Thursday, December 27, 2012

Dear Reader: Talk to Me

Dear Reader,

You might have noticed I've played around with my blog a bit in recent weeks. Then again, as my teenaged son just pointed out "Do you really think anyone is paying that much attention?"

Well, for those one or two folks might be: I changed the background. Just last night I eliminated the "blog roll" and instead put in a feature of what other writers' works I find inspirational, thought provoking and the like.

Truthfully, I am at a crossroads; not sure I will continue this blogand not sure even why I write it, except that I cannot help myself. I am someone who expresses herself much better in writing than in speaking.


I have met some lovely people through this space: Paula in Alaska, Sarah in Virginia, Deacon Scott in Utah, Fran in New York and Michelle in Pennsylvania and of course, Webster in Massachusetts who launched me on this blogging/writing journey a few years ago. I am sure as soon as I hit "publish" and realize other writers whose work inspires me. Oh yes, Shannon in Washington, Dwija in Michigan and Cari in Connecticut, too.

Let me know your thoughts about what you like reading (my form of "market research") and do stay in touch.

Thanks,

Allison

26 comments:

  1. I enjoy your posts via my Reeder app. Until Christmas, I was limited to reading via my iPhone which made commenting very cumbersome. Sorry no feedback from me in so long. I was blessed with a tablet for Christmas which should make commenting easier. I would miss your blog posts!

    Sandy C

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  2. My daughter the writer says if she doesn't write, the characters fight in her head and she gets headaches. I too, occasionally have a (technical) paper crying for me to write it. So writing isn't so much about communicating as coming to terms with your nature. Keep writing, Allison! Don't worry about us...what did Mother Teresa say? It was never between you and them anyway....

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  3. Did you change the font, too? I like it. And yes, I think if you need to write and love to write, that is the best reason to write. So if you are enjoying it, keep on!

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  4. Oh, I also suggest removing captchas from the comment form if your goal is more interaction. Filling them in on a computer can be tricky but from a phone nearly impossible!

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  5. Ug! Typed a long response and it disappeared. Keep writing -- unless, of course, you have lost interest. Don't worry if people are reading (some are; some aren't). It IS frustrating when people don't comment (been there!), but you don't get better at this stuff without keeping it up. I know, on my blog, I've changed the topics over time, and lost followers because of that (it was originally often about veganism, and now my posts are nearly never on that topic). But I'm not going to keep writing on something that I feel I've said as much as I can about, just to keep the same followers. Write about your passions as they occur to you, and even if those passions change. Change is good!

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    1. Excellent point, Elaine. I started off writing for Webster's blog, which was called "Why I am Catholic." I really don't have too much more to say about that. I don't "represent" the CC, or CL, the ecclesiastical movement in which I participate. I just "represent" me and I like to muse about all aspects of my life.

      So yes, as my interests shift, my children grow up etc. my voice will change too.

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  6. Allison, I say keep at it! I too have read your posts but something goes awry and non of my comments are ever posted. The last one I read was your lockdown one. In any case, I wonder the same thing, but always default to letting the Holy Spirit lead me when it comes to writing. If He inspires, write, I say!

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    1. Thanks Marissa. Your comment for the lockdown DID post, so that is a good thing. Thanks for the encouragment and Happy Christmas, Day 3

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  7. Allison - I love your blog, and I hope you keep writing. Your posts are so thoughtful and I look forward to them! Thanks for the shout out, by the way!

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  8. By the way, how do you do the "Labels"?

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    1. Paula: WHen you are writing a post, look to the right. You will see "Post Settings" and then labels. You can make your own labels. If you want to use it again, it will pop up. I tend to limit myself to three or four labels/post. Hope that helps!

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  9. Allison, keep writing! I love the new look and truly enjoy reading your posts...:) continue to share your blessings and experiences...

    Many blessings

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  10. Allison- First Merry Christmas to you and your entire family.

    Continue to write, please. I enjoy reading your posts. I don't always agree with what you write but it makes me think and that is what is important. Write from your heart and don't worry about how frequently you post- I just went 10 days without posting on my blog.
    HOw are your blog stats? I know I have visitors to my blog but I can go weeks before someone leaves a comment. You are still reaching people.

    Happy New Year.

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  11. I read most blogs through Google Reader and never click through to see the actual page. I did just now and like the formatting.
    Since I read with GR I almost never comment because it just isn't that convenient to do so. I don't know if you can count your RSS/Google Reader subscribers separately - but I'm sure we non-commenters but avid followers are legion.

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    1. Count me in with this one. I enjoy your blog, but also read through Google Reader, so never actually come to this page. I'm also not much of a commenter in general, but I'm out here reading.

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  12. Definitely keep on writing, maybe try something new or a new direction of it all. As long as you stay true to yourself there will always be someone reading.

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  13. I am a regular reader and I would miss your voice if you were to stop writing. That said, as someone who has changed blogs over the years, stopped, started again, you have to follow your own path. No matter what, I'll be here, and others as well -awaiting your warmth, your wit, your wisdom.

    For what it is worth, I do not comment all the time, but that is more about time than anything else. I do try to pipe in now and then.

    As you know, I loved meeting you and I hope to do so again!!

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    1. Oops, and by the way, you have me at breadhere.blogspot.com, but it is really breadhere.wordpress.com these days!

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  14. Keep writing! Especially if you have the need to! My writing has dropped off dramatically over the last year, and I can't pinpoint why. But, I, too express myself much better in writing, and wish I had more to write about. I find when I'm not posting on my blog, I also don't notice the new posts on others' blogs. Write on! :-)

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  15. I like the new format, and would say to do the writing that you need to do....in whatever way works! But I for one, enjoy your voice in this virtual world.

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  16. The first thing I notice is the background- so YES, to your son :) and I did notice you switched up the side bar. I figured it was a result of some fancy editing on your fancy ipad. You have me beat in the technology dept. of your blog as well as any writing style goes.

    I enjoy your unique style of writing- whatever the subject material. It's always so professional and stylistic, yet fun. I imagine it's exactly what you are like in person.

    P.S. I considered sending you a Christmas card this year, but then I remembered we've never met in person. It feels like we have. Next time I'm in Jersey, I'll give you a call.

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  17. You are much of the reason I have kept blogging even though somewhat sporadic. I love your writing! I say keep doing what you love to do. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

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  18. Sorry, I have been out of town and away from the computer for a few days. I like what you have developed here out from under the wing of your beginnings. You seem more inclined to share a broader portion of the spectrum that is your life (and I genuinely appreciate the boundaries you keep). I enjoy the way you use current events to reflect on your life--and I NEVER feel like I have to yell, "Too much information!--which is a constant temptation on other blogs. But that's my taste.

    I'm glad to keep you on my required reading list.

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    1. Thank you Shannon. Your perspective means a lot to me.

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