Just. Wow.
I've been completely overwhelmed by your responses and emails in the last couple of days. In fact, I had to take a break between reading each email to compose myself a little. Without exception, they all made me cry. I apologise for not replying yet, but I really, truly, don't know what to say. I could never have anticipated that little 'ol me could have possibly had such an impact; it just blows my mind.
You're all right of course, about the stats. I should have made it more clear that it was never about how many people are reading, it's the deliberate "I'm-sticking-my-fingers-in-my-ears-and-refusing-to-hear-the-bad-news" and the "oh-for-God's-sake-stop-banging-on-about-the-environment" attitudes I find so devastating.
You're also right, of course, that this is my blog and if I want bang on about the environment and only one other person reads it, then why should it matter? It seems clear from your comments and emails that perhaps there is room for a bit more amateur exploration and discussion of the "big issues" in the blogosphere now.
Boy, that gives me hope.
Even if it ends up being only five of you sticking it out with me :-)
Can you dig it? Are you prepared to read about the things that keep me awake at night? The things that break my heart when I contemplate my kids' future?
'Cause I so need to get them off my chest.
Cheers,
66 comments:
I'll stick with you Julie :)
Because I'm pretty sure the things that keep you up at night have the same effect on me, and you getting them off your chest will be very cathartic for us both!
Dear Julie,
I've only been reading your blog for a few months, but was drawn in by the title. I was somewhat disappointed to check in on your blog and see mostly pictures of veggies, etc....I was so hoping to hear your thoughts on sustainability and green living, and that sort of thing. I was doubly disappointed to read that you felt that people weren't interested in what you had to say about these things. I am so glad you are finding your footing and your wings, and will be posting about what keeps you up at night---I have a feeling those things will be similar to what keeps many of us up at night. So I want to apologize for not posting yesterday and encouraging you, but I'm doing it to day to say that your vegetables and garden are lovely, and I'd love to continue to see the photos of them....but more than that, I'm looking so forward to hearing your thoughts on more pressing issues. :)
Julie,
I am finding that a lot of bloggers that I have been following have lately been going through stages of re-asessing where their blog actually fits into their life. The ones that start to write from the heart instead of to an audience are the ones that stay on my blogroll. Your last post really touched my heart, and I would be honoured to hear more of your ideas.
Yay!! Right on or write on....
Yes, please! I for one need more of that sort of blogging and less of the other. As you said, there's plenty of the other already out there. Let's talk about how to help our kids get ready for that future, and how to make a real difference.
The apathy of others is a huge demotivator. I know.
I too am the person that asks people in the office why they use disposable cups and spoons.
I too am that person at a pcinic who separates the recyclables and takes them home with me when there's not a recycling bin near by.
I care about our envoronment and I don't particularly care for those who dont. I really enjoy reading all your posts.
Bang away!!
Its the people who bang on that keep the beat for everyone else.
I'll be listening. I'll even attempt to pick up the tempo on occasion.
I'll be sticking with you too!
Julie, I'm delighted to hear that you've decided to keep writing about the things that matter to you.
I made my first comment on your blog the other day when I wrote that I am a relatively new reader of your blog and 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.
Then I went and started reading through your archive, and was startled to realise that you had based one of your blog posts (dated April 1st this year) on an article I wrote about the Rainforest Alliance and child labour in the chocolate industry.
I've received a lot of unpleasant personal criticism from the Rainforest Alliance, Unilever, and other corporate giants for publishing that article. So I just wanted you to know that it means a huge amount to me that you took the time, not only to read my long and "depressing" article, but also to share it via your blog, and then also to field negative comments from Unilever and even the founder of the Rainforest Alliance.
You really made my day, and helped to strengthen my resolve to keep speaking out about issues that I think are important. Thanks! :-)
By the way, Julie, if you'd like a free sample of our prototype baking chocolate (made artisanally in Australia with cocoa beans sourced ethically from Vanuatu), then just email your postal address to me: sam@tava.com.au
Absolutely. (I stayed subscribed, hoping, so I'm doing a little dance right now). Dr. Albert Bartlett's quote “The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function” gives room for hope as well as fear. It means that the movement that seems to be growing oh so much too slowly will, if exponential maths holds true, suddenly explode and gain momentum faster and faster. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
YEAH! Go for it. I'm glad you came to that decision. You will see, there'll be quite a few readers who'll stick with you and there'll be some new readers, too.
As long as you write from your heart and you are happy ..... :)))
Yay. And heres a little something for you to bang on about.
http://sophiemunns2010.blogspot.com/
bloody monsanto and bill gates bastards both
Bang away Julie! Yep I can quite understand your tossing and turning at nights worried about your girls's future. Heck I don't have any children and I toss and turn about the future too - I am concerned - I have nieces and nephews. So please do keep blogging if you want to bang away on matters important to YOU. Kind Regards - Lynda - formerly a non commenter and lurker
I so know how you feel, I wish I had started when my kids were younger, I even have to battle my own family, let alone everyone else.
I LOVE your blog, some of your simple recipes are life savers, the Lemon Curd is to die for and you have inspired me to plant things I would never have thought of.
And it's your blog, you can write whatever you like, if people don't like it they can find someone else's blog to read, there are millions of them out there to choose from. I'll stick with you.xx
Welcome back,
I hope to hear from you soon.
Kind Regards
Belinda
Fire away.
It's you blog, don't try to play the popularity game, I'm pretty sure it doesn't work.
I started to cry a little bit too.
Bring it on!!!!!
:-)
What's that little saying?
"Be the change you want to see in the world"
...and along the way we can all listen and learn from you and implement change too.
I look forward to your future posts Julie.
Tania
Please don't stop! I for one need people like you to keep me on my toes and focused on the important stuff. It is easy to get caught up in details about homemade washing up liquid and cooking, all the more reason to keep reminding us why we do it! Also I would like to thank you for being a valuable source of facts and research that I probably wouldn't have been able to locate on my own. Powerful stuff in the constant and difficult battle to enlighten my surroundings...
Go ahead we are 'listening'! Welcome back. from Jenny McH
PS. also wanted to say, I loved your photos of our beautiful country ~ would love to see more of these sprinkled thru out your postings. from Jenny McH
I'm still here too. I may not always agree w/you and others who write about these types of topics, but that's the beauty of the internet. You can write about what is important to you and I can take what I like or don't like and learn from it. You won't lose me just b/c you get passionate! Write on, 'sister' (of the blog-writing type)...
I am with you, and so glad you are game to continue sharing! YAY!
Miss Julie, you have the gift of a wonderful voice and lots of us here who would like to hear it. I am happy you are not going away, that is about all I can say right now.
YaHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Feeling like I may pop its so great to hear you may possibly continue to share and inspire. You are like my friend Anna (mother of 4 under 5 wonderwomen) who is my running buddy. With so many little ones between us our only time to get out and run is early... and the only way I can get up early when it's so much nicer to have 5 more seconds sleep, is that Anna is there waiting to lead the way. YOu make doing something that is sometimes hard, (but always rewarding), that bit easier. THankyou from the bottom of my heart for getting up, setting the pace and encouraging the rest of us to come along. You are a champ! Hooroo from the Red Centre - Katja
I'm glad you've decide to stick around. I think what you've got to say is important and I think you say it and photograph it so well. I have two blogs; a craft blog and an organic farming blog. The first is soooooo much more popular than the second. I cannot for the life of me work out why. At times I can't get motivated to write on the farming one because sometimes I wonder if anyone is even interested but then I think that I keep it to document it for ourselves and also that if even one person reads it and is inspired by what we are doing or it answers some question, then it is worthwhile. Living a more sustainable life is hardly the easy way of living but each one of us has to believe we can do our bit and make a difference.
Count me in as one of the 5.
Have a happy weekend.
Too Bang your head too hard, we need you...
Like others have said, I'm sure that what keeps you up, keeps all of us up to, might as well have a cyber-slumber party and all of us be up, right...!
Keep up the good fight, Julie, we all will win the war, even if it's one field at a time.
Regards,
denimflyz (US)
You're so funny (in a good way!). Of course we'll still read the blog - it's one of my daily reads (when you write) - I hear what you are saying, my blog is mostly knitting but here I am sitting in my new strawbale house with composting toilets, double glazed windows and carefully chosen appliances. People do hear the message - I hope! Keep on blogging, the more opinions out there hopefully the more people will think. We need "normal" people having a say. Go Girl.
I really hope you stick around-I only recently found your blog and am totally in love with it!
-hugs-
sara http://myfrugalfunlife.blogspot.com/
Forgot to add-after I read your blog for the first time, I added it to my blog roll :)
sara
http://myfrugalfunlife.blogspot.com/
"Can you dig it? Are you prepared to read about the things that keep me awake at night? The things that break my heart when I contemplate my kids' future?"
Yes, yes, and yes! We're up for it, Julie. You've got a ready made audience, as you can tell by now.
I'll admit that the homey little things never bothered me. I appreciate the quotidian, concrete ways that people apply their values and take steps to prepare for what's coming. It helps me walk the walk to see exactly how others are doing it. I cover a lot of such stuff on my blog too. But I'm never turned away by people speaking to their hopes and fears for the future. I think there's always room for another voice on those topics.
I hope you are considering a return to your blogging. It IS your blog, and you can refashion it however you like, whenever you like, you know.
Julie, Feck the lot of them, fickle whingers- the reason why our world is imploding in on itself is because people like that are so interested in the shallow gloss of life... I've been reading for a while and immensely enjoying your posts- and all the archives!!- and the peak oil and climate change posts, etc etc.and looking forward to many many more! All the best XXXX
Hi Julie
I only just found your blog a few months ago and I have to tell you you are an inspiration. I enjoy that your blog really doesn't have a lot of fluff to it. Not that fluff is a bad thing, just that there is a lot of that kind of blogging out there already. So YES! I want to hear what you have to say. Your passion for sustainability is the driving force of your blog and the reason we all love it. Thank you. Thank you. Namaste.
1. Yay!
and
2. Go for it (re: getting things off your chest)!
=)
oh, and:
3. Yay!
Absolutely Julie, I can dig it, write away. My heart breaks when I think about my granddaughter's future and absolutely everyone I know thinks I'm crazy.
I'm so glad you've reconsidered.
Helen (aka Polly)
Knowing about the people who don't care can be really hard, I know all too well. You just have to focus on the people who do care, and realise that those people are growing in number every day!
Never give up, never surrender!
Dear Julie
I am not sure how I came across your blog initially however, since finding you I have made plenty of changes to my own life working towards a more sustainable future. I love reading everything from what food you prepare for your family (particularly when you have the joy of using some of your own produce); what work you are doing in your garden; what you are reading and what issues are concerning you most. I read your blog in the early morning- this is my time before the family is up. After reading your blog I find I am inspired to action. I am saddened to think you will give up your blog. I have enjoyed your journey so much. I would love to hear uncensored Julie on any and all issues. I will continue to have your blog in my popular bookmarks in the hope you will continue.
Many thanks again
Helen Reilly
Yay great news...
I'll be sticking with you.
I find it difficult to digest when the writing is too scientific or academic, but when it's written from the heart about real lives and real people it's so much easier.
I'll try to comment more often too, as recognition of your time and effort to write the posts in the first place and to remind you that you're not alone, others care also.
cheers Kate
So pleased that you are reconsidering. I may or may not comment on the type of posts you want to write but be assured I will be reading. My perspective on the pressing issues facing mankind is a little different because of my faith in God and I usually choose not to 'preach' that at people out of respect because your blog is your space and such views can sometimes spark some nasty responses from other readers. I only mention it now to give you one reason why a reader may not comment on certain things. If I knew you in person and we were discussing the issues face to face, I would add my viewpoint but I don't feel its appropriate here, if you know what I mean.
Yes please!! I'm so excited to read that you are going to stay blogging. I blogged about my sadness that you were leaving to blog-o-sphere.
I've been following your blog for about 18 months and it was a huge motivator in my early days of searching for a sustainable life.
Julie
In all honesty your herb/veggie post's bored me too tears, And i have only been stoping by for a look every now and then.
But
Your last post has had me thinking for afew days... And i really hope you decided to keep blogging,
you have really hit a nerve.
Especially when you commented about wanting to post about how you don't feel you fit in with the other parents are sporting events/school ect.... Kids getting picked on because they think different/ act different (my boy was picked on for days after picking up some rubbish cans outside the school- to pop in the recycle bin at home). And the "funny looking lunch box" , why they have "funny/crappy/boring" toys (non plastic)..GOD PLEASE DO WRITE ABOUT THIS!! Because someone needs to. So many times have i thought the same thing, and felt to alien and alone.... do all parents find these things so awkward ?
Best of luck which ever you decided
Kirby
Julie - I am totally ready to hear everything you have to say! xoxo
Yes please Julie, keep blogging about everything you do at present and also the environment etc etc, I'm so in tune with you but even if I didn't agree with some of the stuff you said, I'd respect and welcome your opinion!
I really hope you keep writing cos I'll keep reading!
Luv from Janette, Brisbane
Yeahhh ... Bring it on girl!!! This is great news!
Yay, I am so glad you might stay and talk about what really is on your mind and in your heart. I will stay tuned and will be reading, I may not make very often but that does not mean your words won't impact on me. It will be great to be on this journey with you. :)
Hi Julie,
I went on Mat leave last year, and was scared I would be bored out of my tree, and then decided to make things I have never made before just to keep my mind working.
Then I discovered your blog, and it was you who inspired me to write a blog too. If you can, then why can't I? I am no one special, but I do believe that you have to be the change you want to see, and that change is a challenge and a journey...so why not document it.
I bang on about complete rubbish and making things from scratch and living more sustainably (www.gettingrerooted.com), and if not one person on the planet was to read it - then so be it. It is an online diary after all!
I hope you bang on about whatever enters your head, if you want to, and keep being creative, taking beautiful pictures, sharing your life and thoughts, and persevering making your own thinks and living more sustainably.
And so what if some people don't get it. I didn't get it a few years ago, it is only through doing things myself that I have developed such a passion. Others will get there eventually or not at all.
Thanks for being the motivator for me. I appreciate the inspiration!
Geri
Hi Julie,
Your blog is one of the few things that makes sense to me in the blogosphere, so it's been a roller coaster ride over the past few days and I am thrilled that you plan to continue blogging about what motivates your continuing journey towards sustainability. It's been hugely comforting to know there is another parent out there who feels out of place with other parents wehn it comes to these issues and feel like I'm not alone when i ask my colleagues for their lunc scraps to feed to my neighbours chooks rather than go to landfill.
Keep up the excellent work!
Looking forward to hearing all the stuff that keeps you awake at night. No doubt it's similar to me!
Cheers from another lurker and previous non-commenter,
Hannah :)
:) So happy that you will be continuing with your blog :)
Bang on Julie my friend, bang on!
I bet the same things that keep me awake at night keep you awake as well. And the apathy around us.. well I could write a separate blog on that at well!
Oh, BTW, adding you back on my blog roll! Took you off coz I thought you were done. There is no holding a good greenie down!
Gav
"Can you dig it? Are you prepared to read about the things that keep me awake at night? The things that break my heart when I contemplate my kids' future?"
YES!
Yey, yey, yey! We convinced you to say!
This is just fantastic Julie. I can't wait to read about the things that keep you awake at night. I'm sure it's the same stuff that keeps me awake.
Tracie
Can't wait to hear what you have to say....I'm ready....lets go.
Coleen
I'm sure you didn't realise what your post would do! Awaiting eagerly for your future posts.
I have written about all this is a post myself - which is with all respect for you.
http://lightshadeofgreen.blogspot.com/2010/09/to-blog-or-not-to-blog.html
I just posted a little letter to you here:
http://eatatdixiebelles.blogspot.com/2010/09/tell-me.html
I'd love to read more of what you have to say.
(Love your comment Emily@the Nest!)Oh, der, can just post it here so you don't have to go to my blog, sorry it's long:
I just left a comment on Sonia's blog, but thought I should add it here, seen as the above post came about because I've been thinking about your recent dilemma. I have not blogged in detail about the 'big issues' despite all my reading and watching and researching, because I still feel unsure of getting the correct message across to anyone who reads here. I have accepted these issues in my brain, and so now, I simply base all that I do on post peak oil, climate change and economic collapse. I do read blogs focused on these issues too, and I would love someone like you to tell the world, to engage your readers to do more, and to understand the knitting, growing, making, preserving, caring... is to help, and to prepare, for these big issues & their consequences. Someone who is a mother, a nature lover, a domestic goddess... who is believable and concerned... who is authentic! I am looking forward to some big posts from you. I have not been reading as long as many others, but I have been one of your dedicated supporters, commenting when not many others did, because I wanted you to know I was still there... waiting for your bogging mojo to come back again! So, come on, what are you waiting for??!!
I'll stick it out with you Julie and I will read everything you write with great interest,and I agree with one of the other comments, more of these stunning photos please. They stirred my soul.
Patricia
Gold Coast
Passion is what matters and you've got it Julie dear. This blog is "Towards Sustainability" and it's yours so you tell us about those passions, what you think about, what worries you. We are all in this together. More cyber hugs, Rose
Absolutely with the others ... it will be good to have dialogue on the important issues so people get used to having them there at the forefront of discussion, not tucked away for occasional examination or use as "greenwash". Focusing on developing a social democracy rather than the current destructive libertarian society we have become - and which our politicians are keen to foster because it takes the heat off them to act positively - relies on blogs such as yours. Please stick with it:-)
I would welcome some comments on sustainabilty etc... more so than vegies and recipes... will stay tuned for your comments...
Bring it on Julie! Wonderful to hear everyones comments and support has you reinvigorated about taking on blogging about the big issues.
I can't wait to see where you take your blog, and look forward to coming along on the ride with you and your many supporters that are determined to create a better future :-)
Ally
www.happyearth.com.au
I sure can dig it! You go for it! Please keep educating me and others and we can all learn together! Yay - so glad you decided to stay!! :)
I am most definitely ready to read things that make me think! Bring it on.
I'm so glad that you've felt inspired again by the response here. You truly do not know how much of an impact you've had on people's lives -- I just realised a couple of days ago that many of my small changes (going no 'poo, making my own deoderant etc) have come from your posts.
So thank you for what you've already done. And thank you for what you will do in the future!
yes, please stick with it!! i have already learned soooo much from you and you inspire us all to try harder. thank you for teaching us and always being honest. xo m.
I'm looking forward to hearing everything you have to say. TO me, the thing that i love about your blog is the way that you write about the changes you are making, the state of the environment etc and you do it in a way that does not alienate but instead inspires. You never tell people that they should be doing more, or tell people that they are not doing enough, but instead you you lead by example and encourage. This is an incredibly powerful and has certainly inspired me to make changes and not become disheartened at just how much further we have to go.
Bring it on Julie :) I will be here reading along and learning :)
The same things that keep you awake at night keep me awake at night-what will the future be like for my daughters now three and eight ten years, twenty years from now. I have moments of such frustration when I encounter the endless denial and the pervading "business as usual" attitude. Isn't it amazing that I am sitting here thousands of miles away in suburbia in Portugal and you have inspired me to keep on with the sustainability journey. Speak your mind-you must.That is how ideas are exchanged,how an informed community is formed-that is how we get the grassroots movement going for change. To heck with the followers who don't want to hear what they know to be true-change is going to come whether we like it or want it or not....
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