Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Hello & Goodbye

Hey, strangers y'all!

It's been a while since I last posted, and even longer since I've featured regular postings and updates, which depending on how you look at it, has the potential to put me in the running for Worst Blogger of the Year. But with my lack of postings, I've had a lot to time to focus on other endeavors and in the process learn a little more about myself and my priorities.

Last week, on April 19th, this little blog of mine celebrated its second blog-a-versary. There were no balloons. No throwing of confetti. Not even a colossal giveaway or sentimental post to reflect on the past 24 months. In reality, last Tuesday came and went without so much as a single thought to this blog.


Instead the 19th, played out like any old ordinary day. There were errands that were tackled, hurdles that were cleared, and battles that were both won and lost against an ever formidable adversary, my precocious yet always lovable, Sweet Bean. There were moments of rest, amid the piles of chores, and the health scare of a beloved family member thrown in the mix, just to keep us on our toes. The sun still rose shedding light on our day and sank slowing in the evening sky despite my lack of postings.


Imagine that…

Even with the most cursory of glances at post dates, it has become apparent that I've been headed toward a major blog-related change for several months now. Webbisodes has been my own piece of cyber real estate for the past couple of years. And as most blogs do, mine began simply.

At the urging of a friend, I started Webbisodes as a way of keeping family and friends current with the big news of the day, which at the time was the impending arrival of Miss Gillian Grace.


With a following of a staggering six people (4 of which were immediate family), I could've never imagined that anyone would want to read, much less follow, something specifically about us and our nothing short of average life. Because despite the junk in my trunk, the Kardashians we are not!

But you not only read, you visited often, always leaving words of support and endless compliments about Sweet Bean, her smile, and least I forget, her extensive wardrobe.



And just like life, a blog will ebb and flow until one day, you find yourself faced with a choice---continue following the tide or change directions completely.

So go ahead and call me dramatic, or perhaps even egotistical, when I say that like all good things, this blog must also come to an end, at least for now. And since I don't know what would be considered worse---filler posts or truly wearing out my welcome, I know that it's time. Time to stop feeling guilty for not posting as often as I think I should. Time to move on with my life and truly devote all my effort to being the best mom, wife, friend, and daughter I can be. And finally, time to be content within my own life, and to quit comparing myself to others, their things, and lifestyles.

With a change like this, you know what they say, Once a blogger, always a blogger. Okay, maybe "they" don't say that, but I do. So, needless to say,  between my little design shop and my desire to continue journaling our escapades, I'll still be around---just much less publicly. And knowing that you'll have to pry the camera away from my cold dead hands before I ever stop snapping away at the one subject that always makes me smile, there will always be an abundance of Sweet Bean photos to share.

Though I will miss the daily affirmations and the boost it gives my ego to read all of the thoughtful comments, I hope that many of you choose to stay in touch. And, it is said with the deepest of sincerity that I hope all the true friendships made through this very blog, will carry on. But since I'm still one of the last remaining people on the planet that doesn't have a Facebook account and still considers a tweet a sound that a bird makes, it means turning back the clock and keeping in touch the old school way---though emails, texts, and yes, even phone calls.

And for lack of a better closing sentiment, I'll borrow one from the once most trusted man in America, Walter Cronkite, and sign-off for now by saying quite simply, "And that's the way it is…"



45 comments:

Aly @ Analyze This said...

Well I sure do hate reading this! Truly, I do. I always looked forward to pictures of Sweet Bean, or hearing about your weekend. The Webb Family is a great one, a great one that will be missed.

I hope that you continue your blog design company and that you drop by to say hello every once in a blue moon.

You better believe that I will be staying in touch!

Much love to you all!! xoxo

Lindsay said...

Say it isn't so! I am going to miss you girly! I will be emailing you for updates! HUGS my friend. I TOTALLY respect your decision!

Cool Gal said...

I will miss you like crazy. Bean, too.

Michelle said...

I hate to read this! Yours was one of the first blogs I followed and I have loved it! But, I know that your little sweet bean must be No. 1, so I hope you can really enjoy your time with her!

Bethany said...

I loved your honesty in this post. I too, will miss you!!

Unknown said...

I "get" and respect your decision...but I'm gonna miss your blog :(

Wishing you and your family nothing but the very best xoxox!

Karen At Home Blog said...

Wow Shannon! I am so sad to read this. You have been such an amazing inspiration and friend to me, I am really going to miss you. I will miss sweet GG's little face but know that you and I will still keep in touch. Good luck with everything my sweet friend!

Joni said...

Wow Shannon, I got a little tear in my eye. But in all honesty, I do believe that you are right and perhaps your courage to come forward and be honest will encourage others who feel the same way. I just might be one of them. I certainly have slowed down recently, and have learned that it is okay. You will be missed, but I will definitely miss little GG and her darling little fashions most of all. Just through talking to you and your blogging, I know that you are a wonderful wife, mother and friend, and i can only hope to get the chance to meet you and your family one day. I wish you the best in your journey ahead.

KatiePerk said...

Cheers to new endeavors! I loved webbisodes, but completely understand. Hope all is wonderful for you guys! You will be missed!

I Do Declare said...

Tears. You were my first real blog friend! I will still stalk you out over at Sweet Bean (and will miss the fashion show that is also Sweet Bean!). I am glad I have your email so we can compare thoughts on Parenthood (the show!) and still make plans to rendezvous whent he Vols play the Gators. I'll miss you, I really will!!!

Andrea @ The Dawley Fam said...

Aww, we're going to miss you and I know that I will miss seeing miss Gillian's outfits! They are just too cute! This is really random, but what is the paint color you have throughout your home? I have been wondering since you posted Gillian's 1st b-day pics and never asked?

Jennifer said...

I knew that this day was approaching and I am truly sad about it. But, as a wife and mother of a toddler, time is precious. And creating a popular blog takes alot of time and effort. Time that can be spend on other things that are 'more important'....like your family. I am totally there with you on this decision, it is the right thing for you to do at this point in your life. I do consider you a 'friend' and hopefully we will continue to stay in touch. I love getting my dose of all things girly when I see GG. I hope that we will continue to email....because like you, I am not on FB or Twitter. So we are the last 2 people on earth together :) I wish ou much success on your path of design. Heck, you are going to make my blog look beautiful soon, so we will be in touch. Much love to you and your family!!

Susan R said...

Shannon
I know exactly how you feel and support you in your decision to focus on other things right now.
Now...having said that, don't you dare stop posting photos of Miss GiGi for Auntie Susan.
I've thought about stopping my blog too. I may be right behind you, but for now my posts are short and sweet, few and far between and that's okay.
Big Hugs To You

Suze said...

I'm sad to hear this but I will definately keep in touch with you via email :) I will miss sweet Gillian Grace's smiles definately! Always brightened my day! Hope you have a fabulous day!!!

Jumping Jack said...

Awe, Shannon, I hate this (i may or may not have tears in my eyes)! But that's just the selfishness in me. HA! I love reading your posts and think about yall daily. Best of luck in all your future endeavors and I know your design business will take off! :) I'll definitely keep in touch!

Much love,
Brandy

Sweet Carolina Girl said...

Sad to hear this! Excited for new & exciting things in your life though! :)

Mateya said...

Sad to hear this, but totally understand! Good luck with your design business!

Missyduck said...

Shannon,
Though we've never met, I've thoroughly enjoyed your blog and reading about you, your family and especially your Sweet Bean. At the time I started following your blog, I too had started a blog journaling our pregnancy and new bundle of joy. I completely understand your feelings and can relate immensely with your comments "time to be content within my own life and quit comparing myself to others, their things, and lifestyles". Thank you for all that you have shared and for making me, and others, smile. So simple, yet so appreciated. Enjoy your Sweet Bean!

Blessings~ Missy

Jennie said...

Best wishes Shannon! I am sad to see you go and will so miss all of the adorable pictures and cute captions :) Take care!

Mellie said...

Aw, sad to see this. I will miss your posts. Take care!!

KJJ Houston said...

boo boo boo!!! But I understand!! Maybe you shall start again soon, if you do atleast come back on this blog to tell us?? :) xo

Southern Living: Preppy Style said...

Oh no, I'm really sad to be losing one of my favorite bloggers, but completely understand! Like you said, it is what it is.... you will be truly missed. Take care of yourself and that sweet little GG.

The White House said...

Oh no!! =( Seriously, I have tears! I've missed your posts lately and stopped by just yesterday to see if I was crazy and just let them slip by me! I wasn't... I completely understand though, being a mommy of a toddler. If I was at home with Keller all day every day, I wouldn't have a blog! She is all consuming! I hope to keep in touch! And seriously, we need to schedule a playdate maybe this summer! Spring is tough since I have an abundance of photo shoots to do every.stinkin.weekend. =/ SOON friend!

Jessica said...

Sad to hear this my sweet friend. But I had a feeling this was coming. I took a month long hiatus back at the beginning of the year and it was the best thing for my blog. I will definitely be keeping in touch with you and will always use your design business for my blog! Hopefully one day we can meet, and I can FINALLY see sweet little GG. Enjoy your little one and your husband. I have definitely slowed down on my blog and am taking more time for my littles. OH and happy blogiversary! :)

J

nomo wino daph said...

Ahem.....bittersweet...bittersweet....
something we have discussed at lengths. Many times we said we'd slow down and well, you have beat me to it! (I AM getting better, aren't I??)

I know, as we ALL do, how demanding blogs can be (if we want to stay on top, ha, you KNOW how OCD I am abt it) and at the same time, we are called to be way more than bloggers, we are mommas, wives, etc. etc. If my babies weren't so old (and independent) I'd probably blog alot less. (not to mention trying to keep up a family blog AND a blog/diary for them both!)

I am just thankful that we met through the WWW but will continue our journey IRL.

(((HUGS))) and all that good stuff my friend.

I will call you tomorrow and we will chat it up.

XO

Alexandra Bee Blog said...

This was written so beautifully, and I whole heartedly agree, that when it's time to take a step back, you should! Good luck in this next phase and I look forward to reading your occasional posts!

meghan said...

I'm sorry to hear this. I didn't comment a lot, but I read every post since the ornament challenge, and the photos of sweet bean always make me smile. I'm sorry to see you go. I hope all goes well for you and your family.

Kim | It's All Reitz said...

Beautifully written, as usual.

You (and your adorable little girl) will be missed in the blog world!

Mungee's Ma said...

I can relate to your feelings! I will miss reading about your family's adventures, but you need your time to have those adventures, not worry about jotting them all down :) I look forward to your updates, no matter how few and far between. Take care and Go Gators!

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

Shannon, I wish I could reach out and hug you for making such a wise decision. You have the rest of your life to blog, but you only have a brief window of opportunity to enjoy your precious daughter and any other children you may have.

I didn't begin to blog until I was 56 years old and all the responsibilities of motherhood were behind me. I would have never had time when our two children were home. I still feel burdened with my blog at my stage of life, so I do understand what you are talking
about.

I've so enjoyed your blog and I wish for you God's richest blessings as you go forth from this point.

Kelly said...

I'm so glad our paths crossed! You're one of my favorites, for sure, and I'm happy to call you "friend". So much of what you said resonated with me. Always wishing you the best and hope to stay in touch! I think of you every time I open my blog and hope to redesign w/ you at some point when I need a change! xoxo, Kelly

Annette said...

I can so relate to this post. I haven't even been blogging for a full year yet, and I already find myself slipping away. Like you said, you don't intentionally mean to do it,but you understand that life (the right now with our little ones) needs to take first priority. I will always take a peak at your blog because I love to watch little Gilly grow up...I hope you'll continue sharing pictures when you can...Best wishes to you, your family, and your business. XOXOX.

Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too said...

I'm going to miss you, girl! Best of luck to you and your family!

Krystal said...

This makes me so sad! Although I havent commented in a long time, I have been keeping up on your adventures. I hope you come back one day :( good luck to you and your beautiful family. XO

Anonymous said...

Aw please keep in touch! I will miss reading about GG, her adorable outfits and all of your creativity! Best wishes to you and your family :)

Shannon said...

Shannon- I just checked in and saw this. will miss you and Sweet Bean as well! Take Care!

Jenny B. said...

I am your newest follower from a blog hop. Hope you follow me back @ http://bookreviewsbyjenny.blogspot.com/

Emily said...

tear!!! I will miss all your post! Hopefully we can still stay in touch with each other through email and your design blog... U will be missed lots by me;(

LeeAnn said...

Oh wow Shannon. I was wondering why I hadn't seen you around, and figured you were just super busy like I have been. I have to say...I wish I could somehow get past my addiction and do this same thing. It's hard. I miss my "normal life" and have almost forgotten what it was like. Enjoy your life, Shannon! Stop by and visit when you can.

Candice said...

Bummer!!! I was wondering where you were. I missed this post and you hadn't showed up on my reader in a while. Ya know there is no rule that says how much you should post. Sometimes I don't post for 11 days, then I will post 5 days in a row. I am not a slave to my blog, but I think I would miss it if I gave it up all together!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Farewell lady! You and that sweet little munchkin will be missed!

Shannon said...

I was just thinking about you today and your sweet bean! I hope Gillian is doing well. I miss your posts!

Unknown said...

It happens, and you have to do what is best for you and your family.

Terri said...

Hey Girl! I knew I was missing something! I came across your button on Jennifer's page (the White House) and thought I hadn't seen or visited you in awhile. Like yourself, life kinda took over! I've dropped so much from my own plate the last six months and only recently linked back up with Misc. Monday and Semi-Wordless Wednesday and kept thinking I was missing someone! I'm gonna scoot over to the "shop" and check things out!! Miss you and miss pics of Bean!!

About JollyJilly said...

Hi i found you via the blog hop and really enjoyed reading your blog. Your little girl is so cute I love her name lol as its mine also. I hope you may have time to come and visit me at my blog anytime
www.jollyjillys.blogspot.com