“Cautious Reentry”

~ Elizabeth
Photo by George Becker on Pexels.com

I began this blog five years ago in July of 2016, before Trump and before Covid. I did it rather as a lark to get my writing muscles toned up again in preparation for longer, much postponed, writing projects. To my surprise, it turned into an activity totally unexpected. It became a vehicle for sharing, albeit cautiously, about Trump and Covid. Most importantly, especially during the enforced 15 month quarantine, it kept me connected to a world of other writers. Before I started writing I had no idea how rich in connections my life would become through the simple vehicle of a blog.

But recently, I took several weeks off, rather like an academic sabbatical, to question what plans I had for the future for my blog. I considered signing off all together, but that felt rather like severing a limb, so that idea died. Then I thought about a regular structure, such as once a week. But that didn’t fit with the way ideas actually come to me, in small bursts rather than in one long piece. So instead, I have come back.

What do I write about? Well it has always been quite eclectic, from childhood reminiscences, to book reviews, to observations on New England, to food I find on the road, to artists we collect on the travels we take when not locked down. So I expect the blog will continue in exactly the same vein. I have ignored all sorts of advice for a “successful blog,” whatever that means. I don’t focus on one theme. I don’t try to reach a huge audience. I don’t have a predictable schedule. But I do respond to all comments, not including spam of course, and I do comment on a wide assortment of other writers’ posts.

I will be seeing you again, as often as the mood strikes. And it seems to be striking pretty regularly once again!

51 thoughts on ““Cautious Reentry””

  2. I love your blog, Elizabeth. The broad topics and no real schedule suit me fine. I think most of your followers will feel the same way. Please keep writing.

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    1. I love all your little people. I spent a couple of early years teaching Head Start for three year olds and remember the joy of that. Thanks for the encouragement of my “eclectic” and sometimes erratic blog.

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  4. I totally get it. I’ve been at it over 5 years too and sometimes wonder whether I should continue. Do I have anything more to say? Should I be on some sort of schedule for consistency, as I have spurts of creativity followed by days of drought. But like you I’ve decided to do what makes me happy. Go with the flow and post what and when I want to.

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  6. Yes to all of what you wrote … exercising writing muscles, finding friends especially during Covid and isolation, and sometimes wondering about the “why” of a blog. Like you I post when inspired not in a schedule. I look forward to your meanderings!

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  7. One of the reasons I’m attracted to your blog, Elizabeth, is that it doesn’t follow a formula. I’ve read a lot of that so-called “blogging wisdom,” and much of it is written by people who have thousands of “followers” with little engagement. I think we have to forge our own path and do what works for us. I needed a short break, and I took it. I’ll never be that guy who blogs each day or on a specific day of the week. That sounds too much like a job. My only prerequisite is I’ll continue to do it as long as it’s fun.

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  9. I love your ‘attitude.’ Write what you please and when you please. To repeat a quote from one of my recent posts:
    “The whole duty of a writer is to please and satisfy him[her]self.” –E. B. White

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  10. I would have greatly missed you if you had stopped blogging. I was wondering where you had gone, and now glad to know it was just an extended break.
    Best wishes, Pete.

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  12. I go around this cycle regularly, especially in the last year or so. But I can’t bring myself to stop completely. As others have said, this is your blog to use and enjoy as you wish, when you wish. I for one, am very glad that you are planning to continue. I always enjoy your writing, Elizabeth.

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  13. Welcome back! I have a similar attitude about blogging. When it comes “write” down to it, it’s about practicing the craft of writing but keeping it enjoyable!

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      1. I wrote for many years as a newspaper and radio news reporter and had to work to deadlines and schedules. Once I moved to other paths, I decided that I would set my own schedule and live my life by my own rhythms. This feels right to me, and I don’t fret about getting anything done according to an arbitrary schedule. Dance when you want to dance, write when you want to write!

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  16. It’s ALWAYS good to see you and your posts Elizabeth. But – take the pressure off, take it easy, do what you feel like when you feel like it.

    And most of all – stay safe from this resurgent plague. (Blast those who have been ignorant and selfish and helped this thing morph and grow. )

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    1. Thank you so much. I had to laugh at the woman picketing with a “My Body, My Choice” about Covid. What makes me suspect she might have a different reaction to that same sign in a different context!!

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