Thursday, December 10, 2009

a final post

Taking deep breath. Okay.

It's sort of with mixed feelings that I say good-bye to this blog after almost four years. When I started this blog, I didn't actually even intend on blogging. I just set it up so I could comment on other blogs (yes, I really thought then that you had to do that). And then, once I did start blogging, I never really intended to be a book blogger.

Okay, truth be told, I've never considered myself a book blogger anyway. But...I met so many incredible people in the book blogging world. And some of the most enormous blessings of my life are the close, loving friendships I've made in this community. And I am most certainly not saying goodbye to those friendships!!!! But I am saying goodbye to the book blogging world. At least in a sense.

I could list the 154 reasons that have precipitated this decision, but honestly it doesn't matter. Bottom line, I just have never felt quite like I belonged, and even more importantly, I just want a fresh start. So, I'm going to be blogging at a new blog...not a book blog. Really, it's a good thing for me.

This doesn't mean I won't be reading any of your blogs though. Come on, I'm not into masochism...I love reading book blogs...and I'm not going to go cold turkey here. But I do need to shrink the number of blogs in my reader, for sanity's sake. Just know that if I'm still reading your blog, I DO NOT expect you to read mine. I've never quite bought into that idea that someone should be reading my blog just because I'm reading theirs. Seriously, if I'm reading your blog, it's because I enjoy reading it...I'm already getting my reward.

This is the hard part...in a way, I feel like I should leave a link to my new blog. But see, the last thing I want is for people to follow me over there because they feel like they "should." So, I think I'll just make this goodbye.

Thanks for the awesomely fun ride everyone! I'll miss you!

50 comments:

DesLily said...

I wish this was an April Fools joke but I don't think it is..

I guess I will talk to chris to see what its all about.. :o(

Amanda said...

Debi, you know that I, for one, can't just say goodbye. I don't care if you're talking about books or not, honestly. I like you. You for who you are. I'm already following several of your other blogs because I like to hear what you say. If that's enough of a reason for you to let me know where you're blogging now - because I really do want to read it, not out of any obligation at all - please let me know where to find you.

Molly said...

I would love to follow you on your new blog because I enjoy your posts. Is there a way for you to let me know that address in private?

Michelle said...

Debi - Yours is one of my favorite blogs! What I enjoy most is the fact that you mix it up more than the fact that you were part of the book blogging community (I get tired of reading book reviews, if truth be told). I would love to find you on your new blog but respect your wish for a bit more privacy. However, like Molly and Amanda said, please let me know how I can find your new blog - even in private via e-mail! Pretty please!

Jean said...

I found the new blog, but there doesn't appear to be a comment button. Oh well! I'll just have to e-mail with anything profound that I have to say. Love you, and will miss this blog but do understand all too well.

Somer said...

I'm having a bad week, and this just another disappointment. I haven't kept up with your blog as much in the past year as I was before I switched jobs, but I always enjoy reading what your family is up to when I do catch up (even though I rarely comment). I do hope you'll keep in touch via Twitter. I'm going to miss your blog, Debi. :'-(

kreed said...

Um...I am not sure I will survive if I don't get updates on the Stevens family on a blog somewhere. So expect me to hunt you down. OK, maybe that is extreme, but if you are going to continue blogging about the family, I really would love to keep up with all of you in the blogging world!

Leslie @ This is the Refrain said...

I will miss you :(

I don't think that we've ever been properly introduced or spoken to each other much. Maybe a comment here or there, a tweet or two. I know I've had your blog in my reader for quite some time and am always happy when one of your posts pops up. Most of all I loved that your posts were not just about books, but about your family and your interests and just plenty of other things about YOU. So, I'll miss you. But I understand if you don't want to share your new link and I'm very sorry to hear that this blog won't continue. :(

Literary Feline said...

A friend and I were talking the other day about the inevitability of change and moving forward. I know you've been struggling with this decision for awhile, Debi, and I'm glad you finally have come to a resolution. I may have wished for a different outcome, but I know you have to do what is best and right for you. I wish you the best with your new blog. I do wish you'd share the link!

Amy @ My Friend Amy said...

:( I"ll miss you and I'll hunt for the new blog! You can't keep me away!

Aarti said...

I'm sad you're leaving Debi, as I've only recently discovered your blog and really like what you do here (and now I follow you on Twitter, too!). I wish I had gotten to know you better, but best wishes with everything!

Beth F said...

I admire you for setting new goals and for your honest self-evaluation. Good luck with your new blog and if I can find you -- I'll be a reader.

valentina said...

seriously, I don't mind you not talking about books. Reading about your family and your life is always comforting,in a way. You can talk about anything going on in your life, and then if that happens to be a book that you liked, then good! I will enjoy it anyway.
But I respect the fact that you want to start with a clean slate, it might be more symbolic for you, more liberating, if you felt like you didn't belong (which you so did!).
anyway, good luck with your new blogging life, whichever form it's going to take:)

serendipity_viv said...

Debi, I don't just come here to read about your books. I love to come here to read about all that is happening in your life. I love to hear about all the family. Please let us know where you are. It won't be the same without you here.

Staci said...

I read this with a heavy heart Debi. I've felt that we've made a connection with books and scrapping. I'm so blessed to have run into your blog a while back...I hope that you'll let us know when you want where we can find your new space. I just find you interesting and love reading your thoughts on things and the stories your share with us about your life.

((HUGS))

Ana S. said...

I don't care how stalkerish this sounds: YOU'RE NOT GETTING RID OF ME. EVAH!!1@

Memory said...

I only started following your blog a couple of months ago, but I'll miss you. :( I'll definitely be hunting for your new blog.

Melody said...

I feel so sad after reading this post, Debi. I love reading what you blog, and your posts always bring a smile to my face. Can you email me your new link, pretty please?? :)

Wendy said...

Well, I will join everyone else and say I will certainly miss you, Debi. You have been in my reader for a long time...I would love your new link if you decide you want to share it.

Renay said...

WHAT














....no really, what! Give me the link or else. ....I know your license plate number. >|

Stephanie said...

Seriously??? You can't just quit! Ok, i guess you can, but now I'm incredibly sad. Here I was on my way over here to thank you for being one of the sweetest people I have ever met. And you are gone! Can you hear the tears???

You won't go far. I'm good at finding what I want on the internet!

Carl V. Anderson said...

I'm very sad to hear this. You may or may not want to be told this, but you have always belonged and been firmly entrenched in this community of ours. There are many in this 'book blogging' community, myself included, who post about many things, not just books we have read. I have really enjoyed getting to know you and your family over the years of you doing this blog and I expect to see you on the other one as well. I meant what I said in my email!!! :)

Love you dearly, -Carl

Stacy at Exceedingly Mundane said...

Oh my, this took me totally by surprise. I had no idea you were thinking of quitting this blog. You absolutely positively must post your new one, or email me the link. Or else, I'll start hounding you and believe me, you don't want me to start hounding you :) I'd love to read whatever you write about, books, life, your wonderful kids and family, homeschooling, crafts, school, whatever.

Merry Christmas to you Debi, and your family.

P.S. Send me the new info. Now! :)

Eva said...

*hugs* I know why you did this Debi, and I'm working on a nice long e-mail in reply to yours. :) And fresh starts can be wonderful things!

Susan said...

Can you email me your link? I'm clueless on the web, considering it took me years to find there were even people talking about books here! I just found you, and I sure don't want to lose touch with you, Debi. Please, pretty please?

Grad said...

Debi, please e-mail me the link to your new blog. My address is grad_106@yahoo.com. Don't know why you decided to close down this blog, but I'd like to stay in touch.

Anonymous said...

analog consequences ivax outpaces brainstorm responders prematurely recruitment nupur metropolises ausfilm
semelokertes marchimundui

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

Well, I'm just gonna go ahead and come out of hiding and offer hugs. :)

I haven't been much of a blogger the past six weeks but I can't imagine being a blogger without Nothing of Importance and more importantly YOU. Much love to you, Debi.

Becca said...

Wow. I am so sad to read this, Debi! I know I have been a lurker on your blog. Maybe I could have commented more. I can't help but wonder what made you arrive at this decision.

I hope you know you were loved as a book blogger. I wish you the best of luck. Hugs, Becca :)

Anonymous said...

u saw such before ?? [url=http://moourl.com/fqw8l]so sexy.[/url]

just some help one more and i get pics unlocked

Anonymous said...

Sorry it took me a while to see this, I've been a bit awol lately, but I am really sorry you won't be blogging here anymore. I will do my best to track you down and find your new blog, book related or not. Missing you already.

gail@more than a song said...

Well I have been totally out of it and missed this! I keep thinking I'm gonna get back to blogging but keep putting it off. :)
I hope you do let us know where you are and what's going on! Have always enjoyed reading here and hearing from you from time to time!

It's All Wanderlust said...

Glad you got four year's of stuff for me to read....first time here.

Anonymous said...

Bookmarked this. Sometimes non-standard due to you looking for sharing. Undoubtedly value my time.

Anonymous said...

Polioplenidge, clomid online SelsANnette, [url=http://www.webjam.com/clomidonline]buy clomid[/url] psycleedgedly
23

Anonymous said...

I want not acquiesce in on it. I assume warm-hearted post. Expressly the designation attracted me to read the sound story.

Anonymous said...

Amiable fill someone in on and this post helped me alot in my college assignement. Gratefulness you for your information.

Anonymous said...

This is a superior article as they all are. I bring into the world been wondering nearly this an eye to some beat now. Its gigantic to grow this info. You are fair and balanced.

Anonymous said...

I am the kind of hombre who enjoys to seek innovative things. Currently I am making my private photovoltaic panels. I am doing it all by myself without the aid of my men. I'm using the net as the only path to acheive this. I ran across a truly amazing website that explains how to create photovoltaic panels and wind generators. The web site explains all the steps involved in solar panel construction.

I'm not really sure bout how correct the information given there is. If some guys over here who have experience with these things can have a peak and give your feedback in the thread it would be grand and I would highly value it, cauze I extremely like solar panel construction.

Thanks for reading this. You people rock.

Anonymous said...

You know what, use GSM jammer to jam all spy transmitters in your home or at work.

Anonymous said...

Good day, sun shines!
There have were times of troubles when I felt unhappy missing knowledge about opportunities of getting high yields on investments. I was a dump and downright pessimistic person.
I have never thought that there weren't any need in large starting capital.
Nowadays, I'm happy and lucky , I begin to get real income.
It's all about how to choose a correct partner who utilizes your money in a right way - that is incorporate it in real business, parts and divides the income with me.

You can ask, if there are such firms? I'm obliged to tell the truth, YES, there are. Please be informed of one of them:
http://theinvestblog.com [url=http://theinvestblog.com]Online Investment Blog[/url]

Jennifer said...

Hey Debi - I don't know if you'll even see this, but I hope so. I kinda dropped off the blogosphere for several months and am just now getting back. I was trying to make the rounds on all my favorite blogs and get caught up. I wasn't expecting this when I came here! I don't even remember how we found each other's blogs, but it had nothing to do with books. Seems like you had not even done much book blogging when we first "met". So I will definitely miss you now that I've re-entered the blog world! If you see my comment, I would love for you to let me know how to find your new blog. I feel like a bad friend that it's been so long that I've been by - but I really had to take a long and much needed break from it all!(though it wasn't even planned, it was a good thing for me!) Anyway, if you don't let me know how to find you, I'm sure you have your reasons, but I'd love to reconnect! Hope all is well with you!

Anonymous said...

Thank you :-) take a look that emo boy hair at this blog:
http://emo--boys.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

[url=http://seghan.ru/go.php?sid=35][img]http://s001.radikal.ru/i194/1001/f2/3b8e742581a0.jpg[/img][/url]












[url=http://gqeoqek.nederland.lc/]buy kool cigarettes online [/url]
buy fiesta cigarettes black devil cigarettes buy buy cigarettes at the
[url=http://gqeoqek.nederland.lc/]order american cigarettes shipped to canada [/url]
buying marlboro cigarettes ordering cigarettes made in america online ordering cigarettes on line
[url=http://lhmxaha.welt.tl/sitemap.html]buy duty free cigarettes online [/url]
buy picayune cigarettes buy cigarette papers online buy cigarettes in uk
[url=http://laubree.club-area.de/sitemap.html]buy cigarettes forum [/url]
buy cigarettes from europe online buy chinese cigarettes online buying splash cigarette
[url=http://gqeoqek.nederland.lc/sitemap.html]cigarettes online buying wisconsin monthly payments [/url]
buy fiesta cigarettes where can i order jezebel cigarettes buying clove cigarettes in canada
[url=http://yutolfi.3d.lc/]buying cigarettes for a minor [/url]
buy name brand discount cigarettes order calon cigarettes buy salem cigarettes online
[url=http://lhmxaha.welt.tl/sitemap.html]buy merit cigarettes online [/url]
what age you can buy cigarettes cheap cigarettes buy online now buying cigarette online
[url=http://coltahs.modellbau.in/]buy cigarettes white filter marlboro [/url]
santa ana nm cigarettes mail order buy kentucky cigarettes online buy cigarettes forum
[url=http://oicinoc.server3.eu/]buy cigarettes in mexico [/url]
buy camel blue cigarettes buy barclay cigarettes made in europe buy cigarette filters
[url=http://bmouavc.rostet.de/sitemap.html]buy camel cigarettes in [/url]
buy cheap cigarettes using paypal order newport cigarettes buy dreams cigarettes

Anonymous said...

Genial post and this post helped me alot in my college assignement. Thank you as your information.

Anonymous said...

chararorylarp, buy zyrtec, Carardykats, [url=http://www.webjam.com/zyrteconline]zyrtec[/url], Glaccerve

Anonymous said...

mexMerebeenry, payday loan online, lallQuopsywap, [url=http://www.webjam.com/paydayloan]payday loan[/url], Glaccerve

Anonymous said...

Well I assent to but I contemplate the collection should secure more info then it has.

Anonymous said...

Nice post and this enter helped me alot in my college assignement. Gratefulness you for your information.

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.adidasforum.com/adidas-consortium-“runners”-pack-nicekicks-com/]Adidas Forum[/url]
Now here's a shoe-in for the list of the year's best gaming-related clothing : Adidas has brought back its ZX 500 running shoe, and, since it originally comes from the '80s, the gaming inspired design and coloring is a simple choice ... Right? The kicks would possibly not be the coolest part of the deal, either ; they come packed with a combo bracelet/USB flashdrive containing ZX Runner, a computer game primarily based on ... The shoe itself.

GameCulture writes that the game stars a character named'DJ Zed' who, according to Adidas, has five mins to'run, moon-walk, climb walls, avoid some dodgy-looking bullies, collect power-ups, and pull off mad rooftop-to-rooftop stunts' in order to get on-stage before his set starts. It appears to be fittingly retro -- see for yourself in the video we've included after the breakdance.

More info
Adidas Forum