It's important to me to be "real". In this blog, I've shared with you my struggles with my faith and weight loss, the depression I go through during the holidays, and my failures with day to day life. I'm not perfect, never said I was. I was hoping that it might help someone else going through the same things, but perhaps that was vanity on my part, the thought that I could be helpful. Every Sunday evening before I write this blog, I ask God to give me the words to help others and give me a sign that I'm on the right track.
And it is kind of funny, that every time I think about quitting, someone new will leave a comment or one of my old friends will leave me a sweet message and I remember how nice those out there in cyberspace can be. I've met quite a few great people via this blog, some that will be friends forever. That's the one reason, I'll never regret creating this blog. But every once in a while, I get a snarky comment that makes me question the entire point of blogging. Usually they start out "I don't mean to judge, but..." You know, this makes me question the wisdom of laying it all out there for anyone to read. Sometimes it's something as innocent as a post about Christmas decorations or the price of chicken legs ,heck one gal even wanted to argue (basically calling me a liar) with me about last winter (2014) being cold although the record would agree with me. You just never know what people will judge you upon. And this may sound petty (hey I'm not perfect) but it really bothers me that those making the commenters usually don't have blogs for me to read and "judge" them upon. Not that I would because I am a firm believer in letting people lead their own lives and if you ever met the diverse collection of people that I call friends, you'd understand that. Long story short, the last "I don't mean to judge" comment was the final straw, and I've decided that there will be one less blog out there for those that judge to judge. I'll leave this blog up, so those that have recipes and patterns saved can use it, but I won't be posting anymore. Thank you to all those that have left kind comments over the years, I'll continue to visit yours.
God Bless!
Jane
PS: For those that read this post, thanks for letting me get this off my chest.
Sorry that someone left an unkind comment for you. Words can be very hurtful. Please know that your words have benefited me greatly. I've learned much from your posts and also received much enjoyment from them. I will miss learning new things from you. Thank you for the time and effort you have put into this blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, Sharla. Anytime you have a question, feel free to just drop in a line in the comment section.
DeleteHugs
Jane
Oh, people can be so cruel! My rule is that if I wouldn't say it to their face, I don't say it in a comment. Thanks for hanging in there for so long. Blessings to you as you go forth in another adventure.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rozy, it's not so much as being cruel, really just had to reconsider how wise it is to reveal too much. Hope you have a lovely Easter!
DeleteHugs
Jane
Oh I am sorry that some left mean comments! You are too good of a person to have to read something like that! I bet they are jealous of you. You know me....I always quit my blog...ha...take a break, you probably will be very busy planting soon. And if you feel like coming back, you will. I would really miss you if you quit for good. And you are correct...2014 here in Delaware (also) was one of the coldest in 100 years! Reported on Philadelphia news when it happened for all to see even! We always joke here at my house that we wish we had global warming...as this cold is hard to take. ha. love,andrea
ReplyDeleteHi Andrea! Thanks so much for being so supportive all these years. BTW, I love your Easter cake! Hopefully we still will be able to keep in touch. I'm excited for your new stage in life with selling/buying a home. I have to live vicariously through you. Hope you have a wonderful Easter!
DeleteHugs
Jane
I am a fairly new reader of your blog and will really miss your postings. Selfishly, I hope you will someday decide to resume blogging. I am so sorry for the negative comment/s you have received. While my opinions may sometimes be different from a blog that I read, I would never criticize the blogger. After all, it is their blog and I do not have to read it. Thank you for all that you have shared! Take care.
ReplyDeleteThank you Shirley. The best thing about quitting blogging is now I have discovered a bunch of new blogs to visit. There's always a silver lining. Take care!
DeleteHugs
Jane
Hi Jane, my name is Sharon. I found your blog almost a year ago (so I'm late as a follower) and could be classified as one who has a difficult time "putting it out there" to comment (so I guess you could say I "lurk" which I guess doesn't sound good). Early on in reading blogs I once left an innocent comment somewhere (in an art blog) regarding jewelry making and copying the idea of a necklace I had seen and really loved that launched an attack by other commenters that it was not a creative endeavor and possible copyright infringement. All of that over simple beads to wear myself scared me into silence. I very much enjoy your blog and look forward to your postings. I like your frugal ideas, your recipes and your writing style. I also find your "real" approach very refreshing and your views at this point in your life seem to coincide with mine since we appear to be in the same age group. I appreciate the time it takes you to do this every week and I will miss you. I hope you do not let the snarky people in this world win by stopping, although I know it is difficult to put your feelings out in the universe only to have them stomped. Regardless, all I can say is thank you from the bottom of my heart.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that you had such an unpleasant experience Sharon. I guess all the meanness is just a symptom of the times we live in. Over the years I've learned to never say never, but for now, a break sounds wise. Thanks for your encouragement!
DeleteHugs
Jane
Oh Jane, I am so sorry that a few people have hurt you and will cause this loss to all us other real people! I will deeply miss you (again). Be well. Angela
ReplyDeleteHa Angela! I do have a reputation of starting and stopping don't I? It would be an embarrassment to start again, I'm afraid. Hope you have a wonderful Easter!
DeleteHugs
Jane
Oh no it would be wonderful if you ever feel the urge to start again! It is a lady's privilege to change her mind. : ) Hugs
DeleteFor Pete's sake! Dearest Jane ~ please don't let these people have the satisfaction of seeing you stop blogging. You have friends here in blogland who are blessed, encouraged, inspired and love you dearly.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe people would attack you over the things they do.
Just my 2 cents worth and I sure hope and pray you will keep blogging.
Happy Spring and Happy Easter ~ Love, hugs & prayers ~ FlowerLady
Dear Rainey, we will always be in contact, blog or not. Hope you are enjoying Easter in your Plum cottage. It reminds me of Spring with all it's pastel colors. Did you ever decide on what color to paint those hearts?
DeleteBig Bunny Hug
Jane
no don't quit your blog is among one that I read all the time and look each time I log on
ReplyDeleteThank you Debbie. I'm always here to help if you need any ideas on how to make it towards your goal of paying off your house. Or anything else for that matter!
DeleteHugs
Jane
Oh no! I'm shocked! I'm so sorry to hear this, Jane. Your blog is just the kind I love. And I can't imagine what would cause people to make snide remarks to you... other than jealousy. It really does make people act bad. They need to get a life. I've endured some of the same about my piddly little patterns - I've been told I can't write a pattern, oh well. They can just move along then.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to miss you somethin' terrible. I feel like I've lost a really good, very smart friend. I'll be praying for you though and hope you'll reconsider staying for the peeps who appreciate you and the time it takes for you to share your doings with us.
Thank you for leaving your blog up - I wish I could copy the whole thing! I wish I had discovered it a lot sooner.
The Lord Bless and keep you!
Your friend,
Toni
Ah shucks, Toni! You make me blush with your compliments! I'll still be visiting you, so if you want to hear from you you will have to post more frequently! :) I supposed Spring is beautiful down your way. We had snow again last night. Winter is hanging on for dear life. Hope you have a blessed and peaceful Easter!
DeleteHugs
Jane
Thank you for your post. I have enjoyed readying your blog and have learned so much !! I tried making sauerkraut for the first time in my grandmother's old crock because of one of your posts now make regularly. Your frugal tips are amazing too! I certainly understand your reasons for ending. I felt similarily and haven't posted myself since last fall, but keep my blog open. I appreciate the time and effort it takes to write a blog and want to thank you for all your posts. God bless ! (Janet - From Simple Homecraft)
ReplyDeleteHello Janet! I'm thrilled that my blog encouraged you to make sauerkraut. Now that you know how, pass on the knowledge to your children, please. I think it's so important don't you? Thanks for the kind words!
DeleteHugs
Jane
I'm glad your staying with us Jane. You have some valuable information to share with others. Some people are just downright rude. I've been lucky and only had one or two, I just delete their comments!
ReplyDeleteI misread or didn't read the end Jane of this post. ..I'm very very disappointed that you are leaving again...you are a treasure remember that always.
DeleteHere we are back at the beginning again aren't we, Vickie! Sometimes I have "what ifs" if I hadn't quit Thrifty Countrywoman. Oh well! I enjoy seeing how successful all of you that started around the same time have become. Did you get any of that snow yesterday?
DeleteHugs
Jane
Dear Jane,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your snarky comments! It's truly amazing that people have nothing better to do with their time, isn't it? Would you please send me your address via email, so I can correspond with you? Love, Marqueta
I'll send you my e-mail soon. BTW, I discovered your YouTube channel. How wonderful! Have a lovely Easter with all those delightful children!
DeleteHugs
Jane
I'm sorry that you've been the recipient of some unwanted comments. I think we do stick our neck out when we share because there is always going to be someone who would do it differently. There are many good reasons to discontinue a blog but letting some mean spirited person stop you is not one. I hope you don't give up.
ReplyDeleteThanks Barbara! You are so right, we do stick our necks out when share and I'm now reconsidering the wisdom of it. But no regrets, as I've met so many wonderful people via this blog, and many new ones just recently. Hope you have a lovely Easter!
DeleteHugs
Jane
I am so sorry to read this. I am one of those people who recently found your blog. You have inspired me to learn how to can. Thank you for that gift!
ReplyDeleteI want to say something encouraging about ignoring people that leave hateful or even just snarky comments on blogs as their hobby. I will not, though, because there comes a point when enough is enough. I certainly understand that.
Thank you for leaving your blog up, as I have so much to explore on here and I would be heartbroken to see it go. Your home is beautiful and your "seaside town" sounds just lovely. I thank you, again, for all of the inspiration and motivation (really!!) I have found in your blog.
Take care and be well.
Joan
You'll never know how much your comment means to me, Joan. One of my main goals for this blog was to encourage other to learn to can. Pretty easy, isn't it? If you have any questions on any of the posts or about canning, just ask in the comment section and I'll do my best to answer.
DeleteHugs
Jane
The "I do not meant to be critical" comments are a dead giveaway so I delete them. They never see the light of day and no one is influenced by them. Trolls and critics know their snarky comments demoralize us and that is their goal. As I am a seamstress I like buttons of all kinds, but the new button in my life is the delete button. Delete, delete , delete. Or I hire a grandkid to identify and do my tedious deleting for me. Our generation of women think we deserve this demoralization but we are not requires to take it. Once they see their comments will never get a response, they will wuit or go hide in their dark holes online in their troll blogs where they complain that people wont post their comments.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lydia! I'll freely admit I am too sensitive and I just don't enjoy being judged. So I guess putting my life out there was kind of a dumb move on my part! :) I'm glad you commented here though, so now I can discover your blog. Hope you have a lovely Easter!
DeleteHugs
Jane
Some people need to learn that quote - "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." I will miss your posts.
ReplyDeleteThank you Fran.
DeleteHugs
Jane
Oh Jane, I am so very sorry. I wondered when I saw your title of swan song on your last post if you were thinking of stopping your blog. Your blog has been helpful to me. I actually started at the beginning and read through the whole thing a few months ago. I don't do that with other blogs, but yours blessed me, and I thank you for that. I will miss your thrifty tips and the pictures of your life that you share with us. In a way, I feel like I am losing a friend. But I know it is hard dealing with negative comments and trolls which is why I don't have a blog.;)
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, Jane!
Thank you, Kathy. I am humbled by all the kind comments people have left. You know I'll always be here if you need any information, or just want to pop in to say hello!
DeleteHugs
Jane
I am very sad to hear that you are not going to be blogging weekly. I sure enjoy reading of all your thrifty ways, your faith as well. You know, I'll still check every week just in case you change your mind :) Nannie
ReplyDeleteP.S. I got my asparagus bed all cleaned out and ready for those lovely green spears to poke through the ground. I'll think of you when I pick them.
Hopefully it will be a banner year for asparagus, Nannie. We just need to get through this winter though. Had snow yesterday so I'm guessing asparagus by the mid-April is out of the question. Have any spears appeared in your bed?
DeleteHugs
Jane
I am so sad! I recently found your blog and absolutely love it! I think I have gone through and read all of your post. I have never commented but now I am. Just to try and encourage you to keep blogging. It is so sad that people are so snarky. You have so much to offer and you give me such inspiration to me to live the frugal life, as I'm sure many others.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it is hard to deal with people like that. But if you don't change your mind, just know that this total stranger will miss you!
Melinda
Thank you Melinda! You'll never know how touched I am by your kind encouragement.
DeleteHugs
Jane
Oh dear! I assumed Swan Song was you wanting to get your yard prepped for planting or just to stop and enjoy life moments more than worry about giving me a weekly cyber hug of sanity. I came here tonight thinking you wouldn't have a new post but I am feeling so tapped out I needed your positive words. I am so sorry people feel entitled to lecture, enlighten to show you how smart they are. (One of the reasons I am here now). If by chance you are looking for a sign that you are needed in bloggersville, please let this post count Asa million.
ReplyDeleteAnd I am sorry I don't have a blog. I am just so awkward and still have a lot to learn before dispensing into the bloggersville.
And if you are truly gone, I am still offering a thank you every day.
Hugs,
Jenifer
Well Jen, you know that I'll always be here for you, even if you just need one of my cyber hugs! Don't let my experiences in blogging dissuade you from writing your own. I'm just overly-sensitive. Bloggersville is no place for such people. If I can write a blog, anyone can, don't sell yourself short!
DeleteLove
Jane
Jane,
DeleteSigh, I was a hot mess that night - sorry I was a BIT whiny. After commenting I went and baked your cake recipe. At 10 o'clock at night! My husband looked at me bewildered - I didn't care. That cake was so worth it. I tried a coconut frosting (from scratch) because that is what I see in your picture. Professional baker I will not be - but the cake was so worth it!
I will never be able to get the right words out to really give the best thank you - but really thank you!
Well, if your husband is any ways like mine, I bet he didn't mind having that cake even late at night. Sorry for derailing your diet with the recipe! Pretty easy isn't it? Really, what makes a good baker is just good recipes. Unfortunately there are a lot of untried recipes out there. I'm looking at you Martha Stewart! Ha! Well, thanks for stopping by. Did you have a nice Easter?
DeleteHugs
Jane
Easter was lovely. We went to my parents early and the 4 of us decorated eggs together. So simple and wonderful. As for the diet, pants are way looser (WOOT!) the scale still can't make up it's mind which direction it wants to go in though :)
DeleteI hope your trip was relaxing and wonderful too!
Hi Jen! Sorry for the delay in responding to your comment, been out of town visiting my son in Wisconsin. Loose pants are one of the best feelings in the world! Congratulations! Glad you had a nice Easter. Hope you are having a lovely spring!
DeleteHugs
Jane
I'm so sorry that you've had hurtful comments...no one need that. I'm also very sorry that you won't be blogging anymore (have you ever though of making your blog by invitation only or private so can decide who reads/comments?). I've also learned much from your posts and will miss your wisdom, knowledge and friendship. Blessings to you, Jane.
ReplyDeleteThat's an idea Sandra. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look into it.
DeleteHugs
Jane
Please let me know if you decide to do this as I'd still love to read your blog. :)
DeleteHi Sandra! For the time being, I'm glad I don't have a blog, the last couple of weeks have been very busy and stressful. I'll have to see how things go in the future.
DeleteHugs
Jane
Hi Jane,
ReplyDeleteAs a new reader to your blog, it is with heavy heart I read your news that you will not be writing any new posts. With your wisdom, ideas and wonderful photos, I have already gotten “hooked” on savouring your recent posts and am looking forward to reading your almost 200 posts from the past and learning so much more. Thank you, so much, for your decision to leave them up. I already have some questions I would like to ask about some of the most interesting information you have written. I, too, hope you will once again decide to resume your posts. Some reader’s comments are extremely difficult to deal with, indeed! In the few not so nice reader comments I read, your responses to their comments definitely were an excellent example to follow. Thank you for letting your Christian faith in action show! Please don’t let their negativity and judgemental-ness tarnish your precious life.
Thank you for your years of selecting interesting topics, dedicatedly writing and providing wonderful pictures for your posts. It takes a lot of time, thought and energy to put together such a well written and interesting blog. [Why I can’t see how I would ever be able to do it!] You even take the time to thoughtfully respond to reader’s comments. Thanks! Hugs!
Wishing you and your family God’s blessings in all your future endeavors. I am glad you are feeling better and hope you continue to improve. May your past posts enrich the daily lives of women who will come to read your blog and find their lives changed by your sharing. Thank you!
And last, but not least, wishing you a Blessed Easter!!! Enjoy!!
Carol
Oh my gosh, I actually feel crushed. This is really going to be hard. Thank you for leaving up your blog. I feel so sad for you that people have hurt you. Remember there are a lot more of us that think you are best than the negaltive ones. You are blessed with Grace.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jlynn. Oh my! You have all been so sweet. I am indeed, blessed! Hope you have the loveliest of Easters.
DeleteHugs
Jane
Hi - I am so sorry that you have been hurt by mean people. I have no idea why people wish to behave in ways that hurt. I will miss your blogging very much but I totally understand. I took my blog down because I was stalked online and I got so paranoid about making sure that the stalker (or any other iffy person) could not know where I lived or anything that could lead them to me that I lost the joy in blogging. With Love Lily (gingham and daisies) xxxxx
ReplyDeleteHow awful Lily! A similar thing happened to me on a site I just commented upon. The guy went on Facebook and even my friends and family's Facebook and would bring up facts about them. It was creepy and kind of scary. THat was the last of Facebook for me!
DeleteIt's not so much that the comment hurt me, as the fact that I was putting way to much info out there for others to scrutinize. Just rethought the wisdom of doing that any more. Like you the joy is gone when you have to second guess every little thing.
Big hug,
Jane
Jane, Please don't stop sharing your days with us! Judgmental people are usually very discontented souls who don't know enough to move on and read elsewhere if we annoy them with our thoughts.
ReplyDeleteSharing does make us vulnerable, whether in writing or in person. It is difficult to step back from the sense of injury we feel when someone is rude, but I would hope that your appreciative 'followers' far outnumber the nasty ones who argue and criticize. Take a break if you must, but please come back to us!
Hello Sharon! Thank you for the encouragement. You always find the precise word. I guess I do feel vulnerable. But it's good to step back from blogging for a while and re-examine it all. Hope you are having a wonderful springtime on that slice of Heaven you have!
DeleteHugs
Jane
In a few months My husband and I will celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary. In the span of that time I have learned how to live the frugal life. My first guide was Amy Dczyen (sp) of Tightwad Gazette fame. And through the years I have looked to a few others who were brave enough to share how to be sensible with their home management. I have counted you among them, Jane.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you are bowing out of blogging. I respect and understand your decision. I see all the positive comments that have been left and I hope you will see how valued you are. I have tons of friends and yet I seem to hone in on the one or two negative people in my life. Then I find myself miserable. You want to be real? I know that is how the enemy is attacking me. And I think you are under that attack, too.
So I hope you will draw strength in knowing that I am praying for you. You have a lot to offer us here.
Blessings,
Leslie (in Missouri)
Thanks you Leslie. I loved Amy too. I found this YouTube clip of her recently: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUFyD-FTf-E.
DeletePerhaps you'd like to watch it? She looks great, apparently the frugal lifestyle has been good for her.
Oh I suppose it is true that I'm kind of a half-empty glass type of gal. Ha! The kindest of all of you has certainly humbled me! Hope you had a nice Easter with your big family!
HUgs
Jane
Thank you for the tip! I'll go over there and watch now.
DeleteBlessings,
Leslie