Hello ladies... just ten days ago, I posted that my blog was causing me a great deal of stress, and I just did not want to post anymore... the main reason being the fact that so many of my photos are being taken without my permission and used elsewhere... during these ten days, I spent my time doing alot of the things I love, and not spending much time at all on the computer... it felt nice... longer walks with Tessy, Jack's and my daily Nature walks getting back to normal after the long, cold winter... catching up reading books I have been wanting to... spending fun days with my family... finally seeing some teensie little shoots of green in my gardens where until recently mounds of snow have been... and doing alot, really alot, of thinking... my blog used to make me really happy... in the beginning, I started it to journal my love of Nature and gardening.... somewhere along the way, I got sidetracked... soon, I found myself posting about all sorts of other things... and not so much about my true loves of gardening and Nature... I began feeling overwhelmed trying to keep up visiting everyone and commenting... and soon it wasn't fun and relaxing anymore...
(Above pic off of my favorite sketch pad)
I found out these last couple of weeks just how much I do miss writing about Nature and posting some of the photos I take along the trail on our walks... I am going to give posting another try... but this time, I have promised myself I am getting "back to Nature" and staying with only that... I think what saddened me the most is all of the photos of my sweet Tessy that people took... people I don't even know... I know you all would not like it if someone took your photos of your children and grandchildren without asking... so... my photos will be all Nature related... and my never ending love of all God's precious creatures... my true calling in life... also, I am only going to post occasionally... and try to not feel pressured or obligated to anyone... especially myself... I want to enjoy my blog the way I used to... I would love to have you visit and if you feel like commenting, that is great... if not, that is okay as well... one thing I am asking, again... if anyone wants to borrow any of my photos, PLEASE ask me... first... PLEASE do not just take them... regardless where you want to use them... I would like to be asked first... thank you all for your friendship... I hope my blog returns to the happy place it always was for me now that I am getting "back to Nature"... xoxo... Julie Marie
15 comments:
Croeso! Welcome back. I cannot begin to say how happy I am to 'see' you again. I hope you will be happier now that you've rediscovered your true blogging vocation. My own blog is taking a different direction at the moment, who knows where it will lead, but as you tell us, "Listen to your heart . . it knows the way" . .
Deb C♥
Very cute image. :)
I am glad you are going to blog again, Julie Marie. I think that doing it on your own terms and posting only what makes you happy is a wonderful thing. I wish I knew how to tell you to make your photos so that no one can copy them but I can't.
I love that you are going to go back to your true love of nature. xo Diana
I'm so glad you are back...I missed you! Hugs, Penny
I agree with you, blogging should bring joy and not make you feel like it's a job. I have taken some time to stop and think about it also. I am looking forward to reading your nature post.
OH! I am SO glad that you decided to return to Bloglandia, Julie Marie! It's such a bummer that there are people out there who think they can take what's not theirs. You can protect your photos, though, if you edit them with a photo editing site (like PicMonkey or ipiccy.com) and put your "Idyllhours" watermark on it. Very easy to do. I'll look forward to seeing the beauty of God's nature that surrounds your lovely home! Welcome back, sweetie! ♥
xoxo laurie
Yeah! Made my morning to see your post ♥ Love the Back to Nature theme xo
I am a new follower and was so disappointed that you had decided to stop....now I am very happy that you have changed your mind. I have only a teeny tiny little blog, but I completely understand where you're coming from. Sometimes it's easy to lose track of your original purpose for blogging. I've found that out, and I've only been blogging for a year! I hope you are able to find your joy again...welcome back (( hug ))
Stick with your passion, Julie, and let the rest slide. you love nature, don't miss out on what you enjoy. So glad to see you post! xoxo
I stopped trying to keep up with everything several months ago my friend. I can't do it. The surgery I had in December was very hard on me and helped me realize that blogging is only one small aspect of my life. I missed my local friends and felt spent emotionally. Now I only Post when I want to. Say what I want, comment when something moves me, etc. Most of all I promised myself and God I would try not to sweat the little things. Like the bitty numbness that lingers in my middle finger/right hand and feeling guilty about not visiting more blogs and leaving a thought or two. I can only do so much...
In the end I believe God directs us to the place or places He wants us to be. I trust Him daily to lead me to just WHAT it is I need and then show me the reasons behind where I find myself.
Staying centered has been a challenged for me... My father continues to be ill, the economy is slow and that affects my biz. My goal is to press on with JOY despite the pressures I face each day and to remember I'm living a very, very blessed life.
Thanking God for you today.
Love, Rebecca
Hi Julie Marie,
So glad to see you posting again and getting back to your roots. I still do not have my links to visit and could not find you in my following so I was thrilled to find you writing again.
Life has a way of getting too busy but with God's direction we can stay true to ourselves doing what we love without all the clutter.
Less stress and simple living is all in our own control. No one can do it all and that's a good thing.
I am thrilled for you and very happy to see you.
Have a wonderful day.
Much love, Celetina Mraie
Welcome back... I hope you find your joy again.
I actually wondered how you did it all Julie Marie...being ever so faithful to so many blogs. I'm glad you're getting centered and posting and visiting only when you can my dear.
xo Roberta
Julie Marie-- first, I just want to say that I love you. I'm sorry that people have been so unkind and used your photos without your permission. That's just wrong. You are making the best decision for you right now my friend. Do not do what does not make you happy.
I will enjoy your lovely nature photos and will be here for your posts- whenever chance brings them to happen. Above all else- stay true to you and your happiness--
xoxo
Vicki
Well, I'm really behind! But, glad you're back! We all get off track and overwhelmed with blogging at times, I think. It's suppose to be fun--so have fun with it! Follow your heart! Enjoy! I missed you.
Springtime Blessings,
Dru
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