Hut on The Overland Track, Tasmania, 1991.
I once heard an aboriginal elder remark that their country, this land, is their church and that abusing it as we Westerners do, is like desecrating one of our places of worship.
I get that. This place, Australia, touches my soul.
The Narcissus River, Cradle Mountain National Park, Tasmania, 1991.
Having stood under an almost limitless sky in 51'C in a desert, watched a spectacular electrical storm roll in across an open plain, stood beneath trees so tall I couldn't see the tops, squelched through sodden rainforest and across alpine heathlands, driven on an endless number of country roads through any number of changing types of vegetation - mulga scrub, red gum forests, coastal tea tree stands, expansive grass lands - I also get why Australians are so irreverent and dismissive of authority; they know, instinctively, that the worst punishment dished out by bureaucracy pales in comparison to that of Mother Nature. Floods, bushfires, plagues of mice and locusts, droughts - hell, even being bitten on the bum by the proverbial Redback (spider) on the toilet seat - we've got it all.
Karlu Karlu (The Devil's Marbles), Northern Territory, 1986.
And so I come to my lack of blogging mojo lately.
I was involved in a minor fender-bender recently - not my fault and everyone was OK - which resulted in the car being away for repairs for a while, so there was lots of good old-fashioned walking, giving me plenty of time for quiet contemplation.
Finally it came to me on one of my walks, that the reason I am enjoying blogging less and less lately, is that I am no longer blogging authentically.
By that I don't mean that I am not doing the things I blog about, but that the things I blog about are only part of the equation for me; only half of the reason I seek to live more simply and sustainably.
The Daintree Rainforest, Far North Queensland, 1998.
It appears that the less I bog about the environment, the more readers I get. That upsets me; it seems to me as though the more I move away from writing about what fundamentally motivates me to learn the domestic skills that most of us have lost over the past generation or two, the more appeal I have.
Indeed, any time I mention Climate Change or Peak Oil, I get a large number unsubscriptions.
Homestead ruins, The Coorong National Park, South Australia, 1992.
The final nail in the coffin came a couple of weeks ago when a fellow blogger remarked that it was nice to see simple living bloggers moving away discussing peak oil and 'organising action against global warming' and more towards showing their planning and domestic skills; that this is a positive change for the better.
Rawnsley's Bluff, Wilpena Pound, South Australia, 1993.
Reclaiming lost skills and learning to live more frugally is vitally important, but I am, at best, an "indifferent housekeeper", to use the words of Sharon Astyk, and I suspect will never find the meditative nirvana that many knitters seem to feel. I avoid sewing pretty much anything that doesn't involve straight lines, I lack the creativity to ever be labelled a 'foodie' and my baking will certainly never win awards. Though I don't care (and that isn't the point of learning), given a choice, a good book and a glass of wine would win hands down every time over balancing our budget or planning our weekly menu. But I persist.
Bool Lagoon, South Australia, 1992.
Ramsar-listed Wetland of International Importance
However, by itself, knowing how to knit will not bring about a timely and efficient public transport system.
Knowing how to cook from scratch will not stop McDonalds from marketing aggressively to my children.
Knowing how to make my own household products will not stop Big Business from heavily influencing (some would say 'controlling') government policy.
Mt Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales, 1996
I'm tired of censoring myself.
I want to blog about how angry I am about the government's failure to implement realistic carbon-reduction targets.
But I don't.
I want to whinge about how hard it is to protect my kids from being teased about not watching commercial television, the contents of their lunchbox or that our house 'smells funny' because I've been pickling.
But I don't.
I want to write about how socially alienating it is to have almost nothing at all in common with the other parents watching their kids play sport.
But I don't.
And so adieu; I'm giving up my blog. I've no idea at this stage whether it will be a permanent or temporary thing, but I do know that I can't continue to only blog about 'nice', homely topics; there are literally thousands of bloggers out there who do it so much better than I and the proof starts with my blogroll. I won't be closing this blog as such, so my archives will remain online.
Thank you for joining me for part - or even all, for a few of you - of my family's journey towards a more sustainable future in suburbia. You all totally rock.
Seriously.
Cheers,
79 comments:
Oh Julie I for one will really miss you. I've missed you during this quiet time but to know you won't be back is sad.
I wish you well on your journey, where ever it may take you.
I'll always be reminded of you though, when I use the wonderful gifts that I was lucky enough to win from you.
I hear you on the other parents thing, the lunchbox thing and the weak leadership of this country. Actually maybe it's strong leadership, just not the politicians doing the leading??
So goodluck in the future, take care.
cheers Kate
I normally blog about all sorts of eco-related stuff - but I do know that when I post about little home-making things, or my vegie patch, I get more comments and more subscribers. When I talk politics and big picture changesm, I'm often greeted by silence.
I tend to think, stuff it, and blog about what's on my mind anyway. But it does feel like there's a lot of people out there who only want to hear the nice, easy stuff.
Here's to finding a middle ground: stuff that engages people even if it's not what they thought they wanted to hear. Good luck figuring out what's the best way forward for you!
Julie, I don't know how long I've been reading your blog, but it has been a while. It is my favourite - the little icon appears first on my shortcuts. I don't think I have ever commented before though - and I feel badly about that.
I am at the point in my own journey towards living simply and sustainably where I don't need to read any more recipes for home made whatevers. I can find those recipes when I need them - either from my own collection or online. I can even make up some of my own.
What I don't see everyday are photos like you have posted above. Nor do I hear comments from people who genuinely love their country and feel passionately about doing what they can to save it.
As you leave blogland, please go with the knowledge that you have helped and inspired me. I wish you well.
Hi Julie. I've been reading your blog for a few months ... and I wish you'd written more about peak oil and politics, etc.
Surely the only way Peak Oil will become a more "popular" topic of conversation is if people like you make it seem like a *normal* topic of conversation.
But having said that, I must admit that I also veer away from writing about what is most important to me, because I tend to offend and upset people with my analytical seriousness.
For what it's worth, you've inspired me to change course. Thanks.
I'm sorry to see you go. I personally enjoyed the mix of topics and think it's important to remember that the reason many of us search for alternative or traditional ways to do things isn't just because we want to be 'crafty'.
Good luck finding an outlet that is more authentically you and let us know if you pick up the virtual pen again. :)
I'm sorry to read this Julie. I've never commented before, despite enjoying your blog and making changes from things I've read of yours.
I am uneasy about the enthusiasm for domestic loveliness and lack of enthusiasm for meaningful politics. I feel like there is a pressure from some quarters to be a nice lady and stay in the kitchen.
Blogging is only one way to engage with the world. Best wishes for the journey in front of you.
I'll miss your posts, but wish you all the best for your future endeavours. Would love to see the occasional update when you get a chance! And thanks for leaving your archives- they are a great resource. All the best, V.
I've recently re-organized my blog bookmarks and have created a "frequently read" section....your blog is one of only a dozen I have in that section! I get inspiration from your photos...and would commiserate (though probably rarely comment!) if you chose to blog your "real" concerns/worries/outrages, as I think I probably share most of them! I do, however, understand the need for a "break" from the pressure bloggers must feel! Best of luck!
Oh. Maybe that's why I have very few followers and don't get on many people's 'blogrolls'... because I speak my mind about things people don't want to read about!! Or maybe... it's just me they don't like! ;)
When you say you lose subscribers, do you mean your Followers list goes down, or do you count the 'subscribers' in another way, like on Feedburner. I've noticed on Feedburner, the subscribers bit can be very variable??
Anyways, I love your blog, appreciate all the different type of posts you do, have tried to be a supportive and dedicated follower, and to both you & Julie G... I always appreciate and usually comment on 'those' type of posts.
Hope you feel better walking away, and can make peace with it all... blogging is just one way to reach people and have a positive impact. You have certainly had a positive impact on my life, but maybe now you'll find another way to get your message across. Good luck and thank you (and hope you might decide to keep blogging here after all!)
As I was reading all the stuff you said you wanted to blog about but dont I was thinking to myself why don't you? I would love to feel like there was someone else out there that was doing the 'simple living' kind of stuff BECAUSE of those reasons not due to some innate love of simple living (although you can of course have both) because I SO relate to that. I don't intrinsically love gardening, and sometimes it's a struggle and feels like a chore, but I do it because I think in a few years I will be really glad I learnt when I could afford the failures. I'm not crafty but I'm learning to knit and forcing myself to try and learn to sew for the same reasons. I don't enjoy a lot of it - I wish I did but I plug on regardless :-)
I'm depressed about the craphole I feel like our country is going in to , and depressed because almost no one around me feels the same.
So I'm sad to see you go just as I get a glimpse of how much I would enjoy reading about what you think about these things, and the other things we do have in common.
So selfishly I do hope you come back after a hiatus and talk about all those things AND your other day to day stuff too. But if not thanks for all the great recipes - skincare and cooking alike - and the garden photos :-)
Julie, I live on the other side of the world, and your blog has given me a little slice of life in Australia. I'll miss reading your updates. Are you taking the blog down or just not updating? From the east coast of Canada this reader will miss you!
I hope its just a temporary break. I don't always comment on your posts, sometimes I don't have time, sometimes other people have already said what I'm thinking. I always read and enjoy though - whatever the topic.
I hope you come back at some stage, forget about whether people unsubscribe or not, and just blog about what you want to blog about!
I'll miss you.
And I forgot to say:
WHO CARES about those fickle readers who might leave because you blogged honestly and with courage? Maybe they didn't like the truth as you know it... but so what? Are you concerned with reader numbers, or with reaching out to those who want to know, who do care, who appreciate it, but there may be less of us?
You've got a huge following Julie, so yes, sometimes you'll lose some, because there would be alot of diversity in your 500-odd readers, and you can't please them all. If you enjoy blogging about the 'real' reasons and it helps you debrief... then just do it! Even if you get down to 5 readers, why are those 5 any less important and worthy of your time, then the 495-odd others?? Just my thoughts on it...
* hops off soapbox now*
Oh no :( not you too! You are the second of my very favourite bloggers which are leaving the blogosphere this week :( .
I also thought as I read this, 'why don't you write about it?" I know that over the years I have learnt so much from you. I had no real idea of the impact we are having on the environment and the world until I became a regular here. I knew nothing about living sustainably or a simple way of life. I had no inclination to sew or cook or change my ways.
Thanks to you I have had nearly a whole year of school lunches which are package free! I have not only learnt to sew but I am now teaching 9 grade 4/5 boys to sew. They are loving it! Thanks to you I was able to show them 'The story of stuff' after we had spent two weeks learning about natural and manufactured materials. It was the perfect end to our learning and these are the children are the ones that can change the world Julie. The conversations that stemmed after watching it were heartwarming and their enthusiasm for the world and life is contagious. We are reviving the school vegetable patches and will be running fortnightly cooking lessons where they will cook their own lunch and maybe lunch to sell to the teachers. Heck I am even going to get them to cook bread each morning (considering many have no food for the day) as soon as fasting is over!
Does it really matter if people unsubscribe when you speak from your heart on your own blog? You and the way you write and share your journey is an inspiration to so many. It would be sad to see you give it up because you feel you can't share what you want to, I for one want to hear it, and just as an above poster said, if you get through to even one person then isn't it worth it? :).
I was also just thinking, does it show up on your stats if people read your posts via RSS Feeder? That's often how I read your blog posts and everyone elses.
I really do hope that this is just a short hiatus but if it is longer or permanent break :( then I wish you and your lovely family well Julie. xoxoJen
I'll miss you Julie, I hope you'll come back in another form/blog/Web site and blog about what makes you angry. Please take care of yourself. And thank you, thank you so much for what you have shared with us.
I love this country too and I get it.
Cyber hugs,
Rose
um, I'd like to hear all the things you don't write about.
Hi Julie,
Life some of the others, I've never commented here before. I started to follow your blog a little while ago and have really enjoyed it. In a lot of ways, it's made me feel less alone in trying to live more sustainably at the ground level and also tackle the big picture.
I blog sporadically and I know that tension between blogging what you really think and what people seem to want to read. At the end of the day, it's YOUR blog. Write what you really want to write and are passionate about. And if you don't feel like posting, that's perfectly fine too. A blog should be a way to express yourself, not something that makes you feel like you have to fit some kind of mold.
Ironically, I had a friend and fellow blogger experience the reverse of your subscriber trend. She writes predominantly about sustainability issues from the global/political angle, but has lately put in a few posts about sustainable living in the home and lost followers who felt the home-making posts weren't "big issue" enough. Moral of the story - you can't please everyone.
I have really enjoyed your posts and if you decided to keep the blog going, I'd still be reading.
Cheers,
Ant Queen (Brunswick West, VIC)
Hi Julie,
Sorry to hear that you feel you have allowed a part of yourself to be silenced in this important space.
I enjoy each and every one of your posts but am as guilty as any of reading then going away to digest then forgetting to respond. I hope you can divorce yourself from the peer pressure of subscription numbers and come back and just say what you feel you need to say.
Like everything else in life there is always a core group that will stick by you, listen and support you in any way they can. There is a cloud of others who buzz around until it becomes inconvenient in some way to them and they happily walk away. There really are a core group of us out here that really enjoy your work no matter how challenging it may be at times. Good luck for the future whatever path it may bring.
Kind Regards
Belinda
Hey Julie,
A quick note from a silent reader. Just wanted to let you know that this is one of my favourite blogs and I'll really miss reading it - peak oil and all.
Cheers.
I'll miss you and will pretend that for now this is more of abreaj than for good... I would always appreciate entries on the darker side. It's always inspiring to read intelligent pieces about the more serious issues. The only reason I don't do it more often is because I don't feel like i know enough about the issues to write about them. Lots of love and thinking of you.
xo m.
Julie, I will miss your blogging so much! I have been reading for YEARS and you were part of what inspired me to start my own blog a couple of months ago. We now use your eco-friendly clothes detergent, you have inspired me to try growing my vegies from seed this year, I wish I lived in a warm enough climate to grow tumeric and the list goes on and on. For the record, I love it when you post about climate change, peak oil and other things that upset you (they upset me too). I wish you luck and happiness in your future endeavours (and not so secretly hope that one day it is right for you to come back to this, or another, blogging space again).
Take care, Bee (who loves this sunburnt country of ours with a passion too)
bummer
I'm selfishly quite sad to see that you may not feel like blogging any more - I enjoyed reading your tales, and finding those 'SNAP" moments - kids don't have commercial TV? (SNAP) peak oil got you worried? (SNAP) Maccas got you peeved? (SNAP... from 1985-present)
I happen to think that blogs and blogging CAN be a powerful medium for change (even if that change is for yourself.... hey that's my blogging motivation!)
but if something is missing for you from the blogging experience - well it's best to hang up the keyboard for a bit..... it would be far worse to continue blogging and feel that you've muffled your authentic voice in a quest to be the most popular girl at the dance....
hope you rediscover the centre - and that you bring it to an arena somewhere, sometime...
cheers from sams creek
ronnie
Julie, I know I'm not the only one who has gained so much from reading your blog posts. Thank you for sharing so much experience, and for all the time and energy you've spent on blogging.
I wish you health and happiness and all the best in the future.
Sarahtee
Hey Julie, sorry to hear that you are taking an extended break.
I had been wondering for a while why you had not been writing about the big issues like you did when we both started blogging about the same time? I thought we were an unlikely team of eco warriors that told it how it was and damn the consequences?
I also have noticed that you have not been writing from the heart and have been dancing around the edges for ages. Not a criticism, just an observation. I loved your early work, but switched off when you stopped mentioning PO and Climate change and things that pissed you off!
I will leave you with this quote:
"Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do and damned if you don't".--Eleanor Roosevelt
Now she was one fine lady, just like you!
Gav x
Julie,
I feel that you should not quit blogging. I have followed your blogs for a while, and you speak of many things.
If we do not keep ranting about peak oil, and other problems that go on in all of our backyards, (it doesn't matter where in the world we are all at), it must be brought into the attention. Yes, all this affects how we all live if we choose to live substainable and with less footprint.
I wish that you would not leave, I think that you have writer's block and you need a break, then please take one. And I urge you to take this break, and think and then re-work your blog. I rant about many things on my blog, and really don't care what other readers think, if it needs to be discussed, then I discuss it, this world is not surgar-coated and you covered much and did not sugar coat.
So please, Julie, take a break, think, and please come back. We all love you.
Regards from the US
I feel gutted! You are an amazing inspiration, Julie and I will really miss your posts. I haven't been reading all that long, but it feels like it's over before it has even began. I can understand where you're coming from, and my best wishes are with you as you do what you need to do. I'm selfish, I hope to see you 'around' again sometime, here or elsewhere!! Take care and be kind to yourself :) xxxx
From one traveller to another.
May you find your voice where you least expect it
In the places left forgotten
Let it go
Grieve it
Let it free
May your lost voice create your path to travel. May you find a new song in your encounter with creation.
Oh no - don't go! Although I can understand where you are coming from. :( Maybe you could come back again soon and be 'authentic', don't worry about the people who no longer want to read, obviously this blog is not for them and you can not please everyone. I agree with the changes you have made for your family and do or will be doing, similar things in my life. Make your voice heard! There are still many, many folks who feel the way you do!!
I will be sorry to see you go. You are a terrific blogger and it is fine to get mad. It really is.
Kate
Julie
Thank you for your blog. I have enjoyed it - all the topics.
Please reconsider - for surely a blog is an personal expression of one's feelings, observations, idiosyncrasies, ideas and motivations.
If there are others out there who 'unsubscribe' because of a given topic that is their loss.
But for the many out there who gain - and I'm not only talking about your gain - I'm talking about your readers gains - it will be sad to see you go...
I'm really sorry to hear you're taking an open-ended break (my reframe of your intentions for my own good!). I really enjoy your blog - recently I've especially liked the photos of your garden because I'd love to imagine we could do that one day. I hope that the small everyday changes we make in our own lives make a difference to the big picture. But it's easy to get bogged down in the little things and lose sight of the big stuff. I would also get a lot out of reading your thoughts about government and school for example and the social impact on our kids of the sustainable decisions we make. (I think that kids will always pick on other kids so anything that makes them stand out will make them a target. It sucks, but it doesn't mean we should compromise our value systems because of peer pressure. By living out your value system you're likely to be instilling it in your children, rather than letting them absorb the values of popular culture around them, which I think is a good thing! I could go on (and on), but will get off my soapbox now...)
Anyway, good blogging needs integrity. So I'm sorry you feel like you've not been fully yourself here. I guess that having readers is important, but you might find that if you blog about your passions, you'll collect a whole swathe of new readers. You might lose several as well, but I'm not sure that it really matters?
The pictures on this post are brilliant. There's something particular about the Australian landscape that gets under your skin, and once it's there you can't get it out. Not that you'd want to. But it's awesome. Thanks for the reminder.
Julie,
Please go to the blog www.simple-green-frugal-co-op.blogspot.com
I think that this may help you in your decision.
Regards again,
Umm.. Does it really matter how many subscribers you have? Blog about what you are passionate about..even if you only have ten subscribers that is ten people you have worthwhile conversations with. Who knows - you may even win some others to your causes if you blog passionately. Anyways - I would read - I care.
HI Julie,
I have to add to the chorus of well wishers and sad hooroos. Your blog is on my favourites, a place I go to be inspited and educated. I have no doubt you have filled many others with these wonders and give you heartfelt thanks on their and my behalf. I hope the time saved by not being behind the screen is otherwise filled with all things good. Yours truly, Katja
Julie,
I will miss your blogging :o( While it may not be the most popular stance, I would have liked it had you blogged more about the environment. I really loved being able to see what life was like in the southern hemisphere. I'll keep your links on my blog, just in case you start up again. Good luck in all that you do!
You will certainly be missed, and I'll keep my fingers crossed that it turns out to be a temporary hiatus. I've been reading your blog for a couple of years. I can't remember how I came across it. But you are the one who introduced me to Peak Oil and to Sharon Astyk's books. So thank you. So know that some of us LOVE it when you talk about those things. I am indebted to you for your posts on those topics. Thanks so much! And best wishes!
I will miss you too, if this is a permanent stopping point, Julie. I wish you would come back and not censor yourself, give us the full on treatment.
I myself would like to write more about peak oil and the fundamental reasons I do what I do. It's not that I feel dissuaded from those topics by the vaunted hypothetical reader. It's that I don't really feel able to articulate anything substantial on those topics. Especially when I compare what meagre words I could cobble together with the likes of Sharon Astyk and many other, more intellectual, bloggers.
I would love it if you came back and re-oriented this blog into something that would fire you to write with more pleasure (and frequency). You'll remain on my reader subscription, so I'll know if you ever come back to blogging. In the meantime, fare well along your way.
I've just found your blog...I would love to read about all the ideas that you say you don't or can't write about. I bet there are alot of people who would be interested. I hope this is just a break for you and that you'll be back...I look forward to that day.
Coleen
Julie
No! Sorry I am one of those unsubscribed readers. I totally loved this post - this is your blog - voice whatever you wish to say. What you raised here merges with my own interests and concerns. Oh if you do cease blogging you will be sadly missed by me. Kind regards Lynda PS I think I may have met you years ago -at WEA perhaps?
Darn, so sorry to hear you are leaving the blogging world. I for one would have loved all posts regarding peak oil and such. Found you only recently. Hope you will reconsider!!!
I know exactly where you're coming from.
Well I'm bummed! I just found your blog today, and you're done!
I'll get over it, and of course, I can read over your archives and hope maybe you'll miss it enough to come back occasionally!
I'm very sorry you've decided to stop blogging Julie because I would be one of those who would comment more if you wrote about the subjects you are passionate about. I'm not all that interested in being a perfect housekeeper in a calm and beautifully managed home which is just as well because I'd never achieve it. I guess if people like me had commented more often then you wouldn't have reached this point so I'm sorry I have mainly lurk.
The first blog I read every day is Sharon's but really I'd love an Australian woman to write about climate change, peak oil and everything that goes with these things, especially one who lives in a suburban environment. Most of us will be living in the suburbs and I believe you could contribute greatly in that area. Maybe to start with your readership would be less but I'm sure it would grow.
I enjoy your writing, it is natural and warm and not at all preachy (is that a word?().
Of course if you have made up your mind to stop then I thank you and wish you and your family health and happiness in our uncertain future.
Helen (aka Polly)
I've been following your blog for about a year and the entries that I tend to bounce onto friends ARE the chewy ones where you talk about climate change and peak oil. So please DO BLOG ABOUT THESE THINGS they are important and the more people that blog about them, the more discussion will be had. And yes you may loose some subscribers but they will come back as other people who care about what you blog about.
Don't give up the good fight.
Sorry to read this Julie, will miss you.
Your blog is the first I read every day. As others have said, this is your blog Julie and you should write whatever like.
Wishing you and your family all the best for the future.
Wishing you the best but I really wish you'd come back and write about those things that you feel passionately about.
I wouldnt worry about the subscription numbers.. even if your words make a deeper connection with fewer people you'll still be changing the world for the better.
Please dont give up the blog, I, We need you to talk about those things. I want to know more about the issues as well as the simple things I can personally do to help.
I have been reading your blog for a few months and working my way through your past posts.
I respect your decision and wish you the best but I can't help hoping that in the future you come back and blog from the heart. I would love to read it - might even register as a follower!
Blog or no blog you are still a leader. Your tribe is out there. http://www.amazon.com/Tribes-We-Need-You-Lead/dp/1591842336
Hi Julie,
I'm with everyone above, it's your blog and you can write about what you think is important. I would love to hear your views both environmental and political. They are your views after all, and if everyone writes about the same stuff, reading blogs will get boring fast.
I hope we can change your mind. I love reading your blog.
Tracie
I was enjoying reading through and sharing your pics, then came towards the end and my first thought was...oh no, Julie, you can't go!!!
I share your passions and would love to read your views on the environment. I understand that sometimes we need a break, but I hope you come back afterwards, I'm not sure what I'm going to do without your emails popping in, they bring a smile to my face each time.
Take care and hope to "see" you here again soon...*hugs* from Janette, Brisbane
Hi Julie. Lovely photographs. Our country is so amazing isn't it.
I'm going to miss your blog, but totally understand where you are coming from. I see a similar reduction in subscriptions each time I mention peak oil and climate change. And its so fu%&ing depressing to see how detached we are from our imapcts on the environment. The 'real' stuff is so much harder to blog about isn't it.
I'm glad you are keeping the blog up and perhaps you will be in the mood to blog again one day. I reckon you would be an even greater inspiration to those who have progressed in their journey towards sustainability and are interested in more than recipes.
We should catch up in 'real-life' again soon. I'm about to eamil you re a survey happening on Tuesday you may be interested in.
Chat soon,
xx
Sorry to hear that you wish to stop posting. Your knowledge & thought provoking postings are the little seeds of information that reach out to people to make them think thru these important issues ~ maybe people just don't know how to respond to your postings about the serious problems we have ~ I must say I myself get overwhelmed when I see on tv documentries about global warming, war, food shortages etc. sometimes all these problems seem so huge and not fixable. BUT I take great comfort in knowing that there are many people on this earth that have the knowledge to speak up about these issues thru blogging or 'green' magazines. Julie, don't you have training in the field of evironmental studies? Don't let those studies go to waste, speak out, so us lay people can gain the knowlege we need to make changes. from Jenny McH in Melbourne
I have not read all the other comments as yet. Firstly can I say those photos are wonderful. You must have seen quite a bit of this amazing country. Secondly I have to agree that sometimes the feeling of alientation "at the football practice" or where ever you are is hard. But and this is a big but - WHAT IF you just kept on writing your blog and let the people fall away that don't really want to read it and you wrote authenticaly and from the heart. WHAT IF one person and then two persons and then three joined your discussion and valued your input and ideas. I wish you luck with whatever yu decide to do. I do understand as only my airy fairy posts on my blog ever get a comment and the hard hitting ones usually get ignored or they are read and have no comment left. Cheers, Wendy
You inspired many people! I hope you will reconsider and come back some day (soon!).
I love your blog and the idea behind it! Please don't stop! You are changing things piece by piece with your blog and your inspiration.
Are you blogging for yourself or your readers? Why does it matter if you lose a few followers along the way? If you enjoy it keep it up, your way! Don't dispair that you can't change the world, none of us really can, but we can't all throw our hands up in the air. What we do as individuals does make a difference, no matter how small...from little things big things grow.
I on't think I've commented, but I've been reading (and following) for most of the past year (since I started following blogs), and will be sorry to see you go, but you must do what is right for you. Write, or don't write, about what you feel is important, and if people read it, or don't, that's okay. Whilst it's nice to have people read and comment at my blog, it's ultimately a recor for me, and I write about what is important to me/us at the time. If I felt that I wasn't doing that, like you, I would stop.
I wish you luck, and hope that one day you might return, but if you don't, I hope you find the kind of life that you are trying to achieve. :)
I'm another who has been reading for only a few months and also thoughly enjoy your blog. I have not read through all the comments but enough to agree that blogging should be a way of expressing yourself as you feel fit. Anyway, best of luck and if you decide to blog what is really 'on top' for you, then I'd probably still read. We are all at different stages of our journey and must move forward authentically. Good luck and you totally rock too.
You need to stop taking notice of your stats and just blog from your heart. :)
As someone who has had multiple blogs, I've had to give up the notion that I am blogging for readers. I blog for myself, and if others want to share, that's why I put it out there.
If you aren't enjoying it, then it's a good time to stop, as you said, but there are still plenty of "environment" blogs out there that have a strong following, even if it is by just a few of the same people. Quality, not quantity, is more important, even if you're just preaching to the choir.
People need to hear these things (myself included) and be reminded of our impact.
Even if you're sure you're giving it up for now, don't close the door to blogging about the environment just because no one's reading. Once it's out there, someone, somewhere, is going to read it. And it might be just what they needed to hear.
I will miss your posts. I hope to see you back.
The comments and followers and subscriptions are all features. They should never influence us in how we shape our thoughts on a blog. You have a pretty amazing blog and I hope it's just a break. Taking a step back and taking a deep breath, seeing what matters. I have enjoyed your beautiful photos too.
Take care.
I'm always sad to see a blog that I've enjoyed either go or take a break, but I think it's true that a large part of blogging needs to be for yourself, and so this blog may have taken you as far as you needed it to in some ways. Like others, I feel bad that I didn't support you more in terms of comments. I do have a confession though; I actually unsubscribed recently because I found it too homey and it missed that zing you used to have when you wrote so passionately about your motivations rather than just your actions. (Reader then re-subscribed me because you're on my blog-roll!) So take heart that there were those of us who enjoyed that aspect of your blog, and who hope you continue to champion your ideals in whatever form suits you best. I really hope it all goes well and the move gives you a good feeling in everyday life.
I too am sorry to see you go. I hope you will enjoy the time away and renew your own spirit. And then I will be waiting for your return. I just hope I don't have to wait too long. I for one (and it seems there are quite a few others here) want to talk about peak oil and other issues that matter!
So, thank you for your thoughts, your insights, your beautiful photos; for sharing your family and life and knowledge. You have made a difference.
Best wishes.
Julie these comments from the many people who have been inspired, encouraged and supported on their own journeys towards sustainable living by reading about your journey show just what an impact your blog has had. You really should be so proud of how wide spread your impact has been. Hats off to you, your personal and honest approach (even though you feel like your holding back) has probably been a lot more effective than many government funded sustainability programs in bringing about change!
Blogging on a regular basis though is an epic task - as a fellow blogger I honestly don't know how you used to post so regularly! As you'd know though, a high level of following also requires regular postings, but if you feel it's right to return to blogging in the future, and speak your voice without concern for the number of followers, posting less often may help with the 'sustainability' of blogging.
I share your perspective about the importance of blogging about the serious issues, and like you are one always focused on the 'big picture' issues - though funly enough I don't really blog about them. It is a lot more difficult to blog about the serious issues, and it's a challenging art to integrate discussion of serious (often depressing) issues with a positive, empowering approach...
With a 'big picture view of the world, it's really challenging to work out where best to focus your energies. I hope you can find a way you feel rewarding to do that, whether that be through blogging or elsewhere.
Take care, best wishes and thank you. YOU totally rock!
Cheers,
Ally
www.happyearth.com.au
Hi Julie,
Sad to see you "leaving", I will miss reading your blog.
Good luck with all you do.
I was so happy to see a new post from you in my RSS feed, and I'm very disappointed that there won't be any more. Your blog should be for you, not for these "subscribers" with the Martha Stewart meets Little House on the Prairie sensibilities. If you write about what you care about, you're doing the right thing. Serve your highest self, lady!
I wish you happiness and success in whatever you turn your talents towards.
This is so sad! You're the second blogger I've seen in the last few months who has left the blogosphere, and for similar reasons. As someone who's been blogging about the environment for only about 8 months, it kind of makes me worry about my future.
If this does turn out to be temporary, and you come back, I will always read your blog, even if you talk about peak oil.
well i personally liked the hard more thoughtful, edgy stuff....I do the homemaking pioneer woman stuff already so I don't really need to hear that....but i'm probably in the minority!
take care & all the best in the future.
Julie!
I'm so upset you're leaving. I wrote a blog in your honor. I hope you'll read it!
Take Care...
Stephanie
http://simplicitymom.blogspot.com/2010/09/goodbye-friend.html
Very sad to see you go.
You are one of about 8 local (Australian) blogs that I read regularly. I am a strong believer in the fact that peak oil is going to affect us all dramatically in the very near future. The problem is you never here about it talked about on the news. Sometimes I feel like a crazy dooms-dayer and if it wasn't for people like you talking about it I might be lulled into the false idea that everything is OK. Keep talking peek oil and climate change, the world is slowly turning, we won't be able to ignore it for long.
Emma
Oh Julie, I'm so sorry to hear that you've felt so frustrated.
I understand where you're coming from. Sometimes I feel like my own blog is just an exercise in positive thinking, and avoids talking about any of the issues that I'm really passionate about. I'm okay with that for me, but I completely understand why you might not be for yourself.
Thank you for sharing what you have here -- domestic little things and discussions of broader issues. I've enjoyed it all.
I hope you find a place where you feel you can talk about the issues you're passionate about, and that you feel listened to more than you have here.
I wish you and your family the very best of luck with all your efforts towards sustainability.
(If you do end up setting up another space, would you post the link here? I for one would be interested in hearing what you have to say about the broader issues.)
May I respectfully suggest that if you really want to write about the issues you care about deeply, that you start another blog, forget the numbers and stats game(ie. don't bother with a site meter), and write what matters to you. That's it and that's all. It's your blog after all, and if you only get a fraction of the readers you have now, so be it. At least you will be authentic...
Stay. Please. There are many of us that think as you do....many of us that cannot write with authenticity of these concerns as you do. There are many like myself who need to know these things.
You have over 72 comments. That is 72 people who have visited in a short time. Stay. Please.
To quote me: "eah!" (inarticulate cry of distress) EVERYthing you said rings true with me. I am FREQUENTLY aware of having next to nothing in common with most people re: what's usually in my brain. I'm a conservation biologist: it's my lot. I also censor. A lot.
Honestly, when folks were horrified by the oil spill in the gulf, I felt like saying "Welcome to my world." But I didn't. And for me (and other like-minded folks) it never stops. But, there ARE things you can do BEYOND living sustainably and they ARE important, as you say.
How about you start a NEW blog where you talk about EXACTLY what you want, NO censoring. I found it SO nice to read some of what you said--a relief that I'm not alone.
I have a friend who is crazy smart and lived in the boonies in Kansas said to me "no one here understands me at all. They say I'm "interesting" and walk away." She was dying for me to move out there so she'd NOT be the only one dropping to the ground to look at a cool bug.
Whatever you do, I HOPE you'll consider a new approach that is more rewarding for you. Who cares who adds and subtracts you. My advice is do whatever you want and let the chips fall where they may. =) Either way, all the best. xoxo
Hi Julie.
I'm really sorry that you won't be writing here anymore. To me, you come across as being very authentic. I like that you don't lecture- you inspire. I would read what you have to say whether it is about knitting or the environment. It is how you write that draws me. I've stopped reading the blog that initially lead me to yours because it got a bit preachy- not about peak oil and the bigger issues mind you, but, I don't know, something just irritated me about the tone it took some times. There is a difference between informing and lecturing.
I guess it depends on what you set out to accomplish. Its easy to say that followers don't matter if you just want to document your own life. But if your aim is to motivate and bring about change then I can see why people dropping off your readers list would matter to you.
Even though I'm interested in the minutiae of a meaningful, simple life, I'm keenly interested in the big picture as well. Does it have to be either/or?
I wish you well in whatever you choose to do next and I will miss your posts here.
I have so enjoyed your blog, even though I don't follow you are on my list to check weekly! I get inspired when others discuss our global crisises to do better. I wish that you would stick around and voice your feelings - which are true and relevant and important.
(AND, my goodness those photos make me long to visit Australia!)
It's important to do what is right for you.
Perhaps this is the beginning of a new phase of your life (maybe you will get that little farm) or maybe the thoughts that led you to quit should be telling you to get on with it and write about the things you are passionate about.
Maybe you are the third wave of bloggers... the doers, the ones who encourage others to change thier lives. If you only make one person think about peak oil or climate change, it is worth it.
For me, this is the problem... we don't talk about it, it doesn't make the evening news, bloggers fail to make thier motives clear and so Peak Oil and Climate Change and all the other things that threaten our lives are ignored, clossed over and put in the too hard basket.
I know this because I do it too. My job as a writer means that I have a boss that doesn't want Peak Oil mentioned in my simple life columns. And she doesn't believe in Climate change!
So be brave... step up... and be passionate about your beliefs. You might change someones life :)
Hey Julie,
I reckon you should make your blog what you want it to be. If some people leave, so be it. You will gain more readers in the future who are interested in the topics you are writing about.
Why don't you just do a mixture of topics. Just be you. I notice recipe sites or those heavy on recipes get more attention. There are other lessons to be learned other than recipes and knitting. I am not much for recipe sites and bore easily with them. Knitting sites bore me stiff. But, maybe a blog just about peak oil would not fly well. I don't know. Why not try to include your life--recipes, alternative cleaning products, and how making food and cleaning products from scratch helps the environment and wallets. Bemoaning the use of plastic can be informative and inspiring. Also, the pictures you include do inform and inspire. Take another crack at blogging and mix up the subjects. There is no blog law that says you must have a theme that cannot include anything but a narrow list of subjects.
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