Monday, January 29, 2018

Tap. Tap. Tap. . . Is this thing on?







Here it is the end of January 2018. That went fast, didn't it? We rounded out 2017 with our oldest home from college, a ski trip with extended family, cold weather temperatures, and quilt making. Lots of things have been happening which has my attention elsewhere. And the longer that time goes by, the easier it is to not sit down and click at the keyboard to write something here. I've considered not blogging any longer. My children are older and I feel like their stories are their stories to tell. They have been so gracious with allowing me to share things about their lives here but it just feels like the natural stopping point for that. And so does that leave this space merely a place to catalogue the quilts that I make? Maybe. But I've been blogging here for nearly 10 years and though it really has served as a way to chronicle our lives and be a record for my family to look back on, it has been a space where I work out lots of thoughts rolling around in my head. Thoughts of motherhood.  Marriage. Travel. Aging. Time and how I want to spend it. Politics.... not really, though I have lots of thoughts on that topic.

I don't know.

I guess I don't really feel done with this space just yet even  though my posting habits will undoubtedly be even less consistent. It's just the stage of life that I'm in where my children are older and my parents are older and it all makes the everyday things feel so fleeting.

So, I'll still share my quilt making with you. And gardening. And probably baking or cooking or canning. And occasionally those thoughts about it all that are rolling around in my head.

I'm still here. Are you?

-dana

40 comments:

Molly said...

I'm here! Your long time friend and follower! I gradually gave up blogging years ago for the same reason but I feel you still have lots to tell. I really get a warm fuzzy feeling when you pop up in my feedly app. I'll be here as long as you are! I love seeing what you're doing and thinking.

Andrea R said...

Yep

Laura said...

Yep! Keep blogging, please. Adorable dog!

Beth said...

Still here!

NorahS said...

Still reading!

Material Girl said...

I'm here! Having some very serious sandwich generation issues! Sometimes it's hard to know just how much to share and where to draw the line. I am finding that I have less "me" time due to caring for others. Do what makes you happy, thanks for sharing.

Jacque. said...

Always love the words you write. Does not matter what they say…it is the way they are said. Keep on blogging, please.

Ranch Wife said...

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" Ecclesiates 3:1 I hope you don't stop blogging completely! But I understand - I found blogging to be something I do for me as the kids grew and discovered new adventures away from the dirt road, but my blogging ebbs and flows... much like life. Perhaps I wanted to have a journal of sorts that proved that life did go on after the kids left home. LOL. We'll be here when you pop in again to share whatever you choose to share and it'll bring a smile to my face when you do. :)

silversmith said...

I'm still here and reading, but I completely understand. I took a long break and only posted a couple times a year when I needed a break. At the same time, I missed parts of it - maybe it was the accountability of the work I wanted to do, but wasn't. So now as I have a goal to create more again and try new things, I am keeping a list in my blog and with ravelry and anywhere else I can to keep my at it.

I used to journal for myself, but that stopped. Blogging, whether public or private, was my journal for the new technology ages. I think it goes back to that for me and I should pick it up again.

Dana - Old Red Barn Co. said...

Hi Molly! Big hugs to you, my friend!

Dana - Old Red Barn Co. said...

Thanks for sticking around Laura! Blogging has proven to be therapeutic over the years and I'm just not ready to totally let that go just yet. :)

Dana - Old Red Barn Co. said...

And I'm so glad Beth!

Dana - Old Red Barn Co. said...

Thank you Norah!

Dana - Old Red Barn Co. said...

And that YOU for reading!

Dana - Old Red Barn Co. said...

Jacque!! I have to keep chronicling all the elk!! :)

Dana - Old Red Barn Co. said...

You always offer such kind, comforting and supportive words. Thank you for that!

Dana - Old Red Barn Co. said...

I've never been good at pencil and paper journaling but this blogging thing has stuck for me. It's proven rather therapeutic at times! Thanks for reading along!

Megan said...

I'm here! I love the natural ebb and flow of a blog like your's. And I love getting to know you through your words. It's a pretty amazing online community.

Sewgirl said...

Hi Dana, yes, I'm still reading your blog. I too feel squeezed by older children and parents. But I still like hearing your quilting adventures. Don't stop!!!

scottylover said...

I was just thinking I hadn't seen a post from you for a while. I will read whenever you post no matter how far between!

Sandy A

mckie2 said...

We'll be here just waiting for whenever you feel like talking. Always enjoy the family and life pictures. Baking is good too. Susan

Tipper said...

I can hear you loud and clear : )

Unknown said...

I'm still here, reading what you choose to post. As long as you post about quilting or gardening, or even quilting in the garden, I will continue to read!

Unknown said...

I have enjoyed your blog for a couple of years now and really like the eclectic, “life in general” feeling it brings. And, I think your quilts are amazing as well. I will continue to enjoy what you offer, as long as you offer it.

Dana - Old Red Barn Co. said...

I am amazed at the generosity and support from our online community. So wonderful to be a part of it with you.

Dana - Old Red Barn Co. said...

Your encouragement is soooooooooo very much appreciated! !

Dana - Old Red Barn Co. said...

Thank you for being so kind Sandy!

Dana - Old Red Barn Co. said...

Likewise, my friend.

Dana - Old Red Barn Co. said...

Oooo! Why have I never thought of quilting IN the garden? Brilliant!! :)

Dana - Old Red Barn Co. said...

Goodness gracious! Thank you!!! Like a virtual hug! :)

Denise in PA said...

Yep, still here...popcorn at the ready! I haven't blogged since 2014, I think (Instagram ate my blog) and I often think I have to get back on there at post at least occasionally!!

Debbie said...

I enjoy everything about your blog: your thoughts, pictures of gardening and nature, your family shares, thrifting finds and especially your quilts-so inspirational!

Kelly O. said...

I love what ever it is that you want to share in this space because it is all you. And lately I realize that it is more about you sharing with me rather than the other way around which makes this friendship somewhat one-sided and yet if you left I would definitely feel your absence-whether or not you would notice mine. I love all you share about your quilting as I feel like starting quilting under your watch and careful guidance somehow makes you a very big part of my quilting journey. All this to say thank you for being a presence on the internets for the last 10 years. :)

Dana - Old Red Barn Co. said...

Oh! I love popcorn! :) thanks for your kindness! !

Dana - Old Red Barn Co. said...

A very heartfelt thank you Debbie. Thank you.

Dana - Old Red Barn Co. said...

You've made me misty eyed.... thank you.

Osage Bluff Quilter said...

Of course I’m still here. I feel like you, to blog or not to blog. Facebook and a quick type is just so fast and easy. I wish I could get back in it better. I did today! Lol

PMookie said...

If you don't feel like writing....take photos. I enjoy your photos of nature, flowers, food, quilts and more.
And when you feel like sharing by writing, I'll benefit by reading.
You have a way with words. A gift. You say what we are all feeling.

Jessica Christensen said...

I'm slow, but I'm still here. Don't stop sharing. I love your posts.

sarah, rsm said...

I'm not up to date on my reading, but I am here, loving you and continuing to be amazed at all of the beauty you bring to this journey we call Life. 😘❤️