Maybe not the best idea sometimes, thinking out loud. But I think I should be able to keep it clean 
I want to thank everyone who responded when I sent out a call for advice regarding where I am going with this blog. I asked a bunch of questions, and got lots of helpful replies. I appreciate each and every response, and it was very helpful. At the end of it all I now feel more confident of what I want to do.
Firstly, I am staying right here on WordPress dot com. One of the main reasons is that I really love the Reader, and I want to stay a part of that. I also cannot justify paying for self hosting a site when this blog exists solely for my pleasure, enjoyment, and social interaction. I have also decided against monetizing the blog, as I prefer to keep it for personal use, and will be looking to streamline the appearance even further, so as to de-clutter it.
I have decided to concentrate on writing. This means articles which I plan on submitting to various online sites and magazines, and I also want to concentrate on the novel I have started. It has changed track, as the story I was working on felt like I was pushing uphill. I then had a massive lightbulb moment regarding the plot, and I have just about started from the beginning again. I am finding that my head is bubbling over with ideas, so this feels much better.
Does anyone else think in “blog”?
I had been on a roll in the kitchen lately, cooking and photographing up a storm, and sharing it all to my food blog. So I guess it was inevitable that I would hit a brick wall. I am still cooking (obviously), but it has somehow all ended up being either a bit boring and not worth sharing, or not photo worthy. I made the most amazing osso bucco the other night, and took photos all the way through, and then for the life of me I couldn’t get the money shot. It just looked like a mess no matter which way I turned the plate or which camera setting I used. So I still haven’t uploaded it. Hubby and I also made polenta chips last night. I have all the photos, everything we did, but I don’t know if I will make it again as it was very time consuming. I also don’t know if anyone else would be interested in making chips that take so long. So do I share it?
Speaking of food, I really think it’s time to say farewell to sugar once and for all. I tried a lemon detox last year which was a disaster, but my digestive issues have returned in full force of late. Constant bloating no matter how much I eat or don’t eat, and a general feeling of discomfort, tiredness, and a massive afternoon energy slump. Now I should add that I have become a lolly junkie of late, with snakes and fruit jubes being consumed in scary quantities. And I know it’s not good. I also think I need to have another break from carbs and starches, and go back to the lean protein and vegies that I know make me feel healthier, stronger, and lighter. Yeah, I know all about what I have to do. I just need to do it.
I have also been slightly worried by the amount of SomeECards I find on Pinterest that I love and relate to. They almost invariably involve swearing.
Finally, I have been feeling quite down lately, just really feeling like I was struggling with everything a bit. And I have come to rely on some of the friends I have made through blogging. I love the support, the conversations, and the sharing. So a big thanks, and a hug to some of you special ladies. You know who you are 
See you all round the blogosphere,
Ana. xxx
I love the Reader too and it would be one of the major factors in keeping me on WordPress if I were thinking of moving to another site. I’m glad you’re staying! And it’s great that your writing has gotten a kick in another direction if the other wasn’t working so well.
Thanks Valerie. And the writing feels good. X.
As always, I love your honesty, don’t ever stop think out loud.
I think that you’re so wise to concentrate on your writing. You write really well. I’ve become extremely tired of all these blogs who are constantly spruiking some random product. It’s grating on me. I hate to see otherwise brilliant writers stooping to this level.
I read this fantastic blog post a few days ago http://www.rrsahm.com/2013/03/the-pursuit-of-happyness/
The writer pretty much has an epiphany and promises not to do these sick sort of bloggy promotions unless she really truly would recommend a product. Also apparently one of the biggest Aussie bloggers out there, Edenland, has left “The Remarkables” agency because she’s over it all too.
If you persist at working hard at your writing, people will begin to notice and soon you will be very highly sought after for your work. I truly believe this. Just be yourself and you will find a market.
I can also relate with the food blogging aspect of this post. Strangely enough, I’m pretty sure that I also cooked an osso bucco once, photographing everything, then just not being able to make it look nice at the end and just abandoning the idea. Such a shame, it was probably the best osso bucco I’d ever made. It’s happened to me so many times. The problem with feeding your family the things you want to blog about is that it’s really hard to get a good ‘money shot’ when there is pressure to put dinner on the table.
Anyway, good luck with the writing. I for one really enjoy all your blog posts!
Thanks Kristy,
It’s interesting that Eden Riley has left the agency, she is one of the biggest names in blogging.
I do want to focus on the writing, I think that the blog is best saved for personal use. It’s what I am most comfortable with, and I don’t honestly want to turn it into a commodity.
And I’m glad I’m not the only one with the “osso bucco problem”, lol. Funny how the tastiest things just don’t look pretty.
Always good to hear from you. X
I am so glad you’re not monetising, if I can be totally honest. The writing is just never the same – you seem to be all about frankness and I think that great aspect of your blog would inevitably be lost if you took that path. I enjoy you not being about making money. They are the blogs that speak to me, and I’ve been reading blogs for years…
I look forward to the day when I have time to whip up polenta chips. They have my name on them. Yuuuum!
Xx mrs P23
Thank you very much Mrs P23! I am really happy with the decision too, it’s always been a personal thing for me, blogging. Makes sense to keep it that way.
And give the polenta chips a try, they are sooo good
Thanks for commenting. X.