Good friends and good books --Things we want to hang on to forever.
After nearly seven years of blogging, I have decided the time has come to say goodbye. At least from this vantage point. I can't begin to tell you how much I have enjoyed sharing my passion for reading, cooking, gardening, music and traveling with all of you on these pages, but I've grown weary of the process. Instead, I look forward to reading for the pure pleasure of escaping into a book without the intrusive thoughts of which passages to mark or which scenes to describe in my review. I look forward to enjoying a beautiful sunset or a delicious meal without feeling the urge to grab my camera in order to document the event for a blog entry. And, I look forward to curling up with a book during the hours I'd normally devote to composing and publishing my posts.
And yet, I can't just simply walk away from this wonderful world of blogging. You, my dear friends, have become so important to me during these past few years. You've cheered me on in the good times and held my hand (albeit, virtually) and offered words of comfort during some very difficult days. I am blessed to have come to know so many incredibly loving people and I thank you for your friendship and the kindness you've bestowed upon me. But as I said, this is only goodbye from this side of the screen. I still plan to visit your blogs and look forward to keeping in touch via email and Goodreads. I may be ready to free up several hours a week, but I'm not ready to go cold turkey and completely unplug! ;)
I think Kay summed it up quite nicely when she decided to stop blogging:
Be well. Be happy. Read a lot or not a lot if you don't want to. Mostly, my wish for each of you is that you live and glory in the present and in the richness of the time we have here on this earth. Life is short. Tell someone you love them every day.
And so, I'll see you around the Blogosphere.
Be well.
With love,
Les
Your blog will be missed but I totally understand your feelings.
ReplyDeleteI can understand your reasoning, but I will only allow this because we will keep in touch.
ReplyDeleteI am working my way through you top ten list, and you will be required to give me one next year!!
Enjoy your new free time.
ReplyDeleteSelfishly, I am really sad to see this but I know if it's your decision it's the right thing for you. You're one of those bloggers I've known for so long, we WILL NOT lose touch. Hugs to you Les.
ReplyDeleteI will miss your reviews, which have led me to some great reads and steered me clear of some not-so-great ones, as well as increasing the size of my to-be-read list.
ReplyDeleteMost of all, though, I'll miss the glimpses into your life through your photos and travel adventures. And reading your blog inspired me to be brave enough to create my own, so thank you for that!
See you on Facebook!!
Perfect. And hugs to you, my sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteOh, Leslie. I'm going to miss you. I've read so many book you have recommended, I've cried with you on sad anniversaries, and laughed with you at celebrations. You even introduced me to your mother!
ReplyDeleteAs you know I keep the list of blogs in the sidebar of my blog very, very short. But your link has always been there.
I will miss you so much.
Enjoy the time you're freeing up! Your blog will be missed.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me sad but I'm glad thankful for your blog that allowed us to become friends.
ReplyDeleteI will miss your posts! Enjoy your free time!
ReplyDeleteYou will be missed, but I admire you for making the best decision for this period of your life. I hope you will be well and that 2013 will be a year of blessings. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lesley, for all the time you devoted to providing so many of us with such wonderful insights about the numerous books you've read. I visited your blog as much as I could, and yet, I always wished I could have visited it more often to learn even more from you. I can't thank you enough for introducing me to so many good reads . . . you've been a godsend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lesley, for all the time you devoted to providing so many of us with such wonderful insights about the numerous books you've read. I visited your blog as much as I could, and yet, I always wished I could have visited it more often to learn even more from you. I can't thank you enough for introducing me to so many good reads . . . you've been a godsend.
ReplyDeleteI don't think we're friends on Goodreads, are we? Must amend, if that's the case. I will miss your blog, but I've gotten *terrible* about reading other blogs and I fear the end is near for my blog, as well. I completely understand. I keep thinking, "I don't want to write about this; I just want to read it," when I'm in the midst of a book. Sadly, I've scheduled a few tours and reviews, so I can't ditch, yet. :) See you in the other usual places! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI'm so bummed you are signing off! I have gotten many good book recs from your blog. I hope you will leave it online anyway as a reference of your past reads. I will still visit! Best wishes-- Anne in Seattle
ReplyDeleteOh man! I'll miss your blog, it's the only one I read anymore. Enjoy your new 'free time'. I'm sure you'll find wonderful things to fill it.
ReplyDeleteJen
Congratulations on a job well done!
ReplyDeleteI'll miss your blog, but totally understand your reasons for signing off. Will keep up with your recommendations and reviews on goodreads. Enjoy the freedom to just read (or not)!
ReplyDeleteI'm really sad to hear this Les. I so looked forward to your blog. I have pretty much quit doing my blog, but that is because no one reads it or makes comments... If I got the response you do, I'd never stop blogging... see you around I guess...
ReplyDeleteor not...
Linda in VA
Well, I come to this post prepared yet teary. You, dear Lesley, practically got me in this mess in the first place by writing of books with such passion that I couldn't help but switch from posts about my life to posts about literature. Yet, I completely sympathize with the tediousness of it all. There is something to be said about peace. No compulsions. I'm relieved you'll still visit, though, when you see fit. God bless you, Les, and know I love you.
ReplyDeleteSaying goodbye is so hard..but I do understand and totally support your decision to stop blogging. I will miss your thoughtful reviews, the photos, and the family updates that you have so generously shared with us over the years. I do believe that you are not alone in the blogging world of those who are considering closing down shop. We spend a lot of time preparing posts, reading blogs, commenting, and generally just trying to keep up with our reading and the reading of others. I have often thought about the time I spend online ad wondered what else I could get done if I wasn't online....quite a lot actually! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to know that I can still find you on Goodreads and that you will be stopping by and visiting every once in a while.
I wish you nothing but peace, love, and happiness!!!
((((BIG HUGS)))))
Dear Lesley,
ReplyDeleteI'm not a frequent visitor to any blog but yours. Several years ago I discovered you and found that your opinions seemed to be very similiar to mine when it came to books, so I've visited often when looking for the next good read. I'm sad to know that you won't be posting anymore, but I wish you all the best and thank you for sharing your life and your loves.
I'm not surprised by this post, because you have hinted at it for a while now; however, that doesn't eliminate the sadness I feel as I actually read it. I fully understand the need for change, especially if it is not bringing you joy. We only have so many hours in a day -- they must be used wisely. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your reviews, thoughts on life and family, etc. You are a treasure of a friend, and I know we will remain in contact in one form or another. And, in light of your other message, I look forward to it. :) Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed by all the comments. People really do understand. Whatever you decide to do is right for you. You are the only one who knows what you need in your life. If you need connection, it is there in abundance. If you want quiet, you may find it as well. Just follow your heart, dear one.
ReplyDeleteI will so miss your blog, Les - one of my favorite "must reads"...but I hope we'll stay connected. I value your friendship (and someday I hope we'll get to meet in person!). I can understand your feelings. I've thought about stopping too - but so far, I continue on (but with changes for 2013). Hope 2013 will be filled with wonderful things for you! <3
ReplyDeleteOh dear. I love to read your reviews (do you know how many books I've read because of you, Les?!) so I'm terribly sad to see you go.
ReplyDeleteI am sad to see you stop but I completely understand. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry and sad to read this, but totally understand how you feel, Lesley.
ReplyDeleteI hope you still continue to stay in touch and keep connected, even if it is through another medium.
Much love to you and your family!
How did I miss this post; Lesley, I will miss your blog and hope that we still keep in touch. I have felt like abandoning my blog at times as well, and then I think I would be disappointed if I did:(
ReplyDeleteMiss u already
Oh Les!!! I'm so sorry to see this post this morning (my first day back to work and just now getting back to blog reading) but I completely understand. I'm so glad to have connected with you the past couple of years and I hope that you don't become a complete stranger. ;) I did see your Goodreads request...I accepted but am not on there very often. Of course always FB.
ReplyDeleteLove and Hugs...
I know I said I wasn't going to respond to everyone's comments, but I thought I should come back here (in case some of you have subscribed to replies) and let you know I am back in the blogging world. Thanks again for all the kind words. It feels good to be back.
ReplyDelete