tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post8185711887459763801..comments2024-03-28T11:44:31.056-07:00Comments on A Joyful Cottage: Cottage Life - The Things You Discover When You Don't BlogA Joyful Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604235087317891071noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-44112276947539016112018-02-02T06:17:30.830-08:002018-02-02T06:17:30.830-08:00Hello Melody from Iowa! Blogging has introduced me...Hello Melody from Iowa! Blogging has introduced me to so many great people and showed me that no matter where someone lives they have many of the same dreams I do, like keeping life simple and living in the moment. Thanks for visiting and for your sweet comment. God bless you. A Joyful Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08604235087317891071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-48816408806302104552018-02-01T22:38:04.278-08:002018-02-01T22:38:04.278-08:00Your blog should only serve you and give you joy, ...Your blog should only serve you and give you joy, so only do what feels right in your heart to do ! Just discovered your blog from your comment on The River and it shows how me how interconnected we are just by a click of a button that never would have happened even a decade ago. I feel really blessed to read about someone's life and where they are going with it. and it looks like you have an amazing life! take care and blessings to you and your husband from Iowa MelodyAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05341090334670309802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-78516984509894354412018-01-17T08:05:17.410-08:002018-01-17T08:05:17.410-08:00It's not easy to keep things simple, Anne, as ...It's not easy to keep things simple, Anne, as I'm sure you know. Everything in today's culture fights against that, so we must dig in and determine to make it happen. Every day is a chance to let go of more of what holds us back from a life of simplicity. I look forward to what 2018 will hold for both of us. A Joyful Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08604235087317891071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-944514167281779422017-12-30T07:17:22.397-08:002017-12-30T07:17:22.397-08:00I'm so glad to know you're simplifying, Na...I'm so glad to know you're simplifying, Nancy. I feel the same way. I'm working on some changes for my own blog. It's important to decide how we spend our time... there's only so much of it!<br /><br />I hope that you find plenty to savor and see and do in the coming year.<br /><br />Hugs to you!Anne Buterahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04090778223286237879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-83510880209588906992017-11-05T11:04:46.871-08:002017-11-05T11:04:46.871-08:00Just popping in to say hi Nancy! Was thinking of y...Just popping in to say hi Nancy! Was thinking of you this Sunday and hope things are going well! My blog gets posted on maybe once a month, but mostly when I feel inspired to share something. Just wanted to say hello. hugs.....MarilynMarilyn McLeod @ Pink Paper Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13166022624714254716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-85933985079103532832017-11-03T07:42:21.608-07:002017-11-03T07:42:21.608-07:00Thank you, Linda. I have to find balance in my lif...Thank you, Linda. I have to find balance in my life. So glad you understand. xoA Joyful Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08604235087317891071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-35045683201217168192017-11-03T07:27:57.666-07:002017-11-03T07:27:57.666-07:00Tonita, thank you for sharing your thought, and fo...Tonita, thank you for sharing your thought, and for your encouragement. I know we are kindred spirits. I enjoy your blog, as well. And will continue to check in from time to time to see if you have an update. I love to see what you're up to. Hugs.A Joyful Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08604235087317891071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-24744086453457003062017-10-25T21:54:55.664-07:002017-10-25T21:54:55.664-07:00Hi sweet lady-
I really like this post and agree w...Hi sweet lady-<br />I really like this post and agree with you, both about blogging and simplifying your life. Over the years, IMO- so many blogs seem to have gone down hill. Many posts from (my) once loved blog list seem to have faded in light of pop ups and other irritating ads. I see so many blogs that have changed as posts after posts are pumped out daily or weekly that seem to be watered down versions of the current Pinterest or Instagram trends. All of a sudden tons of bloggers have announced new trending self proclaimed titles calling themselves "stylists". It is interesting to see if you have the time to sift thru blogs and click on lots of X's to get the ads out of your way. Sigh. Like you, I hate wading thru 14 ads before learning about what brand of toilet paper a blogger is showcasing in their home that day. And many blogs now remind me of walking thru Wally World. Christmas is showcased on blog pages in Sept. Valentines decor pops up the day after New years and well it just seems many blogs are on steroids. <br /><br />I don't want to be a blog buzz kill here. I still look at some and enjoy many of them. I rarely post on my own neglected blog. I really can appreciate that talented bloggers are able to create ways to earn a nice income from their hard work in the blogging world. That is just not how (we) roll, and that is a okay. I especially like the bloggers who keep it real and share from the heart. That would be you, the gal at Joyful cottage. Your heart shines through your words and its always a pleasure to visit here. <br /><br />Like you, I am striving to simplify my life and I fully support you in doing the same. March to your own drummer. Blog when ever you fell like it and most of all, dance like no one is watching. Life goes by fast and it is never to late to have a happy childhood and to just play and skip out on your homework or your blogging work. Go play.. have fun and hold no guilt for not blogging. I will continue to check in on you and in the meantime I hope you and your sweetie are totally blessed. Tonita https://www.blogger.com/profile/11495976337458455805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-65037120528139424582017-10-21T18:59:45.174-07:002017-10-21T18:59:45.174-07:00Lots of wonderful shares here. I love the red barn...Lots of wonderful shares here. I love the red barn painting. Congrats to your hubby!I would love to have artistic talent but alas I have none. I do love seeing the artwork of others. It seems as if a lot of people took blog breaks but I found too much negativity at social media so I am going to try to blog more often. Missing everyone here. Have a great weekend.Annesphamilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09355786666073982088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-2425597341973940382017-10-21T11:55:57.226-07:002017-10-21T11:55:57.226-07:00I did what you did- took a blog break!
Mine was co...I did what you did- took a blog break!<br />Mine was computer break...it actually broke.<br />Right now it’s limping along. <br />But the feeling of freedom was delicious!Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09690722786561637489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-41695508737744851092017-10-21T09:06:54.132-07:002017-10-21T09:06:54.132-07:00I've been on a journey to simplify life for a ...I've been on a journey to simplify life for a while now but it hasn't really happened yet. I'm too attached to my bad habits. Social media, for one, does take a lot of time. I don't like facebook but I've been posting on instagram for a while now. I'm not sure it is for me, I like words as much as I like the photos and blogging is a better platform for that. But it does take time. I don't reply to every comment but I do return every visit and have met some wonderful people along the way, yourself included. I have been posting less in the past few months when I was very busy but winter is usually a quieter time and I have some new ideas so, really, I'm still excited about blogging. I hope that whatever you decide we won't lose touch completely.<br />Amalia<br />xo<br />handmade by amaliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15589172037052603746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-27044648010821633802017-10-19T12:03:00.779-07:002017-10-19T12:03:00.779-07:00I so appreciate your comments. My husband and I ar...I so appreciate your comments. My husband and I are in our 70's and have recently downsized to a small cottage. Trying to fit what was in a 3 bedroom-2 bath with a garage into a 2 bed-1 bath no garage. We still have a 10x20 rented storage unit to go through! But "simple" is what we are after. And time to enjoy each other and experience more of God's world. Again, thank you. Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11878901606233186191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-30397703090914038962017-10-15T06:58:38.431-07:002017-10-15T06:58:38.431-07:00Hello Nancy, this is a lovely blog, straight from ...Hello Nancy, this is a lovely blog, straight from the heart, I echo all of what you have said. Earlier this year I just lost interest in blogging, I wanted to do other things instead. One of those other things is quilting, something I have wanted to do for over 40 years!! I’ve started very basic but would like to see where it takes me. And the age thing, I’m nearing 70 too, I run out of energy very quickly! I like to follow a lot of blogs, but I don’t have the patience for the ones with ads in them. Your photographs are stunning, there are so many beautiful places to explore and enjoy. Congratulations to your husband, his art is very good. Enjoy your life Nancy, I have submitted my email address so I will pop over now and again. All the best, PollyPollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10502031456581056874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-50097419539200873482017-10-13T08:40:16.958-07:002017-10-13T08:40:16.958-07:00Oh, darling Nancy, now I don't feel so guilty!...Oh, darling Nancy, now I don't feel so guilty! I'm with you heart and soul on this. I have a few years on you and have felt so much God's leading on redeeming the time left me. I won't post at the Window until I've been a good blog friend and visit everyone and so after the past couple of weeks when I was called to other things, I will have to begin catching up with everyone before posting again there. Added to my diminishing online time is the fact that my best hope in helping my insomnia is not to be online at all after 7 p.m. and turning my phone off by 8. That device lighting really does affect it. But that means that my online time has to come during my busy day with limited time.<br /><br />Recently I commented on another blogger's post where she expressed similar thoughts to yours that my wish would be that there would be voluntary but understood "comment free" times when you were free to post as much as you wanted and visit as much as you wanted but would turn off comments on your own blog during that period and not comment on others then. I suggested that the month of December would be the perfect time for this. She told me that we would probably be the only 2 to go along with this, but I have an idea now that you would too! <br /><br />I've found that when I'm on a blog break it doesn't even cross my mind during my day whether my activities need to be photographed for my blog. My mind is free to just live the moment. I won't give up my blog either but we do have to sometimes examine the cost of time it takes. What do I give up if I blog regularly and responsibly?<br /><br />Thank you for the wisdom and courage in this post. And I love your husband's Red Barn! And that you have felt freedom to go with him and explore while he paints, and all the other moments you have taken to fill your own well to the brim. <br /><br />A blessed and observant rest of October to you,<br />DewenaDewenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07330797553600987145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-36919215742736032092017-10-11T21:26:18.234-07:002017-10-11T21:26:18.234-07:00You've stated exactly what I've thought ab...You've stated exactly what I've thought about a lot of blogs I used to read all the time--they have become money makers. If that's what the writers want, that's fine, but I also value my time and moneymaking via blogging isn't how I want to write or read.<br />Congrats to your hubby on his 2nd place award. One thing I am interested in is learning a bit about water color. I have family and friends who are artists and I learn from them :)<br />I will continue to check in on your blog and will miss your posts, but I completely understand your decision.<br />God bless you!Willowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02912030095491960175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-32531946750139368222017-10-11T18:24:47.089-07:002017-10-11T18:24:47.089-07:00I've been so busy the past couple of weeks Nan...I've been so busy the past couple of weeks Nancy, I'm sorry I am just now getting by to read this beautiful heartfelt post! First of all, I loved your pictures and the sound of the waterfall, oh it must have been just lovely to relax, get away and enjoy the time with your husband! Congratulations to him on winning second place, I just think his should be first all the way! I treasure both the collage you made and his painting, I look at them often and think of you both! And the online shopping world is a maze to wander through. <br /><br />Of course, the big topic you shared about is something I so completely understand. I'm glad you are relieving yourself of the burden of having to post on a deadline. I think that somehow steals the joy of spontaneity, of being able to post when you are able to. I think just letting go of the schedule will allow you to post from your heart, which are the posts I love the most anyway. My favorite blogs are just sweet ladies around the world sharing their lives, their ups, downs, joys, sorrows, and creative moments. I draw strength, knowledge, wisdom, joy from them, and it is the friendships that I've made in blogging that constrain me to continue. I cherish deeply the friendships I've made with ladies I will probably never meet this side of heaven. And I feel that way about you, dear friend. I ALWAYS love what you share, and find your posts inspiring, genuine, real, and for that reason, I'm so glad you will continue to blog, on your own time, and no one else's. Hugs to you and Dennis, may the dear Lord continue to bless you both in your artistic and creative adventures!Marilyn @ MountainTopSpicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00600290895531484438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-14288188899255962822017-10-11T13:18:49.339-07:002017-10-11T13:18:49.339-07:00There are so many great blogs out there, and I'...There are so many great blogs out there, and I'm sure if I stopped blogging altogether I would still read my favorite ones. However, I haven't given up completely and will post from time to time. There's a woman in our town who bought a home here that had beautiful perennial beds. She tore them all out and converted everything to grass. She just didn't want to have to take care of them. People say perennial beds are low maintenance, but it all depends on what kind of perennials you plant. Some perennial require a lot of deadheading, and I find that can be very time consuming. Still thinking this one through! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. A Joyful Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08604235087317891071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-39434172456876270002017-10-11T13:13:09.789-07:002017-10-11T13:13:09.789-07:00I do think all the sitting at the computer bloggin...I do think all the sitting at the computer blogging has taken a toll on my body. Sitting for long periods of time is not good. It was so nice of you to take the time to comment. Thank you for this. I will be back to post from time to time. Hope to hear from you again.<br />A Joyful Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08604235087317891071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-46863492614711927512017-10-11T13:11:19.518-07:002017-10-11T13:11:19.518-07:00Simplicity is something I long for, yet which seem...Simplicity is something I long for, yet which seems hard to achieve. I'm trying to make better choices to make it a reality in my life. I'm glad you liked this version of Psalm 23. It's from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible. A Joyful Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08604235087317891071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-7959563069461033272017-10-11T13:07:45.513-07:002017-10-11T13:07:45.513-07:00Oh, no, I'll still be here Deanna. I've ma...Oh, no, I'll still be here Deanna. I've made too many great friends to go away completely. A Joyful Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08604235087317891071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-35383989756567242472017-10-11T13:06:40.952-07:002017-10-11T13:06:40.952-07:00Oh, yes, I can see we are thinking the same way Ma...Oh, yes, I can see we are thinking the same way Marilyn. It's taken time for me to get to this point, and I'm happy I've decided to cut back. I'll still blog, just not as often as I have. God bless you.A Joyful Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08604235087317891071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-82244379987681901152017-10-11T13:01:34.652-07:002017-10-11T13:01:34.652-07:00Hi Bonnie! Thanks for leaving such a nice comment....Hi Bonnie! Thanks for leaving such a nice comment. Time goes by so quickly, doesn't it? We all have to choose how we use our time. Learning to play the piano is a great decision. That was on my bucket list for a long time, and at the age of 40 I took lessons for the first time in my life. I played just for my own enjoyment for a couple of years and when I downsized (with my late husband) I sold my piano and never played again. Which is fine. It was something I wanted to do, and I did it. That was enough for me. Have fun!A Joyful Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08604235087317891071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-59005025478101110022017-10-11T12:57:17.694-07:002017-10-11T12:57:17.694-07:00What sweet words you left here, Betty. Thank you s...What sweet words you left here, Betty. Thank you so much. I'm glad you found encouragement through my Living Large In Small Spaces series. That's the main reason I wrote it. Being your neighbor would be lovely! :)A Joyful Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08604235087317891071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-66576445135851141952017-10-11T12:54:09.263-07:002017-10-11T12:54:09.263-07:00I do have an A Joyful Cottage facebook page and do...I do have an A Joyful Cottage facebook page and do post there frequently.A Joyful Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08604235087317891071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915998197494794177.post-88308855775760888882017-10-11T12:52:23.940-07:002017-10-11T12:52:23.940-07:00Barbara, thank you for your kind comments. I do so...Barbara, thank you for your kind comments. I do so want a simpler life. I won't go away completely, though. From time to time I will blog. :)A Joyful Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08604235087317891071noreply@blogger.com