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Wednesday, January 16, 2013

IT IS NOT A CHRISTMAS TREE!

I guess I took an unscheduled and unannounced blog break.  Taking down Christmas décor left me soooo uninspired.  
tree
I can usually go along, happily blogging.  But sometimes I hit this wall.  A wall with writing on it.  The writing says “what is your blog about?; what can you post that anyone would want to come see?; and why do you even have a blog?”
metl
As much as I love my contacts with all of you, the questions on that wall often stop me in my tracks.
red white
pilow

mrcry gls
kiss me
When I look at the unique, clever (even brilliant) ideas that people are posting on their blogs, that wall of questions pops up in front of my computer, and I can’t make myself post.
ruffle
Does that happen to other bloggers, or is it just me?
place stg
I wouldn’t have to worry about THE WALL if all of you other bloggers weren’t so talented. 
compote
wo compote
So, would all you brilliant bloggers just dial it down a notch?
red gls
I mean, how do you keep coming up with all of these ideas and projects?
npkn
You amaze me and you intimidate me.  Who has time to come look at my left-over Christmas tree, decorated for Valentine’s Day, when you are out there posting new, innovative ideas?
s pepr
Howevah (I say, with my best Arkansas accent), I want to blog, so I’m gonna blog.
ovrhd
candy
In case you were yawning your way through another tablescape on my blog, I’ll leave you with a kiss (nothing like chocolate to bribe a blog reader to return to my blog).  I’ve always said I’d never make it as a salesperson.  My pitch would be, “you wouldn’t want to buy this, would you?”  I guess that carries over to blogging too.
(Red metal charger topped by: white metal charger, red heart doily, clear glass plate, white compote.  Heart doily purchased at $ Store, everything else from estate sales.)
I will be hosting my third annual Valentine link up party on February 11th.  I sure do hope you’ll join in, and spread the love with a Valentine-related post.
CARD BUTTON
I’m partying at Cuisine Kathleen for Let’s Dish Wednesday and Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.
Our tiny grandson seems to face a new medical battle every day, so please continue to pray for him.  Thank you for visiting me.  laurie
(I appreciate your support of my blog. Available on my sidebar: “Like” my Facebook page; Subscribe by Email; Follow me on Hometalk, Pinterest, and Google +. Thank you.)

38 comments:

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Oh sweetie, lots of prayers for your grandson as well as the family. I know this has to be tough on all of you.
I was sure hoping you would post some of your fantastic Valentine goodies, you have the most marvelous collection and such a gift of showing them off.. as usual you rocked this post. hugs ~lynne ~

vignette design said...

I hear ya Laurie. After 3 years, I hit the wall, like every Monday morning. Somehow, I manage to come up with something, but it's just not the same as it was in the beginning. Like all things, there is a beginning, a middle and an end. Blogs change and I can tell, I'm not keeping up. I'll continue though until I can't think of something to say. In the meantime, I'll keep your grandson in my thoughts and prayers. xo Delroes

Tardevil said...

You are so silly! You always have something inspiring to share. For instance, my husband will thank you for inspiring me to go back to the antique store and buy a Valentine's hankie to go around a Valentine tree, I haven't put up yet. In addition, if I can find some small mercury glass hearts like yours, I'm sure they will jump in my basket/cart, etc. See how inspiring you are? ;o) I hope your grandson is doing much better!

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Well, Laurie, if you think your blog has no purpose or focus I may as well just close mine now! You always have something interesting to show us and we are all concerned about your grandson. Please keep going! Linda

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

My dear friend..I hit that wall last year and it was just a blank wall for me..I love your blog girl and always have..Even tho I don't post any more I still love to come by and see my all time favorite bloggers..You being at the top of my list..How is your grandson doing girl??Please give us an update on him..Love ya Laurie..Hugs Gloria

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I think we all hit a wall once in awhile but we just keep on blogging. I love to blog and I'm not a much of a creative craft person so I express myself in other ways. I love you tablescape and your Valentine Tree! BigHugs, Linda

Mellodee said...

Piffle! Ignore the stupid wall! Walls can't really talk anyway! Not all of us are brilliant bloggers but that doesn't mean we are worthy of being read! I love your blog. I love your photos. I love your things. I love reading about all your tablescapes, holiday decor, themed dinners, and whatever else you write about. I don't expect you to be brilliant!! But I do like to see you here more often than not!

Stop reading dumb walls and keep writing!! :)

Mellodee

Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...

Laurie, YAY, I'm glad you will be hosting your annual Valentine link up party! That will give me something to blog about. LOL!!! It's OK to hit the wall as long as you bounce back ;o) It happens to the BEST. Continuing prayers for your little grandson.

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

Laurie, I love your style. If all the blogs were the same it would be dull. I come here because you have a ton of seasonal decor and display it all beautifully. It's homey, colorful, interesting and usually pretty darn amazing.

Tricia said...

LOL! I was all set to give you a pep talk and tell you to banish that inner naysayer to the Outer Darkness, then you cracked me up with your "salespitch," which is exactly how I tried to sell Girl Scout cookies at age eight. WAY too timid to ever be in sales! If you can't sell Girl Scout cookies. . . . Your valentine tree is darling, and I enjoyed seeing all the pretty elements of your table. My favorite is the dish with pretty ribbon threaded through it!

susan said...

Dear sweet Laurie-Don't you know it's not WHAT is said, but WHO says it ??? Although I leave your blog inspired, I come to visit you--not your stuff :) Nobody would ever hire me as a cold call sales person or even a fundraiser! I keep Cooper in my prayers right next to my little ones! Stay warm!

Anonymous said...

Laurie you are amazing! Please keep blogging! It is wonderful visiting here even though I might do silently.:-)
I know I get lots of silent visits, these days. Knowing this encourages me to continue. I have posted 17 times this month...that is one for every day! I'll celebrate 6 years in March. I've invested too much time and energy to quit and won't until I am just not happy in blogland.

As for projects. Well..we tend to do rooms, not small projects.:-) I don't seem to be small project oriented.

I am doing a retrospective type post per week, during this month and maybe next month. There are over 500 posts to draw from, over at the old BPM. I'm having fun looking back. That really shows how times have changed in the blogosphere.

Yes, the world of blogging has changed and continues to change. I am a dinosaur in blogland, but that's okay with me, since I grew up when dinosaurs still roamed the earth.:-)

I love your sweetheart tree and if I can remember I will be here for your party, even though I don't decorate for Valentine's Day. Maybe a romantic table for two. I'll make myself a note and put it on the fridge...the one place where I know I will look!

Tammy @ A Walk in the Countryside said...

I've gone through similar feelings since the holidays as well! I love your milk glass! Blessings, Tammy

Alycia Nichols said...

Didn't Johnny Mathis sing a song about a sweetheart tree? I think he must have been singing about yours!!! What a cute idea! I'm almost never quite ready to abandon the glorious color and pageantry of Christmas decor, so this seems like a great way to extend the glamour of it all just a little bit longer in a unique & romantic way. I feel you on "hitting a wall." I hit it a couple of times a year. I just take a break and then come back when I feel refreshed. I've been on a break for several weeks now. It has given me a chance to take down my Christmas stuff, get a little rest, do some stuff I've been putting off....it's a good thing! I don't think blogging should be a chore. If you don't feel like posting every week, don't! I know it's hard for me to just do tables for the heck of doing them. I have to be truly inspired. Hang in there, young lady, and I'll see you for sure at your Valentine's party. I might actually be inspired to do a table by then! :-)

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Hi Laurie, as far as I can remember you HAVE NEVER disappointed us with your amazing posts and great ideas. You over flow with them all the time. Love that sweet little tablecloth and the dish cabinet behind your table full of dish goodness!
Will pray for your grandson, sorry to hear he is having a difficult time. I will pray the doctors know what to do and his body will heal and get stronger.
Bless you Laurie.
Debbie

Dewena said...

Laurie, your line was exactly mine when I tried to sell Girl Scout cookies, "You wouldn't want to buy any of these, would you?" Our daughter, who is an AE for a top television station, did not get it from me but from her father, and from my father.

As the commenters above said, We are never disappointed in your posts! Nevah! We just miss you when you're absent but know that you have had much on your mind and on your hands with little Cooper and his sisters. Your Valentine's table is just what I needed to see and I'm sure it will be all over Pinterest today. I love that it is set by the Quimper (did I spell that right?), as they are such romantic dishes. I want a Valentine's tree now!
Love you,
Dewena

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I love your valentine's decor and your tree is just the cutest. You always have the best seasonal decor of anyone. Hugs, Marty

Unknown said...

I think most bloggers feel that way....I post about twice a week...between work and not really knowing what to share that's where I am. And I also agree some folks in blogland are so very talented, my little decorating ideas, or crafting just don't seem to stand up to theirs. I have decided I will post what and when I want..I like blogging and if a few others like then great! If not, I still have fun!! Continued prayers for your grandson! And I should add, I love looking at your home and your ideas!

chris

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I am keeping your precious grandson in my prayers and hope he gains strength, my friend. Well, I feel the same way ALL the time. I was posting like crazy before Christmas because I had so much to share. Not so much now. I don't usually do much for Valentine's day but I love seeing your pretty decorations and all of the talented ladies. We Arkansans have to stick together. Just think if we WROTE in Southern accents! It would take someone forever to read my blog! heeheehee! Sweet hugs!

ellen b. said...

Sorry to hear about the continued struggles your little guy is facing. May God continue to sustain him and all of you.

Love your Valentine's tree and table. I'll have to jot down February 11th...

Sue said...

Leave it to you to have a valentine tree, Laurie! I love the idea. I am in my own blogging slump right now. It just doesn't seem to be important to me anymore. I visit friends when I can but no longer want to feel pressure to dream up a post just to,linkup to someone's party. Sure hope your grandson starts to rally in his health quest. Keep the faith, my friend!

Jennie@gotmyreservations.com said...

I don't think I've ever seen anyone who has as much Quimper as I do, but here you are. See, there was a reason to blog today. I loved your post and your adorable red setting.

Phyllis @Around the House said...

I think your thinkin about it too much, my mom would call that ruminating, mulling it over...if you love it do it and post when you are inspired, love your blog and though I agree there are some beautiful creative interesting blogs out there lets face it, sometimes it's hard to get invested in any depth with blogs that are thrown together with no thought what so ever, one or two pictures and 2 sentences, whats that...lol...I love yours, it is real...you are real..I'm just sayin...

Anonymous said...

I don't think you are the only one that hits a wall or thinks too much time is being spent with this whole blog thing. From time to time, I say ENOUGH but there are people I would really miss if I gave it up. You know how that goes.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

I hit that wall some time ago, and I think most of us do at one time or another. My creativity took a hike without me some time ago. I don't post like I use to - now it is more like just random rambles. Good thing I named by blog Dab of This and That. :-D
Still have Cooper in my prayers.
Enjoy your weekend.

Marigene said...

If I can't think of anything to write, which is most of the time, I just post my tablescape and call it a day!
Love that heart dish, so pretty...

Sarah said...

Laurie, your valentine tree is adorable. Like you, I question myself about why I'm writing a blog. ;-)
So glad you do share. I'm a fan!
Always fun to see what you are up to in that pretty home........Sarah

xinex said...

Still praying for your grandson, Laurie. I hope he is growing and getting stronger everyday. What a lovely romatic tree! I love seeing your Quimper collection too. Looks like it is growing....Christine

Kathleen said...

First, continued prayers for your little one. that is most impt!
I feel like you do, I should give it up! But I would miss everyone!
Swooning over that tablecloth, so pretty! Love your tree, and the table looks ♥ perfect!
Have a good weekend! I am still schlepping Cmas stuff to the basement and out to the garage. It seems to multiply every year, or is it I make a few trips and get tired??
Thanks for linking to Let's Dish!

Tess said...

Your blog is absolutely charming and you shouldn't be intimidated by ANYONE'S blog!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Hello!

I just signed up to Follow you and I can't believe that I have just done that now and not years ago!!

I must have been in a fog...

Love your blog and LOVE your V Day tree!! So pretty and your tablescape is darling!!

I will be working on my Winter and V Day decorations this weekend ... I leave up a few of my trees and convert them to V Day trees.....

I will be joining your V Day party...

Hugs,
Deb

The Tablescaper said...

Oh my, we all hit a wall, but your wall shouldn't be about why we want to visit you. You are very talented and always, always have beautiful treasure to share with us.

My prayers are with your tiny grandson.

Please keep on blogg'in!

- The Tablescaper

Anonymous said...

I am so happy I saw this post this morning - because your photos inspired me so much! I haven't even begun to decorate for VDay - and I am having a party - so I need to get to it! I love your V-tree - and your eyelet tablecloth. So pretty. I have eyelt tablecloths with big ruffles, too - but they are shower curtains! You have a very beautiful hoome!

Shabby Brocante, Karen said...

Maybe you took a little blog break, but boy! You are back with a bang. What cute Valentine's Day tree. Love the ornaments. I am probably going to steal the idea of ribbon in the milk glass cut outs...hello! That's so so cute!!
Karen

Palomasea said...

Many prayers to your dear little one, Laurie...

And as for your blog....oh, most talented and kind friend...you inspire us more than you will ever know...
At least I will speak for myself...
When I see a new post from you, it literally feels like I am entering the most magical shop of wonders...
you are VERY talented, wonderful, whimsical...
Blogging should make your heart and soul happy, and on occasion you may feel doubt...but please know, that you do make a difference...and you do inspire, oh yes you do...and bring so much JOY!
Now that is what it's all about...
Much love,
- Irina

Debbie said...

I took another unscheduled blog break too so I'm just getting here. I love all your valentines. It happens to be one of my favorite times of year to visit this blog, in fact.

I read that your little grandson continues to need our prayers, and my heart hurts. I'll continue to join you in prayer for him and them (and his grandma too.)

Tammy at Tammy Loves Dishes said...

Great post! Your Valentine tree is beautiful. Who wouldn't want to sit at that sweet table with those adoring Scotties watching over you?

You always share the best stuff with us!

Anonymous said...

Me again.. I think I have known you since we almost starting blogging and have never tired of reading your fun post. You are funny and sweet and I always leave with a smile. I am tickled to join your Valentine party and will post the badge on my blog. I am so sorry about your grandchild. Having had my 3 year old grand-daughter just get out of the hospital, I know the worries you have. Prayers, thoughts and hugs for the baby, family, and caregivers. xoxo