This post is a little memory lane. Blogging isn't really a way to make a living it seems. It might be a side boost to another career, a little side hustle for fun money, or totally for hobby. No wonder folks move in and out of blogging as life changes, interests change, and free time priorities change. Still, I have loads of faves in my storage I revisit months, sometimes years later usually when I'm trying to do a little cleanup. The money bloggers or those that wrote on savings and thrift, while living a good life are my favorites. Particularly, I like looking at these old posts of three or more years ago as they help see the circle of economic ups and downs, dips and dives, and help me see or at least hope the ups will come again.
Did anyone else read Viviana at The Lean Times? I found her when my daughter was still studying in London. She's an American expat, working in fashion, and wrote about combining a love for the finer things in life, fashion, food, travel, but with a salary or freelance work that required careful scrutiny over all spending. I either found her or vice versa through Tammy at Living Rich on the Cheap. I used to view myself as thrifty, careful with money, but doing so to live a life beyond what my paycheck says I should be able too. Of course now, eight years later, I've moved into other realms of life, but still wanting my money to not just live on, but use towards a good life. Those we're where blogging roots started, and maybe I can go back there.
Then there's several bloggers that closed their blogs and went to other platforms. Frugal Queen to YouTube, which I subscribe too, but don't watch often. I preferred print, but she's on Facebook too so hints to what she shares. Carol too just has Facebook, a private group you have to join. I don't remember how though. I think someone got me in.
Sonya Ann was a fun blogger to read. We even connected on Facebook, but she's light on that platform. She was awesome in that she just didn't over think life and money, but lived how she felt worked for her. Life changes, goals are met, or the public sharing was no longer of value to the writer. I respect that. There's several bloggers that stopped because of health issues, or more sad, death, themselves or family. CheapChick, The Great Escape, Vintage and Frugal Home...and others I miss.
Some, I've had to move away from. A stupid band wagon comment I made 18 months ago got me banned from ever visiting a certain blog.( Of course not physically kept away as it is the Internet) Fine with me, and I've respected that exile, lol. I apologized for my rudeness on my own blog, and that was the end. Some, I've stopped following as it was too apparent that while we might have similar money goals, the how, why, and values are so diverse, it wasn't worth my frustrations reading. I felt like my comments would just be poking the bear, so better to move along. Even those women included, when I look through my blog rolls, I remember so many people who through blogging, taught me many things. I thank them all.
It was 2014 when I started blogging, 8 years. I would hope I've grown and changed since then. My life sure has as have life priorities. I hope to make this more of a pre-retirement, maximizing opportunities blog going forward; less whine, less snark, more practicality. It's still a record of my journey, but I love you all tagging along.
I miss lots of financial bloggers, & always enjoy reading about people whose lives are so different than mine. It's really inspiring, & I've learned so much.
ReplyDeleteOn the flip side, the internet has really provided us with a platform to align (money topics, for example) & divide (politics). It's really hard, because both are such a core function of how we live & what we believe, but the discourse is difficult, and pretty much a part of everything.
It's harder to ignore politics when our lives are impacted so much, yet we're all still just trying to do the best we can. I learn something new every day from someone, even those I disagree with with often.
DeleteI stopped reading some due to changes in what they posted. I miss a few that even though different lifestyle than me had things to offer.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to find more thrifty home style. Decorating with little. That's how I found a few bloggers originally. I like your blog a lot - practical, homey, and love the caring extended family you've built.
DeleteI enjoy reading things others post and do miss some of the now defunct blogs, but not enough to follow them to Youtube. Like you, I had rather read than watch.
ReplyDeleteThe talking YouTube videos that don't show much, chatty ones, lose my attention. I'll listen though while doing other Things- sort of like radio.
DeleteLike you, I prefer printed content. I used to look forward to Frugal Queen's posts, and was saddened when she blew up her blog. While I do enjoy her FB posts, I find I fast forward through her Youtube videos to only read the captions. Yours is a blog I look forward to reading daily!
ReplyDeleteYou're very nice to say that. You've been a good support/ friend both to converse with, but also raise different perspectives. I think Frugal Queen had some rude and regular commenters. She stopped doing all social media for a bit.
DeleteWow I hadn't thought about some of those blogs in ages! I miss Cheap Chick and I'm not sure what happened to the My Half Dozen Daily blog but I used to love to see pictures of her sewing projects. I try to stay non-political on my blog and when commenting on money/frugal blogs because I like to stay on topic (money) and not go off on a rant (politics)!
ReplyDeleteCarla's (MHDD) on facebook for her sewing stuff now https://www.facebook.com/CarlasCreationsest2013
DeleteCarla's items are lovely! I can't say I don't want, but not where I want this space to go. Im trying to learn with friends.
DeleteI enjoy reading Satisfyingretirement.blogspot and a number of the sites that is listed in their favorites.
ReplyDeleteI still haven't made the decision on what I want to do or when so I'm just plugging along, saving as much as we can while still having a good life and staying out of debt. I figure this approach will support whatever I decide.
I had to pop over to his blog, and have added to my follows. You're smart to live a happy life, save, and when it feels right to retire, you'll know.
DeleteSome of the bloggers that I used to follow were so caught up in politics that I just couldn't read them anymore. Not that it's unusual to make a political comment, now and then, but when it feels like that's their main focus, I lose interest. (it's not like it's hiding from us in the news) I've read and seen some of the changes you have been going through and how some of the situations you have been dealing with, seemed to really drag you down and honestly, I was getting a bit concerned for you. I worried that normal life compounded with todays' daily life, was taking it's toll on you, but then, I would see signs of positive change and bit more of an upbeat to your post and see you fighting back and that made me feel better about where you were heading. I read because you talk about various things and share recipes and non-recipes ;) and meal planning, which gives me ideas for our meals. There have been many changes in the blogging world. I, being a professional lurker, have seen much of the change you speak of and yes, the losses. Most bloggers have inspired me in some way or another and it would be impossible to thank all of them but, I can thank you and I hope you do continue to blog. Ranee (MN)
ReplyDeleteIt's when the politics and world chaos hurt me and people I care about, I get very upset. I also hate that slimy people keep getting away with their slime. I appreciate your kind thoughts. I'm battling some things in multiple corners, but as you suggest, trying to find the bright spots. I really like to learn things from others, whether other bloggers or comments in mine. I'm glad a few fellow Minnesotans are here.
DeleteI know how you feel. I really loved Judy and now I can't remember the name of her blog. It is hard when people quit because they become part of your life.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's odd I reread old blogs, but every so often an out of the blue post happens and it's exciting. I hope those that stopped dud so because life is just so full of living for them.
DeleteUdywith a J?
DeleteI miss so many of the old fashion bloggers! I started in 2008 - can you believe it? I just passed 14 years of blogging...crazy.
ReplyDeleteI don't do any other social platform, so I know I'm "missing out" but I have all I can handle!
14 years is tremendous! I love the vintage bloggers, even with no fashion sense whatsoever. You're all gems with your gold mines of unique funds.
DeleteI worried about you because of the tone of your writing, not the mess in the world, but the state of your mind. I do worry for all the people I don't know who are impacted by things happening. Your blog has nothing much to do with my world, but I do enjoy your take on problems that are universal. Did you ever go to octoberfarm?
ReplyDeleteNothing to worry about. My mind is perfectly fine, I, just like anyone, get fed up time to time. Blogging is an outlet. I did go to the site.
DeleteFor many years I followed a blog that seemed in line with my own life style and beliefs. She touched on al of the things I needed. Then I found out she had another blog that was pretty politically charged. Although I did not agree with most of what was on it, I respect her right to this blog. However, the statements on it are just plain mean most of the time. Unfortunately, I lost interest and just plain moved on. Once I saw the second blog, I couldn't unsee it.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the anonymous post.
ReplyDeleteFor many years I followed a blog that seemed in line with my own life style and beliefs. She touched on al of the things I needed. Then I found out she had another blog that was pretty politically charged. Although I did not agree with most of what was on it, I respect her right to this blog. However, the statements on it are just plain mean most of the time. Unfortunately, I lost interest and just plain moved on. Once I saw the second blog, I couldn't unsee it.
I never care if anonymous or not- I just feel honored people want to interact with me. Blogger isn't always agreeable. We're all a bit keyboard warrior, but I've never wrote a blog post or made a comment I wouldn't say face to face with people ( in my free time ). I rant in person time to time too.
DeleteI had a blogger pop up on my list a couple of months ago who hadn't put up a post for 5 years. It was a lovely surprise! I started in 2011, and had a large circle of blog friends back then, but life has changed a lot since , not least in terms of my health, my financial situation, and the volume of snippy comments I got. An old blog friend once said that my writing made people feel uncomfortable, and that's why I attracted those comments. I was telling the truth in my writing about what life on a low income was like at the time, and how we managed... maybe some people didn't want that reality! I know that I'll never recapture the enjoyment that blogging once brought, so have stopped writing as I used to, and now just put up posts about things I've made/ crafted/ cooked/ grown etc, and keep it no comment at The Finished Article. Occasionally, there are things that I feel I want to write about, but I quash the urge, as last time I tried it, I decided that it was a huge mistake! I no longer have a laptop, just a phone, have arthritic hands, and can't sign in to my Google account, so even leaving comments isn't as easy as it once was!
ReplyDeleteIt's odd what people get snippy about. As I said, I commented on someone else's blog at the height of the mask/ Covid difference of opinion views, and was not nice. Not in that bloggers site, but word spread and I never read that blog again. I decided I'll be frank or honest but don't want to be described ever as a troll. I think anytime someone hits reality, people might get uncomfortable. Even though I get very few negative comments, when I've hit on politics or mental health battles, ,my interactions change. I love reading about your projects, the allotment, your family. I know I can't comment because of the filter, but always happy to see posts.
DeleteI've been blogging since 2010. My focus has changed many times. I do miss my eb@y buying and selling posts, showing unique finds and writing about great flips. My blog was hopping back then, but things happen and life changes our focus. I miss some bloggers too, especially Cheaptrick. Another blogger I miss is Barry, a guy that bought and resold sold books, (can't remember the exact blog name). He wrote his last post and just stopped blogging. I had my share of nasty anonymous comments and thought about shutting down too, but I really like it here, so I'm hanging around a little longer. :-)
ReplyDeleteI remember your posts from my early days. I was in awe of the flipping skills. I like all your changes to your posts because I think you're a good soul with a manner in your posts and pictures that is welcoming.
DeleteThank you so much. That is so sweet of you to say.
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