Sunday, March 3, 2019

Moving On ...

Note: since writing this blog post less than a day ago, I 've been asked why I don't just change the direction of my writing but keep it here. While it's a possibility, the main reason is that people come here for the kind of writing they get now and that change may not resonate as well, although it's a possibility. Also, it's still blogging on a regular basis, which is something I need to see if I really want to continue. Either way, it will take me time to figure out my new direction, to say the least.

When I began this blog, it was at the end of 2007. I continued to blog sporadically through 2008, as I found my groove as they say.  I was a new widow. I was working my way through what was then enforced retirement (as in the idea of not being able to get a job had never occurred to me). I worked my way through a host of emotional and yes, financial issues.

Eventually I found my way when it came to this blog and writing. I shared about my own life. I was also, I hoped, showing other people who were retiring on much less than they had hoped that in many cases, there was still a way forward. Not only that, but a joyous way forward with all kinds of opportunities, if one was open to them.

I have shared what it was like being a widowed single parent with a dependent child and then a dependent young adult when the economy sucked. I have shared about  financial choices, good and bad. The worst of course, being putting all of my nest egg in an IRA at fifty something and then realizing I had to pull money out to live on long before sixty five. Heck, I paid more in taxes in the end than I actually had in life insurance.

I have written about living alone (which I loved), living with an adult child (same) and sharing a house. All of which were good. I have traveled across the country alone in a car from Dallas to Denver to California, to Montana and written about it.

Some of what I have written about has been simply my day to day life, usually from a frugal perspective. Sometimes I have written specific articles about "how I did that". Honestly, my writing has been all over the place.

If I have a regret it is that I have not emphasized the survived widow aspect. Even though there were requests, more than one, about the getting on. Especially on the getting on when we are young (I was in my early fifties and my husband was younger). If I were to write one post more, it would probably be titled, no longer a widow. To all those widows who are reading, you heard right. Grief exists, as do many things. But there was a time when people asked me about myself and I either said "My husband died in......", or "I'm a recent (or early) widow" and then continued onward. Now, I introduce myself as Barbara an talk about myself. If I get asked how I came to Colorado from Dallas from Germany, I mention my husband. But his death no longer is how identify my status. Hopefully that is helpful.

The bottom line though, is that I have felt that this blog has had no direction for awhile, other than being a daily diary of my life with some type of theme day when I think about it. I read, and enjoy, a good twenty blogs that are written along those lines. But I have learned that this type of writing is not for me-I need more specificity. I do my best writing when I am talking about the hows and whens and wheres-and the truth is that is where my readership has been the greatest. Whether I am writing a four month step by step series on downsizing and moving across the country or something else.

And while I could go back to being the frugal retiree, I've written an awful lot about that. And I think it is time for a new challenge. One, I expect that cannot be met here, or that you would necessarily enjoy. These days my passions are frugal travel (still), creativity, human rights and seniors in general.

You guys may remember that I talked about a craft blog in the past. This still calls me. As does the idea of a blog for seniors in my south metro area (a blog that would cover social opportunities, discounts and assistance available to a specific geographic area) or even a saving money in Denver blog. I'm still working on it.

Regular readers probably know I have thought on this for awhile. I've hinted at it here and there. And truthfully, in August of 17 when I lost my URL and blog and had to start over, I almost left it behind. Except that I was not willing to leave readers hanging. And I guess I felt that I still had at least something to say.

It will be hard to leave this blog behind after eleven and a half years. And I admit that I have seen others make this decision and return, which is why for now I leave this blog where it is while I stew a bit. I'm still willing to admit I might return. If I did though, this blog would be much more about a retired, frugal, single widowed gal. Who lives in Denver and talks about the place I live and the things I do here. With crafting. Which would please some readers and alienate some.

I'm willing say that I might change my mind.While I don't believe I'll do that, it's one of the options I'm considering. And if I begin that craft blog (or one on another topic), I promise to share that we my readers.

Meanwhile as I mull through the decision making process, this blog will stay as it is-if only because of all the links I have here to friends everywhere. And for now at least, I 'll be posting a few times a week on the Facebook page, as a way to let people know what I'm doing and where I am going.

I have truly loved blogging and I have made many, many friends, in real life as they say, as well as in the blogging world. But has been almost twelve years since I first made the attempt to write a blog, and writing life is (I think) moving in another way. 


26 comments:

  1. I think it is nice of you to share your thoughts about why you blog and how you are stopping this blog. I will miss it, as I am retired and widowed so we have that in common. Best wishes in future to you.

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    1. Thank you. I've enjoyed this journey and even now, I wonder if it's ready to stop.......but I feel like some how a change is needed.

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  2. I only found your blog some weeks ago, and I liked it very much. You gave me some food for thought. So I am going to read through the archives. Thank you, and best wishes for the future.

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  3. Best wishes whatever you decide.

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  4. I will miss your blogging and your voice, but completely understand your decision to stop. As someone who has been blogging continuously for nearly ten years now, I know now that producing posts is more difficult than many realize. I've had four different blogs, segueing from one into another as my/our life and priorities have changed over the years. I know too there will come a time when I am ready to stop, although I'm not there yet. Best wishes to you as you continue on whichever path you choose, and I hope to have the chance to run into you one day! In the meantime I will continue to follow you on Instagram and Pinterest!

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  5. I only found you a short while ago and enjoy reading your blog. Will miss seeing it, but want to take this time to wish you the best in whatever you decide.

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  6. Well Barb, things change and we need to change with them. When I started my blog (it was many years ago) and things were possibly much easier then. I lost that blog though (Blogger would not let me in no matter how hard I tried) and had to start another. This one more "theme" oriented, but one that if I miss a day or so it doesn't matter much.

    I do hope you start a craft blog, as it will be interesting to see what you are making.

    God bless.

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    1. Before I wrote this post I considered whether it was possible to simply transition this blog to be more about creativity, upcycling and the like......not sure it would have worked ut it was a thought.

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  7. I wish you nothing but happiness and peace in whatever direction you choose to go. It's a bit exciting to me Barbara that you get all these choices to do whatever the hell you wish to do. It's all a positive! But be warned I will still follow if you are doing crafts (which I love) or if you're talking seniors like I am (63 today)Have a wonderful week!

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    1. Peggy, I am sure I will be doing something, and maybe in this same space with just a different direction. Too many interests, too little time.

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  8. I can only imagine how hard this decision has been. Our loss is your gain, I suppose. Like Margaret above, I wish you only the best in whatever your next life chapter turns out to be. But I can't help being sad at not being able to read your posts. Whatever direction you might or might not take, I will still be a fan.

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  9. I will miss you. You and your blog encouraged me when I first started my blog six years ago when I retired. I, too, have gone through a change. What started as a "review" of my retirement, thoughts on life and what I was doing has now morphed into mostly movie and book reviews (and I can be found on IMDB). But I wonder how much longer I will go. But in the meantime, thank you and I hope if you are wondering about a movie you will check out my blog from time to time at rosythereviewer.com

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  10. Having just found your blog a few weeks ago - after searching quite a while for something like it - I am bereft at the idea of losing it so soon! There is a very narrow bandwidth of women who are intelligent, engaged in the world around them, and are happily invested in the retirement process without a fortune at their disposal - so when one is found, they are truly cherished for the wisdom they can offer. But beyond that, you have to live your best life as you see fit, so best wishes in your future adventures!

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    1. Thank you so much, I can tell you that if I DO continue blogging there will be most more on the "without a fortune" and on the issues in our country at hand from my perspective. Which may or may not please the readers.

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  11. I've really enjoyed reading your blog over the years Barbara! Your blog has given me many ideas on things to do and inspired me to action. I'll miss this blog if you decide to stop adding to it but I'll follow you on Facebook if you continue posting there. Thanks for blogging for so many years.

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  12. I have been reading your blog for several years now and I will REALLY miss it. I have gone from thinking about retirement "out there" or "someday" to getting serious about retiring in 1.5-2 years. And you have been such a guide! I too have young adult children who are taking their time "launching" so I can relate to that as well. Love your perspective, wish you the very very best -- I will miss your blog!

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  13. Thank you for all the encouragement your blog has given me. I am a widow also and have really admired the way you are able to do so many things alone. I don't think I'll ever be as fearless as you seem to be, but I am improving. Good luck on the journey. You will be missed.

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  15. I'm really going to miss you. It's like losing a friend. Thank you for your blog.

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  16. I’ve enjoyed visiting here and will continue to check periodically to see how you’ve resolved this present change you’re considering affecting your blogging.

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  17. Hi Barbara! I'm finally getting around to reading this and wanted to jump in here and encourage you to follow your heart. It's tempting to think that we might lose people by changing things as we (and our blogs) evolve but lately I have been thinking that people read our blogs because we are the unique voice that they enjoy hearing. I'm not a widow, or retired, or into crafts at all, so I don't read every one of your posts--but when something sparks and interest I always enjoy your words. Regardless of whether you rename your blog or stick with this one with changes, I'll follow you and I'd bet most of your readers will too. And thanks to FB I can always see what you are up to. My advice? Go for it! ~Kathy

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  18. Missing your voice and missions in life.

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  19. I am so sorry you are ending this blog, but wish you only the best!

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  21. My blog covers several areas. Yours can, too! I would like that very much.

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Thanks for stopping by! I love to hear from others, and I also love to hear all points of view.. Just leave the profanity and insults at home, OK? Thanks!!