A New Idea

/ Ann Coleman

When I first started blogging, coming up with an idea to write about was the least of my concerns.  I had lots of things to say about being a “middle-aged” woman (a title I still cling to despite being sixty-one, partly because I don’t want to be called a senior citizen and partly because it’s too much trouble to change the name of this blog), and I actually had a backlog of posts already written, just waiting for me to hit the “publish” button.

But that was almost five years ago, and there’s only so much anyone can say about sagging skin, aching joints, the empty-nest syndrome, struggling to find clothes that are designed for someone my age, failing eyesight, etc.  And I’ve basically covered most of the positive aspects of aging, such as becoming a grandparent, growing more accepting and comfortable with who I really am, and having more time to pursue my own interests.

It doesn’t help that I have a terrible memory, and am sometimes halfway through writing a post before I realize that I’ve already written the exact same post.  Then I briefly toy with the idea of posting it anyway, in the hopes that no one would notice, but I always end up hitting the “delete” button and starting over on some other topic.

So the sad fact is that even though I now post only once a week or so, there are still times when I struggle to come up with something new and interesting to say.   Part of the problem stems from the nature of blogging.  Mine is a public blog, which means that anyone who wants to read it is welcome.  But that also means that I can’t write about certain personal topics without giving up my privacy, and I can’t write about some relationship issues without hurting the feelings of the people who would recognize themselves in my posts.  I never want to use my blog as a way to attack or hurt anyone else.

More importantly, I firmly believe that if someone is going to take the time to read my writing, they have every right to expect something in return.  I see far too many new bloggers who invite their readers to “come along with me as I write down all the crazy, random thoughts in my head,” and my gut reaction is always, “why would I want to do that?”  A writer should always have something of value to offer their readers, whether it’s entertainment, information, understanding, inspiration, a call to action, affirmation, or even just a temporary diversion from their everyday life.

The upshot is there are a whole lot of legitimate reasons as to why I’m encountering a bit of writer’s block these days, at least when it comes to my blog.  I toyed briefly with the idea of quitting, but I quickly realized that I’d miss my blogging community (which includes both other bloggers and old friends I’ve reconnected with through this blog) far too much to do that.  I’d also miss the creative outlet that this blog provides, and I believe I need that in my life, now more than ever.

So for now, I’ll keep on blogging, even when it’s just a little bit hard.  I may venture off topic now and then, and I’m quite sure the day will come when my rotten memory means I won’t realize that my wonderful “new” post is really just a repeat of one I’ve already written.  I only hope that my readers will either be forgiving or also a bit short in the memory department.

I’ve come to realize that blogging, like so many things in my life that I consider important and worthwhile, isn’t always going to be easy.  But for now, at least, it’s worth the effort.

126 thoughts on “A New Idea”

  1. Ann, Ann, ANN…keep writing. We need your thoughts. Lately I have been cutting back to posting once every two weeks. However, I’m about to go back to once a week. I do think it helps my noggin when I scale back for a couple of months. Jot a note about a topic when it hits you and save it until later. It could be while driving, shopping, or sweeping the driveway. I’ve noticed if I don’t jot a topic I think of, I will forget it in a few minutes. Hoping to read you for a long time to come. God’s grip – Alan

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    • You know, when I first started blogging, I was careful to do that: right down any ideas I had when they popped up in my mind. Then I stopped, and I think that’s not a good thing. I know for novels they say not to write something until you absolutely CAN’T forget it, but I don’t think that holds true for blogs. I’m going to go back to writing it down when I think of it, and I bet that will help a lot. Thanks, Alan, for the suggestion and for the kind words. Your encouragement means a lot!

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  2. I agree that it is sometimes hard to come up with a topic. I am not a writer, so I always have a block. I do plants in my yard, so I’m sure I have many repeats. I hope you keep it up as I look forward to your blog every time you post.

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    • Thank you! I’ve been following and reading your blog for a long time, and I’ve not noticed any repeats. Just good posts about your garden that are always enjoyable to read. Please keep doing what you do!!!

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  3. I’ve written a public personal blog for a long time. At one point I thought I’d limit my topics to a few pet projects and ideas, but over the years I’ve branched out, writing about a greater variety of topics. What I’ve found is that as I’ve allowed myself to write more widely, my readership has expanded and I’ve come to feel more authentic in how I present myself. My point, wordy as it is, would be write about whatever strikes your fancy and trust that the readers will find you.

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    • I think that’s a very good point, Ally! In the beginning, I was so careful to follow all the blogging advice in the hopes of getting my readership up. But now, I realize how little stats really mean, and that it’s much more important to write about what we happen to be thinking or feeling at the moment, because that makes it real. So you’re right, the readers who are interested will find us. Thanks for the comment!

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  4. I absolutely love your blog. I look forward to reading it each time you put up your post. The funny thing is, that it does not matter what you are writing about. I always feel like you are sitting in my living room and I am having a cup of tea. What resonates with me is your honesty in whatever you are writing. So whether you are going to the dentist, or walking the dogs, you are able to express your feelings. The age thing really does not matter. We all have fears about the dentist whether we are ten years old or eighty years old. For those of us that love dogs, there could never be enough dog stories, even you told the same one twice. Now, I know Finn and I like to hear about him. 🙂 You have a gift and you share it so beautifully. It is impossible for you to ever be boring, because you always speak from the heart. Thank you for being you!

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  5. I wrote a long comment, and somehow, it did not post! Anyway, I love your blog, and look forward to reading it each week. It does not matter what you write about because it is always an interesting read. You are honest, and speak from the heart. You have a gift and I am so glad that you share it with us. Thank you!

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    • I’m so sorry your first comment didn’t post! I’ll check my spam folder just in case, as sometimes comments from regular readers end up in there, don’t ask me why. But thank you for your kind words. I have come to the point where I do think speaking from the heart is the most important thing, even if the audience is small. Your blog reflects that too, which is why I enjoy it so. Thank you for sharing it with us, and for being so supportive!

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    • You’re right, Larry, that’s the most important thing. Although writing is communication, so in that sense we do it for others, ultimately, our writing needs to feed our own soul. And when I remember to write from my heart, it does. Other times, I’m writing only what i think others want to hear, and that’s a mistake. Thanks for reminding me of that! And please keep feeding your soul through your blog, too….it feeds the rest of us as well.

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    • LOL! Thanks, Jodi! And, as usual, one of your posts inspired one of mine. When I read your latest, it spoke directly to my heart, and I knew I had some decisions to make. This is the right decision for now, but I will continue to follow my heart…as you should, too!

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  9. Hi. I empathize. For a long time I produced a new story each week. That ended a year or more ago, because coming up with story ideas that interest me has become harder. So, I publish less often now, but luckily I’m not worrying about it too much.

    Anyway, keep at it. You do a real good job.

    Neil

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    • I know what you mean, Neil. All the blogging advice is to post as often as you can, preferably once a day. But I can’t turn out quality content that often, and so I’ve cut back. And you know what? Most of the blogs I enjoy reading don’t post that often either…what draws me to blogs is the quality of the posts, not how often they are posted. Sure, I do know some blogs that post daily and they are quite good. But I also follow many that only post once or twice a month and are also as good. So just keep doing what you’re doing, and know that you can count on me to be a faithful reader!

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  10. I’m glad you’ll keep writing. I enjoy your insight and you are an encouragement to me.I just began reading you a short time ago and haven’t gone back to read your older posts so I’ll never know if you repeat yourself!

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  11. Oh dear, Ann, I thought I was alone in not being able to remember whether I had already covered a particular topic. I am sure that many of your long term readers will not be able to remember either. 😚

    I am glad you are sticking with the blogging. Hopefully there will be new topics, or new perspectives on old topics, in the coming years.
    Kind Regards.
    Tracy.

    Liked by 2 people

    • No, it’s not just you. It’s sort of embarrassing to be halfway through writing a post and then suddenly thinking, “Darn, this sounds familiar.” And then finding a post I wrote a few years ago that is almost the exact same thing…..But I guess all we can do is keep an eye out for new topics, and more importantly, to write from our hearts, as then at least our writing will be real, if not new. And for the record, I’ve been happily following you for quite some time now and haven’t noticed any repetition!

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  13. I love your blogs so I’m glad that you are going to continue. At the age of 69–soon to be 70, 😦
    I understand the forgetfulness. But who cares–someone will see it who never saw it before or someone will forget that they enjoyed it before and will enjoy it again. Right?

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    • Yes, that’s a very good point. So many of my original readers aren’t active in the blogging world anymore, so they wouldn’t notice the repeat anyway. And sometimes wordpress makes it hard to find the posts, anyway! Thank you for your support and comments, they are very much appreciated!

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  14. I normally don’t bother reading comments from other people. Time is precious. But this time I felt like making an exception since your post raised an important issue that concerns all of us bloggers. What do we do when the well of our creativity threatens to dry up? Do we turn to new untried territory? Do we seek new life experiences that allow us to present to our readers our own personal perspective? Or do we stick with the old topics and present them in a new way of thinking? I join the others with the plea to keep on blogging, so far I have been delighted with your muddling through your middle age soon to turn into the golden years, Ann. Best wishes! Peter

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    • Yes, it is a problem, isn’t it? Whether to venture into new territory, and thereby lose some regular readers who won’t appreciate that, or simply find new ways of presenting the same old topics is a serious question. I guess that ultimately, we each just choose what works best for us, and trust that our readers will understand. I do know that I enjoy reading about your family history, whoever you choose to present it. So perhaps the answer is to simply continue to write from our hearts, and just let those who wish to connect to it do so. Thanks for your continuing support, Peter….it means the world to me!

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  15. Keep writing. I enjoy reading your work and hearing things from your perspective. I too have been considering about blogging because finding topics is not always easy and sometimes when I have a good idea it would mean disclosing something personal or that could affect the privacy of others connected to me 😓 . If ever you run out of topics I have a feeling Finn will be happy to help 😀.
    On a side note, do you have an advice blog or have one in the making? Us younger people could learn from you.

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    • Thank you! It is hard to decide how much to disclose on a private blog, isn’t it? My personal guideline is to always be honest, but to remember that I am also allowed some personal privacy. In other words, everything I write is true, but I don’t write about everything. Does that make sense? As for blogging advice, the best I can give is to simply write from your heart and make each and every post the best you possibly can. That way, no matter what happens, you know you gave it your best shot. And if you want to increase your readership, then it helps to visit other blogs that interest you and to leave comments on them, and to always answer every comment on your blog. It’s all about building relationships with your readers, I think, rather than obsessing over stats. And double-check your settings, to make sure readers can easily find your latest post. Best of luck to you!

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  17. Ann- I am glad you shared this. I have thought about my blog as well and thought “who reads my stuff” but then sometimes I am surprised that people really do read it and enjoy it. We don’t always get the input we need to keep going. As far as ideas, well I find your blog refreshing. Middle age is not always mapped out the way we all expect. Hearing someone else’s take on it helps. We all need that support from each other and I am humbled that you read my blog and comment from time to time.

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    • Your blog is very much worth reading, Paula, and I am very glad I found it! And yes, middle age doesn’t play out quite as we expected (I thought I’d have SO much free time and no worries….how could I have been so naive?) But one of the original purposes of my blog was for those of us who are in the same boat to share ideas on how to cope, and I have been very happy how that has played out. I’ve gotten some fabulous ideas from the comments!

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  18. I often struggle with what to write. I sometime resort to just babbling . . . but it seems like I get the most interaction from those post. Odd, huh? I would like to “always have something of value to offer their readers, whether it’s entertainment, information, understanding, inspiration, a call to action, affirmation, or even just a temporary diversion from their everyday life” but I don’t feel that I do, also my blog started out with one main goal, but has since changed. I enjoy your blog. I think you should write when the urge moves you. 🙂

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    • I think Terre, that’s the biggest reason to write from the heart…even if it’s “just babbling,” when we write what we are truly thinking and feeling, then other people are going to connect with that. And that is of value to readers, and honestly the essence of writing. We write to connect with others, and exactly how that’s done can vary so widely! So keep up the struggle and know the results are worth it, I think.

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  21. Ann, first and foremost – don’t ever stop blogging. It’ll be like an eclipse blotting out the sun for me.

    And why should you even think that we might not care to read something you’ve written about before? 🙂 The post might be similar but the day of reading is not, hence our thoughts, reflections and lessons learned from the post (and comments) are likely to be different too.

    So, write on, Ann. I’d so rather read your ‘re-runs’ than go on the empty adventure of exciting random thoughts of some others.

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    • Thank you so much for your extremely kind comments! I guess I shouldn’t worry so much about repeating myself, because as you say, on different days we get different things from what I read. I know I enjoy reading my favorite books more than once. I’m just so scared of doing “same old, same old,” and it’s hard not to do that after five years. But I’ll just keep at it, and hope that all my readers are as nice as you!

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    • Thanks, Becky! I gave my blog that title because that’s all I intended to write about, but I have already branched off in a way…so there’s no point in going even further, I think. Isn’t it odd how much we can limit ourselves with preconceived ideas? That’s one of the good things about blogging: people bring a fresh perspective to our writings, and we grow from their wisdom and experience.

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  23. I hear you … I have also toyed with quitting … leaving my blog here but just not posting but several regulars recognised where I was heading and asked me not too … but yes rambling random thoughts are not what I choose to read!
    I’d miss you if you quit Ann … still plenty of life to report on even if you only post monthly 🙂

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  24. I’ve cut back to once a month at the moment, we’ll until I get my momentum back, just keep writing Ann, do whatever you want to with your blog.
    I used to keep a notebook of ideas and stopped, perhaps that’s something we should both start again.

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    • If once a month works best for you, then that’s exactly what you should do! I think part of the reason we toy with quitting once in a while is that we have an idea of how we need to blog, and when it becomes a chore to do that, we think that means we have to abandon our blog altogether. But we really don’t. And I also used to keep an “idea file,” and stopped. I think you are right that it’s time to go back to that! Thanks!

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  25. I’ve been blogging for over four years now, and the focus of my posts has changed – is changing again at the moment – which is fine. Write about anything you want to write about, and don’t worry about people thinking you’ve suddenly gone ‘off-topic’,.

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  26. “A writer should always have something of value to offer their readers” – I wholeheartedly agree with this. Even though I’m busy, like most us are, I deliberately take the time to read your posts because I know I’ll get something from them. So I’m glad you didn’t decide to quit, Ann – keep on truckin’!

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    • I guess it’s because I was an English major, but that has always been the point of writing to me: to express something in a way that another can connect with it. What we give our readers can vary from writer to writer, or even from one post or book to another, but I really believe we always have to give them something! We’re asking them to spend their valuable time reading our work, and so we should give them our very best. Thanks so much for your comment, Julie!

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  27. Ann, you’ve put into words a feeling I’ve had many times—thank you. Often what I’m tempted to write is too personal. Or political. Or I’ve already said it. I always want my blogs to have value to readers . . . and that’s harder than it looks! But I persist because I like the discipline of writing and the connection with readers. Trust yourself. The thoughts and words will come .

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    • It is harder than it looks! Finding an “appropriate” subject can be a challenge, and then there is the actual writing involved in shaping that idea into a decent post. And sometimes we do that better than others, but I agree that the discipline of writing and the connection to our readers are absolutely worth the effort. And I have always appreciated the obvious thought and effort that goes into your blog, which results in very good posts which I enjoy reading! Thanks for the encouragement…

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  30. I am in the same place. I took a break from blogging over the summer and although I have started posting again, I have not been that happy with what I am posting. I also find that I am rethinking my niche in the blogging world. I hope you do better than I am.

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    • I think those kinds of struggles are very natural for writers, Ellen! As for rethinking your niche, I would simply recommend writing about what interests you, because I truly believe that will also interest your readers. When we feel passionate about our subject, we do our best writing!

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  31. Ann, I’ve so enjoyed your every blog since I discovered you! You are authentic and curious and down-to-earth and write with an ease that certainly belies the struggle that writing can be. That said, this one really touched a chord in me. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. In fact, I woke up at 1:30 this morning and was still thinking about it, so I finally gave in and padded out to my living room to try to put some thoughts down on paper before I lost them. I’m pretty sure that they’ll make their way into a blog.

    While I resonate with everything that you were putting out there, there was one part that seemed to grab me and not want to let go. The first paragraph. The question of whether you can even call yourself “middle-aged” at age 61. I do think so, and I spent a couple of hours turning that over in my mind before putting pen to paper. I believe there is a case to be made that not only the 50’s, but also the 60’s constitute a distinctive “middle age.” Between the angst of the 40’s and the descending calm that shows up in the 70’s. The 50’s and 60’s have their own work to be done. Their own energy and goals and growing edges.

    Between the 40’s and the 70’s, there is a middle age in which change and challenge look different. They become a kind of testing ground for who we are turning out to be. Even for the best of us, our best is still playing itself out, finding new light and understanding and making the most of the new challenges that show up as we continue to explore this curious thing called life. (Wow…that sentence is way too long for a blog…!) Having lived into these years, we now carry a wisdom that’s going to bring us through. It may not seem that way sometimes, but it’s true. We are equipped. Just as we are equipping ourselves for those later years of elderhood when again the different challenges and changes arrive.

    So I continue to celebrate who you are and who you are becoming. I’m so glad that you’ve decided not to give up! Your writing life may be pushing the edges and looking for more. It’s that in-between time, and fortunately you are brave enough to wait this blip out. I can’t wait to see where this takes you! I would sure miss you if you were to stop blogging, but if you need to take a break – even a small one – that’s okay, too. I have to give myself the same advice from time to time…and I’ve only been blogging for 10 months!

    Muddling Through My Middle Age is still a gift…and the title is spot on. Still.

    Gratefully, Martha

    Sent from Mail for Windows 10

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    • Oh, my gosh, thank you so much for this comment! I have heard so many people say that anyone over fifty can’t possibly be middle-aged, because they probably aren’t going to live for another fifty years. But that’s not how I think of middle age. I think of it as you do, as the time between being “young” and being “old.” Yes, I’m older now (and have the wrinkles to prove it!) but I still don’t think of myself as in the same category as my 89-year old mother. We don’t think the same way, or act the same way at all.
      But what I especially love is your affirmation that this in between time has it’s own gifts and that we are continuing to grow and evolve even at this stage of our lives. That is so encouraging, and something that people our age don’t hear nearly often enough. I think that is what I like about your blog so much, how you honestly and yet positively explore what it means to be in our sixties or seventies, and how to accept and enjoy it rather than constantly trying to turn back the clock.
      Finally, thanks for saying my post made you think so long and so hard! You’re an excellent writer, so you know that it is every writer’s dream to make an impact on his or her readers…and how much it is appreciated when someone takes the time to let us know that a post did just that. Seriously, thank you for that!!!

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    • Very thoughtful comment here…so much wisdom! I am so glad I took the time to read all these comments through this morning. There are so many good ones! It just goes to show how much we learn from one another in the blogging community. 🙂

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  32. After reading this post, I was thinking that it was sort of about nothing. Kind of like the whole premise of the Jerry Seinfeld show. But geez, it seems like we all loved the post!

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  33. Hi Ann – thanks for sharing these honest thoughts. You know, sometimes I think about stopping my blog, even though mine is based on what I’m reading, so there are always new topics. But then I realize what I’d be giving up, which is the special group of friends I’ve made (you!). I’m sure you will have more ideas. I’d love to hear more about your mother’s moving experience, by the way. And I look forward to your grandparent posts, a position I aspire to!

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    • The more I read these comments from other bloggers, the more I realize that all of us think about giving it up from time to time. And some do adjust their schedules to make blogging more fun and less of a chore, which is a good thing. But I’m like you, I don’t want to give up my blogging friends (thank you so much for being one!!!) and I don’t want to stop writing. So I think the answer is for us to take breaks when we need to, adjust our schedules or subject matter when we want to, but to keep on blogging! Which I sincerely hope you do….

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  34. I worried that I’d run out of things to say of activities to pursue – I was wrong. I do however keep a list of blog titles to help me “jog my memory” with topics. It is just something I started when a topic came to mind – so I wouldn’t forget!!

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    • I used to do that, and then stopped. But I’m going to start writing down those little ideas or titles again, because you’re right, they do jog our memories. And that will go a long way to take the stress out of blogging, I think. Thanks for the suggestion!!

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    • Nothing wrong with that! But if you want to enjoy blogging more, I would recommend thinking long and hard about what you really enjoy writing, and then blog about that. It’s so easy to get caught up in the “blogging rules” that we forget blogging is supposed to be fun. I hope you do continue!

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    • That is a very good point, Anabel! I guess when I started out, I took the advice to have a “niche” a little too seriously. And since at the time the biggest thing I was struggling with was how to handle this new phase of my life, I went with that. But you’re right, the blogging community is like a group of friends, and we’re happy to talk about all sorts of things. Which means we can also write about them too! Thanks for being such a good blogging friend. And for showing me so much of Scotland that I can’t wait to go visit it myself!

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      • I think the niche thing is probably essential if your aim is to make money by commercialising your blog and become an “influencer” on a specific market. If your community is friendship, not so much IMO. Thanks to you too for your friendship and I really hope to see you here one day.

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  37. Ann, let me say that your blog has always been one of my favorites. Your posts are so well thought out that you make it look easy! I’m often inspired by your blog and you’ve given me many ideas on how to approach my own writing.
    By the comments it’s obvious that many people are relating so much to this post and I must admit I’m beginning to find myself in the same place as well. Even though my family and friends don’t read my blog, I struggle all the time in deciding how much I want to share, or if I even should. I read one of your early posts that mentions that your friends and family read your blog, which is really nice.
    I must confess I need a change, which I will be working on. But either way, it’s blogs like yours that keep me here. I was glad to read that you still think blogging is worthwhile and plan on sticking around! Des

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    • Yes, it is very hard to decide how much of our personal lives we should put on our blogs. I sort of follow Jon Katz’s advice of always be honest, but you don’t have to share everything. (He has an excellent blog about Bedlam Farm, by the way. I think you’d like it.)
      As for my friends and family, there are many who don’t read my blog, but enough who do that I shy away from certain issues because I know it would cause hard feelings and I don’t want my blog to become a bully pulpit. And as for your blog…it’s your openness and honesty that drew me to it, and I enjoy it very, very much. Change your subject if you need to, but I really hope you keep on blogging! You’re good at it. I think we all feel discouraged and as if we should quit now and then, but that just means we need a break, not that we need to quit entirely.
      Thanks for all your support!!!

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    • Oh please don’t apologize! Your comment was something that I think all bloggers, especially those of us who are over fifty, can relate to, and I think others will enjoy reading it. That being said, if you would rather it wasn’t in the comment section of a public blog, I’d be happy to remove it for you…just let me know!
      And if it makes you feel better, I do that sort of thing all the time! Especially with email….I’ve hit “reply all” when I thought I was replying to just one person more times than I could count. Which has certainly taught me not to say anything bad in an email!

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  39. A writer should always have something of value to offer their readers…. Right you are Ann! And everyone of us has somehow errors and weaknesses so we should forgive and try to make them and their weaknesses correct. I am also kind of a new bloggers and welcome your corrective ideas, suggestions and guidance 🙂

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  40. It’s so interesting to see how many comments this post has generated…and how many great bloggers follow your blog, Ann! Your brief wobbly moment about whether to keep blogging has actually provided a space for others to share the same truth: that we all feel that way sometimes. And it’s created more connection. Blogging is a wonderful creative outlet, and yours always offers something of value. Write whatever you want to write, in your lovely style, and we will continue to read it!

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    • Thank you so much! I’m kind of surprised by how many people related to what I was going through, and it really helps to know that it’s not just me. That community support is absolutely one of the best parts of blogging. Thanks for being a part of that!

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  41. I really get the writer’s block and also the wish to keep blogging because you’d miss the community, Ann. It’s absolutely the same for me which is why I’m down to post every two weeks. I hope to find more inspiration during winter when I’m more inside than outdoors. I really hope you keep blogging as yours is one of my favourites! And I don’t mind at all if you’d repeat yourself at one point – the best stories are those we read again and again. 😊

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    • I feel exactly the same way about your and your blog, Sarah! Once every two weeks is fine with me, if it means I still get to hear from you, see your art and read your posts. The important thing is that we keep the wonderful connections we have made going, just on terms that work for our personal lives. Thanks for being such a terrific blogging friend!

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      • Aww – thanks so much for your kind words, Ann! And you’re right, it really is important to keep the wonderful connections we’ve made here, they’re so precious! Happy blogging and happy weekend to you! ❤

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  43. Interesting post that struck several chords with me. Sadly, suspect I may be one of those Come along with me no matter what crazy nonsense… types. I start most posts that way. Sometimes, only sometimes, they sort themselves out into something that makes sense, something I couldn’t actually have worked out logically. Ann, it’s worth it for those few. Title – if the Middle Age bit starts to worry you, why not eventually shorten it to Muddling Through? We never stop doing that! I sometimes tell the same story again, much later, and with a different slant or perspective. I think that’s legitimate. That bit about only writing things when you can’t forget them is good: at college a tutor once described that as Forgettory, i.e. let your ideas be like fallen leaves, let them mulch down somewhere at the bottom of your mind and sooner or later something will germinate. I started off overflowing with ideas then found, like you, that it slowed down. Every post I write I think is probably going to be my last, but so far it never had been…

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    • Thanks, Linda! One of my favorite authors once said (wrote) the same thing: when you come up with a great idea, do your best to forget it. If you can’t, then you know you have to write about it. I think that holds true especially for novelists, but possibly for bloggers as well. The things we really want to say don’t go away.
      As for your posts, no worries. You have a style that works for you, and I personally really really like it. You have a knack of sharing troubles and the little day to day worries that so many of us face in a way that engages the reader, and then you come up with those “zingers” that are truly great. For instance, I can still remember the blog about your mother in the memory care home, where she kept asking you to help her escape. Or the time you wrote about visiting your dying father and saying that was the first time you voluntarily touched him. Trust me, you can write very powerfully when you want to! And that’s a talent not everyone has.

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  44. I read your post soon after it was published but thought that I needed to have enough time to make a thoughtful comment so I put it aside… then we had houseguests… now, I have some more time so here I am.

    Anyway, I was afraid that your post would end with “… so I’m quitting my blog” so I was thrilled that you will still be writing. I have felt the exact same way and have written about my ambivalence. I’ve taken time off, I’ve cut back on my posting schedule, and I’ve thought about ways to re-energize my blog. But, the most important thing I’ve done is to keep writing, because in reality, my blog is for me. I’ve been thrilled that others like what I’ve write, and I’m over the moon about having the opportunity to meet other bloggers IRL. But, in the beginning, I started my blog because I like to write and I was worried my retirement would give me limited opportunities to do so, and that’s why I need to keep it going. Once a week, twice a month, or just whenever the spirits move me… it really doesn’t matter.

    I follow way too many blogs (I really, really try to cut back, but I keep finding more) but there are only a handful that I’m always excited to see in my inbox and yours is one of them. So, please keep it up! If you repeat topics now and then, I’m sure each version will have a slightly different take on it. You are a good and thoughtful writer, and you write about topics of interest to me. I hope you will continue to feel that it’s “worth the effort” for some time into the future.

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    • Thank you for your kind words! You know, if there was just one theme from all the comments on this post, it is that all bloggers sometimes feel overwhelmed and wonder if they should quit, and yet are hesitant to walk away from the blogging community and from the creative writing outlet. It seems that so
      many of us are in the same boat, but I never realized it until now! I don’t know that I would have the nerve to even write about my “writer’s block” if I hadn’t read Jodi’s wonderful post about it on The Creative Life In Between. (Well worth checking out, by the way.)
      I really hope you continue with your blog as well, because it is one of those that I look forward to seeing in my inbox (I get email notifications when my favorite blogs have a new post.) It truly doesn’t matter how often you post, just that you do it so those of us who love your blog can read it!

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  46. “A writer should always have something of value to offer their readers, whether it’s entertainment, information, understanding, inspiration, a call to action, affirmation, or even just a temporary diversion from their everyday life.” I am gonna hold on to this Ann. This will be like a checklist before I click that publish button. Unless a couple of them of them is not checked, I will not hot publish my article. 🙂
    I love your blog Ann. I come back to your blog to make sure I have read all your articles. Sometimes I read 4-5 of them together. Can’t imagine visiting your blog and not finding anything to read. Please keep writing.

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    • Thank you so much, Deepa! And believe me, I’ve been reading your blog for quite some time now and you always offer your readers something of value. Your posts always make me think, often in ways I haven’t before! My checklist isn’t complete, as there are so many things that we can offer our readers…the important thing is that we give them something that made it worth their while to read it! And you do it beautifully, each and every time.

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    • You may have a point there. Because I have read many of your posts, and never found them to be repetitive at all! Yet you’re right, your basic theme is the same, you are just saying it in new and different ways that help your readers relate to what you’re talking about. (One of the many reasons I love your blog…I always learn something from it, and I can always relate to it!) So perhaps it is okay to repeat ourselves creatively, because our readers get something of value from it each time. All I know is, I get something new out of each of your excellent posts….so keep them coming!

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  48. I suspect that at some point, if we keep at it long enough, we all end up repeating ourselves. But perhaps the passage of time will allow us to put a fresh spin on it, and hint at some growth in the interim.

    As for myself, I depend on a pictorial framework for most posts and if I repeat myself it’s likely to be there. I mean, how many times have I shown pictures of flowers?

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    • Ha! But they aren’t the same flowers, and each of your posts is both good and unique! It’s sort of what Kathy said above…we have our themes, which we repeat, but we say it (or show it) a little bit differently each time, so our readers don’t mind the repetition at all. This is one of the things I love about blogging: I write a post about whatever I’m thinking about, and then I get comments that help me learn even more about whatever subject I happened to address. Thank you for bringing up this point…and keep blogging!!!

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  49. I have struggled recently with fresh ideas for my blog and agree that we should offer some value whether it’s a photo, an idea, or provocative perspective. Today in my Facebook feed a memory came up where I posted a picture of Kloe laying on her back arms stretched to the sky and staring up at seemingly nothing. I titled the picture “how to cope with writers block”. Maybe I’ll try that technique. If it helps I’ll let you know… 🙂 Seriously Ann, I am so glad you have hung in there as I really enjoy your posts.

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    • Thank you! And please know how much I’ve enjoyed reading your blog about first Kali, and then Kali and Kloe, too. Your blog most certainly offers something to its readers, and I hope that you continue the story for a long, long time!

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  50. I can always relate to your words, Ann. Maybe its because we are about the same age, and are both experiencing the same middle-age related life changes? You are obviously a very gifted writer, with an honest and humorous way of explaining these changes. Thank you for helping me muddle through middle age too.

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    • I think so many of us are in the same boat! We enjoy blogging, but worry that we have run out of things to say. And I think that our age does have something to do with that. But I’m glad to see that you are posting again as well, as I enjoy your travel posts and photos so very much. I always learn something from you blog, not the least of which is that I want to travel a whole lot more!

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