I originally started to blog so I could connect with family and friends and keep them posted on all our new happenings. Then I realized it was a great way to be a testimony and a blessing to others and encourage them. It has proven to be a great way to find a connection with others and find something we have in common and relate on that aspect. Maybe all of our lives have gotten too busy to either post or comment or even check blogs any more. I have been wondering about lurkers out there. Ones that swing by but never comment, watching from afar. For what ever reason, I am feeling slightly disconnected and can't put my finger on it.
So, as I anticipate the new school year and the changes that may take place this year, I am wondering if blogging is still in my future. I think I need some lurkers to come out and at least say howdy to give me a sense of who is connecting.
Have you ever heard of the tennis ball theory? You stand on your side of the court and toss all your tennis balls over to the other person. Eventually if they never toss them back you have run out of balls and the game is over. I have had conversations with someone when this happens. You are trying to make conversation and...nothing. It just doesn't go anywhere.
So...toss me a ball once in awhile. I have even made it easy...I am still accepting anonymous comments. It is pretty easy. I don't want to run out of tennis balls. =)
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41 comments:
I'm still here reading (and I think commenting fairly consistently). Please keep blogging! Even in a "lull" you still get WAY MORE comments than I do!
I know I have been an even more infrequent poster over the summer. I think during school, I was more often at my desk in front of my computer. Now, I'm either away from home, in the pool, or doing projects around the house. I don't feel like taking the time to post (whereas I used to post while the boys were doing an assignment or something). Don't stop blogging!! I love being able to keep up with you guys!!!
TENNIS BALL!
Still reading. :)
I have felt the same way for awhile. I just don't have time to connect with people via the internet anymore-well I don't even really talk on the phone or socialize outside my house very often anymore. I do check blogs but my hands are usually full and I am usually standing up while I read quickly so I don't comment too often.
I have had to really focus inward these past few months. On the positive side I am developing areas of myself that had been dormant for a long time and that feels really good.
Regarding blogging, I made the decision to view my blog mainly as my own digital scrapbook of sorts. I mainly post things now that I want a record of for the future, and that I want to share with my family and friends. So my blog is pretty boring I guess if you don't know me, but I needed to do that, make it something for myself.
I was going to post on something similar. I noticed everyone has run to facebook. :(
While at times life is busier and I haven't posted as frequently (nor has my entire blog roll), it seems I am constantly maintaining facebook (and setting my privacy settings), fb doesn't give me the creative outlet and space to post creatively that the blog does, yet it takes a chunk of my time.
I am a lurker. I read many blogs and very much enjoy yours. I usually check every couple days, but I don't ever/rarely do I ever comment on anything. I would be disappointed if you stopped blogging.
Thanks for all the comments and feed back. I hope it didn't sound too whiny like I wasn't getting affirmation in RE: to comments. I was just feeling disconnected myself. Wondered if I would read my own blog. I always appreciate all those faithful commenters.
Every once and awhile, I get someone who comes out from lurking and it makes me wonder how many lurkers there are out there.
I need to maybe give the old peapod a make over to freshin' it up and get me excited.
And, PTM, somehow FB has taken over with connections for a lot of people. But I wonder if it is on it's way out. It will be interesting to see what the next big wave is.
Well, I'm not a lurker, but just lobbing a ball back your way to keep you in the game! I go through ups and downs with blogging too: sometimes I love it, sometimes I just don't feel like it. I think I've come to the point though, where I just try to blog without apology. When I have something to say, I say it. When I'm too busy or too tired, I just let it go. Blogging is supposed to be fun! (not a chore.) But, I agree. Feedback is encouraging. I am often perplexed how many people read, few comment.
you don't sound whiny and I totally understand!!! I am here eveyday you post, but lately I have been SOOOOOOO busy I haven't been commenting much anywhere. I love to read your blog and would miss you terribly, but will pray for God's will in it all.
Hi,
Delurking to let you know that i keep reading your adventures.
Hevel
http://ein-od-milvado.blogspot.com
I know exactly how you feel, because I have been feeling the same way! lol. I also think, at least for us, it is an odd time. Kind of mentally done with summer (but not physically) and looking forward toward school starting, "vacation" fun is behind us....and it is kind of a ho hum counting the days...sad, huh?
I am doing a great Bible Study though, that is refreshing, Me, Myself and Lies, by Jennifer Rothschild.
Maybe we just need a mommy retreat!! lol!! Where shall we go?... cheap...lol.
You know I blog for my kids primarily. WHo don't read my blog!! lol. Just to through my thoughts down, with pictures. Someone shared with me a software that will take your blog and put it in a photo/journal book. I plan to do it at the end of the year....a way of journally our year, and momma's thoughts.
:)
Cheers.....do what works for you and your family and what brings joy.
I was at a social gathering a week ago and was cornered by a woman who wanted to know what my purpose was for blogging. Purpose? There is no purpose for my blogging other than to satisfy me. And I think that is good enough. Like Ginny's comment, blogging is a digital scrapbook. Go back and reread all your archives and you will be renewed. And like Rachael said too ... if you have something to say, then say it. There is no rule to how frequent or what topic. Blog just for yourself and it will be a good blog. People will comment when they want, but in the end, it should really be for you. I hope you continue ...
First off, never heard that theory about tennis balls but great analogy. I love you and your family and would miss you terribly if you stopped blogging. I think we all go thru seasons in life that make us step back and think and grow. Praying you feel connected again soon and feel the love of your blogging buddies. :)
You inspire me in more ways than I can even begin to say. I would surely be disappointed if you gave up your blogs. It is a lot of work to keep it up though if you don't think anyone is interested. I do it for my parents to follow with the boys so for most people it would be pretty boring. Of course my life is my boys and I don't often have time to think of much else. I love reading your thoughts and it has helped me get to know you a little better! I love your openness!
Love to read your blog. I've got three kiddos at home and it's always inspiring to me to read about how others "do life"! :)
Jennifer in MN
I'm still here! We have been literally "disconnected" while traveling but I have tried to keep up. Blogs and FB both keep me from feeling to far away from friends. Summer schedules seem to make it harder to sit down at the computer. When our schedule is more normal, computer time is part of my daily routine :) SO, that's MY excuse for not keeping up very well! I'd love to see you continue to blog because your blog is always so encouraging.
I read your blog all the time. I enjoy "keeping in touch" with your family although it's been so many years since we have seen each other.
I read nearly every post you write. In some way perhaps your life is too peaceful and happy! I feel disconnected from it....with all my complainings and problems, and angst. Your life is sunny and bright, with lovely girls, a terrific(and present) father. I do read....but sometimes all I can think to say is.... I wish my life was as lovely as yours...which isn't a very nice attitude. And I'll never say it again. But, you asked.
Also - for what it is worth, I've noticed that when I write a cheery and upbeat post, I get few responses even when I ask a question...yet, when I experience a drama of some sort, everyone responds. I like the support! But I also like feedback when everything is going well, too....
I am so glad you posted this. I feel the same way. I have so much on my mind right now and know that plays a part. I also wonder if it has to do with the fact that I am on facebook now. Who knows. All I know is that I love blogging, I feel connected to so many through blogging...including you...and I think we BOTH have to get back to it!
I read your comments often on other blogs but this is my first time over at your blog. Your blog is very interesting and if you enjoy doing it, keep it up.
I say "Amen" to all the comments. Cris, I love reading about your take on life and am often inspired to try something because you said you enjoyed it. I agree with the way you see things and I would hate to see you stop...even though I am not as talkative as you...I enjoy reading about and keeping up on the happenings in your life :)!!!
I say "Amen" to all the comments. Cris, I love reading about your take on life and am often inspired to try something because you said you enjoyed it. I agree with the way you see things and I would hate to see you stop...even though I am not as talkative as you...I enjoy reading about and keeping up on the happenings in your life :)!!!
Love reading your blog sis. It's great to connect more with your life. I have our family blog so that we can share our life - pictures with you guys and mom and dad...and other friends that we are far away from.
My missionary blog is to share our missionary life with Americans. Friends, supporters, etc. have said they read it, but never comment. So I have kind of given up expecting people to comment. Most of my comments are from other missionary women who blog and can relate to our "story".
I know it's a time comsumer though, as face book is. I don't even do face book because of that.
Hope you are encouraged from your blogger friends who are so thoughtful to comment.
Hey, post when you can....take a break when you need to. Love you.
Feeling better now?
Okay, I'm one of "those" who don't usually respond to posts. I hardly knew you when you lived here & I feel like I am getting to know you now...
I find your blog encouraging. I love your organization ~ which is so not me! I love the relationship that you have with your girls, your teaching & creativity, your dependence on the LORD.
I would like to come for staycation & do a lapbook,games, etc...
Hey - 21 responses - I'd say your friends still want to play! The first thing I do every morning is check the family blogs! Love it and you do write well!
I know the feeling.... look at all the comments you have gotten !! Have a great day and thank you for ALWAYS being a faithful commenter on my blog :)
I still read your stuff every few days.....I'm just not at my computer so much because it's summer and we are trying to get out more. Please keep posting. Reading the Peapod always brightens my day.
Wow-e-wow-wow (that's how Junie B Jones would say it)...I am feeling the love. Thanks to all !!!!
OK, love the idea of blogging without apology. I should embrace that.
Nice to know I am not the only one who is busy and has been a little vacant from blogville.
And, I would love the idea of a mommy trip. In fact I am going to take a day or two next week to go and visit a dear friend and hit a homeschooling convention.
Hi
I read just don't comment as often as I should ;)
Leisa
I am still here reading too.. Seems that one thing after another.. but I too feel like I have run out of tennis balls.
I have have sort of run out of topics to write about... I have the wrong kind of stuff happening in my life right now and I haven't even posted to many thoughts to facebook...
I do hope that I will come up with something good soon..
Hey I would love to hear more about your breadmaking and did you ever buy a juicer? What's your favorite kitchen tool/appliance? Share some more of your great summer salads etc.... there I can't say I am a great thrower but a few balls are back on your side of the court! :)
I am always reading. I love your blog. I don't always comment.... but I always read.
Your blog is on my list of favorites. You inspire me to be a better mom, wife, woman, teacher, and Christian. I can not tell you how much your blog means to me. And, feeling very selfish, I would be sad if you didn't blog. Thank you for what you do for me and for sharing your life with us.
Hey--I'm always reading! I love your perspective on things and you make me appreciate and take time to enjoy my kids more.
As far as running out of things to say--school will start soon enough and the return to normal life will probably help. I think my blog must get pretty boring sometimes and when I think like that I lose my confidence to just freely blog and have fun with it. Your blog is great so keep on blogging!
I actually like to comment, I like that tennis ball analogy... I'll evetually stop commenting myself when the tennis ball never comes back.
I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog and even have it bookmarked. I miss your family and remember "the good 'ole days" of you in Ocala.
Karen
You are doing great - I am feeling slightly disconnected, too. I haven't been able to put my finger on why. I think of my blog as an online journal of sorts, and I know my family (especially the ones in Africa) enjoy keeping updated on my life through it. You inspire and encourage through your blog - I feel like I've gained a long lost friend back! :)
I admit I lurk, I do not often comment, but I do enjoy reading what you write. Please don't stop!!
hey Crispy. I haven't been commenting much lately at all on anyone's blogs. I can sit and read while holding my sweet baby but commenting one-handed is too much work. But I do always check in when i have a chance and am encouraged by you.
I started following your blog and praying for the sale of your house last year. I am another one of the lurkers who doesn't comment, but would really miss your blog if you stopped. I love to read all of the little projects you do with your girls and the creative birthday parties you have had for them--great ideas for my own grandchildren. The "home camp" you did a few weeks ago was a great idea. Above all your blog shows me a young wife and mother who loves the Lord and lives each day for Him.
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