Someone asked me yesterday, “When was the last time you wrote a real post?”
I couldn’t even be offended, because I knew exactly what she meant. For a couple of weeks, at least, I feel like I haven’t improved anyone’s day with what I’ve posted here. I sit and stare at the blinking cursor, with diminishing hope that a string of good, lovely words will flow from brain to fingertips–and when they don’t, I improvise (and not so well).
I know what it is, why it’s like this. My days are small and tight, when they should stretch with conversation and purpose and something pretty or interesting to see. It’s up to me to change that–it’s not a job for anyone else.
So it’s time for a break. A few days, maybe a few more after that. We’ll see. There’s some stuff I need to do. A movie. Lunch with a friend. A couple of books. A good look at the damn fine scenery we have here. Maybe a new road. Some hard work.
And when I have something to bring back here in a basket for show and tell, I hope we can get together for a nice long chat.
Until then, as my friend Milena taught me to say…
Beso.
{ 45 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t understand why anywould would ask that!
Whatever you write on your blog is a ‘real’ post. IMO there is no prerequisite about what you should write, it’s not like you’re being paid to write something for a newspaper or magazine is it?
Keep doing what you’re doing Jennifer – it’s just fine! 🙂
Akelamalus last blog post..Saturday Wordzzle # 26
Enjoy your break. I just took an unwanted hiatus myself due to work and other stuff going down…but I have to say, it was kind of refreshing nonetheless. I hope you come back clear and energized!
manager moms last blog post..My Long Overscheduley Nightmare Is Almost Over
Make sure it’s a *good* movie. Also, I’ve heard Twitter really improves the quality of your blog posts.
Or, uh, not.
I hadn’t noticed anything was amiss here, btw.
You know, I’m very new at blogging. Seems to me the reasons for a personal/professional blog vary. Frequency of posts vary. Quality of posts is subjective.
I think you’ve had “real” posts and I also think it can be draining emotionally to put oneself out there daily and wait to see who comments, how many hits, from where did the come, etc…
You’re clearly a “real” writer and a busy, multi-facted person. I think it’s nice you’re taking a break though. Movies, books, time to get “life” done are all important. Sometimes it’s better to just experience the moment than to worry about documenting it…
Enjoy your time away – even though your posts have been very “real”. Truly.
Csquaredplus3s last blog post..I’m trying to get his priorities straight.
a break is a good thing.
Jennifer querida: Do what you must. I had a disconnectication a few weeks ago and came back all the better for it. We will finish our match though won’t we? I miss you already. And you know what, you improve my day every day and even in moments after I’ve stopped reading you.
xoxo as you taught me to say.
Milena
Milenas last blog post..A rose by any other name…
You should take a break if you want a break.
I take exception to that comment though. I feel like you’re a friend and I’m content if you just do the bloggy equivalent of rolling down your window and saying “Hi, how’s it going?” as we pass each other in the supermarket parking lot.
I love all your posts. But I know exactly what you mean about that blinking cursor, bc that is exactly what mine has been doing lately, as if you hadn’t noticed….
Anns last blog post..Hit Me Baby One More Time
A very wise blogger friend once told me that if you don’t live your live, you won’t have anything to write about. Go – have fun, be well. We’ll be here when you get back.
Mrs. Chilis last blog post..They Play Everything
I find myself not that inspired lately as well – I blame it on the month of August, my most hated month. Hell, I wrote about Midol, fer crying out loud!
There’s nothing like a break, some time away to refresh your viewpoint.
Can’t wait for show and tell!
we_be_toyss last blog post..A Smudge of Embarrassment on Your Collar
I’ve been feeling the same way lately. I had one week about 2-3 weeks ago where I was on a freakin’ roll and now, with the exception of a day or two, I’ve had to struggle to come up with something. It’s why I skipped posting on Thursday last week. It just wasn’t flowing.
Tootsie Farklepantss last blog post..On the Sunny Side: I Made Some Kick-Ass Snickerdoodles in Cooking Class
“a real post” –what is that? the idea petrifies me. obviously, I’m not writing them. shit.
ByJanes last blog post..Wanted: The Single Person’s Life
Errr…what?
A hiatus I get. I hope it is refreshing. I hope you enjoy and I can’t wait to hear what you find.
As for the other, I have no idea what makes a real post, but to my mind, getting something up is real, sometimes as real as it gets, usually as good as it gets in that moment. For me sometimes that is asking people a question. Other times it’s something I’m really proud of.
But a hiatus is sometimes still the right thing. Get refreshed.
Julie Pipperts last blog post..The Revelation: You Don’t Get to Say or How Elizabeth Edwards Inspired Me, Again
I’m so with you. All I’m doing is writing about myself, which is boring even myself.
I’ve been flirting with the idea of taking a break, too.
Hope yours is rejuvenating and restorative.
San Diego Mommas last blog post..Worry, Worry, Worry
so lunch, yeah?
flutters last blog post..There was a boy
You are probably right, and a change of scenery always helps. I have thought myself with that time that blogging consumes, how can one get out there and find interesting things to post?
Enjoy the break.
Louises last blog post..Birds, Flowers and Homemade Salsa
Enjoy your break! Everyone needs them now and then.
Rheas last blog post..Unique Critters
Enjoy your break! And thanks for putting a GREAT song in my head.
It doesn’t get any better than The Eagles.
dysfunctional moms last blog post..Thankful Thursday
See you when you get back…you’ll be missed until then!
Mrs. Schmittys last blog post..My Future Olympian
I try to hold on to my self-esteem, but basically…your posts “improvising” are better than most at their best. You go have that break. Actually reading a book does sound lovely. We will always be here to read and enjoy. You ENJOY the time away. I give you…2 days TOPS. You’ll be back. Oh YES you will.
JCKs last blog post..I treasure each of them and what they bring to the world
Breaks are the bomb!
Mary Alices last blog post..I’m Pregnant, Part II
Enjoy the break. I’ll miss you. Want to have lunch?
anymommys last blog post..Struck By Lightning
I am sorry I dont understand what a real post is .. I thought all posts that were actually posted were real ..
Beso .. it that like Basta?
In any case I resent this person’s inference .. I enjoy ALL your posts .. so FEH on whoever that was .. it wasnt Ducky .. nah ..
Daryls last blog post..overheard
You know, I have several very close friends. I mean – very, we’ve been through it all together. They know me intimately. Just today, I reconnected with one who lives in KY (I’m in NC). We had just 25 minutes, as she drove in to work. While she ate, I talked and talked about deep stuff I’ve been working on. After she ate, she told me her thoughts on what I told her, plus she let me know some Mother stuff she was dealing with. My whole day was turned around, I was in a better place than before we talked.
Before our conversation today, for the past couple of months, we’d call just to say “hey”. Usually, one of us would leave a message that the other didn’t return; it’s just a way to stay in touch. If either of us had said, “I need to talk!” the other would have dropped everything to do so. But we didn’t need that, we just needed to say “hey”. Or we’d talk briefly about our kids. No deep stuff. Every conversation doesn’t need to be life-affirming and reflective and deep.
I think of these shorter posts of yours as ways you’re saying “Hey” – just to stay in touch. They’re just as real as the ones that make me cry and wish we were neighbors. I hope you’re taking a break because you realize you need to, not because then you’ll come up with someone else’s definition of a “real” blog post.
All that being said: Enjoy your time! Breathe deeply.
Dharmamamas last blog post..Lunch DNA
Jennifer, I believe you have a lot on your plate right now, the house search, new school year, etc. I think taking a break right now is a good idea, a chance to re-group, think about things, do stuff that needs to get done.
I’m projecting my own experience here…I was trying to post everyday for a while, and then when I went to Lake Tahoe and didn’t post at all. On my return, I decided that I would post when I had something I really wanted to write about, which has meant posting two or three times a week. As a result, I find that I enjoy my posts more because I’m posting out of interest or need to write about something. I’m enjoying what I write more, which I hope makes for a better post.
One other thought that has come to mind, for my own blog, since adopting this strategy, is that now I’m thinking about what I want the focus of my blog to be. I haven’t completely honed that yet, it’s a thread I’m currently mulling over. But I just thought I would throw that out there to let you know that you are not alone.
As you can see from the long list of comments, you are much appreciated and cherished by your blogging friends. I know for myself, I hope that we will someday meet in person, because I think you’re terrific!
Enjoy your sojourn!
-Suzanne
Suzannes last blog post..Julia Child: My Hero!
Enjoy your short hiatus.
I cannot tell you how much I relate to this post. But still…I post…and post again…and it is mostly just crap and I dont know why people keep coming back! 🙂
But they do. And that is nice of them.
I love your blog and think you are quite inspiring.
shaunas last blog post..I dont know if you know this….
I usually only write about one or two really good posts a month. The rest is filler, like my photography, movie reviews, and other staples that I throw in as eye candy. We can’t all be Hemmingway, everyday, all the time…..most of us just aren’t THAT good.
Bruces last blog post..My – POV [Jerome]
i finally get back from italy and you’re leaving me?! 🙂 you deserve a break and a nice long drive. you don’t even have to wait til thursday.
the mama bird diariess last blog post..the vaca is so over
like many others before me i have been experiencing this same thing lately. it is hot which doesn’t help me at all. once school starts around here i think things will pick up on the blogging front. just the fact that i will have some alone time will be great! i don’t think i’ve been alone all summer. i love my family, but i am so ready for some me time!
natalies last blog post..A makeover like no other!
I know how you feel. I’ve had a hard time creating interesting posts this summer on a consistent basis. Enjoy your time off. I hope you’ll be back soon. “Real” or not, I do enjoy your blog.
Kimberlys last blog post..I thought I knew
You do what’s good for you! I am on my break and love it. I just post on other people’s blogs…Get your energy back…breath…have a beer on me!
Stacies last blog post..Christmas in August!
Your posts are pretty real to me.. but I understand the need to “take it easy” (thanks.. that song is in my head now!) 🙂
Hilarys last blog post..Between Dawn and Dusk
I have to echo some of the other comments here. I always enjoy your posts 🙂 But I totally get needing a “break.” Sometimes that is precisely what feeds creativity 🙂
Sandy (Momisodes)s last blog post..Reality Rewired
Just so ya know, when you *don’t try* it’s better than my best effort at writing.
Enjoy your time off.
Just Jamies last blog post..The Door Is Open
They ARE real posts. Trust me.
Summer grinds on the blogging; we all feel that, I think. So little time to squeeze it all in. (Though I am enjoying your posts, as always.)
Hope you are enjoying your time away
I often feel the same way, but you’ve got no worries here. I’d come by even if you were only typing out a grocery list.
apathy lounges last blog post..In which the house is so quiet I can hardly hear myself think…
Jennifer…it is okay. We all have those times when we feel nothing constructive can flow from our finger tips. Good for you for giving yourself the opportunity to get out and do a few things. Here is to having a wonderful time and finding new experiences. We all need that every now and again. Did you happen to come by and see what I did over the weekend?
Blessings to you.
Jules~s last blog post..
I can so relate. See ya when you get back . . .
tysdaddys last blog post..Easier to Leave
Once again, I’m late for the party. Louise suggested I check out your blog (she says we’re kindred spirits). I DO love your tastes –your Full Moon/PMS suggested reads are now bookmarked. Thank you, they’re wonderful!
ImBeingHeldHostages last blog post..Can We Talk?
Beso, Jennifer. Enjoy your sabbatical. May it be quietly productive and languorous-paced.
I will miss you–I enjoy ALL your posts–but I understand the need for a space between.
Sans last blog post..Dreaming Hill
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Oh all right then. Only because I know what you mean. Sometimes I feel like what I posted is such utter rubbish.
Don’t take too long. See you on f/b? (Although I don’t often get there these days…) Take care…
Crazycaths last blog post..Sky Watch Friday & the last of the Holiday Snaps (part 6)
Aw heck, it’s not your job to improve my day. I just like to hear what’s going on in yours. 😉
Have a good break!
Attila the Moms last blog post..You Really CAN’T Make This Stuff Up…
The Matron misses you but hopes that the break gives you the creative boost you need, oh weary one!
It is in there…
I just came across your mom/airport post on stumble and added some thumbs up because when you are inspired beauty follows.
I don’t think there is any other part of our life where we feel like we are “on” everyday. There is no pressure here. Feel the ease of waiting…
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