In the early morning hours, before the family woke up, I used to write here about homemaking.
These were like visits. I often shared what was going on in my own home. In the beginning, I wrote daily. This has slowed down to a point where I am only able to write a few times a month.
A few times, I tried to quit blogging. I even packed up my old laptop and put it away for almost a month. I didn't write at all. I was in the middle of a physical breakdown and was bedridden for a time. Writing wasn't possible. When I recovered, I came back at a slower pace. The pressure seemed to be off. (Why do we feel pressure to blog?) I changed my own rules and made things much easier to write. It was different. Things were better. I could write when I was well enough.
I started to put together books, thinking there might be a time I had to stop here. I wanted to get the books ready for anyone who wanted them, so I didn't have to worry about what would happen to the blog - If I stopped writing, or if my computer broke, or if I lost all the files. The books became a permanent, safe place for some of the writings.
I have done many things with this blog. I have reviewed hundreds of products, books, food and movies. A few years ago, I was sent off on a trip to Boston by T.J. Maxx and Marshalls and treated like royalty. The trip came at such a wonderful time. I also worked with Erin Chase at $5 dinners for almost 2 years, writing recipes. I thought it was a volunteer job but was delighted to be paid. I have graduated 2 of my 5 children during my blogging years here. I became a grandmother, and started a small book publishing company. I have publicly homeschooled and shared much of our life. I have gotten to know many people by visiting blogs; and reading the comments and emails of my own visitors. I have been greatly blessed and encouraged by you, the readers. I am so grateful.
Behind the Scenes of this blog, is a normal family, with normal troubles. I have often written despite tears and pain. I have often written through financial troubles or family worries. But most of the time, there have been joyous times and seasons and I have loved writing during those times the most.
Last month, after 4 and 1/2 years, my blog reached a milestone, of one million views. I know there are far bigger blogs than this one, and far better ones, but I was so grateful! I am so grateful.
I appreciate your patience with me, even when I have an occasional public breakdown (who hasn't?) - gentle smiles - When one is one's own editor and publisher, sometimes things get through the blog that we look back and say, "I better delete that post!" We all learn to focus on what we want to write about and do our best to maintain some dignified privacy: Because blogs are public. We have friends and family who read, but we also have random strangers and "drive-by" readers who visit once by accident and aren't able to find it again. There are also readers who cause trouble. Many bloggers have dropped out and deleted their entire blogs because of the troublemakers. Others have changed the settings on their blogs to make them "private" for invited readers only - genuine friends and family.
This is a public blog and will always be a public blog. When I make mistakes, I will just go back and adjust my writing or delete things when it is called for. But public blogging does bring some pressure. It is an incredibly hard volunteer job with little or no pay. It is a work of love.
I wanted to share this with you today, because I notice things are changing. I am blogging much less than I would like. My hands keep swelling up, making it difficult for me to do much. Even though I have wanted to write each morning, I can't physically do the work. I have stopped hand-sewing and knitting projects. The last few weeks, I can't seem to find time, energy or strength to write. I don't want you to think I am ignoring the blog. I also feel so bad when I can't respond to all emails and comments. I can't visit blogs like I used to. I can't keep up with the sweet return visits I would love to do for the 'callers' who come here and leave me a note. I love that you visit and encourage me!
I also want to thank you so much for shopping through my amazon affiliate links, and the occasional donations that come in! This income is an incredible blessing that helps with food, clothing and the heat of this old Vermont Estate. May God bless you richly for your kindness!
So now I am back to blogging only when my health will allow. I still have a great many review obligations, which I am looking forward to. But things will be slow. . Thank you for making this blog a lovely place for me to write. Thank you for your prayers and sharing your wisdom and kindness with me.
Thank you for taking the time to be here.
Blessings
Mrs. White
From the Archives:
Is your Fridge clean? - Beware of Random Kitchen Inspections.
Mother's Holiness - Amazing Dedication.
Trouble with Mister - Forgotten Kindness in Marriage.
Order My Books:
For Home-keeping Inspiration, - For The Love of Christian Homemaking.
A 90 Day Bible Study, inspired by John Wesley, - "Early Morning Revival Challenge"
To Encourage the Mother of Waywards - Mother's Faith.
The incredible life and marriage testimony of Connie Hultquist - Dear Kitchen Saints.
An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.
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