In February of 2011, I joined twitter and inadvertently found a wonderful community there. The blogging community. For someone who loves to read, loves to talk about books, it was a joy. I was a stay-at-home mom with two little ones, and I was grateful for a connection. I made tons of them! It's a world of smart, insightful, passionate readers, and I'm so lucky to have the privilege of sharing thoughts with them.
In late March of that year , I took a deep breath and started my own blog . It was a wonderful experience. To be able to purge my feelings about the book I'd just read to people who actually cared? That was incredible feeling.
I've decided it's time for me to move on now. I still love to read. I've loved the friendships I've formed. You are amazing, intelligent, caring people and I'm so very lucky to call you my friends. I will continue to read your blogs, to chat with you. I'm just tired. And it's my fault. I've spent so much time in this wonderful world, too much honestly. And I don't want life to continually pass me by. I joke with my husband that it's weird to say, I need to read less. Like I said, I love to read still, but I think not blogging is making me love it more.
To slowly savor a book? To wallow in a thousand page story, and not worry about rushing onto the next? That had been a reawakening of sorts.
I was hesitant to even write this post, so thank you to Autumn for the encouragement. And thank you for becoming my best friend. I'm the person who mostly tries to avoid a lot of attention, and I don't want anyone to think I'm just looking for some. Nothing has "happened" to make me stop blogging. I will admit the cattiness and drama doesn't help things, but I've been decent about blocking it out.
So the point of this, is to say thank you. Thank you to the authors who valued my opinion, and even to those who didn't. Thank you to the fellow bloggers. You've been such a wonderful joy to me. And you always will be. Thank you to so the silent blog readers. We may not have ever interacted, but I thank you for giving me your time.
I'm still going to be around, probably being silly. And snarking at twitter. (In the nicest way!) I will still be hanging around Goodreads. And y'all know I'll be sharing my favorite quotes as I read. Especially when it comes to Jamie Fraser. (good lord that man!) I hope to see you around!
So I guess this is goodbye to the blog. But not to you. And THANK YOU. Truly.
In late March of that year , I took a deep breath and started my own blog . It was a wonderful experience. To be able to purge my feelings about the book I'd just read to people who actually cared? That was incredible feeling.
I've decided it's time for me to move on now. I still love to read. I've loved the friendships I've formed. You are amazing, intelligent, caring people and I'm so very lucky to call you my friends. I will continue to read your blogs, to chat with you. I'm just tired. And it's my fault. I've spent so much time in this wonderful world, too much honestly. And I don't want life to continually pass me by. I joke with my husband that it's weird to say, I need to read less. Like I said, I love to read still, but I think not blogging is making me love it more.
To slowly savor a book? To wallow in a thousand page story, and not worry about rushing onto the next? That had been a reawakening of sorts.
I was hesitant to even write this post, so thank you to Autumn for the encouragement. And thank you for becoming my best friend. I'm the person who mostly tries to avoid a lot of attention, and I don't want anyone to think I'm just looking for some. Nothing has "happened" to make me stop blogging. I will admit the cattiness and drama doesn't help things, but I've been decent about blocking it out.
So the point of this, is to say thank you. Thank you to the authors who valued my opinion, and even to those who didn't. Thank you to the fellow bloggers. You've been such a wonderful joy to me. And you always will be. Thank you to so the silent blog readers. We may not have ever interacted, but I thank you for giving me your time.
I'm still going to be around, probably being silly. And snarking at twitter. (In the nicest way!) I will still be hanging around Goodreads. And y'all know I'll be sharing my favorite quotes as I read. Especially when it comes to Jamie Fraser. (good lord that man!) I hope to see you around!
So I guess this is goodbye to the blog. But not to you. And THANK YOU. Truly.
You were one of the first bloggers I started following back in 2012! You will be missed in the blogosphere, Andrea, but I'll stalk you elsewhere! <3
ReplyDelete*wipes a tear* You are one of the first bloggers I followed and were so gracious about answering the many questions I had when I was getting started. Your reviews are always honest, insightful, and either get me excited about a book or help me make a choice when I'm on the edge about a book. Our friendship became more and I will forever be grateful to our love of books that brought us together. You are my sounding board and my better half. ;) Seize every moment in this life and read on! Love ya
ReplyDeleteYou are one of my favorite bloggers and I'm definitely going to miss you in the blogging world. I always love your recommendations, so I'm glad I can stay connected to you on Twitter and Goodreads! I totally understand the need to give up the blogging - I've scaled way back because I don't want it to become a nuisance to me.
ReplyDeleteYou have inspired me in many ways and for that I'm thankful! You are awesome and I'm really glad I've connected with you.
You were one of the first blogs I followed too! I've always loved your reviews and your honesty about how you felt about the books. You've even made me cry reading some of them. I wish you all the best and enjoy and savor all the beautiful words ♥
ReplyDeleteThis makes me unbearably sad but I totally get it. And I'm pondering my blogging future right now as well.
ReplyDeleteI will miss your reviews so much but I'll still hunt you down on twitter :-)
*hugs*
ReplyDeleteA decision as big as this one is always tough to make, but so worth it in the end when you've done it for yourself. I'm glad you'll still be around on social media, though. :)
Hugs and I will see you on twitter :)
ReplyDeleteI totally understand with the blogging too. I enjoy savoring the book words too
This is a pretty big step and I am so very proud of you for doing what makes you happy. I'm so glad I get to be a part of those connections you've made because let's face it, you ain't gettin' rid of me any time soon! I have loved reading your thoughts and feelings about books and you've turned me onto so many great stories and for that I thank you. You'll always be my corn dog queen!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Jamie Fraser is EVERYTHING!!!!!!
Your blog will be missed but as long as you stay on Twitter and Goodreads I'm happy and happy for you. It will make reading more enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI *think* you were the very first blog I found and followed back then....if not the second so it's sad to see you go, I'm always on the look out for what you are reading, but like I said, I hope you stay on GR :) (And obviously Twitter or I'll hunt you down!)
Know that your opinion it's always valuable to me <3
So glad I got a chance to "meet" you through your blog and on social media and I look forward to continuing our friendship on twitter/fb/goodreads and sharing book thoughts with you!
ReplyDeleteYou will definitely be missed Andrea! I hope you continue to love reading and that stepping away from blogging helps you to love it even more. And thank YOU for being one of the first blogs I found in this crazy blogging world and for never failing to recommend great reads! I have found some of my favorites through your blog and there can never be enough thanks for that. Hope to see you around on twitter/goodreads!
ReplyDeleteAw, although I'm glad you're doing what you want and what is best for you, it sucks. Your blog was one of the first I followed :(
ReplyDeleteI've always considered myself a bad blogger because I just don't give a shit about feeling like I 'have to' read all my arcs or even read them by the release date. But that makes me a happy reader and blogger so I'm gonna stick with that.
And wow, you started your blog after a month? You brave girl. It took me a year of silently stalking blogs to finally get the courage to start mine.
I'll be on the lookout for you on GR! Hope you keep reading some great books.
BTW, I always thought it was so awesome how your bestie friendship with Autumn started through this :)
Awww I'm so sorry to see you go Andrea, I have loved getting you know you and your wonderful blog these past few months. But I'm glad that you won't be completely be gone, I know when I'm in the mood for some steamy reads, who to come to for recommendations!! ;)
ReplyDeleteAw sad to see this but you gotta do what ya gotta do and if not blogging has you enjoying reading more and feeling happier that's a great thing. It's been fun visiting with ya on here. :)
ReplyDeleteAw, I so did not expect this post! I'm sorry you're leaving but don't feel bad. I know how it can be stressful. Even now I have less time to blog and I get a bit overwhelmed trying to keep up, so it's understandable. :)
ReplyDelete-Lauren
I'm a newer follower and I'm sorry to hear that you are moving on from your blog, but since I follow you on Twitter and Goodreads, I know I'll get my Andrea-fix. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteFine. Whatever, Andrea. *wipes tear* I'll just stalk you on Goodreads then. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou know it makes me sad, but I see your point and I do understand. I wish you all the best, Andrea, and of course I'm going to catch up with you on Twitter!! :) xo
ReplyDeleteSelfishly, this makes me sad, Andrea. Like many, you are one of the first blogs I started following. And I'll miss you here. But I'm also happy for you. Reading is about pleasure and should be - and I know, as far as blogging, for you the pleasure had been sucked out of reading. I wish you luck in wherever you go from here. And I still know where to find you. :) See ya on Goodreads and Twitter, girl!
ReplyDeleteI'm really sad that you won't be posting any longer, as where will I get my dose of sexy covers now :( I truly hope that one day you'll be back. But at the same time I understand you. Blogging can be overwhelming. See ya around, girl :)
ReplyDeleteYou're one of my favorite bloggers so I'm so sorry to hear this Andrea! I've got so many great recommendations from you and I love that you often share something personal in your reviews. But I can totally understand. Sometimes it's really hard to keep up with all everything and still have a real life. I'm trying to scale back a bit and not take on as much myself. Still, it's hard to say no. I'm glad you'll still be on Twitter and Goodreads so I can still say hi. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm really sad to see you go, Andrea, because you are one of the few nicest bloggers out there, but I'm happy that you decided to put your life before your blogging. I hope we will still get to chat around Twitter and Goodreads (I'll be stalking you a lot because you are my go-to person for romance recs).
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say that I'm really happy we got to interact!
Good luck with everything, Andrea! <3
"I've decided it's time for me to move on now. I still love to read. I've loved the friendships I've formed. You are amazing, intelligent, caring people and I'm so very lucky to call you my friends. I will continue to read your blogs, to chat with you. I'm just tired. And it's my fault. I've spent so much time in this wonderful world, too much honestly. And I don't want life to continually pass me by. I joke with my husband that it's weird to say, I need to read less. Like I said, I love to read still, but I think not blogging is making me love it more." this and everything else in this post is legit how I feel right now. I don't want to stop blogging, but honestly? It's hard to keep the same amoount of excitement for every book, constantly try to improve your blog, your reviews, your thoughts; I only think in ratings when I read a book, not how it actually makes me feel. Most of the time anyway. It's just.. tiring. I'm so glad to have gotten to know you and your opinions matter to me. Your opinion has pushed me towards quite a few books. I'm glad you're still around here somewhere and I can always turn to you for whatever romance and funny needs there may be :) I hope you get everything you want and deserve out of this decision and good luck with everything, you gorgeous soul! *hugs* <3
ReplyDeleteLove ya, pal!
ReplyDeleteI'm sooo sad to see you go, Andrea! Although, I'm not active in the blogging world either and haven't been for a long time, your blog is one of my favourites to go to. You always introduce the best steamy reads....and you started my OBSESSION with Kristen Ashley. Your passionate reviews...I sincerely adored them. But, I am also so proud (is that weird?? LOL! ;p) that you took this big step. I completely understand how RL can become an intruder sometimes, and honestly we started blogging to share our passion for reading, so when blogging turns our passion into a chore...what's the point?? I'm so happy that you will be able to read to your heart's desire without having to worry over things such as ARCs or meeting review deadlines. Sometimes reading just needs to be that....READING. I will definitely be seeing you around on GR! Wish you all the best in the future, and although its goodbye to the blog, its definitely not goodbye between us. I'm so glad I met a great friend like you through your fabulous blog. :D xoxo
ReplyDelete~ Maida
Big hugs, I'll miss you and I'm thankful that our paths have crossed. I will treasure your Lori Foster gift forever!
ReplyDeleteDon't be a stranger okay, see you around, lady!
Awww, Andrea, I'm sure this was so hard for you. You were one of the first blogs I followed back when I started, so I'll definitely still be watching for you on Twitter, etc. I wish you all the very best! <3
ReplyDeleteI will be sad to see you go, but I can't say I don't understand where you're coming from because I totally do. Happy leisure reading Andrea! See you on Twitter! :D
ReplyDeleteAwww sad to see you go but understand. I cut waaay back on blogging this year. I love reading and sharing my love of reading but our lives and our family, friends, pets, and work and other things are important too! Blogging is a huge time suck. I hope this brings you lots of free time to get back to other things you enjoy! Reading is more fun without the pressure to review and immediately start another book. Sometimes I enjoy just taking a week to think about the book I just read! I suggest you do keep the blog around though. You can always check in every once in a while. I've been just posting a review every week or a few a month and just kind of relaxing and I am loving blogging way more that way. Hope to see you around goodreads and twitter! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSad to see you go Andrea! Going to miss your blogging :( but I totally understand where you are coming from. It is nice to be able to sit back and just read what you want at your own pace. I think that brings the joy of reading back to us when we don't have to feel the pressure of getting it done. I will continue to see you around goodreads, even when your blog is going to be very missed. Best of luck and wishes hugs!
ReplyDeleteAw, Andrea. I'm so sorry to see you go. But I completely understand. My friends and family have fussed at me lately that I spend too much time reading, too. And I do agree -- that and blogging really takes so much time. I'll see you on Twitter!
ReplyDeleteAs I've had less & less time to read for fun, I understand how nice it is to take the time to enjoy a book. I'm so glad we met through twitter & this blog & eventually got to meet up. HUGS & burned grilled cheese cheers!
ReplyDeleteHugs, will miss you on the blog, but totally understand!
ReplyDeleteWow. I can't believe I'm actually late seeing this when I enjoy coming to your blog and usually visit everyday. Since Nanowrimo started, i've been slacking. I can definitely relate Drea. Glad you won't disappear completely. I enjoy reading your reviews and have discovered several authors and books through you. You'll definitely be missed on here :)
ReplyDeleteI'm late commenting, as seems to be the case lately Andrea. I am sorry to see you go, but I completely understand. It is getting harder and harder to keep up and I've been contemplating cutting way back on blogging to. I just don't have the time and energy anymore with all that is going on in life. We'll miss you and I'll look forward to keeping up with you on goodreads and twitter. We'll see what next year brings for me - I may be joining you before too may more months.
ReplyDelete