It has been six years since I started this blog and in reflecting back over that time, life has brought many changes, including my reasons for blogging.
Initially, I thought I’d blog about gardening and nature. I envisioned my posts being informative about different plants, sharing my gardens and walks around the land I call home. Of course, I soon learned that social media is a two-way street and at least half of blogging is meeting and following other bloggers that share similar interests.
Being human, we can’t help but be drawn into the world of others, building relationships over time, some blossoming into friendships. Eventually, the amount of time I spent in my Reader far outweighed the time spent writing posts. Some days, I felt that I shouldn’t ‘waste’ my time, but I felt compelled to see what everyone was posting. Call it FOMO, but I didn’t want to miss some important event that was happening in your lives. Hooked, I cared about you and your ups and downs, and offering support and encouragement became my purpose. I love reading your blogs, learning new things, seeing your part of the world and point of view as well as seeing your creative work– your putting yourself ‘out there’ so bravely– you’re beautiful!
I wouldn’t call it digital addiction, but it is close. Occasionally, I thought of taking the site down, but then one of you would comment about how much you loved my posts and I would recommit myself. It’s one thing to spend a snowy or rainy day blogging, but when other areas of my life demanded my attention, I felt torn. Does anyone else feel this way?
Ideally, I would like to head back to posting more and reading less, but I wonder if I could realistically do it? I would love to hear how you handle this in your own blogging.
Lastly, I’d like to hear how you feel about my current content– what works, what doesn’t and what you would like to see more of in terms of photos, writing and subjects. I know your time is precious, so I sincerely appreciate you following me, your likes and especially your comments. You’re amazing!
Eliza Waters 
I apologize for the delay in commenting. I was traveling and fell behind in my blog reading. Congratulations on 6 years of blogging— I know what a commitment that takes. I’m always pleased to see your blog land in my emailbox —it’s a bright spot several times per week! I especially like your In a Vase on Monday and Silent Sunday features. But more than that, I’m grateful for the friendship that’s blossomed between us. I SO appreciate your willingness to comment on our posts! You are our most consistent and thoughtful commenter. I feel like I’ve gotten to know you and that if we lived in the same state, I’d come over and you’d tell me about he latest cultivar you’ve planted ;D However, I do sympathize with the time pressures you’re experiencing and I’ve had the same “what’s next?” thoughts about WordSisters. You’ve probably noticed that Beth’s posting infrequently now because of job pressures. Sooooo, here are my suggestions. If it’s easier/ more fun to do 2 posts/week, do that. I don’t get bored with seeing your garden and woods (I don’t recall what last year’s garden looked like!) so it’s all fresh to me. Though I love seeing your comments, it’s fine if some weeks you just give our posts a Like. I’ll know you’re still out there. I don’t really have suggestions about new or different content, but feel free to experiment— if a new idea doesn’t work, you can always drop it. All the best, Faithful Reader.
Thank you so much, Ellen. Your support is greatly appreciated! ❤
A wild fantasy of mine is to rent an RV and go around the country (the world?) visiting all my blogging buddies. What fun that would be! 😀
I just tried to ‘like’ your post in Reader and accidentally unfollowed you! Ugh! That’s why you see I just followed. Promise!! 🙂
Anyway, happy 6 years to you! If you are like me, you probably didn’t know if you would really stick with it or not when you began. It’s neat to look back and see how much we’ve accomplished. You asked about how we handle posting. Personally, I have a goal for myself to post 2 times per week and I’ve been pretty good about it. However, I don’t beat myself up too much if I don’t meet that. I don’t ever want blogging to feel like a job. Where I do fail a little is in how much time I engage with others. I try to spend some time each day in Reader, but I really need to strive to do more of that. You are right, blogging is a two-way street. Meeting others is half the fun!
Your content is terrific. You write about what you love and that love of nature certainly comes through. Your beautiful flowers always fill me with cheer. 🙂
Thank you, Wendy! WP sometimes ‘drops’ folks, so I figured it was either that or you changed from Reader to email, which will generate a ‘follow,’ too. No worries, I remember when you first visited here two years ago and I visited your lovely site as well. A great blog. I love seeing how blogs reflect one’s interests, uniquely expressed.
I appreciate your visit and comment very much! Happy week ahead! ❤
Happy week to you too. 🙂
Una serie preciosa, llena de colorida.
Un saludo.
Gracias, Jose!
It is difficult at certain times of year to devote enough time to read and post blogs, life sometimes gets in the way. That said, I really do value the opportunity to read blogs from other like minded people not just in this country but around the world. This part of modern life is wonderful. Congratulations on six years, keep on going so that I can catch up when I can.
Thank you, Brian!
Happy Anniversary and congratulations on six years! Another beautiful series of photos and wonderful insight on blogging! Everything works on your blog, whether it is a Silent Sunday photo, your amazing garden and vase series, winter scenes along the river or whenever you share with us longer excursions or thoughts about nature (although, more photos of Bunny could be added!!). I bought my first camera in the 80s and over the years I hit periods of time when life got in the way and the camera did not leave the bag for extended times. I try to blog every day because of the connection with other wonderful bloggers and seeing the world through their eyes and making sure that on the good and bad days that I’m outdoors with the camera trying to find some simple beauty. It’s been wonderful getting to know you through your words and fabulous flowers and photos that brighten the day and your great comments always make me smile!
Thank you so much! Likewise, I love seeing your posts with cute Harper, your outings (yummy treats!) and lovely nature photos. Blogging is a sweet thing for sure!
I love your flower posts and have made notes of what I would like to incorporate in my own garden. You have been helpful in telling me when. needed the best way to plant. I would hate to see you post less, though I don’t catch them all. Life is just a juggling act as you know and there are times I don’t get on WordPress at all, but like you I live the people I have met and would hate to lose touch with them more than anything about blogging. Congrats on 6 years!!!!
Thank you for your kind feedback, Jen, much appreciated. It is nice to know my posts have been helpful to others, a rich reward. 🙂
Happy belated blogiversary! Your pictures are always beautiful and inspiring, and your garden and flowers, lovely. 🙂 I also always appreciate how you take time out of your busy days to visit and comment on my blog…it’s so very kind and thoughtful of you!
Thank you, Joanna! The pleasure is all mine. 🙂
So beautiful. 👌
Thank you!
Congratulations on six years, Eliza. You’ve mentioned many of the same problems we all seem to have – trying to balance writing and reading, trying to keep up with it all, not wanting to miss something. We’ve formed friendships which have become important to us. Thanks for reminding us that we all have these same decisions to make.
BTW, your content is perfect! I love the photos and flower-talk. 😊❤️
Thank you so much, Betty, your feedback is greatly appreciated!
I’m getting caught up from when I was on vacation. Congratulations on 6 years! I’m so glad I found you or that you found me or however it happened, that we found each other. I understand your blogging dilemma very well. It seems when I take time to read, I don’t have time to post. Naturally, it works in a similar manner the other way around. Whatever you decide in terms of what to post, I hope you keep posting. I love seeing your garden and your flower arrangements, but I also love whatever it is you post. Your love of nature and the earth shines through whatever you publish. Thank you for your posts, your beautiful images, and for all of your comments on my blog. ❤
Thank you so much, Robin, for your kind comments. Our mutual love and appreciation of nature is our bond, for sure. 🙂 ❤
I also began with a thought of sharing some of my unedited, creative or reflective writing and photography but soon realized it was a reciprocal and interesting world “in here.” I didn’t keep up as much I had hoped, with my mom passing last year (cannot beleive it has been a year) and with a book deadline currently pressing upon me! But when I do drop in, I come first to your blog, Eliza, where I know there will be warmth, and beauty, and welcome. One more chapter of my “work” book until I’ll be able to create a bit again, but in the meanitme, I’ll keep my foot in by reading every month or two!! 🙂
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I am flattered to know that you like what you see/read here. I appreciate your visits!
I am loving your photos on your blog..keep them coming. I think I enjoy the pics more than the words sometimes. Congrats on six years, I have been away at least 4 /12 years, so I will begin again. Look forward to reading your blog.
Thank you and welcome back to blogging. 🙂
Happy 6th anniversary! Enjoy seeing your blog and beautiful flowers!
Thank you, Reed!