Hi, folks. Let me start by apologizing for the lack of activity here at the Gazette, although I know it’s hardly life-changing for anyone. I’ve been crippled by [Ed. — melodramatic much?] a sort of mental/psychological malaise, compounded by the daily requirement to deal with the billions of leaves falling from our live oak trees that JUST. WON’T. STOP!
*ahem*
I’d like to blame it on a case of writer’s block, but to be honest, I have about a hundred things I’d like to post. The real problem is that I don’t know whether any of them are actually worth your time to read, and this leads to a deeper problem and one that I need to work through: has the Gazette reached the end of its useful life (if it really ever filled a useful role)?
After almost 24 years of semi-continuous publication (there were a few fallow periods here and there), I’m starting to wonder if there’s anything new under the sun that I haven’t already covered. I’m not particularly interested in writing about current events — there are too many talking heads already screaming for your attention and mine — and I gave up opining about politics a long time ago. Even the observations about nature that came so easily when we first moved to the Texas Hill Country are hard to come by as development has depleted the nearby habitat that provided so many interesting encounters with wildlife.
Despite all of that, I’m hesitant to pull the plug at this point. Instead, I want to take a sabbatical to mull things over and seek some inspiration…maybe do a little writing just for myself, and see if it leads to a renewed enthusiasm for sharing with you. I’ll try not to be gone long (I hope you won’t completely forget about me!); I’m thinking that June 1st would be a good target date to fire things up again.
In the meantime, please know that I deeply appreciate each of you who take the time to visit these pages and pretend that what you find is worthwhile. Your feedback and kind words have always been the fuel to whatever fire keeps me motivated, and I can’t thank you enough.
So, this is not goodbye, but rather…go with God and I’ll be checking in later.
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I for one will miss your posts – as I know will others!
Rest, ponder & (hopefully) get back at it, please!
Thanks, Phyllis! You know that I value your opinions, and that’s one reason it would be a difficult decision to quit.
You have always entertained me with your clever use of words and humor!! I will miss you but please take time for reflection and know that many would miss your writings!! As I have said many times you need to write a book with all your collections!! ❤️❤️
Jen, you’re much too kind. And to be honest, I’ve thought about a “best of” book, if only to see whether I could actually do it. I think I’d have sufficient motivation if someone would preorder around 10,000 copies! *hint, hint* 🤣
Oops my 80 years old fingers miss typed our email‼️
Fortunately, your email isn’t actually disclosed or recorded. We’re all about privacy here at the Gazette!
I am sad to not have a minute to relax and be entertained by your wit and wisdom. Many people may not know about The Hangar and its great music opportunities: The Buddy Holly Tribute band and the Big Band that we just learned will celebrate for New Year’s Eve. I never tire of the wildlife and bluebonnet pictures! Maybe you and Mike should go on a photograph excursion soon. We are there March 27 to April 6. Are there any dances on March 27 or 28? Thanks for your blogging and rest up cause we will all be anticipating June 1st.
Welp. That’s a big decision. I’ve not yet confronted the question after all these years, too, and I can’t imagine not blogging. But I get it.
Breaks are good things. Just don’t make a permanent one.