I am being a bad, bad, bad blogger. And for that I apologise. For the moment, I feel all blogged out - is there such a thing as blogger burn out? If so, I think I have it. Not of course that I've noticed a rash or anything, you understand, and there doesn't seem to be any sneezing. I just seem to to have run out of witter and warble. For someone who nearly always has something to say, this is a nasty feeling indeed. Akin to a bad and unrequested dose of laryngitis.
So here I am, sans witter and warble and just a month short of my bloggaversary. Tsk. I started this blog on the 4th of July, last year and did my very first blog post ever - as Atyllah the Hen on the 2nd of July 2006. That's two years at it. Not bad going, I suppose. Perhaps I'm entitled to a rest. It certainly feels like it.
The sad reality is, witter and warble loss notwithstanding, I also I find myself overwhelmed by Stuff. Aside from the general tension in the air , I am also up to my eyeballs in edits, critiques and admin related things - preparatory to our move to the other side of the planet. Needless to say it all makes me more than a little preoccupied.
I'm in two minds as to whether to close down this blog and gracefully retreat from blogosphere. But I also know that if I do it, I will miss it. So... I think what I may do instead is put this blog into an extended/indefinite/protracted/sporadic/now and again hiatus. I may post and visit occasionally (you can put me on your RSS feeds if you want to know when I raise my head above the parapet for a bit of a holler) but for now, I simply don't feel up to regular blogging and it doesn't seem fair to all you wonderful people who have been such loyal blogging buddies to not know where I'm at.
So, on that rather vague note of au revoir - not adieu - I leave you for now. You know where to find me if you'd like to do so - leave a comment, drop me an email, or say hello on Facebook or Flickr. I'll still be around, just otherwise occupied.
And you know, I know exactly what's going to happen... I'm going to bid you au revoir and then tomorrow, sod's law being what it is, I'll find I suddenly have plenty to say. Can you cope with erratic?
Ladies and gentleman, we apologise for any inconvenience caused by temporary disruptions to our normal flight schedules but we hope you've enjoyed your flight with us. Please ensure your seatbelts are securly fastened and thank you for flying with Absolute Vanilla...(& Atyllah).
And in the meantime, be good, have fun, play nicely with each other and share the joy and the love! And remember, life is what you make of it.
54 comments:
The moon and tides wax and wane and as far as I know they're not often accused of being erratic.
I've been blogging for about 2 years as well, and I think it's ok to leave gaps for a while and then post six times in a day if you wish to. Good friendships are like that.
Good luck in all your new adventures, x
Your blogs will be missed! But, at least we still get to "see each other" on Facebook. :-)
(says in a very quiet, reverent tone:)
Will you add me as a friend on Facebook? Even though I'm a new blog buddy?
(then retreats, in case she offended either AV or Atyllah.....)
OH - and I've been blogging for, what, 2 months, and I need to take a hiatus. Don't worry, when you come back everyone will throw a party and there will be champagne and who doesn't want champagne toasts in her honor????
Ok.
Here's the deal. You can do the once-in-a-while thing. Come and go, just don't go.
We already lost Seamus, we can't lose you too, that would just be too (two?) much.
So come back whenever you can, and we will wait and enjoy it when we get to visit with you, and we will miss you enormously while you are gone.
~hugs~
Scarlett & Viaggiatore
Awwww - you're just all sooo sweet! *brushes away a tear*
Okay, Stray, if I can leave great big gaps, then I reckon I might be able to maintain a bit of blogging :-)
Christina - yep, will send you some champagne on FB shortly! ;-)
Aerin - off to hunt you down now - think Janey has a link for you :-) And yes, yes, champagne is always good - and so are champagne toasts - yes, those I can do! ;-)
Alright, thank you Scarlett - the once in a while thing it will be :-) Hugs right back at ya!
Stay well! And drop by to say hi sometimes! We'll miss you! xo
I hope you will come back and 2 years is a great time, so good job.
sweetheart, if I couldn't cope with erratic, I wouldn't cope, period. take whatever time, whenever. just let out a holler from time to time.
whether you come back in five minutes, in 5 days or in five weeks, I'll be glad to give you a read.
take care.
Good luck, and thanks for telling it like it is. Difficult times, but I hope the future is bright for you and one day I'll read you again in happier circumstances.
Had quite a big break myself earlier this year, and I feel like I have come back feeling refreshed and ready to blog again. It's important to be able to rein in when you need to, I think.
Maybe you could keeping dropping by every now and again for your blog fix, without having to post yourself? Whatever you decide to do, I hope to see you around again sometime x
Awww .. never say never but I know what you mean. Sometimes it's an effort and it's supposed to be fun. If you've nothing to say then so be it but you will be much missed. Thank goodness for Reader! And email, and Facebook. Good luck with the edits and plans and Stuff. . . stay erratic but stay in touch!
You know Vanilla, you don't ever have to write an apology post and goodbye's and things. Remember when you first started your blog, it was probably something you did when you felt like it, not something you did when you thought your readers would miss you or that you didn't write often enough and a post is past due etc.
Go do what you need to do and if you feel like sharing some thoughts and photos later, I will be back to read. :)
No pressure, no guilt, no apologies, no goodbyes.
And for fek's sake (pardon my French) please don't shut down shop, there is so much good stuff here to take it all away! It doesn't cost you to keep this blog where it is does it?
Big hugs and chat soon.
Gxoxox
PS: By the way I am not undermining or dismissing your feelings and the need you felt for the post, I am just saying, don't you worry about us, we'll be around, you erratic lovely thing. :p
PS2: Sorry I deleted the previous comment, which was exactly the same as this (thanks to copy paste) but I had to delete serious typo that just had to go. :p :p
hey please dont close the blog, I do understand what you mean and I think I too have gone through a period of blogger burnout..so may be its all for the good, you will come back with a bang.hope to see you again soon
The blogging equivalent of midlife crisis or 7 year itch happens at 2 years apparently because I'm feeling that way too. I'll look forward to your return and I think stray is on to something...
Vanilla - I think everyone gets how you're feeling. Sometimes we all run out of puff when it comes to blogging, writing, exercising, eating (actually that last one NEVER happens to me) - Balance is the thing. I hope you don't quit completely and I shall keep an eye on t'internet to see when you've got a little morsel or piccie to share.
I'm up for a game of Scrabulous any time - although I warn you I'm useless!
The Celts believed that the winter season is for going within to nourish the Spirit and revitalise the Self. Take care of you! We'll still be around.
Bye for the mo.
Good luck with everything.
Awww! AV... but I do understand and totally respect your decision.
Isn't it funny the effect our blogs have on us? One day I can be bubbling over with excitement and enthusiasm for my blog and the next I'm in a huff and want to ignore it. It's almost as if blogs have lives of their own and we're only there as the dogsbody. Maybe they do AV and you may well find yourself compelled to return to the keyboard.
Whatever you do, it should feel right for you.
Thank you for all your wonderful insights and inspiration. Here's to happiness and fulfilment in all that you do.
Steph x
Bloghaustion is a comment ailment that, if not adequately checked, can lead to more serious ailments.
I understand your sentiments entirely. I blog less frequently that I ever did (I have been blogging since early 2005 in one guise or another) and I know only too well how it can eat into lives and plans.
Do what is right for you. The genuine bloggers will understand and keep coming back.
Look at that, I can't even stay on top of replying to comments! Hopeless!
Thanks, Sue - at least you can track of me via Facebook! ;-)
I'm sure I will, Ropi, I took a break from blogging when I gave up my first blog and came back, so maybe this is cyclical.
Aw, you're such a sweetie, Lee - thank you!
Who knows, Pundy, next time you read me I may well be blogging in good ol' Blighty - move over, there's a dear ;-)
Thanks, Ms M - I'm sure I'll be back again sometime, I just don't know when - too much going on, too much else to be concerned about - but I'm sure it will settle and then I'll return - best everyone be forewarned! :-)
Ah well, Baino - you know where to find me - which reminds me... don't you owe me an email... ;-)
LOL, oh Gaye, you always make me smile. You know, after blogging for so long, one develops loyalties towards one's fellow bloggers, as one does with friends, and it's only right and fair, I think, to say, hey guys, this is where I'm at in my life - it's a respect thing, not a guilt thing! :-) See you on Flickr, Facebook and all those other good social networking sites!
No, I won't close the blog, Rambler but it will probably be inactive, or erratically managed for a while! Thanks for understanding and being such a loyal blogging buddy.
Ah, so that's it! Thanks, Kat, glad I'm not alone in having the blogger's equivalent of the 7-year itch! :-)
Yep, Janey it is all about balance. And by the way, I've started a game of scrabulous with you... Be warned... :-) And I think you're right, this being winter, it is a time of drawing within - I feel I need that right now - never mind all the stuff going on.
Thanks, Ernest - "see" you soon, I'm sure.
Thanks, Silver!
Thanks, Steph - and yes, I think you may well be right, blogs do seem to take on a life on their own and they seem to have voracious appetites which are sometimes a bit overwhelming. You take good care of yourself - see - stay strong and very special!
Hmm, now you have me worried, Lehane - what serious ailments...???! :-)
Thanks for all your support over the last two years - it's been an interesting ride, hasn't it!
See you on Facebook and, no doubt, back in blogosphere one day. Take care and good luck with the writing.
Erratic's good, dear Vanilla...
Don't worry and take your time - your true blogging friends will not be deterred by a prolonged absence.
But do not close the blog though, it'll be a shame...
:-)
xoxoxo
See you when we see you:-)
All the very best with all you've got to do! Take care :-)
That's the joy of RSS feeds. If you don't feel up to blogging daily, we'll still see if you update sporadically. It's your blog and your rules; there's no set schedule you have to keep.
Good luck with your other writing and editing!
I'm glad you are moving to the other side of the planet, dear Vanilla, and I personally plan to keep in touch via email ... if you'll let me know if and when your email address changes. Life changes, but friends needn't.
Thank you for many insights, among them the toaster stories. I have some ideas along that line that I need to share with you some time. As you can see, I'm still thinking about something you wrote back in November.
Time is fluid, tides come and go, and friendships grow if we let them. Thank you for being a friend. Go with our blessings, but do occasionally drop by to say hello, either here or on our blogs.
au revoir - take the well earned sabbatical from blogging....and have no regrets and no apologies!!
know that you will always be considered a part of my (world/blogosphere)community - even if there are periods where your voice in blogland is silent.
silence is good. life beyond the blogworld is demanding - and sometimes more than others.
hugs send up a flare when you return & drop in on the mouse if you ever need a little dose of mouse medicine, I'll be most happy to see your avatar and feel the connection.
Keep coming back Vanilla! Hate to lose touch!
Blogging IS a much more involving process than any mere non Bloooogggger would ever imagine.
You can be thrilled, made weary, feel delighted, irritated, amazed....all those things BUT one also need breaks.
BUT please don't go permanently; yours is a great blog, a juicy one and would be missed IF ( fingers X you won't) go...
Is there such a thing as blogger burn out? I think so and it is very common. I can think of quite a few people who have fallen prey to it. Blogs are hard work. Especially when you have a lot of other commitments.
I'll look forward to even an occasional post, so will keep popping back.
Good luck with everything, Vanilla. I'll keep in touch via Facebook.
I think I can manage erratic, Vesper - it might just be very erratic! And no, I won't close the blog - certainly not until I've learned how to make a copy of the whole thing! xxx
Thanks, Lane - "see" you soon, I'm sure!
Thanks, Rob - and see you on Facebook! ;-)
Bonnie - you're such a sweetie, thanks for all the love and support you've sent my way - so much appreciated. I'm glad that I in turn have inspired Mr Cuisinart!
And we'll stay in touch via email!
xxx
Ah, dearest Mouse, you are indeed a special blogging buddy. Thanks for all the love and support, the laughs and encouragement and that wonderful mouse wisdom. "See" you soon, I'm sure! xxx
Don't worry, Jon - if nothing else, I'll pelt you with cupcakes on Facebook! ;-)
Aw, thanks, Jan - I'm sure I'll be back in due course - I tried to leave once before and came back - so I'll shout and wave when I'm ready to reappear. xxx
It has really surprised me how much hard work blogs are, Steve - I didn't realise that when I first started blogging - and it seems the longer you blog the more involved it becomes - you set a standard for yourself and then have to maintain it. You take care, see - and I'm sure I'll "see" you soon.
Thanks, Marie - see you on Facebook :-)
I'll keep my minxy eye around and about just in case. And shouldn't it be 'hensong'?
Thing is, Vanilla, that perhaps being the 'good' blogger that you are can be quite a lot of work. Having a break is good if it gives you permission to use your blog space as a place to come and play when you feel like it, rather than somewhere you are expected to turn up at and put the hours in (like a 'real' job). It's good to have breaks, I think, from almost everything.
Other side of the planet? May one ask where?
Yep, keep those peepers peeled, Minxy, it ain't over till the fat lady sings and so far she aint' even got fat enough yet! ;-)
Yep, I'm a firm believer in breaks, Signs, moderation in all things.
As for the other side of the planet - we-ell, could you shove over and make a bit more room...? Yep, good ol' Blighty is on the cards. See you for a cuppa sometime? :-)
Hello Vanilla,
Yes, blogger burnout. It happens. And so I understand perfectly what you mean. It's a miracle I'm still writing mine but short snippets are all I can manage. But then I'm also doing creative writing so that takes up energy too. All the very best with your own books Vanilla. You've been writing and editing your own stories. I so look forward to a Saaleha from you.
Sweet thoughts always and a big hug for the good times.
Missing you much.
Scarlett & Viaggiatore
cycles.
Oh and please keep the site open for a while, even if you don't post for months at a time. I am looking forward to the day, when you have safely landed somewhere else, and can tell us so. While a move is not an ending but another beginning, still I would like to know when we are done with this chapter, or book 1 or 2 or whatever it might be in the series of your life, and moved onto the next. I've read this far into the story you see, and want to know in what direction it is (you are) heading.
Take care.
and
Thank you.
You do what you need to do, honey. Trouble is we can't always see when something has become a trial instead of something positive. Good on you for seeing it before it really got you down.
Change can be good. Just because you used to post so regularly doesn't mean it has to stay that way.
And anyway - I might be meeting up with you in Real Life! How cool is that???
Your muse went on a holiday he he
Good luck!
Everybody needs to not say something or not do something once in while,so I guess it's ok :)
Hope to see you back soon.Miss you.Take care dear.
Love & Hugs!
i recently apologised on my blog for not visiting other blogs much - and was nicely reminded that its not compulsory yet.
erratic, sporadic, occasional - whatever, its all good.
(if you're in london, look me up!)
Thanks, Susan, I hope the blogger burn out will pass and that I'll get back to blogging sooner rather than later. Until then, take care and good luck with your writing!
Kinda missing be "out there" Scarlett, but still have nothing much to say for myself - and besides, most of my energy is being directed at editing at the moment, so that's where the muse seems to be going.
I won't shut down the site, Taff, I hope to return to it one day - and then yes, you'll see where the next chapter of my story goes :-)
Oh yep, Debi, you will be meeting up with me in real life - no questions there! :-)
No, she didn't go on a holiday Muriel, she's just otherwise occupied! ;-)
Yep, we all need out quiet times and time outs, Sameera - but I'm sure I'll be back sooner or later!
Not being compulsory - yet - is a comforting though, Lettuce! ;-) I hope to be in London later in the year and certainly in the UK - permanently, by next year - so I'll look you up!
Bonne chance et au revoir, Atyllah.
Yes there is Blogger burn out. I've been there. I just took a week offline completely, no emails or anything, to go on a vacation and it was kinda nice! Hard to catch up but nice!
hi sunshine,
i've been a bit distracted myself and only caught on to this yesterday... pity you feel you need to throw in the towel for a while but you have enough reasons to do so i guess... just a word of encouragement, it's indeed a cyclical thing, at moments life and everything gets on top of you, you're blocked and feel rushed, compromised or whatever and it's then you need a break... after that you'll be longing indeed and will be back in shorter or longer time...
changes are good, holidays are necessary, fresh air is an absolute must at regular intervals, if only to chase the bats out of the belfry occasionally :P
good luck, let me know how you're doing (i've got you on my rss reader too) and just take the down time as long as you need it and in the ways that refresh you...
you can't keep a creative spirit down so don't try ;-)
keep well...
It ain't over til the fat chicken sings, Addy, there may yet be life in the old hen ;-)
I think I'm going to need longer than a week, Deana - more like a couple of months! :-)
I've no doubt it's a cyclical thing, Bart, seems to happen about once a year :-) - I'm sure I'll be missing it all soon and will find my blogging voice again - and then I'll be back - watch out world!
You take care, see.
Nothing wrong with going on hiatus, of concentrating on other things. Come back if you can, you have a legion of fans awaiting. If not, keep breathing, and writing and taking wonderful photographs.
Be well, Ms Vanilla.
be happy in anything you choose to do.
you have my wishes and support, Vanilla!
cheers to the air that we breathe.
Hi dear!Just dropped by to say :
Have a nice weekend :)
Hope you all are doing fine!
Love & Hugs
i know exactly how it feels, have been going through the same thoughts and feelings but every time come back to my blog.
I guess you will too :)
Good luck with everything :)
Sigh.......
miss you lady.
Scarlett & Viaggiatore
I suspect it might have something to do with the seasons, Witnessing - aside from having too much on my mind, it feels like I should be hibernating. Perhaps the Vanilla Bear will reappear in spring! ;-)
Thanks, CS - and you take care too!
Am doing fine, thanks, Sameera - hope you're doing well too!
Yep, I'm sure I will too, Lena :-)
Still here, Scarlett just preoccupied and feeling wintery! Pass the cocoa, will ya! ;-) Hugs!
Please be as erratic as you wanna be, as long as you don't charge for the drinks we'll be having while waiting for you! ;-)
I am not on Facebook, B-Book for that matter, but I will drop in here, I am sure you'll be back in no time.
Happy Blogoversary! :)
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