I don’t think I’m finished here, thoughts on the last day of 2012

December 31, 2012 by Filed Under: blogging, confessions

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I’m not even sure how I can say I’m not finished here when I have no idea if I’ll have even one more word to write. The thought of maintaining two blogs, here and there, is still daunting. In many ways I want the words over there to be just as personal as the ones here. But the words here have a long history and maybe still a few readers that are up to date on that history. When I write here I don’t feel like I have a lot of explaining to do because you know me already.

It’s weird to think that an online space can be so defining.

For so long I’ve been ready to shut this one down. Download my entire blog and not renew the domain. There’s something inviting about starting fresh. And it was only today that the thought that I’m not quite finished over here made me change my mind.

office wood desk

This is where I blog. I took this photo in May. Since then I’ve killed the succulents and the warm spring sunshine coming through the window has given way to the sound of rain and gray light. And it sort of reflects how I’ve felt about opening my blog and seeing a blank page lately.

But I read this post by Seth Godin, Writer’s Block and the Drip, and it is so what I believe. It’s like exercise or cleaning the kitchen. You have to make yourself do it every single day and when you do you’ll be glad you did it.

I don’t want to quit writing. It’s part of me. I’ve been confused for a while about which words go where, but I’m going to plunge ahead with my mantra, just do it, even if it’s wrong and change it later. It’s how I do everything from homeschooling to cleaning house to photography. Dive in and make changes along the way.

I’m going to write every day either here or there. Follow me both places if you want to keep up or just hang around over here if you like it best. I’m just thankful you’re still reading, but I’m going to write even if you’re not.

Happy New Year!

 

 

10 Comments
  • Flower Patch Farmgirl

    I’m here, Sister. Really like this a whole lot.

  • http://afamiliarpath.com/ Melissa Stover

    I love that u commented. and that you’re here.

    Melissa Stover
    http://melissastover.com
    @melissastover

  • Christy Byrd

    I still read every post! I miss you so and it helps me keep up with you.

  • Ruthanne

    Of course you’re not done here. I would be so sad.

  • Stacy Averette

    I’m here, too. You’ll never know how much your words, your honesty, have meant to me. I’ve had many, many personal struggles this year. This Familiar Path has been like an old friend. I have come here many days, not to talk or unload my stuff as a “real-life friend” might expect; but to just “be” in your life for a moment. Very, very comforting. Thank you, for really, really keeping it real.

  • http://afamiliarpath.com/ Melissa Stover

    thank you! thank you for leaving this comment. it means so much.

  • http://afamiliarpath.com/ Melissa Stover

    :)

  • http://afamiliarpath.com/ Melissa Stover

    thank you for saying that! it’s an encouragement.

  • mamaduso

    I read all your posts too, however I only know you’ve updated when posted the link on fb. it seems I never go to my blog reader anymore. I have no idea how many unread blogposts there are there. In fact, unless a link is posted on fb, I just don’t read blogs anymore. I haven’t missed it…I always felt like I needed to keep up and it go overwhelming to me. I tried deleting blogs, but then the reader always adds them back in. Thanks google.

  • Just One Donna

    Hi Melissa. You were helpful to me back in my first months of blogging and for that I am grateful. I too, am pushing against the block and wonder about continuing my blog. Seems that we are like many others, as most bloggers give up after a year or two. Will that be me? I don’t know, but as I take the time to decide I’ll be checking in with you now and then to see what’s up.