On June 14, I celebrated the fact that twelve crafts reached 120 followers.
Today is September 14 and I'm approaching 700 by GFC and over 1000 total through GFC and feedreaders and e-mail subscriptions. I'm still not sure how that happened.
I'm surprised.
And I'm overwhelmingly thankful.
I'm thankful that I started this blog so a few random friends and family members could help keep me accountable for working towards my goal of making all my Christmas gifts . . . I'm thankful because something else happened . . .
I made new friends . . . bloggy friends . . . an amazing group of people that I proudly and thankfully add to the list of friends that I see face-to-face throughout the week.
Some of these friends are very much like me. Some of these friends are very different from me. But whether they are like me or different from me, they are indeed friends . . . you are friends.
And you became friends because you left a short comment on a post . . .
. . . and I replied . . .
. . . and you replied to my reply . . .
and I replied to your reply to my reply . . .
and before I knew it, we were discussing children, faith, family, calling . . . life.
Amazing friendships started because of a few replies.
And that's why I am kind of sad to be writing this confession today . . . because I know I might miss making a new friend through a simple reply.
But I have to confess that I can no longer reply to every comment anymore. Not because I don't want to . . . I do . . . I really do . . . but I can physically no longer do it. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak . . . literally. As I type this, I have my wrists and forearms wrapped in flexible ice packs. This is pretty much the only thing that lets me type without discomfort, and so I've come to realize that I need to reduce the time I spend typing on the computer . . . which means I just can't reply to comments like I really want to.
I realize that your tendency will probably be to stop commenting, but I hope you won't. I love your comments! They make me smile . . . sometimes laugh. They keep be inspired . . . sometimes when I don't feel very inspired. They keep me committed . . . sometimes when I feel like quiting.
I will read and cherish every single comment left . . .
but I will only respond by e-mail to comments that contain questions.
And I will ALWAYS respond to e-mails sent directly to my e-mail address.
I'm guessing that most of you will understand. I'm guessing that most of you, like me, have found yourselves in situations where you really wanted to do something but just physcially couldn't anymore. Thank you for understanding!
And please . . . please . . . please don't hesitate to e-mail. I do love starting new friendships!
Confess on!
Posts
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Irish Cream Cocktail
3 months ago
12 comments:
First off, congrats on getting so many followers so quickly. Second, you poor thing! I completely understand and I think there is a point where every blogger will realize that they just can't do it anymore. I don't even have 300 followers, but I sometimes have a hard time replying back. I will say that when I comment on a blog that has a lot of followers, I don't expect to be replied to. Before I started blogging, I'd get aggravated when someone didn't reply and I'd think they were being rude, but now I see. Blogging itself takes a a lot of time and when you're receiving a lot of comments, it's just hard to keep up. Hope your arms get better soon, and I promise, I won't get mad if you don't reply to this. ha ha
~ The Speckled Dog
Congrats on so many followers in such a short time...that's amazing...but not really because so are you! People see something in your blog that makes them want to continue to come back for more. Now...about commenting back to followers...I try my best to do that to...but...I've found...that a lot of times when I leave somebody a comment on their blog...especially at my age (which is old by the way)...I forget I've even left it...and so I don't notice if they comment back..ha! ha!...which totally lets you off the hook...'cause once I publish this comment...I'll probably forget that I even left it!!! So..now that you're very happy that you're not old like me....smile...and take really good care of yourself!!!
In His Love...Deb
Congrats and what a great and gracious post! Your blog is filled with not only wonderful ideas but a kind and inviting spirit. It's no wonder it's grown so. Keep doing exactly what you've done and whether you're able to respond to all the comments or not, I don't think anyone's going to object.
I'm not surprised you have gained so many followers. You have an amazing blog and are incredibly talented and creative!! I love visiting here and while I love your replies to my comments, I understanding how overwhelming that can be. Especially as your follower base grows and grows. I will still visit, still comment and still love your blog even if you I do not get that reply. Congrats on your growing blog, enjoy!
I've wondered if I'll ever get to the point where I'm sending out automated emails to reply to reply to people who email me??? :) Probably...never. I can dream, can't I? I think it's awesome that you have grown so much so quickly! WOW! Maybe it will turn into a way to help support your family...which is what my husband and I were just sitting here discussing about me/my blog. Hoping I will garner some income here in the near future. Oh... I am looking forward to our future endeavor together! Exciiiited!?!?
Julie
Vibrant-designs.blogspot.com
The thing about blogging is that the better you are at it, the more time it takes up from your life. I don't think you need to worry about responding to everything...I know I don't and I don't have nearly as many followers at you do. :)
Oh you sweet thing and your poor poor wrists! You have gained so many dedicated followers who love you because you are wonderful! and creative! and unique! and even more wonderful! :) I completely agree with the above comment that says you (and therefore this blog) have a warm and inviting spirit. That's exactly it! Couldn't have said it better myself.
boohoo!!! :) We totally understand!!!! And will love you still! I couldn't believe you kept up with it this long!!! You are amazing!
I hope your poor arms don't slow down your crafting! and that they get better soon!
{I get such a thrill when you reply to my comments, but I never really thought to answer them and start a conversation - I think I'm out of practise relating to people ~lol~ too much time with little people, I think}
WooHoo!! Congrats on all the followers! I am not surprised at all tho, your blog is great!!!
I think it's amazing that you tried for so long to answer every comment and email!!! I never get around to doing it like i should and i have a measly little 66 followers! I am in awe of all you bloggers that are able to make these beautiful blogs for us to enjoy.
Sit back, relax and don't worry about it, we'll all be back because we enjoy your blog. <3
I don't know why you're surprised - you ROCK!! Seriously, you make awesome stuff and write awesome posts, so of course people want to follow you. But you gotta take care of those wrists. No blog injuries, please! Keep your hands healthy to keep making fabulous projects. :)
--Anne
I'm with you! I know that there are dozens of "pro" bloggers who tell us that we MUST respond all the time, that is how we develop a loyal following... but sometimes, life just gets in the way... wrist pain, toddlers, dishes, laundry... life!
As a reader, if I had a choice between you responding to this message, and you creating another beautiful post... I'd wish for you to go get creative!! : )
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