My dearest readers,
Please understand that the following exclamation comes from the most humble, least braggy place in my heart:
OH! THERE ARE SO MANY OF YOU!!!
I am not sure why.
I am not a great cook or decorator, I do not have fabulous daily adventures to tell about, my pictures do not belong in a magazine, I am not an especially eloquent writer--I am just me. And yet you seem to care. Or my sitemeter is merely playing a cruel trick. The thing that is killing me---is that I care about every one of you too! Only a few months ago, I use to be able to get through my blog rounds in ninety minutes, spread throughout the day. Now, it takes me five hours. FIVE HOURS. (Not including the time spent trying to string together enough coherent words to make my own posts.). And I still don't get to everyone I want. I truly long to know about the lives of each and every one of you. To give you the same amount of consideration and thought you gave me in leaving a comment. I honestly, truly care.
I was just explaining to a friend the other day, that if I'm ever in a big group of people--I tend to retreat to a smaller group amongst the big group. And if I'm in a small group, I try and whittle it down to a one on one conversation with someone. I've never been the kind of girl that could flit from person to person exchanging a few pleasantries and fancy Frenchy kisses on the cheek---talking but not listening. I view each human exchange as a chance to reach out and learn something new about someone. Maybe help them in some way, or be helped by them. The funny thing about this whole blogging phenomena is---I L-O-V-E this GIANT group! I wouldn't even care if it got bigger! The more the merrier!!! I feel completely at ease amongst all of you (except you yucky guy googling "fancy Frenchy kisses"---you continue to creep me out). Blogging offers all the fun of a rockstar party, with all the benefits of a quaint one- on- one lunch. Now if someone just started dropping buckets of money on this awesome set-up, we could all ride off into the sunset together...in our limousines....with Alan Rickman (OK--he's just for me :) ).
Anyway, back to my original point. Was there one?..... I think it was: Let's just make a little deal-io sweet, sweet readers. I will do my best to keep cranking out something equivalent to what a hundred monkeys banging on typewriters could eventually produce, and you keep leaving me comment love when you can. Then, I PROMISE that between kids and class and homework and housework and errands and church and the occasional social interaction I get to participate in--I WILL be by at some future, but not too distant, point to read about you. And I will whisper all kinds of sweet nothings in your comment box (and no, previously mentioned yucky google guy--that does not mean what you think it does.).
With my sincere gratitude,
~Jennifer P. :p
61 comments:
I just enjoy reading your blog. take your time with the comments.
I can see your dilemma. I have reached a similar problem. But even though I love your comments, I also just like reading your posts. I am sure others feel the same. You're funny, and fun. So bask in your popularity.
I know! The bigger my blog gets the harder it is to leave comments. So, I have carved out time to "tend to the flock"...as it were...hopefully, I am not forgetting anyone too:-)
I know what you mean about trying to find time to blog. When I get started reading, or typing, it's hard to find a breaking point where I can be a "real" mom... no worries about making comments else where. You are one busy incredible and extra posative mama.
It all comes down to balance. I cannot imagine all that you have to handle and all the bloggy love that you get. Take all the time you need. If I do not hear from you as often then I will just make sure that we get together for a one-on-one lunch soon.
Now that's not a terrible problem to have! There just aren't enough hours in the day to keep up with everyone.
I just love ya! You'll have to know that when you left me a comment a couple of posts ago, I giggled like a school girl who just got mail from a celebrity. And I wondered how you made the time to read all your favorite blogs :)
You rock! And I'm happy to "see" you whenever you get a chance.
Priscila P. (with an s-e-n, and the five boys)
I cannot even begin to imagine how crazy and hectic your life is my dear! You just read...write...post...comment, whenever you darn well please sweetie. NO ONE in their right mind would ever condemn you for that :) Or at least I won't :) I'll always be reading and praying for you!!! We'll always be here when you need us :) I feel like I'm writing in a yearbook! Anyway, you get my sentiment right??? I adore you!
See, this is what I love about our "relationship" in the blog-world. I don't feel bad if you don't comment often on my blog, because I know that you are crazy busy, and I know that while you love getting comments on your blog, if I don't have time to make a comment on your blog, or I just can't do it with any intelligence, I am able to tell you what I think in person.
I just have to tell you that your boys were so cute in church today. I know that it can be exasparating with young ones and being by yourself. I remember bringing the kids to church by myself while Chris was gone and leaving wondering if I was getting anything out of the meetings and having to clean up after sacrament meeting. But, just wanted to let you know that I really look up to you and how you are raising your boys to be such great kids.
OOooooh, you JUST posted this not long ago! I love it!!! I have to tell you...YES YOU, that Elena and I were JUST talking about YOU (and poor Emily...yes, you heard me "Poor Emily and YOU") about how you have SOOO many readers.
Isn't that a great thing for someone to feel sorry for you about? I was telling Elena that I felt oh so sorry for you in a sort of way, that you have so many people to get back to!
And what's the best, is that you don't just get back to us, all of us wonderful, lovely, bloggy buddies, you get back to us with "real comments". The ones that are taylored just for us, and whatever we've blogged about.
Ahhhhh, it's so nice of you. So YES, I will not expect a "bloggy knock" on my comment door from you at every post I make. I will be highly pleased when you get around to mine, number 2628 (my husband and my favorite number combined, it means nothing really) in the fourth hour you've blogged!
You're so sweet, and thank you, for yet again, another great post!
Sending bloggy comment support. Go live! We'll see you when we see you!
btw, I think my comment might have been misleading.
The point: I understand! And please, don't be fourth hour blogging anymore!
;)
What, you don't like staying on the putor negleting your kids! lol
I would tend to agree with you. I am much better one-on-one or with a sparse group of people. The crowds spook me as you've probably observed by now.
Blogging is an amazingly wonderful thing but it does take up gobs of time. Tend to the "best things" first and stop by when you can. :)
Yep. I read you because I love you and your writing. No comment pressure...I'll still come back.
I've found that I have to find some balance in this thing...being a single working mom. It can be hard. I come back cause I like you. And I would come back even if you didn't visit me. I'm glad you do though. No pressure though.
Jennifer, you're too cute! People are drawn to you like a moth to a flame, which is great! But don't feel obligated by any means to come by my blog. I just like checking in on you and seeing how you're doing.
Sidenote: my man laughed out loud when he read your comment on our blog about the guy across the street with his man cave, and how he often comes over to talk to you and you run away scared! Too funny.
Oh Jennifer...You are preaching to the choir...FIVE hours it takes...FIVE hours I don't have to spare everyday....that has been what sent me into my "blog cation"...I just couldn't keep up and it bothered me so I just stopped for the last week. However, I have perspective now...and just so you know, I will always read you! Always!
Haha...can't say I have the same problem...I pretty much have to BEG my family and friends to read my blog. I always joke it has an audience of 5! =) Anyway..just wanted to let you know..I do enjoy yours!!
I've been reading for a short time, but I fell in love with your blog and love to read what you have to say...I think it's because your life seems so real and you say what often times I am thinking. Keep up the good work, and I'll be here reading!
aw, jen. you're are too cute :)
It makes me so happy when you drop by my blog too!
hope you had a great weekend!
jennifer: you are so popular because of who you are. you have a way of making the mundane of our lives seem perhaps, a little less mundane and run-of-the-mill. and eventhough your trials are your alone and no one would wish them on you or any one else for that matter, you share and we appreciate that.
thanks for just being you...and one day, when i finally make it up to nampa to visit my cousin--you will be getting a knock on the door as well! :)
Well, if you weren't so darn famous this wouldn't be a problem now would it?! You don't have to comment, but just don't forget about all of us in your super stardom! :) Honestly though 5 hours is too much to feel you HAVE to do. You can cut me out and come visit monthly or so. Or just call and we'll chat in person, live, via the phone. :)
Hey I stumbled on your blog a couple weeks ago. I love it. Feel free to check mine out as well:
http://mistydowdyfamily.blogspot.com
Well, then I'm blessed that you do come by my blog. =)
Do you use a reader? It makes "making the blog rounds" MUCH easier. I use Google Reader. Love it.
Oh, and I should end this comment with saying that I love that you don't try to put on a show for your readers!
There is something about comments that makes my day too! I love to see the numbers rise and look forward to checking in with all my blogging buddies! What a cute writer you are...I just came from SITS...I'll have to stop by more often!
There is something about comments that makes my day too! I love to see the numbers rise and look forward to checking in with all my blogging buddies! What a cute writer you are...I just came from SITS...I'll have to stop by more often!
What a great post, and so well-written!
You just keep doing what you are doing!! We enjoy getting to know you. You are real girlfriend.
Lisa Q
lifewiththequeens.blogspot.com
Oh, I so struggle with this. Not that I am as famous as you. Or then I look at Pioneer Woman - who doesn't appear to read any blogs - and I wonder how to strike that balance. Like Debbie says, you have to give love to get love. But...oy vey...5 hours is a lot of time to give to something. When I have so many other demands on my day. But I love it. So, I continue my unbalanced life for now...
I am new to the blogging world, but now that I am in it I don't know how I ever existed without it! Thanks for letting me lurk on your site. I love your funny comments and great insights into life! Keep up the good work!
Wow, it probly takes you a long time to be faithful to all your readers!
I just enjoy the way you write and I ACTUALLY find your life quite interesting! Plus your music is a bonus!
I understand you completely! I actually just created and for my blogging buddies only site, because my family site comments, were getting jumbled up with my blog-buddy comments! Only in blog-world, I tell you! Life is chaos, just juggle what you can and everything will work out! No pressure for your buds!!
odetothecreative.blogspot.com
I don't see how you get done what you do! I AM empty nest and I could not get all that done! Love your blog site. I will be back :-)
As I said in one of my earliest comments, you're one of the popular kids. But don't get a big head about it or anything m'kay?
Caroline--
No--no big head. Like I said, I am humbled that there are people who care to listen to what I have to say and I just wanted all of them to know that I'm aware that they're out there, and that they're very appreciated. If I could give everyone a car like Oprah did--I would :)
I love visiting you when I get the chance. Like you, there are too many people to visit every single day...but you are on my short list!
You've got yourself a deal, my friend! Isn't it amazing how much you begin to connect with people that you may never meet in person.
I think about my bloggy friends in much the same way I think about my real-life friends.
And I love visiting here because you're real and fun. And when you're not feeling fun, you have the Squirrel Nut Zippers and Bare Naked Ladies in your music thingy. That's enough for me. :-)
You are too cute!
Girl, we are all in. Unconditionally, irreversibly IN. Comments or no comments, visits or no visits. We will visit you in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, as long as we all shall blog.
Now you may fancy frenchy kissy your blog brides.
Am I okay? Do I need counseling?
I can't tell you how much I enjoy your blog. I love, love, love it! Thank you for sharing your life with us, and thank you for stopping by and making the effort to stop by and interact with your readers. It makes me like you even more. :)
I love coming here. You have a way with words (and music choices) I always come away with some deep emotion either Happiness, sadness a few times when your posts reflected your pain, or inspired. Thanks for loving our Lord and allowing Him to show through you in this blog.
Blessings,
Linda
I enjoy coming here and reading about you and your life. I don't expect to be reciprocated at all. Just keep doing what you do and I'll show up to read it. :-)
You are the first blog I check each morning. No comment pressure. Just keep posting when you can. I love your posts.
4 hours!
I can't get to all of my commenters all of the time, like when Jeff is home or the kids take up my day, but I at least try to make some sort of rounds once a week. Pressure!
You always were Miss Popular :)
Well Miss Popularity!
I too just love reading your posts, it's my nightly ritual. Nightly News with Jennifer Petersen, has a nice ring, eh?
When I got your first comment, I was so excited too! My first thought was WOW! It's like a celebrity came to my little blog!!
I'm glad you have this dilemma!
This is a good problem to have right???
(I wouldn't know??? lol)
have a wonderful day...
~simply~
You said it....
Perfectly.
I completely understand too. This should be a fun release, and when the time commitment makes it stressful, it is time to step back a little and regroup. I think so many of us are drawn to your blog because the way you write makes us feel like we are sitting in your family room chatting with our best girlfriend. Of course, it is exciting to get a Jennifer P. comment, but we're still friends whether we're meeting at your blog or ours. Just keep talking to us, and we'll keep listening!
Well, 51 inquiring minds want (you) to know....it's ALL good!! So do you still want us to leave you a comment or would it eliminate some of your stress if we don't...I'm just sayin' :) hee hee. Don't worry...comment love is gold!
You GO, girl!!
just stumbled on here and now I don't DARE leave without making a comment :)
ps your funny!
I love your blog. Longtime. Love love love! Your music always is awesome.
I previously only knew that Idaho had potatoes. Now I'm a big fan of potatoes in general, but you had me at "Payless."
Hi from MA!
I read your blog all the time and I even Made my sister read it several times.
You are such an interesting and strong lady.
Alyssa
You are too cute and sweet! I know what you mean with trying to keep up. I don't get any kind of traffic like you do. But, I know that feeling of wanting to surf and read as much as I can! I am still new to this bloggy thing! But, I am enjoying it! Thanks for showing us newbys what blogging can be like!
This is what I'm thinking! So I came over today with BATW, and you came over last week to The Journey with SITS, and I am just now getting back to you. Because why would I just click over to every visitor in one day and click on the comments on their first post and say "hii'msogladyoucametomyblogtodayyou'resosweet!" and then move on to the next? So I'm taking it for the journey that it is, and enjoying meeting each new person. And NOW I'm kinda glad that I'm not famous like you and can't get back and say hi to all my normal visitors. So I'm glad you're glad! ;-) Because you do a great job, and you should keep writing and not worry about getting back to EVERYBODY. People come here to READ, girlie!
I've been hooked since the first time I visited. But in a good way. Not an icky one. :)
Okay, I've been a total blog slacker these past few weeks. Just catching up...and of course leaving you some comment loving!
I think I'd like you in real life too!!!
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