Hi everyone! I’ve not been posting or commenting lately. I needed to take a break from blogging and catch up on some work stuff and home stuff.
Sometimes you just gotta stop because you got too much of a load on you.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day holiday and was able to spend some time with family, friends and loved ones. I did that. I stepped away from the computer for a good two days because I’d been spending way too much time tethered to it. Not just blogging and commenting but a project I’ve been working on that I think is nearly finished!
I don’t know about you, but I know that when I’m not sleeping well or I’m snapping at hubby or my family on the phone, I need to relax. Get out of the office. Get out of my head and go out and enjoy real life. Remember what the really important things are. And yes, my blog is important but I mean the really important things.
Like communicating (either face-to-face) or by phone with people I love and who love me. This blogging thing is wonderful and I enjoy the friends I’ve made online, but there comes a time when you have to go back to the old-school way of communicating.
Sometimes I wonder if we’re going to lose that craft — of social interaction — the other kind. Don’t get me wrong, I love this kind of talking to each other, but for every modern convenience — the way in which it enriches or changes our lives — there’s a downside. Everything in moderation. That’s difficult for me because I’m a competitive person and an all or nothing kind of person. When I begin something, I go full-throttle until I can’t go anymore.
I think that’s what happened. I may post again this week; I’ll have to see how it goes. When I began my blog, I set myself up a rigid schedule of having to blog at least three times a week. I’m making a pledge now to just let it flow and blog when I’m in that space of letting the words just come when they need to instead of fretting over when to do so.
I hope to be back to somewhat regular programming next week with a new Monday Motivations and Musings. Hope you’ll stick around!
But just a few quick things before I quit this “nothing really special” post. Canadica has launched today. Many talented people will be guest-posting here (moi included, I think that’s how they say “me” in Canada) but check it out and follow it. It’s the creation of Sweet Mother in Canadian cahoots with Le Clown (his better, other half is having a birthday today), two hugely successful bloggers. Sweet Mother posted today and describes it like this:
Canadian and American cocktail party:
Male Canadian: “May I buy you a le drink? Or you would like to go oot or maybe over to my hoose?”
Female American: “I’m not that kind of girl! But you can get me a drink and SUPERSIZE it!”
“…..cocktail of brain-blowing, seismic (purportedly) true facts from both Canadian and American bloggers displayed in a cutesy cocktail number.”
Now I don’t know if I can measure up, but I’ve got over a month to prepare and dig out some red Canada stuff hubby has in his closet, as well as some of those barren, very-cold looking pictures he has in his photo album of his grandmother’s home in Halifax. I think he even has a puck signed by some Canadian hockey player. Hockey, such a funny little game.
Be well, dear friends and thanks for taking the time to read through this nothing-special-but-just-checking-in-and-wanted-to-say-hi post.
Used in hockey, Canada’s game. What the puck?
Brigitte's Banter 
This world can suck you in for sure! I think it’s good you noticed that you need to take a breather instead of feeling that you have to show up a certain amount of days a week. We aren’t going anywhere, and we’ll be here when you get back. I’ve seen people just disappear, come back and have just as many supporters and commenters — even more than before. I think people miss them and are eager to show support to encourage them to stick around. Enjoy Brigitte — I look forward to more of your musings…
Posted by Sword-chinned bitch | September 5, 2012, 12:05 pmYeah, you just gotta do that sometimes, Sandee and thank you so much for your kind words. You’re such a sensitive soul and worldly wordsmith. So appreciate your taking the time to stop in. I love your posts. :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 5, 2012, 1:01 pmI noticed you were gone – but we all have to have a rest. Will look forward to anything you want to serve up. In Canada we use moi in Quebec or a few other places where French people gather-but most of us are pretty bland and use me. I put my kids in French immersion as I have a French last name and embarrassed myself in French class ( a lot ) so I wanted them to know the other official language better than I did. I now have a better understanding of French as I would read their dictee (spelling) words to them and they would laugh and laugh and laugh and then I would get mad and say–you know what I mean – now write it down. Anyway–I am not sure why I decided to bore you with all this–except to say I am proud to know what moi means.
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | September 5, 2012, 12:32 pmHi Lou Ann! And thank you. That “moi” thing was a little special funny for my Canadian followers and friends. ;). I think it sounds so much more lovely than the vulgar “me.” And you NEVER bore me. You’re wonderful, talented and Canadian. Three things I really, really like. :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 5, 2012, 1:02 pmand I appreciated it – we like to be included
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | September 5, 2012, 2:37 pm😀
Posted by Brigitte | September 5, 2012, 3:29 pmDear Brig,
I believe the people of this universe….the ones that make a difference….are the ones that know how to listen to their bodies and spirits. As much as I believe your thinking adds beauty to the universe, and as much as I love to be filled up with it….I want you to care for yourself. Because I know….then you’ll be able to come back packing serious spiritual/happy/funny/exciting/foodforthought heat.
I appreciate the way you are always teaching. So many benefit.
♥♥♥
Much love my dear friend♥
Love, Lis
xoxoxoox
Posted by Carr Party of Five | September 5, 2012, 12:32 pmDear Lis, you are so sweet and thanks for including me in that special group of people! Wow. And the same goes for you and you know that I feel exactly the same towards you. You express yourself so creatively — sometimes the way you write is lyrical and that’s a very, very good thing. I hope I can pack some of that heat in which you speak of — thank you, sweet friend. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | September 5, 2012, 1:05 pmDear Brig,
Your thoughts transfer to your blog. You can’t get it wrong.
🙂
Love, Lis
xoxooxx
Posted by Carr Party of Five | September 5, 2012, 2:14 pmLOVE the cocktail party caption!
Posted by Kathy V. | September 5, 2012, 12:35 pmYay! I aim to please and thanks, Kathy. :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 5, 2012, 1:05 pmFor someone who’s not in full throttle this is dang funny. I’m with you sister. The picture of the mule cracked me up. It basically sums up how I’m feeling lately.
Keep breathing and doing your thang.
xoxox
Grippy
Posted by A Gripping Life | September 5, 2012, 12:49 pmHey Grippy, why thank you dear friend. I was wondering if that was coming across at all (the funny). I try but yeah, that mule….waiting for that to even out some, know what I mean? Take care of you and I look forward to your next post, friend. xoxox
Posted by Brigitte | September 5, 2012, 1:06 pmI loved the captions on the photos!
I don’t know that social interaction or conversation is a dying art–due to its necessity I think it must remain in some form. However, it is true that time spent in electronic or vicarious interaction is time not spent in voice or physical proximity to another person. There will undoubtedly be societal effects from this (after all, everything has its consequences–everything), but I can only guess at what they’ll be. I think our attention spans have already begun to suffer. We’re ruder and more self-centered. I’m not sure, however, that these things are a product of the internet so much as they are a variety of media and entertainment, as well as our relative affluence as a society.
I can definitely understand needing to take a break. I generally don’t throw myself wholly into things, but take a slow, measured approach that I’ll be able to maintain. This is not natural, but has been developed over years. When I was younger I let my enthusiasms get the better of me.
I’m slow in commenting (and slightly less regular in posting) because I’m working on a project (which was due the day before yesterday!). And when I finish this one, I have another waiting in the wings. Busy is good, though….
Posted by Smaktakula | September 5, 2012, 1:29 pmSmak, thank you! Yes, you’re right. We probably won’t know those “effects” until a decade or so. But some of us remember not using social interaction this way. Maybe we are ruder and more self-centered and that’s due to many variables, as you’ve suggested. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — those horrible “reality” shows have much to do it. That just makes sense to me.
Slow measured approach — I like that. And yes, busy is very good. Thanks for stopping in — as always, your comments are so appreciated and so introspective. Good luck with that next big project. :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 5, 2012, 1:57 pmthanks for checking in Brigitte. And I could not agree more with about the face to face interactions. I like to meet up with my home homeys for coffee or a walk on a regular basis. You need those connections–soul to soul. I HATE that my classes are online but I LOVE the flexibility it gives me. I feel like I am going to wake up one day and have a laptop for a head. Sigh… AND you guys are way more fun than school work.
Posted by unfetteredbs | September 5, 2012, 4:00 pmThank YOU for checking in, Audra! How’s your classes going by the way? Fun? I can understand why you’d choose that (online for the flexibility, that’s why I don’t have a “normal” job), but yeah, our “group” is WAY more fun than any school work (or work of any kind). ;). xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | September 5, 2012, 5:38 pmi’m not having fun yet.. still trying not to hyperventilate and pass out.
Posted by unfetteredbs | September 5, 2012, 7:35 pmI’ve been feeling that way as well. I think after a while, blogging and commenting and reading almost becomes robotic. I have to get out and remind myself to do other things besides blog and sit online all day! Good post!
Posted by Lily | September 5, 2012, 5:32 pmHi Lily, so nice to see you here and thank you. I think we’re of like minds, especially on that. It can seem a bit addictive at times too, so you have to learn to say ENOUGH for awhile and get out amongst all those “tangible” things for awhile. Glad you enjoyed and thank you, Lily.
Posted by Brigitte | September 5, 2012, 5:40 pmThere’s no point trying to stick to a schedule that makes you not want to blog. That’s why I dropped down to 2 posts a week. Go with what works for you, and we’ll read when you post. 🙂
Posted by jmmcdowell | September 5, 2012, 7:46 pmHi J, yes I agree and I think two posts/week are way more doable. Thank you and glad you know you’ll always stop by to read — thank you!
Posted by Brigitte | September 6, 2012, 7:02 amBrigitte,
When I started blogging for myself, and not blogging for a brand or building a blog strategy for a brand, I was publishing two posts a day. I went full throttle. It was great for a few weeks… It was too much. So I took a break, and re-evaluated: 3 times a week… Now, it will be 2, perhaps 3 times a week. Don’t know when, but like you said, when it flows. To let it flow. Words of wisdom, friend. To have fun with it all. Enjoy your week, if we don’t see you sooner.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | September 5, 2012, 8:27 pmEric,
It is when you first begin blogging. I think at one point, early on, I was blogging five times a week! But you suffer from burnout and I think one’s posts lose a little flavor — at least that’s what happened to me. It is supposed to be fun and when it becomes not so much that, you have to step back — as you said. BTW, whatever your strategy, it most certainly worked! I’ll take those words of wisdom from you as well — from someone who obviously knows what they’re doing when it comes to blogging (and building their brand), you, my friend certainly know how to let that “flow” loose in a fierce, funny and inspiring way. Thank you.
Brigitte
Posted by Brigitte | September 6, 2012, 7:07 amBrigitte,
You are, without a doubt, hands down, the kindest blogger around these parks… It’s always a pleasure, Brigitte.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | September 6, 2012, 7:08 amLikewise, my friend and good morning.
Posted by Brigitte | September 6, 2012, 7:10 amBlogging really can suck you in if you’re not careful so it’s good you took a step back for a bit. I’ve learned over time that I never really write well when I’m pressured to be on a ‘schedule’ of sorts so as you said, I kind of just went with the flow and wrote when I felt like it. That being said, I still try to blog at least once a week to keep my writing from getting too rusty. 😉 At the end of the day I think finding the right balance should be the most important thing. In any case, glad you’re back and hope the rest of your week goes well!
Posted by lillianccc | September 5, 2012, 10:01 pmHi Lillian, I think many begin with a schedule or a plan of I’ll write about this on Monday, this Tuesday, etc., etc., but when you do set yourself up like that, it’s kind of limiting and becomes more like, well a structured kind of work thing. Which is the opposite of what you want! I agree with you, one has to do what’s best for them, their lifestyle but blogging has helped my writing. Balance, as you say is the most important thing. Thank you, Lillian.
Posted by Brigitte | September 6, 2012, 7:10 amWhen it becomes a chore, take a break 🙂
Posted by Roly | September 6, 2012, 5:26 amI hear that, Roly!!
Posted by Brigitte | September 6, 2012, 7:10 amI hope you managed some good quality R & R when you were on your break honey 🙂
Xx
Posted by Vikki (The View Outside) | September 6, 2012, 8:57 amI did and thank you, Vikki! xo
Posted by Brigitte | September 6, 2012, 1:49 pmI’m kinda stepping back a bit myself lately. Only posted some butterfly pics this week. 🙂 Gearing up for the big two-oh anniversary/vacay! I’m so excited about the trip – and thinking maybe I’ll only post photos this month. It seems anything I have to say about the glamorous suburban life, the weather or the general malaise of politics/writing/quotes from beyond the grave/parenthood/marriage/womanliness etc., etc. has already been said much better by someone else. So, I’ll give it a rest and enjoy a little “me” time. 😉
Posted by Honie Briggs | September 6, 2012, 3:47 pmHonie! You are going to a faraway country if I remember correctly — sooooooo nice. I saw your butterfly pics and they were beautiful. I think many people are going through that malaise you’re talking about. That what you said about things “already been said much better by someone else” is simply not true. It’s not. Your posts resonate with plenty, especially me. We each have our own unique voice and it’s like anything else — ebbs and flows, you know? I’m going to write you separately about something (I’ve not forgotten and I’m reading when I can). I’ve been working on and finally finished a big project and thank goodness I have another one coming up! That’s why I’ve been stepping back some. But never, ever think your voice isn’t special and beautiful — it is, as are you
But, seriously enjoy your me time and I want to hear about your vacay if you’re so inclined to blog about it or at least write me and let me live vicariously through your exotic vacay. Much love, friend. xxoo.
Posted by Brigitte | September 6, 2012, 4:23 pmBrigitte – you are so sweet. Yeah, I know what you’re saying is true. And yes – absolutely when I have something amazing (or annoying as the case may be) to share, I will, I promise. The air travel alone should be worth a few good rants 🙂 Thanks so very much for your kind words. It’s just that I’ve just enjoyed reading other’s posts much more than writing my own lately. And it seems they’re all about the same things I would have written if I’d thought of it. So glad you have projects keeping you occupied.
Posted by Honie Briggs | September 6, 2012, 4:31 pmI’m not saying it to be sweet, but thank you, friend! I’m saying it because I mean it and it’s the truth. :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 6, 2012, 4:39 pmThat’s what makes it so sweet! 🙂 Thanks!
Posted by Honie Briggs | September 6, 2012, 5:05 pmHi Brigitte – what an awesome picture of the donkey with the load – LOL 🙂 Loved this post as always.
Posted by Brinda | September 6, 2012, 9:43 pmBrinda, nice to see you here and thank you. That donkey pic seems to be resonating with many people. ;). Glad you enjoyed the post!
Posted by Brigitte | September 7, 2012, 9:03 am