Tuesday, June 5, 2012

An Absentee Blogger Returns...Momentarily!



"Life is full of beauty. Notice it! Notice the bumble bee, the small child, the smiling faces. Smell the rain and feel the wind. Live your life fully."  ~Ashley Smith~

All of you (and you know who you are!) who have endearingly professed to have missed me (thank you for that!) during my extended leave-of-absence, please don't get too carried away by my sudden reappearance. Save those bottles of bubbly and cheers of welcome for some more deserving cause. This is just a brief appearance, occasioned by all of the lovely messages I've been receiving expressing concern at my lengthy silence and absence.

Allow me to reassure you that I am in good health (hale and hearty!) and happy with life. It's just that priorities have required my attention to be focussed elsewhere for the time being. I am not sure how long that will be, but I'm guessing for as long as my current circumstances dictate. And, no, there is nothing untoward happening in my life. On the contrary, I am in a very good place right now. I still have my wonderful, loving family and the robust antics of our five, lively dogs to keep me busy, centered and most definitely grounded.

"In rivers, the water that you touch is the last of what has passed and the first of that which comes; so with present time."  ~Leonardo da Vinci~
Do I miss blogging? Absolutely! Do I miss all of the special bloggers who I have been privileged to come to know on a more personal level? Of course! Do I think of you all? Frequently! Then...why have I not been visiting? Well, that's part of the reason I've needed to take an extended hiatus. There are so many of you and I found myself spending ages trying to keep up with all of you, especially those of you who post several times a week! You had me on the hop! When I started blogging in November 2010, I had no idea that blogging could become such a time-consuming activity, or that it lent itself to establishing so many connections with others for whom I'd begin to develop a real sense of kinship and, in some instances, even affection. The vast physical distances that separate us all and the fact that we only know each other in virtual space and time seemed no reason to temper these emerging friendships. In fact, I found myself becoming increasingly wrapped up in everyone's blogging lives and personas, even though I did occasionally find myself wondering whether all those lives/personas were real. After all, nothing prevents any of us from becoming whoever we wish to project.

When family members begin to comment more frequently on the amount of time you're sitting at your computer, visiting blogs and leaving comments, and suggest this has the potential of becoming an unhealthy addiction, it generates good reason to pause and reevaluate priorities.

After all, I suspect most of us can benefit from being periodically reminded that the life we lay claim to is the only real one we're going to have, so we'd best appreciate every fleeting moment...even if that means temporarily refraining from the pleasurable past-time of blogging!

"If the essence of my being has caused a smile to have appeared on your face or a touch of joy within your heart, then in living I have made my mark."  ~Thomas Odem~

Until such time as I resume my seat in front of my computer's keyboard and once more take up my position as a blogger, I wish each and every one of you everything of the best. And, yes, I miss you too!








51 comments:

  1. I'm glad you are well and lucky are those who get to be with you in real life. Cheers!

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  2. I am so glad to read your post
    as I was wondering about you and
    hoping that all was ok with you and
    your family.

    I agree with everything you say about
    blogging, it is great, I enjoy it immensly
    but it is extremely time consuming and real life and family should take priority.

    Great to see your lovely photos
    and pop in and out when you can.
    That is what I will be doing too.


    x Fiona

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  3. I'm delighted to see a post from you, dear Desiree, and happy to know that you are doing well. I fully understand your need to step back and take a break from the relentless pace of blogging. Family first. Please don't feel pressured or obligated to return to full time blogger status now or any time in the future. It's important for you and everyone else to keep priorities in order. Currently I'm in the midst of a grueling blog schedule and very soon I am going to need to slow down and break away. The victory has already been won. You secured my friendship and the friendship of many other fine people a long time ago. The feelings we hold in our hearts for you will not vanish in your absence, nor will they diminish. Take care of yourself, dear Desiree. Be good to yourself, your family, Heath and his friends.

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  4. i give too much of my days to blogging. but i do not have a family that requires my 'presence'. enjoy your time in your life!

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  5. Both you and Linda have been missed more than I can say my friend. It is good to know that all is well with you, the family and those adorable pets. Take care and know we will be here when you have time to blog.
    Always,
    Odie

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  6. Well my friend, that was certainly a surprise today! It was so good to hear from you and to at least know that you are well, and that nothing untoward is happening in your life :) I think you've done a very wise thing. As you say, we do only have one life and blogging can easily tend to take over that life! I have done a couple of posts just recently, but I have been spending far less at the computer as well, especially now that the summer is just starting here in England. It's different when its winter and I can't get outside quite so much. Take care and know that we think of you often x

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  7. Ah, yes! The dilemma of time consumed by blogging...virtual life vs. real life.......???

    I am real. So I believe all these people I meet are very real, too. Even if I don't see 360 degrees of them--well, one rarely does in real life, either. What an odd world we live in that we can have more friends and acquaintances online--all at the same--time than we maybe have ever had in our day to day life.

    But if you spend more time on the computer than you do anything else or than you feel you should...then it's time for a shift. I understand.

    Glad to know you are well and happy. Have missed you. But have pictured you traveling and playing with your dogs and visiting beautiful places with lovely gardens. Enjoy! See you whenever you pop back. :) :)

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  8. Hi Desiree,

    I totally understand your concerns. I too have cut down on my blogging, going from posting daily (which was my one year challenge) to maybe 2 or 3 times per week. It is difficult to keep up with all of the friends in blogdom and I have tried to focus on those with whom I have the longest or closest relations.

    Life is definitely too precious to spend it all in front of a screen.

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  9. Też zaczynam czuć pomału to co Ty. Już zwolniłam, bo jest życie poza blogiem , jest Rodzina i ogród. Są miłe wyjazdy. Ja myślałam o Tobie, nie o blogu. Najważniejsze było dla mnie, czy z Tobą jest wszystko dobrze. Jest, więc wróć na bloga, kiedy poczujesz taką potrzebę i dalszą przyjemność w blogowaniu. Pozdrawiam cieplutko.
    It is slowly starting to feel as you do. Already slowed because it is life beyond the blog, is a family and a garden. They are nice trips. I was thinking about you, not the blog. The important thing was for me or with you is all good. It is, so go back to your blog when you feel such a need and a further pleasure in blogging. Yours warm.

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  10. I am so happy to have news from you, happy, content and in a good place. I miss you too, and I will always be here, on the other side, waiting for a new post from your side. Smiles!

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  11. Hi darling.....taking more time for yourself is so good......blogging can wait.....i miss you darling.......i hope you will be back soon.......love from me....xxx..

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  12. Hi Desiree, It's nice to see you back :) Have missed your beautiful garden posts.
    Glad to hear that your health is good and happy with life :-)
    Have a nice evening!
    Hugs,
    Eva

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  13. Good for you for knowing when to prioritize!! And we'll all be waiting when you appear for your more permanent and inevitable return! Hehe.

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  14. Thanks for the update - I must admit I was a bit concerned, and glad that all is well. I find an ebb and flow in my blogging, and it seems to suit me fine. I love the quotes you have attached to your marvelous photos. They will sustain me until you post again.

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  15. Oh Desiree...you have no idea how good this post makes me feel. For almost the exact same reasons I've been off the 'net' lately. I feel such an obligation...and honor to reply and visit all the lovely blogging friends but it takes up a great deal of my day. Instead I've just closed shop for a bit and gone back to living in real time.

    I'll be in and out as well and will look forward to reading your posts when I'm here and try to do my best to comment. I do so love all the lovely things you write about so I'll be back. Have fun and I'm always gonna be your huckleberry!
    Hugs~

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  16. Desiree, its good to see a post and know you are alright. I have also cut back a bit on blogging and spending less time on it. Its only PE Daily Photo that gets my attention every day, otherwise it won't be a daily photo. But it does take a lot of time and people should understand that if you don't blog for a living it gets done in your free time and that is not always as readily available.

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  17. Great to hear from you again and it is so easy to understand your dilemma. I think we all go through that stage at one time or other.I restrict myself to an hour or two at night as I don't watch much TV. I write a blog one day and read blogs the next. If real life comes up I don't worry about blogging. Real life is more important. In saying that blogging friends are real too.Restricting yourself to a small number of blogger friends is another way of cutting down on the time factor. Anyway pop in once a month, once a week. We won't forget you,

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  18. Well you have ran rampant with my emotions! At first I was excited then sad and now I understand and feel better. :) I do miss you horribly. I hope you let me know how things are going and keep in touch. I to consider you a friend.

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  19. Dear Desiree, I am relieved to read this posting of yours and to learn that all is indeed well in your world and within your exuberant spirit. That's all that matters. If you ever do begin to blog again then we'll all be grateful. But right now what I'm grateful for is that you are listening to your body and your spirit and honoring what you are hearing and feeling. Be gracious to yourself now and always.
    Peace.

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  20. Well said. Thanks for sharing.

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  21. As I see it, there's no hard and fast rules or pressures attached to blogging Desiree - only those we choose to set ourselves. Cheers, and thanks for your warm and friendly comments whenever you've visited. All the best :D)

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  22. How special to find your blog post. You are greatly missed...as well as Linda. Both of you do such a fine job with your blogs; well written, interesting and worthwhile subjects, informative, great photos. Most of all I am glad to know you are well and I will look forward to your next post whenever that may be. Until then peace.
    (From VA in USA)

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  23. It's good to take a break now and again - I've just come back from a two week hiatus and I'll probably do that regularly. I enjoyed your posts and will use them when the time comes to visit SA.....gorgeous posts!

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  24. Oh yes how right you are learning to ration our time in the blogging world is so very hard but I think it is one that more and more of us are slowly learning to do. We need to live more and blog less, it is the quality of our posts not the quantity that are important. Take Care my friend.

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  25. I recently had to curb my time online visiting blogs, so I understand the priority issues you speak of... I visit just a handful everyday, and then catch up with everyone once on weekends...

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  26. Yes Desiree, very well said. I know where you are coming from. I haven't posted since last October. I am thinking maybe 4 times a year for each season is good. (I am late even on that schedule) Though I do appreciate the people that do post all the time because I love the updates and seeing the beautiful photos. I am just glad to know you are well and happy with your family and 5 dogs. Five dogs! With 5 dogs how did you ever get time to blog in the first place! I am glad you did and enjoy your pictures and blog immensely. Take care and enjoy your offline life! We have your old posts to keep us entertained. Annie

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  27. Hi Desiree,
    Perhaps it is because I am not a popular blogger that I'm able to keep posting once and a while. Thankfully I've made some beautiful friendships with bloggers that feel like real, soul filled loving people...especially you. The world has become an expansive, accepting and interesting place through the photographs and words of people like you. South Africa was a space on a map and a few political words before I started reading Driftwood Ramblings. It certainly wasn't a lush place with interesting wildlife, awe inspiring mountains, wild beaches and stunning gardens. It wasn't a place where people thrived and shared in the simple goodness of the love of dogs and nature. It was words like Mandela and Aparthied. So thank you for sharing the landscape, a real person's lifestyle and a different cultural view. I appreciate you as a friend with a compassionate heart but will always be in debt to you for opening my mind to a bigger picture of the world.

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  28. This is a great posting It’s exactly what I was looking for. I like your article.

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  29. Well there you are! You know I was wondering if that was what happened, as I have written a few ( or more), posts about how this blogging can be wayyyyyyyy too time-consuming. It takes us away from what is happening before Our eyes. Plus since I sell online,I'm on this contraption WAYYYYYY too much also. Just blog evey now and again, stop for many months if need be. Some people stop altogther, which I have considered many times too. Stay sweet, big hug, Gina

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  30. I understand so completely. Heartfelt thanks for putting it into words. I have also backed off. As a matter of fact, just days ago. It is easy to get caught up in blogging to the point of missing some of your REAL life...trying to keep up. I have often wondered if others knew something I didn't know to be able to do that. I've even asked. How on earth do you do a post so often? By nearly living in this chair for hours on end, is how. So..like you, I am giving my life, friends and home a bit more attention..and the feeling of relief is ...wonderful. When you begin to feel that way when you shut the computer down..it's a sign to stop.
    I cannot say how highly so many folks think of you.
    Enjoy..and we'll meet again.
    Mona

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  31. So very, very glad to know that all is well! Tucker sends puppy love and so does Strider-Birdie is home and, of course, Strider is with her! Tucker loves having him here to play with!

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  32. Nice to see you back even if briefly. So glad that it isn't a health issue. I know what you mean about time consuming. I spend waaaaaay too much time clicking the keys. I remember reading one blogger say she thought it was rude of people not to comment when they visited the blog. Really!! Imagine getting all those comments and having to reply to them. Even this week I have hardly had time to check blogs. Life, even in retirement, can be incredibly busy. Nice to hear from you.

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  33. Desiree!!!! so glad you stopped in...and to know that all is good.
    sometimes we just need a break...and it seems there's just not enough TIME to get everything done we want to do...or have to do...and so, we just have to remember to BREATHE!!

    take your time...enjoy life...and we'll all talk later... :)

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  34. Hello Dear Desiree!
    Obviously I am not checking often as I didn't see this until this morning! I have missed you, too, but I also was spending way too much time on the computer. Living life is infinitely more attractive to me than living vicariously through the lives of my blogging friends, despite how much fun that is! So, I am only checking in every week or so, and missing much, I know, but I'll just have to live with it!
    Hurrah to you for doing what you need/want to do. But, I do still miss you bunches . . . Just saying! Love, Sandi

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  35. Yes, you are missed... I'm glad life is treating you well... take care of yourself =)

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  36. Your writing is too beautiful to stay away. Why don't you package everything into a Driftwood Ramblings book? Some folks have suggested I release The Best of The Desert Rocks as a book and though I'm working on a regular commercial fiction book, that sounds like fun. Beyond the fascinating scope of your homeland is the potential to have massive amounts of readers who are interested in gardening too.

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  37. Just a warm hello...to let you know I am thinking of you. I am not blogging much either...real life is happening. I hope you and your family are well..
    Love and hugs to you, Desiree!
    Mona

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  38. As you can see, I'm pretty behind in reading blogs myself. I hope you are having a fantastic summer.

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  39. Here I was waiting so long for your return, and then I missed it! I know what you mean about blogging. I've been on a short break too. But, I'm glad to know that all is well with you. And, as usual, you gave us some beautiful photography! Take care. Hope to hear from you again, soon.

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  40. Missed you! But, wanted to let you know:

    After two years of blogging I am about to call it quits. Most of the stuff I have posted this year was written before my dad died. I can't seem to come up with new stories. If I do I will start up again.

    Now that I am no longer need to care for him I have had to find a way to cycle myself back into the life outside of these walls. I have gradually dipped my toes into that world and find that I am too busy to write. But, more importantly, I find that I am too busy to continue a relationship with all of you bloggers out there. I hate not commenting regularly!

    Although it was you guys that literally got me through these last two years it seems so rude of me to not get around to reading and encouraging you, like you did me. I hope to remedy that soon. When school starts I plan to get pack to substituting, and with that, back to a regular schedule of some sort. That schedule will include a time to re-enter the blogging sphere to keep up with my many mentor's antics.

    I am sending this to each of you as I want to thank you for your friendship and kindness.
    Karen

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  41. Nothing really....just checking in to say hi and let you know I am thinking of you!! I was so privledged to have met you. Just ..checking in... you know... :) Hugs!!!
    Mona

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  42. Oh I am just so happy you are happy I understand real life must be protected and enjoyed and you are one smart blogger. We (well most of us) are lucky enough to have a special loving world outside of this blogger world and must take care of that and nurture it.I have many blogger friends but reality is I must take care of the life I had before and after my blogging days end. Most people understand that. Take care my friend you are very wise and I still miss you. I wish only the best for you. HUGS B

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  43. So good to see you again! Enjoy your respite, whatever the reason.

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  44. Just want to let you know that I miss you sooooo much. You write so beautifully and on such interesting topics and your photos are wonderful. You are missed. I hope all is well with you and yours. Farm Gal in VA, USA

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  45. I'm glad to know that you are doing well and I hope you are also enjoying some time for yourself. Looking at all the comments you have received, I can tell how much so many people miss you :)
    I know how hard it is to fit blogging in among other very time consuming activities (in my case, a job), but you can still drop by every now and then and enchant us with photos of your garden and your words. At least, maybe around the holidays?
    Until then, take care!

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  46. Looks like you've been busy, hope all is well. Best holiday wishes to you and your family from Eve here in the California desert. We miss you!

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  47. Dear Desiree, just a quick pop in to wish you and yours a peaceful, loving and extremely Happy Christmas. Kind regards, Susan :D) xx

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  48. Just been thinking of you...do you know we still talk of and miss you on our blogs? Hope life is treating you well and you know you are thought of often with fondness and that beautiful homeland of yours!
    Hugs~

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  49. HI Desiree..saw you left a note on Tom's blog...good to see your words again! Hope all continues to be lovely for you in your gorgeous part of the world. Miss you and hearing about your life with your pups and family!
    Many hugs~

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  50. Hello Desiree ...where are you...how are you.....please let me know something ...love from me Ria...x !

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