Saturday, April 12, 2014

The struggle ...

I have been taking a bit of a hiatus from blogging. This was driven by necessity when we had company for several weeks, but it was also driven by a sense of weariness. After almost 4-1/2 years, and approaching 700 posts, I found myself at the same crossroads that many others have - to continue or not. The decision is pending.

There are many arguments on the pro side, while the con side also has its share. I have other 'projects' clamoring for attention, and despite man's inventiveness, each day still only has 24 hours. Photography remains a passion (although the flame requires some stoking).

I am overdue visiting those who have faithfully landed here and left a comment - I shall commit to fulfilling that pledge this week.



26 comments:

Ruth Hiebert said...

What is it with bloggers these days? I have entertained some thoughts of dropping the blog,but I would miss my friends who live here,so I carry on but not posting too often. I do hope you see fit to share photos here from time to time.

Rick Forrestal said...

I sympathize with your crossroads decision.
I confess, I've been there lately . . . and often "pull back," only to be drawn back by this passion for seeing the world, recording frequent images.
I'm not sure what to do, or say, or recommend . . .
it's very personal, to be sure.

(I have met many wonderful friends here, and used the blog as my therapist . . . up till now.)

Thanks for your visit, and comment.

It will all be fine.

Amelia said...

Hi Rick, good to see you back in action. It's not easy to main a blog regardless what we blog about. Postings, reply comments, return visit to blog friends all these are very time consuming. And for people who are holding a full time job, house chores or other commitment..it's really not easy and as you said we only got 24 hours a day. :))

700 postings in 4.5 years, to give up is kind of wasting and all your readers going to miss your spectacular pictures.

I find it very time consuming too, but hard to let go cos already put in so much effort. So now I cut down to 1 or 2 posting a month just to keep in touch with my friends.

Anyway think it over but I do hope you can continue, maybe once a month or two just to keep in touch.

Have a great weekend, warmest regards.

Linda said...

Rick, this touches my heart deeply. I just love your posts and your photography, and although I understand that you feel the need to perhaps discontinue blogging, please know...and I can speak for myself, that I will miss your presence. Sending you a hug, and will be praying for you.

Kirsti said...

Hei Rick. Toivon että et lopeta kokonaan bloggailua. Sinun kuvat on todella upeita, niitä on ilo katsoa. Voi vaikka harvemmin käydä laittamassa kuvia meidän iloksi. Kyllä varmasti tulee kyllästyminen, kun monta vuotta on blogia pitänyt. Voi pitää pieniä taukoja.

Hyvää jatkoa sinulle :)

ju-north said...

rick - know where you are coming from. I've cut down recently but love to see what people are up to! I also enjoy Flickr and Instagram as well as doing a few courses which I love. Would miss seeing your lovely photos but the main thing is to enjoy what you are doing. If it's a chore then maybe it's better to cut down or stop! Be blessed whatever you do!

Marty said...

bonjour Rick ! I love your images and your words and I would miss so much our "franglais" if you leave us! But I can understand that very well and will respect ta décision.
j'ai souvent pensé to stop too, et je suis still here lol !
je te souhaite many belles choses !
bisous from here over the sea....

biebkriebels said...

We denken allemaal weel eens aan stoppen Rick, maar op de een of andere manier komen we toch altijd weer terug. Bloggen blijft toch leuk blijkbaar.

Goku shrestha said...

The lighting is magnificent!

Teté M. Jorge said...

It's a great pleasure to visit your blog where I found friendship and beautiful images!
If you decide to stop with the blog, I will understand you, but I confess that I will miss you a lot.
I also have no desire to quit, but I always find a healthy way to go, especially to maintain good friendships, as yours for example.;)
Once in a while it feels good that contact through cyberspace.
Well, see you around, honey!
Love, sweet beijos and friendeship.

Lisa Gordon said...

I do understand, Rick, for sure.

I wish I could give you a word of advice, but this is such a personal decision. I too, value all of the wonderful friendships that I have made here, and I do want to keep those friendships, but very recently, I have decided to leave my comments off.

If you decide to stay, I will surely be here. If you decide to leave, I will surely miss your presence here, but will understand.

Michelle said...

If you leave, I will miss your wonderful photography, but I do understand. Blogging gets to be a bit much at times.

Joke (Joke's Camera) said...

I read in the comments of others the same as I think about blogging. It is so time consuming, but you meet many dear, great and interesting other bloggers. Several times I have thought about giving up and I am only writing and photographing for my 100th blog. But for me there is also another reason. Many bloggers from "my circle" have left Blogger and went to Google+. I doubt if it is less time consuming. Ik wens je sterkte bij je beslissing. Groetjes uit Nederland, Joke

Pamela Gordon said...

I understand where you're coming from Rick. I've been lagging in posting lately too as I have been spending too much time blogging and not enough living. I love it but it is time consuming. And it's spring and summer is coming so I will be busy outdoors and we have some major projects to get done. All to say, I understand, life is more important. The decision is ultimately yours and you will be greatly missed if you decide to 'close shop'. I've enjoyed your beautiful photography and faith filled posts and I wish you well in your decision! Blessings. Pamela

Lúcia said...

The second picture surprised me, very unexpected shadows! ;-)

fus said...

Espero que recapacites y te quedes entre nosotros y no nos olvide. las fotos me parecen geniales.

un abrazo

fus

What Karen Sees said...

Many of us understand your feelings and dilemma. I have found that my blog becomes my photography journal, and I print it out each year. I enjoy going back to see what I was interested in photographing, the places I've been, what was important to me at the time, etc. As much as I love keeping in touch with the great blogger friends I have met, I gave up feeling pressured to post every day or visit all my blogging friends every day. That took a big pressure off. For me I realized, it's not about how many followers I can gather, or how many comments I get or make (although, of course, I do appreciate comments). For me, documenting my photography journey through the years gives me personal enjoyment and that's why I continue. If my photos are pleasing to others, well, that's a great bonus. Good luck with your decision.

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

I'm right there with you and completely understand. I've blogged for the same amount of time--most of it daily. I now take photos every couple of days or whenever I'm inspired. I hope you don't quit altogether, but you have to do what's best for you. Hope to see you around, even if it's every couple of months.

magda said...

Αγαπητέ μου φίλε Rick
Εύχομαι σε σένα και στην οικογένεια σου μία ευλογημένη Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα και ένα ευτυχισμένο Πάσχα, με το φως του Χριστού μας!
Πολλούς χαιρετισμούς στην οικογένεια σου από την Ελλάδα!

Magia da Inês said...

✿⊱°•
Suas fotos são maravilhosas, estou encantada com esse jogo de luz e sombras.

F░E░L░I░Z

P░Á░S░C░O░A !!!
¸.•°✿✿º°。

Cloudia said...

Give as you are able, friend!



ALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral

=^..^=

S. Etole said...

I've been experiencing much of the same. I would miss your presence here. Hope you had a wonderful Easter.

Cloudia said...

Aloha

darlin said...

Rick, again I feel compelled to say how wonderful it is to visit blogger after my absence as well and to see some of your magnificent shots. I was at the same crossroads, this past semester was challenging, as will the next year be equally as challenging, but when I'm away from here too long I truly miss it. Then when I go to pack up my camera sometimes it feels like work, so I leave it behind. I've always said when my photography became more like work that I was going to back off, between necessary work, this has been put aside. To make a long story shorter, I hear ya!

Even if you drop in and post once or twice a month it's still awesome to see your work, and to keep the connection with those here I feel I know ... well it's like coming home.

Love your photos!

Katherine said...

Hey there Rick.. Due to increased work commitments & other personal reasons & I've not had much spare time for blogging. I think you and I started blogging around the same time & I've seen your following of blogging friends grow continuously... surpassing me a long, long time ago and there is a reason for that. I was fortunate to became cyber friends with you. You see the world in such a kind and genuine way, seeing the beauty that lays in the spaces in between. I have never met you in the skin but would like you to know that you would be missed if you were gone. That being said, we only have one life and you must do whatever your heart tells you to do. I hope you have been well. Cheers from Oz..Kath

Katherine said...

Oo... I forgot to say, that these photos are truly beautiful. You sure do have the knack of capturing the light & shadows in just the right way. I like both pics but I particularly like the way the pattern radiates outward in the second photo. Beautiful as always Rick