The One About My Change In Attitude & A Relaxed Spring Blogging Schedule

/ Ally Bean

Plans change.

Wednesday’s post was the last one I had in my blogging files. Yep, for once I’ve absolutely nothing planned or researched or started. That is a rare turn of events for me, a wordy girl.

Then I woke up Thursday morning to find my WP editing page was different. Again. Of course.

Today I can’t help but feel that the events earlier this week were a sign nudging me to change my attitude about how often I post to this blog. Not a dramatic change mind you.

More like a sign encouraging me to SIMPLIFY, my word of the year.

So here’s the dealio.

For this spring, maybe summer too, I’m going to write and publish one post every two weeks, showing up here on Tuesdays [probably]. Nothing remains quite the same.

The posts will be my favorite kind of blog post, the ones filled with flapdoodle and twaddle. If we couldn’t laugh we’d all go insane, right?

Then with my free time I’m going to read what you, my prolific bloggy friends, write on your blogs. Not everything you write of course, but many things.

This relaxed approach to blogging will give me the latitude to stay in touch & share the comment love you all deserve– while politely stepping away from blog land every so often.

You understand. ❤️

171 thoughts on “The One About My Change In Attitude & A Relaxed Spring Blogging Schedule”

  1. I’ve found the way to go back to the older admin page, and also the way to continue on with the classic editor. If you want the tips — that have worked for me, and at least a few others — feel free to email. I’ll not clutter your comment section, unless you want me to.

    Liked by 9 people

    • Thanks, shoreacres. I’m trying to convince myself that I must use the block editor now that it is the way of WP. But if I get too frustrated with it, I’ll email you. I can do this, I can be a blockhead! 🤓

      Liked by 3 people

        • I like how your Great Aunt Rilla would explain it. My mother used to say that, too. I’m learning the block editor one day at a time. I don’t prefer it, but I accept it now. I’m rising above its limits.

          Liked by 1 person

          • I was thinking about whether I would continue blogging when my page changed abruptly. If I give you my email address, would you tell me how you went back to the old page? It is lwashin301(at)comcast(dot)net.

            Liked by 1 person

  4. I get it, Ally, trying to work with WP has been frustrating. I am hoping I can manage with the A to Z. Miss you when you are not around but thanks for the heads up so we don’t worry bout you!

    Liked by 5 people

    • Janet, I enjoy writing this blog so I don’t want to stop, but it’s spring and WP is trying to mess with my head and I’m not going to let it. I figure this is a good time of year to wander around outside away from screens. I wish you all the best with the A to Z Challenge whilst using the WP block editor. You can do it!

      Liked by 3 people

  5. We’ll take what we can get!

    have also been far less focused on my blog . . . while still enjoying the many blogs I follow. Blogs tend to be more uplifting than the news. Most of the time, anyway.

    Happy Travels!

    Liked by 8 people

    • Nancy, good point about blogs. They are more uplifting, and often more honest, than the news. I like writing, but I also like not writing. I figure after 10 years here I can do whatever I want in a way that pleases me. 😎

      Liked by 5 people

  7. I have been using the good old classic editor on both my blog and the volunteer one I do. Imagine the words I expressed when I went to post on the volunteer blog but the classic wasn’t an option anymore. Gone. I got the post written and added a photo but spent way too much time trying to figure out how to add tags and schedule it. Who knew to hit ‘immediate’ to find options for scheduling. Those colorful words are back again, but I’ll refrain from using them. To add insult to injury I didn’t get some of my regular posts this week because I somehow was dropped and have to sign up again. Maybe we should send the WordPress Engineers Jimmy Buffett so they’ll chill out and leave us the heck alone. Enjoy your new schedule. Those of us who have been deserted by the writing muse understand. 🙂

    Liked by 7 people

    • Judy, ha! I adore your idea of sending Jimmy Buffett to chat with the WP engineers so that they might learn how to chill out about this dumb block editor. They need a bit of perspective, which a change in latitude [and a bottle of rum] would accomplish.

      As for the system being intuitive, it is not and I find that a flaw. Your example of hitting “Immediate” to use a schedule is perfect. If it was immediate, then you wouldn’t need to have a schedule. 🙄

      Liked by 4 people

  8. I went with the Block Editor (voluntarily) last August. It was a pain, but I have overcome most issues (not Galleries, where I still use a Classic block). Tuesday is my favorite day to read blogs, so that’s a good one to pick (for me). I love the flapdoodle and twaddle, so these will be fun.

    Enjoy the extra time during the beautiful seasons.

    Liked by 5 people

    • Suz, earlier this week I heard this song on the Jimmy Buffett channel on SiriusXM and the lyrics called to me. Loudly, they did. I need to get back outside in nature. I love blogging, but maybe less of it for a while.

      Liked by 3 people

    • AutumnAshbough, I used to be the same way, easily writing a couple of blog posts per week. I thought it was just me about struggling to find something to say then using WP to say it. I think I’ll blame this on the pandemic, being stuck at home for months has messed with my writing juju.

      Liked by 2 people

  11. Hi Ally, There has been recent discussion about posting intervals in other groups/individuals. I believe it is a unique discussion with yourself for many reasons. I like your word “simplify” for all parts of my life. I have been blogging about 2 1/2 years. Initially, I read about all of the ‘shoulds.’ Now I write and post (2 separate concepts) whenever I have something to say and whenever I feel like it. I look forward to visiting you whenever you choose to appear.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Erica/Erika, I only made this announcement because in these times of Covid-19 I didn’t want anyone to think that my absence meant we were sick. I know over this last year I’ve worried about bloggers who have just disappeared. You kind of wonder…

      While I enjoy writing here, after 10 years of blogging I also like not blogging. That, of course, is not a “should” but tough darts. I’ll be here, just less often. For a while.

      Liked by 2 people

  12. Ally, blogging is supposed to be fun. It’s not a job for any of the bloggers I read and it shouldn’t be a chore either. If it’s not fun, it should at least be a release for all that pent-up creative energy that builds between posts. (Does that really happen?)
    Not that it makes any difference, but I applaud your decision. I may go in the same direction. I now post twice/week. This summer, I was thinking about reducing that to once/week. I have pages and pages of ideas, but they are bullet points or quotes, not fleshed out in any way.

    Liked by 5 people

    • Laurie, I agree that blogging shouldn’t be a job or a chore. I said years ago that I write this personal blog to keep my brain clicking and my heart open. As long as that’s my focus I’ll keep writing here.

      But I also have been at home in front of screens for over a year now, that being the best way to stay safe and still socialize. I’m ready to approach this blog a little differently by backing off my once/twice week schedule to something more freeing. And simpler. And not dependent on staring into a screen.

      Liked by 2 people

  13. Phew, so glad you decided this after your ‘Outstanding Blogger’s award’ post. HA!
    I might just follow suit, too. I’m on a roll creatively and life in general…and posting seems to detract from my slow re-entrance into ‘life on the outside’.
    Pandemic is not over, but I need to start gearing up for when it does. Ya know?
    Enjoy your Spring and all that means for getting that deck project off and running!
    🙂

    Liked by 5 people

    • Laura, I know exactly what you mean that blogging right now seems to detract from our slow re-entrance into the world. In my case I feel less creative than usual and am hoping that by doing less here, I’ll relax into a new creative vibe that’ll shine through in future posts. I like to write, but maybe not so much now.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. My editing page changed too, and I like the new font and wish it would show up on my blog!!! Argh.
    Enjoy your new schedule, Ally! As for me…I am still in the “what’s a schedule???” phase of blogging. 🤣

    Deb

    Liked by 4 people

    • Deb, I like that new font, too. It’s easy to see which is one good thing about this recent WP change. I’ll give them that.

      I’ve always declared a blogging schedule so that I remain accountable. Otherwise I’d procrastinate myself into never posting a thing. After all I’m a sloth at heart who needs a gentle reminder to show up.

      Liked by 2 people

  15. You do you, and whatever works… works. I’ve loved the ability to schedule blogs that WP offers, and contrary to popular belief I’m not always here. I take one day a week and whip off a bunch and call it good. But then my head is always filled with useless nonsense that needs a place to go.
    🤣

    Liked by 5 people

  16. Of course you can post whenever you want to post! Whatever works best for you! I will read when you write.
    I do hope that if something REALLY EXCITING happens, you won’t wait and wait but will post right away as I can use excitement in my life even if it is someone else’s! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    • Ellen D, good point about sharing news in the moment if there is any news to share. For the most part I write my posts about things that are not time sensitive, but if something happens I promise I’ll pop in here and post. [Don’t hold your breath.]

      Liked by 2 people

  17. Blogging is like a rollercoaster: you have your ups and downs, moments of pure exhilaration followed by quiet, dull stretches. And if you stuff your face with corndogs and cotton candy beforehand, you’re bound to puke somewhere along the way. That holds true for carnival rides as well as writing.

    Liked by 6 people

    • Swinged Cat, a perfect metaphor for blogging. Better it be a rollercoaster than a merry-go-round. The former is interesting, the latter is predictable. I agree about the corndogs and cotton candy, do not eat before posting to a blog. You will not be happy with what happens next.

      Liked by 2 people

  18. Coming over to the dark side where reading packs more enjoyment than writing. I’ve been here for some time now and it’s not so bad. “Write when motivated” is my motto, which was always my intent for blogging anyway.

    Liked by 6 people

    • Deb, I love the idea that I’m moving to the dark side of blogging. It makes me feel edgy which is something I have never ever been. While I only write about things that interest me [hence I rarely do prompts], I have to give myself a posting schedule or I’d forget to post ever again. I know me, I need calendar accountability.

      Liked by 2 people

  19. I have spans of time when words simply will not come. After the year we have all experienced, I think a change in attitude and a little relaxation is just what we all need. I always love your posts and your kind comments. The WordPress changes caught me off guard this week, too, as you know, but I found a comfortable spot in which to ontinue.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Maggie, I’m in one of those dull times when I have no ideas about what to write about next. Once upon a time I’d have fretted, but now I just say “ok” and will relax about it. I don’t know if that’s an example of maturity or just being worn down by this last year. Regardless, onward go I, less frequently.

      Liked by 2 people

  21. You sound relaxed and relieved writing this, which is a definite sign. I only blog when the mood (and words) strike me. Lately and during the pandemic, it’s been every day or every other one. Normally, I don’t write that much, but it’s really helped me process these crazy times. Once life is more normal, my Pandemic Posts will probably become more interesting and will show me how the small moments got me through.
    ‘

    Liked by 4 people

    • Margaret, yes I feel good about doing less writing on this blog for a while. I only posted this because I didn’t want to leave everyone wondering if I wasn’t here because of Covid-19. Normally I’d quietly move to a different posting schedule, but not this time. Once life is more normal… what a lovely idea you have there.

      Liked by 2 people

  23. Ms. Bean, I respect your decision and will adjust my reading schedule accordingly. Of course, I keep planning on blogging at DSF and just run out of juice before I get to it. You know, recovering from pandemic trauma, and it is trauma, is exhausting. And before I go, may I say I would gladly give you Block lessons and you know I’m in LOVE WITH BLOCKS AND I DON’T CARE WHO KNOWS IT! It’s, like, the best thing ever. I know. I know. I’m a rare bird.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Tara, I didn’t intend to make a big thing about me changing my posting schedule but then I remembered that during a pandemic people worry when they don’t hear from you. So I’ve announced my spring plan.

      I know you love the blocks and if I get too frustrated with them I’ll call on you for clarification. So far, I stumble over what I do when I use them. Obviously I get posts posted but not as quickly as with the classic editor, a friend made redundant before her time.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Thanks, Ally, for letting us know about your blogging schedule. I don’t pay attention to when a blogger posts, except when they post more than once/ week then that’s overwhelming for me. I look forward to visiting your blog whenever you choose to publish.

    Liked by 4 people

  25. I understand this more than you know. There is a lot under the surface for me; there are days I wish I could share, but alas…
    I love your blog, and I love your content. Blogs have saved my sanity over the past year, yours in particular. I will look forward to your posts, however often they appear and whatever the content.
    Here is to springing forward.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Kari, I get what you’re saying. There are topics I don’t talk about here. I could write about them, but I won’t. So that which I post is a slice of what’s going on, and sometimes that slice is mighty thin.

      I’m flattered by your compliment about this blog. Overall it’s fun to write here. I think blogs saved many people’s sanity over this last year. Writing this one [that I was about to put on indefinite hiatus a year ago but didn’t] has kept me engaged with people everywhere when I couldn’t be anywhere. The blogging community is the best.

      Liked by 3 people

    • Lynette, I like writing & that’s what has kept me going in the blogosphere for so long. I don’t want to give up on blogging, just approach it differently for a few months. I figure: my blog, my rules.

      Liked by 3 people

  27. I enjoy your posts, but, on the other hand, you blogging less will make me feel better about my “schedule.” What am I? Once a month? Maybe? Err. :/ {shruggy face that some clever people are able to easily make} Enjoy your respite.

    Liked by 5 people

  28. I would much rather entertain readers than subject them to my rantings. I don’t know how some people can put out a blog post every day but they are generally responses to events of the day. I figure readers get enough of that – they don’t need me to wade in! I’m your fan – so whatever makes you happy!

    Liked by 5 people

    • Jan, yes, I know what you mean about the how-to of daily bloggers. I want to either entertain or inform, not go off on a rant [although occasionally I have]. I don’t make up stories, but I do often see the story in something that has happened. Thanks for being my fan. I appreciate that.

      Liked by 3 people

    • Joan, I know what you mean. If I didn’t declare a blogging schedule, making myself publicly accountable, I’d never come back. This way, having marked the dates on the calendar, I know when I have to show up here. Or else…

      Liked by 1 person

  30. I’ve been thinking about doing something very similar. Posting maybe once a week, if I can find something interesting to actually write about. It just seems to be time to slow down and not always be looking for an inspiration out there. Just time to take a deep breath, exhale, and be quiet in the blogging world. I look forward to your future posts whenever they get here. Take care and stay safe and well.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Robin, you’ve explained how I’m feeling, too. It’s difficult to find something write about right now and the weather outside is lovely. All I want to do is wander and not look for inspiration, instead allow it to come to me. If that makes sense. Then I’ll write something. Thanks for stopping by to comment.

      Liked by 2 people

    • Eilene, thanks for the compliment. I like to [need to] have a schedule in my mind about when I’ll post. I’m a sloth at heart, if I didn’t establish this goal I might never write another post.

      Liked by 1 person

        • I don’t write many things ahead. I often have a few vague ideas about what I want to say and have done some research, but yesterday I realized I had squat. I’m with you on a “sort of” schedule: Tuesdays usually, but maybe not. 😄

          Liked by 1 person

    • J, thanks. I like to read what everyone else writes, but often find I spend my allotted blogging time writing posts and replying to comments here. I want to mix things up a little bit. Plus it’s spring, must go outside to play.

      Like

    • Joni, yes, yes. YOU SAID IT. I don’t want to miss spring, too. Last year I was in shock during the whole season, trying to negotiate and process the pandemic. But this year, while I wait for my shots, I want to be fully aware of spring. So a new posting schedule it is.

      Liked by 2 people

  38. flapdoodle and twaddle. More new words for me from your posts! I have always posted infrequently during the summer, even the year I tried to blog every day. Now I write when the words and the subject are there but that’s rarely in the summer. I have a photo blog that I post a picture and usually a haiku daily – takes like 3 minutes (in the block editor!) I try to keep my other blog, of our house project, up to date. It often sits quiet in the winter and gets more posts in the summer (like maybe once every two weeks). So whatever works. Enjoy your nice weather and some down time.

    Liked by 3 people

    • bernieLynne, now that you know these new words, I challenge you to use them in a sentence when talking with someone. It’s great to see someone either burst out loud when you say them– or look at you like you’re nuts.

      You have two blogs? You are a brave woman. I can barely keep track of my thoughts for this one, let alone another one. However, taking your point, during certain seasons I, too, am more into blogging than other seasons. Case in point, less blogging this spring.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Ally, I must be crazy as I have 3! Our house one which started it all, then this one which I wanted for writing and fun purposes and then a daily photo one for that challenge. The photo one takes less than 5 mins so it’s easy. The house one sees more summer action and the personal one most everything but summer. It’s a good balance.
        Tried flap doodle and twaddle on my 2 year old parrot grandson to cute results!

        Like

  39. I DO understand. I should have posted today, but we’re flying out to California this afternoon and between trip prep and parent-teacher conference nights this week, I frankly didn’t have time to put anything together. In the past I would have panicked and tried to cobble something together, or rushed to work on something in my drafts file, but I don’t want to put out fluff just for the sake of having a post. I want it to mean something to me. I’m sure I’ll have stuff to say when we return. Enjoy your relaxed spring and (maybe) summer of less-frequent posting.

    Liked by 3 people

    • The Travel Architect, you’ve summed up my thoughts with this: “In the past I would have panicked and tried to cobble something together, or rushed to work on something in my drafts file, but I don’t want to put out fluff just for the sake of having a post.”. I may write about absurdity and silliness, but I don’t want it to be fluff. [Now there’s a sentence.]

      Enjoy California. Travel sounds wonderful to me right now. I know you’ll have stories to share when you return and I’ll enjoy reading them.

      Liked by 2 people

  40. I’m glad I stuck with Blogger after all. WordPress has really become tedious with its counterintuitive changes.

    I have always had a relaxed blogging schedule, as you know. Sometimes, a bit Too Relaxed. I’m glad you’re doing what works for you (and that it makes me look not-so-lazy). LOL.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Nance, you were wiser than I. I saw WP as easier than Blogger and TypePad, so I went with it. Now that WP is popular they’re toying with us. What used to take 3 steps takes 11 now. Definitely counterintuitive.

      You rock the relaxed blogging schedule. I admire that about you. You continue to post on your own terms. I have to announce some sort of schedule or I’d disappear from here forever. I need a publicly stated goal.

      Liked by 1 person

  41. I rolled with the punches on the earlier changes, and even have come to like certain aspects with the Block editor. But the changes this week have me somewhat irked. For one thing, I’m noticing the whole page “moves” a bit on the screen, as if it’s not certain where its center lies. I find that distracting. The finished product of other blogs, at least in the Reader, also is disconcerting because everything got way smaller — lots of white space now with smaller font. I assume I’ll get used to this like everything else, but at the moment I’m not very pleased about it. – Marty

    Liked by 3 people

    • Marty, I understand your frustrations. I’m trying to play nice with the block editor but it isn’t playing nice with me. I thought that movement thing was just me, but now that you mention it I agree it’s annoying.

      I don’t use Reader so I won’t notice any changes there, but I do like to search my Comments and I can no longer do that. The search function is gone. As usual WP made unwanted changes– and ain’t that swell?

      Liked by 2 people

  42. We are smiling at the specificity of your intent and plan… wish we could be like that! We are more in the organic, when the hell will we finish that post on this or that?? But the amusing part is that your specificity makes us think that you must some kickass new year resolutions when the year starts….

    Ahh don’t get us started on wordpress. We almost lost our blog completely a few months ago. Managed to save it but it was a rough few weeks. What happened?? We are not even sure….

    Peta & Ben

    Liked by 2 people

    • Peta & Ben, the truth of it is that I’m a slacker at heart so unless I tell myself specifically when I’m going to do something, I won’t do it. Hence my announcement here. Also I missed a week of blogging earlier this month and people told me they were concerned, that I might be sick with Covid-19. Sweet of them, and made me realize I’d better be clear about my intent.

      I’m glad you found your blog again. That’d freak me out. I don’t know why WP is so difficult anymore. It used to be reliable and a breeze to use, but apparently that’s not who they want to be now.

      Like

  43. Oh, great. Now I’m afraid to even open my blog/editor page up.
    I think you said it right. Having been stuck inside with COVID all this time (years, right? seems like it), and with things opening up, vaccines, and nice weather ( that will only be around briefly before it’s intolerably hot and humid) I’ve been lazy about blogging. Not that there’s nothing absurd, silly to flapdoodle about, but just having other things seem more interesting right now.
    New editor…tried it a bit back. Mixed reviews: time consuming. The old one was just so easy. Back in ancient times when I build websites/created site content, there was an industry phrase when building for good consumer response: “Don’t make me think”. Readers/grazers want to find stuff easy and quickly without effort – or they will move on. WP used to be like that. Perhaps it’s because WP now is attempting to copy FB and courting more businesses and companies instead of creative fascinating bloggers, that things have been done as they have.
    I have a link to the old editor and I’ll hide there for a bit as it is a no brainer experience – and this is suppose to be effortless fun
    Still, like you, I’ve backed outta screen land quite a bit. The real world is just so relaxing and lovely ( and I have to get the reclamation of the frozen plants done quickly – it’ll be scorching far too soon)
    Always enjoy your take on things, so will be keeping an eye out for when you surface. (Thanks for the heads-up – when people disappear, you do wonder these days.)
    Hasta later.

    Liked by 2 people

    • philmouse, I know that once the humidity gets here in July/August I may want to post weekly again, but right now the weather is glorious. I don’t remember last spring at all, being too shell-shocked by Covid-19. I want to experience this one.

      Funny enough the first book I ever read about the internet was Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug. It was my introduction to websites and what was supposed to be happening on them. It influenced me to always try to make my blogs as simple as possible.

      I hadn’t thought about WP in light of FB, but I’m sure you’re right. That’s exactly what’s going on with this shift to the blockhead editor. WP sees FB as a business model, hence we get all these *improvements* and aren’t we lucky… not.

      I only posted this change of plans because like you said “when people disappear, you do wonder these days.” I thought it was best to be clear about what I’m not up to. Thanks for stopping by to comment. Always love to hear from you.

      Liked by 1 person

  44. Ally – there is no better way to cultivate a laid-back attitude than listening to a little Jimmy Buffett. I love this song. I have cut my posting schedule to one long post and a Wordless Wednesday post and have a little more time, but am still scrambling to catch up here at Reader sometimes. I made an exception to my new posting rules by my story about Miracle last night and today, on a rainy and high wind day, I finally have cranked out three posts related to a walk at the new Wildlife Refuge. I wanted to include some stats and a little history and had to sort through a lot of pictures, so I’m glad it is done. After I did the trio of posts, I wondered how I kept up the schedule before.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Linda, Jimmy Buffett is exactly who I want to listen to this spring. Laid-back, yes please. We’re on the same wavelength about posting schedules. I know what you mean about the time involved in writing posts, adding some information. They just don’t happen at the click of your fingers. I enjoy blogging and all that it entails, but am ready to less involved with screens, more involved with nature. Your story about Miracle had to be written and shared in the moment. It was too wonderful to hold back.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Ally, I’m lucky because for me I seem to have an endless supply of fodder for posts by virtue of the walks and toting along the camera. I did not take photos in the early years of my blog, but just used photos from Pixabay, or a service where I paid for the photos. I think it would be difficult to come up with topics to sustain a blog on a regular basis, though you have no problem. I read a story today, something that grabbed my eye when a fellow blogger, who is a macro photographer, referred me to an article about lichens. (I thought the ant was sitting on pollen.) I’ll send it separately as it will go to your junk filter to be approved. It might be a fun topic for you to write about.

        Liked by 1 person

        • Usually I find things to write about, you’re right. That’s the advantage of having an eclectic blog that isn’t part of a niche. I can do my own thing, my own way. I mostly use my own photos or images I make, but occasionally use Pixabay. I’ll look for the article. Thanks for the idea.

          Liked by 1 person

          • I stick in the occasional non-walking items in my blog too. I thought this article was something you might write about. Pixabay is great. I was using photos for various holidays from a woman named Jill Wellington over the years and discovered she was from Michigan. I started sending her posts where I used her photos. She is a retired TV reporter and her husband bought her a DSLR after she retired – she now has a second career as a portrait photographer, but does general photography too.

            Liked by 1 person

  45. I’ve been using the block editor for awhile now. I didn’t know I had a choice. I tried using classic editor today and it totally flummoxed me so I guess I’m stuck with the blocks. It does make writing and posting a bit more arduous, especially when including photos. But I persevere. That said, you do what gives you the most comfort and joy. I can’t imagine myself posting more than once a week since I have so much to read and other things to do (especially outdoorsy stuff). Thanks for the heads up and I know I’ll see you around in comments if not your actual posts on twaddle and flapdoodle.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Marie, the block editor is here and I’m a pragmatist so I’m going to use it. I fear I’d be like you, flummoxed, if I tried to use both the editors. You’re right about adding photos with the block editor, it is laborious.

      I love your line about “comfort and joy.” That is such a healthy way to approach blogging and I may have forgotten that over this last tedious year. Could you believe that at one time I was a daily blogger?!! I laugh when I think back on it, having seen the error of my ways. Once a week or less is all I can handle now.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Markus + Micah, thanks for your support. I’m more than ready to be outside. Maybe I’ll find some good stories there, which I will definitely share here.

      Like

  47. I enjoy your posts – whenever and always. I appreciate your followers’ comments too. I’m so frustrated at WP and how they suddenly took the Classic Editor away from me also. I’ve been so consistent about posting every Friday, but I couldn’t do it this past Friday because it would take me scads more time to figure out how to unblock the blockhead idea of the block editor. ARGHHH. I might ask Shoreacres her secret of how to get back to Classic. Whatever. Stay relaxed and happy and keep up with your flapdoodle and twaddle. Love it!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Pam, thank you for the compliment. I understand your frustration about the blockhead editor. I find it laborious and defeating. I know that many people understand its nuances, but it seems unwieldy to me. However I’m accepting the blockhead editor even though I don’t like it. I think it’s our future regardless of our opinions of it.

      [FYI, in addition to Shoreacres insight, Maggie at From Cave Walls mentioned on her blog how she’d found a way around the block editor.]

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  48. Our weather hasn’t fully turned the corner—spring here means a day or two of glorious sun followed by more of rain. (Keeps the grass green, so I’m all for it!) But Saturday was glorious, and it was far better to be outside digging in dirt than inside writing.

    I think we’ll all need to figure out how we want to be as we emerge from pandemiclife, and we’ll need some space in which to do it. I know I’m hoping not to restart the old treadmill existence—and that means saying “no” to some things. Three cheers for simplicity.

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    • Rita, I don’t remember last spring. I was too worried/involved with the new lifestyle foisted on us by Covid-19. Therefore this spring I want to be aware of it and go outside instead of sitting at my desk writing. I like writing, but there is more to life! *gasp*

      You raise an excellent point about how any of us are going to re-enter the world now. I’m with you in that I’m saying “no” to many things I used to automatically say “yes” to. This past year has given me a new perspective on my life– and the people who belong in it.

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      • Me, too. I remind myself often that saying “no” is a way of saying “yes.” While the reasons for our smaller lives were devastating, I like smaller. A lot. When it comes to material things, I’ve been moving for a long time toward fewer things of higher quality. They cost more initially, but they last longer and bring me more pleasure. And probably cost no more in the long run, as I’m not constantly replacing less satisfactory versions. Trying to apply those same principles to the intangibles of life, too.

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        • That’s a great way to think about your life going forward. Small works for me, too. And your idea of higher quality dovetails into that concept. I like how you think. 😄

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  51. Ally, I’m all for ‘flapdoodle and twaddle’! 😀 Blogging should never be bind and a relaxed attitude to it sounds perfect. I’ve often taken long breaks for one reason or another, posting less frequently! It will lovely to see you around on the comments and reading your posts when they are out! 😀🌺

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    • Annika, you’re right about how blogging shouldn’t be a binding obligation, instead allowing a person to go with the flow. I like writing, but I also like just living my life without a thought about what to write about next. My newly announced schedule will allow me to do both. Thanks for stopping by to comment.

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  53. Ally, I feel your pain. I was just complaining to a friend about the frustration that is now my experience with WP. I hate being forced to do something that doesn’t look like it has improved the blog. I can’t adjust the line spacing at all. I will probably also cut back on posting.

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    • L. Marie, I hear you. It’s difficult to accept changes that don’t need to happen. IF WordPress had explained *why* they’re doing this and how it benefits all of us, this would be a different story– but as is it’s just more work for us. Kind of sad how little WP cares about those of us who’ve been loyal to it all these years.

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  55. I get it! I started out posting daily, but it was too much for me so switched to once a week. That’s more my speed.

    Enjoy your slower paced blogging schedule! I’m looking forward to the silliness and interesting topics you’re going to talk about.

    I hope you have a lovely Easter! 🌼😀

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  56. That’s quite all right, Ally. Sometimes we have a lot to say, other times not! Have a great Easter, Jesh

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  57. I hear you, Ally. Keeping up with reading all the blogs of the people who comment becomes arduous and sometimes writing flows like water and other times, like honey or molasses! It is great to be flexible. I have a lot of my subscribed blogs notifications coming in on Saturday night in an email notification and it is quite an overwhelming feeling I have to visit all of the kind people who comment on my blog.
    Stepping back is a way to get some space. The trouble is if I step away for too long, I don’t want to come back or get writer’s withdrawal. But you should absolutely take advantage of the great weather as it is gone all too soon. But, why Tuesdays? Any particular reason?

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    • Amanda, you really do understand my blogging problem here. I try to keep up with all the wonderful people who comment on this blog, but I get overwhelmed. It’s fun, but I’ve only got so many words in me and I need to parse them out with intent.

      Whenever I’ve taken a blogging break I always announce it and I always state my schedule for the very reason you mention. I could easily not come back to writing here if I didn’t make myself publicly accountable.

      As for Tuesdays, when I first started blogging in 2004 I had Tuesdays off from all other obligations so I staked claim to it for my day of blogging and the idea has stuck even though I live a different life now.

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      • The public accountability is a good way to keep you on track, Ally. I am still trying to get myself in a stricter blogging routine, in retirement, or else I could spend a lot of my week at the keyboard.
        “Tuesdays with Ally Bean,” it is then. Or Wednesdays Down Under. Sounds like a great title/s for a book. Lol.
        P.S. I like the word parse! I have not seen it used this way before.

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  59. I really enjoyed this short post. Not specifically because it was short, but there are times where that helps too! Simplifying is something that I strive for too, because peace of mind is more important to me than ‘keeping up’ in the blogosphere, as these kinds of comparisons can become quite toxic and spirit destroying I find. We all need to find our way in keeping things fresh and fun and relevant to ourselves as custodians of our own blogs, otherwise what is the point? Thanks for posting this. Nice to know that others go through these phases of revisiting and rethinking 🙂

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    • amandAVN, I soooo agree with you about “peace of mind is more important to me than ‘keeping up’ in the blogosphere.” Ain’t that the truth of it? I enjoy writing this blog, but I also know that I have to create a balance between being here and being outside in the real world. I’m hoping that this relaxed spring schedule will help me achieve that goal. Thanks for taking the time to comment here. I appreciate it.

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  61. I agree that the WP changes are hugely frustrating and inclined to make me post less often! I have lost my WP Admin place where I always used to post. Now I’m forced to go the normal route, which is less satisfying. Gah! Why do they do this to us? Aside from that, am gravitating to your more relaxed approach to posting — when the spirit moves you or to keep in touch. Life is too short to be a digital slave!

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  62. ME Lewis, yes I agree with you that life is too short of be a digital slave. I wish I could help you find your lost WP Admin place, but I’m not a techie person. I am doing my best to adapt to the WP changes, but they don’t make my life easier. I’m having problems keeping track of my comments now, in addition to trying to post using the blockhead editor. It’s a struggle, but one that I’m putting on the back burner while spring calls to me, allowing me to ease into this new WP mess at my leisure. Ha!

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