Usually when I write a post, the story enters my brain and *blaps* straight out onto the blog with little or no revision. Yesterday I started gathering my thoughts for a post I've been contemplating for a while, and for this one, I thought I would take some time and revise and edit it so it would be ready when it needed to be published. Somehow, though, I hit publish instead of save, and although I removed it almost immediately, the post still stayed in the blog reader.
I appreciate much more than you can know the sweet, kind messages and emails about what was visible of the post. I have contemplated for a while taking a break from blogging, and then when I do come back, to not write posts anymore, but instead just be a commenter. That, though, is still a month or two into the future.
I've got a few more posts up my sleeve, so it's still a little ways yet to come. And when it does come, you're not getting rid of me that easily! Oh, no! I'm still going to be reading and enjoying and commenting on yours. And I will work to learn the difference between the publish and save buttons...
Each and every one of us has clicked that PUBLISH button by mistake, Shelly. I have no clue why Blogger positioned it right next to SAVE and PREVIEW or why they didn't design it so that it takes two steps to "launch the missles" instead of just one. I was shocked when I saw your "preview" yesterday but I understand and respect your need to take a break whenever one is needed. Blogging can become a full time job if you let it and that's never a good idea. I look forward to following your wonderful stories as long as you keep offering them, dear friend!
ReplyDeleteShady: Thank you- this blogging world is like none other!
DeleteI did get concerned Shelly; kept coming back and seeing if you added something to it or what. I totally agree with the concept of taking breaks and also just commenting; it can be overwhelming at times to keep up with it all. I am glad though that you still have some posts up your sleeve and you aren't permanently considering leaving :)
ReplyDeleteenjoy the weekend!
betty
Betty: You are so sweet- thank you! Even if I'm not writing posts anymore, I will still be enjoying yours and everyone else's posts~
DeleteA day late and a dollar short....yes, it was in my google reader this morning though.
ReplyDeleteDon't make it your final post though, try taking a break....a looong break, that way, if you want to come back, it will be easier.
Love you, and totally understand your feelings on this!
It's funny, if a person doesn't blog or read blogs, they just don't get it.
it is a great place, that has given me so much. (including you)
Jamie: Love you, too, and you are completely right. There's no way to explain blogging to someone who's never done it!
DeleteSo I hope that now that you have polished and saved your announcement that time and thoughtful reconsideration will impel you to delete the announcement and delay your departure indefinitely. I mean, your stories are too good and you write them too well to deprive us of the pleasure. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteAn occasional hiatus is an acceptable response to the need to rejuvenate.
vanilla: Thank you so much for your very kind words~
DeleteI know exactly how you feel - I think it will pass. Reset a little. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteSandie: I should spend it learning how to save and how to publish properly!
DeleteShelly, I can't tell you how many times I've nearly done the same thing -- and once I did it and, like you, got kind comments on a post that ended mid-sentence! I'm so glad you have at least a few more posts in your head and, should you take a break from writing posts for a while, will be commenting. I always so appreciate your comments on my blog posts and would very much miss your presence in the blogosphere!
ReplyDeleteDr. Kathy: I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one- gosh, I couldn't believe I had done it once it happened!
DeleteHi Shelly. I saw that preview as well, and thought I would wait until today to see if it was published, so that I could leave a comment. I was really surprised I must admit, but I do understand. Your writing is so beautiful, but I honestly don't know how you find time to blog what with working as well. Hopefully we will get a few more of your wonderful posts before you decide to pull the plug completely! So many people seem to be either 'resting' from blogging, or giving up altogether. Sush, Odie and Bouncin'Barb to name just a few. Then Jenny was going to give up, but I see she is back with us again. I had a spell when I wasn't blogging very much and, even now, I only blog about twice a week, and sometimes not even that. It just takes up such a lot of time, although I am truly grateful for all the wonderful friends that I have met. Sending hugs your way my friend.
ReplyDeletethisisme: I do love this blogging world, and that's why I can't just leave it completely. I have noticed more and more people taking rests, and that's probably a wise thing. It does get a little time consuming, but I've met such wonderful people here, like you, my friend. Sending hugs back your way~
DeleteI am so glad to hear that was not your final post. :-)
ReplyDeleteNonnie: :)
DeleteI missed that post, thankfully. I love your writing but I know how much time it takes and how busy we all are. I treat my blog like my online diary, offloading when I can. Maybe you should collate your stories together and get them published :)
ReplyDeleteLyndylou: I think maybe that's what I should look into, too. Thank you~
DeleteI love your posts they are so touching and amzing and I really enjoy coming here for a visit but also understand if you feel the need for a break but you will be missed so when I read that it wasn't your final post I can tell you I was so happy........
ReplyDeleteJo-Anne: Thank you for your very kind words- they mean the world to me~
DeleteI'm so glad you aren't going away. Your blog is fantastic and you're an incredibly gifted writer.
ReplyDeleteStephen: And I look forward to being a reader of your blog for a long time~
DeleteI'm glad you still have some posts to write and relieved your announcement was a bit premature!!
ReplyDeletejenny_o: Thank you- I just feel so dumb that I couldn't even save it as a draft correctly...
DeleteYep, I saw it in my reader but you'd already taken it down. I got that sinking feeling i always get when things change... but I realize that change is necessary and not always a bad thing. I have really enjoyed reading your stories, and I'm prepared to enjoy them as long as you keep writing them - I'm glad your exit isn't an immediate thing! I've really enjoyed having you as a blogging friend.
ReplyDeleteKaren: And I count you as a very dear blogging friend, also~ if you ever get to Austin, you'll have to let me know!
DeleteWelcome back, even though you have not left. Glad you have still a supply Shelly. You would be missed. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteJust Be Real: Thank you so much, my friend~
DeleteI'm sure glad you're not going anywhere, Shelly!! I know I don't always comment but I do always read your posts and enjoy them very much. I never knew that storytelling was such an art form until I stumbled into blogland. You are one of the best storytellers I've found here and also very inspiring and always so full of encouragement. Now, whenever I have a bad day I remember your post, "The Goodness" and I try to drink from that well of all that is right and good in the world. Even if you stopped blogging, I would never forget you but I'm sure happy you're sticking around for a while longer. :)
ReplyDeleteJenn June: I am truly humbled by your words- and yes, there is much more good in this world than we think. It changes everything to focus on that than the ugly things that try to cloud our vision. I'm so glad you're my blogging friend- I always love your posts and pics!
DeleteShelly, Shelly you can't be serious....I'm glad you changed your mind I love reading your post!
ReplyDeleteSaimi: Thank you, my fellow 50 year old! You look terrific my friend and I hope your birthday was great~
DeleteWe are so glad you're still here but you always have to do what's best for you. We will always be here when you want! I'm glad you're still going to post :) I saw that you might be taking a break on my reader and immediately thought, "No. No. No." Can't wait to read your posts!
ReplyDeleteSaumya: I wouldn't want to leave completely now that I've just discovered your blog!
DeleteI'll miss your blog posts, but I know how it gets sometimes--there's so much to do and only so many hours in the day. Glad you'll still be around though.
ReplyDeleteTheresa: I think I am really going to miss writing the posts, but I'm glad I'll still be commenting and getting to read them.
DeleteDear Shelly, When I read the mini version of your final post, I had that sinking feeling that I was going to have to say goodbye to my friend. I'm so happy that we have a little while longer to read your beautiful stories!
ReplyDeleteAll of us love you.
Especially me.
I hope you continue to write even if it might not be for a public format.
Blessings and peace,
Jenny
Jenny: We will always be friends, whether we are blogging or not. You honor me with your words- thank you! I am hoping to work on my writing, learn some things, and practice it like I haven't done so far. Jenny, thank you for your friendship- it means so much!
Deleteglad you are sticking around, at least a little longer!!!!! I have learned from your posts.
ReplyDeleteAnnmarie: Thank you!
DeleteDearest Shelly,
ReplyDeleteOh, Shelly! First of all, I must have hit the publish button many time instead of save when I was preparing to drafts; which you might have noticed my doing it haha. Your wonderful literature writing is my great honor and pleasure to visit your blog, my friend. I have realized that your deleting the post means you are not leavig soon. You are already my foreever friend in my mind whether here or not☆☆☆
PS> Sometimes, not having enough time to comments for my dear friends frastrates me. I think we only have 24 hours a day(^^;)
Sending you lots of love and hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*
Orchid: That publish button can be a tricky thing, can't it, my dear friend Miyako! Yes, we are forever friends, and I am so thakful we met through this blogging world~
DeleteThe same thing has happened to me, too, Shelly! My internal panic button goes off the same time as the premature "publish" button. That brings to mind the very first time I posted a blog. I had to take a big breath before I "published" it and sometimes I still do that today!
ReplyDeleteWe will sure miss your beautiful writing and I hope you continue to write offline. You are an excellent commenter and I sure appreciate your comments. Thank you.
BTW, I just know if you had been with my daughter and me at the belly dancing show, you would have loved it! I have the thought often that you and I would have a blast together!
Please have a good and safe Tuesday, Shelly!
Cindy: I woud have adored going to that show with you all! I've even looked into some belly dancing classes in the past because it's such a good core exercise. Maybe one day...
DeleteMy heart still hits my throat each time I hit publish, and apparently rightly so~
Not to worry; it just serves to let us know you are human, and that makes us comfortable with you! So, thanks...
ReplyDeleteJeanette
Jeanette: Thank you- I still can't believe I did that!
DeleteYou should take your time and enjoy writing that post. Looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteLydia: Yes, I want to go out with a bang, so I'm going to really take my time with it~
DeleteDear Shelly, I so understand ceasing to blog because writing one's own postings as well as reading and commenting on others takes so much time in a schedule as busy as yours. However, I do want to tell you that I'd miss your postings, which I find so well written and so touching, especially when you write about teaching and the children in your classroom.
ReplyDeleteA series I especially enjoyed was the one you did on the hurricane down in Texas. I remember the vividness of the characterizations you drew in those postings.
But, of course, I hope for you that you will do whatever works best for you and gives you both satisfaction and contentment. Peace.
Dee: Thank you for your very kind words, my friend. I have enjoyed writing all of those. I hope to somehow find a way to manage it all, because I don't want to write and not be a good commenter on others. I probably need to be wiser with my use of time.
DeleteIsn't that the worst? I hate prematurely clicking "publish." I hope you have a few more than a few more posts up your sleeve. Did that make sense? It's late.
ReplyDeleteMissed Periods: And I didn't know that even if a post is removed, its "ghost" still has such a strong presence. And thank you~
DeleteI have slowed right down with Blogging. Now I post when given an inspiration on what to write about.. I always enjoy to read what you write. You are excellent.
ReplyDeleteCrystal Mary: Thank you for your kind words, my friend~
DeleteAwwwwwwwwwwwwww, at least you will still be here with us :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
LoLy: I can't stay away from blogland completely!
DeletePlease don't go completely away! Love reading your posts!
ReplyDeleteNas: Thank you, my friend-
ReplyDeleteI sure hope that there are plenty of posts up your sleeves. I am so loving getting to know you. I enjoy your blog and it is one that I look forward to reading!
ReplyDeleteSimone: I do have some more to go before it's time to hang up the pen...errr...keyboard... :)
DeleteI would hope that you'd stick around!
ReplyDeleteI know how much time a post/blogging can consume, and sometimes, a break is needed.
That does not mean that you are off the hook, though, friendship-wise.
Pearl
Pearl: I'm hanging on to that friendship hook!
DeleteNo matter where your journey takes you Shelly, I am sure you will always enrich those around you. Good fortune to you.
DeleteCathy: Thank you so much!
DeleteShelly:
ReplyDeleteI enjoy stopping by your spot to see what you've been up to and read your beautiful words. But I understand that everyone needs a breather now and then.
I look forward to getting to know you better before your break from blogging and after your return!
And don't worry about hitting "Publish" accidentally. It happens. I've done it, too. :-)
Smooches,
Janette
Janette: It makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one- thenk you!
DeleteAnd I'm loving the red boots on your blog, as well as the overall crimson design!
ReplyDelete;-)
Janette: Those red boots are my favorites, and I love red as a fall color- thank you!
DeleteIt seems that I've just found you! Oh well! When real life beckons, we must answer the call....
ReplyDeleteI hope you don't go, but if you do, I understand!
Pat: Thank you, my friend- I shall return at some point!
Delete