The pressure is off for me to watch every penny I spend, I will always be careful. And now the pressure is off for me to document my every move. The blog will always be a reference point for anyone who wants to look back, navigable by the topics list on the side bar. Anyone can access the posts they have an interest in.
I am moving on. There is no need for me to post daily, so my apologies to my loyal readers, those who have come to expect me to be there every day when they log on. Apologies also to the trolls who have never grasped the concept of what a blog is about. It isn't a forum, a free for all, where anyone can spew forth their sarcasm behind the cloak of anonymity. You know who you are. No doubt the troll(s) will want to have the last word, they need to because it makes them feel good. Especially the one with the warped mind who has been visiting over the years. I have the upper hand here, my best friend is the delete button.
An Anonymous troll asked about the Anonymous rule. I prefer it if everyone adds their name to their comment, whether in the appropriate box, or at the end of their comment. Anyone who doesn't will get extra scrutiny from me. I can sniff a trouble maker out half a mile away, so whatever name you use, if your comment stinks you will get zapped.
The blog isn't closing, but it will be a slimmed down version of what it has been. I will post as and when I feel like it, going back to basics. I started the blog as an online diary, and that is what it will end up as. There will be some sewing, some art, some crafts, some days out and holidays, some walking, some cats news, some gardening when it all starts growing again, and some photography. Welcome to the new blog.
It's coming along. Building it up slowly, lots of blank spaces to embroider.
Toodle pip. ilona
It sounds lovely, Ilona, a good way to move on. I look forward to future posts with keen interest.
ReplyDeletexx
I think it's going to work well.
DeleteYes Ilona, I know the feeling.
ReplyDeleteAfter a very acrimonious divorce which left me next door to destitute and 12 years struggling, we (my new wife) are now in a similar position, the years of dreading the next bill popping through the letter-box are now receding.
But the result is my appreciation of the value of money and how little we really need (as opposed to want) We still live frugally and don't have much, but no longer need to count every penny.
Yes I'll miss reading your blog daily, it has given me some inspiration, but look forward to the new slimmed-down look.
Thank you for being with me for so long. I am so pleased you are in a better place now.
DeleteLooking forward to your (occasional) future posts!
ReplyDeleteI'll try not to make the gaps too long. My mood will lift because it won't be such a slog.
DeleteI meant to mention - you inspired me on the crafty front as well. Yonks ago, you probably don’t remember, you said ‘Why not have a go?’ in reply to a query of mine about one of your patchwork projects. I did - made a pot holder - and recently completed my first small patchwork quilt. It is a bit wonky in places but I love it - some of those squares were given to me over thirty years ago, and I never had the confidence to go ahead and do anything with them!! Hubby uses it as a seat saver while watching telly and says it is very comfy. So thank you!
DeleteMy blog has changed loads in the past 10 years, I do enjoy seeing your crafts.
ReplyDeleteIt's inevitable that things change. I am more into arts and crafts now.
DeleteIlona: As a loyal reader, just want to thank you for all the wonderful reading over the years. As I embark on my own retirement, you will always be a shining example of a wise woman living the the good life with frugality, imagination, and humor. Look forward to whatever you chose to share in the future. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThat means a lot to me, thank you. I hope your retirement is as enjoyable as mine is.
DeleteGood for you doing things for yourself and not what's expected off you, I think it is brilliant that you are in a position not to watch every penny.
ReplyDeleteI will always look forward to your posts, whatever you choose to write about. xx
Thanks chuck. I will always be mindful about what I spend my money on, but maybe now is the time to have some treats.
DeleteLooking forward to the occasional blog posts, Jo
ReplyDeleteI will try, Jo. Best wishes.
DeleteIt's your blog and you need to do what is best for you. I have learned a lot, had a good laugh, and really enjoyed reading about your travels and seeing all the wonderful photos. I will continue to check in and look forward to whatever you choose to post about in the future.
ReplyDeleteThanks Margie. My sense of humour will always be there, even though some might not get it.
DeleteMe parece muy bien, el blog es suyo y usted lo organiza como quiere, yo voy a seguir leyéndola porque es usted una persona admirable
ReplyDeleteBeatriz Muñoz
elajuardebeatriz.blogspot.com
Gracias. Eres muy amable.
DeleteYou will enjoy blogging by not feeling that you have to post up a blog so frequently.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right, Vera. The pressure has been a bit overwhelming at times. I'm going to relax and if there is nothing in my head, I will say, sod it, not today.
DeleteLooking forward to reading whatever you have to post! Your past blogs have been very helpful as we are just entering into ' The Frugal Life' so my husband can leave work. Enjoy your life, that's the key! Thank you so much. Leigh.xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leigh. Focus on your new retired life, and squirrel some money away.
DeleteThank you for all the help I have had from your blog and I look forward to seeing your posts when you blog.
ReplyDeleteHazel c uk
Hazel, you are always the first to comment, I love you for that.
DeleteI have been blogging for nine years and gradually it crept up to blogging every day. Six months ago I let it slip to once or twice a week. It is your blog and we must all do what feels comfortable for us. Most people are happy to read the blogs they like no matter how frequent the posts. I wish you a belated Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteI will post when I feel like it, hopefully with not too many gaps between them.
DeleteBlogs like yours have been a real inspiration and support to me along our debt clearing journey over the past 12 years and, like you, now that we're in a more secure financial position, we don't have to watch every penny the way we used to, but will continue to live simply and frugally as it has become a way of life. Living like this often makes me feel very different to the majority of people I know and I initially looked for support online and your blog was one of the most inspirational. I have followed you almost daily for years and want to thank you for keeping me going when at times, the going got tough and I felt 'left out' in life. I no longer feel 'left out' but feel chuffed that we chose to do things differently in order to put ourselves in a better financial situation and it has definitely been worth it. Another bonus is that although initially we felt we were doing without, now I feel that I don't need all the stuff or experiences that we used to feel were essential and I appreciate the simpler things in life. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, we found that as well!
DeleteI think I'm going to cry. You are so lovely. I really appreciate the feedback. It can be a long and lonely journey when you have to cut back and all around people are spending like crazy. Eventually the penny drops, and you realise that you are the wise one, and all the others are nuts. It's true, we don't need all the paraphernalia that goes with a modern life, there are so many simple pleasures that cost very little. Thank you for sticking with me.
DeleteDave Ramsey has a saying "Live like no one else so that one day, you can live like no one else". In other words, cutting back now will make you different from everyone else but when you get ahead, you will be the one who can afford things and not be in debt, like everyone else. I can vouch for that now that we are out of debt and mortgage free. It feels brilliant not to worry about any more spells of ill-health or redundancy.
DeleteI am grateful for your posts and thankful that you take the time to share your interests with us. The timing and pace of your blog is, of course, entirely up to you! Wishing you well in 2020 and looking forward to any future posts! thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteI wish you well also xxx
DeleteI am happy for you Ilona if it's better for you.If I get withdrawal effects,which I may I shall re-read and also catch up with some older posts that I may of missed.I have to keep my sensible head on and you help me enormously- Thank you x
ReplyDeleteThank you for always being there. I love the stories of you and your dogs.
DeleteI'll look forward to reading whenever you write, even though I'll miss it if it's less frequent.--Jane
ReplyDeleteHopefully there won't be too many gaps.
DeleteThings do change as the years go by and its great to know that you will still be about sharing what ever you choose.I have re read some of your older blogs over the past few years,maybe be most of them and there is always something there that I may have missed.I have to be honest,I do question myself sometimes..do I need to be this frugal?.But it is a way of life for me and by doing so I am able to go on day trips,weekends away..we could afford to go for a lot longer but choose not to because of the 5 cats,lol.So I am looking forward to your new post,I will promise not to worry when you havent been around for a few days,lol and be happy knowing that you are doing things what suit you now.Any one who is new to you has got years of your blogs to look back on and see just how you have done it!!xx
ReplyDeleteDebi, this blog wouldn't be the same without you. Thank you for your comments.
DeleteI enjoy popping in from time to time and am glad that you are not closing you blog Ilona. You have much to contribute to the blogging world in addition to your past money saving tips. I love the neat stitching in your applique. I bet it is meditative to do - an exercise in mindfulness! I hope that Heidi is getting better. x
ReplyDeleteI love the process of hand stitching, it is very relaxing. Heidi is feeling better, I think. She is scoffing well, and seems to have more energy since we started with the medicine on her food.
DeleteGood Luck Ilona, It is nice to see you are in a much more comfortable place in your life, reading the messages above you have been helpful to a lot of people they have benefited from your blog, I have read your blog for a long while, enjoy what ever you get up to next and I look forward to seeing any future posts.
ReplyDeleteI hope there will be some more stories to tell.
DeleteThat's the way to go, good for you Ilona.
ReplyDeleteBriony
x
Thought you might say that, Bri. I am following your lead. I think it might work. Feeling better already.
DeleteI wrote to you a little while back suggesting cutting back the amount of days you spend blogging. I am so glad that you are reducing the amount of blogs you do. I am the same age as you and I definitely need space in my life. You will probably find that you will be selective in what you write about. So yes Ilona you have made the right decision and we all look forward to reading your blog in the future. Best wishes from Sophia in North Wales.
ReplyDeleteI know, I am a rebel when it comes to listening what other people are telling me. Best wishes to you.
DeleteI am trying to do the opposite to you.To blog more.I can leave it for weeks thinking people don't want to know about me so I am aiming for a couple of blogs a week.Barbara
ReplyDeleteI wondered if I had anything to say which people would want to read, when I first started. Now look where it's got me. Just be yourself, you will gather followers I'm sure.
DeleteOh,I hope that it is ok to chuck a quick.ish frugal comment here..But,this week I have been given a load of tools,spanners,saws.pliers ect from the council that were clearing out rubbish from someone who lived nearby.They didnt want it to go to landfill and asked me if I could make use of them... Yesss!.The duplicates have gone to my grandson who is a builder and the rest..to a guy,our best man nearly 45 years ago,who is very good at fixing things!Today was the second day this week I walked with my sister..And we came across a coffee morning,we had no money with us but they welcomed us in a gave us a free tea and mince pie...I will take a box of mince pies next time we go by.We have done 8 miles so far this week which is great for my sister as she has been ill and really loving our walks!Then when we were heading home,a lady who we know gave me a pair of Dr.Martin boots..too small for my sister but fit me great!.Then,when I got home a neighbour was getting rid of her Christmas stuff from the freezer?.It was still frozen,but said that she hadnt got room for it because she had bought a load of new stuff!.I said thank you and I would make sure it was used and not wasted.My mam,my sister and my daughter all took some of it.She was going to throw it in the bin!!xx
ReplyDeleteYou are an expert at getting free stuff.
DeleteGood for you! I've picked up many a good tip from you over the years especially the yellow sticker advice. You need time for yourself and I'm sure your blog chums here can share you with all your other interests.
ReplyDeleteJust FYI - I've got a book from the library called "Bolder - Life Lessons from People Older & Wiser than You". All the people interviewed are over 70 and some of them just leave me breathless! Worth a read if you can get it from your own library.
BTW - Happy New Year to you and your pussycats from Me and Uno (my elderly one-eyed rescue cat).
Linda xxx
Nice to hear from you, Linda. Thanks for the book recommendation. I'll ask at the library for that.
DeleteFirst troll comment to come in on this post. My answer, a big fat YES, now blog off.
ReplyDeleteHello Ilona
ReplyDeleteI hope you see this but I'll understand if you don't. For personal reasons I never put my name on the internet but I promise that I'm not a troll. I found you many years ago via MSE and I enjoy your blog so much. We're still in debt but we're working on it. I hope you enjoy your less bloggy life and I look forward to reading your posts as and when. Good luck with all your crafty activities.
Thank you for all your helpful hints and general good humour over the years.
Hello. You don't have to use your real name, just make one up. I know you are not a troll. Thank you for your comment. xxx
DeleteSorry if my English is not enough, I am Swedish. I am glad that you are going to blog now and then about cats, walking, handcraft, food etc,but for me the most giving is your wise thoughts about life and the way you handle it. I love to read about that and get inspiration. I am the same as you working class, I have worked hard, not spoiled and have to take care of my money. What ever you do Ilona I wish you luck.
ReplyDeleteHello. Your English is perfect, a lot better than my Swedish, ha ha. Thank you for your comment.
DeleteEnjoy your blog Ilona especially frugality recycling arts and crafts and your beautiful fur babies. Best wishes Love Liz Amy and Bennyxxxx
ReplyDeleteThank you. Love to you and your fur babies.
DeleteHi Ilona, I’m relieved that you are still going to blog. I enjoy your outlook on life and your art and walking inspire me. I would really miss that so thank you for carrying on. Jeannie
ReplyDeleteHi. I have made such a lot of friends through blogging, I won't let you down. xxx
DeleteI don't blame you for taking a step or two back from blogging. Unless you are doing something specific like your walking holidays or your art work, it must be hard to think of something to write every day. I'll still 'pop' in every day. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
ReplyDeleteHi Joan. It is hard to think of something to write about every day. I often sat in front of the keyboard with nothing in my head, and put anything to fill the space. It has got to stop. There will be fewer posts and hopefully not so much crap.
DeleteSome posts interested me more than others, but I wouldn't call any of them crap.
DeleteI would like to mention that you surprised me by making a post with the couple of poems I e-mailed to you a few years ago as they were just for you to see, otherwise I would have put them in a comment. Still, no harm done and because of your reaction and some lovely comments on them I have carried on with the poetry, so I have you to thank for another interest to keep me occupied. Anything to stop boredom creeping in, lol.
Hi Joan. I am sorry if I overstepped the mark a bit with the poetry, I was so chuffed with it. Please add, 'not for publication' if you send anything you don't want to share with anyone else.
DeleteJoan, there are lots of free (no exams etc) short courses on the internet. I do courses through Future Learn and Duolingo and these keep me busy and stimulated. I have seen Creative Writing courses on Future Learn; perhaps there are some poetry ones? Just a suggestion.
DeleteI was a bit shy about it. Didn't know if it was good enough.
DeleteAs a relative newcomer to your blog it quickly became one of the first I read every day. I will miss those daily visits but will eagerly look forward to hearing from you on your new timeline.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, Betty. Good to hear from you.
DeleteHi Ilona, I've read your blog from the beginning but have only commented a couple of times. I'm fortunate that I don't have to be too frugal but am happy for any tips and hints I can garner from your blog. I love reading about your yellow stickers as we don't get anything to compare over here in W. Canada. Love reading about your trips, your garden and your arts and craft. I look forward to reading your posts whenever they pop up in my reader. Take care. Janice
ReplyDeleteThank you Janice. I will try and keep up with posting, not too many big gaps, hopefully.
DeleteBest wishes as you repriortize actions in your life. I enjoy all aspects of your writings. Have admired the beautiful scenes from your walks, learning about lorry driving, your yard, the cats, and so much more. Tonight as I opened a can of peaches and noted they were past the 'best if used by' date, I thought of you and knew I was probably fine to use them. They tasted great! Thanks for continuing at your new pace. JanL in Ohio/USA.
ReplyDeleteHa ha, aged tins looming at the back of the cupboard. Nearly always edible. Check with your nose and your eyes.
DeleteThank you for continuing with your blog. Your art is so inspiring, and your way of life, especially your walking, has helped me so much to get my life in order. I will be looking every morning and be always glad when there is a new post form you.
ReplyDeleteHilde, I am chuffed that you are always there. Carry on walking, and we'll see you at the check in posts on the first of the month.
DeleteNow that you have made the decision you will feel better/relief. Always enjoyed reading your inspirational blog/stories/crafting and will continue to do so, thank you for the help you've given me, life changes but continues and I will continue my life walking, crafting and gardening
ReplyDeleteYes, it is a relief. I have been hanging on wondering how I can make the changes without upsetting my loyal readers. The answer is compromise. Your hobbies are similar to my own, and a lot of other people, so this is what I have to concentrate on.
DeleteWell done for putting yourself first! i love your blog. You have got me well down the road of frugality and more healthy living through all your tips and encouragement, and of course, the walking challenge. Thx for that! Hope you enjoy your new relaxed approach in 2020.
ReplyDeleteIt's all about balance, Gillian. Stick with the walking and we'll see you on the first of every month, as usual.
DeleteAs long as you're prepared to lose quite a lot of casual readers and those who are looking for how to save money and being frugal (as this has driven traffic to your blog more than anything else) then obviously this is a positive step as long as you accept all this.
ReplyDeletePeople looking for frugal living and money saving tips will still be able to find the blog, a lot of traffic comes from googlie searches. There are plenty of archives to get the information they want. There are also a lot of other blogs and sites with similar information, I am not the only one. The changes are a positive step for me.
DeleteI am so glad that you are going to continue blogging as I enjoy dropping by to see what you have been up to and often come away amazed and inspired by both your energy and creativity.
ReplyDeleteDrop in when you have time, you are most welcome.
Deletehello Meanqueen, you have been my favourite 'royal' since i discovered your blog some years ago. i will continue to read as and when you post , step back but don't give up your title. with all best wishes to you, onlyjo
ReplyDeleteI still wear my crown with pride, the Queen of Mean. But not really mean any longer, ha ha.
DeleteBlogging should be stress free and enjoyable. The beauty of the whole business is that it is an expression of your individuality and a space where you can share a little of yourself with others and form virtual friendships with others. Recalibrating is always a good idea to keep it on your terms. I shall look forwards to your posts as and when they appear. Arilx
ReplyDeleteAgree Aril. I have been enjoying it for a long time, but now the shine has worn off a bit and it has become a chore. I need to get back to where I was. Sharing too much is a mistake, I don't need to tell everyone everything. Thank you for sticking with me.
DeleteI know I can look through your archives, but would you consider doing a post on transitioning to retirement. I am over 60, have come out of a divorce from a gambler/spendthrift and now I am going to work part time, be frugal and try to find other interests
ReplyDeleteJaney
Thank you for that suggestion. Ideas for creating new posts is a bit like starting new artwork. If the idea is not there in the first place, I have a mental blockage, then I have to wait for the right moment to begin. You have presented me with this idea so I could possibly follow it up.
DeleteDear Ilona, I totally applaud your choice. But I'm confessing that not "reading you" almost every day feels almost as difficult as when I quit smoking. Stay well and happy. Elaine near Philadelphia (Sorry I don't have a blog.)
ReplyDeleteOh dear, so sorry Elaine. The only compensation I can offer is that I will be replying to more comments. That is easy enough and doesn't require me to wrack my brains thinking of new topics.
DeleteI think your plans for your blog, and to post less often, will be fulfilling and relaxing for you.
ReplyDeleteI am feeling more relaxed already. Pressure gone. xxx
DeleteThank you, Ilona, for all your posts over the years which have really helped me stay on course. I'm glad you're not stopping completely and wish you all the best with your many interests. Amanda xx
ReplyDeleteThank you for not giving up on me. I shall carry on, maybe my posts will be a bit shorter in length, but hopefully something of interest for you to read.
DeleteThank you for making so much freely available. At various tough points in my life you've been a source of great cheer....and maybe it's about time I said so. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you. I see you have moved around a lot, are you going to be doing some more blogging? Would love to read it.
DeleteHi Ilona I hope all is well in this crazy covid 19 crisis. I have enjoyed your videos and blogs over the years I found your channel. You have not posted in some time are you ok? I am coping ok with the corona crisis but I miss the freedom of simple things like shopping without quequeing browsing charity shops going to the library or for the capuchino in a cafe. Hope all is well with you and the cats. Will you post again or do a YouTube video. Blessing Linda from Dublin x
ReplyDelete