The Joys of Blogging
So far on this site, I have written a fair amount about blogging. If you are passionate about on-line writing (either as a reader, a writer or both), you know how blogging can take hold of you and fill a void that you never realized you had.
The real-time sharing of ideas, the dynamic interaction, the connection with others…all stimulate the soul. On top of this, is the building of community. I’ve previously mentioned how regular visitors to a blog take the writing to a new level. Commenters, many of whom have their own blogs, immeasurably enhance and extend the original ideas shared.
I’ve also written before that following retirement bloggers is what got me interested in on-line writing in the first place. (Following these bloggers also significantly aided my transition into retirement!)
Many of these regulars, you have seen in the comment sections of my posts. Which got me thinking, wouldn’t it be great to highlight these generous contributors further? Thus, the summer series ‘Favorite Retirement/Lifestyle Bloggers’ is born.
The Plan
The plan is simple.
1) Leave a comment below and jot down one or more of the commenters whom you would like to know more about. I will then contact them and use my persuasive talents to ask them to write a guest post.
2) If you are interested in writing a guest post yourself, please also leave me a comment or drop me a line privately.
There are no strict guidelines, and the guest post needn’t be long. The intention is simply for fellow bloggers to let us know a bit more about themselves and their writing. Hopefully, this will provide an additional resource to guide others who are searching to read more on retirement/lifestyle.
To practice what I preach, I have recently written guest posts for Sizzling Toward Sixty and Jill Weatherholt’s ‘Summer Spotlight.’ These posts are set to publish on May 29 and June 9 respectively. I will reblog both posts on this site once they are published. I also encourage you to drop by Sue’s and Jill’s websites. They are well worth the visit.
Finally, please do not be shy. Remember, I am still a teacher at heart. I know how to call on those who have not raised their hands!
Feature Image: Canva
Retirement Reflections 
Thanks for the shout out, Donna! I’m really looking forward to your visit on the 9th. 🙂
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Thanks, Jill. I’m greatly looking forward to the 9th. Very exciting! I also have my fingers crossed for a reciprocal visit from you!
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What an excellent idea. I can’t wait to read all of the guest posts. Like you, I found my blogging voice by first following other bloggers and then connecting with people all over the world. My favorite part of blogging is receiving comments and getting a chance to actually exchange with others who either blog or read blogs. I realize it is important to have lots and lots of followers, but I like the idea of establishing real relationships with some as well. I can’t wait to see this project unfold. And thanks for sharing with #blogginggrandmotherslinkparty . I have shared it on social media.
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Thanks, Clearissa –
I agree! Being able to connect with people all over the world, and establishing meaningful exchanges with readers and other bloggers, is absolutely incredible. I would definitely sacrifice ‘numbers’ for these quality relationships!
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You’ve hit on the best parts of blogging. Many bloggers, especially new ones, get hung up on statistics. Who doesn’t want a lot of readers. What I always wanted was a conversation in the comments. It takes a while but it happens. Sometimes I have commenters commenting on other commenters. I sit back in awe. It’s not my writing but picking the topics that tug at people. I have learned so much about so many different subjects. Oh yes, it’s fun. I am writing for Jill’s series too. Love her. She’s such a kind person.
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I couldn’t agree more. It definitely is the ensuing conversation that is the biggest reward to blogging. Picking intriguing topics is essential. Kate, your writing (and your humour!) definitely engage the reader and stimulate discussion. Like Janis, expect yourself to be called upon. I agree with your comments on Jill. I adore her blog!
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Given a little time, I would be willing. A suggestion — I love Marty from Snakes in the grass blog. I love the male perspective he brings and his retirement journey has been interesting for me. I’m always interested in the decisions people make — relocation, how to choose the location, part-time work, managing finances, worrying (yes all that worrying — will the money run out? health care? what to do when the spouse dies?)
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Marty is an excellent, choice. I’ll be calling on him today! And thank you for accepting my nudge. You have all of the time that you need. I will email you to discuss details. Thank you for getting this ball rolling, Kate. I am greatly looking forward to seeing where this Summer Series leads!
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Boy, you turn your back for just 24 hours around here and all of the sudden there’s a workload requirement! This reminds me of the time I was appointed to the condo board when I temporarily left the meeting to visit the restroom. Never again!
Thanks for the kind words, Kate. Donna, I got your e-mail and I’ll respond soon.
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So funny!! This comment is exactly why you were nominated…and seconded!! Hope you say ‘yes’. I await your email!
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What a great idea, Donna! I feel as if I “know” many of the bloggers I follow so well. I’ll have to give some thought about who has especially intrigued me.
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Hi, Janis – I am glad that you like this idea. I look forward to reading your suggestions. Also, being one of the top commenters on this blog, expect yourself to be called upon! 😀
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Hi Donna! What an interesting idea. I do believe that the connections we make as a blogger is one of the rewards of the experience and even more fun when you meet in person–Janis and I have gotten together a couple of times and it is always fun and rewarding. I always enjoy Janis’ perspective so would love to hear more from her. And I’m just getting into more and more retirement blog posts myself. I’d be happy to provide a guest post should you run out of BFFs!
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Hi, Kathy – Thank you for nominating Janis. I will definitely be stalking her to write a guest post. And you’re IN! I’ve learned much from your blog and would love for you to share your insights in a guest post. I will drop you a line so that we can discuss further!
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I agree, Donna, that this is a great idea. One site I follow, and recently reblogged is Olderhood.com Not sure if they do guest posts, but it wouldn’t hurt to ask. It would also be useful to have a list of bloggers who write about retirement and lifestyle, that we could follow and support. Looking forward to your project!
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Great ideas, Terri. I will check out Olderhood now. Most of us have links on our sidebars to blogs that we follow. But a comprehensive list of Retirement/Lifestyle bloggers would be very beneficial. I am very excited to see where this project leads. (And remember I will be calling on those who have not directly raised their hands! 😀 )
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I so need to learn how to link (shout out) other folk’s blog! I just went over to sizzling towards 60 and got my next blog idea – The 17 new things I will do in 2017. OK, the year is half over but I can use the new things I did already to stimulate the second half of the year. 🙂
You’ve linked into so many amazing bloggers… I read quite a few of them as well. (and yes, I’ve linked into a few of them based on them commenting on your blog). One blogger I love to read that I don’t think you’ve tapped into is AMGA – Aging Gracefully my Ass. She almost always brings a smile to my face.
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Ooops… That’s “AGMA”.
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😀
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Hi, Pat – I am so glad that you stopped over and gave Sue (at Sizzling Toward Sixty) a visit. Your recent post, The Balance of Be-ing and Do-ing, would fit perfectly into Sue’s current ‘Month of Happiness’ theme. I do follow Beth from AGMA. I love her blog! It’s so relatable…and so funny!!
I understand your frustration with figuring out how to use different tools on WordPress. My current ambition is to add a suitable ‘Contact Form’ to my sidebar (without needing to go through a million hoops and not getting stuck with additional features that I do not want)! If we have similar forms of WordPress, there should be a little “link” box at the top of your text box (on mine, it is the third box in, after Bold, and Italic and before Quote and Delete). Just highlight the word to which you wish to attach a link. A little box should pop up and ask for the URL. Type (or cut and paste that in), press “Add Link”, and you should be good to go. Hope this helps!
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I really liked Kate’s comment. She said it perfectly for me – it’s not uncommon when the comments take on a life of their own. Sometimes they become my favourite part of the post 🙂
… and it’s true that these commenters are the ones we tend to seek out on their blogs. That’s what makes this such an interesting community.
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I wholeheartedly agree with both you and Kate. Blog comments do often take on a life of their own…and inspire the reader to find our more about the commenter. Blog comments help to weave an interesting and enjoyable community with intricate links and connections! As I just mentioned to another regular commenter, I will be calling on those who have not fully raised their hands! 😀
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I love the connections I’ve made since starting a blog. Meeting women my age from all over the world is such a pleasure. Looking forward to reading the guest posts that you will host as well as reading the ones you did with Sue and Jill.
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Thanks Dee – I would love it if you could do a guest post as well. It could be a great additional promotion for ‘Blogging Grandmothers!’
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Hmm, now what in the world would I write about 🙂
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Anything you like! For example, What got you started blogging? What inspired you to create ‘AIM’ and ‘Blogging Grandmothers’? The highs and lows of hosting a link party! You could even add or recycle and past post like, “12 Tips for Traveling with Grandbabies”. If interested, drop me an email, and we can chat off-line.
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I’m hoping to get my guest post ready within your required timeline. Thanks Donna for linking up and co-hosting at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I shared this post.
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Thanks, Dee – I look forward to reading your post!
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I think that you’ve hit on the essence of why blogging is so fun and addictive. I enjoy reading about how other people live their lives, what they learn along the way. It’s insightful to understand different people with their experiences, as explained in their blogs. And with their photos. I look forward to reading about some new-to-me bloggers. Great idea here.
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It is addictive, isn’t it? That’s one of many things that I never understood before I began my blog. So far, I’ve been very pleased with the responses to this idea. It will be fun to see how it progresses. If you are interested in doing a Guest Post yourself, just let me know. It is bloggers/readers like you that caused me to add “lifestyle” to the title of this series!
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I’m flattered that you think that I’ve influenced you positively. I’ll think about guest posting. Do you have an idea of what you want people to write about here? [Of course you do. You’re a teacher– and lesson plans + questions come naturally to you!]
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Hi, Ally – Too funny about the teacher thing! True, but also funny!! My goal is to keep these posts simple and easy for everyone involved. My purpose is to highlight some great retirement and/or lifestyle bloggers that I follow and love, and who I think will be of great interest to others who are looking for awesome blogs out there. You could simply write a version of your about page, refashion or recycle an old post, tell us why you blog, etc., etc. The options are truly endless. I recently wrote two guest posts, so I understand that panic of when/how to fit in another post. In both cases, they were easy and painless…and the blog hosts were very kind!
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I’m catching up on reading blog posts just now, when I finally found a moment to breathe in between travels and commitments. Blame (or praise) jetlag. I do hope I fall asleep before 3am tonight, though. Looking forward to your guest posts and rebloga about them here. Leading by example. 🙂
I just had this funny thought that I have been leading a similar lifestyle than retirement for a while – similar concerns, taking leaps, finding new identities, worrying about money, focusing on the “important” things in life, preferring experiences to materialistic wealth – but without being retired. Huh…
Looking forward to reading your summer series!
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Hi, Liesbet – I am so pleased that you are willing to join in! I totally agree that we do have many similarities in our lifestyle, and many parallel concerns. Your blog posts always deeply resonate with me. Wishing you a good night’s rest and an escape from jet lag!
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I love this idea!! Can’t wait to see what you come up with.
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Thanks, Stephanie – When I was planning my retirement, I spent much time searching for current information on the emotional side of retiring. It was a struggle for me (at that time) to come up with what I was looking for. When I started blogging, more and more I have uncovered incredible retirement and lifestyle bloggers…and some amazing book authors/bloggers like yourself. Fingers crossed that my Summer Series will be able highlight at least of a few of these great finds!
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Donna, I find it fascinating how your blog has drawn interesting people to it. As Joanne said above, through commenting and reading each other’s blogs, a community begins to form, and even can lead to friendships in the offline world. It is a wonderful way to share ideas and make connections, and it makes use of the potential of the Internet in a very positive way.
Jude
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Thanks, Jude – I LOVE this little corner of the blogging community! You are right, the sharing of ideas and connections is simply amazing. I did send you an email about guest hosting….you can run…but not hide for long! If you did not receive it, just let me know and I will resend.
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Hi Donna – I love that you have so many people who comment on your posts – it’s really what blogging is all about isn’t it? I had no idea of the connections I’d make along the way – it’s been a joyful discovery. Thanks so much for including me in your Summer Series and I can’t wait to read what the others contribute while you’re sunning yourself somewhere warm 🙂
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Thanks, Leanne – As I just mentioned to someone else, I love this little corner of the blogosphere. The connections have been truly incredible. I believe that bloggers blog for different reasons. I love the writing, but the connections and relationships are what keep me going. There are so many reasons that I decided to create the upcoming series, “Favorite Retirement/Lifestyle” Bloggers. I originally planned it as a weekly summer series…but I may just expand it a bit further. 😀 Stay tuned!
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I love your Summer Series idea Donna and also a huge thank you for being a guest writer for me at Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond. For a while I became too focused on statistics and comparing my blog to others – why did they have more comments than I? What was I doing wrong? So I’ve tried to forget about that and focus on the positives: the connection I have with my readers, the beautiful comments I do receive and making connections and friendships with other bloggers. Looking forward to our continuing friendship. Have a fabulous week!
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Thanks, Sue – I believe that there are a variety of reasons that attract people to blogging…and a variety of different reasons that cause bloggers to continue. I came to blogging for the writing. Although I do love the writing, I remain because of the connections. I agree that letting stats drag us down takes the joy out of blogging. In this case, ‘comparison’ is truly a ‘happiness killer!’
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Donna, what a great idea! Connecting with people is one of the best parts of blogging, and the guest post idea supports you and the guest writers, a true win-win. I’ve loved co-hosting the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParties with you. I support the suggestions you’ve already received. I also love Vikki at http://laugh-lines.net though I’m not sure if she’s one of your commenters. 🙂
~Christie
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Hi, Christine – I haven’t come across Vicki’s blog before. Judging from the title, it sounds like a perfect blog for me to check out. I’m off to do that now! Thank you for the recommendation.
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I’m an introvert but am finally making connections in the blogging world and I’m really enjoying it. So many have intrigued me I don’t know who to choose.
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Hi, Lori – Thanks so much for commenting. I agree that making meaningful connections with other bloggers is incredible.
If you do have any suggestions of your ‘favorite retirement bloggers’, you can name as many as you like. I agree that it would be hard to choose just one!
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Really looking forward to the series Donna. Thanks for co-hosting and sharing with us at #blogginggrandmotherslinkparty. I’ve pinned and shared on social media. Catch you at the link up next month!
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond.
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Thanks, Sue – I’m greatly looking forward to the Summer Series of Favorite Retirement/Lifestyle bloggers as well. I have had such a positive and generous response to this series that I will begin it a bit early. I will post my revise plan tomorrow and list the bloggers that have agreed to contribute so far. Thank you so much for joining in. Please stay tuned!
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What a wonderful idea Donna! I’m just getting to know other bloggers my age and enjoying it so much! One blog that has made me laugh so many times is Laugh Lines by Vikki Claflin.
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Hi, Teresa – You are the second person to recommend Vikki to me. I’m off to check off her blog right now. Thanks so much for this feedback. I appreciate it greatly! Donna
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