A Spring + Summer Fling: The One About Simplifying My Blog Posting Schedule

/ Ally Bean
BUT FIRST I AM ELSEWHERE…

On Saturday Yvette at priorhouse blog posted an in-depth interview with me for her ongoing monthly series.  I was thrilled to be asked to participate.  Go HERE to read the interview.

• • •

Image via @positivelytherapy on IG

If you’ve been around The Spectacled Bean for a while you may remember that last year about this time I decided to change how often I’d post to this blog.

At the time I had nothing written ahead and I was staring at a blank screen.  [History is repeating itself today, btw.]  It seemed like an opportunity to ditch my weekly posting schedule and try something new.

Because why not?

Thus I decided to change my modus operandi and post once every two weeks, usually on Tuesday, during spring and summer.  To become a fortnightly blog— and isn’t that a grandiose way to describe something so simple!

To my amazement this relaxed schedule was an excellent idea during the warmer days of the year.  Muse was onto something good.  All my happiness chemicals kicked in to make me, well– happy.

I wrote my usual posts, just less frequently;  I continued to share the comment love elsewhere;  and then I goofed off.  I was productive enough, connected as usual, but more carefree than during the colder months when I’m stuck inside.

So I’m going to do the same thing this year.  If something works, stick with it.

Right?

I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read and comment here because y’all make blogging fun.  I wouldn’t have lasted this long in blogland if it weren’t for all my gentle readers + kind lurkers + wordy commenters.  You’re the best of all the rest.

Thank you.

And with that sincere compliment I shall go forth, doing less while pursuing my Word of the Year: ENJOY!

• • •

AND FINALLY THREE READER COMMENTS…

About being the weird one in the neighborhood:

“If I’m being totally honest I am pretty sure that I would fit the description of the wackiest neighbor. I say that because I’m the one that my neighbors laugh and wave at while I’m running down the road chasing my donkey, or taking a walk and have my son, three cats (of the 6) cats strolling behind me, my two dogs wiggling around my legs, and possibly a stray duck, chicken, or even a goose following as well.”

~ LaShelle

“There was a time, long ago, when I kept rotten uncooked eggs and threw them from my balcony onto the car when the driver hooted … if there’s one thing I cannot stand, it’s hooting. He was a hooter of note.”

~ Susan

“When I got to the door, my neighbor, a very kind woman said ‘I don’t know if you’re okay with this, but your kids are playing on the roof.’ My kids were 5 and 3. They had popped the screen out of a bedroom window and as I could hear them just fine, I thought they were in the room. But nope. They had climbed onto the front porch roof, used that to climb onto the garage roof, and then onto the roof of our second story home. When I got them back in the house and asked them what they were doing I was told they were playing flood.”

~ Katie

217 thoughts on “A Spring + Summer Fling: The One About Simplifying My Blog Posting Schedule”

  1. Here is how I hacked my happiness chemicals in one post. 😊

    DOPAMINE: Celebrate a win = interviewed by someone
    OXYTOCIN: Give a compliment = thanks to gentle readers
    ENDORPHIN: Laugh = reader comments
    SEROTONIN: Meditate = decided to simplify my life with a *less is more* schedule

    Liked by 8 people

  5. Enjoy your enjoyment. It is a gift to give yourself the enjoyment of your own blogging experience. As you know, I’ve had the topic for my next blog post for, oh, about 4 weeks now, but have yet to write it. Ha ha! Look at me being relaxed about how often to post! I used to resolve to write weekly, but now I resolve to write when it’s not an obligation. No matter how often you post, it’s always a beautiful part of my day – an oxytocin hit.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Arlene, I like how you said: It is a gift to give yourself the enjoyment of your own blogging experience. That is SO TRUE. It took me years to realize that, but now that I do I go for it. I get what you’re saying about choosing to write when and what you want, not as an obligation, but because you can. Thanks for the compliment, btw. I enjoy whatever you decide to write as well.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. The flood thing is hysterical. In the 90s I lived next door to a couple with two kids, both under 10. The first time I saw them on the garage roof with friends (one story but pitched), I called the neighbor with the same comment. It turns out that she thought it was cool as she did it when she was a kid. I was shocked because my mother wouldn’t let me do that and I’m not sure if it was because I might hurt the roof or myself! Have a great summer and we’ll see you around!

    Liked by 2 people

  9. As a kid I always wanted to see what it was like to be on the roof. I never found out. As an adult I’ve been up there once to hand my husband a tool. It was scary. I guess I’m not the weird (or cool) neighbor.

    Liked by 3 people

      • I’ve always wanted to fly like a bird. As a kid I was climbing to the top of trees to read books. I still look at trees as potential to climb, but I’m smarter now, and at almost 66, pretty sure I’d get stuck.

        Liked by 3 people

        • As a kid I wanted to climb trees but never had the coordination [or maybe the right trees?] to climb them. Instead I sat on the ground, back to the trunk, and read under their shade. I get your point about being reluctant to try to climb trees now. You are a wise woman.

          Liked by 2 people

  10. Another great post, Ally. I enjoyed the interviews as well. Happiness as a chemical formula – now that just makes my nerdy little brain happy! Enjoy your new spring blogging schedule. Spring is one of the most welcoming seasons!

    Liked by 3 people

  12. “Playing Flood,” hilarious. When I was a kid, our neighbor came over to tell my father that his children had dug a huge hole in his backyard and she could no longer see the top of my little sister’s head.

    It’s probably a good thing she was nosy; we were about to fill our newly made pond with water.

    Liked by 3 people

    • AutumnAshbough, oh your story is great. The exact opposite of the roof one, but equally childlike– and dangerous. It’s amazing what kids will decide to do. Thanks for the smile.

      Liked by 2 people

  14. As long as you don’t leave us in “I wonder what happed to Ally” land for too long. Enjoy your spring and summer. We may ask you to turn in a “what I did this summer” report after Labor Day.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Suzanne, that’s exactly why I tell everyone what I’m up to. I know that I’ve gone a searches to find out what became of someone. Plus if I don’t make myself accountable here, I’d just wander off from blogland. I know me, I need a schedule of some sort.

      Liked by 3 people

  17. Oh Ms Bean…I needed your hack poster!
    I just came from your priorhouse interview. How did I miss this? I’m betting you just made a passing mention of it on one of your blogs and it went past my radar. Anyway – it’s such a Beanie interview! I loved learning more about you and your process – helpful hints for this blogger who’s almost hit the 9 yr mark.
    Enjoy your new freedom this season.
    peace

    Liked by 3 people

    • Laura, thanks for reading Yvette’s interview with me. I was surprised she wanted to interview me. Usually I just glide along in blogland under everyone’s radar.

      This reduced posting schedule is in part because we’re remodeling the bathrooms. This means I won’t always have access to my trusty desktop computer, Keyzia– and without her blogging is not going to happen.

      Liked by 2 people

  19. Your spring and summer schedule sounds amazing. I am all for blogging being FUN and not a chore.

    Now I need to go lie down until my blood pressure returns to normal after reading Katie’s comment about her kids on the roof!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Suzanne, hear, hear! I will only keep blogging if it is FUN. Life is too short to write a personal blog just because you think you have to keep doing it. Pish posh, I say.

      Yes, kids on the roof sounds like a bad idea to me. I love Katie for sharing it here.

      Liked by 2 people

  20. Whatever floats your boat, I’d say, schedule-wise.

    Your posts are always fresh and often–off the wall. I like the comments too: Kids playing on the roof. Wow! Now I need to print the page with the happiness chemicals and look at the interview. Much to think about. . . ENJOY! I forget what my guide word is for 2022, so maybe I need to check that out too. Thanks, Ally!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Marian, yes I do seem to have written many off-the-wall posts. It’s not like I intentionally plan to do that, I just go with what interests me in the moment. Once upon a time Z-D wanted me to name this blog, Keep Ally Weird. He had a point.

      I like the happiness chemicals image. It’s straightforward which is how I prefer my complex scientific information to be presented. Now that you admit to not knowing what your WOTY is, I’m curious to know it. 😉

      Liked by 2 people

  22. I loved reading that interview. Thank you for posting the link. I also loved that comment about the kids on the roof. That was so funny. Yikes!
    I am grateful that our paths crossed here in blogland. It is always a joy to stop by here and read your perspective of the world in the moment.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Robin, thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to read the interview. I, too, am glad we’ve crossed paths here in blogland. We’ve both been at it for a very long time. As for kids on the roof… 😳

      Liked by 1 person

  23. I’m so random that I have no blogging schedule. If I feel like writing, I do. During the pandemic times that’s been nearly every day which has helped me process all of this. I will look forward to your fortnightly posts. (love that expression–so elegant, like from a British novel)

    Liked by 3 people

    • Margaret, if I don’t give myself a goal, such as showing up here every two weeks, I’d fade away from blogland. I need accountability. Yes, I like the word ‘fortnight.’ We need to use if often, like we live at Downton Abbey.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. I enjoyed the interview and I do appreciate that you respond to each and every comment. I’ll admit when I first visited, I was intimidated by the sheer number of comments and thought I’d be lost in the crowd.

    I’ve never liked being tied down, so no posting schedule works for me. Thanks for the breakdown on happiness chemicals. It’s a helpful chart!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Bijoux, from the beginning I decided I’d make every effort to reply to all [polite or non-spam] comments. I know from experience how hurtful it can feel to be ignored when you’ve made yourself vulnerable by leaving a comment on someone’s blog post– and they leave you hanging. I don’t want anyone to feel that way.

      The truth is if I don’t have a blog posting schedule, I’d probably never show up again. I need a little bit of structure– of course what I write about is a surprise.

      Liked by 1 person

  25. You do what makes YOU happy; that’s the best part of all of this, right?
    Laughing at the weird neighbor comments! People are funny.

    Going to check out your interview. Enjoy your break Ally!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Suz, I figure that writing this blog is whatever I want to make of it and right now that is showing up every two weeks. Like I’m not going to get paid because I’m working fewer hours?! As if

      Thanks for looking in on the interview. It was something different to do.

      Liked by 2 people

  26. That sounds like a wonderful plan Ally! I think there are times when I think blogging is way too time-consuming (being he commenter par excellence that I am, as well as responder to comments – and I don’t always get as many as you do!) and then I realise that it really is up to me, isn’t it? There are no rules to this blogging thing except to do what pleases us. It’s why we started in the first place… Grand idea to take it back a notch!
    And oh lordy! Those three comments are hilarious! Now… off to your interview with Yvette!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Dale, I’ve felt from the beginning that when it comes to personal blogging, there’s as much joy in the comments as there is the writing of a post. It’s the interaction that brings posts to life. I agree about no rules in blogging. I do my blog thing my way– like it or lump it, ‘ya know? I want to be here, just less often, and that’s allowed.

      The reader comments about being weird charmed me to my toes. I had to share them here. Thanks for checking out the interview.

      [Also, I’ve no idea why your comments go to moderation. It’s not on purpose or personal.]

      Liked by 2 people

  27. “I don’t know if you’re okay with this, but…” is the best opening line ever. Haha!

    Enjoy your simplified schedule and oodles of free time. I think I’m going to do the opposite and start posting once every two hours. I mean, when the muse calls, you can’t exactly ignore it.

    Liked by 3 people

  30. Pingback: ALLY from The Spectacled Bean – PRIORHOUSE INTERVIEW (26MARCH2022) – priorhouse blog

  31. “I don’t know if you’re okay with this, but your kids are playing on the roof.” OMG I love that so much. There is so much there to love, particularly the “I don’t know if you’re okay with this…”

    I am going to zip over to read your interview just as soon as I have a minute! Yay! Ally interview! And I will look forward to your fortnightly posts (love the term fortnight). xo

    Liked by 2 people

    • Nicole, I thought Katie’s comment was priceless on many levels [pun intended]. People can be so helpful and polite when they want to be: case in point, that neighbor.

      Yvette’s interview was something out of the ordinary for me– which made it fun. As for publishing fortnightly posts… I majored in English Lit I have to say things like that once in a while. You understand

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Hi Ally, your every other week schedule sounds so good – and it also models something – there are ways to pull back without dropping out for good – or something like that.
    Anyhow, it sounds like it will work again this year!
    and speaking of new blog approaches and “MO’s” – I am exploring a new idea for planning for April 2022. I was going to just go silent for the month (which I know there are times to do that) but I decided to schedule some posts and see how that goes. Hmmmm –
    –And oh my goodness, the comment from Katie about her children playing on the roof and “playing flood” was funny and scary. I am glad the children didn’t fall off and that the kind neighbor spoke up just in case. We have a motto – usually applies to driving — “when in doubt – shout it out” – so it just means if we see a car pulling out or see something dangerous – we speak up (shout it out) just in case…. safety first and no offense taken – and so it is great this neighbor spoke up.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Yvette, I like your summary: “there are ways to pull back without dropping out for good.” That’s what I’m going for. I hope your April plan works or if it doesn’t you learn something from it. Blogging is fun BUT there has to be a comfortable rhythm to it or it can be a burden.

      I loved Katie’s comment. I mean, a great story with a happy ending but. oh. my. goodness. I like your family driving motto. VERY SMART

      Liked by 2 people

  34. Those reader comments, especially the “flood” one were hilarious. Just the diversion I need after a rather rambunctious game of hallway soccer got out of hand and a light shade broke…as part of a matched set which I will not be able to replace easily. Sigh.
    Onward and upward!
    Enjoy the more relaxed posting schedule.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Elisabeth, I had to share those reader comments here. People say some of the best things in the comments on this blog. I’m sorry about your broken lamp shade. Matched sets are great… until they aren’t. Bummer.

      Liked by 1 person

  37. Congratulations Ms. Bean for taking care of yourself. I am glad you aren’t going to not post at all. I’d miss you!
    What a wacky bunch your bloggy friends are. I think we need more wacky people in my neighborhood. There is no one with ducks following them around or throwing eggs or 3 year olds playing on the roof. I think I would have passed out over that last one.
    Have fun. Enjoy! Bring back stories.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Zazzy, I guess I am taking care of myself. I hadn’t thought it like that. I was thinking more along the lines of reaching my sloth-like potential. While I admire our Crazy Bird Lady some commenters are in contention for weirdest in their neighborhood. Gotta love it

      Liked by 2 people

  38. I love those highlighted comments to the wacky neighbor post. Cracked me up.

    And your description of your audience, “gentle readers + kind lurkers + wordy commenters.” Beautiful!! Glad you’ve found a schedule that works for you and looking forward to reading you – whenever you post! ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    • Wynne, I thought those comments were wonderful so I had to share them in this post. I mean, there’s no reason why my commenters can’t be the weird one in their neighborhood. Crazy Bird Lady doesn’t have a monopoly on it.

      I like to establish a schedule for what I plan to do here because I need the accountability. I know myself, I might just wander off and never be heard from again without it.

      Liked by 1 person

  39. Sounds like a good plan. I think blogging is more of a bad/weather winter activity as I find my interest has waned with the arrival of nicer weather….although that isn’t really here yet, it’s coming. I enjoyed the interview too.

    Liked by 2 people

  40. Ally, this is a hilarious post – the stories at the end. I love your philosophy. I tend to get bogged down sometimes, and this is one of those times when everything is due at once. I hate stopping any of it, but time is in such limited quantities, and clocks run faster when you are on old people’s time – anything over 40 years of age and going faster with each subsequent year. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

  42. As a blogger who has totally not posted on a regular basis, I support your schedule Miss Bean! You do you girl! Love the stories at the end of this post😂😂😂

    Liked by 3 people

    • Lynn, thanks for your support. I try to be clear about when I’ll post because I need the accountability nudging me to show up here. I like personal blogging, but maybe a little less of it for a while? I agree that the commenters’ stories are great. Gotta laugh

      Liked by 2 people

  44. I love the comments from your readers from the last post.
    “I don’t know if you’re okay with this, but you’re kids are playing on your roof.” 🤣
    “It’s fine. We send them up there occasionally when they get on our nerves.” 🤣

    Liked by 3 people

  45. Pingback: Story Chat Y2 Summary – “Sweet Feeling” by Yvette Prior – Marsha Ingrao – Always Write

  48. Life is to be enjoyed, nothing more, nothing less. And to say that you have a fortnightly blog … well, that’s just icing on a many-layered cake. Plus, I might steal the idea of a fortnightly blog. I really like the sound of it 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    • Kristin, good point. I do try to write something of quality, knowing that my definition of quality might be a little idiosyncratic. I could never post daily, I can barely post weekly.

      Liked by 2 people

  50. I’m glad you announced this formally, last week I started to get worried when you posted nothing on Tuesday and waited for Wednesday to post. Yes, I look forward to your posts. I may have to re-read the fortnight one twice, once per week, maybe I’ll find out that sleeping on something for a week creates more dopamine-inducing comments 🙃

    Enjoy the summer (I love the winter, and “winter is coming” holds joy for me 😁)

    Liked by 3 people

    • Endless Weekend, oh you’ve made me laugh out loud. Sure, go ahead and read my one fortnightly post weekly. I can get behind that idea. I usually aim to post on Tuesdays, but some weeks [oddly enough] I get busy and have to wait until Wednesday or even [gasp] Thursday. Thanks for keeping an eye on me.

      I usually like Winter, too. But this one has gotten on my nerves. Really looking forward to sunshine and pretty flowers.

      Liked by 1 person

  51. I marvel at anyone who writes on a schedule…even a relaxed schedule. I have a much harder time of it. But then, my mind is usually going fifteen different ways at once. Maybe if I were to sit down and force myself I could write on a schedule…but I doubt it. Enjoy your relaxed schedule! That is what Spring and Summer are all about – relaxing and enjoying other pursuits (which I assume, also brings about more content).

    Liked by 3 people

    • Gigi, I don’t know why but when it comes to blogging I need to tell myself when I’ll be here. I rarely have any idea what I’ll write about, but I try to maintain a loose schedule. I agree with you about Spring and Summer. This is the first time since March 2020 that I feel like I might actually do some things, go somewhere, be safer [safe-ish?]. *fingers crossed*

      Liked by 1 person

  52. Go forth and enjoy, Ally. As we all know, absence makes the heart grow fonder. 🙂 I periodically think about not posting as often, even though mine are mostly photos, but I do enjoy the interaction. But sometimes I get overwhelmed by trying to keep up with everyone else’s blogs that I follow. Lots of those I follow post multiple times per day and I finally decided I can only visit one of their posts a day or maybe a second on occasion. Now you have me contemplating whether I might want to cut back.

    I have a couple of questions for you. I see that you have your own blog name, not a wordpress.something. Did you start with one of the free blogs? What does it cost to have your own domain name? I’m guessing that gives you unlimited space. I upgraded once for more space but because photos take so much room, I’m almost to the point where I have to do something else, either upgrade again in some way or maybe start a new free blog. Just trying to get some feedback/advice.

    janet

    Liked by 2 people

  55. Excellent! I was going to return and read all the 195 odd comments on the wacky neighbours post but well now I don’t have to do so. Love the lady with the donkey cats and dogs. What fun!

    Liked by 3 people

  56. I have such a hard time keeping up with blogs. I feel guilty when I post on mine and don’t get around to everyone else’s to return the favor when they comment to me. And I’m glad you’re feeling joy in this decision. I have saved your helpful graphic on top. I intend to reference it frequently. I’ve been meaning to buy some wine, in fact… 😉

    Love those comments you shared. They are certainly a riot! Well chosen. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    • Betsy, I know how you feel. I follow lots of great bloggers and I want to read everything they write, but I can’t. I try to check-in with everyone at least once a week and comment when I have something to say. [Like I wouldn’t?] I liked the happiness chemical graphic, too. It seems like a rational way to go forth and flourish. 🍷

      All the comments about being weird were interesting, but those three had me laughing out loud. Given the chance people will tell me the wildest things!

      Liked by 2 people

  57. Enjoyed the interview, and I admit that I am always amazed that you are willing and able to reply to your comments. I love your blog and love how welcoming you are. Enjoy your spring/summer schedule. I look forward to the posts whenever you decide to share with us. Off to catch a plane home from Prague, so this will be a shorter comment. Much to share about our adventures in Europe. There have of course been some hilarious and frustrating moments.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Ernie, I do my best to reply to all comments. But I know I sometimes miss a comment or that a comment goes into spam and I don’t rescue it in time. BUT I TRY.

      I’m looking forward to your posts about your travels once you get back home again. I know you’ll have lots to tell. Yay!

      Liked by 1 person

  58. Firstly I’m honored to have made it to the top comments from your last post! Secondly, your idea is BRILLIANT. I’ve been overwhelmed with everything there is to tackle and do over here that I may just adopt that plan myself.

    Liked by 3 people

  60. I love this post! For once I did not read all the comments because now there are 158! You go get off schedule and we will be here. I’ve taken a less is more due to circumstances in my life and I just knew that the blogger friends would still be there when I got back. Take care. Bernie

    Liked by 3 people

  61. Oh, gosh, I can’t even fathom Spring lately since we got hit with two inches of snow over the weekend. Summer seems an impossibility.

    I’m astonished by the Daily Posters among us. How on Earth do they do it? If I can get something up over at the Dept. twice a month, I feel awesome. Your schedule sounds tres reasonable; I think it’s perfect.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Nance, I understand about the weather. It was 16ºF on Monday morning and now it’s 70ºF on Wednesday afternoon with a prediction of frost this weekend. Spring is menopausal.

      I don’t know how you can post daily either but many people do it with style. I know I’m not that interesting– plus I am a sloth so less is more for me.

      Like

  62. Love the poster — thanks for sharing! I like your mantra and your approach to blogging — every two feels about right to me too. Plus, trying to find the ‘joy’ in it, so only posting when the spirit moves me.

    Liked by 3 people

  64. I’ve been a long term reader, but I did not know (or remember if you’ve mentioned it before) that you studied Reiki. I’ve received Reiki treatments a few times, for various issues…back pain, arthritis, and grief. Not sure it helped me as much as a good massage for any of them, but I do like the idea behind it. Great interview!

    Liked by 3 people

  65. If your happiness chemicals kicked in–you’re on the right track. Sounds like you’re listening to your inner guru. I so admire bloggers who can announce what they’re doing and stick to a schedule. So I do admire you! ❤

    Liked by 3 people

    • Kathy, thank you. A schedule keeps me accountable which is what I need if I am to continue writing here which is something I want to do… so a schedule it is. As for WHAT I’ll be writing about, that’s anyone’s guess. Stay tuned and find out. 🤓

      Liked by 2 people

  66. I can’t describe how much I love this post, Ally. First of all, I am happy that you are out enjoying the warmer weather. And then those comments you shared…I want them for my neighbors…well, maybe not the one with the rotten eggs.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Christie, I thought the comments had to be shared here. I couldn’t stop laughing when I read them. People can be so funny in the most unexpected ways.

      Like

  67. Loved the interview Ally. As well as the chemistry lesson. There certainly was no teaching of happiness chemicals in any chemistry courses I ever took. Especially not in the one where I accidentally set my lab book on fire.

    Kudos for paying attention to what works and feels good – and fortnight posting feels deliciously spacious and perfect for enjoying the wonders of Spring and Summer more fully. Go forth and enjoy, and then come back and report. Does it get better than that?

    Liked by 3 people

    • Deborah, thanks for reading the interview with Yvette. I don’t often find myself on the receiving end of questions, I’m usually asking them. You caught your science lab book on fire! Oh, that’s funny. I’m surprised I never did that.

      You’re right about how my posting schedule feels spacious– and doable. I like writing here [obviously I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t] but now that the weather is supposed to be getting warmer, less here, more there. 😎

      Liked by 1 person

  68. Yvette and I wondered if she/I connected through you – it is a “what came first, the chicken or the egg” type of question. 🙂 I told Yvette I was the “wordy” one you mentioned in the interview. I think I connected with Yvette through Shelley (Quaint Revival) and you are there too. We’re all one big happy family. Well, every other week for creatin’ sounds grand and you can enjoy that walking regimen you promised yourself to undertake X days a week – maybe the weather will improve – I know I’ve fallen behind myself.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Linda, I’m to a point where I have no idea who I met when or where. I’ve been at this too long! I figure all that matters is that the people who I connect with are sincere and fun and doing their own thing in the way they want to. It’s sunny here this morning but cold with frost. Will winter’s cold fingers never go away?

      Liked by 2 people

      • Everyone meshes together, despite coming from around the world and having such diverse interests … that is what makes it so fun. We had a little sun and dry day today, but cold and some snow tonight. The weatherman said “we’ll be turning a corner this time next week” and I sure hope he’s right!

        Liked by 3 people

  71. I love that you are making blogging decisions based on your stamina, your love of blogging/writing, and what makes you happy. I admire that! I might take a page out of your book some day! Thanks for always making us smile and laugh! 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

  73. That’s a perfect cocktail of happiness chemicals. You have to do what’s best for you and what works for you. We have to be flexible enough in life to do what works for us and not be stuck in the rigidity of a schedule or routine that we think we have to follow! ☺️ love this post- from a new follower 😅

    Liked by 2 people

    • Rebecca, thanks for commenting and following this blog. You said it well: ” be flexible enough in life to do what works for us and not be stuck in the rigidity…” So true. Hence my new blogging schedule.

      Liked by 2 people

  74. I came and snagged a screenshot of your happiness hormones image, and then the whirlwind of life stuff, took me away before I commented. I love the way you demonstrated how your choices allowed you to access each of those happy hormones – nice work as ever Ms Bean 😀

    Enjoy your summer schedule. It feels like you’ve been extra prolific recently, so a rest is surely due – I’m glad that you’re balancing the rest with turning up to entertain us. Enjoy your fallow week 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    • Deb, thank you. You’re right I’ve written more this winter because I’ve been at home more and felt like being wordy. But that’s over now.

      As for the Infographic image, I found it and immediately thought “hey, this explains things perfectly.” I’m trying to apply it to my daily life in that I’m evaluating what I’m doing in terms of the happiness chemical it creates for me. Kind of a goal, kind of a goof.

      Liked by 2 people

  75. I’m late to the comment section, but I loved so much about this post. First, that my wacky kiddos were mentioned. They’re almost 15 and 13 now so I can laugh about the roof and worry about other things like how I just registered my oldest for driver’s ed. I was MORTIFIED at the time and so grateful to my neighbor!

    I had to take a screenshot of that infographic. I love it. I’ve been doing a lot of trying to hack happy brain chemicals lately, so it’s nice to have some ideas to reference.

    And good on you for relaxing your schedule for spring/summer. What a good time to do it. I also appreciate that you communicate that with us.

    Now I’m off to read your interview! Hope you are doing well!!!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Katie, I can imagine how you felt when that neighbor came to the door. Of course, now it makes a good story. You registered one of those kids for driver’s ed? Oh my, now that’s a different kind of mortification.

      I liked the infographic too. It’s simple and seems to me, doable. If not every day, most days. I shall be happy, dammit.

      Thanks for reading the interview. It was fun to do something different like it. Usually I’m the one asking the questions.

      Like

  77. Pingback: Discouragement, thy name is Betsy | parentingisfunny

  79. Enjoyed reading your interview. I have been attuned to Reiki Level 2, too. It helped me understand how energy healing works and is still helpful to me. Enjoy your spring and summer blogging pace in the coming months. It’s so good to read your posts no matter how frequently they come around.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Barbara, thanks for reading the interview. It was different to be the one answering the questions rather than asking them. I feel the same way about my Reiki attunement. I don’t practice it on anyone but it influences how I approach my life every day– with a healing vibe I hope.

      Liked by 1 person

  80. Hi Ally. For the first few years of blogging, I published once a week and sometimes more often than that. Eventually I slowed down to once every 12 or so days. Now I publish about twice per month. I guess I’ve been running out of gas, but I feel more relaxed this way.

    Liked by 4 people

  81. Ally, after having not blogged for two weeks due to being busy, I understand your desire to slow down in the warmer months. You respond to so many comments for just one post that I bet it would be overwhelming if you published often. As bloggers, there’s something in our veins that make us want to write and we appreciate all of the likes and comments, but neither you nor I nor any other blogger want that experience to feel like “work.” So, enjoy your summer schedule and the non-blogging fun and ease you’ll have in between posts. You deserve it.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Mary, thank you. You understand one of my *problems* with this blog. I’m amazed by the number of comments I get on each post. I appreciate that people read & comment so I don’t want to sound negative, however it takes hours to keep up with all these comments. And those hours are when I might be writing something else which I cannot do while I engage with all the commenters. I figure that posting every other week is plenty for all concerned. Like you said, this shouldn’t be work– it’s supposed to be fun, dagnabbit. 🤓

      Liked by 2 people

Comments are closed.