Sunday Snippets 4/9/23
I’ve decided to change the title of Sunday chat to Sunday Snippets, because this post is made up of snippets of my week.
I’ll start with what my Friday was like. Steve brought me yellow tulips from his girlfriend’s garden that afternoon.
Much appreciated! Is there anything more cheerful than yellow tulips?
They had been out somewhere that day where they found this cute little kitty and Steve knew that I’d like it. So he brought it over along with the vase of tulips.
Oh, those two never stop. They eat out and go on day trips and do all kinds of things together. I’m happy for him. It’s his way of finding happiness after loss.
Kendra and Marley, who is now 14, brought supper over and I enjoyed having an hour or so with them. They’re always so busy I hardly ever get to see them.
Switching & Switching Again:
I tried to switch to another email provider to send out my posts, but things kept going wrong so I went back to the original one.
Maybe I’ll still switch to another provider and I’m still looking around at my options.
It’s kind of hard to transition from a provider that you’ve used for 9 years. Instructions coupled with figuring out all sorts of tech things seem to scramble my mind.
Trying To Up My Game:
I’m trying to up my game a bit because revenue has gone down so much. It’s down by at least half and still sliding. It’s kind of horrifying to watch it happen on my ad network’s dashboard. Because usually you go up instead of down.
But that just means I’ll have to try harder. I know I lost readers when I had surgery and my life wasn’t as interesting and I couldn’t get much done.
I couldn’t (and still can’t) go out around town and take nice photos to show. Or walk around in stores. And go into the local nurseries for plants.
I’m moving slow in almost every way because that’s where I am. It is what it is.
I’ve lost much of my stamina. I used to be so full of energy. But the surgery and subsequent rehabilitation (10 months) have been difficult. I’m just weary of it all.
I have transitioned to the walker though, so that’s a step in the right direction!
Changing Directions A Bit:
Since I’m trying to up my game and get noticed more on Google, I’m going to work on projects I’ve had in the back of my mind for awhile now.
I’m always working on the computer on this and that for this blog. And by the time evening rolls around and I’m watching some series on Britbox, my fingers are tired and achy from typing.
For instance I’d like to get to work on those bowl fillers. I now have all that wool felt just waiting for me to work on, not to mention the bowl fillers Myrna put together and sent to me.
I’m also thinking about doing a weekly or twice monthly newsletter. Although on these Sunday posts I keep you up to date about things.
You just have to get back in the groove, I suppose.
Random Photo Of Ivy:
I knew you might want to see a photo of Ivy. It sure seems like I take a lot of photos of her sleeping.
Steve comes over every few days and plays with her and she gets a lot of exercise jumping all around.
I don’t know if I already told you, but she’s nearly 19 pounds now. And she eats diet food! She’s just a big girl.
My Office/Sewing/Craft Room Reveal:
Tomorrow I’m going to show you my office/sewing/craft room. It’s taken months, since I have to move slower, but it’s pretty much where I want it now.
Here’s a little teaser of one corner.
Two Black Desks In My Office Now:
There are two black desks. And I’m using two of my dining chairs in the office. It’s not like I need four chairs at the dining table when I eat alone most of the time. And they’re comfy.
When I decorated the office the first time, just months after I moved in, I went in another direction. I had the desk in the middle of the room and I did really like that arrangement.
I’ll show you what it looked like then:
It was pretty and feminine. But I hated that desk chair. I ordered it during the Covid lock down.
Back then it was so hard to find things that weren’t back-ordered. But I thought I’d like it. It had the look and style that I wanted.
Pretty But Uncomfortable:
However, the desk chair was uncomfortable and those rollers were terribly difficult to roll around on the carpet once I moved here.
I could have gotten one of those hard plastic things to go under it I suppose. But that still wouldn’t have made the chair comfortable to sit in.
So I never really sat there. That room was dusted and cared for. But not enjoyed.
And every room, every space you have, should be enjoyed.
The arrangement of the room also wasn’t feasible now because of my getting around on a walker. Now it looks quite different.
The center of the room is open, which makes it easy for me to navigate with a walker.
I find myself going in there and sitting in one of the red indoor/outdoor chairs that I’ve had forever.
In the afternoon, so much light comes through that window where the yellow table sits beneath it. And sitting there just makes me feel at peace.
My Red Indoor/Outdoor Chairs:
Heavens, those red indoor/outdoor chairs came from Pier One ages ago and they still look brand new. I can’t even recall where I was living when I purchased them. But they are the most comfortable chairs.
It would be so nice if we still had Pier 1 here. I didn’t often buy anything, but I loved to walk around and look at the table arrangements, etc. But then I suppose that wouldn’t be possible right now anyway.
Possible Changes:
I really like to upcycle things, so there will some of that; taking one thing and turning it into something else.
It would be easier if I could get out to the thrift shops or the antique mall. I’d settle for a trip to the Dollar Tree less than a mile away.
But I’ll just work with what I have and see what I can come up with. It keeps me thinking more creatively, and I’ll enjoy the process.
At least some of my posts need to be what is considered “evergreen.” In other words, posts that aren’t just timely, and thus lose their appeal and ratings.
I need to be writing posts that instead can be utilized at any time. Like a DIY project with instructions, etc. That’s if I want any traction on Google.
Doing the opposite was a mistake on my part. I’ve mostly just been writing about my life. I enjoyed doing that, but I think that is a large part of the reason that my income has gone down so much and I’ve lost viewers.
So I may not be posting every single day if I’m working on a project, as projects take time to do.
I also want to do a few design changes here on the blog. Maybe add more features to the home page. I’m thinking about what I’d want to see, and letting that idea lead me forward.
Happy Easter!
Steve is such a thoughtful friend.. I’m glad you still see him so often.
It is frustrating trying to keep things fresh in the blog world. I’ve probably lost most of my readers since I hardly ever post anymore. I keep saying I’ll get back to it, but then, I can’t seem to make the time.
The tech world is vast and ever-changing. I am not a blogger so this is just a superficial and unofficial rec but it’s what I would try at home if I had a blog. Try googling things like ” How to max ad revenues for my blog”; “How to get new blog readers” etc. There are many responses, lists, courses, videos, etc – it might be a time consuming “education” up front because you may fall down some rabbit holes; but maybe allocate an hour a day to it. I do know Google searches work on key words and if you can know what most commonly searched words are you can include them in your posts and your blog will show up in more Google searches. And are there different ad types and formatting that might be better for your particular blog? Things like that. Anyway, some consistent and earnest research might be worth a go and you will be getting a tech education at the same time! And Happy Belated Easter – I love your tulips and the cat dish from your very thoughtful neighbor, and the sunny spot you now have in your office! Oh, and the fact that you transitioned to the walker – yay that’s awesome!!!
Hi Brenda–
Love the little cat dish! And the yellow tulips! Steve is a great neighbor to you! I am looking forward to the craft room reveal 🙂
I read every post. I love the decorating ones and also when you sometimes tell a story or a bit of your past history. You are a brilliant writer. Descriptive and thought-provoking.
Happy Easter…to you and Ivy.
He is a fantastic neighbor. Could not have asked for anyone better.
Now that I too have a broken ankle and am confined to a wheel chair for the next several months, I am surprised at how difficult everyday activities truly are. I won’t be weight bearing for another month or two. Sleeping with a CAM boot took some getting used to. I wash myself with facial wipes, since I’m afraid to try getting into a cramped shower by myself. If you have any tips or hacks on how you cope with self-care, home-cleaning, cooking, I’d appreciate it more than you could know. And I can’t be the only one.
You could probably really use a tub seat. I could not get by without it. Steve gave it to me. It was his late wife’s. He also gave me the walker/rollator. Be careful in the cam boot. It rocks you somewhat. I slept in my boot for several months. It does take getting used to. If you have any specific questions, email me.
I don’t know a thing about having a blog…I just read a few. I am sorry your income has gone down…I understand from other blogs I read too, that is also the case with others…perhaps tied to the current mess of all things in this country (and a lot of the world too). But it never hurts to try other ways of doing things. I think your subjects have been quite varied in content…but it is impossible to please everyone too.
Yes, it’s happening to many. And it is related to what’s going on in the world, shortages of things. Life still isn’t back to normal after Covid with supply chain problems. Whenever the stock market changes advertisers get spooked. This too shall pass. I probably need to change up things anyway, and it will be fun too. I’ll be fine.
Hi Brenda 👋
Your blog is great!
I try and read it everyday. If not, when time is available, easy to find. No problems for me.
Confusing re loss of income.
I’m very poor at pc technology, etc.
How do we learn all that stuff anyway?
So, getting out of things causing problems sure is challenging.
You have to hire someone to help or do it.
Looking forward to see your office set up!
Soon ,,,,,, we will all be happy 😊 for springtime!!!
💐 🌼 🌸 🌻 🌹
Oh, I’m happy regardless. I learned a long time ago to look at the glass as half full and that gets me through whatever is going on. I might sound sad here sometimes, but I’m in a good place. You learn as you go with websites. But much of it is over my head and I could read about it till my eyes cross and I won’t be able to figure it out. So be it.
Pictures of Ivy sleeping is her doing what cats do best, lol! The tulips and cat dish are a wonderful surprise. So glad you have a good neighbor and friend in Steve. That was so sweet of him to think of you. I like everything about your blog and read daily. One of the main reasons is that we are the same age and are dealing with health issues as many of the other readers are. Aging is quite a process and certainly has it’s ups and downs and it sure is nice to have a place to come to where you can relate to others and know you’re not alone going thru changes and limitations. I find nothing negative about your blog, only a dose of reality and inspiration. Happy Easter! A friend just sent me a little coaster that has a cat on it and says: “If cats could text you back, they wouldn’t.” She had my Paisley’s sister – Ms Daisy. They are twin calicos.
She’s right! The cats wouldn’t text back! I try not to be negative. When I write about my physical problems, I’m not looking for sympathy. I’m just being real so everyone will realize they’re not alone.
Hi Brenda,
I used to look forward to reading about your days, projects, pictures, and patio garden at your previous apartment.
Then, a new job with hectic hours, and an illness in the family, and I’ve been left with barely enough time to breathe. Life happens, unexpected situations occur, and some readers forget the joy of reading your blog.
It is not pop ups, or the fact that your life has slowed down, it’s that sometimes we go through difficult times, and have some sadness in our lives.
Happy Easter, best to you and Ivy.
Of course! I expect that. The same is true of me. I read blogs, but when there isn’t time or I’m not feeling well, they get put on the back burner.
Brenda
You do a great job! I’ve come up with many ideas from your blog. Life is hard right now and more than that your ankle gives you major problems. You are improving everyday. It all takes time and you are weary with waiting. All will be good coming up. Stay strong.
I’m trying to find new projects to meet my challenges. I want to look back at all of it and say I tried the best I could to make lemonades out of lemons. That’s what life is about. It’s not what happens; it’s how we react to it.
I wanted to wish you a Happy Easter Brenda and to Ivy as well. Nice that you were able to spend some time with family. Love yellow tulips! I also find them to be such a happy flower.
Yellow is truly a happy and cheerful color.
Happy Easter, Brenda! About the decline in ad dollars, not sure because I’m not a techy person myself, but with my Windows 11 and the constant updates it does to my laptops there is an “ad blocker” on it that works automatically, not something I had to elect to turn on. I get BIG gaps in some of your posts where I assume ads were placed by your provider but I don’t see them at all. So maybe your viewers aren’t being picked up because of ad blockers if a lot of us are using Windows 11? I don’t know, maybe it works an entirely different way. But I’ve noticed I also no longer see ads at my online subscription to The Washington Post. I’m not an ad clicker anyway, I don’t shop that way. I click on your links to your Amazon recommendations that I’m interested in, and will visit some of the websites you list on your weekly new and interesting summary (which probably doesn’t earn you any pennies), but that’s about the extent of my “clicking.” Revenue may also be down for advertisers everywhere because of inflation. I, for one, don’t have money to spend on “goodies” any longer, the costs have gone up so much for essentials like groceries and utilities. My “splurge” in the past included the nuts that I order for my tribe of squirrels, now gone up more than $30 an order, even though I’m not ordering what I used to, books and some home decor every now and then. Now – I’m still feeding my tribe of squirrels but it’s expensive. But I don’t want to abandon them. I don’t imagine it’s billionaires generating sales online for advertisers at websites, it’s people like me and your other visitors, and we’re not clicking on ads, let alone buying. I just don’t understand how the “Pringles” I used to buy at $1.09 a container now costs $2.69, with its price bouncing up and down like a yoyo from day to day. We don’t have a “potato disease” going on so I don’t understand why the price of Pringles is so “flexible.” Producers, marketers and sellers used the excuse of “Avian flu” that killed a lot of chickens in the U.S. when eggs at the Kroger I shop at rose from $0.99 a dozen for large eggs to close to $6 a dozen. Now the price is considered a “bargain” at just under $3. No thanks. Multiply this by hundreds of thousands of items that people need to buy or want to buy, but can’t afford. Sorry to be so depressing on a day of religious celebration for many.
You’re just being real! Anyway it’s not the ads that need to be clicked. The only thing that matters is that the ads have time to load on your site. That’s how I get paid. So no worries. And no worries about the ad blocker. I sometimes turn it on myself. You have very lucky squirrels! And remember I have a social security check that gets put in my account every month, so I have more than many and I feel very grateful. The SS pays pretty much all my monthly bills.
Hum, I don’t get that you are depressed. In fact, I look forward to reading about your life and how you are so clever in dealing with your ups and downs. Your blog is the only one that really resonates with me and I feel very connected and comfortable commenting to you and your readers. Happy Easter.
Happy Easter to you too! We all have challenges and I’m just relating what’s going on in my life. But as I’ve said, I look at each new challenge in my life as a challenge to be more creative with whatever I’m dealing with.
I noticed one of your advertisers is Bissell. This is an excellent company worth clicks and purchases. I have their Big Green Machine carpet cleaner. Not cheap – $400 range – but what an amazing job it does on carpet stained by pets (or people!). I’ve lent it to my daughters over the past three years and what we’ve saved on professional cleanings or machine rentals has paid back far more than the purchase price. We considered having our stained living room carpeting replaced, but one thorough cleaning last week restored it to near-new beauty. Their line of cleaning fluids is excellent, and less expensive models are available. And a portion of every purchase goes into their own Pet Rescue Initiative.
I never even look at the ads. The ad network rotates them every few minutes, and are based on what the advertisers like Bissell, for example, are currently spending. The ad network let us know that ad spending by advertisers is down this year because they keep us updated on current spending trends. There’s no need for anyone to click on ads. That’s not how I make money. I make money once the ad loads on your computer or phone. Now I do make a small amount from Amazon when someone clicks through my link and buys whatever.
Change is difficult especially when it affects our mobility, which in turn affects our independence. Being independent is something we mostly don’t think about until it’s gone and then it seems it’s all one can think about. I’ve been through a similar situation as you and it takes time to adjust, which is exactly what I see you doing. I know every time something new is added to the list of “things I can’t do any more”, I go through a little more of the grief process. You are forging a new path and I’ve no doubt that you will find some clever solutions and personally I’m looking forward to hearing about those. Your posts show us that it’s possible to pivot rather than giving up and I appreciate that.
There is a feeling of loss when you lose things like mobility. I’ve tried my best to adjust my needs and desires to how much I can get around. I am a very fortunate person in so many ways that really, in the large scheme of things, it’s not that bad. The loss of mobility is hard, but it’s not life threatening. I make sure to be grateful every day for what I do have. I have a good life, whether I can walk around much or garden or whatever. I’ll always find something else I can do. I like a challenge actually.
Happy Easter🐣those tulips are beautiful…our crocus are blooming here in Wi…and I see flowers up…cleaned up some flower beds and now paying for that lol…I love your blog also and always go back at the end of the day to read the comments…you helped me through a long winter…a reminder to all Be Kind and do not say things that are hurtful…bless you Brenda 💕
Everyone reads something different through their lens of what I write. They might be having a down or sad day or whatever. I’ve learned to roll with the punches after blogging for 14 years this month! Yea for 14 years of enjoying my friends/readers! You keep me strong and looking forward to the next day.
In my opinion your decorating is your strength. Some days I do not receive your blog. I miss your outside pictures and know you miss being outside. With more healing it will come.
Oh, I miss them too! But life changes and we have to change with it. I’m learning patience, and that’s a good thing because I’ve never been very good at being patient. So you learn a new strength and in that you rejoice.
Oops failed to mention that I’m very anxious to see your sewing/craft palace. LOL
Well I’ve got pretty much all the photos ready, so you will see them in the morning. I’m really enjoying that space now, whereas before I just stood in the doorway and looked at it.
Life for so many has changed drastically and it affects so many things in our individual situations. In your case you enjoy being a ‘homebody’ however you don’t have the option to go out if you want or need to. It’s as simple as not being able to go walk around The Dollar Tree. I understand exactly what you’re saying, Brenda. Yes, it is what it is but it’s grown tiresome.
I’ve been going through some health challenges (won’t bore you with the details) and that’s wearing me down. You’ve been dealing and living with your challenge for almost a year. I don’t believe you’re depressed (although I’m not a doctor nor do I play one on TV) I believe you’ve had enough. I have so much more I’d like to say but I don’t want to bore you and others. LOL
I’m glad Kendra and Riley came by for a bit.
Happy Easter!
You would not be boring anyone with health challenges or anything else you choose to share. Please feel free to write about them! We learn from one another.
Brenda, sorry Ann had to be so rude. I’m tired of seeing people make comments like that. And I’m here to defend you but of course I know you can defend yourself.
The tulips are lovely as is the precious cat dish. Steve is a very thoughtful guy.
Sorry to hear revenue is down. It is a very hard time for all. I’m not sure everyone has recovered from covid and the strange realities we lived in for awhile. I’ve been with you since Texas and I’m certainly not going anywhere! Enjoy this beautiful Easter Sunday and look forward to craft room pics tomorrow!
Oh, it hurts a little and then I’m quickly over it. After 14 years with this blog, I’ve learned that not everyone will leave a sweet comment. It probably depends a lot on how they’re currently feeling. I’m just collateral damage!
Happy Easter! Keep hippity-hopping along. Good things will happen. Looking forward to seeing your craft room!
I know. Things change and then they change again.
I am sorry too that your income has declined. I read your blog every day and always find it interesting. I would like to see more Ivy pictures though!
I love how you have your office now, looking forward to seeing the rest of it.
Pier One has gone now in Canada, I used to love to go and look around, they do have a online store but its not so interested of course.
I’ll plan to show more Ivy photos.
Sorry to hear your revenue is down. I’ve been reading your blog for a few years and always look forward to your perspective on living life small. And I think all of us as we age are dealing with that same thing. The big life we experienced when we were younger is no longer feasible … moneywise, healthwise or otherwise … so we make changes and learn to adapt to a more “comfortable” way of life for our situation. Reading your blog reminds me to look with joy at the little things in life because they really are the important things.
Glad to hear you’re able to get around with the walker. That’s a great improvement and I’m sure there will be more during the coming months. Healing is a process — sometimes a very long one.
Yes, healing is a process. And I feel more ambulatory with the walker.
Beautiful tulips and the kitty dish is so cute! Happy Easter!
Happy Easter to you too!
I am sorry your ad revenue has dropped. I’m the last person on earth to have a useful suggestion for increasing it. I simply don’t know.
What I will tell you is that my little view into your world means so much to my world. I have had some serious medical issues (other than Covid) ongoing since shortly after lockdown. My world has needed to get smaller too. Your blog is one of the highlights of my day.
I’m sorry about your health issues. Life deals us cards we don’t want sometimes. I know just what you mean. Although I don’t have serious medical issues. I thank you so much for reading!
I don’t quite understand why your income has dropped so drastically. Nothing technical, etc????? I enjoy you….you are real life.
I think Google changed its algorithm and that suddenly changed revenue for me. I’ve always written about my life and still made money. So I don’t know. But it is what it is.
There’s no doubt your life has changed, but I’ve read your blog for years, and I’m not going to stop. We all get older every day we’re alive, until we don’t (and we all know what that means). But it must be discouraging when you rely upon income from your blog.
Be careful with the tulips and Ivy, there’s some part of them that’s toxic to cats( it escapes me which one at the moment)
They are my favorite flower but I don’t dare have them around with my Buddy boo,he chews on stuff.
They are up too high for Ivy and she doesn’t chew on stuff, thank goodness.
And I thank you so much!
I think you are depressed. Each comment has a negative ending. That may turn people off. Perhaps medication?
I’m on medication. I’m not depressed.
Ann, it’s usually better to let a doctor and no one but a doctor diagnose depression or any other malady. I don’t know what you’re reading but I see nothing but positivity in Brenda’s posts. Are you having a bad day yourself? So sorry if you are, but please be kind. As they say, if you can’t say something nice….
I always figure that person is not having a good day. Everyone has bad days and don’t feel cheerful when leaving a comment. I understand that. I used to get bothered by it, but not so much anymore. When I comment on blogs, I always make it positive and reassuring, but we are all different and that’s what makes the world go round!
You should learn this phrase Ann!
If you don’t have anything good to say then don’t say anything at all!