Sometimes life goes by like a rocket, moving so fast it makes your head spin. And other times you look back and wonder Wow! Has it really been eight years?
That's how much time has evaporated since I first sat down at this little Compose window and keyed in the first post on my blog. The subject matter? Why I had joined the blogging world. Most of the reasons were pretty straight-forward. To keep up with friends and family. To establish a record of the everyday stories of our lives. To easily share what we were seeing and doing on our travels. And in the eight years I written in this space that never changed.
There was another reason too: A creative outlet. I've always loved to write and this gave me an excuse to muse on everything from the mundane to the miraculous. A little scrapbooking here, a few recipes there and probably too much complaining about the weather. A snapshot of life over a span of 96 months.
It's funny because I tried never to be thinking about who would read the blog...that would add a layer of pressure I didn't want. I wrote for myself and the end result was as if "you" were sitting here with me and I was telling "you" the story. It wasn't a style I adopted; I simply don't know another way to write and be authentic. It's surprising how many times I look back through the blog to find some detail we've forgotten or nail down some date and when that happens, I still find myself pleased with the words that reside here. Either I like to hear myself "talk" or the words have stood the test of time.
But one thing about that rocket ship of life; you don't stay in one place for very long. You're there and then it's time to move on. And that's how I'm feeling about the blog. The creative energy I once found in it has waned and that lack of interest has clearly been reflected in the infrequency of the posts. I gave serious consideration to giving it up last year when it came up for renewal but was not fully convinced it was time to let it go. This year I know. It's had its season in the creative sun and now it's time for something else.
The decision is not without regrets. I've made some amazing friends thanks to my little corner of the World Wide Web, some who truly are world wide. And while we may never meet in person, there is a very special relationship formed through the exchanged of typed words. The good news is I'll still be just an email away. And who knows, maybe I'll actually do more than just read Facebook now as a way to stay in touch.
It seems odd that in a year in which I've chosen Open as my word of the year that I would opt to close the blog. I'm hoping that there's truth in these words:
If you are brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello. Anon.
Goodbye, blog. I'm ready to say hello to a different kind of New Day.
Since I haven't posted on my own blog for more than a year, you'll know I understand completely! Will miss you though! If you and Wayne (or any member of your family) are ever in our country, DO get in touch. I'd love to extend a little of the virtual hospitality I've experienced on your blog to you in real life. All the best!
Posted by: Margot | July 14, 2015 at 12:53 AM
I just want you to know how much I've enjoyed your blog over the years. You have such a great writing style and I've felt like I really was there just having a chat with you. I'm going to miss those chats, but I completely understand the need to let go and move one -- that's really how life works, isn't it? I wish you and Wayne all the best....may you both enjoy whatever the future holds!
Posted by: Frankie | July 14, 2015 at 08:25 AM
I guess I'll have to do better at keeping in touch--your blog popping up on my feed from time to time was a great reminder of how much I love you and admire you. (Have I told you I want t be like you "when I grow up"? Anyway....til we meet again!
Posted by: Leslie | July 14, 2015 at 08:49 AM
I have enjoyed your blog and hope we don't lose touch now that you are closing it. Wishing you and Wayne the Best, Always!
Posted by: Maureen Fuller | July 14, 2015 at 08:58 AM
I'll miss your blog, Brenda. I enjoy your writing style, your musings and your genealogy posts.
I'm no longer on FB but I wish you the best!
Posted by: christi | July 14, 2015 at 11:18 AM
I started following you years ago, after the close of Creating Keepsakes (I loved your articles, and your book!). I continued to follow you because I liked your style and we have some background similarities. I wish you and your husband all kinds of luck. Keep having experiences (I've always loved your trip pictures and accounts) and take care of your little patch of heaven. Thanks for sharing so much all of these years. I wish you both all of the best.
Posted by: CarrieH | July 14, 2015 at 12:02 PM
I will miss your blog, Brenda. We've had breakfast together many mornings and the mornings just won't be the same without you. I will miss seeing flowers when I'm knee deep in snow. I'll miss the stories of your travels, taking me to places I'll never visit. I'll miss seeing your family grow. And, most of all, I'll miss those quirky posts that had me googling a new food or music or obscure holiday. But all good things come to an end so I wish all the best to you and Wayne.
Posted by: Pat | July 14, 2015 at 12:09 PM
I will.miss your blog. You are a great writer. I often find something in your blog that I can relate with.
Posted by: Linda Bauer | July 14, 2015 at 06:34 PM
You blog will be missed. You are a wonderful story teller and your scrapping abilities are second to none. Sending only happy thoughts and good wishes your way. Who knows you may return after a rest. Remember if you are ever in this part of the world let me know so I can be sure the proper welcome is given :)
Posted by: Mary-Lou | July 17, 2015 at 06:46 AM
I will miss your blog Brenda. I followed your scrapbooking pages and then the blog. Your stories were always interesting and made me feel like you were telling me a story. You have a great talent in writing.
Posted by: StephR | July 17, 2015 at 01:45 PM
I will miss you and your blog - I love your stories about life and family. Wishing you all the best!
Posted by: MichelleB | July 19, 2015 at 05:42 AM
Well I want to be really selfish and say "Noooooo, please don't go", but you have to do what's right for you, not me! ;-)
I'll certainly miss you. I've loved reading all your genealogy musings and searching and discoveries. I love your updates on Waynes' geo-caching and your visits with and from your very pretty granddaughter.
But as someone who hasn't updated her own blog for over a year, I understand and wish you and your family all the best.
Jude.x
Posted by: Jude.x | July 22, 2015 at 01:55 PM
Oh no! Say it isn't so! But, I too, will miss your posts!
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=665900001 | July 25, 2015 at 11:36 AM