This is a sad goodbye. Before I drop one of many balls in the air, I have to make a decision.
I’m in the middle of self –publishing a collection of my earlier blogs for family and friends who don’t have a computer or don’t read blogs… a little Christmas stocking filler….
Self-publishing is quite time- consuming, especially when you live an hour away from the printer, and want to discuss spacing, type-faces, size of headings, capitals, design the page lay-out, whether to up or change the italics, design the cover, edit and proof read and lots of other details .
I do my own editing and proof-reading since it’s been part of my work experience (my proudest boast is that knowing nothing of rugby, I edited a gold plated edition of the World Book of Rugby, and picked up when the rugby writer himself had muddled James Small with Jason Little!). Editing takes time – tightening up sentence construction, and grammar, weeding out unnecessary words, especially adverbs, making sure all the verbs are active and not passive apart from the obvious spelling and punctuation. And then the proof-reading.
I’ve been doing this, as well as spending one day a week with clients who come for counselling, and am also in the midst of writing another book, and have to revise the completed manuscript of another book. I also write articles for a parenting magazine, and do proof reading. And I’m selling my recent book ‘The Sound of Water’ – packing it up to send to libraries and to post to people. I didn’t put it into bookshops, as they take most of the profit on a book. But by doing radio interviews, local newspaper interviews and talking to groups – I’m speaking at another book club next week – the book sells.
I’ve managed to juggle these balls with the time spent on blogging, which as we all know isn’t just writing a blog, but is also a very time-consuming activity!
The ball that I can’t drop, is my 83 year old husband, whose health has taken a dive, and we are into a round of regular hospital visits and side-trips to doctor, x-ray departments, and all the paraphernalia of modern medicine. (As an alternative treatment addict myself, this is all anathema to me.) And I also have family and friends who need me at different levels of engagement.
So I’ve decided that blogging, which has been an amazing distraction from everyday problems, and an enjoyment of unsuspected depths, is the thing that for now has to go on the back burner. The thing that really twists my heart is saying good-bye to the wonderful, loving friends I’ve made.
Reading people’s blogs means that you also read their soul, for blogging is not just creative but a very deep emotional engagement with bloggers who are living lives of challenge and emotional depths. Bloggers share their self doubts, their pain, their heart-aches, and their interests, their joys, their spiritual search. And it’s been very precious to experience that depth of tenderness and vulnerability from the beautiful men who blog. With women we are not surprised to experience their emotional open-ness, but to have that same experience with men, feels very rare and beautiful.
The people – men and women – I’m talking about, will all know who they are, and they are beloved.
I shall miss the animals too, Fuzzy and Boomer, Zoey the Cool cat, fat piggie Charlotte and Ton-ton in his smart blue coat, Sunni’s mischievous little darlings, and Sharla’s kitty-kats who enjoy sitting on the dashboard on long journeys and watching the road ahead. Buckminster and Amber, what will I do without you? How will you manage in Sweden? I shall still follow silently the stories of your lives and quietly click the ‘likes’. But for now, I have to cope with my life.
I’ve learned and discovered so much from reading other’s blogs… blogging has been an education for me. And thank you, wonderful friends who’ve encouraged me, given me the confidence to become more direct and honest in my own writing, and showed me that we can all be accepted for who we are, and not for what we do. It’s been such a privilege to enter this world, and to be accepted, and to make such deep and loving connections. I can’t bear to say goodbye to you, so will continue to read you and to love you.
P.S. If you’re interested in my next book, it’s called ‘Chasing The Dragon – an addiction to life.’ It’s 195 pages.
The ebook version is out now and it will be available free for a limited time on:
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/254812
and on some platforms Smashwords distributes to (Apple, Barnes and Noble, etc);
and on Amazon Kindle here: http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Dragon-addiction-living-ebook/dp/B00A99RERO/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1353492963&sr=1-3&keywords=chasing+the+dragon
for 99 cents (that is currently their minimum price).
It will also be available as a paperback on Amazon for US$12. 99 plus postage.
To order the printed in New Zealand book (with flaps and deckle edges, printed on Munken Cream paper) which is available now at NZ $30, US $24, and 15 UK pounds, contact Valerie Davies at:
Or Merlincourt Press,
P.O. Box 161
Leigh 0947, Rodney
New Zealand
valeriedavies 
Dear Valerie,
I will miss you during the span of your hiatus. (You notice I’m not buying into the end of anything here.) Please take to heart the knowledge that I have enjoyed reading your posts and have learned things I might never have otherwise. You are significant and your words have had a positive effect in my world.
I applaud your difficult decision to set the blogging ball gently down while your address more pressing matters and send to you all the best thoughts and energy for the health of your husband.
It has been a pleasure learning about you and your life’s adventures. i will not forget you.
Aloha,
Doug
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Dear Doug,m
Thank you for your lovely comments.. I really appreciate your words, and always have. both in your blog and in your comments to me.
I shall still try to keep up with your posts, so au revoir…
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I join the group in thanking you for super and enriching writing. I have only just got to know you and am most glad I did. Wishing you all the best in your jouney. Take care. Anna
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Anna, thank you so much for your message, and your lovely words, I really appreciate them, and in future it would be good to get to know you too….Valerie
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As Charlie Sheen says, this article is “WINNING!”
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It’s wonderful to have you on our side, haha!
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Hey hey hey, take a gander at what’ you’ve done
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My dear friend, Valerie, I am grateful for the time we had you in our blogger community!! And I cannot think that this is a permanent – I shall watch for your posts, knowing one day you will return to us. I have a quote – you know that I am a quote addict – by a person who we grew up with – Jimi Hendrix. “The story of life is quicker than the wink of an eye, the story of love is hello and goodbye…until we meet again” Take care of the love of your life. These are precious moments together. All the very, very best…
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Rebecca,
thank you as ever for your warm words, and your perfect quote. That’;s how I hope it will be, and until then I know you’ll be writing your inspiring blog, which I shall follow from afar! I have so enjoyed our friendship…
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We have come to a fork in the road and we now are on two separate but parallel journeys. Until our pathways cross again (and I know they will), let us dance and make merry, for the days of life are ever fresh and the bonds of friendship always with us… Hugs for the road…
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That was a poem, Rebecca, and I love you for it ! XXX
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We will miss you Valerie. I’m sorry things aren’t the best. Take care of yourself as well! I look forward to reading your new books!
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Thank you, good friend, so good to hear from you,…
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Dear Valerie…
It’s been an absolute delight to meet you, to read your beautiful, reflective posts and book and, then, to make a friend. You’re amazing, to have done all that you do, combined with the real life challenges you face.
So sorry to hear about your husband’s health…I wish you all the love, strength and support I can possibly send you from afar. You’ve been such a support to me – I wish there was something more tangible that I could do.
Please know you will be missed, but this is not farewell…I’m always here if you ever want to be in touch, and I’ll be on the lookout for your book.
Much love
Alarna
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Dear Alarna Rose, thank you as ever for your beautiful, warm and loving words. I’m know we’ll stay in touch, we know how to! I would hate to lose touch with you and your beautiful mind – in the words of the film!
Let me know how the book is going,
much love to you,. Valerie
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I will miss those wonderful descriptive lines that transported me from my office to a tranquill garden setting if only for just a few minutes .
take care
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I’ll send you the book!!! you can read it under the desk! Much love
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I find myself feeling sad. This just demonstrates the power of the connections established here in our blogging community. I will miss your wonderful posts, but I do understand. Until we can harness Time, something has to give.
Take care, and good luck with all your exciting projects!
🙂 Kathy
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Dear Kathy, I feel sad too. I’m amazed at the depths of feeling in these connections – I suppose you could say they are spirit connections, but whatever they are, they’re very valuable.I will try to keep up with your brilliant posts, which sometimes I just can’t understand!!! I’ll know I’ve mastered the technological age when I can really follow you!!!
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It was hard to hit “like” on this, but you know what I mean. This must have been a hard decision with hours of thought. Good for you for taking care of the top priorities in your life. I hope things calm down and you can return to us soon. Take care of yourself and your husband. Farewell . . . for now.
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Robin,
How lovely to hear from you, I hope everything is under control now in your new phase of life…. I think you understand after your last few months… thank you… I shall still try and tag along, and maybe one day I will do a MacArthur!!!
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BION I’m impressed! Cool post!
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I thought I’d have to read a book for a discovery like this!
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Oh dear! I totally understand. First things first and then you must come back to us. You have been such an inspiration and a motivator. I love your topics and writing style and look forward to getting your books. Do take care of yourself, Valarie. There is only one you.
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Dear Lynne, thank you so much for the lovely things you say – you’ve always been such an encourager and I’ve always appreciated your comments, just as I always enjoyed your posts…. which I shall try to keep up with…
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Valerie, in the short time since we followed each other I have found your posts refreshing and something I look forward to each day. It is challenging to juggle all those blogs and those close to us come first. I hope we will hear from you again and that your husband will find himself on the mend.
Take care,
Ivon
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Ivon, so good to hear from you, and I really appreciated your message. I also value your generous words about my blog, I ‘m hoping to keep up with the blogs I follow, and would hate to miss your words and thoughts, so you may see a silent smiling ‘ like’ sometimes!
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Dear Valerie, Of course you must give yourself a break and focus on yourself, your work, and those who need you. We have been very blessed to have you amongst us for this long! .Good luck and God bless.x
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Michele, thank you so much for your supportive words and understanding…
I shall be following your beautiful blog still, and blessings to you too.
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Dear Valerie,
I wish I had discovered your wonderful posts sooner. But I have grown to love them and to look forward to the next one. Your comments on my blog have been helpful and inspirational to me. You have been generous with your time, and I thank you for that.
Very best of good luck with your many interesting projects and most of all, positive thoughts and warmest hopes for the return of your husband’s good health.
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Thank you so much for your generous comments, I do appreciate them, and will really miss the inter-action with other blogs and people like you , warmest wishes to you
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Dearest Valerie, family must always come first. In the blogging family, that means that we understand when previous commitments take precedence and hope for a time when we may commune again. All the very best to you, dear friend. I hold you and yours in Love and Light. xoxoM
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Dear Margarita, what a lovely message from you..I so appreciate and thank you for your understanding words.. our blogging family is so supportive and generous,.. I shall miss it… but will be following you…
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Dear Valerie, I’m saddened, but I understand. Thank your for sharing your kindness, thoughts, and beautiful words. I want to let you know that I enjoy reading the Sound of Water. It’s a wonderful journey; I feel that you are taking me along. I look forward to reading your new book.
All the best to you and your husband. Good luck to your endeavor, and take care of yourself.
Love,
Amy
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Dear Amy,
Thank you for your lovely message and thoughts. I really value your generous words, and I’m so glad you’re enjoying my book…
I shall be trying to keep up, because it’s too hard to let go of all my friends!!
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There are times in our lives we have to prioritize. When you have a moment to spare, maybe you could just write a few lines… Take care.
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I will XXXX
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I do understand dear Valerie. I wish it weren’t so and I’m sorry I found you so recently. You know how you inspire me so I will not drone on. Thank you for your words and wisdom and light. xo Maggie Best to you and your husband. I wish you comfort and peace. Can we still read your blog even though you are not writing anything new?
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Dear Maggie, I feel the same about you… I always smile when I read your comments and posts, and sometimes I read them out to my husband – especially your golfing tour de force!
Thank you for all your enthusiasm and appreciation – gosh, I shall miss all this…
Yes, I’m not actually closing my blog, because i want to try to keep up with you all, and maybe I’ll even pop in a post of my own… but I can’t keep up with the regular day to day committment of time… so much going on!
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Valerie,
Oh boo – You’re leaving just when I was barely getting out there on my blog! Sadly I have not exchanged enough correspondence with you!
I’ve actually found that blogging is not the medium for me. I love to write but I want to write books and whereas I don’t mind blogging, I want to do it when the time permits and my heart has something important to share. I picked up 2 contracts this year –one for my non-fiction work, The Long Term Effects of Sexual Abuse, and my fiction book, a time-travel western adventure called Eve’s Amulet. I’m so excited for both and hope that you will remember me when you see them out there.
I wish you continued success in all your endeavors, and most of all dear Valerie, I wish that your husband will easily weather any health issues and that you two are blessed with loads of quality time, joy, peace, and happiness!
Most sincerely,
Carole Avila
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Dear Carole, I was so glad to hear from you,. it’s been a long time since I have, and blogging being what it is, I couldn;t just stop wondering how you were, and hoping everything was OK. Congratulations on your two books – what a thrill for you, I’m so pleased for you, and hope our connection may somehow continue, warm wishes, valerie
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A few years ago I’d have to pay someone for this information.
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I am so glad to have met you!!!! You are truly insightful and I am always honored and refreshed to hear from you and read your words. What you have said about blogging and bloggers is so spot on…I was tearful reading this good bye! It is truly heartfelt when I say I send you love and light on this decision and to you and your husband! Come back soon!!!
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Oh thank you, good but new friend! So good to hear from you, and I’ve really enjoyed your comments and your blog in the short time we’ve been in touch… I hope things go well for you, warm wishes
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I felt a tug of sadness when I read your farewell post, but then I thought, what’s to be sad about. You are an amazing writer with so many interesting projects going on with in your life, not to mention your most important “project,” your beloved husband. I say good for you for recognizing that it’s time to move on, with the confidence of knowing that many of us will be here when you return! I want you to know that your writing has both inspired me and encouraged me to work harder at it, as writing does not come naturally to me. Good luck and many blessings to you and your husband.
Elisa
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Dear Elisa,
Thank you so much for your encouragement and understanding, and I felt cheered by your words that you would still be here when I return – like MacArthur!. I’ve enjoyed your thoughtful blog, and hadn’t guessed that writing didn’t come naturally! As I correct all my typos on this message, i wish that typing came naturally to me! warm wishes, Valerie
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I Liked the post not because I like that you are taking a break from the blogosphere but to let you know I stopped by and for you to scroll through the comments to reach catnip. You will be sorely missed but can completely understand your decision. I, too, may be facing the similar situation very soon and it will be heartbreaking because of the wonderful friendships that have been acquired along the way. Do stop by when you can, gather some catnip and don’t be on your way too quickly without leaving a tiny pawprint. I will miss you…
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Sharla, lovely to hear from you as always – one of the first bloggers to keep encouraging me with your appreciative comments.
I shall miss you, but I will certainly be leaving a smile on your blog , I couldn’t bear to lose touch with all my wonderful friends. I hope your situation stays stable for as long as possible, I’ll be thinking of you, love to your kitty-cats,
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The very bestest of luck with all that you do Valerie, I won’t say goodbye, I don’t think it is and taking care of you right now is smart with your very busy agenda. I will miss your wisdom, strength and creativity however, I will definitely be buying the book and for the now I pray all goes well for you in your endeavors. Take care of you dear friend…Penny xxoxx
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Penny, thank you so much for your kind and generous words- I really appreciate them and your understanding and encouragement. How lovely if you buy the book!!.
I will be quietly keeping up with you, as you keep on! warm wishes Valerie
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Thank you Valerie, I want to buy the book, I’m sure I’ll love it! You just keep taking care of you, Penny xx
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Valerie, I’m sad to see you go, but your decision is understandable as you certainly do have a lot on your plate. I look forward to checking out your new book. Thanks for all your encouraging words. I will miss your smiling face on my blog posts.
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Shirley, thank you so much for your kind comment – you were one of the first people to encourage me, and I am always grateful for that…warm wishes, valerie
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Lovely Valerie, I will miss you very much. Your gentle, beautifully-written posts have been an inspiration and I have loved the glimpses into your world. I wish your husband well and hope his health improves. Good luck with your ventures and I hope very much that you return to the blogosphere. I want you to know that you have brightened up my life in the short time we have known each other and of all the bloggers I follow, you are the one I would most love to have a long, leisurely chat over a delicious leisurely lunch with. Thank you. Much love and best wishes x
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Dory, thank you so much for your beautiful message. The pleasure is mutual, and I shall be peeping in on your rambles through churches and castles, and hoping the back of the jumper is growing!
Yes, shame about the lunch… I love them with a good friend!
Hope you manage to achieve all your goals… I’ll be watching!
Much love, Valerie
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Iwish I had not read every ones comments before starting on my own. Each one has expressed something that I would also like to say.
Understanding the reasons for making this decision is easy, to like it is another. You will be missed very much, but I’m sure your books will find an even greater following.
You are a genuine wordsmith and my Blogging world will shine a little less brightly with you not there to lighten the day.
XX Sandie
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Sandie, thank you so much for your lovely words. It’s been lovely following you, and seeing you gain confidence as we tread the blogging path! It’s hard to give up all these lovely friendships, Hope all goes well with you, Valerie
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Wishing your husband a speedy recovery! I was sad to read your farewell post and his health issues.
Good luck and I hope you come back soon, I was enjoying all the knowledge I was getting from your posts! It was this quiet beautiful and serene place I could escape to.
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What a lovely comment thank you, I really value your appreciation and good wishes, thank you again, valerie
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Just as I’ve met you Valerie, off you go!!! I will wait patiently though, for you to sort things out. Good luck with your books, and more importantly, I send love to your husband. You are a very talented lady, and you write so beautifully and extremely professionally. What I have read so far, I have really enjoyed. Thank you for your excellent contribution to the blogging world. Come back soon. Lots of love
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Yaz,lovely to hear from you,. and thank you so much for the things you say. I’m glad you enjoyed my blogs, as I did yours, and I really appreciate your lovely words, Love Valerie
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Oh Valerie, I will miss you so much, I love reading your posts. Although I have been away from the Blog world for a couple of months I have kept reading yours. I wish you all the very best and I look forward to reading your books which I will order on my kindle.Wishing you and your husband all the very best. With much love. Véronique xx
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Veronique, What a treat to see your name and hear your voice. i had missed you! But how lovely to know that we had been in touch, and that you’ve been quietly reading my blogs.. just what I’ll be doing too, as I step back for now. Hope all is well in your beautiful world, Much love, Valerie
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You have so many commitments that I understand–I have just recently become acquainted with you, so this makes me said, but you need balance. I am glad you are not leaving the blog world altogether, and who knows, you may return in the future–You are a lovely writer who will be missed on this forum
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Oh thank you for your message, I’ve enjoyed reading your blogs, and hope to continue to do so, quietly…warm wishes, Valerie
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good luck with your other endeavours
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Very sad to see you go, but fully understand why. Family first. I will miss you and your varied posts, your experience of joy and sadness mingled on the blogging page. Wish I had found you long before and hope very much to meet you again in the future.
Good luck for you and yours and I hope that you can sort out that hospital revolving door. Best wishes.
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Pat, thank you so much for your message. I shall miss your quirky blogs too – never know what fun or stimulation I’ll find when I click on !
So good to hear from, you…
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Dear Valerie,
As a newcomer to blogging, I came late to your blog and am sorry you will be stopping (hopefully just for a while). I do understand your very many pressures and I wish you strength and courage and many blessings on the road ahead. I hope we’ll meet up again in the future. 🙂
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Thank you Dorothy for your kind words… much appreciated. Hope you enjoy the blogging world as much as I have done, – it’s an amazing experience, isn’t it, best wishes, Valerie
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Oh Valerie, in the short time since I have found you I have taken such great joy in finding you in my in-box and reading your words, I am saddened you have had to take this decision. I understand though, life takes us down roads and all to often we have to set down even things we might enjoy so we can pay attention to what is of greater import at this moment in time.
I hope you will keep the blog open so I can go back and read your archives!
I am so sorry your husbands health is being challenged right now. I will hold you and him up to the light and keep you both in my thoughts as you walk this road together.
Much luck in the rest of your endeavors! I have book marked your book, waiting for the e-book having promised my dearly beloved husband I will bring no more real books into house overflowing already (he mentions constantly this is why he bought me my IPad).
Val
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Dear Val, what a lovely message from you. Yes, I too have so enjoyed your intelligent stimulating posts, and will miss you… though I shall be quietly keeping up, and leaving a smile.
Know what you mean about the books – I wrote an earlier post about “Books taking Over The House”!
Yes, I am keeping the blog open so I can go on reading you all.. and maybe be able to pop back… who knows….warm wishes, Valerie
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Dearest Valerie
You will be deeply missed but I do leave room in my heart that someday…oh, some distant day, you may return, else I would find it too difficult to say goodbye. I see the wisdom of your decision, of course. Blogging, is very time consuming, and self consuming if you put your Heart into it and that of course is how you, truly and beautifully do things in your life, which I admire, respect and love. Thank you for all that has enriched and broadened my world. Thank you for all that has deepened and touched my heart. You are a true and rare Remarkable Woman. I will think of you, love you and remember you, always,
Linda
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Linda, as usual your loving generosity and appreciation are almost overwhelming..You say such beautiful things in such beautiful words, and I feel so blessed to have had this deep and loving contact with you… I shall go on peeping at the mystical poetry that pours out of you,and I too will always treasure the connection we’ve made, which i know will never end.. All that you say about me, is a reflection of you and your rare quality , with love. Valerie.
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Oh Valerie – This must have been a tough decision to make! I wish you strength in your upcoming tasks, fully understanding your need to trim away some of your former ones to take good care of your own needs and your dear husbands.
I do hope that you find something to feel the void you will feel for the first few weeks of not posting here. Something just as rewarding as you have described but not as time consuming.
Your step away leaves your readers time to catch up on old posts.
I will truly miss you, your intelligence and your wonderful posts and generous comments.
“The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.” – Charles Dickens
Love, Les xx
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Dear Les,
What a lovely message from you, and what a perfect quote, which I hope may be prophetic!
I too always enjoyed your posts, both the words and the wonderful pictures and colours – always a joy to click on, keep on keeping on, and I will leave a smile as I keep up!
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I feel so sad at the idea of saying goodbye to you, Valerie. But of course I understand. I wish you and your husband nothing but the very best. Peace to you, and please stop in to visit sometime when you can.
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Thank you for your message, kind friend… and yes, I will love to pop in for a chuckle and leave a smile !!!
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Dear Valerie, I was so sad to read that you are leaving. Of course I understand but I have enjoyed your blog so much. I always appreciated your comments and words of encouragement! It is tough dealing with illness in the family. I do hope you will keep your blog open and come back occasionally to tell all your loyal fans how things are going with both your husband and your book. I will certainly order a Kindle copy!! As my business partner would always say “All the good luck”. You will be missed!!
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Dear Tersia,
Thank you for finding the time to send me a message. I’ve always been amazed that you have been able to fit in your comments as well as bearing the burdens that you do. I hope you’re feeling refreshed after your break, and that life is not too challenging, Thank you for your good wishes… and lovely to think you’ll buy a book! warm wishes to you and yours, Valerie
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So sorry to hear this…saddens me. I will be watching for Chasing The Dragon on Smashwords.
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Dear Bruce, I will be following your movements, and those of Bucks and Amber! I will be the wind beneath your wings when you finally take off,
Love Valerie
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So sorry to hear that your circumstances are so overwhelming at the moment. I just wanted to say how much I’ve enjoyed your articles in the short time I’ve known you. I will miss your stories, your wise insights, and of course your recipes!! I will look forward to reading your new book. With blessings from my heart to yours.
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Thank you for your lovely message, and for the things you say about my blog – and the recipes! I know we have a heart connection, and it’s what I love about the blogging world, that we do connect with like minds, even in this strange world of technology! warm wishes, Valerie
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Oh no Valerie,
I wish this wasn’t true, but I completely understand. Blogging takes a lot of time when you have other things to deal with. I will miss your wonderful posts and your insightful comments. You also come up with some unusual recipes.
I do hope that what ails your husband can be fixed up. You will certainly be in my thoughts. There are so many nice people on these blog threads, I feel you are such a friend even though we’ve never met.
I have to agree that it’s very hard to keep up with blogs, your own books and writing, along with work (freelance or otherwise), not to mention daily life and all the happenings there. I deal with the same things and I’m sure I speak for many of us here.
I tend to get carried away and make my blog posts way too long sometimes, but it’s hard to condense them most of the time. I’m also writing on a couple of my own projects and, heaven knows, I must be crazy because I have entered NaNo as well this year (as if I didn’t already have a lot on my plate).
I always try to keep at least one freelance job going as well because it helps to pay the bills and regular jobs are very scarce – even part time. My retirement is not enough to make ends meet, unfortunately. I’m also involved with a quarterly magazine in Australia, so that takes time as well requiring me to write articles, interview writers there, etc. Things aren’t easy when you try to maintain all that plus a personal life and in my case there is always an issue in that area because I work too much to make my husband very happy – it causes a lot of disturbance around here.
I can definitely understand your decision to give up something right now and I hope it’s temporary and that you will check in once in a while and just post a line or two to let all of us know how things are going. We are all going to be thinking about you and wishing you the best. I’ll check out your book.
Good luck Valerie. I already miss you.
Sunni
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Dear Sunni, I feel a tug at leaving, but I’m going to keep reading… wouldn’t miss your posts for anything! Wish you had a smile button!
Gosh you’re busy, but I know how you feel… work has to be done, and juggling is an art, isn’t it! Hope the book about your childhood is shaping up… I shall be thinking of you, warm wishes, Valerie
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Valerie, I want to say don’t go but I know you have to look after your husband and family. I love your blog and thank you so much for all that you have shared with us. I will miss you, as I am sure everyone else will too. xx
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Thank you, good friend for your kind words, I really appreciate them. I always enjoyed your lovely blog, and will be keeping an eye on the blogging world! best wishes, Valerie
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My prayers go with you. I understand perfectly, but I hate to see you go. Your blog has always been one of many highlights of my day, I appreciated your honesty and your compassion and along the way I have learned quite a few things from you. Like a few said, I hope it will be temporary but if not I know you go where your heart leads you and so you are on the right path. God be with you and your husband. Patty
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Patty, thank you so much for your lovely comments. I know you understand that life is a long and winding road, and we can’t see round the bends! Good to have been together in the blogging world, and best wishes to you, Valerie
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It has been a joy (though too short) getting to know you and your blog. Prayers & best wishes until we meet again ♥ paula
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Paula, thank you for your comments,I’ve really appreciated your support in our little;blogging community, short thought he time has been, and best wishes to you., Valerie
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♥
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Oh, Valerie – I am going to miss you so much. You are such an inspiring and encouraging person and it has been an honor to get to know you. I will never be able to look at a Minie Cooper or Mr Bean without remembering you and your new car 🙂 I will never forget your description of your garden, or the whales, or your historical stories… the list goes on!
But your first responsibility is to yourself and your loved ones, we all understand that 🙂 Please do a post so that we all know when your book is printed and how we can get hold of it. Love DJ
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What a lovely message, DJ, I so appreciate it. You have always been such a wonderfully encouraging supporter, and one of my earliest ones – we don’t forget those first likes and comments, do we!!
I’ve always enjoyed our connection, and reading your blogs, so glad you enjoyed mine… I will be keeping an eye on the blogging world, and what you’re all doing, love, Valerie
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Hi Valerie! Thanks so much for sharing your life with us here in the blogging world! I too have embraced this community and love getting to know the inner soul of precious bloggers like yourself. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your darling husband, and family at this time! I wish you would not leave here, since it’s such a comfort for you, but I understand that priorities of life matter. Have you thought of digitally recording your thoughts and introspection using technology? There’s a fabulous easy-to-use voice-to-text software called Dragon Naturally Speak that I discovered whilst working a tutor for students with disabilities at my college (great for visually impaired student, they used it often.) I bought the software last year on Groupon and discovered that it’s great for dictations — great for busy students and professionals, replying to emails, creating compositions (ahem…blogging etc.) It’s easy to install and using your voice/commands in sync with your computer. I hope you have a chance to check into it, so it can help simplify your life in terms of automatically typing for you. I say all this because, I believe you have so much to offer — to yourself, and to your blogging family. Continued health and success to you, Valerie. Much prayers and thoughts.
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There’s a secret about your post. ICTYBTIHTKY
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P.S. I too love complementary and alternative medicine, and aspire to be a holistic practitioner. I hope you find a great complementary medicine team (I recommend searching/visiting http://www.aanmc.org — and Bastyr University, SCNM.edu, NCNM.edu, all naturopathic medical schools, acupuncture, nutrition universities here in the U.S.! All the best! 🙂
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Thank you so much, kind friend for all your support and ideas…Dragon naturally speak sounds amazing… sounds like a great idea for the non- technologically challenged…my challenge at the moment is finding enough hours in the day for all the commenting and blog reading etc… the writing is a piece of cake!
Good for you going for holistic practitioner… Hope it all goes well for you… I’ve been involved at different levels for the last thirty years, and it’s really catching on these days! Go well ! Valerie
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It has been such a pleasure to read your posts and share this part of your journey and the blog will always be there when nothing else will do but to express that something other than all the things we feel obligated to do, even if they overwhelm us, so I hope this isn’t really goodbye, more like moving into a new phase, adjustments always necessary
I hope your husband improves under your care and attention, and that you too are able to find strength and courage to deal with your many responsibilities. I think you have some wonderful inner resources that will keep you nourished.
All the best Valerie and good luck with your new book. 🙂
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Claire, thank you so much for your understanding comments. I’ve always enjoyed reading your thoughtful blog… yes, it does feel like a new phase at the moment, and the next few months are something of a mystery… I really appreciated your mention of inner resources, which I think you would only have understood unless you also had them!
So good to hear from yoiu, best wishes, Valerie
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I feel I just met you and now you’re leaving! All the best to you and your husband and loved ones.
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Deborah, how lovely to hear from you… yes, I really regret leaving this wonderful world of fascinating people, but I intend to to keep my toe in the water- to mix metaphors – and will be reading your beautifully written and intriguing blog… best wishes, Valerie
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I so understand. Sometimes life is about … well, life! You will be missed, but we will see your like button pushed and know you are there. You have been an amazing blogger…taking on subjects that bring tears to our eyes, and thoughts to our souls.
I pray that your Dear Husband improves!
I could say lots more, but I know you understand.
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
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Dear Linda,
Did I ever reply to this lovely message? I’ve just been going through Spam and found so many of your messages in there.
Do hope I managed to find them and reply to them… I just wondered about this one????I had so many at the time and I’d hate not to have acknowledged your loving kindly words – Love Valerie
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Hello Valerie,
I’m just letting you know I nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blog Award.
Check it out at http://mariwells.wordpress.com/
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Mari,
Congratulations on your award.
And thank you so much – I’m very touched and honoured that you should think of including me for this award. However, I think I have to dip out of this one, since I’m also dipping out of the blogging world at this point, and wouldn’t be able to fulfill the requirements. I also find it really hard to do these awards, because I read blogs for so many different reasons, and couldn’t and wouldn’t want to choose amongst them.
I’m so glad you’ve been given this award, I know it gives us all such a fillip to know that other’s have noticed us, and I wish you all the best in your blogging career, warm wishes, Valerie.
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I’m sorry you’re leaving. I understand the reasons behind your decision though. Thank you for all of your kind words.
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Thank you for the time you’ve spent writing posts that I enjoyed reading so much. May your other projects go well and if in the future time allows you to return to blogging I hope you’ll do so.
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Thank you so much – my first follower! You are unforgettable! Thank you for your encouragement, it has meant a lot, with best wishes from Valerie
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Hi Valerie from Johannesburg South Africa and just to wish you so well for this next phase of life. I have much enjoyed your blogs, recently found. May your energies be well spent and all good wishes for your husband’s wellness.
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Susan, how sweet of you to send a message . I much appreciate it, as I did your encouragement over the abortion blog.Thank you so much for your good wishes, and all the best to you too, Valerie
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