I was hoping that retirement might make my blogging “drought” a bit better, much like gulping a big, cool Dr. Pepper does after coming inside after a sweaty workout (I know, I should have said ice water!), but so far I haven’t noticed much difference.
I’m not sure why.
It could have something to do with Instagram and the ease of almost instant posts. I snap a picture on my phone and quickly share it. I immediately get likes or comments back (and don’t forget those cool chat books) and I get to enjoy gorgeous photos from talented photographers who travel to scenic towns like Woodstock, Vermont (or anywhere else in beautiful New England) or the wonderful picturesque Salzburg, Austria. I drool over old red barns in the most perfect locations with fall colors oozing all over the page. I study and ponder classic architecture, or country kitchens with red geraniums lining the window sills. And then there are the front porches covered with perfectly placed mums, pumpkins, plaid throws, and family dogs. And…I can do it all in just a few minutes.
Blogging takes time.
I often write, rewrite, add, and sometimes even end up deleting the whole thing.
Once in a while I feel really good about how a post comes together. I read it over and feel satisfaction, but most of the time I feel like I am just writing words and showing pictures (I’m just an everyday girl who uses my phone camera). I do believe, however, that it takes a lot of writing to help one improve as a writer. The more I write, the more I stretch and grow. And the same thing goes for reading good writing. I learn a lot when I read wonderful authors. I’ve met some bloggers who have amazing writing talents.
I have enjoyed blogging as a way to express my creativity and it is fun to capture what is going on in my world (I have printed copies of the first few years-and yes, I need to copy the rest).
I have made some great blogging friends over the years, but sadly many of them no longer blog.
I don’t even know if anyone is reading my posts.
So, the question is: To blog or not to blog?
While I go back and forth on this issue, trying to decide what to do, I am going to compromise today and pretend this is Instagram.
Be prepared for some quick updates from joannclegg aka The Gathering Place.
Sorry to those who follow me on Instagram and already read these.
Here goes:
Are we crazy or what? Heading to Crater Lake, Oregon.
Does it fulfill your bucket list if you make it to Crater Lake, but can’t actually see it? Ken is standing right in front of the overlook. #peasoup
Miracles do happen. After fire warnings, snowfall, park entrance closures, detours, and FOG, we got to see Crater Lake for a brief moment. It was quite magical!
So there you have it.
We had a great vacation in September, and a lot has happened around here since. I want to keep a record of the good things, so I will try to drop a line here once-in-a-while, but if you don’t hear from me, I’ll probably be over at Instagram.
JoAnn
