Tuesday, August 14, 2012

To Blog or Not to Blog.......?


The Lavender Tub is a passion of mine, and I love writing this blog.  For the longest time I wanted to collect my recipes and ideas, and share with anyone who might be encouraged by them.  It has been an extreme joy to do that through this blog.  It has also been refreshingly therapeutic and encouraging for me.  I had been on a pretty difficult journey for a couple of years prior to the blog, and this has certainly been an outlet of healing for me.

My dream for The Lavender Tub is to share some 
creative ideas and fun new perspectives - like  when 
you look at a familiar scene through a convex mirror.


Unfortunately, it seems every time I make a strong commitment to post daily something unexpected happens. Then there is all the work that goes into the projects, the taking and editing of pictures, the writing.......and with so few people leaving comments it's left me to wonder, "Is this worth all the effort and time?  Is anyone even reading?"  When our hard drive crashed this summer I was discouraged to the point of almost pulling the plug.


  Did you notice my pun - Pulling the plug 
on the Lavender Tub?  
Hee, Hee - OK, I thought it was funny!


Here's the thing though:  Life Happens!  It doesn't mean the dream has to die.  In fact, Lavendears, I have a little sign hanging in my hallway that says, 

"Life Happens, Write a Blog!"

and so that is what I'm going to continue to do.  I even created a new sign that says:


Has anyone done this sign yet?
I like it!

It's likely I will not get to post everyday, and I may not have as many followers as other blogs out there - but I'm thankful for every person who chooses to stop by and for every idea I get to share.  This is still a passion and I'm just thrilled to be living out one of my little dreams.

But there's more.......


In spite of my personal little set-backs, The Lavender Tub has continued strong on its own.  Several months ago as I was trying to think of something to post for that day - I looked up and saw the Spice Rack that Edward and I had put together on a whim.  I had been needing something to hold all our spices in a handy and attractive way, and this is what we came up with.  I designed - Edward built.  I love how that works for so many of us bloggers!  

Funny side story break - I have some friends who have 8 children together.  He once told me, "Yeah, she sits and does all the nursing, but she's thinking of projects for me to do while she does!"


Somehow this picture was picked up on a Google collection and since has been pinned all over Pinterest.  Wow!!!  I'm talking about 600 views a day, with as many as 3,800+ in one day!  All while I was unable to post at all.  I'm overwhelmed - Really - and all I can say is......Thank You So Much!

For now, the dream lives on and hopefully I will see you tomorrow.......or sometime very soon.  Until then.......

Thanks for stopping by,

Ellie


18 comments:

  1. yes! keep blogging. i read them all, but rarely comment. i'm sure there are others who enjoy, but just don't feel the need to comment...so do "keep calm and blog on"

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    1. That makes me feel better! You don't have to comment all the time....I'm just really glad to know you are reading.

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  2. Yes, please keep blogging as you have time! I started using the 'Next' button on my favorites bar so I don't have to go into the reader ... it's lovely when a blog shows up that I haven't seen in a little while (like this real cute one called "The Lavender Tub" :-) So .... do what you need to do ... and write when you can, we'll still be here :-)

    Patty

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    1. Thanks so much, Patty. I sure hope to keep blogging! Your comment is so very nice, and I can't wait to look at your blogs more tomorrow.

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  3. I think I am in a similar predicament and have wondered if it was worth continuing blogging, especially when you don't get many comments after putting so much effort into writing a post. I have just over 150 followers after 3 years of blogging which is not a lot compared to what others have who have blogged for that time but I'll never be a power blogger or have one of those beautiful blogs where they share just one pristine picture of their pristine home and 50 comments follow. I don't want to replicate what is already out there so I have decided my blog has to be more about my life down under, my projects etc rather than general advice and encouragement. Yours is my favorite blog for creative upcycling ideas. And my cooks shelf in my kitchen with the exact same iron brackets as your spice rack was inspired by yours! I blogged about it and let people know where I found the idea. I didn't just admire it - I showed it to my husband and said can you build me something like that? Bet you never thought that someone in Australia would end up with a shelf in her kitchen that she loves because you chose to share about your one. I have had to cut back on my blogging because I have recently set up an 'upcycling' business - making cake stands from vintage plates and its really started to take off. I have a market stall and several craft fairs before Christmas. A facebook page, business cards, a website coming soon - all because of a picture on pinterest that I saw and told myself 'I could do that'. I think that is what your projects will inspire people to do Ellie - they'll say 'I can do that' so keep them coming! I've whittled back my reading list but yours is staying for sure!

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    1. Ann, you are always so encouraging and I love your blog. I am going to come visit you one day. Please keep blogging too. You have such wonderful things to say.

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  4. So you see, we are here and we are reading! When most of us started, we didn't know about stats, comments, linky parties and memberships. We just wanted to connect with like minded people, whenever we had something to say or to show. I love the idea of a shelf in Australia coming to be because you showed your spice rack. You never know who you touch! ~ Maureen








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    1. Thanks, Maureen, and I think you're right. When I started thinking about why I wanted to blog in the first place it had nothing to do with any of those things. Thanks for that reminder. I do love to connect with like minded people and blogland is a great place to do that.

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  5. Lady,
    I only found your blog today, and I am flabbergasted at the creativity I see. Thank you for putting your projects at our fingertips out of the goodness of your heart--that bathroom that started you off is what I aspire to. I am un-remuddling a 1929 bungalow, and bought an orchid color bathroom suite from 1936 to replace the ugly contractor-grade fixtures currently in place. You have given me a vision. --Ginger

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    1. Well, you are very welcome and I'm so glad you found some ideas here. My house has been kept in pretty nice shape for over 80 years and much of it is still original. I hope you get some inspiration for tile patterns and architecture. I really can't take credit for those, I just get the pleasure of living here and enjoying them. Have fun with your old house. Our last one was built in 1900 and it was it rough shape. It was nice to have you here today.

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  6. I'm here! I don't think it is important to post everyday--people who post everyday sometimes bore me. Post when yo have something to say. I'll be here to read it!

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    1. You're always such a dear, Sandy. I hope you and your family have been well. When you post everyday the quality sometimes goes down - so great point! I always appreciate your comments!

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  7. Hi Other Mom! I wanted you to know that although I never do any crafts and I'm only just now starting to really try to cook I follow your blog religiously. I gets mail directly to my inbox every time you post and I always smile because it makes me think of you. I don't care if you post every day or every week or even every month... I'm just glad when you do post. Keep going! I promise I will continue to follow your projects ever step of the way. Love you!!!

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    1. Megan - I love you to pieces! This made me so happy, and I want you to know this inspires me to keep writing even if you are my only reader. I'm so proud that you are cooking - let me know if there is anything I can help with. Maybe someday we can make pickles and ketchup together - haha ;)

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    2. I'm in for the pickles and ketchup. I'm slowly turning into what's in this, how did they grow it, they fed the cows WHAT? Kinda crazy that Lacey and I used to make fun of all the time.

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  8. I absolutely love your blog and will always be happy to see new posts (whether frequently or sporadically)!

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    1. Thanks, Angela! You've always been such a great cheerleader for me and I appreciate it very much.

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  9. Love your Blog Ellie and am now a follower I am also following Ann at eight acres of eden but cannot comment on her blog she has verification on and I tried three times :(

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I LOVE your ideas and comments. Thanks for taking the time :)