Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Busy ~ busy ~ busy !!

And it’s not just me because that seems to be the word of the month in blogland. So many of the bloggers I follow are using it as they too are blogging less frequently and asking themselves – is it spring time

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and getting back outside

that is keeping them from posting on their own blogs

and reading others as often as in the past?

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Another friend questioned whether the growing popularity of Facebook

was the reason?

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And yet a third opinion I have heard is that many bloggers started around the same time and at first the novelty of connecting with new people and sharing of themselves was so much fun. After time the novelty wears off because after all, they can only show so many pictures of their homes and family and town. And yet another opinion is that with blog rolls and followers lists growing by leaps and bounds, how can they keep up like they did back when they only knew of a dozen or more blogs AND still maintain balance in their lives?? Balance – yet another word that comes up frequently.

Personally, I don’t think there is just one answer – and quite possibly there are some other common denominators I haven’t even mentioned, after all blogging is pretty much unchartered territory for many of us. It’s not like we have grown up knowing the etiquette of blogging. We each have to decide for ourselves how to handle the growing lists of blogs we love and faithful followers to our own blog. As for me, all that and some keep me away from blogging as much as I did when I first started. But I know if I stop, I would miss you all so much. And so I will post here, read others and comment when I can – trying really hard to be an equal opportunity commenter - all the while sincerely hoping that my favorite blogs continue to do the same thing – because I suspect come May, busy will still be the word of the month!!

~**~**~**~**~**~**~

Speaking of etiquette I have a policy about accepting awards because I can’t leave out anyone when passing them along. But sometimes in life, you just HAVE to make an exception. In this case the very adorable Miss Joy – also known as Doodlebugs, sent me this sweet blog award and I accept it whole heartedly.Thank you Joy! You are a sweetheart!! Joy is also a talented dancer and I so enjoy seeing pictures of her in her pretty costumes and with her trophies. Way to go!! It brings back so many wonderful memories from when our Jen was that age and dancing.

bestblogaward from Joy - doodelbugs

Joy is the daughter of my blogging friend Tammy over at Country Girl at Home and they are in the process of adopting a little boy from China and my heart is so full for them and I enjoy following the strep by step process they must undertake to bring their son home. Have you ever been frustrated by all the paper work you need to do for something like buying a car? Well that is a piece of cake compared to what their family has to do. But in the end, when they hold Luke in their arms, I am guessing they will all agree it was worth it a million times over!

~**~**~**~**~**~**~

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Speaking of piece of cake – our wonderful DIL Angela celebrated her birthday last weekend and we took Lili overnight so that she and Jay and Jen and some of Ang’s friends could go out and celebrate in style. Grampy and I had so much fun with Lili and I didn’t even mind getting up in the middle night for a feeding and some snuggles. She is teething again so whatever I could do to comfort her I was happy to do. The next morning when they came to pick up Lili, we celebrated a birthday brunch here. Family time is the best time!

~**~**~**~**~**~**~

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And speaking of families, this one is gone! While we were taking care of Lili this weekend, the eggs hatched and Momma duck took her babies to water and we didn’t even catch a glimpse of them like we did last year.

~**~**~**~**~**~**~

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And speaking of buying a car, that is one of the things keeping me busy this week. Remember I posted that meme ~ HERE~ ? When it came to car I said I would be ~

a brand new Murano with sun roof, CD player and Lili’s car seat in the back – and just maybe heated leather seats this time…(and just for the record I had Pearl White, Merlot Red, or Tinted Bronze in mind)

~ little did I know that the very next day Mr. Red Door would find out that his 17 year old van was beyond repair (at a reasonable price). Still, at that time, he declared that since he has a very short commute, he would drive it until it fell apart or caught fire. The man will save a penny any way he can! LOL

And so he did, thankfully neither falling apart nor catching fire, until he noticed Nissan was having some really good deals ending April 30th. So after some heavy negotiations on his part and keeping with his policy of not paying anyone interest, and with some compromises on my part – OKAY – I’ll be brutally honest - just ONE that is really worth mentioning – namely color - I am now driving a nifty new Murano with those options and then some. I have for years and years said I would NEVER get leather seats but after all, it’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind isn’t it? I already love the back up camera, and the push button smart key entry and start. What will they think of next? And I feel so blessed to have such a reliable vehicle with all kinds of additional safety options to keep Lili safe when I tote her around, and a vehicle that my handicapped dad can actually get in and out of when I drive him to appointments and errands – not many fit that bill. So you can see, color is really not even an issue for me after all.

Because the most precious things in life, are not really things at all!

~**~**~**~**~**~**~

And speaking of things, the next several days should be full of good things. We have some fun plans with friends and family and I might even get a peek at a potential home for the magazine! I’ll be sure to share all that and then some when I come back here next time. In the meantime, I hope you all have a wonderful May Day this Saturday. The weather in NE is supposed to be splendid!

As always, thank you to each fan, friend, and follower for stopping by and making Behind My Red Door part of your day!

Until next time – hugs, Grammy Linda

41 sweet friends left a comment here!:

Sandy said...

Hi Linda,

Oh you are so lucky to have green grass and trees in bloom. I so can't wait for this to begin in our neck of the woods. The grass is changing but oh so ever slow :)

I try to keep my balance between blogging and Facebook. These days I have been so busy answering emails concering hubby's job loss, the store being sold and MIL's cancer that I am finding it rather hard to keep up. But I am finally starting to see the end :)

We are all just so happy that we are finally seeing the sun at the end of this long roller coaster ride :)

I really like your new set of wheels. I always did love those cars. I also have the push button to start my car and let me tell ya, do I ever love it!!! It has become such a habit that when I drive someone else's car, I find it so weird to actually turn the keys...LOL.

You guys have been teasing us all so much for this new prim magazine. I can't wait for Aug to come but yet I can because I do want to enjoy the nice Summer weather. But yet, I can't wait to get my hands on the magazine...LOL.

Have a great rest of the week Linda.

Janet - underthewillow said...

It's great to hear from you Linda!....I think the reason why there are less people spending time online is because of the weather....everyone wants to be out in their gardens right now....then it will be summer with the kids out of school and vacations for those who are able....then it will be back to school and folks will settle in and be back inside....that's my take at any rate! LOL

congrats on the new car!
Janet

~Judy~ said...

Love your new car Linda.....especially the color! Busy is good. Everyone needs to get outside after the long Winter. I try to do blog reading early in the morning and late at night.

Kris said...

So many great things happening in your world. Congrats on the new car. Sounds nice. Lili is getting so big so fast. I have to agree about a lot of what you said regarding blogging.
Happy rest of the week Linda!!

Angela said...

awww, your Angela celebrates the same birthday month as this Angela.lol.

I find blogging does get quiet during the Spring and Fall months. So many of us are busy outdoors. Weekends can be quite also.

As for the facebook, well I LOVE blogging more. You can do so much more on blogging than facebook, like making it pretty,lol. IF I could have a pretty facebook like my blog than maybe I would spend more time there,lol.

Love the new vehicle.

Blessings.

LeeHillPrimitives said...

Hi Linda, Lily is so big and beautiful. Love that pic. Your car looks nice, Congratulations!. I think everyone is taking time outside to enjoy the weather or visiting new places.

american girl primitives said...

Linda,

I've been a long time follower of your blog and I know that it's tough as things grow to keep up. I don't have near as many followers as some in the blogging world but that's ok. I'm not sure what the difference is...I am busier that's for sure (spring weather). I don't think prim, decorating gals ever tire of seeing one another's houses though. At least speaking for myself! I'm on facebook but I don't play games. I have tried to limit my time on the computer so that's where I've made my changes.

I still love to blog and visit so I can't see myself making changes anytime soon.

Congrats on your new car! I can't wait to see the magazine either.

Carey

Dale/ACountryshop said...

Hi Linda!
Congratulations on your snazzy blue car! Enjoy it in good health.
Your daughter in law is beautiful!, as of course Lili!
It's a busy time with seasonal changes and different demands, but we should bottle up each moment so that when the long days of New England come back, we can enjoy the slower pace.
Have a great day!
Dale

Farm Field Primitives said...

I love your new ride!! How fun it must be to to even go get groceries in something so snazzy!! I feel like I am neglecting my blog so much also. I read some each day and comment when I can. Like you said so many things draw us away, but I would miss it if I didn't do it. I try to only post when I have something "fairly" exciting to post about. I don't want to bore people away. Hopefully with it getting warmer, some of my makeovers may make it to my blog. (fingers crossed). As for looking at others' homes....I NEVER tire of it. Always a new idea just around the corner. Have a great day. Take care.
~Melissa~

carolyn@primitive~devotion said...

Hey Linda,
Congrats on the new car! I hope it gives you many years of worry-free service.

Lili is growing so fast! I know your time with her is priceless. Enjoy every second!

About being busy, I agree with all of the reasons you posted. I'm sure there are many more. I can't blame facebook though. I don't even have an account with them. My daughter does and she is constantly on her phone and texting, etc. I don't know how she get s thing done!

I cut back on activities a couple of months ago and it has been wonderful to have time to do other things besides being on the computer. Although blogging and blog reading is a big favorite. And about commenting, there's no way I'd read a blog and not comment. I know a lot of people do not do that, but if I spend all that time reading it, then I go ahead and comment to. It's easier for me that way.

Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful weekend with great weather. We are supposed to have rain and then temps in the 90s on Sunday. UGH! Too hot already!

Take care and know that we all look forward to every post. :)

Holly Hills Primitives said...

You sure made the right pick of cars! My hubby sells GM and Nisson cars and he brought a Murano home for me to drive the other night. I'm with you - it is just awesome! Yup, this is a busy time of year. Every year when the weather gets warmer, the shop slows down for a little while. Everyone is out working in their yards and gardens.
Funny story - yesterday I answered my shop phone and it was my daughter's caller I.D. All I could hear was breathing, so I was a little worried. Finally she came on the phone. Lucy had gotten ahold of her phone and called me (by mistake?) and was just sitting there listening! What would we do without those beautiful baby girls? Have a great day, Dawn

Tomatoe Creek Prims said...

Hi Linda,
I too have more to do then I did when I first started blogging...granddaughter's, a job, taking and picking up at preschool! I love blogging though and personally I don't care for facebook so that doesn't take up any of my time but all the above do
and they come first before blogging. I'm sure so many feel the same way:)
Love your wheels so very, very nice and won't Lilly be proud of her grammy driving it:)
I love when you post but know how busy you are but I too want to enjoy being outside before it gets to HOT:)
Have a wonderful Spring day:)
Rondell

Beth At Mehitable Puddington's Cupboard said...

That was an impressive list of reasons for the blog-fog situation, Linda ( your nurse's cap is showing...a list of symptoms and the possible etiology of the condition. I do that too ). :)Personally, my life is so pleasingly mundane of late I don't have much to write about. I feel let down when I see more and more blogging friends closing their sites lately, that's for sure. It does give pause for reflection about why we starting blogging in the first place and acknowledge to new bloggers that this is a commitment of sorts and sometimes it might entail real work on our part to keep our end up.
Oh well....now to the really, really best-est part of your entry which was that we have another fan in our Red Sox Family, yippee! How do they make ball caps that are that small? :D Your little peewee donning that pink hat just made my eyes water with nostalgia. Did you notice, I'm a Sox fan? ;) I live in a mixed family though, my husband likes the *mortified whisper*kinda written in jest*gulp* Yankees ball club.*fake shudder*
Congrats on the car, lovely that and I hope that you have fun with friends and family and as always you made me stop and think and upbuilt me with your comments!

Linda said...

Hi Linda.........I think you hit it right on when you mentioned that so many bloggers started at about the same time. I know when I first started reading them people were posting several times a week. I continue to find new blogs all of the time to follow and enjoy all of the news posts from my favorites when they appear.
It is truly a great group of people sharing many similar interests.
Enjoy your weekend.
Linda/simplycountryseasons

prims by olde lady morgan said...

hi Linda, I'm new to blogging. started reading them before Christmas but wait until after to start mine. I am addicted, though I have noticed how much things have slowed down. It's just such a busy time. I check all the time, but again it's still new to me. Enjoy the new car, you will love the leather seats I said never wanted leather too, this is my 2nd car with leather now. i wouldn't go back... OLM

Lynn @ Painting Thyme Needfuls said...

Hi Linda,
Your are so right finding the "thyme " for everything in our busy lives can sometimes be difficult. So we are left with the choice of what is most important in our lives....for myself like you family is # 1. How true that the most precious "things" in life really aren't things after all. I have not been blogging all that long and never could I have imagined all the doors this wonderful world called blogging has opened. I have met many wonderful, warm, caring, talented,and special people from all over the world. I think there is just really no comparison between the FB world and the blogging world...just something each has to decide and how much "thyme" to commit to one or the other...as both can be very demanding on ones "thyme if you let it =)
Enjoy you new "wheels"!! AND most of all your precious Lili!
Hugs,
Lynn

Never So Simple said...

BUSY! I know what you mean. I need to post all that is going on in my own life but have been too busy to stop and take the time.

I can not wait for Tammy to bring Luke home. I am so excited for them and what a great family he will becoming into.

As always I love the pictures of Miss Liliana. SHe is growing like a weed. Oh and Ms Linda I love your new ride!

Donna

Cat Nap Inn Primitives said...

I have wondered about the facebook thing myself..it has certainly picked up speed this past year hasn't it? I do love blogging..but am finding if they don't blog after 2-3 weeks..I delete them...and there are soooo many wonderful blogs out there..wish I could see them all..but gotta pick and choose..love your new ride...have a wonderful rest of your week..;)

The Farmers Oldest Daughter said...

Hi Linda -

I enjoy reading blogs like the other ladies who have left comments. I too am a member of facebook but I don't do much on it. I would rather look at houses and what everyone has done in the way of re-makes, etc. I don't play all of the games either.

I am busy outside this time of year with gardening and other things.

Don't you love a fully loaded vehicle. I have one and I have had leather seats for many years and it is the test. Congratulations on yours.

Have a great weekend.
Maxine

Wendy/TheCozyYellowHouse said...

I am just finding that I have more things and people filling my time, its a good thing I know but its frustrating too, I love what blogging has brought into my life but yet its hard to find the time to make a post.
I am so happy our snow is melting away here in Vt!! and we can get back to some of outdoor projects we have started!! Hope you have a wonderfully Blessed weekend my friend!!~hugs~Wendy

Dan said...

Linda~

You are right, this is a busy time. I have noticed not as many people visiting my blog, and it has been hard for me to visit all of the blogs I would like to visit daily.

Congratulations on your new car. It sounds so nice. I bet you are very happy!

Thank you for sharing the spring pictures with us. They are great!

I hope you have a wonderful week!

~Dan~

Sheila said...

It's always a pleasure reading your post however often you choose to do so and looking at the pictures that you share with all of us. Lili is so darling and I know just how much joy these babies can bring to us grandparents! At the moment I've had mine for three days-a bit of work but worth every minute of and so blessed to be able to have them with us and to be able to give our daughter a much needed "me" time! Being a SAHM/artist with two busy boys and a daddy that works very hard away from home all week presents is challenges. We all love our "things" but no one needs to remind us of what truly is important-family and being there for them!
Love your new ride! Mr. Red Door seems to have the same purchasing morales as Mr. B does here at our house! He's still driving an 81 Chevy pickup that was brand new when we purchased. Takes good care of it and there for him when he needs it and will drive it to the end!!!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend of lovely spring days!
We're having winter again this week....and I'll take blogging over FB any day!

adsgram said...

OK, so next time I prim shop I will be on the lookout for a blue Murano.. not white..he-he! Glad you got it regardless of color. I had a white car years ago...not much prettier, she did get pretty icky looking pretty quickly in mud season! Lili will be happy to be a passenger in Grammy's car regardless of color.

Happy Birthday to Angela! Sorry you missed the ducks. Will they hang around the water in your yard? I hope so. I have been a follower of Tammy's for quite awhile, and it seems like Luke will be 'coming home' soon! Everyone is so happy for them!

I will be laid up for this weekend, but I hope you get out over the weekend and do something fun for May Day! Enjoy!

Lynne
dlynne172@yahoo.com

adsgram said...

Ooops...me again! Can you tell me what the name of your tree with the white flowers on it is ? I love it, but don't know the name...

Lynne

Mandy in Mayberry said...

Your new car is beautiful! We're holding out as long as we can before we buy another one too - hubby's truck is getting on up in years and miles!

I couldn't agree with you more on all the reasons blogging is such a struggle! I started in July '08 and sometimes now I just don't know what to post or who to visit or when to do it!

Have a great weekend, Linda!

NMK said...

Visiting Blog Land is my Favorite time of the day !!!! I just Love to see all the very creative treasures people come up with & all the neat pictures of their homes & collections so much fun to see !!!! I envy the way you and many others write such nice things.....it brightens my little world !!!! It also inspires me to be more creative & want to shop more & tag sale more & count down the days until Brimfield Begins !!!! To Seek Treasures !!!!

Kaaren said...

You leave me breathless, Linda. I don't know how you fit it all in. You are the epitome of the saying, "If you want something to get done, give it to a busy person".

Love your new vehicle! Is Mr. Red Door driving your "old" one?

Enjoy your weekend. It looks like we'll be spending ours indoors because it's supposed to rain for both days.

lakeffect said...

I don't understand how the need for Mr. Red Door to get a diffeerent vehicle translates into a new one for you!? I wonder if you can teach me that trick....

janet said...

Linda what a beautiful little girl Lili is..I know the feeling about the car and safety and the car seat..I had one put in my new car 4 years ago when my grandson was born..Hard to believe it's been that long ago..I too got a leather interior which is something I never has before..I am lovin your blog and wish you a great weekend and good luck on that potential(house)photo shoot..

Sharon said...

I agree with you it is a time for busy.
I have been wanting to blog more but it has been hectic both here and at home.
I want to be outside after being a shutin for sooooo long.
I am not a FB person, like someone else mentioned you can do so much more here.
I truly love the new car.
thanks and have a blessed weekend.

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

Hi Linda,

First of all, congratulations on that new car...I love Muranos! I bet you and Ms. Lili look good sporting it around! :)

And thank you for the sweet words about our Joy and for the mention of our waiting for Luke!

All of the reasons you named for MIA in blogland are mine too (except Facebook), and I really think of my blogging friends and even went as far the other day as trying to figure out a daily schedule to be able to visit them all in a week's time! I feel guilty when I can't visit as often as I would like, but like you said sometimes it's just hard to keep up with everything! You do a really great job at it though!

Have a great weekend!
Tammy

Gettysburg Homestead said...

I agree I think posting is getting harder and harder. Between working and enjoying the warm weather I find myself wanting to be outside more and more.

What great pictures of your family and NEW car!!! Enjoy!

Mary

Behind My Picket Fence said...

I agree about how to balance life and blogging. It really is fun to connect and yet it can take up a lot of time. I don't always comment because that takes time too and yet I know how much I love receiving comments on my own blog. Anyway, carry on - your blog is wonderful and even if I don't always stop to say hello, I do visit.

Kath ~★The Olde Weeping Cedar ★~ said...

HI Linda!
I hear ya about the "busy" word! Though I know, I am NO BUSIER than anyone else! We are all BUSY GALS! I think I am just plain running out of things to blog about to be honest! You're right...one can only take so many photos of their home/decor and their goings on......and now with so many new blogs popping up...I just can't keep up with my comments like I once did. That bugs me more than the lack of new posts on my own blog!! Everyday duties and the nice weather leave not much free time....

Lili is getting so BIG! :) I think back to last year at this time...how excited we were to become new grammy's..anxiously awaiting their arrival..I can't believe Ava will be ONE--on Mother's day! Lili will be ONE in June!!! Time sure flies, doesn't it?!! Too fast!

Love your new ride!

Have a happy week, friend.

Oh-and I hope Ang had a wonderful birthday! ;)

Terri(TerriBoog) said...

What a wonderful, newsy post! So many good, busy things going on in yours, and most of our lives. Love the pic of your DIL and Lili and all the beautiful spring blossoms! Enjoy your new car!

Joy ~ Doodlebug ~ said...

I'm glad you like the award!

Thank you for the sweet words, we can't wait to get Luke...

Love,
Joy :]

Grammy Staffy said...

Dear Grammy L,
What a delightful post... full of so much good news. I think your new car is wonderful. I think you will just love it. We have leather seats, push button power, a back up camera and 6 cd player in our car too. They were just there on the car when we bought it. I am so glad because we probably would not have paid the extra money to order them and I love each one of them. I'm sure that you will too. Congrats on the nice new ride.

I so understand what you are feeling and saying about blogging. The novelty has worn off for me too. However, like you I would really miss it if I stopped. I know how busy you are... and how popular... so it really means a lot to me when you stop by and say hello.

Have a great week.
Hugs from the other Grammy L

basketsnprims said...

Linda,
What a great and thought provoking post. I am actually trying to blog a little bit more as of late just because I guess. I am trying hard to manage my time better too. There is a balance that we have to maintain between computer time, household chores, family, friends, outdoor chores, jobs, tweaking (smile), the list goes on and I believe it's up to the individual whether they post, FB, or whatever.

Lily is growing so fast & is absolutely adorable & I love your new car. We bought a Ford Escape a couple of months ago & I love the extra room. Have a great week, my friend.
hugs,
Pam

~The Robin's Nest~ said...

Busy is a bloomin' understatement! Oh my goodness! There is not a muscle in my body that doesn't ache! :)
I pretty much have Noelle full time now (who would have thought?) My dad is still sick and is seeing a specialist and my grandma is not doing well-I thank God my Mom can help Grandma! My husband just got a huge promotion at work (Thank you Lord) so I may never see him again! LOL! My youngest son just had prom and is getting ready to graduate too~Whew!
All and all-I am busy but I am super happy and filled with sunshine and joy each day. (Sunshine and Joy have another name: Noelle) :)
I've missed you! It is nice to come here and feel normal again.
Love the car-It's the same color as my truck, we had the same deal, I had to compromise on the color but now I must say I love it!
Take care friend!
Robin~♥

Lulu said...

congrats on the new car..
sweet pics of Lilli..

Karen ~ Life In A Primitive English Cottage said...

Hi Linda, once again what a thorouhgly enjoyable blog post!

Love your new wheels, very smart indeed.

I have to agree that as the weather gets warmer and we spend more time outside, sitting at a computer seems to be the last thing you want to do, especially after such a long and cold winter being shut indoors for so long.

As you know I only started blogging a few months ago, but was of the opinion then that I would only post if I had things to share that would be of interest to other bloggers. I think we can put ourselves under too much pressure sometimes and blogging should be a fun hobby.

Have a Happy Mother's Day,
Blessings,
Karen