Friday, March 9, 2012

I've Decided To Stop Blogging

I have decided to stop writing my blog and making Youtube videos. I'd just like to take a few moments to share why.  My post is a bit long, but I figure a few people I've gotten to know would be curious about all the fun stuff I'm doing that's keeping me away.

First off, let me say that it has been SUCH an amazing, fun, and wonderful experience to share my creativity with so many fabulous people. I have loved reading many blogs from other crafty people too. There is something so magical about creativity. All the kind comments have brightened my days on many occasions.

I got serious about my blogging because it was such a great outlet for me. I spent most of my time stuck in the house and it was a great way to connect with other people to write a blog, read other blogs, etc. 

As life has gotten more and more busy I have so much going on in my day to day life that blogging just keeps getting pushed to the bottom of the list, and then not done at all. I could try and push myself to make more cards and quick projects, but instead I've been doing far more time consuming things like knitting and sewing that take a long time for me to have anything worthwhile to show. Even after I finish those types of projects I didn't create the patterns so I can't share them with you so all I have to offer is a photo and maybe a quick tip or two. I know most people follow me for my cards and even though I have sweet friends who will say kind things about those projects I don't think I can provide nearly as much inspiration that way.

So, for anyone who is curious these are all the wonderful things I've been up to....

I'm working out 5-6 days a week. Currently I'm doing an awesome program called Turbo Fire that's very fun and challenging.

I'm homeschooling my kids. They are only 2 and 3 now, but I'm busy teaching my daughter to read, tell time, and working with my son on his letters, numbers, shapes, etc.

My daughter is currently in dance and gymnastics & my son just started Tae Kwan Do.

I am learning to bake from scratch and trying to cook all of our meals. I'd like to expand to starting a vegetable garden, canning, etc.

Instead of making cards my creative passions have been going towards sewing, knitting, and other more time consuming projects. Many of which I can work on easily while on the couch with my family instead of tucked away in my craft room by myself.

I have been volunteering at a rabbit shelter across town. It's a big commitment to do this every week, but it's very rewarding. We've decided to adopt a pair of rabbits of our own and will be picking them out next week. Obviously we want to have lots of time to adore and spoil our pets and that will be a big time commitment.

We've been blessed to be having lunch with my Dad every week. The kids and I enjoy getting to see him and he always gets the biggest smile on his face when he sees the kids smiling at him.

On top of all these things of course I have the usual daily cleaning, keeping the kids entertained, etc. I schedule my days with time for chores and all of that, and the only “free time” is a few hours here or there. I've decided I'd rather spend that time playing with my kids, our future pets, or just enjoying my longer term and shorter term projects without feeling pressured to get things done, photographed, and posted. I don't want to stop being creative, I just don't want to feel like I need to constantly be producing a finished product that is original and that I can provide inspiration with.

So, even though I still love blogging, at the end of the day I love the other things I'm involved with even more. All the recent talk of Google Friend Connect going away and other things has been the last straw. I don't need a new system of keeping up to deal with. I have many blogs I adore but I keep falling behind on stopping by and leaving comments.

I'm sure I'll still be around in some capacity, but I'd rather stop blogging and be decided about it that let it keep getting neglected.  When I do something I like to pour everything into it and do it to the best of my ability, so half halfheartedly updating the blog occasionally isn't in my nature.

I might keep my Facebook page and still post there or keep the gallery or something. I haven't really decided. I still plan on enjoying all your wonderful blogs when I have a chance, but I probably won't leave as many comments as I used to.

Hugs to all! It's been an amazing ride, but I don't want to be one of those people that just tries to do way too much. I want to focus my efforts on what my top priorities are, even if the things I have to let go are still awesome I have to be willing to let some things slide to make room.  To be honest I think the main reason that myself, and anyone else for that matter, feel unhappy is when we focus on too many things.  Trying to do too much, or trying to buy more stuff.  Less can be much better.  Simplicity makes life less stressful and allows us to enjoy, appreciate, and fully savor the little moments in our lives without being so rushed to the next task.  Since I plan on homeschooling for the long haul I will have a lot of control over our daily schedule and I want to use my time as responsibly as I can to take care of my family and do good in our community.

21 comments:

Sheena said...

I understand :) I don't blog that much anymore as well. I mean I wasn't blogging a lot to begin with, but I haven't been on here as much as I would like to be. Things come up and you just don't have time to sit down and think let alone post all the time on a blog. I'm really working on getting back to posting more. Our new fur baby is finally able to play around without me having to worry she gets into everything. I hate to see you go (sorry I haven't been commenting like I should, but I haven't been on here a whole lot myself) I will miss seeing your post. I hope everything goes well for you and your family.

Hugs, Sheena

Michelle said...

:( But I still get to see you and play.

Michele said...

Oh my gosh... do I ever understand!!! Good for you!! I will keep blogging... but I don't let it get out of control. I think you see me here 2 times a week?? Good luck to you Amber! Will miss your creativity. I might try to find you on Facebook. If you see a friend request from "Shell Fish" that's me!! :-) Enjoy life... .like I already know you are. Goes by way too fast.
Hugs!!
Michele

Audrey Frelx said...

My friend I do understand, and I wish you all the best. Unfortunately, I will miss you terribly! I don't do Facebook for a reason of my own, so I can't see you there; however, if you ever find some free time, I do hope you'll drop by and comment on our blogs how you're doing!

God bless you, sweetie, and take good care!

Hugs and love...

I'll be seeing you!

Jovan said...

I hear you! I wish I was doing some of the wonderful things your doing. You are AWESOME and I will miss your post. Family is first, and what your doing with your children is WONDERFUL! I feel like I need to do more with my family but haven't seat down to make a plan or schedule. I hope to one day. You take care!

Tara said...

I think there are a lot of people in the same mind frame right now. I love my blog but I find it is becoming more and more difficult to find the time and effort to put into it what I use to. I have loved looking at your creations over the last couple of years and I wish you all the crafty happiness in the world on your new projects in life!
Tara

Melissa said...

Life changes from day to day, sometimes it's good to go with the flow, best wishes with your new endeavors!

Missy said...

You will be missed Amber!! Although, that being said---good for you, all of your projects sound incredible!!! That quality time you're spending with your kids will be something they'll always cherish. They will remember all the awesome activities you are going to be doing---I remember my mom sewing, canning, etc when we were young. And I'm glad to hear you have something that is totally your own--the working out---you'll need that for the energy you'll need for all your other projects!! Blogging is time consuming, you can't doubt that. Enjoy all of your wonderful new interests!!!!

Lucianna Dilsaver said...

Best of luck to you and your family :)

scrappinC said...

I fully understand how it takes up time. I will truly miss you and your creations. Of all the creations you posted the one that comes to mind it the perfect dress you made.
I am with you on the simplicity and less is more. Most of all family is the most important part of our lives.
I don't do facebook, but you and your family will always be in my thoughts.
Stay true to what you believe my dear friend.
Hugs,
Cindy Lou

Tammy Schmitt said...

We'll sure miss you. I totally understand what you are doing. I have also been a lot of the same things - sewing and quilting more, kids in sports and other activities. I haven't had much time to blog either. Good Luck with all of your ventures! Remember to take a little time for yourself so you don't get burnt out:-)

~Tammy

Cindy Beland said...

Hi Ambe,Good luck in with all your endevour's,I will miss your great projects.Hugs!!

VICTORIA said...

Hugsssss Amber you will be missed. But i understand children and all that go with them takes time and so do pets. Sounds like you have a super big schedule. Good luck and god bless :)

abusybee - DoubleClick Connections said...

I will miss seeing you! It is wonderful that you are dedicating your time to spending it with your little ones. I am grateful that I did not craft when my girls were little, it was like a blessing in disguise! Now that they are older and I spent so much time with them when they were little they are mature responsible young ladies which allows me to spend time crafting now. I pray and hope all the best for you and hope to see you every once in a while! Take care! :)
Carri~abusybee
www.doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com

abusybee - DoubleClick Connections said...

I will miss seeing you! It is wonderful that you are dedicating your time to spending it with your little ones. I am grateful that I did not craft when my girls were little, it was like a blessing in disguise! Now that they are older and I spent so much time with them when they were little they are mature responsible young ladies which allows me to spend time crafting now. I pray and hope all the best for you and hope to see you every once in a while! Take care! :)
Carri~abusybee
www.doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com

scootingranny said...

I have so enjoyed you since we met on the Cricut board and have been inspired by you. I babysit my recently adopted 3 year old granddaughter and it is totally time consuming so I can empathize with the time issues.

I think you are a very strong and wonderful young woman and putting your family first is nothing but admirable. I wish you luck in all that life has to offer you and hope to see you around some time.

Best wishes to you and your family.

Norma said...

Hi Amber:) I totally understand and your family is MOST important!! I will miss your creative cards and comments. I wish you lots of happiness and joy with your new crafts and lots of good time memories with your family. I think it's fantastic that you are also working out and taking time for you:) I'll miss YOU!!
Lots of hugs,
Norma

Debican said...

Amber, I'm just a follower that stops by alot and I don't leave alot of comments. But I really enjoy your crafts and will miss you. I hope you leave it up so we can go back and see things again. Who knows you might get an urge to post some day.
You will be missed. Take care.
Hugs, Debi

Dr Sonia S V said...

Such wonderful and laudable reasons you have given to stop blogging. Would love to see projects you do with kids as they grow up. Even I dont make cards much nowadays-- more of kiddy crafts and recycling stuff.
Will miss you though
Love and All the best in whatever you do
Sonia
http://cardsandschoolprojects.blogspot.com

Pat N. said...

Hi Amber, gee I just decided to check in on your blog, and discovered this. I haven't been around for a while because, like you, life sometimes gets in the way! lol just kidding. Your kids are at that age where you need to be totally immersed with them, and you are making a good choice. I love card making, and blogging, and visiting all my friends, but it does take time. I hope that sometime, when the feeling so moves you, that you'll post a little something so we all know how you're doing. I've always enjoyed visiting your blog and seeing your creations. You were one of my first followers and I yours; so I looked up to you and your blog!--Pat N.

My Quilling Nest said...

I've missed all of your posts and your sweet comments in my blog. I too am in the same boat as you. I have stopped blogging and do it once in a while just for fun. Enjoy your time away from blogging, you truly have amazing things going on in your life.
Quilled Hugs,
Linda