Saturday, April 3, 2010

Saying Goodbye to Trish's Reading Nook - TSS


It is with much sadness that today I say goodbye to Trish's Reading Nook. I have been blogging here just shy of three years with 367 posts. Many of you have probably noticed my absence over the past five months. I've had some incredibly happy things happen--a new house and a new position at work--that have kept me busy and some sad things that have prevented me from spending too much time online. In the past five months I've experienced major blogger burnout and for a multitude of reasons I've decided it's time for me to hang up my hat here.

The past three years have been amazing. I've met some wonderful wonderful people and I've been stretched and pulled in directions I could have never imagined. The love of books in this community has been a constant joy for me and I would have never experienced this joy if not for blogging, reading challenges, and different blogging events such as the 24-hour-readathon. I've read things I never thought I'd read and been introduced to authors I was unfamiliar with. I've added hundreds of books to my shelves and even more to my wishlist. I've met bibliophiles from all corners of the world and connected on all different levels. And I've read more than probably all other years combined. I wouldn't trade these experiences for anything.

I want to thank everyone who took the time to leave me a comment, took the time to get to know me and allow me to get to know them, took the time to participant in my reading challenges (Classics Challenge, Non-Fiction Five Challenge, and even the 100 Mile Fitness Challenge). Thank you to the publishers and authors who have sent me books over the past two years. And finally thank you to the community for taking me in and allowing me to grow with you. According to Feedburner I currently have over 500 subscribers and I'm constantly baffled as that number continues to climb and grow even as my blogging has waned. I would have never imagined so many people would take an interest in my thoughts on books! And let me tell you that's a tough thing to give up--quite scary actually.

But with 500 subscribers also comes the pressure of maintaining this blog. Self-inflicted pressure, of course, but nonetheless. Without going too much into the negative (because, really what does it matter what my opinions are about the evolution of book blogging over the past several years), I simply feel as though I need to scale down a bit and simplify my blogging habits. I have started blogging again (although not bloghopping yet) and after months of mulling things over I've decided the best thing is to combine my efforts into one blog. Friends have asked if it might not be simpler to transfer my other blogging to this blog, but I kind of like the idea of a fresh start. And it is tough knowing that I've put hours and hours into this blog and hours and hours more into cultivating relationships with other bloggers and maintaining my place within the community. Of course I'll always consider myself a book blogger because that's how I started, but I don't want to be just a book blogger any longer. I want to have freedom to blog about what I would like to blog and I don't feel that I have that here. Silly, I know, but if you've been following for a while you know that my feelings are not always rational. :)

I'd love to invite you to visit me at my other blog: Love, Laughter, and Insanity. It is a blog where I post about personal aspects of my life but I have transfered all 367 posts and 7,000 comments from this blog over there--and in a way book blogging is personal as well. I do hope to continue blogging about books because I love writing about my feelings of what I read. I do plan to start bloghopping again--my apologies for not being around much these past five months. Whether or not you've missed me I have missed you and the interaction. Simply put I've felt overwhelmed and have needed to take a few months to clear my head and find my place. I partially feel like I'm running away from this blog, but I need a place that can be inclusive of all my blogging.

Plans for this blog. I'm not sure. For now I'm going to devote it entirely to the Non-Fiction Five Challenge. If you're signed up for the challenge, no worries--nothing will change. I'll probably change the name of the blog from Trish's Reading Nook to NFF and after that...I don't know. Honestly I don't want to think that far in advance.
Classics Challenge is currently going on at its own blog (same as past two years).

Man--if I hit that "publish post" button this is really official huh? :)

Best Wishes and Happy Reading,

42 comments:

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

Trish, I totally can understand where you are coming from, and understand.... Priorities change.

I wish you much success and happiness in whatever you do.

Richard said...

Best wishes on all your future endeavors (blogging and otherwise), Trish! Always enjoyed your mix of reviews, the thoughtfulness of your writing, and your gracious responses to comments ever since I discovered your blog. I'll miss it, but I'll be happy knowing you're happier this way!

rhapsodyinbooks said...

I'm so glad you will still have some sort of blog! Good luck with your new consolidated address Trish! I know I'll be subscribing!

Amy said...

It's a brave thing to do Trish!! I"m glad you'll still be blogging and I will definitely read your other blog. I'm glad you've come to a decision you have peace about, sometimes that's the hardest things. Best wishes, but I'll still see you around, I hope!

Ana S. said...

Hugs, Trish. As long as I get to read you, be it here or elsewhere, I'll be happy. To new beginnings, then :) See you there.

Eva said...

Well, I'm glad you'll still be blogging! I hope the move makes blogging fresh for you. :)

Is the Classics Challenge still running? Good to know before I put a list together. :)

Molly said...

OH Trish - I have truly missed your posts over these past few months, but totally understand seasons in life.

I am so glad that you provided us with the link to your other blog. I would love to remain in touch!

Amanda said...

Love you, Trish. You know I'm here or there or wherever you go. :)

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

*Diane - Thanks Diane. I guess I somehow knew I wouldn't be blogging about just books forever--hopefully this is a good change.

*Richard - While I can't say I've been blogging much about books lately, I do plan to continue at the new place. I'll miss this blog, too, but it's too much to handle right now.

*Rhapsodyinbooks - LOL--through all of this I've learned that I DO love blogging--that's a plus, huh? :)

*Amy - I just hope people will take and leave what they want--not feel like they need to comment on every post, you know? But this has been bugging me for a while so as scary as it is it feels right.

*Nymeth - Thanks for all your support through this--you guys continually help me put my worries into perspective. :) Thanks for being such a great friend, Ana.

*Eva - YES, the Classics Challenge is still running. It's at the same site it has been: http://classic2008.blogspot.com Challenge started April 1. :)

*Molly - I think I just woke up one morning and realized, "wait! There's so much to blog about besides books!" Hope to keep in contact, Molly.

*Amanda - See comment above to Ana. Thank you so much for being such a great friend through the past few months. I know I've been lousy at keeping in contact, but I think I'm working through my demons and ready to start putting myself out there. Now just need to get organized. :P Love you too.

Lisa said...

I'm glad you're still blogging, I've missed you!

Megan said...

Hey Trish - I'm sorry to hear you're leaving the book blogosphere "proper," but glad to see that you'll still be a bloggy presence. I'll be sure to visit you at your new "home."

I can definitely understand that urge to simplify. It definitely seems that as the book blogosphere has grown, book blogging has become a little more complicated and a bit more pressure-filled (even of the self-inflicted type) than it once was. It's always a debate for me whether to keep trying to keep pace with it or to change directions.

Hope you enjoy your fresh start and that it makes blogging fun for you again!

porcelaine said...

First of all, congratulations. I applaud you for your honesty and commitment to self. To the degree where you know it is time to do something else. That brings a huge smile to my face. I don't see your departure as a parting of ways, but the inevitable evolution in your journey. It's time for more and you're stepping forward and grabbing hold. I wish you all the best and will continue to keep in touch. :)

JoAnn said...

Sorry to see it go, but do understand changing priorities. Glad you'll still be around though!

christina said...

Trish, I think you're such an inspiring blogger. You were one of the first blogs that I found. Book blog or not, I'm still reading. :)

Kim (Sophisticated Dorkiness) said...

I was really sad to read you were not going to still be blogging, but I was much happier when I got to the part where you'll just sort of be moving to something else. I'm sure this was a tough decision, good luck!

Debi said...

Love you, Trish. And that will never change, no matter where you are! (Speaking for me, I LOVE getting more of the personal side of Trish! :D)

Trisha said...

A gushy sort of comment, but one I feel you deserve: You are the reason I started book blogging. My blog was just sort of a conversation between me and two of my friends, and then out of the blue, you posted a comment. I was baffled. Where in the world had you come from? I clicked over to check out your blog and was amazed. The posts were interesting and insightful, I loved the way it looked, and I was amazed by the amount of people commenting. From there I started clicking on your commenters, and that's how I discovered the book blogging community.

I can't thank you enough for introducing me to this community. I completely understand your reasoning behind consolidating your blogs; while my blog is primarily about books, I do post about whatever I'd like whenever I'd like, and I think that's the best way to keep blogging fun.

Amused said...

Good luck in the future! I totally understand - life and priorities change!

kay - Infinite Shelf said...

I perfectly understand, Trish. Even if I have never been a very present reader around your blog, I still enjoyed it and I'm glad to know I can continue to follow you through your other blog. I seen you hugs through the internets. ;-)

Darlene said...

Hey Trish, you know I've said to you before that you have to do what's best for you. I'm glad you're not completely leaving the blogging world and you know as long as I get to read what's up with you somewhere I'll be happy. Hugs.

Melody said...

I will miss this blog terribly, Trish, and like others I'll be there no matter where you blog. :)

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

*Lisa - Missed you, too. I keep thinking if I can get my life in order then I'll have more time for blogging. We'll see. :)

*Megan - I think it's the pace that I was having troubles with. There is so much pressure to review and to review a lot. I know it is personal but I always felt like I had to keep up with the others-this way I can just move at my own pace.

*Porcelaine - Thanks for your words of encouragement--I like the idea of an inevitable evolution in the journey! :)

*JoAnn - Yes, still around--just in smaller doses. Funny enough I can be found on twitter more than anywhere else!

*Christina - Oh thank you! I feel blessed to have found such a place in the community and I hope that I don't completely lose that with the move to something more personal.

*Kim - It's very tough to take something so (relatively) large and move to something so small but I think the change of pace will be nice.

*Debi - Love you, too, Deb and thanks for all your support and friendship. Like I've said before--you've partly inspired me to move in this direction. Very excited!

*Trisha - My goodness, thank you! Isn't it funny how something so small can turn into something so large? I'm glad that via me you've found your way into this community--it really is amazing, isn't it? And I do think it's easy to lose sight of why you're doing something--hopefully this move will bring me back on track.

*Amused - Thank you. :) I'll still be around...just on a smaller scale.

*Kay - Thanks for the hugs and support. It's a very scary but also exciting transition--hopefully it will keep things fresh!

*Dar - I've learned that I really do love blogging--I just need much less pressure. But I also want to focus on so many other aspects of life other than just books. Hopefully this will give me the outlet to do so. Hugs! Thanks for being such a great support.

*Melody - I'll miss this blog, too. It's so hard to say goodbye after putting such much work into it, but we all move on. :) Glad we can keep in contact!

Anonymous said...

Is it okay to admit to some sadness without making you feel bad? Still, I'm happy for you, and I'll be popping by your new blog!

trish said...

I applaud you for making this hard decision. I wish you the best in your new blogging adventures, and I'll surely be following you over there because I want to be a quilter someday! :)

Christina said...

Trish, your reasoning for giving up blogging are totally understandable and relate-able (at least for me). I'll miss you, but I understand. Good luck with your future endeavors.

Serena said...

I've been wondering where you've gone off to! I'm sad to see the reviews here go away, but life takes precedence in these situations and blogging is not supposed to be another stressor.

Anna said...

I'm going to miss this blog, but I can understand the need for a change. I've already subscribed to the new blog to stay in touch. ((HUGS))

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric

Lisa said...

Blogging is supposed to be fun--I'm glad to hear you're doing what you need to do to make it fun again.

Paxton said...

I'm going to follow you over to your other blog, but it's sad losing this one. I really have enjoyed your posts here but look forward to what you can do with more freedom.

I think it'll be, of course, awesome. Because we all know I won't follow anyone (nor have anything to do with) things that aren't...AWESOME.

Paxton Holley
Cavalcade of Awesome

Natasha @ Maw Books said...

I,as everybody else, have missed you a lot these past few months so I'm glad that you're not gone for good! I think it will be fun to combine blogs so we can learn about your other adventures as well!

Jeane said...

I was feeling sad when I began to read your post- another book blogger leaving? then smiled to know you'll actually still be around! I'll be reading your new blog, and still want to finish the Non-Fiction Five challenge!

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

*Softdrink - I'm mostly over the guilty feeling--I've wasted too much time with guilt. But yes, it makes me sad, too. But hopefully this will be more fun! :)

*Trish - LOL--want to do a quiltalong? It's funny because I've been popping around quilting blogs and they're crazier than book bloggers are!

*Christina - Not giving up blogging--just this blog. I'm still at it!

*Serena - I hope to still write bookish thoughts--just at the separate blog. Thanks for following. :)

*Anna - Thanks for keeping in touch. I hope to get better about doing that as well--I've really missed the community.

*Lisa - Agreed! How the heck did blogging get to be such a chore! Hopefully this will keep things fresh.

*Paxton - You never fail to make me smile. Or laugh. Or endeavor for awesomeness. Personally I don't think my posts over here are all that awesome, but I hope I can give you what you're looking for at the new place. I did have a really awesome Easter hat that I'll be blogging about soon... :P

*Natasha - And see, I've ever started popping up in the comments lately. Small steps. :) Still here, just not here here. Actually on twitter lately more than usual!

*Jeane - I haven't been keeping up with my bloghopping--have there been many book bloggers leaving the game? Yikes--I wonder if any of them are blogs I read? :( Not giving it up, just this blog--sometime soon I'll be changing the name to Non-Fiction Five so that the challenge still has a home!

J.T. Oldfield said...

I'm just glad that you're not *totally* leaving us! ;)

claire said...

I was about to do the same thing last week. Only I decided to join the readathon! Lol. After the readathon, though, the pressure continues. My husband said, keep the blog, you don't have to visit everyone. But it makes me feel so guilty! Anyway, good luck on your new endeavors and pat on the back for owning up to what you think is best for you.

Bonnie said...

I'm going to miss your book blog Trish but I will definitely check out your other blog. I'm glad that you're still blogging. I can understand that it must have been a tough decision but things change in life and this sounds like a good thing for you. Wishing you all the best!

Heather J. @ TLC Book Tours said...

I'm late commenting because I've been so sad about this. BUT I do understand your decision and I will definitely be following you on your other blog. And of course I'll be posted my reviews for the Non-Fiction Five Challenge.

Best of luck with your new goals!

Susan said...

I'm glad your keeping blogging1 I'll come find you there. It is hard work, isn't it? I find I don't blog nearly as much any more. I'm not sure why. I'm reading as much as ever....but so much has happened over the last year that personally I've had to withdraw from blogging so much while i make sense of everything. So I understand, and I am glad you are going to be blogging about what interests you. I did miss you, too!

joanna said...

Oh Trish, I'll miss your blog terribly but I totally understand where you're coming from. I've been having similar thoughts recently, just because reading can't be as big a part of my life as it used to be and I don't feel that I can really blog about anything else just yet... although maybe it's time to re-invent my blog? Anyway, I'll be over at your new place for sure, the blogosphere just wouldn't be the same without you!!!

TheBlackSheep said...

I'll be following you to your new blog along with everyone else. I hope you're happier with just the one and that it takes the stress away.

Melissa O. said...

Hi Trish! I can completely understand where you are coming from. I've found myself in a similar place recently. I've been horrible about blog-hopping and haven't been posting nearly at the level I used to. Burnout can happen all too easily. Your book blog was among the first I discovered and I have enjoyed reading your thoughts, reviews, and everything else!

And while I do feel badly about my lack of participation in the community lately, I am also getting to the point where perhaps I am just blogging (and reading) for myself now, I'm not really sure. I've actually gotten back more to my personal blog and have even toyed around with a weight loss blog of late. I still love to read, but somehow the inspiration to blog about it just isn't quite as strong. I've even pondered hanging up my hat at Melissa's Bookshelf, but part of me just doesn't want to let go of over a year of book reviews, new friendships, book discoveries, and so much more.

I will indeed check out your other blog and look forward to hearing about what you are up to, and any good books you might have come across lately. Big hugs!!

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

*JT Oldfield - Nope, not leaving completely. :)

*Claire - I was so sad that I couldn't participate in the readathon last month. And ya, trying to blog guilt free is sometimes difficult.

*Bonnie - I'll still be blogging about books, but because I'm reading slower I don't have much to post about these days. Too many other things! :)

*Heather - Glad you're still going to do the NFF challenge!! And don't be sad.

*Susan - Blogging IS hard work, isn't it? Glad you're still at least reading--I haven't been doing much of that this year. :/

*Joanna - I've noticed that since you had Shane your blogging has gone down. I think sometimes priorities just change a little bit. Reinvention isn't a bad thing, I don't think.

BlackSheep - So far pretty stress free, but I haven't started blog hopping a whole lot yet. I'm easily overwhelmed by the wealth of reading everyone else is doing. :)

*Melissa - I can totally understand not wanting to let go of the book blog--it was really hard to let this one go and even though I'm still blogging on a much smaller level (not reading as much so not posting as much) I feel like I'm not as much a part of the community anymore. That makes me really sad, but there's only so many hours in the day. Hope you find a medium that makes you happy and hugs back to you.

wisteria said...

Trish, I just read your post and I am happy for you since this sounds like a decision you have really thought about. It is difficult and challenging keeping up with a blog and bloghopping. It takes a huge commitment and I honestly must confess that I totally understand your decision. Without going into details, I have experienced pressures that have made me consider a blog break. I wish you well...good luck and happiness most of all in whatever you do.
Take care...always, Wisteria