To be honest, I've been in a winter slump. I am itching for the spring and summer months and wondering what to do with this little blog. I've reached a crossroads and need to decide if I want to keep moving forward in the same direction or if it's time for a change.
I've thought about taking a break from blogging, or quitting altogether. I've contemplated moving to a new site or maybe just shifting the content around a little--turning this blog into a visual diary of sorts, with more frequent posts and a greater focus on photography--but I don't know. What do you think? I miss blogging properly...but there has been a lot going on in the last few weeks that I didn't feel comfortable sharing here. So I kept quiet, because I hate feeling like a fake. It's hard, though, trying to be real (whatever that word means anymore) and transparent on a blogging platform.
This isn't any type of "rediscovery" or confessional post. This is just me being honest (and if we're talking honest: my room is a disaster, my brain consists of post-midterm mush, and I've only left the house twice this week, just so you know). And I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm sorry for sucking at blogging lately. I hope to get back into the saddle once I figure out what the heck I want to do (which might be awhile). Of course I will still be posting here and there, but posts are going to continue to be a little sparse. But in the meantime, you can always keep up with me via twitter, tumblr, and instagram! (sheesh that's a lot of social media)
Thanks for sticking around, guys. ♥
 |
| (chalkboard and words courtesy of little sisters playing school, taken on instagram) |
:)
ReplyDeletedon't worry. after Christmas, when january is grey and school seems to drag on and on (without us having enough time to prepare) and your socks are always wet and the house is drafty and damp at the same time, and outside the sky is wet...it's easy to get into a mid-winter slump. feeling it very much so right here. and I haven't left the house in a week, thank you very much.
I love love love the idea of shifting the site around (in whatever way that means). but I'm glad you're still writing / shooting. because if you stopped, it would be worse than never having apple pie again.
xx h
ps. please come visit.
Take a break, a nice retreat, to refresh your thoughts. No pressure!
ReplyDeleteyou're human, and I'm prefectly fine with that
perfectly*
DeleteI feel you, Carlotta! I've discovered that when winter comes around, I feel sucked of inspiration. The minute the first warm day shows up and a flower pops out of the ground is the day life makes sense again. Haha. So I hope that happens for you because I love you blog and your pictures and your words. And you!
ReplyDeleteI've been feeling the same way. Lost in life, unsure of what to do. Graduation is coming too quickly and I'm wishing I could freeze life and just enjoy it before continuing. I was trying on some of my summer dresses today, and I'm really looking forward to summer :) I was so looking forward to winter, but once Christmas passes it just doesn't quite have the same excitement. Nothing to really celebrate, just pretty dull. I'm looking forward to spring. If your week hasn't been too good so far, well then I hope it gets better and I hope your weekend takes a turn for the BEST. I've been reading your blog for 2 or 3 years now and let me just say that I so enjoy reading your posts and I will happy with whatever you choose as far as switching or just changing things up. Change is always exciting though. Ok that's all :)
ReplyDelete-Eliza
you'll always be Carlotta however you decide to blog. :) we as bloggers come to this post to peek into your life, however you want to share it (on here or another site!) p.s. I'm glad I'm not the only one who can say their room is a disaster. :P
ReplyDeleteamen. I'm way in a winter slump. thankfully though I get to escape from the dreary grey state and go to El Salvador for a month. hopefully by the time I'm back it'll be a little more humane out. I can't wait to see what you'll do with your blog. I hope you don't quit. xx | Natalia.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you've been a bad blogger at all, but I'm sorry that you're in a slump! However you want to blog though, we all support you! :) Also, my room is a disaster and my brain is mush as well, if that's any comfort to you! ;)
ReplyDeletedrink copious amounts of tea, listen to crackling classical records, read a good book. and let yourself live in it.
ReplyDeleteit's okay to feel like this. i've felt like this and i've never liked it but it's okay. i think we all do at some point. i'm not saying it to make you feel better because you're not the only one, i'm just saying it because it's true. and that is most definitely okay.
i don't even know what i just said. i'm watching doctor who. i'm crushing my feels. forgive me?
also, what record is that in the picture?
I've been doing good, thanks for asking! Your posts are always enjoyable, thought I would love to see more of your days, what you do, such as you used to blog about though I will still visit whatever you choose :) Maybe a new design will also help in getting you out of the slump?
ReplyDeleteCarlotta, I think every blogger goes through times like this. I'm going through it now. I have never even been really good at blogging regularly and I admire those who are able to balance their time well enough to do that. I'm hoping to get better at that this year. But at the same time, I'm not satisfied with what I post and not being able to design my own blog, I have goals that I want to fulfill this year-learning to design and write better posts. Posts that aren't written to try to be popular but posts straight from the heart. I'm trying to come up with a good brand and goal for my blog. I hope to come up with one soon. I just wanted you to know that we all go through stages of re-thinking and slumps. I think they're good and a part of growing as a person. I have loved reading your blog ever since I found it I think a couple years ago now. So, I hope you don't stop blogging for good. :) maybe you just want a few changes. you dont have to apologize for anything. These times happen and they're needed. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings, friend!
-Madi
See? You're not alone! Honestly, I don't mind if the posting isn't frequent, it makes the things that you do post so much more special! But I know that it can be hard to keep going at a pace like that. :) I hope things are better now, remember that God is always on your side and that He has a perfect plan that is so much more perfect than we could ever dream up! And thank goodness that midterms are over (hear, hear! my brain can return to normal now, thanks).
ReplyDeletexo
Ohhh, don't quit! Your blog is wonderful, even when you're not posting that often. Everyone needs a break from time to time! :) I say keep posting here, but do what ever you like to this blog - it's yours and you should do it for yourself! :) A photographic diary sounds more than good to me!
ReplyDeleteCarlotta, I would hate to see you leave this little corner of the internet that you have so wonderfully dreamed up. I never want you to feel like you have to hide your real feelings, either. I think you'd enjoy turning this place into a sort-of "visual diary". Everyone gets in a slump during these stark winter months-- take as many breathers as you want, and we'll all be ecstatic upon your return whenever you feel like it.
ReplyDeleteI took a shot similar to that first one.. just this morning.. :) It seems to be cold everywhere, huh? Lovelove your shots as always, aaand your words which I can relate to!
ReplyDeleteCarlotta, keeping some parts of your life separate from your blog ("the public") will never make you a fake! Our blogs will always be only a glimpse of our true selves, so share what your heart tells you to share, and hold fast to those other pieces of your life. Blog because you love it; share a photo with or without a caption if you have no words. :) Happy Friday!
ReplyDeleteAgreed. <3
DeleteI agree with srrraah! I don't know if you feel this way, but please don't feel obligated to try to share your "real" self if you feel uncomfortable sharing that much with us. I'm sure I can speak for the majority of your readers when I say that we love whatever you put up here!
ReplyDeleteand while I enjoy reading your blog immensely, please do whatever you feel best (quitting the blog or blogging less frequently).
Have a good day!!!!
-sarah b. :)
I think winter gives us all that intch for change and sort of writers block. It might be good to give the place a redo or something just to feel inspired.
ReplyDeleteBut even thought it's winter, spring will always come and you'll always have more words to share.
i hear you. a few months ago, i went through a phase much like this -- had lots of personal things going on in my life that i wouldn't want to share online, but couldn't seem to be able to write about anything else. it happens to everyone at one time or another. :) my advice to you would be 'just let it lie'. your blog is to write on at your leisure, when you have inspiration, or something to share. don't stress about it. and your readers will be here waiting because of you, not because of how frequently or infrequently you post. (a sidenote: i for one will be excited to see whatever changes you might choose to make in your space here.) keep your chin up, buttercup. xx
ReplyDelete( the alcove )
You've had this blog for what, going on three years? And you've always been so amazing. I hope you do exactly what you love and exactly what will make you proud of your little space. You are so full of inspiration I don't think you could go wrong any which way you go :)
ReplyDelete--
omigoodness. carlotta, i'm going through the exact same thing. i really do love blogging, i just haven't posted in a long time. i'm having mixed feelings about what i should do with my blog, or if i should just stop all together! i'm thinking of transferring my blog to a different name, design, domain name (still gonna be .blogspot tho.) i dunno though. wherever God steers me towards, i'm all for it!
ReplyDeletejust keep that in mind. God has put you in this situation for a reason, there's a bright side to this whole thing! remember, the next few words (*cough, cough* paragraphs *couch, cough*)i'm about to say.
i am never going to click the button that says, i don't want to follow this blog anymore. i am never doing that. you are an inspiration -- not just to me, but to everyone i am sure. xoxo ||
[ Meena ]
Love your honesty, Carlotta! I think any change you would want to do to the blog would be fantastic, even though its already my favorite blog. I say go for it if you want to do something different, but don't abandon altogether. Its your life though so that's just my two cents. :)
ReplyDeleteI'll support you whatever you do. I'm sorry about things happening at home, you can always text or call me if you need anything (sounds cliche.) anyway, I love you, and you're so amazingly unique.
ReplyDeleteWhere I live, it feels like "winter" has been just, like, skipped -- no snow, no sledding, no skiing, no... nothing wintery, really. It's pretty sad. In other words, I know how you feel in terms of eagerly awaiting spring / summer.... Anyways, I want you to know that no matter what you do with your blog, wether you move to another site or change it up here, I'll still be following, as I'm sure many others will be. :)
ReplyDeleteBe of good cheer. xo m
I completely understand where you're coming from. I often face the same issue of not wanting to be fake, but not wanting to share everything as a blogger. I hope you don't give up altogether, you're so talented and I and so many others find such joy in reading your posts and seeing your photography. Good luck :)
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean! I literally just started blogging again even though I've been on break since the summer. So take the time to clear your head and sort things out; focus on yourself and where you want the blog to go. It'll do you some good, I promise :)
ReplyDeleteCarlotta,
ReplyDeletehttp://saffssanctuary.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/something-in-air.html
Saff xox
Ah, that inevitable mid-winter slump that comes along and steals your creative energy and muddles everything up so you're confused about everything...I know it all too well. I've also been thinking a bunch about blogging and what I want to share and what it means to me and all that fun stuff. I hope you can figure some of it out! No matter what you do, I'll definitely stick around because it's you. And no matter what you do, it'll be wonderful.
ReplyDeletePlease DON'T quit! I love your blog so much...Your writing and photography is always so inspiring. I really do admire you and look forward to every post :)
ReplyDelete-Allison
take all the time you need, just don't stop writing/taking pictures because you are too talented! i hear you about wanting spring. after christmas it just gets kind of glum around my house because it's cold and there's just nothing overly exciting happening!
ReplyDeleterest up, and when you're ready do a blog post, but no pressure!
Xo
I KNOW THAT FEEL BRO.
ReplyDeletecan you blog about your cats? seriously. ...I'm actually legitimately serious. just. post about your cats. and about how you're going to be an old cat lady. make it funny. I dare you.
either that or I'm still up for a blog swap since obviously I've been such a fantastic blogger recently too (cough). don't say you suck at blogging, either. first of all because the word suck is not a pretty word (hahahah yeah I'm that person) and second of all because it makes me cringe that if you suck, I must....like...fail at life. brb going to snuggle my cat.
HOW DOES ALL OF LIFE COME BACK TO CATS I'M CONVINCED.
I legitimately might blog about my cats before you beat me to it. WE COULD HAVE MATCHING CAT POSTS OHMYGOSH THIS IS SO BRILLIANT. I...I'm sorry...it's late.... (but for real I'd do that....)
I'm going to bed now. I hate you for watching Downton Abbey ahead because I have things to saayyyy but I'm terrified you'll accidentally let something slip out of not remembering where the episodes left off. but asdflkasdjfla Matthew MY LOVE. I still don't think Mary deserves him.
also I really don't hate you, I think you're sweet and pretty and cool and that's why I still stalk your twitter and tumblr (and I'm not the only one ehehe) too. BECAUSE WHAT ELSE ARE OLD CAT LADIES IN THE MAKING SUPPOSED TO DO ANSWER ME THAT.
didn't I say I was going to bed?
uhm. yeah.
good night dearie. ♥
I'm sorry about that Carlotta...I don't really mind that you haven't been blogging for ages, just so long that you'll be back eventually, I'll pretty much die if you quit this blog, but that of course is you decision.
ReplyDeleteWhatever changes you decide, I'm sure I'll love them and I'm just glad that you're so honest, real and beautiful to us on this blog, life is tough, but there's also sunshine too, just got to find it! :)
xo
Hey Carlotta,
ReplyDeleteI have been reading for a long time, and selfishly, I hope that you keep up with this blog. But, of course, the choice is up to you.
I'll be praying for you and your decision and whatever you are facing right now.
Stay strong.
-Bethany
praying for you in whatever you're going through right now, carlotta. i love this sweet little blog of yours a bunch, but i understand your need to regroup and figure out what you want to do here. just know that you've got hundreds of lovely followers who love you and support you. :)
ReplyDeleteCarlotta,
ReplyDeleteFirst, I randomly would like to say I love your name. For real. It is one of the coolest names I have ever heard.
Second, I love reading your blog and looking at your photos. So of course I selfishly would love it if you stayed in blogger world, but change is good so if you think you need a change then go for it. I will be praying for you and whatever is going on in your life now. :)
Tessa Brooke
don't worry, I think everyone has experienced this if they're not experiencing it now. winter months does this.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Carlotta, I stumbled across your blog a while ago and I’m not even sure how. You know how it is... You click on one blog and then another and eventually you end up reading something that catches your attention, intrigues you, and you start following.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know how absolutely impressed I am with your photography, writing, and outlook on life. It is amazing to me that you seem to be so well-grounded and to have a good idea of who you are at such a young age. Whatever direction your blog goes-- whether you change it, take a break, or just keep going as you have been-- keep pursuing your passions and interests in some form. I graduated from college a couple of years ago and, I can tell you, things change once you have to support yourself. I wish I’d taken more advantage of the resources I had at my disposal when I was still in school-- wish I’d spent more time with photography and writing, wish I’d taken more classes in school and pursued a wider variety of interests when I had the time.
Even if your blog changes or ends, stay creatively fulfilled. Make sure you always have an outlet, especially when you’re going through difficult times. We all need a way to process and to express ourselves. God bless, as you figure out your direction for the future.
Alix
Hi my name is Anna. I became aquatinted with your blog from newlifdj.blogspot.com, a friend of mine.
ReplyDeleteJust want to encourage you to keep your blog, its a good way to reach out to people and share your thoughts and photography and every day life with people.
I understand life can be hard and crazy busy. I am a pastors daughter, so I understand life can be hectic and full of hard and difficult challenges.
Things you could post about: Post every thing, your thoughts, family, photograph, fashion, what you believe in, crafts. there are so many things that you could do.
I understand that you can get in a lull now and again, but push through. It will be worth it. you have a hug chance to be a big influence on people!!!
Well hope you have a wonderful week. stay strong.
Anna Houston
Awwwww..... Your so sweet also keep blogging! I LOVE your blog!
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled onto your blog and love it! I would be so bummed if you stop posting now! Keep it up. Your idea for a visual "diary" of sorts is lovely. You should try that! Or, you can always do some guest posts on my blog. :)
ReplyDeleteMargeaux
margeauxknight.blogspot.com