A blogging break is a necessity from time to time. Distance gives perspective.
Apologies to those who are following me. I am sure you have noted my relative inactivity on the blog, as well as an increased presence on Instagram. Cognitive dissonance and ambivalence to online activity have me stymied.
Yet, I have been busy. While most of these photos have me out and about, mostly I have been indoors, taking care of mundane household things. I am happy at home despite being very social. Photos will sum up some recent activities.
The rooftop terrace has been very quiet. I love to go up there late afternoons when the sun is not so intense and the city looks crisp.
Indoors I discover the convenience of a voice activated selfie! Lace trims this maxi dress which is light as a feather! This dress is a recent eBay find! A strategically placed ruffle makes is so I can go without a bra! Yay, team Maxi!
So, why the blogging break?
–Honestly, I am anxious and do not want to share negativity. When I do post I feel a bit disingenuous featuring lovely dresses in pretty places, when in my heart I am frightened about the state of things.–
Before you reflexively say, focus on the positive, and I do, I will claim that this is not a time to negate fear and anxiety.
Like pain, these are signals that sometimes is wrong. Don’t medicate away or dismiss these signals!
Indeed I can see the world as it is: a mostly wonderful community of folks who are mostly very kind, juxtaposed to a few bad actors with several viable platforms to wreak havoc. it is these bad actors that has me on edge.
OK- Pausing rant and offering some ironic contrast. Fashion photos follow.
This dress is also so light and ethereal. It is several years old and was purchased a a charity shop that supports battered women, as is the feather printed bag! ( feather theme)
I wore this dress with happy silver flats made for little girls. My ring is vintage and was bought from a small antique store near me.
The Rant Goes On:
I worry about my carbon footprint. As do you, I know. Increasingly, however, I also worry about my digital footprint. A blog requires a Disgus account, a google account, a WordPress account and more. In addition there are all of those links. Add FB, IG and Linked In and you have have a sizable cache of personal information floating about in cyberspace.
As of now, I feel vulnerable. We are in era of unprecedented loss of privacy. Identity theft is real and rampant. I have written about anxious times before.
As well, and perhaps most importantly, what I write feels trivial, frivolous even, in the context of world affairs.
And then there is the time one needs to blog. Updating sites, dealing with tech issues, and so forth. Instagram is much faster platform, which suits my current “time crunch” mood. With a few photos, a short paragraph and some well chosen hashtags, I can tell a similar story. Perhaps not the same story, but a good enough story.
Blogging Versus Instagram ? A common question.
I love the individual connections of this blog. But to really stay engaged I have to sit, and sit, and hunt and peck, and all of that hurts my back! Whereas, with Instagram, I can do my posting and reading in smaller, more comfortable snippets. Alas, at almost 61 my tailbone is not a happy camper.
Sitting is the enemy !
So I segue back to photos for a bit. Below, I exhibit a look that is best descried as “everything but the kitchen sink”. The skirt itself has many layers: a silk floral is covered by netting, which is embellished with bugles beads and sequins. And to all of that, I add a belt worn as a necklace, closed with a vintage fur clip, a striped swearer and an embroidered coat!
These eclectic maximalist looks are what I love to create and share on this blog.
These styles feel like a celebration.
Certainly we need that vibe!
Recently I have been sharing clothes with friends. We swap and shoot! What a fun way to maximize your closet.
Above, everything I am wearing is older. Much is second-hand, and the rest is from eBay.
Together with my friend, we put these outfits together! I am wearing her sunnies; she is wearing my skirt and beaded blouse.
Voilá, a “no shopping” duet of ensembles ! I may be taking a bit of a blogging break, but I am snapping a lot of photos!♦
Taking a blogging break gives me more time with friend and family IRL!
Yes, to that!!
Now I will share a shot that does not feature myself ! I love to take photos of other things, but they don’t get much love.
I was at Barney’s recently for a bridal shower hosted at their swanky eatery Freds. I left early ( but after the store closed) and found the store empty but fully lit. Every luxurious piece was displayed so artfully. I wandered briefly, looking at jewelry and bags. It felt like a dream!
Below I am standing happily bewildered and alone on the first floor of this iconic store.
As Mother’s Day approaches I find myself full of gratitude for the things that really matter: family, friends, and time enough to spend it with them. Instagram requires lees time. Something is lost in the process however, but having more time for “real life” seems paramount.
Blogging allows me to create and share outfits that are unique.
I use my cell phone as camera, and shop second-hand. Often, strangers on the street take my photos, and the rest are taken by friends. I do my own hair, and do not have professional photogs capturing my every gesture.
Therefore, my look is attainable and not aspirational.
I do not feed the YOU MUST SHOP THIS NEW TREND NOW monster. At least I hope I do not. I DO acknowledge trends.
But which platform to use to share? Blogging Versus Instagram? I know, “First World Problems”!
So dear readers, I value your advice. To Blog or not to blog, that is the question. Blogging break for now, or for good?
LMK. YOU KNOW HOW!
It’s always good for our mental health to take a break. I do like both mediums (blogging and IG) for different reasons. Take care and stay well, Elle!!
XOXO
Jodie
I will mis you! Your lovely outfits and your kind words. Be happy Elle!
Definitely take a break and don’t apologize for it. We all experience periods when not blogging is the healthy choice. But, please, don’t feel the need to decide now whether to quit. Now is the worst time. Better to see how you feel after a while of not-blogging. For me, the desire returns and the reason I enjoy blogging re-surfaces. That may happen to you, too. Or not. Either way, I send you best wishes and warm hugs.Thanks for adding joy to my life.
Ally,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this reply.
IT IS NOT THAT I DONT WANT TO BLOG.. but if I do continue , it will be more along the path that you have chosen. Short creative posts. I do worry about cyber security too. I will continue to read your blog posts.
Love, Elle
I’ve been pondering this same thought for a while now. So have some of my friends. I’m finding it a difficult decision to make. Personally I don’t like IG because of the lack of connection. Normally I only tap a heart or write a couple of words whereas on a blog I feel I can have a real conversation. I hate typing on my phone. That said, Instagram is much faster and you can reach more people. I eventually lose interest in the bloggers I know that have transitioned to only Instagram accounts unless I’m keeping up with them in… Read more »
You do understand and I am relieved. I will continue to read blogs in any case, and will use email more, if I do decided to go the IG route. I find many grammers inspiring, especially the artists and poets I follow.
Being old fashioned is a good thing!
xo, Elle
Ah, I understand the struggle. The lack of time. The guilt because you want to be IRL and not virtual. Add to that your fragile health and I get what you are saying. For me this is difficult as well. I work full-time, so have a husband with a very active puppy and I need to spend at least 12 hours a week to “do” my blog”work”. But I love every aspect of it. I love to create a story, to make people laugh. I want to be read. Which is why all the other social media are only advertising… Read more »
I am so glad that you do blog my friend , I will continue to read and giggle. it is the time I spend siting, that is the worst! Yes, you are much better at being in the moment. Being in Manhattan though, makes it a bit harder to push some realities away. I see homeless people every day, and Trump Tower is so very close to my house.. the security is everywhere.
Thanks you so much for your clarity and support!
xo, Elle
I do understand your dilemma, Elle, and even though it will be a sad day when you decide to stop blogging indefinitely, it is your decision, and you must do what feels right for you. At the moment, blogging still gives me so much joy as well as solace that to give it up would be unthinkable, but obviously nobody knows what the future may bring. Wishing you all the best and sending you much love and a virtual hug xxx
Thanks Ann, you always respond so thoughtfully. A break will clear my mind for a bit. I will still continue to read my favorite bloggers.
Thanks so very much for your kindness !
xo, Elle
I may be one of the few, but I am not a fan of IG. It is nice to see different people, but I began blogging as I like to know more about people and feel more of a connection with a blog. I also feel there is a competittiveness with IG that I dont feel with a blog. I do love seeing you and hearing about what you are up to! I hope you will continue! I too, feel a bit of burnout at times, and usually then I will take a break from everything technical/social. It is good… Read more »
Jess, I completely get that.I do love the social connections. But I can still read blogs and keep up with my favorites, and respond with the occasional email! I will see_ this break with be good for me. Happy Moms day too, fur babies count!
xo, Elle
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I have read many a post about blogging breaks and this is really saying something to me. Blogging should be something you love and enjoy, if things are getting too much and overwhelming? Take a break because we will all be here when you return 🙂 I take blog breaks all the time because i’m a human being with life away from a digital space like everyone else reading this comment 🙂 Don’t torture yourself over taking breaks my lovely, take a break, refresh and come back to things when you are ready to do… Read more »
Good advice Laura! It is something I do love-
xo, Elle
If you post on your blog, I will read it, and I will respond/comment. Blog (and email) are my only technology that I engage in – neither I nor my husband have iPhones, tablets or anything else, other than our desktop computer. Someday that may change, but for now, this is what I do. I’ve seen many bloggers come and go over the 11 years that I have been blogging – as you note, Elle, it’s work, hard work, to write, photograph, edit, and respond to comments, AND to reach out and engage readers by commenting on their blogs. I… Read more »
“Before you reflexively say, focus on the positive, and I do, I will claim that this is not a time to negate fear and anxiety.” Ha, my reflex is NEVER to just focus on the positive I always say both positive AND negative exist in the world, I want to focus on it all! Everything has good and bad, why pretend like half of life’s experience doesn’t exist?? But to the other more timely issue, taking a break…or breaking UP with blogging. That’s up to you, obviously. Try a break. See how you feel. You can always come back. Or… Read more »
This is very kind, smart and wise.. I appreciate you and your advanced style!
So kind, thoughtful AND nuanced. Thanks Bettye . xoxo, Elle
I really enjoy your blog, Elle. I am old- fashioned and do not follow Instagram or Twitter. I guess I enjoy narrative as much as I do pictures. I would never get a sense of your depth and complexity with only pictures. I appreciate your angst about the current state of affairs. I feel it, too, and work at finding the balance between awareness of the world around me without letting it take over my state of being. I try to be the change I want to see while appreciating and giving thanks for each day. I hope you continue… Read more »
Peace, friendship, to you too. I totally understand. IG is a strange world. I may get back to it at some point, but for now.. this affords me more time IRL! xo, Elle
Yes there is a lot of sitting with blogging that is for sure. And it is a lot of work. I also feel like it a very young arena. Yes there are exceptions but for the most part. And blogs are challenged and one can understand the frustration. But honestly I am so over IG and every day I am tempted to delete it from my phone. At this point I more or less hate it. And I am over saturated and burn out at looking at images on IG. I just don’t care anymore. I am only on it… Read more »
great advice. It is scary out there, but for me, IG with all of its faults… is simpler and suits a hectic time…
But I hear you , loud and clear!!!
hugs
Elle
I understand fully about your worries, I get it. I hope you don’t take the break permanently though, and it’s just for a little while. I wouldn’t transition to Instagram entirely as I always worry if the platform goes down or the app becomes unusable, something else takes its place etc. you will lose your community. Your blog is always in your control!
Raindrops of Sapphire
GREAT ADVICE. I hope to build my community regardless of platform.. but its good advice!
hugs Elle
I think you are wise to listen to your heart and does what it tells you. I love both your blog and insta feed and am ever so thankful for your many supportive, positive and wise words, both on IG and my blog. Keep following your own rules Elle and stay who you are, a very kind and creative person who knows best what is best for her! Love, Lieske
That is both very kind and very wise !
Merry Christmas and a happy 2020!
You are in my thoughts, dear Elle!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Thanks Dear Rena,
You are in my thoughts too
hugs!
Just stopping by to wish you all the best in 2020. These are all wonderful dresses. You look amazing in every look. Love the bag that is connected with the battered women cause. It is always great when there is a cause behind some item.
Thanks ! I do hope you are well!!!