Rain showers mingled with petals—that’s the kind of rain we've been gifted with these couple of days... and the air is thick with the scent of spring; like the Secret Garden of Mary Lenox.
I love it all. From my window, raindrops on the folds of roses seem to sparkle... they call on my attention and ignite imagination... I want to believe they're fallen stars sleeping in roses and green leaves...
Now, in another note... Lately, I've been thinking a lot about what blogging really means to me. What does it mean to you? I mean, do you see blogging as a way of expression; like an extension of your life maybe? Or perhaps, is it more like something you must do to attract more readers to your blog? I feel sorry for those bloggers out there who have nothing or very littler to offer as far as content goes; yet you see them struggling to keep up with their weekly linky parties; even going to the extreme of posting old photographs so they would not lose their readers. That, to me, is forcing creativity. And what fun is that?
The last thing I ever want to do is jeopardize the freedom I find here. Complying with unnecessary rules or doing something through obligation robes my joy; being the free-spirited person that I am.
So, I have decided from now on I will blog without obligation. This mantra, a movement amongst some bloggers, liberates me from the shackles of poor blogging. Everyone should enjoy blogging. If it isn't a joy any more, you should think of something else. And thus, what I’m trying to say is that SHOW OFF YOUR COTTAGE MONDAY has become sorts of a burden to me—schedules I must meet, links I must follow; sites I must visit, and I’m not finding joy in doing this any longer. Therefore I’m stopping.
I do hope you do continue coming by... I will still be waiting for you from my window as I love to see you wandering and drifting through twists and turns of a garden I hold SO very dear to my heart, and you give me infinite bliss through your comments and thoughts.
Have a beautiful weekend, everyone!
I am a newish blogger, who has yet to find her way... I am wondering what motivates others and me. In the meantime, I enjoy what I see and perhaps soon I will know what blogging really is to me... Your garden looks
ReplyDeletephotos are spectacular. I always love raindrops on petals and how they just sparkle. Have a wonderful weekend.
Ciao,
Mary
I have been blogging for a little over a year now, and I can see how one does become burned out. I totally agree about blogging without obligation. I find myself feeling obligated to join weekly linking parties. I simply cannot post every day. I don't have a problem with people posting old photos, but old posts I am not that anxious to do, except for one or two I did early on and no one saw! I did not join your party as I am a newcomer to your blog. I also cannot describe my town home as a cottage in any way, except in my dreams! Enjoy the long weekend. xo
ReplyDelete"To Thine Own Self Be True."
ReplyDeleteYou have a lovely blog, and if changing to keep doing it for joy and creativity, then peace be with you and your decision!
You ahve an amazing garden and spirit - anyone who can enjoy rain as much as you have expressed has a very good soul.
Best to you, always.
Sincerely,
Michele
Cielo, while I'll miss your linky party, I'll still be a visitor. Thanks for hosting the party all this time and enjoy your new-found freedom! Your garden is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI will miss your cottage monday, but I understand. I have closed my main blog down for awhile. I too have found blogging to be stressful at times even though I do enjoy it. I will still come and visit your blog. I love reading what you post.
ReplyDeleteOh- as long as I can come and see you I don't care WHAT you do! I hope you don't give up blogging though...I would really miss your sweet, and magical, ways.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Cielo. I have decided that if I don't find blogging fun anymore I will quit. I have not joined any parties yet because my blog is all about my family and kind of a history of my grandkids' childhood.
I feel like I was blessed to find you early on when I started blogging and some of your magic rubbed off on me.
God bless you and I hope you enjoy every moment of your days off. xo Diana
I have joined your link parties a couple of times but I visit you often. I post 2 times a week sometimes I could post more sometimes less. I do agree with you. I love blogging and I want to keep it a joy.
ReplyDeletecathy
hola querida Cielo, nada mejor que hacer aquello que uno siente y no sentirse obligada, siempre podemos cambiar nuestras decisiones.
ReplyDeleteUn placer visitar tu hermoso jardÃn, fruto de tu amor y trabajo!!!
abrazos
Your right it is sad to see bloggers try so hard to keep up.
ReplyDeleteI post when I can but I started my site as a way of just writing for the pleasure of keeping a journal. I never thought I would find such beautiful friends on here like you.
I don't do the linky up party thing except with Donna sometimes on Memory Lane Mondays. The reason I do this is because it is once a month and I write a lot about memories of mine so I do link with her sometime.
Hope your having a special weekend
Love
Maggie
Oh I agree blogging should be fun. I didn't know there was some who feel "obligation" ? I certainly don't feel it. I've just learned about all these things the past few months and I'm just beginning. However, I blog for myself and to speak to a friend on the other side of the world...As I've mentioned in a recent post, I blog more as a journal to myself to remind myself of things and moments I want to remember...and to speak to those who are interested. But it is journaling to myself mostly, to chronicle the magic I found that day. Blessings, Lady
ReplyDeleteHi Cielo! I hear you loud and clear. It's so funny because this past week I told myself, I will just post and not link up to any parties and that's just what I did. I love the parties and seeing each other's homes and projects but It's gotten a little out of control. Seems like every other blog has a party and if they are my blog friend I feel a little obligated to join it. I just may take another week off from partying! You have a beautiful blog and I love your magical fun spirit. You keep that up!
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
shelia :)
I come to your blog just for those quiet reflections of life. I only have a few minutes here and there to take a peek, but it truly relaxes me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!
PC
Thanks for being such a gracious hostess. I don't always link as I sometimes don't have anything to share. I too think that blogging should be fun and not a burden. I have your blog on my blog roll and will continue to visit when you post! Always enjoy my visits! Thanks again for being hostess...I know it must be a lot of work!
ReplyDeleteMiss Bloomers
Beautiful shot of the secret garden.
ReplyDeleteGoodmorning Cielo,
ReplyDeleteBlogging has been and is a wonderful experience for me. Yours was one of the first blogs that I began to follow - I was/am thrilled to find joy in sharing with you in your garden - delights in the home - joys in family. It is marvelous to me to find friends throughout the world with similar appreciations. There are a few voices from time to time that spoil the view - but like this morning - the birds are joyously singing - the sun is rising lighting up the tops of the trees - I was actually reading the Secret Garden yesterday - it did remind me of you...so I visited...I am a stay-at-home mom who at one time was a local reporter - I was accused of 'liking to write' too much - too long. So, it was/is a joy to share and to express - if not hosting SOYCM allows you to express yourself more - God Bless - I do know you have inspired and encouraged many - yours was always a party I chose to join because of the genial atmosphere. I do appreciate you.
Always,
Kathy
Your blog is a breath of fresh air that I visit when I am in need of peace and peace, and beauty,is what i always find here.
ReplyDeleteI don't usually get involved in 'linky parties' anyway. I blog for my pleasure (and sometimes to let off steam) and if others enjoy my words that's wonderful but I'd still blog even if no one ever came by. I write it because I want to write. It is a simple pleasure, and simple pleasures are always the best.
My blog has always been mostly a record of places I've been and things I've done - this includes crafts, cooking, gardening and walking in the countryside as well as things further afield. I've never done linky parties or giveaways etc etc as that's not my kind of thing. I do posts when I have both the time and something to write about. Quite often I have things to write about and not enough time to do a post. I shall certainly still be visiting you to see the photos of your lovely garden among other things.
ReplyDeleteCielo, As I told you once before I have had "The House In the Roses bookmark for quite a long time now, and I've only been blogging for a very short time. I love coming to your garden! I feel like I'm visiting an dear friend. I always turn on my speakers before I come for a visit so I can enjoy your beautiful music as I wander through your beautiful garden and home..I look forward to many more visits and could care less if you ever have a link party! Always stay true to you, that's what i think keeps bringing me back. That and The Lord and maybe a little Fairy dust. :)
ReplyDelete~Theresa
I so can relate to how you feel. I've been hosting a party for 7 months and I find I'm feeling the same way as you. I have been tossing around the idea of stopping, but haven't? You might of given me the freedom to do so. I feel so obligated on so many levels. I also need to find myself once again!
ReplyDeleteHi sweet Cielo ~ Well, I will admit that I'll truly miss your fun party. I love linking up to parties because it gives me a chance to connect with other bloggers out there, near and far. I blog because I love to write and adore photography. But if I ever felt pressured or stressed with blogging, I would certainly rethink my passions and change my course. I understand completely where you're coming from, friend. Rest assured ~ you will not lose us as friends and visiting bloggers. I know that I'll need to be transported into your magical world now and then, so I won't be going anywhere! ♥ Love ya, girlie - and I'm looking forward to reading how this new "stree-free" blogging will boost your creativity to a new level. :)
ReplyDeletexoxo laurie
Cielo ~ i always enjoy the Show off your Cottage party! but i understand your need for simplicity! I completely agree that blogging has got to keep you happy and should not feel as though you are "working" or trying to keep up! I would love to have you link up to the Garden Party on Thursday's on my blog - no pressure, just whenever you feel like it! or come over to browse the other gardens! You have so much beauty to share (both in your heart and the photo's you post!) Hugs to you dear friend! tracie
ReplyDeleteI was reading thi post with a scared feeling because I was afraid you were stopping the House in the Roses! I understand how much pressure the Monday linky party had become! So mant linkers! Or is it linkees?
ReplyDeleteI wish I could awaken to rain... We are too dry.... I am glad you took an extra day. I have to do that at times. I am on summer break... I feel free a bit, but swirled with decisions and issues and concerns... I'm sad you have been going through sonething... I know it is difficult to believe that I know you well enough to say I am unequivocally in your corner, but I am.... Sometimes I visit blogs for beauty, for inspiration, for ideas, for friendship.... And your blog offers all of these. But your enchanted blog gives me back any little slivers of my sagging spirit, a reminder of the true beauty of the universal soul of kindred spirits. I feel as if you wrote to me as surely as if the post had my name in it!
I used to pretend As I was cleaning my house when I lived at home....and my beautiful Princess Diana was coming as a friend for a visit.... Then I watched Chocolat enough to feel the spirit of Vianne in my daily work... And I hummed her happy tunes as I cooked or cleaned or dealt with difficult people. I watched that movie in my sleep!
I can wander happily in your garden with that same imagination... It is fun to see you there and know that in our hearts, we are friends.
Enjoy your holiday!
Hugs from Missouri
Your garden is beautiful. I know your home is beautiful too and it's always a treat coming over...Christine
ReplyDeleteYour garden is beautiful. I know your home is beautiful too and it's always a treat coming over...Christine
ReplyDeleteWow. What else can I say? Good for you, perhaps. But perhaps not. Linky parties are also a place where one can find one another. s is a scheduled swim class where you can meet some of those you would not invite to your home but who nonetheless add a nice flavor to your life. to me, your linky party was like that. Also, I see nothing wrong with old photos as they can really make me happy. However, I do understand all about that need for freedom. I was given a poem about freedom on my 16th birthday, that I'll post on my blog today, JUST FOR YOU. You will adore it! (suspense... haaa.....)
ReplyDeleteGive me a moment to write it out, and find a nice image for it...
Namaste!
Good for you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI started blogging as a new thing to do in a life that has become a round of operations and hospital appts and pain since an accident 4 years ago...I had such a full life that I could never have imagined no longer being able to do my garden...enjoy long walks along the Welsh hills and coastpaths...but it did!
The last 4 years I have been non weight bearing on both feet followed by one foot or the other and spent most of the time sitting in the garden room doing knitting or tapestry. This year, despite considerable pain and with 3 more operations looming, I have decided to take charge of my life again.
Blogging has been part of that ... being a sort of diary of my accomplishments.
I have done coast path walks but only a micro walk (compared with before)after taking masses of painkillers and sitting fequently...but I've done it!!!
I have so enjoyed learning what others are doing with their china and lovely old tablecloths so... those things I had put away, as I can no longer have big dinner parties etc...are being taken out and enjoyed in a different way!! I am determined to learn to crochet after seeing the lovely things that others are making and also being encouraged by them. When I am housebound again, after the next op, I will have people to write to and new views to see!
I just love your garden...and that is another thing...through seeing others' gardens through their blogs ...yes I have become discouraged by the wilderness in what was once my pride and joy.... but now I am 'getting out there' and finding new ways of doing some of it.
I think I have, perhaps, gone on too long but I know you feel jaded...and no wonder....but you asked the question and I wanted to answer it from the perspective of a newbie....and, BTW, I want to see more of your garden and so I have joined your followers...not because I want to gather more followers but because I might never find you again and I so love roses and the poetry of the way you write about your garden!!
I'll stop now before I find something else to write about. Joan
Hello!
ReplyDeleteI think you have taken the right decision. When blogging becomes an obligation it looses all the spirit. I believe that Freedom is the key!
Regards
Garden Chair
It is time to take a much deserved rest, step back and take a deep breath. Your friends will always be there peeking over your shoulder, laughing with you. Enjoy yourself. Thanks for having such a lovely blog that is so welcoming without or with a linky party. Kathy
ReplyDeleteHi Cielo,
ReplyDeleteI love visiting your blog and will continue to pop in to see all the beauty you create.I did enjoy your show off your cottage party but I certainly understand not wanting to do it every week.
Enjoy your summer in your beautiful garden.
Take care,
Carolyn
Hi lovely Cielo ~ I will admit that I'll truly miss your fun party. I also love linking up to parties because it gives me a chance to connect with other bloggers out there, I have been doing my Tablescapes for almost two years now. I blog because I love to put my tablescapes together for all to see..I also love all your photos of your Beautiful Garden.~~~ But if I ever felt pressured or stressed with blogging, I would certainly rethink my passions and change my course.
ReplyDeleteI also understand completely where you're coming from, you will not lose us as friends and visiting bloggers. I'm looking forward to reading how this new "stree-free" blogging will boost your creativity to a new level. I hope you and your family have a wonderful week.
hi cielo.
ReplyDeleteit's empowering to decide what our blogs will be and will not be. and they shouldn't feel like a drain. they should spring from a place of inspiration where we cannot wait to share the lovely in our world.
thank you for hosting so many parties and allowing me to find inspiration i would have never been led to and readers who may not ever have found me!
with gratitude,
michele
I will always call by to wonder in the magic of your beautiful garden,and linger on your beautiful words. xx
ReplyDeleteIt will be sad to see your weekly party go, but I am just so glad to hear you are not leaving blogland. I love your blog, your decor, your writing and your creativity. I have been blogging for over a year now and love it completely. Diane
ReplyDeleteI'll miss your cottage Mondays but I can see how it has become a chore. Love your garden pictures. Makes me want to go plant some roses.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first visit to your blog and I love your honesty. Its your life. You should do things that you love to do. I'm new myself. I blog to share my own experience with others (if they drop-by) and it is a moment where I can be with my husband and pour our hearts and thoughts into it.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and it is so beautiful and 'magical'. Keep up your good work :)
Hola Cielo~
ReplyDeleteWhat delightful, whimsical, serene, and honesty in your words and pictures. Yes, I support your decision to not do the link up parties, especially when that old feeling of obligation sets in... Like so many, when I discovered your lovely blog, I had the feeling of " coming home." The fairytale pictures, the soothing music, and your written word is so unique and special to me.
Stay true to your heart Cielo!
Hugs~ Stephanie
~ thespanishdahlia.typepad.com
your blog is exquisite and if you don't want to host a party I don't blame you! I'll keep visiting because I love it not because you are hosting a party. Be you.
ReplyDelete