I have been blogging now for almost 5 years and have enjoyed it most of that time. I have shared projects, my thoughts, my opinions, my life experiences from day to day and even shared part of my most deepest feelings during this time.
I am afraid though it maybe time for me to stop. I have noticed that I hardly get any comments on the projects I post and there are other things I can do with that time that it takes to set up a project for photographing, taking the pictures, editing the pictures, uploading the pictures, trying to remember a supply list and then writing about the project. And now for me to share files takes even more time to make sure the files are correct, get them ready in two different formats and then upload them and then link them back to my blog. In all it generally takes at least an hour for me to do all this and
when you think of how many hours I have put in to it then that is a lot
of hours I could spend doing something else. While an hour may not seem like much to most people it is precious to me. I know a lot of people forget I work a full time job as well and that crafting is not my life but my hobby.
I have had a love hate relationship with this blog of mine. I hate that I feel so tied to it but love that I can share so much. I know there is way more love than hate though. I love that so many of you have been supportive during rough times I have experienced and even shared your experiences with me, always making me realize I am not alone in any trial or tribulation I face in my life.
I have posts scheduled to finish out the week. After that I am not sure if I will continue. Maybe after 5 years it is time to move on to something else in my life...what it is I have no idea.
I will miss reading your posts. But can understand how you feel. I wish you the best in whatever you decide. Thank you for sharing so much of you with us!
ReplyDeleteOkie,
ReplyDeleteI for one would hate to see you discontinue your blog; I am not selfish enough that don't totally understand either. I enjoy your post and read them most days but I am guilty of not posting even though I think you are an awesome crafter and I do appreciate the time and effort that goes into your posts. Thank you for sharing and applaud you for whatever decision you make!
Do what you need to do. I know time is short. I, for one will hate to see you go. You have given me lots of inspiration over the years. Your blog was one of my first to start my addiction to card making. Of the five I really followed there are only two that are very active any more, including yours. Now there will be only one. I guess I will have more time too! Good luck to you. I wish you well but you will be missed"
ReplyDeleteOkie- I just wanted to let you know that I have enjoyed your projects and blog for years. I don't post often, and I doubt you know who I am. I just wanted to say that I appriciate you and your creativity. That said, I can totally understand that blogging takes time and effort. I stopped blogging regularly last summer because I simply don't have the time. I have chosen to keep my blog more as a personal record of my crafting thank anything else. I post occasionally, but it is more for me than for anyone else. I hope you will do the same.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with your decision.
Missie
Oh I'm so sad to hear this, but I totally understand. Time is precious and you have to spend it wisely. Take care...and know that you have made an impact on so many of our lives in such a positive way. You have always been such a positive soul!!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading your blog everyday. Its usually one of the first things I read.
ReplyDeleteYou know Okie, it's not because we don't leave a comment every time that we don't read your blog. I think you're one of the funniest person I know and I love coming over and peaking at a slice of your life. Good luck with whatever you decide and know that you're a wonderful person! Hugs, Brigitte
ReplyDeleteI read your blog a lot and I am one of the many friends you have on FB, but I am guilty of not leaving a comment. If I do comment about something you have made, I usually comment about it on FB.
ReplyDeleteI have a blog on my Avon site and it is a pain at times for me to keep up with that and it is not equipped with the ability to upload pictures so I can only imagine how much work it is for your to do the uploading, editing and so on.
For me when something is no longer fun to do, it is time to move on and do something else.
I do love looking at all the projects you have made. You are an extremely talented paper crafter, but I understand where you are coming from.
Glenda
This makes me sad, but ultimately you need to do what is in your heart and what gives you pleasure and I support that. I hope you don't stop your blog because I think it is one of the best blogs out there and I derive a lot of pleasure from it. I look forward to new posts. Since I 'follow' your blog I usually see when new posts are up when I'm reading FaceBook... but I realized last night that I don't always see those posts so I have now added your blog to my favorites so I can physically check daily. You are extremely talented, I have always been in awe of your crafting ideas and talents. I also enjoy reading your posts. I love your sense of humor and enjoy reading about your life. I sincerely apologize for not commenting on your blog posts. I certainly know through experience how much input can mean and I vow to comment in the future if you do decide to continue the blog. Maybe you need a break... or maybe posting less often would help. If posting here has come to feel like an obligation and a stress in your life, then obviously YOU come FIRST and those of us who have come to care about you need to understand and support whatever decision you make. I hope you will still share photos of your projects on FB even if you don't include detailed instructions. You are one of the most talented craters I know and I sure will miss your posts. My thoughts and prayers are headed your way. I hope you get an outpouring of love and comments from your fans. I know I am not alone in desperately hoping you continue your blog. Now I am waiting for my comments to show up. Since I haven't commented before my comments must need your approval to post. I have posted on your FB comments many times so you should know I am a fan. Hugs and Best wishes to you, Okie... and thank you so much for all you have shared in your blog in the past 5 years. I am a huge fan and shall miss you more than you can know if you stop blogging.
ReplyDeleteOkie I have always enjoyed your blog reading about your crafts and about your life. I do not always coment about your posts, but I always enjoy what you say and do.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, it's sad to hear that you are going to give up.
ReplyDeleteI also work full time & not only have hubby & an 18 yr old to contend with BUT my eldest two kids have their little families too.
I love crafting & have made a new years resolution to do more. I'd love to get back onto a DT to keep my mojo going.
I have quite a few followers & to be honest I don't get lots of comments on my work either!! compared to others.
Crafting is my hobby too.
I do hope you will re-consider x
hugs sally x
sallysbitz.blogspot.co.uk
Don't stop posting. It's your life, it's who you are. Maybe you can just post pics of your projects and if people want the details they can contact you via your blog. It is very time consuming to do all that you do. I get it, but we enjoyed reading about your life experiences and seeing your projects. Take the pressure off yourself and just post pics but don't quit blogging!!! Love ya!!
ReplyDeleteI have read your blog daily for many years - and I love it! It is usually the first one I go to. I don't comment often, unless I have something different to say than another poster. I guess I never thought about it from your viewpoint... Now I feel guilty. I enjoy your non-craft posts as much as the crafty ones, but I really love your work - it's awesome!
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed your blog and it is one that I typically check everyday to see if there is a new post. However, I will admit that I have not been vigilant in posting comments to let you know how much I have enjoyed your projects. I totally understand how overwhelming this can become with all of the rest of your life happening around you too. I wish you good luck in whatever you decide.
ReplyDeleteCindy B.
I am also guilty of reading & not commenting. I really enjoy your blog and follow you on facebook. You make me laugh and I enjoy your stories and antics. I love seeing the crafts you make. You are a very talented crafter & I learned everything I know about CDS from you. I would download a cut file & study it to see how in the hell you did it! I was hoping to learn the new systems too. But as said before; I totally understand needing to use your time for what gives you pleasure. I hope it's just a break or you post once in awhile. I will still follow you on facebook because face it you are one funny ass girl that makes me rotflmao! Good luck with whatever decision you make. XOXO pghgirl Lynn
ReplyDeleteOkie - I love your blog and so enjoy reading your posts about your life, you are an excellent writer along with a very talented crafter. I am guilty of reading your blog everyday and not commenting. I know how much those comments mean as I have a blog also and I get way way less comments then you do. In fact I have had a hard time lately even posting to my blog, my last post was Nov 29 YIKES! I know how much time it takes and I totally understand (obliviously since I haven't posted in 6 weeks).
ReplyDeleteI will truly miss you but you have to do whatever you feel in your heart. Maybe cutting down to posting just once a week or twice a month instead of completely going away.
HUGS
Donna
Hi Okie -
ReplyDeleteYou have been a true inspiration to me in more ways than one! I'm with Donna, you must do what you need to do - I would love to see you post less often than no more - I do read you blog every day and post as often as I can, but I certainly understand your feelings.
We love 'ya lady,
Jackie
Not much left to say that hasn't been said in other posts. Just know that whatever you decide we are all behind you. You will be missed terribly but working and feeding our desires to become part of your world takes a lot of time and energy. Now it is to take some "Okie time". Will keep you in my favorites and continue to check daily. Because after all you are my "computer next door neighbor". Wishing you all the best in whatever you decide. :)
ReplyDeleteI am a bad blogger friend - as I read all of your posts but do not comment very much. I am hoping that you will not stop blogging and I completely understand that this is not your job but a hobby. It is for me too.
ReplyDeleteI guess really I just don't want to lose touch with you - although we have never met I have prayed for you and Shiane. Enjoyed seeing her grow and with the introduction of Chuck the laughs and joy that it has brought both of you.
I have truly enjoyed your blog over the years. I don't comment since I usually read it at work. I have enjoyed reading your posts from the old days of the circut message board. (I lurked there too) I understand if you need to stop, but you will truly be missed. good luck
ReplyDeleteI afraid I am one of the readers
ReplyDeletewho reads you dailly but does
not comment. I will really miss
you if you decide to stop.
for what it is worth I really
really enjoy your blog
fergie
Please don't go....there I said it and yes I'm being selfish :)
ReplyDeleteKidding aside, you need to do what makes you happy. I so do enjoy your blog. The beautiful projects and the way you tell a story! Can't beat that on any other blog. I will miss you terribly but totally understand your reasons.
Take care and do what is right for you.
Kim S. in N. Ca.
If you give up your blog where the heck am I supposed to steal ideas? You'll wind up having to email me and Carmen photos, etc. so why not just put them on here! lol!
ReplyDeleteMaybe don't spend so much time on the descriptions and instructions for each of your projects. Let blog readers figure them out!
You can see from the comments on this post as well as FB that people rely on you for information and that they like seeing what you make.
Besides, we discussed this before. Our blogs are for us, whether anyone else reads them or not!
If you are writing your blog only for other people and comments that you get, then maybe it is time to stop. If you get no enjoyment out of blogging, then maybe it is time to stop. But from what I have read, it seems as though you enjoy it and it's used as an "out" for you to express your feelings (which you may not need anymore. I hope for the best in whatever you do!
ReplyDeleteI understand your lack of time and understand if you decide to stop although I sure will miss seeing all your projects ! Your projects are always such an inspiration to me !
ReplyDeleteAnna
ann2236@juno.com
Oh! Okie I'll so miss you if you stop. I love reading about your life and love love seeing your crafts. I don't always comment... but I always look and smile. I check your blog almost everyday! I always admire people who blog because it is so much work and the sharing that you do always makes my heart sing. I wish I was as computer savvy as you!
ReplyDeleteSandy R. MN
I'll miss your blog! I enjoy your craft projects as well as life dialog. If you change your mind I'll be here!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry. I'm one of those who read but don't comment. I actually just started reading blogs in the past year or so and you are one reason why. After I met you on the Cricut cruise last April I started following your blog. I never knew that the comments people leave were important to the blogger. I kind of just thought that people blogged to express themselves and to keep in touch with their close friends/followers. I always felt I was just a member of the audience. I realize now from your post Shirley, that it is important that we comment as it validates that we enjoy what you do. I know I get a kick out of reading your blog. I may not read every day, but when I see your post on FB with a link, I click over to read the full post. From now on I will comment when I do. Thanks for sharing your projects and life with us. I'm really glad I met you last year and I could just kick myself that I didn't get to know you a little better while we were on the cruise. I'm a bit shy at first, but when you get to know me. Well then you can't get my yapper shut! As you can probably tell by this long post!
ReplyDeleteOkie, I am hanging my head in shame as I read your blog every day and very rarely comment. I am sooo sorry, and I am also sorry you feel this way. Just know that you ARE appreciated and loved by all of us even though we don't say it a lot. You are a bright spot in my day whether it be on your blog or on Facebook. I totally enjoy reading what you have been up to, crafty or not. And I promise I WILL start commenting more.
ReplyDeleteI do understand if you stop blogging though. When it becomes a job instead of a hobby, and it is no longer fun for you, it is time to stop. Or maybe just post once a week with a recap of your antics and craft projects for the week. I am being selfish here because I hate to see you quit altogether...lol. I understand whatever you ultimately decide though. Just know you have a lot more supporters than you think you have.
I am so sorry. I don't comment much it is harder to log into this and comment. I do however comment on most everything on the fb :). However I do read them and appreciate all that you do and time that you spend doing it.
ReplyDeleteI understand your wanting to discontinue.
I will continue to harass you on the FB.
Please don't go Okie! I need one friend on this planet, even though we have never met. Pictures are worth a thousand words! So if time is that important to you just show us pictures. Is your daughter's name Shiane or Porsche? I bet Okie has a boy(Man)friend!!!
ReplyDeleteI have so enjoyed your wonderful sense of humor and crafting style- but have to confess that I read your posts on blogger, so I am usually a day behind. I hope you do what will make you happy- just know that you will be missed if you go. I really value what you do, and I am so sorry that I don't comment more! Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteThis post does not really even sound like okieladybug. I seriously wonder if someone has hacked your site. Maybe it's cricut revenge?? I did not see you being one who needed to be stroked. Did someone slip you something? I think you should do what makes YOU happy, what ever that is. If is is sharing, then share. If it is not posting every day, don't post every day, but I sure did not see "oh poor me, no one likes me" coming. I hope you can do what makes you happy and not feel like the world had pooped in your post toasties. Would you really care if they did? Throw it out and get a new bowl of Tiger Flakes!! I love what you do! You do what you love and when you love to do it.
It's so ironic that you post this because one of my New Year's resolutions, was to give flowers to the living; that through out my year, I would comment more about the goodness of people and let it be known how much I have enjoyed them. Even though I don't comment much, I have enjoyed reading and learning from your blog. Not only about crafts but also about life lessons. I have shared many of your bloggings with my family and friends and it's made some interesting conservations with margaritas to say the least. :D Thank you so much for sharing your talent, knowledge and life with us. I hope you don't stop but if it doesn't give you pleasure to do so, then I certainly understand. Just keep us posted on what you are doing next 'cause you say some funny "chit" and I don't want to miss it!
ReplyDeleteI agree with most of what everyone else has already said.
ReplyDeleteI do read your blog probably since you had it, unless it was before you joined the Cricut MB. No, I don't comment as much as I should. But I do comment more than I did at the beginning. Sometimes everybody has already said what I would have said.
So I just don't post anything, but then I do try to post something on FB or at least like it on FB so you know that I have read it. But I do understand your frustrations. I haven't posted anything on my blog in over a year I think. Sorry :(
Don't go! I need your inspiration.
ReplyDeleteEnough said.
I always love reading your posts, stories, and thoughts. I dont always post but, you are one of the blogs I have kept which I check at least once a week. I can imagine that if I meet you in person that you would have me in stitches your blog stories funny but, they also are heart touching at times. Just know I will check back periodically to see if you have started up blogging again. Until that time thank you my internet friend for sharing your talent, stories and life with us.
ReplyDeleteYou will be missed ...your humor and fun post always make me smile. My favorite project...sexy princess cards!! Enjoy your hobby!!!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blog and have gotten lots of inspiration from it. I am guilty of not posting and have no real excuse for it.
ReplyDeleteI hope you will continue and I promise to leave you some comments.
I own a service oriented business so I do know how good it feels to get thanked so THANK YOU OKIE!!!
Oh no, don't go!!! I am guilty of being a lurker...not only here but all over the net. Until I read your thoughts on blogging I didn't realize the importance of commenting on blogs I enjoy and the projects and inspirations from you and probably 30 or 40 other bloggers I come across monthly. I wish I had more time to read, comment, surf and enjoy the art of blogging. Yes, I said art! Not everyone can post a project, thought or story like you can and I have really enjoyed each and every one of them. Thank you for being a part of my life for years...anonymously, but nonetheless you make my day each time I visit your blog. Thank you! Carrie in WA
ReplyDeletePS I do not have a blog as I only get on the computer at night when I can't sleep as I have insomnia and almost nothing helps me sleep...not even your blog! LOL And yes...this post is being written at 2:30 AM and I am wide awake! Hugs Shirley!!!
I'm one of the guilty ones. I read every one of your posts and rarely comment. I don't know why, it only takes a second and I REALLY DO apprecite all that you share. I hope you will continue, but if not I wish you the best in everything you decide to do. Thank you for all you have done in the past.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Claudia
Okie, I'm one of the guilty ones that do not always comment. But I really enjoy your blog. Sometimes it's so funny it makes my day. I also love your cards. I've had a blog for over 3 years and still under 250 followers. I like being able to go back and look at my creations. (some of which have no comments at all) But if you decide not to continus, I understand. Just know you will be sorely missed.
ReplyDeleteOh dear....I must tell the truth...I totally SUCK at posting comments. I love your blog and get so much inspiration from you....not to mention I laugh my butt off. Thank you for sharing your ideas and thoughts with us!
ReplyDeleteShirley....you can't stop your blog, you just can't! Who's "chit" am i going to read that makes me laugh as much as you do? NOBODY!
ReplyDeleteYour projects are inspirational. Love your dirty card series. Always makes me chuckle.
I suggest that instead of stopping completely, just cut back. Maybe don't post as much (although i look forward to your daily posts...lol).
What ever your decision is, i will respect it. Sorry i don't comment on every one of your posts but do know that i read them everyday and think you are a great person but never would want to get on your bad side hahahahaha.
I follow alot of blogs and only very few do i wish that i had an opportunity to actually meet and become friends....YOU are one of those! I would miss ya!
Okie, I love reading your e-mails every day and would be so sad if you stopped blogging. I only follow a couple of blogs...Yours is so inspiring to me.
ReplyDeleteI have been guilty of not commenting even though I am totally inspired by you. I am not much for commenting on anything outside of the Cricut Circle. I will try to post more often.
I have been loving the frames. I am going to print them off for inspiration. I have done a few frames...thanks to you..and I hope to do more.
Hang in there Okie...You have so many admirers and people that look forward to hearing from you every day. God bless, Smoochie
Thanks Okie. I don't come to your blog every day. But it is bookmarked and the first one I click to go and check when I do have time. I don't usually comment, but do occasionally. That is how I am in real life though, not a big "talker". I also have a blog where I share files and ideas from time to time so I do understand fully the "time factor". That is one of the reasons I don't have regular updates. I don't see you as "needing" your feathers stroked, or your ego fed (as a couple insinuated) but simply wanting to know that others appreciate your time and effort into all you do to share. Like you, I would get hundreds, sometimes thousands of downloads and NO comments. One reason I decided is possible the same reason you may have that issue and that is that are "comments" are hidden sorta. You have to look for and find the comment "link" to click on, then you are taken to where to comment and see the other comments. It has been my observation that those who get the most comments have their "comments" being shown on their posts in all their glory. Maybe that "reminds" people to comment, I don't know. I also don't give away freebies and gifts on my blog (unless you count the hard work in preparing the files I give away!) so maybe that is why no one sees the "need". However, I would point out to others the "need" is simple to know that others like what you are sharing and finding joy and/or inspiration from it. I equate it to your family, its good to have them say "thanks" every once in a while rather than simple taking it for granted that you are there taking care of them!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I look forward to your sharing your life, your stories, your files, here on your blog and/or on the MTC forum. Good luck!
Hello! I enjoy your blog and the projects that you make, but I realize what a chore that a blog begins to become. I joined the Cricut Circle at the very beginning and found you there before I found your blog. I created a blog just so I could post my projects to enter the circle contests...I don't blog anymore because it does seem to swallow your life. If you decide to quit altogether, it is understandable, but I will miss you and your projects.
ReplyDeleteLizW in TX
I do read your blog everyday but I am sad to say I am one of those people that don't usually post comments. I am truly sorry for that. I hope you do whatever makes you happy!
ReplyDeleteThank You for everything you do!
I hope you will continue your blog, maybe just once a week or something. I don't want to lose you as an "internet" friend :( I swear if I knew you in person we would have so much in common! Anyhow, I guess I didn't realize that you liked to see comments, and I had no idea that it takes that long to upload all of that stuff. Thanks, I sure hope you continue...
ReplyDeleteSheri
I iove iove your site . Kept it up. Dont give up. Carol
ReplyDeleteI iove iove your site . Kept it up. Dont give up. Carol
ReplyDeleteThank you all for understanding and I hope my post after this one helped clear up any misunderstandings. I don't expect everyone to comment every time but just when you have like 500 hits on a post and there isn't one comment...well it is discouraging. I am so glad MOST of you understand my feelings on this.
ReplyDeleteI am totally guilty of not always commenting. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. I know the work that goes into a blog and I know that you work full time. I'm a stay at home "old" mom and there's not enough hours in the day as it is and I'm home all day! I have been "following" you since the old MB and you tested out some guys pen holders or something like that for the Cricut. My gosh I think that was about 2007! lol I have enjoyed your humor, your dirty cards, your personal storys and everything else from the mb to your blog. I understand how you feel when you don't get any comments but please know that you are loved and would be missed greatly should you decide not to blog anymore. But with that said, you need to do what makes YOU happy and not what makes us happy. Just be happy Shirley, just be happy my friend. Hugs, Brenda
ReplyDeleteOkie - please don't stop blogging. I use google reader because it's so easy to quickly read through the latest posts from the blogs I follow. Thank you for reminding me that I also need to comment on those blogs. I truly appreciate your views on life and other stuff. I love your crafts and the inspiration I have gained from your posts. Finally, I admire how you live your life. You are a very caring individual. Don't desert me. I need to know what machine you are going to get!!! :)
ReplyDeleteOkie...honey...I have to say that i read every one of your blog posts. While I love the sharing of your crafts, the main thing that keeps me reading is you! You!! You make me laugh with your stories, your squirrels, your adventures, and your friends and family. It takes a special person to spend their time not only sharing ideas, but sharing their own 'humanness' along with all of its frailty, insecurity, silliness, craziness. If you choose not to continue, I respect that. The hours in every day of our lives are precious, and the choice to spend each and every one in a way that makes us happy is important. If you make that choice, know that I will miss you...but I won't forget you! I will forever have an image of you spending that extra hour watching the squirrels! Happy hugs...
ReplyDelete