Here are some of my thoughts on blogging
these days. I’m practicing what it says in the photo above and beginning to take a slightly different trail here on the blog and also in my life.
For over a decade now, I’ve been posting on the Weavin’ Wicker Woman Blog discussing topics that are in a very narrow niche; chair caning, antique wicker furniture, basketry and related fiber arts.
Wicker Woman Blogspot blog header circa 2004
And occasionally, I sprinkle in a post or two about wild animals, pets, things going on around the place, recipes and things going on in my family life.
Weavin’ Wicker Woman blog circa 2006
But over the last few years, especially since hubby died and I now have to do EVERYTHING myself around here, I’ve found it very difficult sometimes to make ANY posts about ANYTHING! There are just too many responsibilities and I’m still taking time to do my grieving 
and working through all the loss.
Weavin’ Wicker Woman Blog circa 2010
I must have “blogger’s block
” or something, even though there have been tons of things going on, I’ve lost the momentum of making regular posts. Maybe that’s the deal, there’s too much for me to do now and I have to cull out some of the responsibilities to others and focus now on what I want and need to do for my own soul and wellbeing.
I know, I know, you’re saying to yourself, “She’s said that tons of times before lately, claiming to change, but then nothing different happens.” Right????? Or is that just the negative feedback I’ve been giving myself and you don’t think that at all?
Weavin’ Wicker Woman Blog circa 2012-2014
Most recently within the last three months anyway, I’ve switched hosting companies again and have begun using an entirely different theme here on the site, too. Now my site is more mobile friendly and responsive on the phones and tablets
than it was before.
I will also be changing the blog email notification provider, so you might be asked to subscribe again to the new carrier. But that’s still a ways off, so don’t worry.
Have you noticed the changes to the entire site and the blog? Do a little visit through the pages of the site and blog posts archives (over there in the right sidebar under “Enjoy Past Posts.”) And then let me know in the Comment section below, what you think of the new look.
Now maybe all this will be enough inspiration for me to make more frequent blog posts for you to enjoy!
Hi Cathryn,
Reading your blog again. I lost it from my feed reader for awhile when that changed. I guess change is inevitable. I sure understand taking a break from writing. Can you believe, I had three blogs, now long neglected. I met some great cyber friends through blogging, but most do very little blogging anymore, just posting on facebook. But i would not have met them without blogs and feed readers. I found that the things that were most important to me were hardest to write about, which is why the blogs started to slip. Then they slid away, looks like forever. But family things became more important, so I guess I made the right choice.
Yes Lois, I agree with you there and that’s partly why I haven’t been all that consistant in my blogging of late too. Family does come first. I really do enjoy all the friends I’ve made over the years through the blogosphere too, it’s great! Thanks for finding my feed again and reading the posts, my subscribers are very important too and I appreciate all of you!
Oh, dear Cathryn –
It’s so important to be kind to ourselves, to be gentle in our self-talk, just as we would be gentle to any other beloved friend.
You have always given generously — to your family, friends, and all of us in the caning community. Many of are *indebted* to you beyond measure for the coaching, cajoling, and encouraging you provide, for the tips, the videos, the myriad of resources that allow us to learn from you … even while you’re sleeping, having your morning coffee in your yard, or taking a walk in the gorgeous nature around you.
We all need time to recharge our batteries, or we eventually deplete our stores to give any more. Those like you who give generously, day after day, year after year, decade after decade, are the most vulnerable for overlooking the need for downtime. The need to simply be.
So, take the time you need, whenever you need — heck, even BEFORE you need to 😉 … to nurture yourself, to step back and savor your legendary accomplishments, your perseverance in the face of obstacles and heart-breaking disappointments, and your aspirations for the future.
Fear not! We who love reading your work will be here, delighted whenever you decide to share your thoughts and images and wisdom with us!
With warm cyber hugs from the southwest.
What nice things for you to say Laurie, I really appreciate that, you’re really kind and thoughtful.
And you’re right, I’m one of those women that give to others, but I believe that really is my purpose here on earth this time around! But I also forget the part about accepting and receiving, love and help from others, too.
I’m glad I was able to help you with your projects and share my many years of experience with chair caning. Thanks too, for subscribing to my blog!
I like it. I’ve already went through the shop page and the popular posts page. Love the repainted wicker chair! You do such great work. And taking breaks from the blog is perfectly normal! At least that’s why I tell myself too! LOL.
Lynne
a.k.a. thebasketmakerswife
Thanks Lynne, glad you like the new format of the site. When I first started blogging, I was posting every day, can you believe it? Then after a few years, it was weekly and now sometimes not even that often.
When and if this blog thing gets to be my only business, then maybe I can get back to posting much more often. Until that time, it’s going to be sporadic, I’m afraid.