I* feel repetitive (I've attempted to reassure a few of my favorite bloggers recently - I think many of us of the same ilk feel the same this time of year - slowing down a bit after a busy summer, moving into *our* New Year), but one of the best things about blogging is the friendships. A good friendship can pick up right where it left off after a break, with no damage done! We find tremendous enjoyment in each other's lives; the projects, family bits, tasty treats, hopes, and dreams, with occasional sharing of the not so nice bits of life. Blogging connects us with kindred spirits, of which we may be short of in "real life". I look forward to seeing what the next year brings to your blog - the slow cooker ideas, especially. I love my slow cooker, and am actually preparing to fill ziploc bags full of slow cooker ingredients for the freezer! It's about time, hahaha!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are back and feeling rejuvenated on your blog.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Meredith
Love your blog and have just used your Victoria again with homemade blackberry jam works so well ,thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to go away. but always so good to come home again. We love our slow cooker, I shall look forward to seeing what recipes you have for us xx
ReplyDeleteOops Victoria Sponge recipe!
ReplyDeleteHey Gillian,
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure whether I can add anything more to all the loveliness above. I guess we are all works in progress, and nothing stands still. I certainly feel it at the moment, what with Pops starting school and Sam doing his ucas applications. Your blog is a favorite of mine. I miss it - and you - when it's not there!!
Leanne xx
Keep blogging Gillian, as it lovely to hear about your life's adventure and yes, we all get behind at times.
ReplyDeleteThings can be so busy (even for us oldies on holiday), but as long as we can get to it when we are able, I'm sure we'll still have our favourite followers. I'll try and post soon, though we'll be heading off from Cornwall tomorrow towards Kent. Take care.
September is the month when the evenings draw in and for me I feel inspired to try different recipes in the kitchen and I am re energized, planning new projects to knit and crochet.
ReplyDeleteCatching up with your blog is always a pleasure so shall look forward to reading your new features.
Dearest Gillian, do you mind if I copy and paste this post to my blog? ;-} It just rings so utterly, absolutely true! I feel exactly the same, thank you so, so much for sharing your thoughts! Lots of love, Chrissie x
ReplyDeleteNot at all, I am flattered you would want to!! x
DeleteI feel the same too Gillian, although my lack of Mojo was from the Winter as well as being very busy with our new project at home. I had a month off without even realising it! It doesn't matter though, life ebbs and flows and I guess our online spaces do the same. I actually feel a bit energised from the break and have made some cosmetic changes to the old blog. I always love catching up with whatever you are up to or writing about regardless of how often or little you write so keep on keeping on! Mel x
ReplyDeleteI think there's a seasonal rhythm to blogging which is quite comforting. I can feel that you have renewed energy for this space which is lovely, I do so always enjoy your posts and I shall look forward to the regular ones. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteYour's is one of my favoutrite blogs. Glad you're feeling reinvigorated! I'd miss it if you disappeared.
ReplyDeleteJacqui x
I've found this summer one of the hardest yet for some reason. I guess I normally ease back on posts during the holiday weeks but this time I didn't and to be honest it was just too much! Next year I'm definitely going to take it a little easier - I might even plan some time off! But yes, that 'little and often' rule is one I read too and I always try to keep it in mind. Especially as I'm so slow at writing posts!!
ReplyDeleteS x
Don't ever stop blogging Gillian - your posts are always lovely, its just like dipping in to your favourite magazine. I don't think it matters one bit that we each post on a theme, have our favourite subjects, blog on what we like and so on. I thought Heather at Pink Milk had such a good idea over the Summer of just taking a month or so out to stop and re-group and draw breath, maybe we should declare August Summer Holiday month and all come back to blogging refreshed and ready to go come September.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend Gillian,
Kate x
Kate, do you know I think that's a brilliant idea. Sometimes we just need a break. I bet I find the minute I declare myself to be "on a break" I'll be desperate to blog again, I'm contrary like that! x
DeleteI marvel at people who have the energy and content to blog every day, which I think takes the little and often a bit too far. I rather like it when blogs ebb and flow with the seasons and would rather someone took time off than felt they had some sort of obligation to blog; after all the world won't fall apart if they don't write. I also enjoy the comfort of seasonal repetition and regular features. Glad you're feeling energised.
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to know what is too much or not enough. I guess we have to go with how we feel, what is going on, how busy we are etc. Sometimes two days in a row feels right, other times a week between posts is ok too. Thank you. x
DeleteI just love your blog, the way you write and photograph. I feel both peaceful and energised every time I come here so thank you!
ReplyDeleteOh gosh Hannah, thank you so much!
DeleteWell done with the organising, but I just wanted to let you know I enjoy browsing your blog. It's nice to fall into something I didn't expect to be interested, going from a recipe to a craft project to something completely different is interesting.
ReplyDeleteDitto to all your feelings in this post Gilliam. You blog is lovely, a real celebration of seasonal life and your family's journey. Keep on keeping on! I find if I roll with the ebb and flow of blogging my mojo eventually resurfaces. Have a great weekend lovely. Bee xx
ReplyDeleteThank you all very much for your encouraging words and support. xx
ReplyDeleteYour post is so encouraging and timely for me, Gillian. I know some of the little blogging things that you are SUPPOSED to do...write little and often, etc...and sometimes I feel the pressure of trying to keep up; this is my personality. But then I try remember that the whole purpose for my particular blog is to keep up with friends and family. They don't care if I have a "brand" or not. They just like to keep in touch. (Sorry. I'm giving myself a pep-talk here apparently!) Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! It maybe hard for me to keep up with my blog reading sometimes, but I LOVE your blog and seeing what you have been working on! *Hugs* and Happy Weekend to you! :)
ReplyDeleteI've been feeling the same, you're not alone! I'm trying to pull myself (and my blog) together!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is lovely, such a treat to read. I have found it really comforting to know that there are other women out there thinking similar thoughts. Take care Lucy x
ReplyDeleteI think Summer is a difficult time to dedicate to blogging, I have felt exactly the same!! I think once autumn is here and the shorter days and the colder nights kick in, I think being drawn back into the world of writing and sharing is an inviting prospect! I always love popping by yours for a read! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your blog Gillian and love to go through the archives as well as look at your new posts. Looking forward to more posts in the future. xx
ReplyDeleteI am so happy I stumbled upon your inspiring blog a few years ago! I love everything you post, especially anything that has to do with home decorating, gardening, cooking, and of course, family. Thanks for being here, Gillian! I am so glad we are blog and Instagram friends :)
ReplyDeleteI think it's amazing that anyone can write a blog regularly regardless of repetition! Even now that I don't have children at home to look after or take to school or escort to music or whatever extra mural activities children do these days, I still find my days are filled, so I applaud your efforts and always enjoy reading them even if I'm not (a) a young mum or (b) a needlewoman or craftswoman of any type! Just write when you can, and whatever you write, will be interesting to me as it's a window on another domestic world and that I always like to see.
ReplyDeleteMargaret P
Recently, I discovered that the Eastern Orthodox consider September 1, to be the start of their church year. That this coincides with the start of the school year is appealing to me, and it is the time of year that I started my blog, One Saylor's Log. I am glad that you enjoy blogging too, Gillian, and I am enjoying getting to know you through Tales From A Happy House. I have a pages section, but want to learn how to organize my posts as you have. Thanks for posting! xx
ReplyDeleteI have forgiven myself now for not blogging during term time and look forward to holiday catch ups. As is always the way, this means I worry less and get more done! Blogging, like crafting, is my treat for work well done x
ReplyDeleteYour blog was one of the first ones that I followed and was also one of those that inspired me to start my own. Thanks for being here and for continuing to blog. It's always a pleasure to read your posts. x
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your blog Gillian, beautifully written and gorgeous photographs and I am so glad that you continue to share with us. I have been finding it difficult lately to have the time to blog and have been posting a little less than I used to, but sometimes other things come first don't they? It's all about achieving a balance and it seems like you do that very well.
ReplyDeleteMarianne x
Gosh I think you post really regularly,! I think you know how much I love your blog, partly because it helps me yo remember the lovely family days of my own. Your plans sound great. I might think about a slow cooker, will you ever make vegetarian?xxx
ReplyDeleteI lost my way with blogging when I was pregnant with no.2 and the dreaded morning sickness hit! He's now 17 months old and I still haven't found my way back properly... Maybe once he starts nursery in 2016 (!!!) I'll get there :-D x
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore your blog, Gillian, and am excited for your new posting ideas. I too feel that I lose touch a little in the summer, and that I do much better when in the school year routine. Summers are for being carefree and having fun...we, as readers, understand that! :)
ReplyDeleteI've been a tad sporadic in my blogging lately--and have just remembered that I paid for blog sponsorship this month, so whoops! The beginning of a new school year has completely thrown me and I've also fallen in love with quilting so that's taking up all my time.
ReplyDeleteBlogging has an ebb and flow I think we all find ourselves fighting at times. I deliberately chose to take a step back this summer and rethink the what and why of my blog ... while everyone else, bloggers and readers alike, was busy with summer stuff seemed to be the best time to make changes. I'm still not sure I've sussed exactly where I'm going, but I'm getting there, and you are one of those who most inspires me, not least because I know just how tough it is to just keep turning up to blog, let alone blogging to the standard you do, and also because of the variety to be found here. Whatever form your blog takes it will always be brilliant I'm sure..
ReplyDeleteI think all bloggers feel like that from time to time. We use it to record our life and inevitably that life just gets in the way at times.
ReplyDeleteI've struggled this past year to record much as when my job changed and I now work every afternoon it meant a big change in routine and blogging has been the thing which has slipped. Plus I haven't been happy at work, the job wasn't a good choice and we've had major upheaval at home with the death of our son's brother. Blogging has been there when I had the time or energy and I'm thankful that I have been able to post the odd snippet to keep things ticking over. Thankfully I have another new job coming up soon so I hope to regain more of a sense of work/life balance and with that a return to the blogworld. Which will also mean I' not always playing catch up with reading everyone else's!
I hope you continue to blog, I love your posts, seeing parts of the country up North I'm not familiar with and sometimes spying those closer to home!
Have a lovely evening out tonight.
Lisa x