Last week was a much-needed break from blogging. I have to admit, I did not miss it, which puts me in a tricky mindset. I’ve been blogging regularly for so many years, it has become just one of the things I do on a daily basis, like brushing my teeth, doing the dishes, driving many children to and from school (ha, ha!)…
Some days I don’t have much to say. Some days I don’t feel inspired. And of course most days I’m so busy living actual life, life that does not include taking pictures and thinking and preparing for what might make an interesting post, that it just doesn’t sound like fun to sit down and plan out blog posts. I’d rather be outside on the front steps talking to neighbors, or sitting in the front yard while our children run in-between houses. I’d rather be out in the garden, tending to new plants that have suddenly sprouted, or gathered around a fire pit listening to the songbirds in our neighborhood, laughing about this or that or whatever happened the other day. There’s so much that goes on in real life that doesn’t need documenting, that deserves my full attention, that makes my life richer.
I know this feeling waxes and wanes, especially with the change of seasons. I have felt this way before, and often it just means I need a break. A vacation, new scenery, the ability to feel inspired by what is surrounding me and then fine tune that feeling into a series of blog posts… it will come. Taking last week off, I also reflected on why I work so hard to produce this blog. It’s something I know a lot of long-term bloggers struggle with, because balance is crucial, and for those of us who value tech-free time, that balance can be difficult to maintain while still remaining true to what you value. Because blogging takes a lot of work; it’s time-consuming! And hours of editing photos and writing posts take time away from that real life. I’m not sure what the long-term answer is. It’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about and have yet to figure out.
I have a few things lined up this week that I hope will inspire you, touch you, or otherwise reach you. Because yes, this blog is about my family, but it’s also about you, the reader. It’s about an online community that I value, even if I don’t get to respond to comments (there’s that balance part I’m referring to) or hear from all of you, even if I never get to meet you or learn what you believe in, what inspires you, what makes you happy. 
If there’s one thing that brings me back, it’s you. Whoever you are, out there. Thank you for reading, thank you for coming back.
Lauren I look forward to reading your blog each week. I love seeing the photographs of your children, your home and garden but I also love the book recommendations, the recipes, the music and, whilst it is not my style, I love your outfits too. I suspect I’m one of many readers who rarely comment but would miss you if you disappeared. Laura x
Lauren, I thoroughly enjoy your blog!! It is inspiring and meaningful to me. I find the posts interesting, varied and with great tips and recommendations, from parenting to recipes, and more! I can often relate to what you are saying when you talk about family and mothering, and since I have young kids just like you, I feel your posts are very relevant to me. I make a lot of your great recipes and have gotten some awesome ideas from you. Thanks for all the time and effort you spend on this!
Reading your blog is always one of the highlights of my morning! Your posts are truly inspirational – in terms of something as simple as fashion, to something as creative as art or photography, to something as complex as family and love and brotherhood. You move me regularly. Just puttin’ that out there. 🙂
Thank you! It is so good to read those words this morning! I appreciate you checking in here!
You are truly one of the best bloggers out there, and if you feel the need to take a sabbatical to refresh, I think that is a great idea! I think we all need that once in a while….
Lauren,
I’ve been reading your blog for a few years and love your perspective on life: on topics as varied as friendship, children, motherhood (though I am not a mom), womanhood, simplifying (or trying to), cooking, eating, reading, gardening, and music. Thank you for sharing, brightening my day, and expanding my world a bit. I am officially a fan of Kishi Bashi because of you!
I am truly excited when a new post of yours pops up in my feed. Our children are close in age and I enjoy reading your reflections about parenting. I’ve even tried out some of the recipes you’ve shared! Because of your photography, I am planning a visit to St Louis with my family. All that to say I really appreciate your blog and it brings me a lot of joy. Thank you, Lauren!
Thank you so much, all of you! We all need a little encouragement sometimes. And Carol, please let me know if there are any specific recommendations you’d like for your visit! When are you coming?
Still here! I think about things you have written all the time. Everything from barefoot kids to Sally Mann to slacklining to circus to . . . it goes on and on. I often feel like I don’t pull my weight when I go without commenting for a while. But I’m reading along daily thinking that at least you may notice an extra click in your stats. Rock on.
Good, Adah! I’m so glad you’re still here! That makes me so happy!
Thank you for
Taking the time to share your life with us. I love reading your blog!
Echoing what many have already said: I very much enjoy your blog. In fact, I missed it last week! You have a unique voice among the other blogs I visit daily and I appreciate your perspective. I love your reading reviews, thoughts on parenting and child development and your daily musings and considerations. Though I am not yet a mom, you have planted the seed of Montessori and it is definitely something I will look into when that time comes. I admire you for putting your voice out there – it is definitely heard!
All those unique readers is really major! While I’m sure you network with other successful bloggers aren’t there blogging retreats and conferences etc that seek to connect people like yourself for circumstances just like this? Ennui, dry spells, streamlining ideas…I feel like Alt Summit is the creme de la creme: http://www.altitudesummit.com/
A thought. It may put some more fuel in your tank.
Thank you, Rosie! I just did an inner squeal about your comment about Montessori. I’m secretly trying to convert the entire world!
And Maggie, yes, I think I do need a fresh perspective. As weird as it sounds, blogging can be lonely. Though, when there’s a bit of a dialogue, it isn’t. I’ll check out Alt Summit. Thanks, love!
I hear you! It can be good to take a break. But I’m happy you aren’t going anywhere! Love your voice and photos of sweet kids!
I find this to be a common feeling – I’ve been blogging for nine years this summer. It’s a long time. I used to post more regularly, but as my kids have grown and we’ve gotten busier, I post less frequently. It’s nice to take a break from it occasionally, but I find that I’m really sad when I step away too long. It’s a good outlet for me, but more than that – I adore the community. I know I have a lot of readers, but there’s something really special about those that actually take the time to leave a comment – even occasionally. (I try to do the same on a regular basis on my favorite blogs as well.) I can’t even keep track of how many real life friends I’ve met through my blog. And now I consider a few of your regular readers friends as well – they’ve started reading my blog because of yours. So thank you.
You have a great community here, and it feels like a pretty safe place to discuss things – even some of the harder topics. And your photographs are so lovely. It’s also fun for me to see a house full of boys, since ours is full of girls!
I’m guessing you’ll continue to grapple with this as the boys get older. But then the balance might shift away from family photos to other things. Or not. I actually think there’s sort of a blank spot in blogging when it comes to preteen / teenage years. I’m currently thinking about how to write more about those years while still respecting my daughters’ privacy. Blogs with adorably photogenic children are everywhere – I’m in a place where I love to connect with other parents raising big kids. Because honestly, age twelve might be my favorite age ever – and I’m looking forward to the teens so much.
Thanks for the continued effort. Anyone who blogs knows that it’s a time consuming practice, and can see and understand the love and commitment you put into it.
I love reading your blog! it’s so, so sweet. I used to live in STL (I now live in Boston) and it’s cool to see it from your eyes/through your camera lens. STL was hard on me and sometimes I read your blog and am reminded of all the good parts.
Best,
Maya
P.S
I also have a blog if you’re interested! it’s mostly my poetry.
http://mayawren.blogspot.com
Thanks, Maya! I am sorry St. Louis was hard on you. I think it’s a city that takes time, and finding the right people. I checked out your blog and it is lovely! Your poetry is beautiful. Thank you so much for saying hello!
Hi Lauren – I’d love any recommendations you and your friends would have to share. My kids are 8 and 4, and I cannot wait to experience the City Museum with them and my husband. I’m also excited about Citygarden and the St Louis Zoo. We haven’t settled on a date yet, but I’m aiming for the middle/end of June. Thanks!!
Carol, sounds great! They will love all of those places, just be warned, the City Museum is a little overwhelming so I would recommend doing it on a week day. Also, if you’re looking for good places to eat with the kids, I recommend Bailey’s Range (a burger place with homemade ice cream, they also have amazing veggie burgers if you’re vegetarian):
http://baileysrange.com
Or Pasteria, which is near where we live, but it may be a bit of a drive if you’re staying in the city:
http://pastariastl.com
Rooster on South Grand is really good, and they also have a downtown location on Locust St:
http://roosterstl.com
I hope you have an amazing time here! We sure do love it.
Kristin,
Thank you! I agree, those few commenters can become good friends. I love watching others’ lives unfold from afar. It feels like I am right there with them. Thank you for keeping the dialogue going!
I love this and identify so much. I am so glad you are still here, sharing and telling your story. I am deeply inspired by your view on life! Here’s a heck of a lot love to you lady!
Thanks so much for the recommendations! I think we’ll have a blast!!
I love your blog but really love your newspaper stories about nurture a love of nature in your kids. I wrote an illustrated/rhyming children’s book about me, my grandson, and my dog playing in our tree house. He learned how to solve problems by playing with leaves. You break it into smaller pieces and you can solve it. The book is “Sylar and the Sycamore Leaves”. There is a Facebook page with that name and it is on Amazon, Books-a-Million, and Barnes and Noble. Your story validates our outdoor playtime and the story is true. Thanks.
Thank you, Don! I’ll be sure to check it out!