THAT IS THE QUESTION!
Do any of you feel like this?
I thought so!
Well a couple of months ago, I felt like
Both Bob and I were having some health issues, which turned out to be minor. After a certain age, it's patch, patch, patch. You never know if it's a loose screw (yes, I know the significance of that analogy) or if you need a new motor or transmission. Glad to say we only had a few loose screws.
We are thankful for the good Lord and all of you sweet friends who prayed for us.
We are thankful for the good Lord and all of you sweet friends who prayed for us.
I completed my physical therapy last week. The therapist recommended that I begin to use a cane inside and outside the house. We negotiated... I agreed to use a cane outside of the house. As it turns out, I can't chew gum and walk at the same time. Seems I am at risk for falling but I have learned some coping skills and I am doing fine. The additional issues were either resolved or are being managed.
During this time I pondered. Should I continue blogging? I wasn't sure I was contributing anything to this forum. I was unable to keep up with you younger ladies and I was laboriously slow at producing each post. I found myself feeling guilty when my inbox ballooned and I was unable to keep up with the replies. I was trying to visit each of you lovely people, see what you had created, cooked or thrifted. Wow, you are a prolific bunch!
"It seemed the faster I went the behinder I got."
I loved the experience but I was spending hours trying to stay caught up with my new friends, while keeping the health department from condemning our home.
In my younger years and of course pre Internet, I could craft, thrift, refurbish, recycle with the best. I am glad to so many of the tried and true ideas are seeing a revival on the Internet. I love the new spin you add to each thing you create.
Visiting each of you rekindled my spirit and gave me the desire to get into the game, again. I know I am MUCH older than most of you. I wasn't sure if you would enjoy reading an old woman's ramblings. All of you were so kind and inclusive but I still struggled with the falling behind dilemma.
THEN
FRUITCAKE CHANGED EVERYTHING!
Oh yes, I know all the fruitcake jokes!
Some of you may remember this
I told you about Mrs. Oglesby's fruitcake recipe that Bob and I have used for almost forty years.
~~~~~~
Several weeks ago, I received an email from a lady named Kay. She was unknown to me but I opened the email.
Kay asked me about Mrs. Oglesby's recipe and if I still had the recipe.
She went on to tell me, her mother, who is in her eighties, baked this fruitcake each year, for as long as she could remember. Kay and her sister fondly remembered their mother-daughter fruitcake baking days.
A little over a year ago, Kay's mom entrusted her with the recipes when mom moved in with the sister. Mom, told Kay she was giving the recipes to her because she knew Kay would take care of them. Tragically, Kay's home burned to the ground sometime after. Kay lost everything, furnishings, clothing, pictures, precious mementos and the recipes. After living in their camper for seven months, Kay has now moved into a newly built home, minus her family treasures.
It turned out Kay lives in a small town about an hour west of me and I mailed her the recipes. Kay, her mom and sister were able to get together at Kay's new home and once again bake fruitcake.
SOME PEOPLE REALLY LOVE FRUITCAKE!
I was curious and asked Kay how she learned I had the recipes. She said she had googled "Mrs Oglesby's Fruitcake" and found my post from last year.
Kay's words... "I would so appreciate receiving these recipes. Thank you and know you made someones Thanksgiving and Christmas a little sweeter".
Those words meant a lot to me. More than she could ever realize.
Kay and I exchanged several emails. She is a cancer survivor and a very brave woman. She contacted me Thanksgiving evening to say the cake turned out well and was shared by her twenty five guests, in her new home.
I now realize there is a reason I blog. Many of you may have already discovered this truth. If we write from our heart and keep it real, the small pebble tossed into the pond of the Internet, may ripple to reach and touch some heart. Even one heart is enough.
So, I'm back in! I treasure all of you... the special blog friends I have made. Please know that each of you have touched my heart in a very special way.
I am taking the oath:
I will blog guilt free, take each day as it comes and cherish the friends who still come to visit.
Merry Christmas!
and
Happy Chanukah!
Join me as I party with these friends:
39 comments:
Welcome back, Miss Ginger, you were missed (especially at the conference in October). One day at a time, march or walk to your own beat. I actually had to stop following several blogs (who were not following me anyway) because I could not keep up with their prolific ways. I was not inspired, but hating myself for not having things or being able to do things. I don't worry about making money or going on television (believe me, some gals do). I do it 'cause its fun and when it starts to feel like too much work, I take a little vacay from it! Glad to have you back, Ginger. Just keep being you. xo
Oh, Ginger, I was sitting at my computer comtemplating this same thing when your post popped up! That post that I told you about has been drumming my brain today all day, and after you thoughts on the subject, I know I need to get back to blogging, too, and write what I am feeling and thinking. I may be a pebble, too!
So glad you are back!
Hugs,
GraceinAZ (Pat)
Ahhh...so happy that fruit cake changed everything! I get your feelings Ginger...and totally understand. I am literally like a hamster on a wheel. One day, I am just going to tucker out. I love blogging though:) and will keep going til my time is done..I think!
Welcome back, Ginger! You've certainly been missed! Thank you for sharing this sweet story; I think it's one that should speak to many of us.
I don't know your age (and I'm not about to ask) :-D but I'm 52, and I certainly can't keep up with these busy, busy bloggers. But I have to do what I can do, and try to enjoy it. My husband says he's glad I enjoy it, but he doesn't want it becoming a stressful obsession.
I have met some wonderful friends through blogging, and that means a lot to me. By kindly sharing this fruitcake recipe, you made someone's Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays brighter, and it looks like you've made a new friend in the process.
I'm very glad yours and your husband's health problems were not major ones. Have a wonderful weekend, and blog on. :)
Denise at Forest Manor
You just never know what's going to make such a huge difference in someone's life. Great post. I really do like homemade fruitcakes:-)
Nice to see you back Ginger,I'm sure I can speak for all of us to say you were missed.
I agree, it is so nice to keep it real. I find all the blogs I visit they are very real. I feel like they are all known to me personally.I can blog as little or as much as I like and noone seems to mind. Just enjoy. A merry Christmas to you and yours and a safe and blessed New Year.xx
I am so glad to see you back, Ginger. Now get those fingers limbered up and working again! Love ya- xo Diana
A very nice post Ginger! Welcome back and have fun:@)
What a heart warming story, Ginger! I was happy to see a new post by you in my reader this morning! Glad you are doing well!
Miss Ginger, I missed you! I'm glad you're back. I understand your questioning to continue blogging. I felt like that this summer. I work, have two children and lots of responsibilities at my church. By the time I complete a post, the link party I hoped to join is often closed!!! Ha! I just enjoy it, so I keep on! AND, as a fellow Georgian, I am not shocked about the fruitcake! My family loves it - esp Japanese Fruitcake and, hey, why are you baking? Don't you live near Claxton?! Welcome back! I love reading you!
A wonderful post. Glad your hanging in there, and Merry Christmas!
Oh Ginger, you are such a blessing to me. I'm so glad to see you back in blogland and feeling better! Love and kisses, precious friend.
You've asked the question many of us ponder. Blogging gets to be a way of life that takes up far more time than it should. On the other hand we'd miss out on so much if we didn't connect with all the wonderful people who are doing the same thing.
Ginger, I am so happy that you are back. I missed you but kept you in my thoughts and prayers. Keep on, keeping on!!! xo
What a wonderful heart warming story and so glad you are back :)
So glad you are back. Have thought of you often!!
What a wonderful story about the fruitcake. I am a firm believer in guilt-free blogging. Read blogs when you can, post when you can. Glad you've decided to stay in the game.
Ginger, this post brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. We never know all the people that are touched by our actions. Those little ripples wash up on the beach of others lives and brings joy to them.
I am struggling with similar issues and I hae realized I need to adjust my life to deal with the impacts of my health so that will be my challenge for the coming year.
I am glad you are continuing to blog, I always enjoy your posts and your point of view.
Traci
What a heartwarming post Ginger! Thanks for taking the time to share it with all of us!
Happy,healthy holidays to you and yours!
I don't know your age, I'll be 67 in 3 months. I do know that blogging takes a lot of time even tho I'm not working anymore. I can't keep up with those that do it every day, but I enjoy it and don't worry about it when I have to miss a few days. My two cents...we should just blog at our own pace and have fun with it. When we need to take a break, that's okay!
I'm glad you're blogging again, this is a wonderful post! I've never made fruitcake, I may have to try your recipe, sounds yummy!
Oh Miss Ginger, I'm so thrilled you are back! You wouldn't believe it, but I have you always on my thoughts and of course prayers for sure...but I always think of you and TODAY I was finishing baking a whole butch of cookies for my niece's b'day and didn't stop my mind from bringing you back, and I said: I'll finish and I'll go send Miss Ginger a mail and ask about both of you..and here you are!!! I am so incredibly happy you're back blogging, I didn't blog for 3 weeks with lots of issues, family and blog..but I missed you all sooo much, it's like I'm so attached to you guys and YES, my heart just got rekindled some more with you around! Luv ya!
FABBY
Oh! and I think I'll give the fruitcake a try and take it to Sofia, as will be at her house this Xmas. I never had great luck making them, but maybe I'll give this one a try. I'm soooo happy you're back hon, it really put a big smile on my face, which hasn't been smiling much lately. Have a terrific week and see you later! Give Bob a hug for me.
FABBY
Its funny because I'm against chat rooms, and other forms of social media which is targeted at kids, or teenagers. I don't tweet, because I don't think people want to know when I go to starbucks or what I drink, or how I feel at that particular moment. However I love blogging. Even if no one reads it. You meet other people with similar hobbies, likes, dislikes, etc... All of a sudden you feel like you belong to a bigger group. The people who's blogs you read, or those who read yours, are relevant to you. Keep blogging Ginger! You are appreciated by kindred spirits.
Welcome back! Just in time for CHRISTMAS!
YAY! You're back and I'm thrilled to see you. I almost emailed you a couple of days ago to see how you're doing. Glad you're still "kickin'" I know what you mean about not blogging. I've thought of that,too, but then I'd miss everyone so much. I know you'll post when you have the time. Great story about the fruit cake recipe...I'm one who loves fruit cake too.
Glad to see you back and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
Hugs to you and sweet old Bob,
Babs
Dearest Ginger,
A huge WELCOME back 'neighbor'! That made my day for reading your comment and now finding this post. Yes, like you said, a few loose screws. I'm also anxiously awaiting the outcome of my next blood work on the 20th. Let's hope and pray that I will get a clean health bill too.
Your story is a touching one and yes, if we only can add something to the life of ONE other person, it is worth the effort!
Hugs to you,
Mariette
Ginger, I was so glad to see this post from you. My email address got hacked, my computer isn'tworking (I'm on an IPAD), etc., and I haven't been blogging much either. But all that to say, I am thrilled to see you.
Do not feel like you have to write a post a day or even a post a week or a month. Do what you can do. We all love you and will come visit.
I'm just so glad to hear from you.
This story really touched my heart, but you always do.
XO,
Sheila
I missed you Ginger, I am so happy your back!!
Ginger...welcome back!!...we have all missed you...and what a beautiful story...so glad that the fruit cake brought you back to us!!...and so wonderful that you and Bob are feeling better!!!!
I just found your blog. I am 82 and have been blogging for 2 1/2 years. I have been going to quit so many times. I too have many health issues and it is difficult to do one every week but kind bloggers encourage me. right now I can't post anymore while picasa says I have reached my limit. So glad you are not quiting.
blog guilt free, my friend. sometimes i go a few weeks without posting, b/c i'm either in a funk, or i can't get creative with my words to write, or i just feel like reading everyone elses. it doesn't mean you've given up. i am a strong believer in post when you post, that's all!
Ginger, thanks so much for dropping by. I wanted to be sure and answer your question. I haven't heard from her in eons. She stopped blogging because they were going to move out West. They had bought another home which she showed us, and I assume that they have sold the one they had. I think she wanted some private time with her family as well. If I'm not mistaken, they don't live far from her mom. I don't have her address, but I sure wish I did.
XO,
Sheila
We just never know who's lives we touch do we?I have gotten so disheartened by the lack of comments and interest in my blog that I was thinking of stopping-maybe I will go on a little longer now.
GREAT story!
Merry Christmas!
I love you so much,I've never had the pleasure of actually meeting you face2face,but it seems like you are part of my family.I've missed you!
I blog for the pure fun of it!
I love to read sincere blog post from the heart and I know I can always visit our sweet Savannah Granny and enjoy every word.
hugs thru the pines
So glad you're back. Yes, blogging can take on a life of it's own and I think we each need to do what works for us. I love to visit each of the entries for Seasonal Sundays, but sometimes life gets in the way. So here I sit on a Thursday night, just getting to some of the entries to this past Seasonal Sundays. But you're right, it's those special moments that keep moving us along.
Great to have you at Seasonal Sundays.
- The Tablescaper
Ginger I am so glad you are back blogging. I think we have to blog without guilt and be true to who we are and the results will be fruitful! I have missed your lovely words and stories and as busy as my life is at the moment I do so enjoy my blogging friends. So sending a big hug to you and Bob!
Linda
Hi Savannah Granny! yes, I know exactly what you mean. "What should I post? What should I make? {that does take two weeks} Glad you're recouped and back 'online' ;-)
OK, here's the deal...As long as I know you're OK, I'm cool. You don't have to respond to anything I put on here or leave comments on my blog or any of that. I know you're out there, and I'm cool with that. I'll pop in on you, and if I don't see any relatively new update on your blog, I might ask that you just drop me a one word email letting me know you're OK and that the can did't rise up in rebellion against you. :-) I am starting to know exactly what you mean about "patch, patch, patch", and it's not fun. I look at it as the trade-off for the good Lord letting us stay on this earth for so long with our loved ones. There's going to come a time when - for one reason or another - none of us are able to do all the things we have been blessed to enjoy for all this time. Isn't it wonderful that God gave us the gift of memory? Take care of yourself, USE THAT CANE so you don't go toppling over showin' your bloomers to strangers, and just know that you are thought of, you are cared about, and you are loved.
Post a Comment