The slow cooker hints at a life in third gear, not fifth.
I've been told on a number of occasions now that I'm looking a little pallid.
The mirror confirms my skin isn't in the best of shape.
Yet again, I've neglected my wardrobe. Two pairs of jeans are in the bin, the third is cultivating a significant breach in the right knee.
Recently, I've fallen into a pattern of three posts a week. I don't know how this happened, although I suspect a latent desire for a surge in stats. I convinced myself writing practice is the overarching drive, which I'm sure, overall, it is. Or maybe superstition is tugging at my taupe jumper; I'm simply averse to the idea of an October tally of thirteen posts!
Still, something had to give. I can't keep up the pace I've unfairly set myself. So it was with sweet relief (and worry) that at the beginning of this week, I found myself clueless as to what to pen. My head, a blank. My imagination, in a stupor.
Between you and me, I was secretly pleased I was unable to join in this week's 100 Word Challenge as the prompt, a ghoulish recipe - in keeping with Halloween - didn't feel suited to the short story I'm telling. Then I did something liberating. I have a back log of memes I've been tagged in dating back to the beginning of this year that, embarrassingly, I haven't responded to, probably never will, and barring a chosen few, I just deleted them all. Yes, all. I do feel chastened by guilt at my impetuous action - and I am very sorry to those *bloggers who kindly thought of me - but it was the right thing to do. I felt relief. Maybe it's the time of year? Like nature in her current riotous dismantling, I'm offloading baggage. (*Please don't let this put you off tagging me, I just needed a clear out).
You see, this week, I've needed a little space, some downtime, some small separation from my laptop.
On Tuesday morning, whilst delighting at crisp blue skies, Little A and I decided an outing to Kew Gardens would be a jolly fine thing to do. There, we busied our time in the children's outdoor and indoor play areas. Apart from an alarming few moments where I thought I'd lost Little A, my feet frozen to the floor, waves of head spinning panic wracking my limbs, we had a deliciously wonderful mummy and daughter time together. We luncheoned on fish pie, ham sandwiches and a necessary slice of lemon drizzle. Little A befriended an older girl who clung to a cream teddy. And, to my surprise, she conquered the big curly wurly slide; "again, again Mummy, let me go again," she cheered triumphantly with rosy zeal in her cheeks.
But it wasn't until we strolled peacefully down paths lined with fiery autumnal bursts and the odd Japanese Pagoda Tree, that I found myself attuning to a more peaceful rhythm. And then, in the quiet, in the moment's chill, ideas for posts greeted me like welcome friends.
When my inner voice tells me to S.T.O.P, I need to pay a little more attention. Having a weighty expectation of how much I should or shouldn't write is no good for my creativity. "Just stop Older Mum", I hear the voice gently prodding. Okay, I will. Besides, I need to conserve energy for One Week!
So in an effort to trim my ambition, this will be my one and only post for the week.
Do you respond to every meme you've been tagged in?
When do you like to take a break from blogging?
Good for you. Blogging shouldn't be a chore or an obligation. Enjoy your extra fee time. xx
ReplyDeleteYes, quite! It's no fun when it becomes an obligation. X.
DeleteI go through phases where I dont blog that much, usually during the summer months. I think we all need a break sometimes, blogging takes a lot of our time & energy doesnt't it. Enjoy your break x
ReplyDeleteIt certainly does - I think Summer, especially August, seems to be a time when it goes quiet in blogland. (only taking a little break). X.
DeleteSometimes I think time feels different in the blogosphere. A week or two weeks can seem like such a long time. It's not - in real life terms, but sometimes, in this arena it seems that way. I think it's good to have a break and take time out to refill the quill. Especially if that means that you come back refreshed.
ReplyDelete3 posts a week is quite a lot IMHO. Sometimes I wonder if I didn't blog...what would I do with all the time I spend blogging. Do you ever wonder that?
So glad that Little A didn't get lost for long. They have nice cakes at Kew don't they? Yum. x
"Refill the quill" - great turn of phrase - and you are very right, a week's break in blogland seems like a very long time, when in fact it isn't really. 3 posts a week is a lot - but the 100 word challenge ones don't take very long to write :o). If I wasn't blogging I'd probably be reading a lot more which is something I am chomping at the bit to do! X.
DeleteIt's important to listen to our mind and our body because it will usually accurately tell you when you need a break, to rest and a bit of you time. I love writing as I can tell you do and to keep enjoying it I think it's important to write when you have something to write instead of forcing it. I would say quality and not quantity is very important and your writing has such great quality you should not undermine this. Pamper yourself a bit, be kind you deserve it. x
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! You won't write the best posts if they feel forced! Some of my favourite posts are the really spontaneous ones where I haven't had to think much about it - they just write them selves. And a BIG YES to quality over quantity! X.
DeleteHurrah for minimal posting! I think it is really easy to forget the reason that a blog is started, I think for a while I did - in an addiction to increasing stats!! Then I hit a blogging low, my mojo departed - probo for a newbie's blog. Now, I am just starting to find my blogging groove, I love to write posts, but I hate to do it under pressure - either pressure of my own making or of a well-meaning meme or linky inclusion. Blogging is my thing, it's time that I should be enjoying, not worrying about. Glad to see you are finding your blogging groove too. Here's to us! xx
ReplyDeleteHurrah indeed! That's what has slowly happened to me - I've succumbed to stats - never thought I would - so I need to nip that bad habit in the bud. And I've been putting myself under pressure too - where's the joy in that? You are right - I guess I am finding my groove. Here's to us indeedy! X.
DeleteHow strange, I have been feeling exactly the same.....the pressure to blog, do memes, linkys, comment on lovely bloggers' posts, tweet....and then sometimes it becomes too much. This week I've had what's known as 'bloggers block' too (well that's what I call it anyway!). I don't like just writing any old drivel and it's been hard to squeeze it in. I did manage 16 posts in October, some are better than others. I also have a meme that I was tagged in yonks ago, tugging at my guilt strings....
ReplyDeleteI totally agree - sometimes it all gets a little too much! And it's good to stand back a little. I guess you can't respond to everything - life has to get in the way, or the we would have nothing to write about. So true, better to write quality than drivel...
DeleteGreat post. I'm still blogging every day and loving it, although sometimes it is tiring. I feel compelled to keep writing because I have so much in my head! I join in with most memes, although sometimes it takes me a week or two, and I always let people know if I'm not taking part. I hope that when and if I feel the need to slow down that I will!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Wow - I am mightily impressed you manage to blog once a day, and that you have so much in your head to write about - could I have some of that too please :o). That's a good idea about being polite, letting the person know if you're not able to take part!
DeleteI blog as and when and also nothing if family is unwell or I'm away, when I started blogging I didn't think of stats (was I supposed to?) just wanted to have a go at blogging. I think you just have to do whatever you feel is right for you. A couple of blogs I subscribe to post twice a day sometimes! I have stopped doing meme's as I can't keep up with tagging so many people :) I love your blog & your writing just the way it is x
ReplyDeleteps hope Little A is feeling better x
DeleteThank you lovely lady! I completely agree - just do it when it feels right. I didn't care for stats either when I first started blogging - guess I got caught in a stats trap. I'm going to be more choosy with memes I think. Don't think I could ever see myself posting twice a day! X.
DeletePS. Little A has an upper respiratory and mild ear infection - found out to day - have been plying her with lots of medicine!
Blogging shouldn't be something you feel you have to do. I took my break because I had nothing to say and staring at a blank laptop screen was only making matters worse. I don't put any pressure on myself to blog anymore and find I do it more often.
ReplyDeleteI agree - it should be purely about the enjoyment - good for you for taking that break - bet it's added a new perspective now? That's interesting re. taking the pressure off - then you are free to write whenever - good attitude.
DeleteI think it's great to take a break. I've been off my game for a fortnight, feel guilty then think no-one cares but me and try to shrug it off, but I understand the guilt. You write beautifully and that picture is stunning. We'll all still be here when you're ready. Hope you enjoy some peace X
ReplyDeleteWell it certainly helps to put a fresh perspective on things - I'm only taking a tiny break though ;o). I just don't think I can stay away from it all for that long! I'm going clothes shopping this weekend - I need it! :o). X.
DeleteI never respond to meme tags. I have occassionally joined in the odd linky.
ReplyDeleteMy blogging has slowed right down to once or twice a week now. I went through a stage os posting about 5 times but just couldn't sustain it.
I love your blog, keep doing what you're doing in whichever way you want to do it. Take a break if you need to, we'll still be here when you come back :)
Oh no ... every one thinks I'm planning a big break - it's only going to be a mini break. I will be back next week. I don't know how you managed 5 posts a week. Thank you for liking my blog lovely. X.
Delete£ posts a week! blimey! I struggle with 3 a month... must try harder.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading something when you're "fresh" as when you are "flagging" (if you really are) you are still bloody good!
Did you mean 3 :o). I have heard of bloggers that post once or twice a day! Three was a struggle for me - so I think it might be an idea to chillax - god awful word - a bit. Thank you - I have been flagging for ideas ... X.
DeleteOh thank god, there IS another blogger just like me!! There are memes I haven't done and there are posts I've half written or not at all. There are also days when I simply don't log on AT ALL! Howzat for a shocker?! And I've been struggling the last while over what to write too. Besides, if I spend a lot of time here than my son spends an inordinate amount of time on his xbox. I can't have that. Sometimes I have to step away from the blog and be a mum....and maybe take a walk in a beautiful park with my child ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for this!
xx Jazzy
Hey Jazzy - thanks for that - that really reassured me. I've had this big back log for ages - and I was never going to get around to doing it - so I thought it would be better to start with a clean slate. I've come to the conclusion - if you are struggling with what to write - leave it - stand back - and let a good story come. Quality not quantity! X.
DeleteI could probably do with a break..one day when I get to the bottom of my list I might have few days off.
ReplyDeleteI hope you found the space you needed. I love Kew, I'm glad you and Little A had a good day. xx
It's good to take one once in a while - blogging then feels so much fresher! Kew is lovely but it was very nippy the other day. X.
DeleteI have taken a couple of 'blogging' breaks over the year and they have always had a positive effect. I was forced to take one this week being minus a lap top and now I am brimming with writing - haven't got the time to sit down and do it all but that is a whole other problem. As long as I can bullet point the stuff down I am happy.x
ReplyDeleteYes definitely - they do have a positive effect! I generally always come back feeling very refreshed and raring to go - this was only meant to be a short break, but now I'm coming down with something, so I might be a little longer. Hope you are back on line very soon! X.
DeleteA very wise post! The only meme I have been tagged in is yipour want(on) post and I m looking forward to joining. But then I am quite new to blogging after many false starts (so yes, I have had many a hiatus)
ReplyDeleteThank you! Well I hope you keep going with your current blog as I'm really enjoying your stories! It's always good to be measured and have a break once in a while. :o).
DeleteI used to feel huge pressure to respond to every tag. I don't now. I always acknowledge I've been tagged but I don't always do the meme - sometimes they just don't suit me.
ReplyDeleteI get approached for a lot of charity posts and I still struggle with saying no but if I did everyone my blog would not be the space it is.
I think it's OK to take time out. Refresh and recharge.
I always do silent sunday but often I do one other post a week - I don't worry about stats. It wasn't a conscious decision it just evolved - I think both the blog and me are better for it. That said at the moment I'm gearing up a little and that is a conscious decision.
The blogosphere can feel a bit competitive, a bit pressured. It's good to step back and take stock. This is your space on the internet. Enjoy some space!
Thank you for your lovely, thoughtful comment. Tags were giving me pressure too, and in the end I thought it best to just let them go. There's no point in responding unless they are really suited to you. I would like to join in Silent Sunday a little more often as it's a real community thing - You are so right - this is my space! :o).
DeleteI have clearly found a kindred spirit in you! I have felt exactly the same way of late and I find I begin to resent the expectations I set for myself while at the same time feeling pressurized about the stats, especially when I compare myself to others. When I take a step back, I find that in a day or two I WANT to write rather than feeling a should. Much healthier and thank goodness you feel the same.:-)
ReplyDeleteLovely to meet another kindred spirit! You absolutely nailed how I feel in your comment. I set myself an expectation and then resent my decision - how can you really enjoy writing then? And like you say, taking a step back means you want to write and look forward to it - a healthy approach indeed! :o).
DeleteThere is so much wealth inside each of us, sometimes we need to retreat to find it, to be able to once again share it. I post when I can and it feels good when i do, but if i don't or can't it's ok - it's my blog x
ReplyDeleteWise words - retreating to find the wealth! I like your approach - feels calm and laid back, and most importantly you remember that it's your blog - and you post when it's right for you! X.
DeleteI'm pretty rubbish at memes. I appreciate being tagged but will only do them if I find them interetsing. Some seem like page fillers rather than being on any real substance. I've taken two blogging breaks. One for a month or so when I was going through horrendous morning sickness and one last week when I simply needed a break. It's helps to remember that it's a hobby and not work. Taking some time out is healthy.
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty much where I am at - I only want to respond to memes if I am genuinely interested - I would rather not blog than as you say fill the page with something of little substance. Taking time out is very healthy!
DeleteThat photo is stunning! It si very unusual for me to do a mem nowadays as I just do not have the time, I just tend to tweet and apologise.
ReplyDeleteYes I have taken many bloggy breaks in my time, the longest one being just over 7 weeks with nothing, no wriitng or reading but others are justa week or a month. As soon as you feel you need a break then you do, go with it.
Mich x
Thank you! Blogging breaks are very healthy. I've had a bit of a forced one this week as I'm not feeling very well. I will probably wind down over December too! X.
DeleteI love your post. And I am a firm believer in listening to your inner voice. I am glad you did, and that you took actions that made you feel better.
ReplyDeleteI take a break from blogging when I feel like it, in my books it should remain fun and not add pressure.
Oh, and the photo of that tree is absolutely gorgeous! :)
Thank you very much! My break didn't turn out to be much of a break at all - I had a cold, and then had to prepare for a linky I'm hosting! Still I did have some days off. You are so right - blogging is for fun, and fun only!
DeleteGood for you for listening to that inner voice and taking a break when you need to. There's nothing worse than feeling like you 'have' to write a post, forcing it is inevitably unsatisfying in my experience. And memes are fun, but I don't join in with all of them. There just aren't enough hours in the day! Good luck with One Week too - absolutely love the stunning photo that accompanies this post x
ReplyDeleteIt's very important to do that isn't it? Although the break I ended up having wasn't a very big one in the end, as I had One Week to prepare for! Silly old me! Very glad you like the photo! X.
DeleteI don't take part sometimes simply because I have nothing to contribute. There is a part of me that feels guilty but itd just be a bit rubbish!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean - I'm the same too - I'd rather not take part in a meme if I know what I'm going to write isn't up to much!
Delete