Cherry Roll Needle Case... or is it?
Hello there! It's been a while hasn't it? Well, more than a while, almost a year in fact!
Something about writing a blog post has been calling to me lately. Nothing stays still, and since my more prolific blogging days my attention has been captured by first Instagram and then You Tube. My 'blogging' voice has turned into my 'podcast' voice. It's also where I now find that connection with other creatives that I once found here.
Instagram was always an 'also ran' for me. Never a replacement for blogging, but an accompaniment to go along side. Admittedly the app's design worked on me as intended and I did end up spending more and more time thinking about how to please it but it didn't change my thinking like podcasting did.
I started watching podcasts on YouTube so long ago now I can't remember, but it hit me the same way blogging did. I discovered it and soon after, I wondered if it was something I could do. So I tried it and people watched it and so I kept doing it.
I actually got quite into making videos. I started creating tutorials, because more and more people requested video over photo tutorials. I have never mastered 'vlogging', it's far too off the cuff for me, but I did discover 'vlogmas' which serious tempted me into trying my hand. I also found 'silent vlogs' which really hit a cord. A kind of curated vlog, this seemed more blogging. It gave time to consider and collate, much more comfortable for me. So I tried my own kind of vlogmas, a curated, considered version, at a slower tempo, which I could manage. From there grew 'quiet moments' my silent vlogs, my favourite kind of video to make. Time to enjoy some slow and relaxing crafting and share it in a soothing and peaceful way.
At the same time, whatever buzz or gratification I got from Instagram has been declining for a long time. When something is enjoyable you want to be a part of it, you want to share and connect. There is very little of that left on Instagram now. I've been saying for years that Facebook was ruining it, that they were turning Insta into FB, a place I never enjoyed. I could never understand why they wanted to create another FB when the reason they took over Insta is because FB was starting to fail. Young people don't use FB. If the trend continues, it will wither away. Why copy a failing model?
But despite all this, there was still obviously enough to keep me hooked. I got enough from it that I kept going back. But this year I've noticed a real change and I'm just not drawn to it as I was. It's falling off my radar as a place to share and where I had got into the habit of posting there regularly, I'm now beginning to forget to create anything for it. I still post quite often and I do still find things I actively want to share, but I notice the balance has shifted and it is becoming more something I am deliberately trying to keep up, rather than something I naturally want to do. It's becoming more obligation than enjoyment. I can't help feel that is the beginning of the end.
I've been pondering these two things lately. This evolution of creativity and sharing, the places I find connection and enjoyment. Also the fact that the part I enjoy most about video is the part that feels most like blogging. I guess that's what has brought me back here today. I've had a few attempts at trying to revive my blog and I think ultimately you can't go back and you can't re-capture something which has gone. Like many things in life, there are great parts but they don't last forever so the only thing to be done is to enjoy them while they last.
So I can't revive what I had here before, but I guess I've been wondering if I can find something new here? I seriously wonder if I will have any time to share anything at all here. After all, keeping up with videos, instagram and blogging has proved too much in the past. It's the main reason this blog has laid unused for a year and barely used before that. As much as my Instagram habits are experiencing a material shift, I do still use it and I don't think I'm ready to give it up just yet.
All this is of course before we even consider the fact I'm also trying to earn a living and how much all or any of these various activities do to contribute to that endeavour. I can think about what I want to be doing but I should also be thinking about where I need to be spending my time. But let's not get started on that complex minefield!
So why am I telling you all this? I don't know. Maybe because I don't think anyone is still here? Maybe there is no one to listen so it doesn't matter what I do. Maybe I just wanted to get it all out of my head.
This was supposed to be a post about my new interchangeable knitting needle case. That doesn't seem to have happened. Maybe next time?
Oh it's interesting to hear your thoughts on these things since I don't do much on either of those platforms except for looking at crafty goodness. But from a creator's perspective, it looks different. Anyway, this was nice read.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much and it's nice to know there are still people here! ;)
DeleteS x
Still here and still reading!!! I personally enjoy reading blogs more than listening to podcasts, FB and Insta. I often pause to enjoy the photos, taking in the details, or lingering over and rereading your wonderful comments and views, as well as your great creations. I hope you allow a little bit of time for what your wants, as well as your shoulds!!!!
ReplyDeleteSo good to know! In this fast paced world that's all go, I think we often overlook these slower paced activities and even forget how much we need them.
DeleteS x
I have missed your blog-you always inspired me with your patterns! I didn't know you were doing you tube videos-must check and I don't like instagram. Barbara R
ReplyDeleteThanks for being here and I do hope you enjoy the podcast if you do check it out! :)
DeleteS x
I still read blogs! I have not managed to sign up to Instagram and don’t have Facebook either. It’s sad that some fantastic blogs no longer exist.
ReplyDeleteJacqueline
Yes it's definitely a shame how social media has changed the blogging world and the world come to that. Not for the better it so often seems!
DeleteS x
I’m still here. Supporting whatever medium is comfortable for you to share your projects, skill, and life. Thanks. ♥️
ReplyDeleteYay! Thanks so much for sticking around, it's lovely to know there are still people reading. :)
DeleteS x
I'm still here 😅 I've followed your blog on feedly (so the new post popped up) and love your podcasts. I'm not usually a commenter but did want you to know I enjoy your content. It is always inspiring and relaxing. Your quiet moments podcasts are my favorites, too! I do still enjoy reading blogs and would certainly follow along if you revive/ go in a new direction 😀
ReplyDeleteOh yay, yes Feedly is good for that. I'm still there too, although much less to read these days. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment too, it's so appreciated.
DeleteS x
I still love your blog.not on Facebook or instagram so nice to kept up to date this way regards
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to know there are still those that have managed to avoid them! ;)
DeleteS x
Thank you for the insight Sandra. I’ve been following you from the get go. I always enjoy your posts no matter which platform you have chosen. Its a thoroughly delightful experience. Your presentation is so very warm and welcoming. Your flourishing content is remarkably interesting, encouraging and relaxing (unlike others who have trouble conducting themselves as eloquently as you). I understand where you are coming from with this post. Time is an evolution and things can rapidly change as we bear witness to this modern way of communication. Life can get a little lonely in my craft room now and then and it’s just so nice to have you pop in and share your time with me for which I am very grateful. You wouldn’t read about it but I’ve been searching for a comprehensive knitting needle holder for months now but nothing fits the $bill$ like your wonderful pattern…..you must have been reading my mind! 👋🇦🇺
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, that's so lovely to hear and this was what was always so amazing about blogland - making connections with other crafters no matter where in the world we may be. We cross oceans like they are nothing and that's pretty special.
DeleteS x
I’m still here. I watch you tube a lot but still like reading blogs. I left facebook years ago and have never bothered with instagram. My pace is slow and anything that encourages me to jump around can ruin my day. Your calmness is just my speed.
ReplyDeleteYes, my pace is slow too. That is why I think I was ultimately happier in the blogging hey-day. It all seemed at a manageable pace back then. Now it always seems too frantic. Perhaps this will be an answer!
DeleteS x
So, so lovely to see this post from you! Maybe next time we will even learn about that needle case. ;)
ReplyDeleteMore obligation than enjoyment is the death knell every time for me. I feel so nostalgic for the connection and community formed during those hey days of blogging. Those types of connections formed on IG are the only thing pulling me back. Highly curating my feed is helping me a lot. I hope you find the answer for you.
Thanks so much lovely! Ha ha, maybe so!
DeleteYes I am quite meticulous with my feed and that does help, but of course that becomes harder all the time too. Well we shall see how this foray back to blogging goes, maybe with a helping of Substack on the side! ;)
S x
Here, here. Blogs are the best, inspiration without volume.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely!
DeleteS x
I am on Feedly and love reading blogs. I have missed you so it was lovely to see your blog. Do hope there is more 🙏
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Gill and thanks for sticking with me! :)
DeleteS x
I much prefer reading blogs to videos and it's a nice surprise to see your post pop up in my feed again. I'm happy reading your blog as and when that works for you, but that's absolutely your choice.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being here Heather. :D
DeleteS x
I too prefer blogs and have never signed up to FB or Insta or the like, so it’s good to find some inspiring content still appearing on blogs. Thank you for your efforts.
ReplyDeleteYes the blogging world is smaller but still hanging in there which is good to know. <3
DeleteS x