Most of the photos here at Rabbit Run Cottage
can be enlarged just by clicking on each one!
There you go...see? Easy!

Friday, June 05, 2009

How Do You Do, My Name Is Sue!

Howdido! My name is Sue!
I have decided to reinvent my self...okay. So I'm Not. But I AM re-introducing myself to all of you. After posting my "Alone Again...Naturally" post, so many of you left comments and sent emails, all so sweet and supportive. I know I was being silly but was in such a bloggy funk. Let me explain...someone I know, (not well thankfully), who is quite the downer, wrote me just to say, " Poor you! You used to get 150 + hits on your blog and now you seem lucky to get 40!"
How dear of her to point that out! Just made me day. Hmpf.
My fink had nothing to do with the number of comments you see...just visits.
I was just "not giving the blog world what it wanted". Her words. Not mine.
Okay. So it left me wondering if I should continue. I always tried to put up interesting pictures, ones that I had worked on to improve their look...wanting them to be pretty for all of you! I tried to write about things I was doing that you MIGHT be interested in. No, I don't do as many decorating posts as others but I haven't had the time to do that for awhile. I miss it and hope to do more posts of that nature soon but still....
I wasn't giving the folks what they wanted...
I was told I was "long winded" and that seemed to hold true when some pointed out that I put up "wordy" posts. Okay, so I am a talker. *shrug* That's just me.
I have not participated in as many daily posts as some and that hasn't helped...you know...the "___ Monday" or "___Thursday". I WANT to but have not had the time to do so yet.
I Do read many of YOUR daily postings and sadly, do not always leave a comment.
This begs the question, do blog friends only visit YOU if YOU visit THEM? Sometimes this seems to be the case. *sigh* I don't know the answers, only the questions!
What to do, what to do. Here's the 911. I am just overwhelmed some days, like many of you, with daily activities. Some of you are equally busy and will probably not read this due to it's "wordiness" *grin*
I literally *hit the wall* last Saturday evening. I was so tired, so sore, so emotionally and physically drained that I collapsed! Literally! At almost 53 years of age, I also suffer from
fibromyalgia, arthritis and 2 badly injured knees. I have not shared with you about the fibro but
I made a vow that this blog would NOT be all about my *bad* days! I wouldn't want to read that about me so why would YOU! *laugh*
But there it is. Between the house and the yard (albeit a small one but still one that needs tending!), Grace's schedule, my nephew's schedule, my Mom's schedule...then there are the extra added goodies like doctor appointments and grocery shopping and dog grooming and yard mulching and volunteer work, Church work, High School reunion committee work...you get the point.
And ALL of you face the same thing! How to do it all. How do we do all we HAVE to do and all we WANT to do?
So I debated whether or not to keep blogging. If no one read my dribbles, why do them? I was talking to my awesome new friend (met through blogging I might add!), Sue
about this and we shared the same angst about the work. We both found that each of our posts take approximately 1-2 hours to do. Some have taken longer. I try, I really do, to make it interesting, funny, visually enjoyable...I know that not everyone will agree that it meets these lofty requirements but the attempt will always be there!
I do apologize to each of you for my inability to always visit as I should, to always leave comments as I should...I know that each of you work hard on YOUR blog posts and you deserve
MY respect for it. I apologize for all the times I have been unable to be the sort of blog friend that I wish to be.
So. I am going to start fresh for the Summer. I will do a post, re-introducing myself to all of you.
I can't promise that I will always be riveting and relevant *grin* but I WILL try. I will post at least twice a week and visit all of you as often as I can. I will participate in some of the fun daily events in blog world.
But, all in all, I will post for me. It is my creative outlet, my connection with the wider world.
I have no illusions of grandeur. No one is going to ask me to write a book or pay me to blog. No one is going to put my house in a magazine, pay for my advice or hop on the Rabbit Run bandwagon because my blog is uber popular. But the friends I have made here in bloggy world are, for the most part, still right here beside me. I treasure that. I have learned so much from you, been inspired, supported, uplifted by you. I have laughed until Diet Coke came out of my nose! *lovely visual I know* I have shared your joys, your pain, your fears and your triumphs.
I am honored by that.
You will NOT have to visit me to get me to visit you! *smile* But you are always MOST welcome here at Rabbt Run Cottage...anytime, anyday.
With love and many hugs,
Susie Q

31 comments:

Rebecca Ramsey said...

How-de-do, Sue!
Amen, girl, to writing your blog just for you! I always enjoy my visits to Rabbit Run Cottage and will drop in on you whether you swing by my place or not! I enjoy it all--the places you take us along to, your decorating posts or family posts or Brian posts--everything.
Hugs to you!
Becky

Salmagundi said...

I will always be here! Just like you, when I can. Remember life takes over, or there wouldn't be anything to blog about. I like you just the way you are. Sally

Connie said...

I don't see how you can be down, sugar! You're beautiful with those pink cheeks, gorgeous blue eyes, lovely pink lips and a flippy hair do.......you're GORGEOUS, sweetpea sue and don't you forget it.
xoxo,
Connie

Allidink said...

Good for you! Blogging should be something done for yourself anyway. What you said earlier about do blog friends only leave comments if you do? I completely believe that is the case. I look at it from this perspective as I am a communications major LOL. So I think that leaving comments on a blog is like starting a conversation. It's like going up to someone and saying "hello, how are you today?" So when people leave a comment and then don't ever get reciprocation they get hurt or offended and stop commenting. So if you went up and said hello to someone and they just ignored you, you'd be offended right haha? That's just how I look at commenting. I follow a lot of blogs and I just try to say one nice thing to everyone who has posted that day. I don't want you to give up on blogging I really enjoy your blog! I don't participate in those whatever weekdays either LOL. When life's to hectic I don't blog consistently either. Your not alone! :) Take care now!!!

All the best,
Allison

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Hi Sue! I am glad you are still posting. Blogging is suppose to be fun. Not a chore or a job. I LOVE visiting you....you always make me laugh, or think....
xo
Penny

Dana and Daisy said...

I believe in blogging without obligation. I believe in being yourself, and making the blog about whatever you need it to be. Unless it is for commercial purposes, but I think blogging (for me anyway) is a hobby and if I'm not enjoying it, I step back from it.

I change my voice often, my length often, my topics often, my blog list often, and I hold no one captive to my blog out of obligatory I visit you if you visit me.

Like, I'm just recently becoming acquainted with you!

If I had any advice it would be to dump the "friend" who pointed out your blogging style and moods are changing. Maybe you'd lose some readers in a change, but eventually you'll find new ones!

Love and encouragement!
Dana

~Becca~Bluebird Rose said...

You summed it up in the final paragraph when you said "blog for me". It should be something for FUN, not a chore.
I have met a lot of really nice people in bloggy world, including you!! Perhaps we'll meet face to face in the near future. 'Til then, I'll visit ya this way, and perhaps you can pop in on me the same way from time to time -- no obligation! :)
~Becca~

imjacobsmom said...

Hi Sue, Just glad you decided to stick with it - it's your blog - participate however you like. All I know is that I like to pop in and visit. ~ Robyn

Sandi McBride said...

Okay, so just who was this person who had the audacity to try to tell you how to write your own blog? Miss Nancy Douglas would tell them if they can't say something nice, SAY NOTHING AT ALL! I've always loved your posts, enjoyed learning about your family and enjoy dropping in just to see what Gracie is up to these days...so glad you stuck to your guns! That's our girl!
hugs
Sandi

Justabeachkat said...

Sweet Sue

I recently had a rough time with comments about my blogging. It hurts. It stinks! It's unfair. So I know how you feel. I decided to quit blogging. But you know what? I love blogging. I love the friends I've made here. And, by George, I'm not a quitter. So I started a new blog and I've put on my big girl panties and moved on. Don't you worry sweet friend, there's lots and lots of us who love ya and want you right here.

Hugs!
Kat

(by the way...you are drop dead gorgeous! Your complexion makes me jealous. And those blue eyes!)

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi, Sue, I think this blog thing is a struggle for all of us who love it. It sure is for me. I love blogging & sharing & making all the friends I have. my blog has grown WAY beyond where I dreamed it would be & with that, comes the realization that I cannot keep up with everyone. People that came by my blog a year ago, don't leave comments anymore (they may still be coming by, I don't have any idea). It's just SO hard to keep up with all the old & new blogs that I'd like to read. And I wish I had time to be friendlier & get to know people more personally, but it's just gotten so difficult to keep up the pace. So, I do what I can. Comment when I can & keep on going. I'm sure there are many who get mad at me cause I don't leave comments all over the place. But, the thing is even if I stayed on this puter all day long (which somedays I feel like I do), I could still never play the catch-up game. Wish I had all the answers, but I don't.

Keep on blogging & being sweet you! You have a lot of friends out here & you've always been a friend to me. xoxo

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Oh, and I'm with Kat. Totally jealous of your youthful skin. You look great!

Cass @ That Old House said...

Well, first of all, I cannot believe the bad manners of someone who would say negative things -- or even "constructive criticism" -- about something as personal as a personal blog!
This isn't a contest! No judging allowed.

As for reciprocal commenting, I am pleased when it happens, but it's OK if it doesn't -- there are days we have time to comment, days when we don't! And for the people with huge numbers of visitors and followers - yikes! How would they possibly get to everyone?

Blog for your own beautiful self! Don't worry about giving people what they want; give yourself what YOU want.

And if you are wordy, it's because you've got something to say!

Keep on truckin'... and don't let small minded people get you down.
Best wishes ... Cass

Melissa Miller said...

Hi Sue,
Your words are meaningful and describe exactly how we all feel about blogging. It can be overwhelming and frankly a bit tiring. I've stayed up many a night way too late reading blogs and then stumbled through the next day exhausted.
Yikes! Did I just admit I'm addicted? Uh oh...
I have thought about removing mine many times as well. I figure as soon as I no longer enjoy it
I will stop.

I have to say I'm quite shocked and angry someone would point out your hits or lack of so to speak. That is really rude. How in the world would someone know this info about your personal blog anyway?
I had a stats counter several months ago for just a few weeks and decided I was obsessing over how many visitors I had. I took it off and haven't cared or missed it one teeny bit. I didn't know other bloggers may have been checking my stats too. That's crazy.

I do enjoy your blog very much! Anytime you can come by mine is fine with me my friend. I definitly understand.

Have a wonderful weekend.
~Melissa :)

Betty Jo said...

OMGosh Sue! You are just as cute as you are sweet. I'm with you. I blog for me, first, then if anyone else likes it, that's great too. I'm all over the place with my posts, but isn't that the way real life rolls? To be honest I simply can't imagine that someone would actually say those hurtful things to you. But, just remember, it is only one person's opinion, not the majority. You just be you, blog any old way you darn well please, and have fun when you do! ♥

Chris@Cats On My Quilts said...

Hello Sue, I'm Chris! I have always loved your blog but find it hard to keep up with all my favorite blogs lately. I especially have trouble with quilting blogs because I see all sort of inspiration and tell myself I have to make this or that quilt and pretty soon I am overwhelmed and I do nothing and feel rotten about it all. It actually stopped me from sewing this past winter.

Health wise you sound like me. I have one artificial knee (I love me new knee!) and will probably have to have the other one done at some time. I wake up some mornings where every joint hurts. I found out that I am have hypothyroidism this past year and , by the way, MENOPAUSE SUCKS!

So I understand your blog weariness. I have always loved your blog and your attitude so I hope to see you for many years. But do it because it brings you joy and don't worry about what others say.

Your friend, Chris

Neabear said...

Sue, Everyone here has made great comments. I agree with them all. Like you I follow to many blogs too. I have a hard time keeping up. So I look at the ones that catch my for some reason first. Then I go to my list and read the updates on each until I get to the next one I am behind one, then catch up on that one. Slowly I am making my way through the list. Like others have said, sometimes we have to get things around the house done too. LOL! Part of the problem I have that keeps me behind is I work for one, but two, my leg cramps up from being in a sitting position in front of the computer. Once that happens I can't sit still and can't concentrate. So I have to give up and shut down the computer and go and lie down. Aging is getting to me I guess. I am about 3-4 months younger than you. Anyway, thank you for your post. We all understand and you just do what you can when you can. Take care my friend, Linnea

Neabear said...

I should have re-read what I typed before I hit "Publish". Anyway, that sentence should be "catch my eye.

Sorry.:-)

Holly Campbell said...

I am happy you are here! I enjoy reading, and I have often thought I don't say enough in my posts! I also love your tours of the places you go. . .thank you for sharing your time with us!

Harbor Hon said...

My Dear Bunny Lady,
What a great post! You've summed up just about how everyone who blogs feels. We do it for ourselves and treasure those who would like to stop by to read our ramblings. You've always cheered me up when I needed it just by posting. Don't ever think you're long winded because some of us are too. *waving my hand* Love the new picture you posted. Be here when you can, I will always visit. xxoo

Deanna said...

Don't go changing, to try and please me
You never let me down before.
Don't imagine you're too familiar
And I don't see you anymore.
I wouldn't leave you in times of trouble.
We never could have come this far.
I took the good times, I'll take the bad times.
I'll take you just the way you are.

I don't care if your house isn't in a mag or that your blog isn't in the stratosphere of blogland.
I never want us to work that hard.
I just want someone that I can talk to
I want you just the way you are.

I need to know that you will always be
The same old someone that I knew.

And this I promise from the heart
I could not love you any better
I love you just the way you are.

Okay, so I changed a few words and my singing sounds like a wounded ox, but I think it sounds okay...lol! By the way, you are a knockout!

Texas sized hugs,
Deanna :D

LivingTheLife said...

OK...first of all...YOU my friend are GORGEOUS...I knew you were...I've seen side glimpses of you on your post...but never really a "close up" shot of you... I'm with Kat...you're skin is flawless...your rosy cheeks are just so glowing and your eyes are breath-taking...I knew beauty filled your heart...but see now that your cup runneth over in the beauty department all the way around.

Now...for your dilema...honey, it's your blog...you can do what you want, when you want, with whom you want. It's suppose to be joyful, fun, an outlet for your many expressive talents and literary skills...it is something that makes many of us smile, love, laugh, care, enjoy, and ponder over...but in the end...THIS is not a job...this is an outlet for fun and creativity or whatever you want it to be...you just do whatever you can whenever you can. Come by my blog anytime...or don't worry if you haven't checked it in months...I'm not high maintenance...and I don't usually allow those types to control my joy! I am long-winded, too...that's just who I am...I leave long comments...I post long rambling post...but it's who I am...and if no-one reads it...yea, I'm sure I would be disappointed...but I don't do this for anyone else but me and the very loving gals I've met along the way...Yes, I have met some awesome folks here and I pray we continue our friendships for many years...but I won't snidely hit them up side the head w/a inappropriate response just b/c I haven't heard from them in a while or that there post aren't living up to some unrealistic standard...set by "who knows and who cares" I cherish their friendships...but I don't count numbers...I just count connections I've made...and you my friend are certainly one person I feel connected to...I don't always have time to comment...but I'm always around...so let me know...and I'll be there for ya.

Shame on whoever made you feel bad...you are so far above that...I can't even believe they bothered bringing any of that mess up.

Blessings...and...(((hugs)))
T

Melissa Miller said...

Thank you Sue!
For your kind words on our office and my hubby as well. He's a good man.
I'm feeling blessed...

I meant to say this earlier...I agree.
Your skin and blue eyes are stunning! :)

Kathleen Grace said...

I am sure we have no idea how many are reading our blogs and not commenting. I dont always comment because of time restrictions, or just because, sometimes I don't have a lot to say. But I have you on my google reader and I never miss a post! I have found so many great places to visit and so many kindred spirits that to comment on each post they did would be a full time job! We all have families and things to do and we need to cut each other some slack in the comments department. I know you are there for Sue, whether you comment on every post or not. I hope you know I'm here for you too:>)

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

Hi Sue! Blog because YOU want to... and it makes YOU happy..and ignore the sad/mean/ugly people out there! I got an email (not a comment)a couple of Saturdays ago regarding a pink saturday post.... that hurt me.. and had me thinking about deleting my blog. I took a day to think about it..and decided that the person must be going through a bad time... or something...because CERTAINLY they were NOT that cruel in real life!

Blogging has introduced me to some special people... amazing in many ways... I will not let a few rotten apples spoil the whole bunch!

Sending hugs

Susan

Janet said...

Love you too!

Bonnie said...

Howdy do Sue. What beautiful blue eyes you have. I don't know who these bloggers are that called you long winded and pointed out your lack of comments. What should it matter to them. They can go visit someone else. I love reading your blogs, they make me laugh, they make me think and I thoroughly enjoy them. I couldn't imagine spending an hour or two on my blog. I just type what I have to say, slap some picture up there and I'm done. Of course I am not as witty as you nor are my pictures as spectacular. I am so glad you are staying with us. I read your blog because I LOVE your blog, not because you read mine. And I will continue to read it. Like you I may not always leave a comment, sometimes there just nothing to be said. And I may not visit everyday, but when I have time, I will catch up. So welcome back, Sweet Sue.

blanche said...

Howdy Sue!
Your Blog is a wonderful place in which I like to visit! Don't worry about what other people may think. Lord knows I should take my own advice! I have been following your wonderful stories for a while and see nothing wrong with any of them! I try to get inspired for my own but if you ever visit mine you will find a very empty space! I have been busy and not really much to write about! You are an inspiration for thoughts of my own! Maybe someday I will eventually get on track and start posting some blogs again! Anywhoo, keep up the great work!

Anonymous said...

Hey, you just keep blogging, lady! It's a hobby and a personal pleasure, not a school assignment or a job, right? If you are happy and saying what you want to say, that is what is most important! I visit blogs almost daily, some days I love something, other days not so much, that is okay, it is the same with all things, books, tv, movies, magazines, the newspaper. Some of it is my own mood, some of it is content, but your blog is not about me, or for me, it is about and for YOU! Do not get discouraged!!!

Laurie4567@aol.com

Carole Burant said...

Oh dear, I wish I would have read this the day you wrote it but as you can see, I'm wayyyy behind! lol Like you, I can't visit and comment every day and sometimes I'm lucky if I have time to visit once a week!! It certainly doesn't mean I don't like the person, it just means I have a life and things I have to do in that life can take a lot of my time:-) Don't you just love those people who think it's their God given duty to make us feel bad and put us down? UGH! As you know, I've been through that and it's not a very nice feeling at all. You tend to start second guessing your blog and worrying that it's not interesting, etc,...I just finally figured out that I'm not blogging to entertain the whole world, I'm just blogging to share my every day life with online friends:-) Don't you ever change your style of blogging....it's YOU and oh how I just love you to bits!!! Don't let one jealous bad apple ruin it for you. PEA's orders!!! hehe LOVE that picture of you, you're beautiful inside and out...oh if only Brian could see you:-) xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

I enjoy your blog and just read your posting about your Dad. Your Dad was very handsome and you should be very proud of him.
My Dad was born in 1921 and would have been 88 this July. He passed in 1994 just three years after my Mom. Like you and your Dad, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss him. Growing up I loved to sit with him when he worked on a project and ask questions. He was a gentle, reserved man - he wasn't the life of the party - but he was always there for me.
My hubby and I agree that our parents were part of the GREATEST GENERATION the likes of we will not see again. I am glad they are not here to see the state of our great nation and the mess that Washington - our government - has made of it by rushing these spending programs though and treating our tax money like candy to gorge on instead of cutting expenses and controlling our borders.
I don't have a blog yet. I hope to start one sometime this year. It must be hard to read nasty comments and/or thoughtless ones. I read many blogs since I discovered the blog world last year and enjoy them all. I can't comment on everyone I read but I try to if I have the time. Everyone is so busy with all the duties and stresses of modern life that it is hard to keep up with family and friends. So I enjoy all the blogs that let us into their lives. I have learned so much from the bloggers too. So please keep blogging we love to hear from you.

Teacup Lady (Sandy)