My dear friend Rue recently wrote on her wonderful blog, An Old Fashioned World, a heartfelt post that struck a chord with me.
It's been resonating in my brain every since I read it and I feel I have to chat with all my lovely readers about it.
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I haven't been blogging very long but in the short time I've been a blogger this online world of new friendships has stolen my heart.
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Even more incredible is how many of you take time out of your busy day to leave me a comment.
I truly love each and every one of your comments and I'm not sure if you realize I reply to every one of them right here on my blog.
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I assumed that the reply went to your email as a notification but Rue's post made me think twice about that.
Remember....this is all new to me.
Am I doing the right thing?
Do some of you not know that I respond to your sweet comments?
Should I be replying in a different format?
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I know there have been folks that commented for a while and then I didn't hear anything more from them.
I simply thought their lives were like mine, busy and full, and perhaps they didn't have time right now to leave a little note.
But maybe that's not it? Maybe I've upset people as they didn't realize I was commenting back?
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Sometimes life gets in the way and I might go missing for a few days while I catch up.
But know this....I will be back.
And I'll pop around for a visit and it's almost like we are having a cup of tea or a cocktail together while I find out what's been going on in your life.
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I feel better after our little chat.
Thanks to my sweet friend Rue for bringing me into the light.
And thanks to all of my sweet amazing readers who inspire me daily to continue to write about my little mountain top world.
It may be small but to me it's everything.
And then some.
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Sharing at:
- Bernideens Tea Time
- Best of the Weekend
- Inspire Me Tuesday
- Share Your Cup Thursday
- Simple Saturdays
- Thoughts Of Home On Thursday
- Thursday Favorite Things
- Tuesdays at Our Home
- Tweak It Tuesday
I love your blog and am so glad I found you. I think it's so sweet when you come by mine too...it is like we are chatting. Don't worry about people who pop in and out sometimes life does get in the way and sometimes I do think that people follow us in different ways and those ways are constantly changing.
ReplyDeleteYes!! I can't wait to see more about your new home and your farm in the months ahead, Valerie!!
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ReplyDeleteOops, sorry I had to delete my previous comment. I looked at it after I posted it, and there were some grammatical errors. Typing too quickly. ;-) No, I did not know you replied to comments! I used to do that too, until I realized that readers are not going to come back to my blog just to read my reply back to their comment. If someone asks me a question or I feel a need to explain something they commented on, I will either email that person or reply in a comment on their blog. Does that make sense? Anyway, what it boils down to...this is YOUR blog and what YOU feel is right is best for you. I love your blog and reading about your life. I wish we were neighbors! :-)
ReplyDeleteMe, too, Melanie....me, too.
DeleteI enjoy reading your blog and seeing your beautiful pictures. You will continue to learn more about blogging. I always read and reply to the comments on my blog. I do it by email and not so much on the blog below the comments. I posted some time ago and some come back to read the replys and some do not. They only reply like I do by email. Than there are the no reply comments. I am still not sure about them. I always try to reply to them on my blog below their comments they post on my blog and I do not know if they read them. I just feel guilty not saying anything to them. Just remember to enjoy your blog, because I do.
ReplyDeleteOh, I certainly do enjoy my blog, without a doubt - and it means so much to me that so many of you do also!
DeleteOn some posts, I comment to comments, and sometimes I don't. Depends on what kind of post it is, and how much time I have. Lately I haven't had much time because I'm in the middle of a big kitchen project. I think, depending on the subject matter, people do come back and read the comments. And sometimes they don't.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
I think I shall continue to reply right here....but I changed my "please leave a comment" notation to let people know that. I decided on that method early this morning - seems like a good solution for now!
DeleteI read Rue's post also and she just tells it like it is, doesn't she? Love that gal. Well, I probably reply the old fashioned way - if someone comes to my blog and comments, I go right back to their blog and comment. Even if I got 100 comments, not that I do, I would find the time to comment back to every one, unless I'm out traveling or can't get to my blog. That's the way we always did it many years ago. I know some folks don't always replay back but I really try to and I always go to the person's blog. We all love to receive comments. I get some folks who don't comment on my blog at all but do it by email, then I will comment back by email. I have some folks who comment but they don't have blogs so then I comment on my blog. You have to do what works best for you.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
I do visit the blogs of the folks that visit me, for sure - because you are so right, we love to receive comments, don't we? :)
DeleteYou sound like me or the rest of us in ways. :):) I miss posts once in awhile. I love seeing your pictures, reading about what you plan to do this summer , or have done. I think it's nice to know none of us are alone. Blogging helps me thru the dullest days, or takes my mind off stressful things happening in my everyday life. I have visited blogs , that if I don't like them , I don't comment or go back. We are all different, yet a like in many ways. Blessings to you, xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeleteSo true, Susie - we're all just looking for a bit of peace at the end of the day, aren't we?
DeleteI love your blog! I use to read many of them and got tired of the same old thing. Rearranging the same pillow over and over again just bored the day lights out of me. You have a mix of topics and I've enjoyed the cooking too. I have Dutch Oven Bread in my oven right now that we'll enjoy with Italian Sausage soup. I look forward to your garden and what comes next. Glad that you hopped on board with your blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm probably going to sound stupid but do you really live on a mountain? I'm scared to death of heights and picture you hanging off the side of a cliff. Went to Table Rock Lake in Mo and the family thought I was going to die. We literally were in a cabin hanging off the side of a cliff. While beautiful I couldn't even make it out on the deck. In order to leave and go do fun things for the day mom had to take a few Benadryl so I was loopy enough to get in the car without jumping out the window. I plan the vacations now instead of the hubby! :)
Ha ha - yes, I really do live on a mountain! But we don't hang off a cliff....although there are some roads up and down the mountain that are beyond scary with the drop off protected by just a tiny guardrail! I couldn't buy one of those houses like you described...they are up here, but not mine!! I'd be like you - too scared to go out on the deck! Thanks so much for visiting, Patti - and for making me giggle!! :)
DeleteI need to configure my blog so I can comment back to people.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if I know how to even do that.
Like you, I love to hear from people via their comments.
Blogging makes the world seem like a smaller place.
It really does - some of the bloggers I visit are overseas and yet we all have the same little world when it comes to sharing our homes and our lives on our blogs!
DeleteI just found your blog and already love it. I look forward to getting to know you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elizabeth - I love meeting new blog friends - it makes my day!! :)
DeleteI just found your blog and already love it. I look forward to getting to know you!
ReplyDeleteYou have a great blog. I never leave a comment to someone's comment on my blog, nor do I go back to see if a blogger has left one to my comment on their blog. I do try to leave a comment to those who are kind enough to leave me one, but sometimes I just plain don't have time to get to everyone. I try to answer any questions by email, if at all possible.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!
Thanks so much, Marigene - I truly appreciate your frequent visits and your comments!
DeleteI feel the same way about this blogging world. Love and cherish the friendships I have made. I respond through e-mail because I don't think a lot of people see the responses on our own blog. I try to respond to every one, but once in a while I get too busy and miss a few. I hope my sweet friends understand. I answer a lot more than I miss.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
I think perhaps some folks get the responses in their email? I know I get responses in my email so I always assumed everyone did....but perhaps it depends on the platform they are on? I don't know, I'm confused! Anyway, I'll keep responding here....in my head, it's like we're having a little chat when I do it that way!
DeleteAlways something to learn in this land of blogs, isn't there? I had never read a blog before I hit publish, so I didn't know anything about comment reply. I knew that it was kind to return a visit/ comment, so I did, but I didn't know about emailing commenters back. So I always answered my comments on the blog. When I found out you could email (some ) of them back, I did, but I also answered on the blog in case others were curious about my response. Especially if it was a question. So now I answer comments on the blog and via email, return visits and comment. It is a long process some days, but that is what blogging and community is all about to me...but like Sheila said, we all have to do what's best for us!:)
ReplyDeleteI had read a couple....but certainly not nearly as many as I follow now! Isn't it amazing how many bloggers are out there in this big old world?
DeleteOh honey... you shouldn't worry yourself about what I say. I just flap my mouth and think about it later LOL My biggest problem, besides flapping my mouth, is trying to figure out what to do these days as well and I've been doing it an awfully long time. Although I did take an almost 4 year break ;)
ReplyDeleteHonestly, SO MUCH has changed. You couldn't even reply to comments when I left and you couldn't email them. You just commented on your blog or went to theirs. If you wanted to email you were lucky if anyone supplied one. So, I don't know the right answer. I just do what I can and hope people understand.
The only thing I can tell you is... be true to yourself... do what you think is right... and don't kill yourself tying to keep up.
hugs to you, my friend,
rue
I'm a mouth flapper too, Rue....perhaps that's why you and I connect so well?! Hugs right back at ya, sweet friend - always a pleasure to hear from you!
DeleteI do what several others have mentioned. If there is a specific question asked, I answer that comment on the blog as well as email them. Other than that I do not answer comments to another blogger, but visit them instead. I may answer comments to readers that don't have a blog, though. Unless I have asked a specific question and hope to see an answer on another blog I never return to see if they replied or not; too little time for that! :)
ReplyDeleteI've been doing both...answering here and also popping around and visiting. As time allows, of course! :) Never enough time....never enough...
DeleteI noticed when I started following you that you replied on your blog, so I often check back to see if you had responded. I know just what you mean, though...most people never see the responses. Most of my comments come into my email, so I respond there, and then visit. Just do what works for you. I always enjoy my visits to your lovely blog!
ReplyDeleteRight back at you, Linda - I love seeing your smiling face popping up on my comments!
DeleteNot having a blog, if I do make a comment, I try to check back later to see if there was a reply. I have said several times, that not being a blogger, I always feel like the outsider who is gazing over at the cool kid table. I think that usually, bloggers do reply to and acknowledge other bloggers much more often than others. That being said, you and Claudia (Mockingbird Hill Cottage) and Rue do usually answer and acknowledge ALL comments. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI've told you before that I do so enjoy your posts. I am looking forward to your gardening posts this year!! Can't wait to get some dirt under my nails as well! Yay, Spring!
Wow, Chris - I surely hope that other bloggers don't make you feel like you don't fit in just because you don't have a blog? I would hate to think that - after all, if it weren't for readers like you, none of us would have much of a blog! I'm going to have to pop over and visit Claudia - I'm not familiar with her blog - thanks for the tip! Oh, and by the way....I destroyed my nails this weekend playing out in the garden - and I loved it! My back still hurts, though....:(
DeleteLike Chris K, I also do not have a blog and not being part of the blogging community, I have never commented before. However, I love your blog and find it inspirational in many ways.
ReplyDeleteWell, Susan, I truly appreciate you commenting now! And I thank you sincerely for your absolutely sweet and inspiring words!
DeleteMorning! No...I didn't realize you commented on comments....because I never checked back! I'm not a blogger...so like Chris K in Wisconsin said....we look at bloggers as the cool kids! I don't always comment, because sometimes I just don't have the time. Hope you understand. But I do always read your blog....even if it's several days later. Your life on the mountain top is interesting....and I can't wait for your gardening posts! I too need dirt under my fingernails! ;)
ReplyDeleteDonnamae, that's so wonderful just to know you visit regularly - I really do love to hear that! It means that even though I'm not a 'fancy' blogger like some, there are many folks out there who just like what I have to say! Hugs!!
DeleteA lovely post and very honest. I just recently found your blog and so happy I did! I don't return to blogs to see if there are replies to comments...just don't have time. I try to always email a response and that's getting more difficult due to the "no reply bloggers". That drives me crazy! I go to the person's blog and search for an email, however, many times there is not one listed.
ReplyDeleteI think you should do what works for you! :)
xo
Pat
See....that's why I didn't even understand when people mentioned "no reply bloggers" - that completely confused me since I was replying to EVERYONE right here!! :) So glad you found my blog and I'm popping over to visit you right now!
DeleteI didn't know you responded to each comment until I asked you about reheating your quiche. When I went back to the question a couple of days later, I was glad to see your response. I always go back now because I enjoy your comments and answers. I look forward to your blog and thoroughly enjoy your gardening, bird feeding, decorating, and recipes! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAwww, thanks, Deborah! You know....my daughter is completely and totally addicted to that quiche recipe - I had to teach her how to make it the other day! :)
DeleteI am one of those people who reads the blog appreciate your word and the sharing of the pix but very seldom do i leave a comment. I do want to say thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMae, thank you so very much for taking time to leave a comment today! And know that if you do comment, I will reply right here...like we're sharing a cup of tea and chatting!
DeleteI already knew that you responded to comments so no worries! I enjoy reading your blog and am always happy when I see a new post is up!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Diane!! I feel the same way about the blogs I follow - I can't wait sometimes for their new posts to come out!!
DeleteThis blogging world has been such a joy for me, such wonderful friendships have evolved. I personally try to respond to every comment on my blog. A dear blogging friend, NanaDiana, about a year ago or so, had a post on her blog about no-reply bloggers, and how difficult it was to have a friendship with other bloggers if you have the no-reply blogger set in your blogger settings. I was one of those who had no clue about such a thing. I changed my setting so that I was NOT a no-reply blogger, which really opened up the world of blogging to me, because now every time someone replies to a comment I have made, I receive an email with their response.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, hope this helps! Have a blessed and wonderful day :)
So does that mean you receive an email with my responses? I'm curious....it doesn't seem that everyone does. I'm so confused!! :)
DeleteI found a post that may offer better information than I was able to give you on the no-reply blogger problem.
ReplyDeletehttp://junkchiccottage.blogspot.com/2015/02/feeling-little-ignored-not-getting-your.html
Also, people who are on Google plus sometimes have their settings on their blogs where you can't reply unless you have a Google Plus account, and that is frustrating as well. I always try to email them to let them know this, but many times google won't even let you email them without joining! So frustrating. Anyway... hopefully this will help you and maybe some of your readers out :)
Thanks so much - I'm going to check out that link!
DeleteI love your blog, and I covert your house so much, it hurts. Is that a mortal sin? Well. I'm a Pagan, and as our only law is ,'Do as you will. but hurt none', which when you think about it just about sums up the Christian ideal. Anyway, I don't think loving your home so much is hurting you. I'm disabled (MS) and have to live in a specially adapted bungalow, and although I really appreciate that the UK government provides it for me, I long to live back in the mountains. I lived for 5 years in the US and 3 years in South Africa. I live in a small village in the county of Norfolk now, which, though pretty. is the flattest area of the UK. Your blog gives me a glimpse of the mountains again, and it really lifts my spirits, so thank you. I really look forward to reading it and seeing your wonderful pics. I don't have a blog, but I do tick the 'notify me' box so I get replies to my e-mail address
ReplyDeleteWow, Lesley, you have lived many places! I have only lived in NY, although I've lived in many areas around the state. My mountain home is by far my favorite! The views never get old, that's for sure - I just love living in the mountains! Thanks for your sweet words and your visit - glad to 'meet' you! :)
DeleteI'm a fairly new reader here. I'm sure I've commented. I know I do
ReplyDeletein my head:+). I never thought to return and look for a reply from you. I'm not a blogger just a reader.
I like your blog. I love the mountains and the country life.
I also read Rue's blog. I read a lot of blogs and I try to comment when I can.
Take care,
Monica
Hi Monique! So glad you're here and that you're enjoying my little slice of life! :)
DeleteI am a "new kid on the block" and still learning as I go. You are way ahead of me (very consistent)with your posts and replies. So sweet of you to be concerned with everyone's feelings Debbie :)
ReplyDeleteI truly do cherish all the comments and if people take time out of their day to write to me I like to write back! :)
DeleteWhat a great post and something we all relate too! Thanks for sharing and caring!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Bernideen!
DeleteI enjoyed this post so much.
ReplyDeleteWe all need to share our blogging feelings and experiences more often.
Thank you for joining Thoughts of Home on Thursday!
Laura
WSP
My pleasure, Laura - and thank you for your sweet comment!
DeleteYou're doing fine!! I reply as often as humanly possible but let me let you in on a secret...I won't remember or realize it if you don't write me back. I bet others don't either unless they have a question. Now that I've said that I will say that blogging is a two way street to me but not everyone sees it that way. Sometimes I stop and realize that I have NEVER heard back from someone I speak to often and that kinda stings. Oh well... :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your sweet thinking with Thoughts of Home on Thursday.
I agree - I have stopped visiting certain blogs because the bloggers don't return a visit....after leaving many comments, I would think they might be even a little bit curious or courteous? I have so many wonderful blog friends out there I don't miss those few!
DeleteI once stressed over if I should reply back to my commenters. If I comment on one, Ill comment on all for that particular post, otherwise I just smile at the comments and enjoy them. BUT what I will do is comment for comment. Everyone who leaves me a comment and return one on their blog. I have learned of a few people I know that reply to all comments and so I will check back to see a reply.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog by the way.
Lisa :)
Thanks so much, Lisa, for both your feedback and your sweet comment!! Nice to meet a new blog friend!!
DeleteYour post was good to read. Sometimes it is difficult to get back to everyone in a timely manner. I have the same issue on Instagram. But, I think most people know we are all busy and that we are all trying.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at SYC.
I try to get on at least once per day to respond to all my comments because I really do appreciate so much all the visitors to my little blog!
DeleteGood Morning Dear Mountain Mama,
ReplyDeleteIt all becomes quite complicated doesn't it and then it worries me just like it does you.
Sometimes I respond too much and then other times not enough. Finding balance is so difficult and then life gets in the way.
You always say and do the right things because I can feel it coming straight from your heart.
Thank you for joining us in Thoughts Of Home On Thursday and for your continued friendship too.
Jemma
Good Morning Sweet Jemma!! I always love seeing your smiling photo popping up on my comments....good to hear from you, my friend! xo
DeleteI loved Rue's post too. Honestly with my packed daily schedule I do not have time to revisit a blog to see if a comment has been left for me. It is not automatic. I personally have all of my comments sent to my email address and make sure I visit the person on their blog. If they don't have one I send them a direct email. It just seems more personal to me. But blogging should above all make each blogger happy, so do what suits you. This post was truly a joy to read and I hope that you will continue adding your ray of sunshine every week on Thoughts of Home on Thursdays.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your insight and kind words, Laura!
DeleteI've been at this 3 years (almost to the day!), and I'm still learning things. I used to answer comments right on my blog post, until another blogger enlightened me. I thought my comments would trigger an email back to them, and I was shocked (and upset!) to find out that it didn't. I do think some blogs work this way, but not Blogger. So now, I respond to comments via email. I feel guilty when I don't get to them in a timely way. I also like to visit everyone who comments on my blog. It's time consuming, and sometimes it takes me a while to respond, but we bloggers just do the best we can! I really enjoy your blog, by the way!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy - I really enjoy your blog also! I guess I have to give some thought to how I reply....for now I'm keeping it as is, but who knows what I'll do in the future. After all, I've only been doing this since August so I still have a lot to learn!
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