while several thousand readers pop by daily to read The Humble Bungalow posts,
the number of followers on Google Friend have recently decreased...
not by too many but enough that I noticed...and am curious.
So the question in my mind is WHY?
Here are a few of my thoughts...
~ The Hostess has been here for too long and has overstayed her welcome ~
~ the writing is dull ~
~ there is nothing of value for readers ~
~ your lives are busy ~
~ Paris dreams and travel was an exciting time and now a distant memory ~
~ since retiring my life has become fairly routine, it is quiet, simple and I am content ~
~ I have very little to share that you find of interest ~
So I am going to take a break...
I will be posting on Instagram if you care to pop over there...click on the pretty hydrangeas on the side bar and the link will take you to my page.
Yesterday was a whirlwind of activity
packed a lot into a weekday morning and afternoon.
Full to the brim with new things and above all ~ it was FUN!
I did something that I have never done before...
I had a professional make up application.
This is the "after" picture
at the Spa where I had a "makeover."
I am wearing more make up than I usually do.
The gal at the Spa used various Jane Iredale products...
primer was new to me and she used just a little and it covered my entire face.
Apparently it creates a base for all the other products.
Powder, eye shadow, blush, mascara, lipstick followed...
The results were quite startling,
it was me under all those products...
my complexion looked even
my eyes stood out more
my brows looked fuller
it does feel like a lot of fuss and bother.
I like to keep things quick and easy
~ Simple ~
I purchased two products that I was ready to replace...
powdered foundation and eye shadow.
The powder is in Satin and the eye shadow is called Supernova.
Lovely containers and all Jane's products are mineral based and safe.
Earlier in the day I went to the Tillicum Winners Store.
You can see my skin naked "before make up" here while I was shopping.
I do look a bit anemic without make up!
I bought a coral knit layering piece
not quite a jacket or a cardigan
something in between.
(very reasonably priced)
and this top
I have been craving colour.
(another bargain)
A light cross body bag was suggested by my doctor
who recently diagnosed me with "supraspinatus tendonitis"
a very painful condition that has reduced the mobility of my arm and shoulder.
I need to go to physiotherapy, do specific exercises, generally try to rest the arm and shoulder
and if that fails to bring relief he will order a cortisone shot.
He has advised me to stop carrying heavy things...
like purses and grocery bags.
I needed new boots and these were on sale.
Clarks, comfy and somewhat stylish...
will wear them with jeans, pants, skirts and tights.
I wear boots almost every day and the Clarks that I bought last year are showing signs of wear on the soles, so before they fall apart I pounced on a new pair.
I did not overspend
everything I purchased was reasonably priced
and having been very frugal lately I felt no guilt whatsoever.
This pretty pink rose bloom caught my eye on my walk...
this bud will open in the warm sunshine someday soon.
Heralding that Spring must be just around the corner.
Bring on the sunshine and roses!
As always I welcome your thoughts and comments.
Hostess
131 comments:
It's not you-- This is what Blogger says :
Dear bloggers,
As we mentioned some weeks ago, starting this week, we’ll remove the ability for people with Twitter, Yahoo, Orkut or other OpenId providers to sign in to Google Friend Connect and follow blogs. To follow a blog via Google Friend Connect now, readers will need a Google Account (the same they use for Gmail or YouTube). There will be no need for readers to be signed in, or to have a Google+ profile.
What does this mean for you and your blog? We’ll remove non-Google Account profiles so you may see a decrease in your blog follower count
What can you do now? You should encourage your users to re-follow your blog using a Google account. Another way to allow users to follow your blog is with the “Follow by Email” gadget, which requires you to set up Feedburner. By subscribing to your blog, readers will be notified via e-mail every time there is a new post.
We know how important followers are to all bloggers, but we believe this change will improve the experience for both you and your readers !!!!!!!
My Google followers have also dropped by about a dozen in recent weeks - they must be cleaning house (Google, I mean). Don't worry about it - it isn't you!!
You look lovely BEFORE the make-up!
So glad that Anonymous posted the above information so that you're not left wondering about your decrease in followers via Google Friend. I look forward to your posts as I'm sure many others do, as much now as before you retired. For me it doesn't make any difference. I don't always comment, which is something I need to start doing more of, on your blog as well as others. I forget that without feedback bloggers don't know who they are reaching. I love your blog and hope you're not away too long.
Gosh, the same thing has been happening to me over the last week or so. Now I know why. Oddly enough, my "Follow by Email" dipped and then went up and my Google+ has gone up. Go figure. Thank you, Anonymous, for solving the mystery, and thank you, Leslie, for posting on this. I thought it was me, too.
Cheers and keep posting.
M-T
Hopefully, your break will be very short. Everyone needs a break now and then, but your posts will be very missed.
I'm so glad Anonymous posted the answer to the puzzle for you. This has been going on for a little while now. Remember, too, that people who follow you via Bloglovin' or Feedly don't show on your stats.
Hope these comments encourage you to keep posting!
I hope you'll keep posting, Hostess. Yesterday POOF I lost thirty followers! I had read about the change with google, still it was a shock to see it happen.
You will be missed, but I follow on IG so that will bridge the gap. I enjoy your blog, I'm not sure what draws to to it. I think I enjoy the lovely pictures of your well kept home and delicious meals. I like that you have a minimal yet classic approach to things. Quality over quantity. Mostly, I like that you live in victoria. I grew up on the coast and moved to the interior many years ago. My family moved from powell river to victoria so I'm quite familiar with the city. Reading your post make me feel that much closer to my family.
As for your shoulder, have you tried chiropractic? The vertebrae in your lower neck have nerves that run through your shoulders down your arms. If you have a misalignment this can cause issues with your range of motion. I recommend dr mark smith of progressive chiropractic in sannich. http://chiropractorvictoria.com
Oh dear, just as I find your lovely blog you are taking a break! I don't know how to be a Google Friend because I don't 'do' social media sites at all, just look at blogs and leave comments.
Your makeup looks wonderful - it enhances you without making you look 'madeup' - the lipstick and nail colour are perfect for wearing with black and white, too. I wonder if I can buy those makeup products here in the UK?
I will miss you if you don't post, but of course, it's entirely up to you, you must do what you feel is right. You cover all the topics which interest me, house and home, garden, clothes, food ...
All good wishes from the other side of the Pond,
Margaret P
I'm glad there seems to be an answer here. If you take a break, I hope you enjoy it, and come back refreshed. I have always enjoyed your blog, from pre-retirement to the present. It has been so nice to get to know you a bit, and I would be sorry if you decided to take a permanent break. I come here because you relay things that are so normal, and find that comforting.
Your new makeover looks splendid! Good work on your shopping and keeping it within reason!
Mary Lou
I follow you on Blog Lovin'!
Hi Leslie, I hope that the above comments and explanations have reassured you somewhat. I, too, find your blog very comforting, I'm always happy to see a new post, and I even go through your archives from time to time.
I do hope you will stay on here~! love your blog,....:)
Don't give in . A week ago Jaqueline @ Home lost hundreds and I only have a small amount of followers compared to her and have gradually been losing followers and this week another 10 . I liked the purchases you chose such a nice colour. When I had a make over my face felt cogged up, I couldn't wait to get it off. However I did buy a
primer and when I use it, it does make a difference.. I've just started following
Look Fabulous Forever, it's written by an English lady for the older ladies.
I wouldn't worry about that Google Friend business--I think that scene is over forever. I have lost about 15 'friends' in the last week. Glad Anon above posted the details about why. IG seems to have muted interest in reading blogs for a lot of people, but I don't think you should get caught up in that mindset of "No one is reading so I should stop" unless you are tired of what you do here. For me, I think IG is fun but it's not detailed and has only limited appeal. Keep blogging if you love it! x
Hi Leslie
Just echoic what your other loyal readers have said. I checked on the blogger support page and they have been deleting accounts on Google Friends that aren't connected to a google account since December.
I've lost about 30 followers already these last few weeks and took it a bit personally before I realised what was happening behind the scenes.
Take care and hope to see you back soon!
By the way, love your shares from your wardrobe!
SSG xxx
I read your blog everyday you post. I am not on Google but I have you on my favorites. I am going to miss you and the pictures of your walks around your beautiful city. Carol
Your "after" pic in Jane Iredale looks very nice. I always found that the PurePressed Base felt weightless on the skin, like I was wearing nothing at all. It does a great job of evening the skin tone without caking. (No affiliation, just an ex-customer who's reconsidering that powder!)
Enjoy your time away from the blog, but please come back soon!
Please please please keep on posting. I enjoy your blog very much. It's something I look forward to. You have been on my blog list forever and I never get bored. In fact I can't wait for the next post.
Oh gosh pay no attention to Google Friend! Ever since they cancelled their Reader they've really given up on this space. Do you have a lot of email readers? Let me know if you have questions!
I love your blog! Please don't stop posting. I rarely leave a comment but I've been following you since before you retired.. Your blog is the reason I'll be visiting Victoria in the spring. You are a favorite!
Love your blog, Leslie. Enjoy your break, but please come back soon!
Dear Hostess please don't give up due to a large corporation's greed and desire for world domination- I will continue to check in each day but will not be able to comment as I do not agree to Instagram terms and conditions so I don't have an account. I adore your blog as a fellow recently retired loose leaf tea addict who would like to travel more than I can afford R
Please keep posting!!!!
Your blog reminds me of the everyday beauty in life. Come back when you're ready.
Thanks.
I'll miss your posts. I visit almost every day for your lovely pictures. I aim to retire in 4 years and like to see what you are up to. Regarding the shoulder/arm pain, have you tried massage? My left shoulder was almost frozen and I was dreading what my doctor would say if I went to him with it (arthritis runs in my family). Massage has worked wonders for my shoulder and hip pain.
I love your blog and what you may think is of not much value is precisely what I value: photos of everyday beauty and simplicity. Not dull at all in my mind! I knew it had to be a glitch regarding the decline in followers.
You look great with your professionally done makeup, then again you look great sans makeup too. I especially love the pink nail polish. You are glowing!
I understand about the craving for more color in the wardrobe. I've been feeling the same way, and recently added bits of color to my basically neutral wardrobe. It's amazing how just a little color can be so uplifting. Also, I've been adding a bit of wimpy as well. Have fun, I say!
Holy cow, I can't believe I didn't catch auto-correct changing what was supposed to be "whimsy" to "wimpy" (in the above comment). Ha, too funny! Sorry about that! :)
Love your blog! Enjoy your break, but please come back...
Hello Leslie, if you feel you need a break, please don't be away for too long. Come back feeling refreshed in yourself. I love your blog, especially the lovely photography. Your blog is an oasis of calm. Gwen.
ps. love the new additions to your wardrobe.
I love your blog and always look forward to reading your posts and seeing your great photos. Enjoy your break but please come back soon! Best wishes from Kerry Gold Coast Aust.
I also love reading your posts. I live in the UK, near the coast like yourself, and find reading about your life very relaxing. I'm sure you have lots of followers that you're unaware of - hope you continue to post!
Hostess, I get your blog via my email account. I look forward to reading about your daily activities, you are one of my favorites.
I have recently unsubscribed to several but will continue to enjoy whatever you wish to share. Please do not stop! Winter has us craving color. I can not wear orange but have a bit of it in my home office because I find it stimumlates creativity.
Oh I hope you don't stop because of that, I gather from the comments that's what's happening to all bloggers? I have you bookmarked, and check the blog daily - don't follow you in another way that I know of. I think the coral looks great on you, and those boots are very stylish - love the more pointed toe. Your makeup does look great, but I understand not wanting to be bothered too.
I check daily to see if you have a new blog post! I echo one of the comments you received...your blog is an oasis of calm!
Oh, please don't be away long. I would really miss you. Your homemaking is so inspiring. Love your outfit posts. Love hearing about your pottering about. And the makeup looks fabulous.
I've never commented before, but have to say don't be discouraged! I follow you from the other side of the world (Aus) and love the insights into a country so different. Love your photos and your beautiful home and garden too. I'm trying to reduce the number of platforms so I'm resisting instagram and having a break from fb. But maybe you need a little break?
Looking forward to your return Leslie....whenever it is. When you do return,don't change anything about your blog. We all will be here....
Ali
I rarely comment here, but follow your blog through email. I can understand your need for a break, a kind of pause to hit refresh, but don't stay away too long. I eliminated a number of the blogs I follow earlier this month in an effort to eliminate the procrastination I am prone to, but your blog will always stay on my list. Your gracious calm, beautiful photos and soothing domestic routines remind me to find joy and beauty in the day-to-day.
I am still reading! I enjoy your blog! Love the new make up and yes primer makes a big difference and i use mine every day. Love the lipstick color as well
Same here - please don't stop Hostess, don't comment often but always read you.
Cindy F
Hope you keep posting your lovely content. I rarely comment and yours is one of the very few blogs I will allow myself to take the time for!
It is definitely not you! I so appreciate your thoughtful posts, ideas, pictures, etc. I'm always happy to see a new port from you in my email inbox. I'm not even sure what Google Friends is! I don't always comment, but I always read and enjoy your posts. You are most welcome to continue for a long, long time in my opinion.
I have been feeling the same way, and I don't have nearly the same number of followers. In the last two days I have lost 12 followers. I thought it was probably because I have been in and out so much the last year. I am hearing from a lot of bloggers, this is happening to everyone. I am so grateful you posted about this. Thanks!
I love your blog and have subscribed only by e-mail from the beginning. I hope the e-mail notifications continue even under your new system. Your posts are always a welcome break from work-related mail and all the grim stuff that arrives these days. Please keep it up! You are a breath of fresh air.
Enjoy your break. I'll look forward to your return.
Your blog is my absolute favorite ! I also subscribe by email so I hope and pray you won't stop sharing your daily life with us ! Your blog is so upbeat - grateful and refreshing...Please don't stop posting - It's one of the highlights of my day - Honestly !!
Make sure everyone reads the very first comment on this string of comments - by "Anonymous" posted at 7:43am They are explaining what has happened with Google Friend and why people are seeing a decrease in followers.....
As a long time blogger, I'd urge you to ignore the stats. They don't really mean anything at all and are subject to all sorts of change. Just write what you need to write when you need to write it. And in the meantime, I'll catch you on Instagram... xo
Oh no it made me feel so sad when I read that you will no longer be writing your blog, I just love following you and what's happening in your life,I feel such a part of it and you are my long lost friend from way back, I certainly don't find it in the least bit boring, actually far from it!! I sincerely hope and pray you will have a re-think,I love to look and see if you have written anything new, thank you for brightening up my days x
Goodness, I read your blog every day, but I don't subscribe or follow - Is that important for your stats? The fact that I don't subscribe is no reflection on the delight I take in reading your posts!
I enjoy your blog! I subscribe via email.
New makeup looks very attractive!
I'll follow you on Instagram - enjoy your blog break. 😊
I have been reading and enjoying your blog for a long time but have never commented before. I was dismayed today to read that you may stop blogging and like lots of your other readers want you to please reconsider. I find the content 'speaks to me' in a way that no other blog does. You have such a wonderful way with words that is both thoughtful and inspiring while telling the story of your quiet, happy life. That is why we keep coming back!
Isabel
I, too, love your blog and look forward to reading it. Boring? Never! I love that I can enjoy your life with you.
please don't stop....plenty of us count on your wonderful blog....I don't know how to start my day without you!
As an avid reader of your blog and a few others I often wonder how you find the time and energy to produce such good content from week to week. I am so grateful for all you have done - your subtle and gentle blog is one of my favorites. You deserve a needed break, but I hope you will return at some point. Just wanted to let you know you are appreciated.
I would rather read a quiet and gentle blog that follows the rhythm of life than one that is full of excitement all the time...your blog is one I enjoy to read and will be sorry not to receive updates on a regular basis. Enjoy your break but hope to see you writing here again very soon!
I really enjoy reading your blog. Your photos are beautiful and reflect daily living on the west coast of Canada.
Enjoy your break!
I just found you and now you're leaving? I hope you will be back soon, I enjoy your posts and I will miss them. I hope your break from blogging gives you the calming feeling I get from it.
I don't want you to leave. You always brighten my day with images of your day.
I've been reading you for ages and only recently started commenting. Statically, I'm not sure how I'm following you. Google, I think. I
always go straight to your posts.
I do understand the need for a mental or physical vacation. Do what you need to do and come back if you chose. In the meantime, you'll be missed and thank you.
I read your blog every day (just by going online; I have your blog bookmarked) and will miss you -- I do hope you change your mind! But I can understand if you need a break. Please know, however, how much your blog is appreciated. It is lovely: informative, entertaining, thought-provoking, kind-hearted, aesthetically pleasing, and uplifting. You DO have a lot to say. It certainly speaks to me.
My followers dropped, yet my hits are up because I'm posting more. Glad to have the mystery clarified!
I'll follow you on Instagram because your photographs are GAWJOUS, but I hope you won't stop blogging.
And those ankle boots are TDF!
I do follow you on Instagram, but that's not the same as your words and blog.
I follow you via blog loving so don't think I count in your stats I really enjoy your posts they are about everyday things but I always feel good after reading your blog and look forward to each new post. I think alot of us go about our lives enjoying the simple things and we can relate to what you post. I hope you have a wonderful break and I look forward to your return
FYI - in my experience, Clarks don't all apart. You have to just plain get tired of them. Otherwise, just re-sole them and keep going. :)
And I'm kind of missing the logic. If you're not here very often, why would people continue to click? You have a loyal following; don't sweat the numbers. (Just my opinion.)
Oops, obviously I mean Clarks don't fall apart. Duh ...
Love your blog especially the flower pictures. Actually I like your street pictures too. From Australia Carol S
I was wondering what 'adding a bit of wimpy' looked like... Whimsy is good! LOL Carol S
I enjoy your blog, and the fact that you live in Canada. The pictures are always beautiful - and you look lovely in that special occasion make-up. Enjoy your break, but please come back. Don't worry about Google's antics - they utterly confuse me!
You see, it's not you it's Google! Your blog is my go to whenever I turn my tablet on so would miss our get togethers. Stunning photos as usual. I hope,if you take a blog break, you return very soon. From a very wet and windy North of England.
Still reading and enjoying too - Tonkath
From Margie in Toronto - While I certainly understand the need for an occasional break - I selfishly hope that it won't be a long one. I echo the comments of others - I check in daily and always find it a soothing blog - full of lovely photos and comments from a very classy woman who has made a lovely home and who brings a touch of elegance to everything. Please don't feel that you have to post everyday - even once a week would be welcome.
Oh non...Vous allez pas nous quitter ? J'adore votre blog et je viens tous les jours voir si vous avez mis un nouveau post...Vos fleurs,votre maison,le pays ou vous vivez...Moi,je suis trés loin de vous,j'habite au sud de la France,en Provence...Vos commentaires sur la vie,votre optimisme m'apporte beaucoup.Bref,ne nous quittez pas,si vous faites une pause,revenez nous vite...Bien a vous...
Jacqueline
I was just checking in with you (love the coral by the way) and when I read about your concerns I was hoping someone had explained the whole Google business to us, I did read that letter they sent out and I have noticed my own blog reader has gone blank. Don't be discouraged, I can see from the comments that you haven't lost any readers! Please keep blogging, the personal blogs that are interesting and create real communities are becoming few and far between. You have lovely readers here. XOX
By the way, I'm sure you have lots of readers like me--I don't subscribe, but just check in every few days. You probably have hundreds more followers than you even know.
Dear Hostess, I love reading your blog! I check in every single day and enjoy all your posts. it's a little zen moment in my busy life. Please don't take too long of a break!
Her's my response to your proposed break and questions about readership "Oh No!" You've become a touchstone for me given our common stations in life (retired, 60, family and home are the number one focus, love the simplicity of my life) and I love your blog! I don't subscribe but look forward to what you share, and your "simple" life is very charming and captivating.
Hi Leslie ..I think the number and content of comments here speaks volumes to how much we all love all aspects of your blog. Enjoy your break but please come back soon! ... when you feel ready to of course.
Sorry about your shoulder pain. Remember to keep your across body bag light, or I find a small back pack great at times when I have back or arm pain. Longchamp make some lovely light and stylish ones ... and they fold and are easy to pack for travel.
Take care!
Rosie
ps apologies if this publishes twice! sometimes it does when I comment from my phone! :)
I would miss one of my very favorite blogs; it would be as if a good friend suddenly moved away. You send such joyful appreciation of the beautiful everyday, share the changes in our lives as we age in so thoughtful a way....so much will be missed. We may not all show up as statistics or frequent commenters, but as you see, you are much valued.
Hi Leslie ..I think the number and content of comments here speaks volumes to how much we all love all aspects of your blog. Enjoy your break but please come back soon! ... when you feel ready to of course.
Sorry about your shoulder pain. Remember to keep your across body bag light, or I find a small back pack great at times when I have back or arm pain. Longchamp make some lovely light and stylish ones ... and they fold and are easy to pack for travel.
Take care!
Rosie
ps apologies if this publishes twice! sometimes it does when I comment from my phone! :)
Please don't leave. I would miss your blog terribly. There are many ways to reach your blog. I don't even know what google friend is. I just keep you in my bookmarks. Your blog is a refreshing change from other blogs. Please reconsider!!!!
Your make up looks very pretty as do you. I don't think its your content , I just think blogs are dying, don't take it personally.
Please do not leave. Still stay blogging...I do not now what google friend is and do not have an account....I love your honest, meaningful writings ...so much inspiration and ideas..love your style..stay, please..
I've noticed that too with my blog...however, I don't really work at it very much so my numbers tend to be much lower and more random, but the drop is there anyway. Over the 6 years I've been blogging I've noticed the ebb and tides of people, comments, interest. Maybe it's just one of those things. I do enjoy popping round and catching up with you and would miss you if you left your space. I hope you stay.
NO NO NO Please don't take a break. I check every morning to see if you have posted (plus I follow you on Instagram) I love everything you write. I'm sure you have many many blog friends that will miss you greatly. Please reconsider. I have never commented before because I can't figure out to comment except as Anonymous... Charlotte In Kentucky P.S. Everyone is dieting this time of year, maybe some Weight Watcher advice, the recipes you use for weight loss, what do you prepare each evening for dinner?
I don't even know what Blogger Friend is. I have your blog saved under Favorites. Charlotte In Kentucky
I too have your blog bookmarked and check it every morning...why? Because you are a real person who retired and is sifting through that portion of your life..you have a peaceful, calm life in the midst of a messy world:) love your food, your clothes picks, your honesty...do as you feel the need, but rest assured you will be missed..by the way..I also follow you on Instagram as @Mimi21345
I enjoy both venues. Cheers!
Leslie, please don't stop writing. I love reading your blog. It is the first thing I read when I turn on my tablet. You help me to live in the moment and see the beauty of life. I too am a grandmother and love my family dearly as you do. We have so many similar interest. You have introduced me to many great authors. I am currently reading Louise Penny's books and love them. I,too, feel sad that you might quite blogging for I feel I will say good bye to a good friend.
I agree with the other comments! Your blog is one of my favourites and, although I have never commented, I look forward to reading it and would be sad if you stopped blogging!
Leslie, I will certainly miss reading about your adventures in daily life if you stop blogging. I identify so closely with subjects you write of - recently retired, gardener, nature lover finding so much beauty in a very small detail, live just south of you in the US, purchase some of your recommendations and check them all out, note authors you are reading, to name a few :-)
Leslie, Please don't stop blogging! I look forward to reading your blogs and always enjoy the content! You have a talent for seeing the beauty in everyday life, and I feel that we have so much in common. I'm a retired teacher, love gardening, and always enjoy the books you recommend and the recipes you have shared with us. I will miss you terribly if you stop. Judy
Please don't go! As some others have commented, I don't follow you in any special way -- but you are bookmarked and I check in almost every day. You are my island of sanity and normalcy; your life is so much more real to me than that of some of the other fashion and lifestyle bloggers that I follow, and hearing about what you've done and where you've been is simply nice and comforting, and is something I dearly look forward to. You look wonderful in your professional make-up application. Lovely! Take care, Leslie, and please reconsider. From Joanne, a faithful follower in Bay Village, Ohio.
Love those pops of color, you look beautiful with or without makeup.
Love your posts and the flowers.
Maybe you need a break Hostess, I do always enjoy your posts though. They are gentle and inspiring and always leave me feeling like I've met up with a kind and dear friend.
Personally, I don't read many of my blog stats at all, that way I don't get worried if the numbers drop. I may look at them every so often but the most reliable way for me to know that my words are enjoyed is when readers comment or email, and of course my Amazon ebook numbers. Have you ever considered doing any Kindle books? I'm sure I will be just one of many who would love to have your curated thoughts on my Kindle and be happy to pay for this. I'd be happy to give you any help you need - just email me - howtobechic at gmail dot com :)
Please keep on
I love your blog! I check it every day. I like it because I find it a relaxing spot in my day. You have such a way with words, and your photos (and you) are gorgeous. I find your blog style refreshing. I do hope you will continue! Thank you.
Please don't be gone too long! I read your blog when I take a break during the day at my boring job. As I am in my mid 50s, I love your fashion, make up and skin care tips! You are so down to earth and real, its refreshing.
Dear friend, don't leave. I enjoy your oasis of calm. Routine is discipline and purpose. Retirement is being yourself and unwinding from all the years of service to others.
We all adore your blog, please reconsider!
You will leave a hole in many lives as is reflected in the overwhelming comments. I hope you will have second thoughts:). I cannot imagine having thousands checking In on me!!! You should be very proud
You look beautiful in the new makeup. Love all your purchases. I've also been adding a few pieces to my wardrobe, taking advantage of the sales too.
I read a lot of blogs and your's is absolutely one of my favorites (even if I rarely comment)!!! We ladies of a certain age are kindred spirits and your life is certainly an example of finding joy in the simple things at this stage. Hope you continue at least once a week. I am not a big Instagramer. Will miss you so!
I love reading your blog! I check your blog almost daily. I do hope you decide to continue inspiring us after your break.
I love your blog! And I will miss your doses of daily inspiration while you take a blogging break. Not true that you're boring your readers. Your simple, elegant, frugal, lovely blog posts are something I always look forward to. :)
I follow all your posts on Bloglovin, you're like my neighbour, although I live in Ontario and now I feel your moving far away. I will truly miss you, but wish you all the very best.
We love your posts Hostess and will miss you if you go. It is annoying that Google insist on making it difficult for people to follow our blogs, we notice our numbers have dropped too.
Love the clothes, bag and boots you bought. I am a big fan of the jacket/cardi - easy to wear and looks smart and love the new colour.
Julie q
I truly enjoy your blog and hope you do not give it up if you enjoy posting!! I keep you in my Favorites and check in several times a week, and would miss your posts very much. I live in California, love your photos, and find your blog to be refreshing, calm and inspiring. I went back to WW after reading one of your posts!
Dear Hostess,
I'm afraid I've been taking you for granted, your blog is such an oasis of calm and lovely living, and I am remiss in not writing and telling you how much I enjoy it. It is a soothing beacon in the fast paced tumultuous world that we live in.
I don't understand the stats, Goodle friend, etc. I have a google account only because I had to get one to be able to comment on some blogs. It is not the one I use for the Internet, nor do I do social media.
We would hate to lose you, you are a valuable, caring friend to us.
Kind regards, Marguerite C
I would also like to chime in, which I do so rarely, that your blog is one that I like to visit daily. The reason is that I do enjoy your quiet simple words of wisdom and anecdotes about daily living where you are at. I hope you continue to post.
Please don't take a break! Love your blog!
Hello
I have you bookmarked, and check the blog every day or 2- don't know if I am counted as I just have you bookmarked in Safari and click in manually. I really enjoy all your posts.
Please come back after your break, but don't consider leaving because of a decrease in stats.
Suz
Hello Hostess! I absolutely LOVE your blog. You are the chic older woman that I hope I can be! Take a break if you must, but please come back. Your life is very inspiring to me and I enjoy every post.
Wishing You the Very Best from Florida,
Valerie
Hello Hostess! I adore your blog and subscribe by email. Follow you on Instagram, too. I like to hear about your daily life...walking, gardening, WW, recipes, boating and time spent with your family and friends. Enjoy your break, but, please come back.
Sarah
Boca Grande, Florida
Why do the blog stats matter if you enjoy writing the blog? Is it for you or wanting to please others?
Nice picture of you with the make-up; however, I don't understand why you place your hand on your face?
I haven't read through all the comments so maybe someone already said this -- blogger is doing something different, and many bloggers have noticed a drop in their numbers. They are dropping followers who don't have their accounts or something? I haven't paid much attention to it -- but that could be the reason.
Sounds like everybody, including me, hopes you continue!
I had no idea about amy of this google stuff? I Always google your blog in search, as I thought this was the only way to access it; even though I follow?
Who cares how many followers you have? I don't think it's important. I don't think anyone who reads your blog would even notice how many followers your have? I sure don't.
I completely understand taking a break from blogging, though.
As someone who suffered with frozen shoulder, I think you should really take the time to address it. If I hadn't stumbled on a massage therapist who knew all about it; I likely would have ended up having surgery. I'm fine now, and a whole lot wiser, due to her.
Please don't stop Leslie / I read you everyday but never through Google - I go directly or via another bloggers side bar of blogs she follows.
I love your blog Leslie please don't stop !
I love your blog Leslie please don't stop !
I too love your blog. I check on you everyday through another bloggers list of blogs she reads. Take a break but please come back.
Please don't stop your excellent work.
I wouldn't pay too much heed to stats and so on. I didn't know that Google Friend existed and I am sure a lot of your readers are in my camp. But I love your blog and you write poignantly, so much so that sometimes it feels like I am in your world as I read! And that is a special gift, so please keep going. I feel that you love writing and photography so you are getting a lot out of the b log, as are we, so why not carry on doing it, for you, for us, for me, and forget about stats!
My only suggestion would be to perhaps vamp up photos of you and your outfits; your photos on walks, of landscapes and flowers and so on, are top notch, but sometimes your pretty head disappears off the mirror so perhaps your hubby can help out there. Mine does, albeit it MOST begrudgingly!
Keep up your very good work, Leslie.
LMx.
I follow all my favorite blogs through Bloglovin or e-mail. I rarely ever use my Google+ account. It's not you it's Google Friends. I adore your blog. The photos are so peaceful, your style inspires me, and I love your recipes! Actually, I would love more food posts/recipes within your posts!
I've been reading your blog for a long time and always enjoy it and relate to what you have to say. I have you saved to my favorites and just check for new posts. I have never used google friends and don't officially "follow" anyone. Please don't put too much stock in those numbers. I don't think they really tell the story. Although I can understand the need for a break for those of you who blog, I hope you aren't gone too long.
This was posted on another blog I read daily that had the same problem and this was the reason. It seems a lot of bloggers have experienced this. I always look forward to reading a new post from you!
Dear bloggers,
As we mentioned some weeks ago, starting this week, we’ll remove the ability for people with Twitter, Yahoo, Orkut or other OpenId providers to sign in to Google Friend Connect and follow blogs. To follow a blog via Google Friend Connect now, readers will need a Google Account (the same they use for Gmail or YouTube). There will be no need for readers to be signed in, or to have a Google+ profile.
What does this mean for you and your blog? We’ll remove non-Google Account profiles so you may see a decrease in your blog follower count
What can you do now? You should encourage your users to re-follow your blog using a Google account. Another way to allow users to follow your blog is with the “Follow by Email” gadget, which requires you to set up Feedburner. By subscribing to your blog, readers will be notified via e-mail every time there is a new post.
We know how important followers are to all bloggers, but we believe this change will improve the experience for both you and your readers !!!!!!!
Please don't stop! I also have you in my favorites on my computer, not through Google or anywhere else, and check in every couple of days to see if you have a new post. I don't read you because of an alert, but because I want to and am truly interested in what you have to say. You seem such a gentle soul and I find it so relaxing and peaceful to read about your day. Anything and everything you share is enjoyable. You really are a delight! So if you're up for it, we all would love for you to stay. Pretty please. ~ Lana
I've simply stopped using Google Friends or circles...I'm tired of the spam I receive from there ... I truly enjoy your blog and like visiting it by coming directly to your webpage.
I have enjoyed all your postings I'm 45 and got to your blog through Vivienne Files blog, I have to confess I have used your page to access other blogs, because you keep a nice mix of favorites. I wish you the best in this period and hope to see you soon!
I'm a long time read of your blog and I have to agree with all the other comments, Love your blog! You have inspired me in so many ways. Is always a bright spot in my day to read your blog.
I also lost bloggers and I was very disappointed. I thought it was something I had done or rather not done to make them disinterested.
I have no idea what Google friend connect means. You would be terribly missed if you didn't post regularly. I mean you have several thousand readers!!!!!! That's a big deal. Pinterest has new algorhythems, Facebook does that same and on and on. Bottom line you see that readers really, really enjoy your posts. So PLEASE keep on writing your usual stuff. You're always a pleasure to read.
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