Monday, June 13, 2011

Nothing to Write About

Most bloggers, when they have nothing to write about, just skip it altogether and don't bother. Life gets in the way, people get busy or, who knows, family emergencies or personal things take over and there's no time to keep up. I know how that goes. But don't you hate it when your favorite bloggers all of a sudden stop writing and seem to disappear for a few months? What happened? How can they do that to us?? Like characters on a favorite TV show, will they ever be back for another season? (Don't get me started on Mad Men and whoever produces THAT show . . . I'm usually fuming when I take time to think about it, wondering:  What will happen to the Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce ad agency and will Don finally find happiness with his new, young wife??)

You have to admit - reading blogs has become such a pleasurable pastime for so many of us. Even if our own lives become busy we still manage to reach out to others online for that little bit of entertainment and connection. The blogs I love to read myself and keep going back to are those that reveal something about the writer, her life, often through quilts, but sometimes not. A little peek inside the window if you will.


I'm not always necessarily interested in the personal stuff alone, but I like to know, what makes this quilter tick? How does she juggle everything and still find the time to be inspirational? Sure, we all want to see pretty quilts or fabric, but when you begin to follow others' blogs and become involved in their quilting passion don't you also wonder what their life is like on an ordinary day? They become friends and you miss them when they're gone. What do they do when they're not quilting? Do they have the same routines and problems as the rest of us or are they always perfect, the way their quilts are or as we imagine them to be? It's like walking into the restroom at the mall with your mother when you were 9 and running into a teacher. Shocking! Yes, they actually shop and have to use the restroom just like the rest of us!

This blog has become so therapeutic for me lately I can't tell you. I think some of you understand that and I'm sure just click away when you don't want to read personal stuff, and are only looking for pictures of quilts. That's okay and I hope you're not too disappointed and come back. There will be more quilts - someday! Quilting is only a part of my life though. I feel like I've made so many friends from all over the world through your comments and good wishes and I hope at times I've been able to impart a bit of creative inspiration, humor, hope. Or maybe insight into just what makes this quilter tick, or perhaps what makes ALL of us tick, working things out through my ramblings as I go about my daily life.

So, never fear, Dear Readers, I won't disappear off the face of the earth. At least not quite yet. I will always try to be there for you, to entertain and inspire with tales of my dogs' antics, my adorable kids, mundane chores and often boring life . . .

So, if I'm not quilting, what's going on here? I am trying hard to get healthy and resume my exercise regimen. The doctor says I can walk, nothing else, so I've been walking a bit and trying to go a little farther every day. I get very discouraged sometimes but my husband reminded me last night that only 3 weeks ago I still had a difficult time getting up off the couch so walking 6 - 7  blocks (with puppy, at puppy pace!) is actually quite an accomplishment. I guess I need to stop looking at the glass half-empty and get out my gratitude journal again. I will be eating better soon too, less ice cream, more healthy fiber I hope, after I see the doctor on Thurs for my last post-op checkup.

I'm very behind on doing things around the house and other errands. Amazing what a bad year can do to your attempts at organization. I decided, however, not to think about all that and that it was time for some inspiration to keep me moving instead - I need to go shopping for some new shoes today.


These are looking pretty pathetic and I try to walk fast so no one sees the holes in the toes. But they are SO comfortable and broken in and I hate to give them up. Time for some pretty new shoes - That's number one on my Mundane list for later today.

I've also been catching up on reading and my daughter and I are going to the library after the shoe store. She's a little bummed because my son already has a summer job and, although she's applied for a few, there have not been any call backs for her in that department. Getting lost in a book helps.


I've been an Anna Quindlen fan since her NY Times column. I really, really enjoyed this book and want to get one of her earlier books I haven't read yet.

More Mundane

Cleaning up - Why does this take up so much of my time every day? Morning till night. Since my son graduated and has been home I feel like all I ever do is clean up. Never mind the nagging and yelling, I've learned to pick my battles and just do it so it gets done because I can't stand seeing dishes in the sink all the time. He's going to grad school in the Fall and hopes to get an apartment in the city after his summer job is over so I know our time together is limited and I don't complain too much. I'm just happy he's here. Even if he leaves dishes in the sink. And he'll be doing his own dishes soon enough.



We have a dishwasher, how hard can it be??

Making Snacks - This morning I spent time cutting up fruit and placing them into bowls  (LOL) so my kids can grab a healthy snack when they feel like snacking. Yes, I know, they're not pre-schoolers anymore - one is 22 and the other 18! They can cut up their own fruit, but I know they won't, and in the summer I can't help it, I always revert to Mom Mode, taking care of my cubs, enjoying the casual time spent with them at home, trying not to be the kind of mom who gripes too much. I know they can easily do these things themselves but I baby them nonetheless. My own mom used to do this for me and, I'm embarrassed to admit, also ironed my clothes until I was in my early twenties and moved out. Everything in its own time I always say . . . I eventually learned to iron and greatly appreciated everything she did for me when the time came to do it myself. Guess I'm passing on those bad habits.


I'm also back to preparing dinner most days - one regular and one vegetarian for my daughter. Takes time to shop and plan but I enjoy it and my husband is very appreciative after a long day at work. Plus, he does the evening clean up so I don't mind.


We're having pork chops, rice and apricots tonight because I turned to this page and, what luck! That's what's available in our freezer and pantry. The vegetarian meal?  Anybody's guess, LOL. Brown rice, vegetables and apricots perhaps?? Makes it easy on me.


Okay, so maybe I did have something to write about after all. You can't deny that my day is full - even if I'm taking it easy, puttering around, playing with the dogs, not quilting perhaps, but musing on the blog to keep my creative writing juices flowing at least. Has to count for something. But now I have to go shoe shopping and stick to the rest of the day's boring plans. No, not making time for quilting yet. If I get a few minutes later this afternoon, before starting dinner, I'll rest a bit on the sofa with my new Scrabble App to try to regenerate some of those brain cells I think I lost during my recent bout with anesthesia. So far, I'm beating the computer by more than 12 games. Not bad.

32 comments:

ann hermes said...

Ooh...scrabble app looks fun...I think I need that for my iPad. And my kids won't eat fruit unless I cut it up for them either.

Susan said...

Thank you for this post, Kathleen! I do so enjoy your blog and reading about your everyday life with or without quilts. Hang in there...time takes care of everything!

Marsha B said...

I enjoy reading whatever you have to writ about. Before moving to New Mexico a few years ago I lived in Northbrook for quite a while and reading your blog is like coming home. It's good to know you are healing, even if it is slower than you would like. You will be back to quilting and writing again soon. Take care and write whatever you feel like, I will be waiting to read it!

Diane said...

Glad to hear your up and about, even if it's not at full steam yet.

Raewyn said...

When I started blogging I didn't realise how much a part of my life it would become - the 2-way sharing of ideas and getting to know like minded people from around the world - and not just quilty things, the glimpses into other bloggers' lives is enriching - both the good and the bad gives strength and inspiration. Best wishes to you on your road to recovery.

Cathy said...

Like most of us I am as addicted to blogging as I am to quilting. It's nice to get a look at the personal lives of blogging friends. It makes us seem more like friends. I'm glad you are up and walking. That's a start. Eating healthy is good too. Hugs.

Lee Prairie Designs said...

Lovely post Kathleen. Walking---- good for you--- that's alot of blocks in such a short time after your surgery! Good job!!! Love your notes of a little of this and a little of that....this means you are relaxing more and enjoying your family. It's okay to spoil them because when there out of the house and families of there own it is a different matter-- even though we live close to each other and see them often they are very busy in their own lives and family--- it is different. Thank goodness for all the wonderful memories tuck inside.

Scrabble game looks like fun. Keep on puttering! It's okay. At least you are puttering! LOL :) Carolyn

Stephanie said...

Blogging and reading other blogs ROCKS! Sure, you're a virtual Peeping Tom, BUT you don't get your corneas scorched seeing something you'd rather you hadn't (plus, it's legal lol)! Dear Hubby doesn't get it, but it's WAAY cheaper than therapy--I instantly feel better hitting 'publish post'. Making friends from all over the globe, even if I'll never meet a single one of them and reading stuff that others have experienced, whether I can relate or not, is awesome. Keep it slow and steady, Kathleen! I'm rooting for you!!

Pat said...

Kathleen, thanks for sharing your life with us. Even mundane things are fun to read about. After all they are a part of life. I am finishing up your Schoolgirl Sampler Quilt from "Prairie Children and Their Quilts. It is the perfect size for the doll bed my husband made for me. Will be watching for new things from you when you are ready and completely recovered.

Hellen Sigurbjörg said...

I love reading your blog, and it is one out of few I read through even if it is about other things than quilting.

Jocelyn said...

Oh my Kathy, I remember when I had my back injury last summer, how hard it was to NOT do things. And the first time I walked around the block was exhausting. Yes it is good to share our lives. I don't have much contact with other quilters where I live, so it is good food for me. Take care and keep blogging :-)

Cheryl said...

You are such a talented writer that I never get bored reading your posts whether they are about quilts or not. Your kids will be gone before you know it, so go ahead and spoil them. Another good word game is Text Twist. I play it in hopes of one day actually beating my dear friend at Scrabble! Glad to hear you are getting stronger.

Merilyn said...

You are sounding less stressed Kathy!! and that's a good thing! I always enjoy reading your posts regardless of what they're about! Sounds like you are slowly getting there, being able to do a few things in the kitchen and going for your recovery walks all makes for a slow but sure return to your old self. Yes life does get in the way sometimes, but that's how it is.....
Take care!!

quiltingnana said...

I have to admit that I have be remiss in blogging....I thought that others wouldn't really want to read about my mundane things....you made me rethink this....so I will try

cheri back to larkrise said...

Kathleen, Writing about the simple things of life is what all of us can relate to with each other.Being a author and sharing your knowledge of quilting is great to hear about but like all of us life struggles hit everyone. Were all just humans trying to make a carbon imprint on this world and you have done that. Smiles Cheri

Miki Willa said...

It is good to read that you are getting better. It doesn't sound like you are getting all that much rest. I enjoyed reading your post today. Thank you.

Jackie said...

TFS Kathy. I enjoyed reading your post. Sounds a bit, oops, a lot like my life. LOL.
Jackie

Anonymous said...

I love to read about your life, especially because it's different than mine, and also, in an strange way, the same. We're all human, after all! Besides all the differences in culture and daily life, we all have to deal with everyday problems and bigger-than-life challenges, such as health and other serious problems. So keep writing about it; I love it ( and I'm not the only one!).
And yes, you DEFINITELY nead new walking shoes...you deserve them! LOL

Me and My Stitches said...

Doesn't sound mundane - it's just life! And I am totally with you on the dirty dishes. It is just as easy to put them in the dishwasher as it is to put them in the sink! Seems like you just get the kitchen cleaned up and...poof! More dishes in the sink! Happy shoe shopping!

Nicky said...

Hi there Kathleen seems like you are getting back in the swing of some things. I have just ordered your first Doll Quilt book so I will be joining you in sewing as well as blog!

Beth said...

Glad to hear you are able to do all that you are doing. Sounds like a lot to me. You are walking, cooking, picking up after the family. Yep sounds like lots to me. Hang in there and you will be back to full speed before you know it.
Always enjoy your posts no matter what the subject matter.

Heartsdesire said...

It's always great to take a peak into someone else's life. Makes you realize that, for most of us, life is pretty much the same whether we're quilting or not. Glad to hear you're making progress in your recovery. I'm sure the walking helps, especially with the puppy. It's nice to be able to take time and look around. Those shoes have to go, though.lol Be sure and post a picture of the new ones.

marian said...

nothing to write about indeed! i thoroughly enjoyed your 'mundane' post, Kathy & i agree it's extremely therapeutic to put 'pen to paper'..and i bet you're feeling much brighter now that you did!
new shoes always help too, i bet they'll put a bounce in your step lol!!
btw scrabble's my fave board game, i've never thought to play it on the computer though, i must look into that!
cheers, Marian x

Janny Schoneveld@wxs.nl said...

When your daughter can not find a summerjob, maybe she can do some cleaning in your house and get paid for it. In Holland we say, two flies in one hit!
And I liked reading your blog so don't get worried about us readers.
Greetings from a sunny Holland

Radka said...

I thought you had nothing to write about? LOL!!! Well done!

Donna Keating said...

It's amazing how much there is to say on a blog if you just let it flow. So glad you are no longer in great pain and can move off that darn couch.

Donna K. from N. TX
http://www.quiltingbeargal.blogspot.com

The Civil War Quilter said...

I'm with you, I enjoy hearing about blogger's daily lives too. I love seeing their quilts, but it's fun to hear the inside scoop on the blogger too. I hope you show us the shoes you bought!

Quilting Corner said...

Thank you for your post. We all think about these things from time to time. Take it slow, recover and before you know it you'll be back to your old self.
Fondly, Etty

Daniëlle said...

Oh Kathy, hihi, you have written half a book!! Maybe the rest follows when you do have something to write about LOL. But ... I recognize most of what you are writing and I think most of your readers do also. Things are never only about the perfect quilt hihi. Please keep on writing, I will do too and we allow ourselves a little break every now and then ok? Not too long of course hihi! Take care, hugs, Daniëlle

Helene Juul said...

Dear Kathleen. I enjoy reading your blog, no matter what you write about. I also enjoy getting to know the person behind the quilter and blogger.
I have had the same thoughts as you, when I find it hard to find the time to blog ... and when I feel that I have nothing to blog about, being a busy mum, quilt designer, quilt shop owner .. and school teacher at the same time. There's not much time to sew. And most of what I actually do acomplish with my needle is kind of secret until they are finish as they are usually for new patterns og BOMs for the shop.
I hope you will recover nicely and wish you a nice summer.

Truffle queen said...

Enjoyed your post! Looking forward to meeting you on Tuesday!

Deb said...

Hello Kathleen! I hope you got some new walking shoes!! I read in Prevention magazine that one should replace their walking shoes every 6 months to 1 year, depending on how much you walk. Mostly because the support INSIDE the shoe breaks down. At the time I read that, I had been wearing the same sneakers for several years. They were leather. They hadn't "worn out." So, I got a new pair. I was AMAZED at how much better the new pair felt. Even though I thought my old shoes were still "ok" they really weren't supporting my feet anymore.

Deb from clutteredquilter.blogspot.com
PS: Maybe I am nosey, but I like reading about others lives. It reminds me of how normal (and sometimes abnormal) my own life is!!