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Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Blogging thoughts from the sick bed

For the month of December I accepted Cheryl's challenge of writing a blog post every day. That meant writing something every day during the busiest time of the year. Why did I do that to myself when I'm always in overdrive at that time of year already?
I did accomplish my December goal of daily writing with 31 blog posts in 31 days. But I didn't really enjoy the "have to" part of the experience and don't think I'll do that again.  Although I enjoy writing, which is why I have maintained this quilting blog for about 12 years now, I didn't really enjoy having the pressure of daily posts.
However, it did remind me that I do enjoy the process of writing. 
years of journals
And the more you write, the more you want to write. The challenge did encourage me to put more effort into other things I have been writing, such as work related journal articles and the book I have been writing in my head for 5+ years.
So for 2018 I'll be happy to resume my usual structure of a minimum of 3 blog posts a week, plus any other extra things during the week that I feel inspired to write about, without the pressure to post something every day. 


Kathy's Quilts blog stats indicates that more than 39,000 comments have been made and that the 2 millionth page view is imminent! 
Thank you to each and every person who reads my blog, and I truly appreciate the time it takes to leave encouraging, funny and creative comments. You're the best! I even have some folks who send me encouraging emails ... hi Dotti! 
I can't wait to get back to my regular healthy life, and my beloved quilting activities. Thanks again for reading!

25 comments:

  1. I can imagine the pressure of writing every day. I saw that challenge, but I found it too much. This year I hope to calm down and have fun with my fabrics, and blog when I feel for it. Good luck with all your projects in 2018! I'll always come back to play with you.

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  2. Thanks go to you for writing your blog. I enjoy reading it but realize that a lot of effort must go into the blog, and I appreciate that you do it. Take care and heal soon.

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  3. I agree, blogging should be a fun activity, not something that exerts yet more pressure in our lives.

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  4. I just hope you get over this flu soon...what an awful one! :(

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  5. Feel better soon..I am beginning to feel a lot better--but the cough lingers on...and on...
    I think blogging should reflect what you want to share with your followers in your own quilt adventures. Not something you HAVE to do...that is too much like work!! Just my humble opinion...hugs, Julierose

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  6. Your writing is truly appreciated. Feel better soon!

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  7. I realize how often I read your blog from the email sent, never really clicking to the blog itself. If others are like me, you probably have well over 2 mill views!! Congratulations for working so hard to inspire all of us!!

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  8. I saw that challenge of writing every day, and while it fascinated me, I knew it would be more of a chore for me to keep up than a joy. Sometimes just getting three posts out each week is a lot of work, depending on what's been happening in my life and sewing room. I don't always comment on your blogs, but I do read each one. I enjoy seeing the quilts you are working on and the progress you make. Take care of yourself, rest and get better soon!

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  9. I'm glad the challenge worked for you!!! Yay ๐Ÿ˜ I do think the success of sharing platforms like Instagram show that you don't need to be wordy to share. Just upload a simple picture with a sentence or two and people can follow your progress. Quilting is such a visual stimulating craft, so we all love pretty pictures ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜€

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  10. I’m happy you’re still writing blog posts so often! While so many of my favorite bloggers have left, I do think it’s those who love to write who’ve stayed the longest. I’ll have my 9 th blogversary this year. Hard to believe it’s been that long!

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  11. That reminds me of the A-Z challenge every April. I've done it twice. It certainly stretches one's creative muscles! I hope you fell back to your normal self very soon.

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  12. Oh, I could never blog daily. Funny thing, though I have blogged for almost 7 years now, writing is a chore to me. But I endure it because I love the connections formed through the painful process.
    I thoroughly enjoy the "voice" of your blog, Kathy--so real, and fun.
    Take care, and get better!!

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  13. I can understand how hard it would be to blog daily and think you are wise to go back to your usual schedule. I could never figure out how Bonnie Hunter found the time to blog twice a day. Hope this rotten flu disappears soon. You've really had it bad. And the seesaw weather doesn't help.
    Pat

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  14. Deadlines are absolutely no fun, and I can certainly see the pressure in having to write when it is supposed to be fun. I always enjoy your posts.
    I am 'thinking' about doing 1 post a week on my projects. Now that I have sent the H3N2 Flu to you. I came down with it on the 13th of December, still have a nagging cough, but finally getting my strength back. I certainly hope that you do not have such a long recoup period. Take care and I certainly know how you feel. I think the 2 hand surgeries from June through October did not help and I guess I was prime for getting the Flu - absolutely a killer this year in Texas.

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  15. Enjoy reading your blog. I am in awe at the stack of journals.

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  16. I was hoping you were out of the sick bed! Sending healing thoughts to you that you are up and about soon without overdoing it. I do enjoy reading your blog even if I don't always leave a comment. You come up with some interesting things to write about and offer some food for thought.... along with dangerous quilt alongs! Hope you feel better soon. I took the blog a day challenge in December and failed miserably! I blog when I can and try to balance life, work, kids and quilting.... I usually get my Saturday RSC and Sunday Slow stitching ones in though.

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  17. I felt the same and reverted to my 3 times a week last year. I Blog when there is a Link up mostly. That's what brings all the views. Do what you enjoy, in the long run it is best for all. Feel better soon! I miss your Quilty Posts.

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  18. Almost 2M views?? That's really impressive! 3 times a week seems about right to me. I hope you feel better soon!

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  19. Hope you get to feeling better soon! Not surprised at all that your blog gets so many views! You are prolific as well as encouraging and inspirational.:) Kudo's to you for continuing to write where it brings you joy.

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  20. Get well soon, then enjoy writing at your own pace. Thanks for all the writing you do here :)

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  21. As soon as it becomes a chore the fun goes! So I'm glad you are going back to 3+ a week, I'd miss my stitching fix if you gave up! Thanks.

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  22. Full marks for meeting your daily blogging requirements - not sure that I could have done it or that I would have had enough of interest to make it happen! It looks like you have a strong writing gene.

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  23. congrats on achieving your goal!

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  24. it would definitely be a stretch for me to write a blog every day! Some weeks I get nothing done! So glad you DO get things done and share your progress, it is encouragement to the rest of us!

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  25. Hope you are feeling much, much better. Writing every day is hard, but you've done it once and learned what you do and don't like. That's always a good lesson.

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