Them: Now hold on there a bloggin’ minute, pretty lady. After disappearing for nearly 5 months, don’t you dare try popping back up with one of your cock-and-bull excuses about why that is.
Me: OK, then how about this instead?
To blog, or not to blog, that is the question:
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of online criticism,
Or to take up a pen against a sea of comments
And by responding end them. To write: to post;
No more; and by a post to say we end
The heartache and the thousand natural shocks
That bloggers are heir to, ’tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish’d. To write, to post;
To post: perchance to trend: ay, there’s the rub;
For in that post of posts what fame may come
When we have shuffled off this writer’s block,
Must give us pause: there’s the respect
That makes calamity of so long drafts;
For who would bear the trolls and flames of time,
The critic’s snark, the hacker’s cruel attack,
The pangs of low engagement, the SEO delay,
The insolence of algorithms and the spurns
That patient merit of the unworthy takes,
When she herself might her quietus make
With a mere click? who would burdens bear,
To grind and edit under a weary life,
But that the dread of something viral,
The undiscovered fame from whose bourn
No blogger returns, puzzles the will
And makes us rather bear those drafts we have
Than fly to others that we know not of?
Thus caution does make cowards of us all;
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o’er with the pale cast of doubt,
And enterprises of great pith and moment
With this regard their currents turn awry,
And lose the name of action.—Soft you now!
The fair audience! Readers, in thy comments
Be all my posts remember’d.
Them:
Me: Too dramatic?
A convergence of stumbling blocks got the better of me once again. Mostly, though, I didn’t like the photos for the post that was to follow the last one published. The outfit was looked weird, I looked bleh, and it was too late for a redo in time for my typical schedule. A skipped week is not a big deal, right? But then, it was two weeks, and then three … until we got to where we are today.
I wish that I could say that I’ve been using the time away to tackle some of the items on my blog backend to-do list. Tasks like refreshing the look and archiving old posts. I also need to make sure that the security features are up-to-date as well as some other subscription services. Little of that was accomplished. On the bright side, content ideas are still flowing but there are a few follow-up posts that I need to wrap up.
Does it matter if I once again waivered on whether to continue blogging? Not likely in the scheme of things. It simply proves that I’m human, no matter how I may be perceived. We all have our weaknesses and failings of character, despite any efforts to conceal such foibles. As such, we should be mindful that others have them as well and are as deserving of the understanding that we hope to receive ourselves.
In short, I’m going to keep at it as well as hosting a weekly link-up. It seems that the number of link-ups offered each week continues to dwindle. I pledge to do my part in keeping this kind of collaboration for sharing and supporting other bloggers alive for as long as I can.
Style Notes For Today’s Look
Whereas my Fall/Winter outfit formula tends towards longer skirts paired with boots, my Spring/Summer ‘fits are in a similar vein abet with sandals. Today, however, I switched up my usual by opting for a pair of wide-leg crops. The daily high temps in my little corner of the world are barely reaching 70°F so having a light jacket on hand is still an indispensable asset.
To post: perchance to trend: ay, there’s the rub; For in that post of posts what fame may come when we have shuffled off this writer’s block, must give us pause.
I blog, therefore I am. Thank you for sticking with me.
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
“To Blog, Or Not To Blog” was generated with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.
Photo credit: MMPerez
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up.
24 Comments
Happy to see you blogging again!!! Looking forward to more outfit posts!!
Welcome back!
Oh, my gosh! As I read your very well crafted soliloquy, I was sure you were announcing your second retirement! I am so glad I was wrong. I have missed your wit as much as your style. So, welcome back! As for link parties, I host one every Thursday, the third Thursday of each month, and the last Monday and Friday of each month. I will link up later tonight when I have more time, but I did want to welcome you back!
Hi Rena!
I noticed you weren’t around! I’m so happy you’re back!!
When I first started blogging I talked w/ a blogger who’s been doing her blog since 2012. She told me that she was surprise how many bloggers just stop blogging. I keep that in mind whenever I’m ready to throw in the towel. She also said, “Use lots and lots of pictures. I haven’t followed that advice b/c my blog is more informational, but I’m thinking of using more photos in my post.
So glad you’re back. And have you ever done a post on your hair? B/c you have wow-hair!
Wendy
http://www.theInspiredEater.com
Thanks, Rena, Firstly, welcome back, and thanks for hosting.
My entries this week are numbered #5+6+7
Please join and share your posts with us https://esmesalon.com/tag/seniorsalonpitstop/
I’m glad I received your emails! Good to see you back! I enjoyed your poetry and I’ve been all about flowy wide leg pants lately as well as maxis! Trying to keep somewhat cool in this humidity and heat!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Haha, absolutely loved your blogger’s take on Hamlet’s dilemma! Nice to see you here again.
Hi Reba it certainly doesn’t take much for the weeks to fly by without a blog post. I think you are ingenious with your ‘Shakespeare inspired’ text. This is the second post I’ve seen mentioning the decline of link ups. I wonder why? Thanks for keeping the link up flag flying and I’ll hope to join you again.
Welcome back!! I’ll admit I was worried about you, but suspected it was something like what you described. But to come back with Shakespeare-well done. Thanks so much for the link-up, you are the second host in the past week to mention the decline in them, I hope they are not disappearing.
It’s great to see you back. The poem/Hamlet’ s dilemma- is outstanding! I’ll share it on X.
Welcome back! It’s always okay to take a break!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
So pleased to see you back Rena, I’ve been checking in every week and delighted that it was nothing more serious than necessary ‘time out’ that was keeping you away. A break is as good as a rest they say and if that helps to get the ideas flowing then it’s all to the good! It’s impossible to please all the people all of the time but hang in there and stick to your guns and your brave ideas, you’re pleasing many of us!!
Welcome back!
Good to see you back! Love this chic look!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
So happy to see you back!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Welcome back!
Thanks Rena, what a fun quote and well written. Another fab outfit too. Love that jacket xx
Rena, I wondered what was going on! Welcome back! I know blogging can get to be a bit much. I started February 2010 and posted every week like clockwork for 10 years, then I went to every two weeks, then three, and then January 2023 I went to once a month. And even that seems like too much once in a while, but I think I can manage it. I brought dessert to the party (#42). Keep up the good work!
YAY Rena, you’re back! So good to see you again. And we all have those times, don’t we? We’re only human!
I love a good pair of wide legged pants, cropped or long, as they’re perfect for the warmer weather!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
P.S Since you’ve been gone, I’ve gone back to my old blog at http://www.suzyturner.com x
Hi Rena! It’s hard to blog on a schedule – and for me even harder in retirement when I don’t keep much of a schedule (contrary to my expectations). I get it. I stepped away from fashion blogging and went back to my first love – creating – which I do post about sometimes. Ha! Nice to see your face!
Welcome back and do what it best for you. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
The poetry is fabulous – what a gift of words you have. I hope you keep blogging; that’s just my selfish wish. Keep doing you – and how about more Shakespeare?? xox
Patti, how wonderful to see you among my commenters and hank you for your encouragement. I hope all is well with you.
I’m always excited to explore your latest post.