Wednesday, July 18, 2018

The Winds Of Change Are Blowing Through The Hodgepodge

Hello Hodgepodgers and any others who might be reading here today. If you're a regular in the HP please be sure to read my random thought today. I'm sure nobody skips to the bottom and just adds a link ahem, but I've got HP news in my random so you'll want to at least read that.

Now on to this week's questions...if you've answered add your link at the end of my post. Be sure to hop over and leave a comment for the blogger before you too, because that's how we roll. Here we go-

1. I feel most energized when I _______________________.

Tick things off a to-do list. Accomplish a difficult or particularly annoying task I've put off.  Am fed and well rested-ha! Just keepin' it real. If I'm tired and hungry I get cranky. 

2. Where were you ten years ago?

In mid-July of 2008 I was enjoying a blue sky day in London with the hubs and our girls-


And walking our pup on the paths that ran through the fairy tale ferns in our little English village-


Note what I'm wearing on July 20, 2008!

3. July 17th is World Emoji Day. Do you use emojis? Which one's your favorite? Your most used?

I use emojis in texts, mostly just texts to my family though. My favorite is probably the smiley face blowing a kiss, but my most used is the smiley face with the heart eyes. Daughter1 says I love to add lots of heart eyes to any posted pics of baby boy. I can't help it. He gives me all the heart eyes. 

4. What song would you put on a wedding DO NOT PLAY list?

Quite a few actually, but The Macarena was the first to come to mind. 

5. What deserves less of your attention? More of your attention?

The less part of this question is hard for me right now. I have been doing all the things that need doing this summer and haven't had a lot of time to 'waste' on things that don't need my attention.

As far as more of my attention I'm going to say writing. I miss it and am trying to figure out a way to make it happen on a more regular basis. 

Which brings me to my random thought...

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Although it's not that random because I've been mulling this 'random' over for quite a while now. 

I'm going to take a break from the Wednesday Hodgepodge. I've struggled with the commitment all summer and am still looking at a very busy end of July-August calendar. But mostly it's this-


I miss writing and I want to make room for that in my life again. 

I know the Hodgepodge is writing, but it's not the only writing I want to do. And because we've had so much going on here this spring and summer it seems what little time I do have to write I've had to spend on the Wednesday Hodgepodge. 

That's not to say I don't love it, and especially the people I've come to know here, but I do need to make some adjustments and this feels like the right time to do it. 

So here's the deal...this will be the last Wednesday Hodgepodge for the summer. I will definitely host one more the first week in September for anyone who wants to participate, and then will see how I feel about continuing in the current format or maybe in an updated format. Or maybe putting a bow on it and calling it done. Stay tuned. 

In the meantime I do have plans to blog, to read blogs which is something else I've missed, and to write outside my blog.  I hope you'll add me to your reader,  follow me by email or on Instagram where I normally link. Or send me a FB friend request as I also link my blog there. You can follow along using any of these methods by clicking the links just under the Welcome section on my sidebar. 

I have truly loved this little weekly gathering. I've learned a lot and laughed a lot and I look forward to seeing what's next. Mark your calendars for Sept 4/5 if you want to be sure and catch the return of the Hodgepodge. 

Cheers! Joyce 




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29 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry to hear that the Hodgepodge will be on break for so long, but I do understand that you're busy and have other things to do besides providing blogging material for us.

    Enjoy your summer, your writing, and your sweet grandson.

    Blessings~

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  2. WOW!! Your answer to #2 is making me hot already...LOL

    Joyce, you have done a fantastic job with this meme.
    You just have to go where the Lord leads.

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  3. There's just something about that English weather! I miss the heart eyes emoji. For some reason it and others I used have disappeared. Thank you Joyce for all the Hodgepodges you've given us. It was a tremendous commitment of your time and creativity and I so appreciate it. God bless you. Enjoy your summer.

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  4. Hello, Joyce. It feels good to be able to join The Hodgepodge today...then I read your post concerning The Hodgepodge. I totally understand where you're coming from! You've been so faithful for so long, and I truly appreciate that. Enjoy your well-deserved break, and we'll see where things go from here.
    I miss blogging on a regular basis, but time is so precious I'm chosen to live life instead of writing about it. Ed's close call with his heart attack taught me that things can spin on a time, and tomorrow's not guaranteed. My grandchildren are also growing up at "warp speed". I need to "make the most" of my time, especially with family.
    Best wishes with whatever you choose to do with your time. I'll be keeping tabs with you through your blog, and will plan to join you for the September 4/5 Hodgepodge. Thanks again--for everything! (Kathy)

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  5. You've done such a great job keeping the Hodgepodge going for so long and I will be sad to see it end (if it does), but totally get where you are coming from. Online life can eat up more time than you want it to and you've got a lot of other things to enjoy right now...like that beautiful grandson! Take your break, get back to your writing, and do what's best for you right now. Thanks for so much fun over the years!

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  6. Joyce, I completely understand your taking a break from the hodgepodge. I really enjoyed it when I did it, but I took a break because it got to where that’s all I was doing on my blog. I still read all your posts and I look forward to continuing to read your blog for many years to come. 🙂

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  7. Thank you so much for the many years of Hodgepodge fun you've provided for so many. It's been wonderful, but I do see that you need to do other things with what writing time you have. I'll follow you via email and will plan to join in the first Weds. of September!

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  8. I've been a sporadic blogger these past couple years, so I have only been a sporadic Hodgepodger, but I have loved being involved. Your questions are always so interesting and thought-provoking. I hosted a small link party (Trip to the Past Tuesday) a few years ago, and it was a huge commitment, so I completely understand your need to let it go for a time, or even permanently.

    Interesting that writing projects are my "more attention needed" thing this week too.

    Oh, funny...My daughter got married almost 3 years ago, and the Macarena was one of the songs on their play list. She and her husband are children of the 90's, so it was a must for them. The dance floor was loaded!

    I am gathering from your term "our little English village" that your family lived in England at one time. I'm envious! I would love to live in a little English village, or even just visit one.

    Thanks so much for hosting the Hodgepodge. I'm not on Instagram or Facebook, but I will keep up with you through my blog's sidebar. I have you there.

    Blessings,
    Patti

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  9. I certainly do understand your thoughts regarding the Hodgepodge and you truly need to follow your heart. Thank you for hosting the hodgepodge...such a fun way for all of us to get to know each other better and make us think deeply! I will be looking forward to what your new adventures in blogging looks like, even if it's as familiar as the Hodgepodge! Have and awesome summer, Joyce!

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  10. I would be sad to see the Hodgepodge go .,, but you need to do what feels right for you.

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  11. I always wonder how in the world you can come up with all these questions. It must take a lot of time and I would just like to say thank you. I have appreciated and really enjoyed participating most weeks. I hope you enjoy your time off and that you get lots of chances to write because I do so enjoy reading your writing. Have a blessed day!

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  12. I'm so glad I've discovered your blog through the Hodgepodge. I'm already a follower, so I'll be continuing to read your posts. Thank you for hosting. You set a wonderful example by choosing to put first things first. Blessings!
    Jan
    Laughter and Consistency

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  13. Oh my, without you I seldom write a post. Enjoy your summer and I hope you come back. :(

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  14. I took a break this spring from blogging. We were moving and I just wasn't feeling the blogging urge so to speak. I am back to it now, but am taking it slow and blogging when I feel it. I love the outlet it gives me.
    I hope you can find you writing muse and have fun for the rest of the summer!

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  15. I join the others in expressing my gratitude for the many, many hours you poured into making this blog meme such an enjoyable experience for so many. It was a huge benefit to me when I first started blogging and searching for topics as well as new blogging friends. I congratulate you on your decision to do something different and taking the time to express what is most important to you. I look forward to reading what you write and am now an official stalker on all your social media feeds. Please keep us updated on the wedding plans as I am now invested in that big event. And of course posting about that little "Man Cub" is of utmost importance. Enjoy your summer, my friend.

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  16. Good luck with the writing! That is so awesome - you and Hodgepodge will be missed but it is much more important to follow your heart and WRITE! Just make sure to let all of us her in blogland know when you are published~~~HUGS! Thanks for all the years and hard work of Hodgepodge!

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  17. Hey, I'm impressed with just how long you kept at it! So much pressure to just post let alone orchestrate a meme, especially during the summer!
    I hope your back is getting better. Mine is still not 100% but I'm trying to take is easy. I'd like to not even have to think about it on wedding weekend! I need to look into the IcyHot thing.
    We have a second dress fitting tonight, meeting at the venue tomorrow... things are definitely heating up. I also am trying to write but other things/life gets in the way. Oh well, I mean, I could be bored. ha.

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  18. Well, I know I understand and am sure most folks do too, but I will sure miss the Hodgepodge and there are a few folks who only post on Wednesdays so I hope we don't lose them!! Thank you, Joyce, for the years of HP questions. I know I have found many of my blogging friends through your Hodgepodge. I have you in my reader and on FB so we will stay connected. Thanks again and I'll look forward to that first week in September!

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  19. Awww . . . first of all, I love the picture of you and the hubby from ten years ago. So lovely, the two of you (insert smiley face with heart eyes). Second, regarding the Hodgepodge, I am so thankful that you've hosted it as long as you have. It's given me the opportunity to meet other bloggers who I normally would not have known about. With that said, I completely understand the angst of wanting to write more but not finding the time to do so - hence my own sporadic blogging the last year and a half. Do what's best for YOU. I'll continue to read what you put out here. :)

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  20. I joined this meme rather late so I am sorry that you have to stop. But you are right it is better to make break. Nobody wants to take over ?

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  21. But I only recently found you! No, seriously, your blog, you do you! Enjoy your summer, and I've already added you to my blogfeed.

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  22. Dear Joyce, well, of course I'll miss the weekly Hodgepodge, even though I don't always find the time to link in. But I greatly understand your desire to make some changes. How you have managed to maintain the Hodgepodge for so many years has been a wonder in itself.

    I want to stay in touch with you and to see the wonderful photos of your family as it grows. May the Lord bless you and give you the wisdom you need for these changes.

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  23. PS I also need to thank you for the wonderful service you have done for me (and so many others) in providing an easy way for us to meet other bloggers and make such wonderful connections. THANK YOU!

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  24. Sad to hear you may not continue Hodgepodge, but happy that you are taking care of you!
    Cheers!
    Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

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  25. Thank you for your Hodgepodge!! It has been great even though I have been laxed with it for the past year. Look forward to keep reading your blog.

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  26. I can totally understand how life takes a different turn and then things have to change. You've done such a great job with the Hodgepodge and we'll all miss it if you don't continue but you have to do what's best for you. I already follow your posts so I'm looking forward to continuing to hear all your news.

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  27. I thought that the Hodgepodge questions were for tomorrow, so my answers will go up then.
    Sorry to hear about the Hodgepodge, but fully understand. Getting busy and having a lot to do and write about is life, and it is good. Especially with Daughter #2's wedding!
    Thank you for all your terrific questions. Hugs!

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  28. I will miss you as your Hodgepodge questions have helped me in many ways, especially in making new blog friends and getting to know everyone better, including you. Your HP has helped me to at least try to write once a week, maybe not every week, but most of the time. You are a gifted writer and so your desire to write is natural and I understand your needing that time, especially with all the wonderful things you have going on in your life. I look forward to reading your blogs and keeping up with you.

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  29. I hope you can find some solace in taking a break from the 'podge but bring it back. I really love it!

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