Since I haven't posted anything since September 1st, I wanted to drop in for a little talk about the state of Gracious Southern Living. I don't even know if there's anyone around that will read this (although according to my stats there are some lurkers - LOL)!
My first post was in December, 2007. So this month I have been blogging 9 years! That's a long time in the blog world, at least I think so. I loved how I found a vehicle for my love of decorating by "meeting" so many other like minded people on line. I had been fairly active on Rate My Space and one day on another RMS post (I think it was Cindy from My Romantic Home) I saw a reference to her blog. When I clicked over I thought I'd died and gone to heaven! I saw her sidebar which featured other blogs and from then on I spent many hours drooling over seeing how other folks that loved to decorate and share their homes. I decided I'd like to try my hand at blogging and thus "Gracious Southern Living" was born.
My taste has drastically changed over the years. When I first began my blog, my home had red walls, gold accents, greens, chocolate browns, etc. Of course, most everyone else did too. Shabby Chic was taking over a lot of blogs and I loved that look too. So I slowly began changing out my reds, golds, greens, etc. for a more neutral palette. As of today, my home is decorated in cremes and whites, very calming and peaceful (but not Shabby....I think that trend is about over). But it took me many years to get to this point. I've also never shared a full "tour" of my home, which I regret because I do love how it has turned out. I guess I just never thought my photographs turned out "perfect" enough to share. In other words, my pictures didn't do my home justice.
We recently completed the last two rooms on my list.....my husband's bathroom and one of the guestrooms. They both got planked walls and painted in Dove White. So now my entire house has been updated to my satisfaction.
When I started my blog my daughters' twins were so little....around 3 years old. Now they are 12 and she has had another baby, a little boy who will be 2 on December 21st. My son has two children, ages 11 and 6. We are so blessed to be close to our grandchildren, who bring us such pleasure and joy.
My sweet mama is 96 years old! If you've read my blog for any time, you've followed along from us having to move her out of her home to assisted living and now in a nursing home for the past 2 years. She is very happy and well cared for at her nursing home. She is still sharp and loves reading her Kindle, working crossword puzzles and playing bingo. I am fortunate that I am able to spend a lot of time with her.
I'm not sure when I turned the corner (so to speak) on blogging. Without getting into specifics, so many long time blogs that I've followed for years have really changed and not in a good way. I know some blogs have become dependent on income from their blog to make a living, but I don't want to go to a blog and be inudated with ads and sponsored posts. There's just not the "personal touch" on so many blogs anymore that I enjoyed. Of course, there are still some blogs I enjoy but they are few and far between.
Well, this post just isn't coming out like I planned. I don't know what the future of my blog holds....will I ever post again here? I'm certainly not ruling it out. But for the time being, I'm content to just take some time off from the blog.
I have enjoyed interacting so much with so many of you. Some that comment on a regular basis, and others that just read and never comment....and that's okay too. I have made some wonderful on line friends and still maintain contact with many of those "virtual" friends.
If you'd like to follow along with me until I determine the future of Gracious Southern Living, I have become fairly active on Instagram. You can follow me on IG here.
I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Christmas!
Until we meet again......
My first post was in December, 2007. So this month I have been blogging 9 years! That's a long time in the blog world, at least I think so. I loved how I found a vehicle for my love of decorating by "meeting" so many other like minded people on line. I had been fairly active on Rate My Space and one day on another RMS post (I think it was Cindy from My Romantic Home) I saw a reference to her blog. When I clicked over I thought I'd died and gone to heaven! I saw her sidebar which featured other blogs and from then on I spent many hours drooling over seeing how other folks that loved to decorate and share their homes. I decided I'd like to try my hand at blogging and thus "Gracious Southern Living" was born.
My taste has drastically changed over the years. When I first began my blog, my home had red walls, gold accents, greens, chocolate browns, etc. Of course, most everyone else did too. Shabby Chic was taking over a lot of blogs and I loved that look too. So I slowly began changing out my reds, golds, greens, etc. for a more neutral palette. As of today, my home is decorated in cremes and whites, very calming and peaceful (but not Shabby....I think that trend is about over). But it took me many years to get to this point. I've also never shared a full "tour" of my home, which I regret because I do love how it has turned out. I guess I just never thought my photographs turned out "perfect" enough to share. In other words, my pictures didn't do my home justice.
We recently completed the last two rooms on my list.....my husband's bathroom and one of the guestrooms. They both got planked walls and painted in Dove White. So now my entire house has been updated to my satisfaction.
When I started my blog my daughters' twins were so little....around 3 years old. Now they are 12 and she has had another baby, a little boy who will be 2 on December 21st. My son has two children, ages 11 and 6. We are so blessed to be close to our grandchildren, who bring us such pleasure and joy.
My sweet mama is 96 years old! If you've read my blog for any time, you've followed along from us having to move her out of her home to assisted living and now in a nursing home for the past 2 years. She is very happy and well cared for at her nursing home. She is still sharp and loves reading her Kindle, working crossword puzzles and playing bingo. I am fortunate that I am able to spend a lot of time with her.
I'm not sure when I turned the corner (so to speak) on blogging. Without getting into specifics, so many long time blogs that I've followed for years have really changed and not in a good way. I know some blogs have become dependent on income from their blog to make a living, but I don't want to go to a blog and be inudated with ads and sponsored posts. There's just not the "personal touch" on so many blogs anymore that I enjoyed. Of course, there are still some blogs I enjoy but they are few and far between.
Well, this post just isn't coming out like I planned. I don't know what the future of my blog holds....will I ever post again here? I'm certainly not ruling it out. But for the time being, I'm content to just take some time off from the blog.
I have enjoyed interacting so much with so many of you. Some that comment on a regular basis, and others that just read and never comment....and that's okay too. I have made some wonderful on line friends and still maintain contact with many of those "virtual" friends.
If you'd like to follow along with me until I determine the future of Gracious Southern Living, I have become fairly active on Instagram. You can follow me on IG here.
I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Christmas!
Until we meet again......
”
9 comments:
Judy, wow, I have been feeling the same way! I took time away last year; and my, how things have changed from when I first started. Many of the blogs that I loved are no longer around; and so many others have turned into a virtual marketplace. I joined IG a couple of months ago and prefer it so much more. Say a couple of words...and post the pic...done! Not sure that I will continue with mine either.
Oh Judy!!!! I was so happy to see your blog at the top of the blog roll. I'm so glad that you have checked in and it sounds like you are doing well.I enjoy following you on Instagram. I loved the wallpaper that you designed and want to design one for me. I may have to wait until my "assistants" arrive home at Christmas. At any rate... I'm glad you're back... even for a little bit!!
I do hope you continue to blog, even if periodically. A link to your blog appears on my front page. I always enjoy finding a new post. But whichever route you take, thanks for all the tips and sweet memories you shared. You helped me make some decisions for our home. For that I thank you!
Sweet lady, friend blogger, kindred spirit;
I know exactly how you feel. I just went through a "vacation" from blogging myself. It felt good but then I came back.
Now, I post something because I want to not because of a need to keep up. I too, have been blogging for nine years and it does seem like a long time.
I hope you do return but on your own terms. If you don't, you will be missed!
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
I hope you continue to blog as time permits. You are now on my Instagram list. The title of your blog is enough to entice people to read! xoxo
Judy, as an old timer, I have to tell you that I've always enjoyed your blog!! I popped over today hoping to see something new from you. There are still plenty of us oldies around and I'd love to see you here again. :)
Hi Judy :)
If anyone understands, it would be me. When I came back after a 3 year hiatus, I barely recognized Blogland and now that I took another almost year long break, it seems everyone is leaving. I hope you do return though.
And just so you know... I always enjoyed your pictures and you :)
Take care!
xo,
rue
I miss yours and so many blogs but I understand. I don't know how I found time to peruse so many but I guess I was a bit addicted and determined.
I discovered you had a blog way too late. I follow on Instagram. I will be lurking in your archives. Hope you decide to stay around, but I would totally understand. I blog just because I like it, not for the money making, although I don't begrudge them of doing it. I just don't care for the obsessive amount of ads and sometimes the loss of genuineness.
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