~author unknown
(2007)
In which I get a blogging award.
From myself.
As I near the epic ten year mark of writing this blog I feel like I have totally run out of anything interesting to say.
And yet.
How could I walk away from the friends I have made here?
I know from my stats that folks are still coming by. So that is good.
The comments which used to be in the 30's and 40's every day are fewer that is for sure. But they are precious and and important. Not only to me.
Blog reading has dropped off for many people including myself since FB filled that social need.
But I will stick around, I think.
Cause I'm Velcro.
Encourage one another,
Donna
P.S. I always loved show and tell.
Please don't stop encouraging us, Donna! And sharing your wonderful photos. Love your blog and I'm so glad you still keep it up.
ReplyDeleteLove, Melene
I check your blog Monday - Friday. I rarely comment, but thoroughly enjoy you, your photos and the things you have to say. I don't know if you know it, but you have incredibly beautiful insight, more often than not. Please keep it up.
ReplyDelete10 years! WOW! You are the first place I come to everyday after checking my email. Please stick around. You are loved here! Your posts are down to earth and full of grace and peace. I love reading the comments!
ReplyDeleteI haven't been able to find you on FB. Do you know how many Donna Boucher's there are on FB??
I too check in everyday. Would really miss your wonderfulness :)
ReplyDeleteI gotcha. Some days it's tough to figure out what to say, but I think you do a splendid job of describing and celebrating the ordinary days. (Did you ever read the book 'the gift of an ordinary day' by Katrina Kenison? Showed me the possible beauty and wonder in the ordinary ... though it is secular in nature. IMO her writings would be richer and more beautiful from a Christian viewpoint.
ReplyDeleteAlso, when life is tossing heartache or troubles, I find it harder to write. But someone once said the only cure to writer's block .... is to write. Keep writing (and photographing), Donna! You're a hero to me. www.barbhaller.blogspot.com
True, I rarely comment, but I do swing by several times a week, if not daily. I love hearing what you, Katie and Ginny are up to with the occasional tidbit on Emma. Your pictures are the icing on the cake. :)
ReplyDeletecongrats on 10 yrs. I enjoy following you on FB along with my other internet friends
ReplyDeleteI don't comment, but I certainly stop by daily. Couldn't imagine my day without Donna's Encouragement, beautiful photography, and random bits of happiness. Please stay just the way you are!
ReplyDeleteIt's very difficult to come up with topics every day. We truly appreciate how much you share and all of your effort. I rarely comment, but read your blog daily. I hope you continue. ---Donna C.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you stay : ).
ReplyDeleteI think I told you once before that I don't know anything about stats. It's true. I don't know who comes or goes or what they think. I only know I love sharing pictures.
And I love seeing other pictures.
Yours are my favorite.
I wish I could give you a real award with a diamond necklace.
please stick.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being velcro! I love reading and watching and being encouraged!
ReplyDeleteI am like Robin in New Jersey, you are the first place I come after checking my email every day. You don't realize how special you are, and what an encouragement to Christian women. God has given you intelligence, creativity (your photography), and sensitivity (love the poetry postings and your personal insights regarding life). Please don't stop. You would be greatly, greatly missed.
ReplyDeleteDebbie Z.
Dear Velcro,
ReplyDeleteFacebook is great, but it is like a family reunion - too many people, too many names to remember, too much information. Reading your blog is more like sitting with a friend over coffee. Or a chai latte. Soothing, refreshing, relaxing. I check Facebook and leave with a sense of being rushed. I check your blog and leave with a feeling of calmness and peace. Thanks for doing what you do!
SO well said!!!!
DeleteYes! This! I don't comment a lot, but I read. Your blog is a comfortable place to be, and it always makes me feel good.
DeletePlease don't stop! You don't even have to say anything, just be there for us! Love your blog, you are so encouraging and I love your photos! I know sometimes it must be hard to think of what to say, but you do a great job. i check you everyday. I would miss Katie and the rest of the bunch!
ReplyDeleteBeckie from Kansas
I don't check in on a regular basis - but I would definitely miss you!!! I am also not very active in commenting with you, but I do want you to know that I love your blog and find it such a happy place to visit when I am feeling down and out. I love how you love your kids and how you "are what you are" and definitely not trying to be something you are not. You just seem like such a genuine person.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!!!!
I rarely comment but enjoy reading your thoughts. The poetry you share especially touches me. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCherie
Your blog is a quiet oasis on busy hectic days, I love your blog and hope you stay around forever! I don't comment a lot but read every.single.post :) xoxo melzie
ReplyDeleteLove you, Donna! You are the best.
ReplyDeleteAlways,
Di
awww stick around Donna Booshay! I love a peek at your day.
ReplyDeleteWhat everybody else said.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what I'd do without Quiet Life. When life is happy/complicated/sad/crappy/ok.....I know I can always come here for a hug. That's what this place feels like to me.
Happy 10 years, Miz Boo! You encourage me more than you know!
Sarah P. from Iowa
Really? Has it been 10 years? Please don't stop...I would miss you :).
ReplyDelete10 years..... You were so far ahead of the curve.... Imagine???
ReplyDeleteI know how hard it is, because I can't do it. Try as I might. Your generosity of self is so lovely. It is one of the many, many things I would miss. Oh and your random movie quotes!
Love you, and I am blessed that you are my friend.
Cheryl
10 years!?! Already?!? You're just getting started and we aren't done reading yet! Stay please. :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI check M-F because you are one of the few bloggers who are dependable. A moment of quite and kindness with my morning coffee. + beautiful photos. Please don't stop.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. Hello and thank you so much for letting me know you are reading and I am not boring you to death!!!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYou make the world a happier, friendlier place, dear Donna.
ReplyDeletehmbalison
I have been reading your blog since 2004 (I think) when Emma was still at home and back when you were home-schooling Katie. One of the first entries I remember reading had a little tiny thumbnail picture of Emma wearing a goofy hat, and you writing something about Emma usually being a very serious girl. :) I don't comment much because I am always worried about saying something that could somehow be offensive to someone, and I hate the idea of offending/annoying anyone, especially in such a nice place. But I love your blog and hope you keep it up forever and ever amen.
ReplyDeleteI should probably take a lesson from you. ;)
DeleteI read daily, but don't comment often enough. Probably because I'm usually reading on my phone and commenting on the phone is kind of a pain. But, I wanted to say I love your blog. Blogs hold something Facebook can't compete with, not sure exactly what it is, but there's something more personal about a blog. Facebook reminds me of a big room where everyone is talking at once, just spouting off whatever is on their mind, waiting for some kind of response. A blog post is more like an invitation to visit with a friend. Thanks for adding to the beauty of the blog world.
ReplyDeleteDonna, I can't stand FB. I think it is an unreal presentation of people's lives. But I love your blog! Your determination to be cheerful, kind, and aware of God's blessings is a great encouragement to me. Thanks!
ReplyDeletePlease dont stop :( :( :(
ReplyDeleteSue
It's easy to think of you when I read this quote from L.M. Montgomery:
ReplyDeleteHe had learned the rare secret that you must take happiness when you find it—that there is no use in marking the place and coming back to it at a more convenient season, because it will not be there then. And it is very easy to be happy if you know how to find pleasure in little things.
Thank you for your work in bringing beauty to us daily. I wish you got paid for it.
I will give you an award, too. You are my longest-read blog. I have just a few others I read regularly, and several that no longer blog or no longer interest me. I have grown children and a last caboose at home (he's 12) and I'm also from the Midwest, so it's like checking in with a friend each time I read. I think we need to finish raising these last kids together, and then together we can find out what's next for us. I'll try to be better at holding up my side of the conversation, but it's always nice to read you and your lovely, lovely commenters.
ReplyDeleteI am stuck on you - like band-aid brand!
ReplyDeleteSide note: I know the fellow whose uncle invented Velcro - I will share the story sometime.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Praying a special blessing for you and yours today.
Hi, Congrats, I guess. :) I read your blog everyday. Thanks for the smiles.
ReplyDeletePS I tried your cucumber salad and it was wonderful.
Chrissy
I never comment but love your blog and your photography insights. Don't stop. We'd miss you. A friend in PA.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 10 years and thanks for blessing my life during that time span! You are encouraging, funny, humble, kind, talented -- and you don't take yourself too seriously. All of these qualities and more make you the Donna we know and love. Bless you, dear friend.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Mary Z
I had to come back and comment again...I really, REALLY agree with so many comments above. Facebook has its place (as any mother with far away children knows) but your blog is a community, a more complete picture, a beautiful combination of beautiful and creative and funny and silly and poignant and holy and eternal. You may not realize it, Donna, but your ripple in the pond brings waves of blessing all around.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being velcro! And for speaking truth (in all its glory) to us. We're better for it.
Much love,
Di
Right. Like Cleveland.
DeleteExactly like Cleveland.
DeleteExactly.
Di
Here Here, i check in frequently without commenting, and would miss you and your dearly. I love the fact that you chat about this and that and share bits and pieces and I Adore Your Photographs!! Please keep posting, velcro and all!!
ReplyDeleteSandyleeisme
I adore your blog! Congratulations on 10 years of bloggy goodness. Thanks for sharing your life with us!
ReplyDeleteI'm new to your blog...although I had seen you on Pioneer Woman before. I love readhing/sharing in your life! Glad you are sticking around!
ReplyDeleteI love coming here and have been doing so since early 2008 when I found you through a friend. Yes, my comments have slacked off on my blog as well but my page views are still high so that's something.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 10 years, Donna!
I think I'll stay around too. I certainly wouldn't ever shut down my blog because it's nice sometimes to go back and read how things used to be. I really like having that.
Since Di sent a p.s. I feel good about sending a follow-up too!
ReplyDeleteYou are NEVER boring. Rather, you are the HUGE :-)
I am a constant commenter (like the tea) -- because I love this community and I appreciate you and your faithfulness to us, your readers xxxxx
Ah Susan, Constant Comment is a favorite tea at our house. I read once that it got the name from the tea maker's wife and her friends gathering around drinking tea and visiting. Wonder if that is true?
DeleteI do {{{LIKE}}} all the QLCS friends so much and Donna is the spark, our leader, our information provider, our encourager and certainly someone I admire and look up to every day. Thank God for you each one and our Fearless Leader who goes in search throughout the Internet finding delights and taking amazing photographs, providing inspiring poetry and quotations and being the HUGE!!! Please stick around forever Dear Miz Boo!!!
love and prayers, jep
{{{HUGS}}} to you dear jep. Amen to all you said ^^ :-)
DeleteHi Donna! I don't send comments very often, but I do read your blog every day. I love to read about your family and see your beautiful pictures. You are a part of day. I'm so happy you plan to stay!
ReplyDeleteRose
I'm a constant commenter, too. And I've made some of the dearest friends of my adult life in this comment section. THAT is saying something!!!
ReplyDeleteYep. Some of the dearest friends I have yet to meet (-:
DeleteLove,
Di
Amen to the "yet to meet". There is hope!! :)
DeleteMary Z
{{{LIKE}}} :-)
DeleteOh, and forgot to mention- Katie's freckles, glasses and lip pucker in today's photo? So very adorable. :)
ReplyDeleteMary Z
And you're pretty adorable in your tiara as well!!
DeleteMary Z
I never really comment, either Donna, but I am so glad you are like Velcro! I love to have you around! Much better than facebook!
ReplyDeleteI don't comment often, but I do enjoy reading your blog; it is one of my daily reads! Thank you and God bless you, Donna.
ReplyDeleteI read everyday and keep you on my front page of my top sites, so I can see when you've updated. I love this wonderful corner of the world. Thank you for sharing your life and heart and photos with us. And well done on ten years! :)
ReplyDeleteI read your blog every single day, Donna! I am not given to comments, but I appreciate your faith and friendship and honesty... and I pray for your kids (esp. Emma, as I graduated from Moody in 1973!) peace to you and yours, and I am sooo glad you are going to continue. Betsy
ReplyDeleteOh my dear Donna......if I hadn't stopped here a long time ago, I would have never known that the Weinermobile was still around!
ReplyDeleteIt does seem that blogging is out of vogue more so nowadays. About the only blogs that seem to be big now must have writers online 24/7 and honestly, those are too big for me to engage in. I'd rather stop by here when I have time because of the community and relationship that is found at Quiet Life. And that holds true for the few blogs I visit anymore. It's because of relationship. Sheesh, I don't blog much at all anymore because my time is so limited, but I will still get emails of encouragement from random readers out there somewhere when I do write a post or two.
So keep on keeping on and come up and see the Weinermobile in a couple of weeks, my dear favorite Packer fan! :-)
Blessings,
Tammy ~@~
I read your post every. day.
ReplyDeletePlease don't stop.
I love you, your kids, grandkids, and of course...Ginny!
I'm here, everyday, but I don't comment. You'd get tired of hearing from me. Unless, of course, we could talk football. Go Pack Go!!!
ReplyDeleteReading your words EVERY SINGLE DAY is like visiting with my sister and/or a best friend. You just make me feel good about the world and I love the way you love your family! Thank you, thank you for your words:)
ReplyDeleteHello Donna. I feel like a creepy lurker because I have been reading your blog for years and have never said "boo" to you (pun intended). I can't for the life of me remember when I first found you, or even how I found you, though I believe it was most likely from the Pioneer Woman. Anyhow, thank you for such a nice blog. I have enjoyed peeking into your quiet life and seeing your sweet kids and grandbabies. I am a faithful visitor and am glad to hear that you will continue to share your quiet life with us.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the pun Dara! :-)
DeleteI'm here! I read everyday and have since I followed you hear from WTM in 2004. I've always been quiet but I'm always reading!
ReplyDeleteThe above is I, Ryan :)
DeleteI hope you stay, Donna! Your blog is pretty much the only blog I check in on. It's real and honest. It's refreshing. I love it. Please don't go!!
ReplyDeleteDanielle Barnett
Well. I just can't believe this lovely out pouring of kindness and love.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
As long as I am not boring you all to tears....I will keep trying to do my best.
Love you.
Mean it.
Another fan of yours that is here everyday but not commenting:) I started by following your photography and quickly found myself enjoying your writing and sharing of life. I wish I had your gift for sharing words and photographing life. Since way back when it has been on my bucket list to take a photography class from you someday. Should you offer a class again I would love to meet you and learn from you. You are a gift Donna to those who start every morning with you. Thank you!!!! Sheri
ReplyDeleteI also read along every day but don't comment often. I'm almost always reading from my phone these days (having a 4 month old baby to tend to) and it's more difficult to leave comments with my phone. #firstworldproblems
ReplyDeleteThank you for sticking like Velcro! I love the daily encouragement, lovely pictures and the way reading your blog feels like chatting with an old friend over coffee/tea. God keep blessing you as you bless us!
You are a bright, shiny penny, Donna! Your words and pictures make the blog world a bit more warm and cozy. Thank you for that!. Keep up the good work! Linda in St. Louis
ReplyDeleteTen years? Wow. I'm so glad you chose to write here. You are always such an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI am a faithful reader every since I "met" you on Pioneer Woman's blog, though I know I don't comment. I wanted to let you know though that I love your blog and I hope that you will continue! This space is so encouraging, lovely and genuine. Your words and photos are beautiful! I appreciate "visiting" everyday. I can almost forgive your love of the Packers because you are so sweet! God bless you!
ReplyDeleteLove from a MN stay at home mom of 4 littles...and a Vikings fan!
Donna,
ReplyDeleteHappy 10 years of blogging. What an amazing slice of your life you have recorded! It should make writing your memoirs very easy. I would read that too.
I hope you can fully embrace all the love and support that has been expressed in these comments. We like you, we really like you.
I read you blog almost every day when I am on the computer. You truly are one of my favorites. I don't comment very often because sometimes it seems like the people who comment on your blog are your inner circle...all your close friends and family. It feels like I would be forcing myself into your "private" conversations - barging in on your stories and inside jokes . Weird on my part, I know, but just wanted you to know the reason I don't comment very often even though I adore your writing.
With Love,
Heidi
Hi Heidi!
DeleteI wondered if people felt the same way you do...
Hey! My sisters don't even comment very often....
If you have a fun thought or quote or just want to say 'hi'....
I would absolutely love to hear from you.
Hearing from so many people yesterday and this morning has really encouraged me to keep it up.
I don't want to be a bore.
I am truly thankful for each comment. For each commenter.
Hey Heidi - just my two cents worth - know where I met Donna? On this blog, in the comment section. I was a stay at home mom for the first time with a 6 year old, two year old, and newborn. The newborn is 8 1/2 now (!!!) so I guess I was around here fairly early on --- but engaging in the conversation is what started my friendship with this crew. And believe it or not, it was a recipe-sharing day that got me talking more deeply to Di and Carol about, of all things, texturized vegetable product. Can you even?!?!? So don't be afraid to chime in - I'm ever so grateful that I did!!!
DeleteI don't comment often, but I read your blog everyday! Don't stop writing!
ReplyDeleteOh, please do stick around!!!! You're on my blog lovin' list!
ReplyDeleteVelcor is a fantastic product!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, love your randomness, love your photos, love your occasional recipe reference.
Thanks for sharing!
For a second there I was scared you were going to quit your blog or something. I never comment but I read almost every day. I'm 21 and I don't have kids or anything, but your posts are always so encouraging to me. I've been reading your blog since I was oh, probably 16 or 17. Please don't go anywhere! :)
ReplyDeletetest comment
ReplyDeleteSandy C. :)
Hi Sandy!
ReplyDeleteOK, sorry for the lame test comment, but I tried three times yesterday to comment from my iPad and none of them worked. My theory is that I cannot comment from either iPad or iPhone and anonymous profile??? I'm on Terry's laptop because I wanted you to know I still read QL EVERY DAY and I am so thankful for you and your encouragement. I have tried repeatedly to comment in recent months and think of comments even more often. ;D
ReplyDeleteI also read your FB comments and usually catch QL there first, then read it again when I check blogs on Feedly. I love your pictures of your family and your commitment to continue encouraging us.
Blessings dear Donna,
Sandy C.
I missed out yesterday! I don't even know if you can read comments after the day of the post. But just in case...
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad so many others spoke up to let you know how much we love reading your blog. I once commented to someone that I lead a pretty boring life and they said, "You lead a NORMAL life, but these days 'normal' has turned into something of a novelty. So that makes you pretty special!" Your lovely, grounded, objective point of view is always refreshing and encouraging. When I read your blog, I feel like I'm checking in with family (I just overlook the fact that this is family who doesn't even know me!). I hope you receive as many blessings as you bless others.
I do read every comment!! They are precious to me!! Thank you!!
DeleteYours is the only blog I read anymore. Back in the day I bet I read up to 15-20. It's a little more difficult these day now that I'm working but I eventually catch up and try to leave a comment or two. :) Love you. Mean it.
ReplyDeleteYou were the first blogs I ever started reading and I still enjoy it many years later. You have a lovely personality and there is something genuine and comforting in your posts. I hope you continue even though I know blogging seems to be going away bits at a time. I so enjoy visiting you, your photos and your joy. :)
ReplyDeleteDonna,
ReplyDeleteThe world is a better place with you and your blog in it.
I am glad to call you my friend!
Nancy
I hardly ever post a comment, but I faithfully read your blog. I'd miss you terribly!
ReplyDeleteawww...i love your blog and keeping up with your life & thoughts! blessings and congratulations on 10 beautiful years!!
ReplyDeleteI missed yesterday but read it today. I used to read lots of blogs but don't have the time any more. Nor do I always have the time to comment. However, I think you should stick like velcro. I love coming to your site for my daily dose of happy. You are a positive person. I like that you struggle just like the rest of us and are brave enough to share sometimes. I also enjoy your photography. Such beautiful photographs and it makes me wish I took more pictures of my kids. I think the messages you leave each day are simple but refreshing and you are one of the blogs I make a point of reading each day. Maybe people don't comment but I bet you are their daily dose of happy too.
ReplyDeleteI, like Anonymous above, used to read lots and lots of blogs, but I am down to about two or three that I will actually make sure that I check, with yours being at the very tippy top of the list. I may not check in every day, but I make sure I read all the way back to the last post so I don't miss anything. I love all of your random daily thoughts, questions, and the poems you share. And the photos! They just make me happy. Plus I have a place to come when I need to see what everyone thinks of the latest Downton episode. I'm glad you're velcro. Please continue to stick around.
ReplyDeleteI also used to read lots of blogs, but realized I was spending too much time doing that. Yours is at the top of my list and I would truly miss you. You have a lovely family and your photos are gorgeous. Please stay!!
ReplyDeleteI agree that FB has definitely changed how often we read blogs. I probably follow five or less when it was a lot more in the past. Your is one I check in on almost daily. It's been one of my favorites since I first found it.
ReplyDeleteThere. Now it's 100. :)
ReplyDeleteHi. I'm one of those who is guilty of reading every day but never commenting. I'm working on changing that. I think as we readers we sometimes feel that are comments are inconsequential if we are not part of your circle. (I hope that makes sense.) Anyway, I love your blog and your posts and your photography. I think it's wonderful that you share your life (both the good and the bad) with us and let us into your life a bit. You are beautiful inside and out and you have a beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteHi. I'm one of those who is guilty of reading every day but never commenting. I'm working on changing that. I think as we readers we sometimes feel that are comments are inconsequential if we are not part of your circle. (I hope that makes sense.) Anyway, I love your blog and your posts and your photography. I think it's wonderful that you share your life (both the good and the bad) with us and let us into your life a bit. You are beautiful inside and out and you have a beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteI am without a doubt a lurker who finds it easy to say that my comments are not important. However, I want to say that I would miss you so much if you stopped "talking." I love your positive spin on things, your encouragement to love, even in the hard times. Missing Suzie hurts you but you share that, and her, with such incredible beauty. That's the kind of person I want to be, and you encourage me on my journey.
ReplyDelete