Taking a break
a quiet moment with my cup of tea
recalling travel memories...
mulling over the blogs' future.
Think it might be time to close it down...
technical issues and readership engagement
are prodding me to re-evaluate my hobby.
Vintage Susie Cooper Demitasse Espresso Cups
purchased from Kay's Korner in the Cook Street Village.
Espresso break with a delightful magazine.
This is where I make the bread...
vintage bread tin which is perfect for the sourdough boules.
Freshly baked sourdough loaf...
I prep the dough the day before I bake it.
So much fun and success with the recipes from Alexandra's Kitchen.
Quick and easy sourdough biscuits.
Made these in about 40 minutes including cooking time.
Found the recipe online...
I googled Sourdough biscuits without yeast and found a recipe on
King Arthur Baking
Served these with a stew.
Speaking of recipes...
Roasted carrots
healthy and delicious.
~ Roasted Carrots ~
Slice carrots on the diagonal
place in bowl and toss in balsamic vinegar, honey, thyme, salt and pepper.
Place on a parchment lined sheet pan.
Roast in oven at 450 degrees for 20-25
Top with crumbled feta cheese.
(easy and yummy)
Great for a buffet or dinner party.
Star Magnolias are in full bloom...
so fragrant and delicate.
Loving my new Iphone camera!
The crispness and focus are so much better than my older phone.
Well as I mentioned this might be my last post.
I will still post on Instagram
It's been a lot of fun and I have met so many amazing people.
Some are here in Victoria and we regularly meet
others are far away.
I have had the pleasure of meeting a few in person...
Jennifer from A Well Styled Life
Dani who wrote Mop Philosopher
Jamie Cat Callan
Joanne Long ~ Madame La Bas
We have met before and last time she was in Victoria
which was a couple of weeks ago
we went for a walk and had a coffee together.
She sent these thoughtful gifts to me in the mail.
Merci Beaucoup Joanne.
Today (Saturday) we met up with Adrienne and Bill Shubin.
Adrienne wrote a blog A Rich Life On a Budget from her home in Sonoma County.
Adrienne and her husband have recently embarked on a major lifestyle change.
Bill retired from his job as fire chief and they started a grand adventure!
They sold their home and have been travelling across the USA in their 5th wheel trailer.
They are visiting Canada for several months and stopped here in Victoria.
So we arranged to get together and met for lunch at the Cactus Club.
Such a lovely couple!
Sunday they'll be here in The Humble Bungalow for coffee.
Making friends through blogging has been such a delight.
Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
~ Be Well and Be Kind ~
36 comments:
You met Adrienne! How fun!
As far as continuing to blog, I do it because I like to write 500-1000 word essays. I can see how anyone who likes shorter writing, or is more focused on photos, would give it up. The world has moved towards social media, and nothing wrong with that.
I'm very sorry that you feel you have to close your blog. I have enjoyed it for many years.
Best wishes for the years ahead.
Regards, Carol in Australia
I am very sorry to read this and will miss your writing and great photos. I’ve enjoyed being a reader over the past few years and taken inspiration from your wardrobe ideas and your beautiful location.
Regards,
Janette in northern England
Leslie, I have read your blog for years and would be very sad if you gave it up. I don't always comment, but always read and enjoy. Your blog is a respite from observing what can be a very cruel world. I've learned so much from you.
Susan in Dallas
Enjoy your insight and Canadian content.
Should you close down will miss your adventure of daily life.
your commentary aswe are the same age.
I have learned much on your blog
Pat
I've enjoyed reading your blog over the past decade or so (at least that, isn't it?!), but I can understand why you'd let it go. Especially with your great new iphone camera, Instagram is a good way to connect with a compatible community -- it's much easier to post to and requires less of readers/followers as well. I contemplate the same move every so often, but, like Lisa, I still seem to enjoy writing the longer posts -- plus having moved to a hosted WordPress format, I'm not sure how I'd maintain access to 16 years of my posts -- all those photos and words and memories!! So each year, I end up paying the subscription again, and then I'm committed for another year! ;-)
I hope we keep in touch through Instagram and perhaps one day we will meet, either in Vancouver or Victoria. all the best!
I'm sorry you are thinking of retiring your blog. I have been an avid reader for many years and always appreciate your book reviews, your recipes, photos of your flowers and beach finds, and also your musings. Your blog space is a very relaxing place for me mentally and emotionally and I've always looked forward to seeing a new post. Would you consider a monthly post? Thank you for your many years of dedication to writing. God bless!
I will miss your kind and gentle insights. Reading your posts were moments of peacefulness. I wish you the best in your next step. Although many say IG is the way, I find IG boring so sadly won't see you there.
Dear Leslie, I will sure miss your blog if you close it down, but I will follow you on instagram. Your blog has always been one of my favorites - your thoughts, pictures, ideas, recipes, book reviews, product recommendations - all of it. You've just been great and will be greatly missed in this format.
More and more bloggers seem to be leaving the forum. I have always enjoyed your posts, finding them gentle and positive. I've also enjoyed the two times we met in person. Writing my blog posts is something I find satisfying and will continue. IG seems less conducive to thoughtfulness and I am there less and less, although I will check in from time to time as there are bloggers, like you, who have moved to that platform.
Roasted carrots are delicious! Love the idea of serving them with a bit of feta cheese sprinkled on top.
Wishing you all the best, Leslie.
I so enjoy your blog Leslie and all you've shared of your life and lovely home. It's always a joy to see new posts. Inspiration and conversation, so personal. I found and ordered that tee you're wearing today, when you first featured it- it's one of my favorites. I have also enjoyed reading books you share and recommend. Recipes too. I have tried a few times to comment, but always had trouble with them going through, I do hope this one comes through. I believe I started reading your blog in 2016, around the time my mom passed away. It was around Christmas time. Not sure if it was on your blog that I saw a little light up acrylic Christmas tree that Christmas? I thought it was you, but have been unable to find a post in your archives that matches my (faulty?)memory. I'd gotten the same tree right after mom died and I treasure it. In any case, best of luck to you. You and the blog will be greatly missed!
Brenda Neill/San Diego
Oh please don’t close your blog! I’ve been reading and enjoying your writing for years as we’ve aged and retired,and would miss all your interesting travel, fashion and reading updates. You introduced me to vintage shopping and I’ve so enjoyed peeking into life on Victoria Island. If you really leave us I will miss you very much!
Love sourdough bread, even though I've never made a recipe before. I have done the "no knead" bread which is very good too! The carrot recipe looks delicious, I'll have to try it. Sorry you are going to stop blogging, yours is one I check every day and even though I rarely comment I have so enjoyed reading yours, seeing your wonderful photos of your home and gardens, and books and the recipes. Best of luck to you whatever you decide.
A reader from U.P. Michigan
Oh no. This morning I read that The.vintage Contessa has just written her last blog, and now I read that this is your last blog too. I’ve followed you for many years and always enjoyed your blogs. Thank you for all the enjoyment you have given over the years. I hope you’ll be continuing with instagram as I read you every day. Wishing you all the best.
Such a sad day…….. the end of an era.
Susan D
Oh, dear I just lost my first comment! Here is the shortened version: I have read your blog for years and enjoy it very much even though I do not comment often. I don't find Instagram as thoughtful a format but I understand your wish to move to a different platform. Thank you for the past years of enjoyable posts and I wish you the very best. Susan 🌱
I started reading your blog as a type of emotional respite during a very trying time in my life. Your simplicity of style and straightforward approach were - and still are - calming. I hope you will rethink your decision to retire your blog as it seems to me you in fact have a rather devoted following.
Leslie, I echo others' comments. I've enjoyed you blog for a long time. I love the gentle, thoughtful tone and I put Victoria on my itinerary for a short trip to the US 6 years ago because of your blog. But nothing is forever is true - in the end whatever you decide will be the best result for you. Susie
Your carrot recipe looks wonderful. I look forward to trying it soon. I've already transcribed it into my cooking journal.
Your magnolia blossoms are magnificent. We'll soon have them locally, too. One of my favourite flowers and scents.
I've enjoyed your blog for years and benefited from many of the ideas you have shared. So life affirming and gracious. Travel and fashion and food. I've loved it all. Thank you for the years of creating beauty and exuding peace.
Best wishes,
Honey Bee
I too am a long time follower, who seldom has written a comment. Thank you for sharing your life, some topics such as the loss of your mother really hit home as being the same age group. News of the end of your blog is met with sadness, a sense of loss in these times when things seem to be changing, but I agree with a fellow commenter that you need to do what works for you in the end. Thanks so much for being there in the hard times, and all the best to you.
Leslie, I have read you for years but seldom comment not through disinterest but more about the level of noise on the internet already. I shall miss you and your lovely blog. You are in my opinion what blogging is all about. I too am thinking of changes in my life. As I sit here I am contemplating retirement which is a big decision for me since I am now on my own. I wish you well, good health and contentment in your gentle life in the bungalow.
I will be sad to see your blog writing end, but understand the need for change. I enjoy reading blog posts of my favorite bloggers far more than the Instagram experience, which to me feels more like falling down a rabbit hole and so I choose to limit my time on the platform....plus, I enjoy using my laptop far more than phone or iPad.
Wishing you all the best! reading your blog has made me want to visit Victoria and BC, so if we ever do, I hope we can meet in real life :~).
Dear Leslie, I've been following your blog for many years and enjoy your musing tremendously. I come every day to see if you have anything new to share. Your beautiful kind soul shines through every single blog post. Should you decide to retire, I understand, but I will truly miss your peaceful and kind insights.
Wishing you all the best, and I still hope you change your mind.
Warmest regards,
Ildiko (from Florida)
Dearest Leslie,
Thank you for all your years of being an oasis of beauty, elegance, calm and joy in a challenging world.
I first 'tuned' into you when you were discussing a scarf by Frankie Welch, a designer who once had a boutique in Alexandria, Virginia; not far from where I grew up.
I will miss you desperately. Many thanks for your selflessness in sharing.
Marguerite
Aw, sorry to hear you are wrapping up your blog, Leslie! I'm honoured that we got to meet a few times (and that you live in one of my ancestor's former homes! sorry about my weird relative).
I didn't always comment, but as a fellow blogger, I know how much that engagement means. I also get fewer and fewer comments, but I'm still plugging along. Do what you need to, and don't be hasty about closing up shop here. Take a break and you can always come back to it!
So cool that you got to meet some visiting folks! Ha, I was at that Cactus Club between 11:30 and 1pm on Saturday!!
I’ve been a long time follower so sad to hear this news. But of course, totally understand, I’m sure blogging is lots of work.
My sister lives in Victoria so I come over for visits. Maybe I’ll “bump” into you one time at WIN on Cook Street or maybe at the Beagle Pub one evening!
Take care
Your writing was much appreciated
Suz from Vancouver
I will miss your blog. Have followed you for many years from Tasmania (Apple Isle) Australia. Love your stories X
I found your blog when I was contemplating retirement, and you were doing the same and felt like I had found a kindred spirit - curly hair, gardener, reader, cook, home-maker, wordsmith. I’ll miss seeing your garden this summer. Take care…
I have enjoyed your blog, Leslie, for quite a few years. Thank you for all your lovely photos of your garden. I also enjoyed your thrifting adventures and your OOTDs. You will be missed, but I’m going to follow you on IG to stay connected. Thank you and please take care.
Janet
Please don't stop blogging! I've read your blog since the beginning, and it's one of my must reads.
I too am very sad that you will no longer be writing your blog. I love it and I will miss miss miss you. 😪😪
I would dearly miss your lovely photos, so many book recommendations that I have enjoyed, and your generosity in putting goodness and kindness out into the world. I love checking in weekly for a dose of calm.
Do hope you carry on
I am so glad to see that you have decided to continue the blog. I miss reading blogs and find instagram has so little context that it is much less engaging.
I lived in Vancouver many years ago and spent time in Victoria and reading your blog is a beautiful reminder of many happy days in Beautiful British Columbia. Thank you for the reprieve!
Hi Leslie, I’ve been enjoying your blog this last year or so. I’m heading towards retirement and your stories, recipes, garden, finds on the beach, and joy in minimising your wardrobe with vintages treasures give me a sneak
peek into retirement. Thank you!
Catching up on some older posts. Enjoyed catching up on Adrienne and Bill. I read her blog for quite awhile and connected because my hubby is a retired firefighter from Cali. Glad to hear what they are up to as I spotted they had sold their home. We relocated to the East Coast for a number of years and recently returned to CA after my husband’s health challenges to be near family. Hope you determine answers in May for yours.
Thank you all for your kind words and supportive comments on the blog...I feel very encouraged to continue writing and hope that you will pop by to catch up on the newer posts.
Take care
XO
Hostess
I’m just dropping you a message to say hello and that I really enjoy reading your posts. I find you inspiring. 👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️
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