Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Motherly Advice...Above all else, be safe...

 
Internet security is a big thing now, isn't it.
 
In 11 years of blogging and contributing to other peoples blogs, I've never once really had an issue.
 
I've had some obnoxious comments, but then really, who hasn't?
 
This blog is linked to a closed group on Facebook, and I know many of you have joined me there.
 
Last weekend, we were hacked (I presume), and received over 4,000 spurious requests to join, mostly from fake profiles.
 
Additionally, my personal profile picture (so not the one linked to here), was shared by someone I do not know, who also sent me a friend request. It was an elderly gentleman of middle Eastern background. Very unsettling.
 
This really upset me.
 
I have no idea with whom my picture was shared, or why, and it's made me reassess my actions both here on the blog and elsewhere.
 
It's only really been in the last two years, that I have relaxed and shared personal photos. Prior to that I was absolutely paranoid. That whole thing, you know, of once you put photos out there, they are there forever.
 
I just didn't like it.
 
But then, uncharacteristically for me, I thought 'well everyone else is doing it and they don't seem to have a problem'. First mistake.
 
I also noticed recently, that when I Google my blog name, instead of lovely crafting pics coming up as 'images', pics of ME were coming up.
 
I only added those in the context of my New You posts, but it was a bit confronting when they all came up  like that. I think I liked it better when my blog pics were all about DIY candles and home cooked meals.
 
And it was a reminder, that in our quest to write engaging content, we may be inadvertently attracting the wrong kind of attention. The internet is so anonymous like that.
 
What frustrates me more than anything, is that I do this for the love of it.
 
I don't make money from my blog, nor do I aspire to.
 
I don't try to sell you anything.
 
I do whatever I can to help, empower and support people.
 
But some days, I'm flat out even getting a comment, when I know that my post has been viewed between 600 and 2,000 times.
 
And now this silly nonsense has come out of nowhere.
 
It's all rattled me a bit. Taken the wind out of my sails, you know? I'm just not feeling the blog love for a minute. I suddenly realise that I have no idea who is reading here, or what their motives may be.
 
So I will be taking a short hiatus from blogging. It might only be a week. It might be a month or more.
 
I have to re-think what I am doing, and why I am doing it. Comments are thinner on the ground, and anonymity is the creepy persons friend. Maybe it's time to find a new writing opportunity.
 
Or maybe I have to use the technology at my disposal to choose who my friends are on the world wide web, the same as I do in my real life.
 
Because really, above all, I have to Be Safe, right?
 
Thanks everyone.
 
...Mimi...
 
 
 

83 comments:

  1. Gosh Mimi I am so sorry this has happened to you! This kind of thing does seem more prevalent. You wanted to know who is reading- I do! I am very much like you- a wife, a mom and a grandmother using my creativity to make the life I want. And after years of thrift we are living the life of our dreams- a Victorian home on 6 acres, camping, and our first trip to Europe this past year. Do take care of yourself and I hope to see you here again. Hugs

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    1. Thankyou Angela. I think it's just robbed me of my well intentioned naivete. I guess that had to happen. I'm so pleased you're living the life of your dreams. I'm not gone. Just recalibrating :0) Mimi xxx

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  2. Dear Mimi,
    How scary. I think we can get comfortable online because we get used to our own little online communities, we visit with our internet friends, and nothing really bad ever happens. I think we forget that what we say or show on here is visible to literally every single person in the whole wide world who wants to take a look, creepy or otherwise. Your blog is one of the few that I check on a regular basis and I thoroughly enjoy reading it, but I understand you taking a break. Be guided by wisdom.
    Love, Kelsey

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    1. Kelsey that's the thing isn't it. We have our little community and we just forget that 'everyone else' is in on our conversations. It's a hard lesson. I'll be back I think. I just have to contemplate in what context. Thankyou. Mimi xxx

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  3. Dear Mimi, How horrible for you to have to go through this. I absolutely love your posts and Annabel's too. Even though I don't comment much, I have followed and appreciated your contributions on Simple Savings for many years and have gained so much from them. You have no idea how much they lift me and inspire me each and every one of them. I am so grateful that you choose to share them freely, so that others may also benefit. I hope that you will continue to blog and I for one will try to leave more comments in future. I dearly hope that you will come back to blogging.
    Best wishes
    Del

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    1. Thankyou Del. It's a wakeup call for sure. I just need to step back for a minute. Stay tuned. Mimi xxx

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  4. Hi Mimi
    I am sorry this intrusion of your privacy has resulted in your hiatus from blogging. I love your posts, your wisdom and take on life. I am guilty of not commenting as much as I probably should, take care. Jo Roberts

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    1. Thankyou Jo. It's a learning curve, especially for those of us who did not grow up with internet security. It's like leaving all of your doors and windows open and letting the neighbourhood hear and see everything you do. You wouldn't do it in real life, yet we all do it on the web :/ Mimi xxx

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  5. Sorry to rèad that, Mimi. I have noticed when I do a post like the one about the modesty panels that I suddenly get thousands of pageviews from a certain country so I am reticient about using certain titles for blog posts. I must admit I did wonder if you would attract unwanted attention when you were showing your new way of dressing so perhaps stick to photos of your meals etc. They are always interesting. There are some strange people around unfortunately so stay safe.

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    1. Chel, yes. I think the wording has a lot to do with it. I'm beyond wary from now on. Thankyou. Mimi xxx

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  6. Mimi,I have been a reader of yours since the early days of SS and feel so disappointed that blogging has reached this stage of ugliness. I often reflect on the friendship, support and inspiration of so many bloggers worldwide who cook, craft, decorate and generally share their lives with us is such genuine ways. You are very wise and considered and will make the right decision after a time of contemplation and I look forward to reading your blog again. In the meantime, be kind to yourself. Deborahx

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    1. Dear Deborah, thankyou for your kind words. I think I am just in the doldrums with blogging for a minute. This has all been a bit of a rude shock to me. I am buoyed by the comments here though, and am slowly formulating a new plan. Thankyou again. Mimi xxx

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  7. Hi, Mimi, so sorry you're having difficulty with the web! I almost never comment, as I dislike having an online presence, having to "register" for anything;I also don't use Facebook. I apologise for not commenting ;I suppose it seemed to me you had a supportive community and didn't need further input! Please know that people don't comment for all sorts of reasons, but really appreciate people like you who put themselves out there. Thank you so much for all the inspiration you have given me! Allison

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    1. Dear Allison, this is an interesting point you raise about having to 'sign in'. I see the inconvenience from your point of view. If nothing else, these comments have given me an insight into WHY readers don't comment. As a prolific commenter myself, and believing that a good post is worth a 'well done' or 'well said' if nothing else, I guess I'd failed to consider that that task is not always as straightforward as it seems. I really appreciate your thoughts. Thanks again. Mimi xxx

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  8. I can understand why you are taking a break, whether temporary or permanent. My oldest daughter has had similar requests to yours on FB.
    I often don't comment because lately I have trouble formulating a response. Look after yourself and your family, your readers are secondary, and should understand.
    Margaret

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    1. Dear Margaret, thankyou for that. I appreciate the additional effort you've made to comment today when I really needed it. I am so grateful. Mimi xxx

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  9. Hi Mimi
    Thank you for an inspiring blog and for sharing your reservations and difficulties at this time. The web is a double edged sword isn't it - great for information and friendly contact and also open to nastiness and the darker side of life. I am not very technical so can't offer advice but staying safe I know should be paramount. I hope your downtime
    Will help you see the way ahead. Kind regards.

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    1. Penny you're so right. A double edged sword is an apt description. Such a wonderful resource for us all, but one that comes at a cost at times. Thankyou so much for your comment today. I needed the support. Mimi xxx

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  10. Mimi it would be scary to face so many people sending messages. I love your blog and read it regularly. I comment when I think I have something to offer. I so hope you find peace of mind and come back to blogging. I love your page here and on FB.

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    1. Dear Jane, it was the most confronting thing I've dealt with since commencing blogging. Just the sudden realisation that all of these people knew ME, but I had no clue who they were. Or at least that is how it appeared. I am just taking time out to breathe and think. Thankyou so much for your kind thoughts. They mean a lot to me at the moment. Mimi xxx

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  11. I only learned in the past six months how awful people can be on the internet. I don’t understand why people have to be that way. I follow blogs like yours that are about doing the best with what we have, appreciating what we have and living more simply, yet even these inoffensive blogs are targeted by hurtful and hateful people. Why? If you don’t like something, stop reading or unfollow. What do people get out of spamming you?

    For what it’s worth, I have enjoyed seeing you reinvent yourself by changing the way you dress and do you hair. You look lovely. I am very sad that you will no longer be able to share such pictures with others to inspire them.

    I don’t comment often on posts because I am in a different place to you and many others on your blog and my ideas of a beautiful home are different to yours, but that does not mean I can’t appreciate things of beauty. Perhaps I underestimate the value of comments to a blogger. I often figure that no one will care whether I comment or not or that what I say the point in making a comment when I do not feel that I have anything to contribute to a conversation.

    Mostly I am really sorry that your enjoyment of blogging has been sullied. Take care.

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    1. Dear Debbie, yes you're right. The thing is that it's so anonymous for those who want to cause harm, or harass in some way. And there are plenty who do exactly that, just for the thrill. I am humbled by the comments in the last 24 hours, and am so touched that my very wonky journey to becoming a new self has been interesting and encouraging for anyone. Sadly I cannot imagine sharing photos of my head again any time soon. That much is for certain. What you say about your reasons for not commenting much are a revelation to me. Again, it's a case of not really understanding where my readers are coming from in a 'life' sense, and your thoughts are helping me to understand this more fully. Thankyou so very much for bothering to comment today. I am thankful beyond measure. Mimi xxx

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  12. I have to say I am saddened this has happened to you and understand your need to step back. I have rarely commented (do I really have anything of value to say?) but do read and have been a subscriber to your blog for quite some time. I have enjoyed your content and your impetus to find 'you' was also my catalyst to find 'me'. Thank you for all you have given. Erica

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    1. Erica, thankyou. I am saddened too. I love blogging and writing and imagining that I am supporting women in realising their full potential in some small way, so this is a blow. As for whether you have anything of value to say...well...of course you do. Feedback is important to us all, and here in Blogland, it's hard to come by sometimes. You can feel as if you're talking to yourself a lot of the time. So yes, any small acknowledgement that my scribblings are helpful or informative, is a wonderful thing for me. Value? Yes. Always. Thanks so much. Mimi xxx

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  13. Dearest Mimi , Im so sad for you , that it's come to this over the last week. Ive really enjoyed your blog and facebook posts , especially the 'New You "ones with photos, you inspired me to pickup my look .And I love the essential oil recipes and do appreciate your generosity in sharing .But I will say that I wariness does hold me back at times and then like you I think ..well everyone else doesnt worry , so I let go a bit. I took my profile photo down last week and checked my security settings. Fortunately I have mine fairly high, and Ive stopped putting as many photos up like I use to. All I was doign was letting my family see what was goign on visually , away or at home. Sad that it has come to this but better now than too late .
    Take time for yourself and dont let a few spoil it for there are many of us who appreciate your input and help over the years . With love and hugs, Maria xxx

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    1. Dear lovely Maria, thankyou too. All of this has just forced me to take off my rose coloured glasses and realise that the internet is a wild and woolly place sometimes. None of us, NONE of us, have any clue who is reading, or why they are reading. It's just a hard lesson. I will take this opportunity for a little sabbatical and maybe do something about that glossy book I want to write. Perhaps that would be useful. Thankyou again. Love, Mimi xxx

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  14. Hi Mimi,
    I am so sorry to hear this has happened. I have loved your blog and during a couple of very tough years, yours and Annabel's blogs really were my happy place to come and visit each week. It really felt like a lovely chat with a friend or Aunt. You deserve all the very best of everything in life and that includes peace of mind and security. For whatever sabbatical you choose take from blogging, please know that your writing brought joy to so many people. Thank you and god bless you and your beautiful family. Love Lisa xo

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    1. Lisa, what a beautiful comment. I am so grateful that you've chosen to leave this note for me today. Sometimes we who try to uplift, also need to be uplifted. That's me at the moment. So thankyou so very much. Love, Mimi xxx

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  15. I am so sorry this happened and can completely understand you feeling creeped out. I have always enjoyed your posts, and always thought “good for you”when you posted your before and afters with clothing choices. I feel quite certain you have encouraged others to rethink their look as a result so I happen that adds a little balance for you. I am not crazy about my photo added to my registered comment, but have always left it so the blogger knows (or believes) that I am a real person. I hope you keep writing, I particularly enjoy the DIY and find it fun when other bloggers reference you; makes it feel like a community

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    1. Dear Denise, this too is a heartening comment for me. I appreciate your honesty about attaching your own photo for commenting. I was like that at the beginning too. Then I became somewhat over-confident and this I think, was my downfall. That's okay. I am a fast learner. Once bitten, twice shy and all that. I will have a slow, thoughtful couple of days, and see how I'm feeling about it all. I've been meaning to write a book since forever, so maybe now is the time. Thankyou again Denise. I really appreciate the feedback. Mimi xxx

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  16. Dear Mimi computers have been part of my life for many, many years (this is what happens when you marry an IT expert). I have noticed many changes over those years and have often discussed things with my husband. There has always been a warning of if you don't want the whole world to know about it don't put it on the internet. I applied the same principal to my face book page - a friend set me up and my security is so high that she can not find me. I don't use FB as others do - I get the weekly specials from certain stores that I like and get to follow along with you and a couple of others who I enjoy but the main reason I have it is so that I can be in contact with our daughter when she travels overseas. I hope that you have a break and find a way to continue doing what you do so well.

    Love

    Lynette XXXX

    PS we are very overdue for a catch up.

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    1. Dear Lynette, I used to have my security settings at the highest level. And then I wanted friends to be able to find me. I mean long lost friends. No more. If they're long and lost, perhaps they should stay that way...lol! Yes, we need a catchup! Mimi xxx

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  17. Hi , Sorry to hear of your internet experience. I don't often comment or follow as I don't feel I could explain as eloquently as yourself.I equate your writing to reading an author that I enjoy, read often and refer to, but I would not write to the author. I would however be reading and awaiting the next book! I enjoy your content and have enjoyed your journey of self discovery, it has certainly given me much food for thought.

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    1. Dear Barb, your comments are ALWAYS worthwhile. What an interesting idea you raise about reading the author, but not writing to them. You flatter me, my lovely. I am just me. A very ordinary lady, doing her best to navigate life and sharing my experiences in the hope they are helpful to someone else. Please...comment away! Mimi xxx

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  18. Although I definitely understand how you feel, I would miss you if you decide to stop writing. When I scroll down and see a post from you it is quickly opened because I know I will find it useful and enjoyable.

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    1. Oh Sandy....how lovely, and you have no idea how good that makes me feel. Thankyou so very much. Mimi xxx

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  19. It's a scary place outside our bubble. I, too, am reluctant to post photos of myself. My day job is quite a hostile workplace and I have been threatened about posting when I briefly share what's going on there.
    I made the decision to continue to blog as I've met lovely people thru this venue. I do enjoy a online place to document my makes. I won't post work content until I'm out ( one fast year!) and I continue to crop heads off photos if I name names.

    Commenting is much harder to do as I need to 'click through' in order to comment. (I come to read yours via bloglovin).
    Sometimes I need a blog break to reassess why and for whom I'm writing for online.

    I enjoy reading what you write about.

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    1. Dear Kathy...yes it IS a bubble isn't it. We community of bloggers imagine we are just that, but of course there's a whole wide world out there, peering in at us. What a rude awakening it is! I take what you say about blogging being a 'venue'. Like any venue, the regulars are gems. But like any, outsiders (for want of a better word), can waltz in any time they like, and cause havoc just because they feel like it. Short of closing the door to our venue and making it 'members only' as I've done on Facebook, there's not much can be done. I appreciate what you say about commenting being difficult, and that makes me all the more warmed by the effort you've made today. Again, thankyou. Mimi xxx

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  20. Hi Mimi I love your blog, I too have enjoyed your posts about renewing your style, your homemaking skills etc. It is dreadful to think of the darker side to the internet, please remember you have empowered so many women with all your knowledge and skills, I too am guilty of not commenting often enough, please take care and hopefully we will hear from you soon, Louise

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    1. Dear Louise, I needed to hear this today. My goal is always to support, and empower, yes, if I can. Thankyou. I will regroup, have a think and a ponder, and maybe come back renewed. We shall see. Love, Mimi xxx

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  21. Hi Mimi~ Wow. It is sooo disheartening to have this happen.

    I'm another of your followers; guilty as charged! for not commenting : ( like I should. [And I too have a blog & love to hear from those who peek in.] But sadly, like some of the other comments here today, I often don't feel I have much of worth to say . . .sigh* But I also attribute it to the fact that I work (my job) full time from my laptop and don't always peek in when I have time to comment.
    Mimi, you have given me some important things to think about.
    #1 Being more careful on the 'Net! - which, when things like this happen it is a stark reminder. but also,
    #2 I have forgotten about how important 'comments' are! esp. to Bloggers like you, who spend hours setting up one post (photo's , editing, etc)
    and we readers can inadvertently become 'takers' and forget to be 'givers' too~ I hope this causes all of us to stop and evaluate~

    I am not on facebook at all, but I do love to visit around in blogland. I've heard there are blogs that you have to "join" and have a password to enter in. What a shame it has come to this.
    I hope you find the right fit and answers for your passions to communicate, help, empower and support.<3 It has often been a great blessing - as well as a lot of fun and common sense!
    Hugs to you, karen o

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    1. Karen, this is all a revelation to me, this idea that my blogging friends thing they have nothing to say. Any little word of encouragement is wonderful, and I'm not fishing for compliments. It's just that some posts are really time consuming and it's so disheartening when nobody then leaves their thoughts, even though you know they've visited. It's like missing a call from a friend, and seeing that they've left no message. It just leaves you wondering, you know? As for blogs you need to 'join', well, I confess this is an option I was considering, but I don't think it will work for me. Your comment solidifies that. I truly thank you for your thoughts today. You have no idea how helpful you've been. Thanks again. Mimi xxx

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  22. Im sorry tbis has happened to you Mimi. I read your blog and find it motivating as I am on a fairly tight budget. I dont why but I rarely comment on any blogs.
    I really enjoy reading your blog.
    Kaye.

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    1. Dear Kaye, thankyou. I so appreciate you taking the time to comment. Mimi xxx

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  23. Mimi, I am definitely not a professional at this stuff but I'm not always sure there's even a person on the other side of the hacking. Does that make sense? I don't know....maybe it's a hacker who just hacks everything but doesn't necessarily look at things. It definitely is unsettling. I did just Google your blog name and only saw one pretty picture of you. All of that to say, please don't stop blogging. I do love your blog and try to comment when I've been here. I always try to comment when I visit another blog because otherwise, it's like peeking in someone's window and that's not nice. All we can really do is try to protect what we have on the internet as much as we can. Hopefully, Facebook is stepping up to protect people more with the recent troubles they've had. We shall see.

    You and I have been blogging about the same amount of time and things have definitely changed. For a brief time I thought I would try to make money with my blog but quickly realized that was no fun!! I just want to connect with others and enjoy my time.

    Read all the comments left here and know that you make a difference for people. For me, I LOVE your posts about insourcing. We all need to make good choices for our families and you have such a healthy, sweet attitude.

    Sending you hugs from Texas!

    Stacey @ Poofing the Pillows

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    1. Stacey, that's interesting what you say about hacking being random and all encompassing. I hadn't thought of it that way and I'm sure you're right. The problem remains, that it's still very upsetting. Perhaps I should see it as a timely reminder that not everyone or everything, is what they appear to be on the web. You're spot on in how much has changed in 11 years. Things everywhere have I guess. And yes, making money from blogging? No thanks! I am a bit burnt out with it all I think. A rest and respite will do me good, and will ultimately benefit you anyway. We shall see. Sending you hugs from Queensland Stacey! Love, Mimi xxx

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  24. Mimi, I must apologize, I too read and do not comment. I have just recently started reading you blog and enjoy it thoroughly. I hope you do continue down the track and I will revise my rudeness about reading blogs and not commenting.

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    1. Thankyou. You haven't been rude one bit. I think it's just a reminder for everyone, me included, that bloggers devote a great deal of time and energy to their posts, and if you visit, you should leave a note to say hi. Even if it is just 'hi, great post, thanks'. I'm guilty too sometimes. Thankyou. Mimi xxx

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  26. Oh dear - can't say I blame you - have a restful break and I will hope and pray that you come back to us. Til then, have a blissful life! Lynda

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    1. Thankyou Lynda. I appreciate the support. Mimi xxx

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  27. Mimi I am very sorry to hear that you are having such a hard time. I read your posts every day. I love reading them (and have read your posts for a number of years when you were previously on SS) but I am careful about commenting in case I inadvertently cause you to be hacked. In one of my FB groups an elderly lady was "hacked" and the end result was seriously hard core porn being sent to everyone she had had contact with (Mostly other elderly ladies). I am not very IT savvy and I would be mortified if I caused this to happen to you or anyone else due to my ignorance.
    I use Mimi recipes regularly (they all have Mimi documented as the source) and I have been inspired to work towards making my home a nicer place and revamping my wardrobe to suit my menopausal figure.
    I would comment frequently if I was more confident in my internet skills.
    Take care of yourself.
    Warmest regards
    Carol

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    1. Dear Carol, please do not think that my thoughts were a criticism of people like yourself, who have supported and uplifted me for many long years. I think what this whole exercise has brought home to me, is where my ideas should be targeted, how I should be sharing them, and what my expectations for interaction should be. From my side, I guess I'm saying that blogging can be a very solitary and lonely pastime without lovely comments, and that's not the reason I started a blog. I love the sense of community that the blogging world offers, and I know that many of you are supporters from way back, so I'd love your input. I cannot continue to write, and devote hours and hours to posts, without encouragement. I am only human. Thanks again Carol for your lovely words. Love, Mimi xxx

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  28. Mimi,

    In our busy lives we so often just forget to say a little thank you to those who share so much with us. I am certainly guilty of doing this to you in not leaving a comment for you and to tell you the truth I have always thought my manners were rather good but your post has told me otherwise and I am so sorry .
    I love your blog and I honestly refer to so many things that you have written about...I would miss you a great deal if you were to stop your abundant sharing.
    Mimi I feel you have guided many ladies over the years and I sincerely hope you can find a safe way to continue .

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    1. bellas_song, thankyou. I guess that's where I'm coming from. If you visit a friend and they're not home, you leave a note (or I would anyway). If you ring and they don't answer, you leave a message. It's disconcerting for me, especially given recent events, to see the traffic, but not know who has visited, or why. I'm so pleased that you've found my blog useful to you in any way, and I suppose that is exactly the kind of feedback I need. How else do I know what to write about next? Thankyou again. Mimi xxx

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  29. Yuck Mimi, how horrible to feel that way when you put so much time, energy and love into your blog. I deleted my facebook page a couple of years ago, thinking I would go back to it, but I have never even been tempted.

    It took me a long time to comment on any blogs, I think yours was the first! And I remember that I binge-read loads of your posts and decided that you seemed like a genuinely nice person who was trying to help people. I still feel the same way having now read for several years :)

    I hope that some 'time off' will help you have some clarity around your next steps. I would love to read a book by you.

    Thank you for all you put into this blog. It is a lovely place to visit.

    Jen in NZ

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    1. Yes Jen. Yuck is exactly right. And I am just a nice person trying to help people, so I'm glad that's the feeling you get. I am hoping a sabbatical will see me newly enthused. Fingers crossed. Mimi xxx

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  30. Dear Mimi, I'm sorry for this happening to you and also for my lack of manners when it comes to commenting.
    Things have been difficult for the last 12mths here in family and life in general and things are slowly improving thanks to blogs like yours and Annabels you uplift us and encourage us to be the best we can.
    All i can say now is thankyou for all you have done for us and hopefully you will be back to us.
    God bless you and your family , best wishes with what you decide. Thankyou again Bevo xx

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    1. Bevo, no lack of manners my lovely. Just me constantly grappling with the vagaries of the internet world. No apology necessary. I'm sorry to hear that you've had a difficult time. It's always my aim to uplift and encourage, and I'm glad to hear I've done that for you. I think just sometimes, I need uplifting and encouraging too. Thankyou so much for taking the time to comment. Love, Mimi xxx

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  31. I hate that so many good things on the internet are targeted by those with evil intentions. Your blog is great and I really like posts about insourcing and also those showing bringing beauty into ones life at a minimal cost. I'm hoping you will find a way to continue writing on A Tray of Bliss.
    Anne

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    1. Thankyou so much Anne. I know that commenting can be inconvenient sometimes, so I really love that people like you, have rallied behind me and shared their thoughts. Love, Mimi xxx

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  32. Hi Mimi, I can understand that blogging feels like a one way street. You are such a giver and so generous with your life skills. You have my admiration and respect. Your blog is a gift to us and just a little more feedback would go a long way for you I know. If I google myself, I can find one photo that was taken about 7 years ago and that's it. You do take a risk by presenting yourself (beautifully in my opinion) on the www. My son put some Youtube videos up of him playing a sport when he was about 12 years old and the bile that came back was beyond belief. It didn't seem to bother him but boy, it was a shock to me. I asked him if he knew the people/person that wrote it and he had no idea and suggested I stop worrying about it. The thing was that it was beyond the pale and therefore he was able to dismiss it more than if it was more cool and calculated which I sure could have potentially caused some distress so yes, you deed need to make sure that you are safe. You need to make sure that your blogging is feeding your soul and not sapping it. You take care of yourself and stay in touch. All the best to you lovely lady. Janiebabe x

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    1. Janie, you are one of my staunchest commenting followers. I know that when I see a long, intelligent comment, that the sign-off is going to be 'Janiebabe'. I feel so sad for your son. The internet and all it's cloak of secrecy and anonymity (if you're the type), encourages spitefulness and nastiness sometimes. I guess I can rise above it more easily than your 12 year old, but even so, it takes time. I like what you say about making sure things are feeding MY soul and not sapping it. I think perhaps that is where I am with my own thinking. As always, thankyou from the bottom of my heart for your thoughts. Love, Mimi xxx

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  33. I love your blog. I am so paranoid about the internet i wont even subscribe to a blog...i just bookmark blogs i like...probably silly. I hate it that you have had such a bad experience. My 94 year old mother gets a phone call daily from a man trying to trick her into giving him her social security number, bank info etc. Such a frightening world. I am being entirely selfish, but please dont quit blogging. i have read your blog for several years but have never commented I will try to do better. Even without style pictures etc., i will always love to read your homemaking/recipe ideas.

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    1. Dear Charlotte, given your own reservations, your comment is all the more precious to me. Thankyou. This thing with your poor Mum and the man ringing her is just frightening, and it shows what some people will stoop to. I am wrestling with what I'm going to do, but believe me when I say that no matter my decision, it will be a well thought out one. Thankyou again Charlotte. Mimi xxx

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  34. So sorry to hear that you have had this experience, Mimi. I have been reading your blog for quite a while but have never had the confidence to leave a comment. You have written so many beautiful and inspiring posts and when I read them it really feels like I am talking to a friend over a cup of tea. I hope that taking a break will bring you some peace of mind and that you will be able to return to blogging again, as your posts are so comforting and encouraging to so many. I hope to see your wonderful blog again soon xx

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    1. Dear Alicia, as I've said to others here, your comment, no matter how brief, tells me that I am doing something worthwhile. Blogging can be a very lonely pursuit, and it's only feedback like yours that keeps me going. I'm glad to have given you the warmth of a good friend over a cup of tea. That's always been my aim. Thankyou again. Mimi xxx

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  35. Hi Mimi, I am another who does not comment much but still enjoy your ideas. I have followed you since the days of the 50cent indulgence posts on SS. I am still at the comfortable stretchy clothing stage, lifting DD into and out of her wheelchair, but look forward to more dressy days. I use an awful lot of your recipes and Mimi’s Honey Mustard Chicken is a firm favourite in our house. Please enjoy your break and hope to “see” you soon. Julie

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    1. Julie, how beautiful to have a comment from the old 50c Indulgences days. That was a fun time. Your time for being 'you' again will come, as it did for me. Meanwhile you do what your daughters needs dictate and I know you love doing it, as I did. It's a moment in our lives that can be difficult, yet rewarding, right? Thankyou for your support. Love, Mimi xxx

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  36. Dear Mimi, I think the world has a lot of nutters. And we do need to be careful and safe. That is first. Beyond that if the evil ones and the nutters have their way all light and loveliness will be extingusihed. So for as long as possible I wont back down the world mpneeds more kindness, encouragement and goodness not less. I do think a day is coming where oir freedoms will be mich less so put it out there now while I can is what I am doing. I hope you feel better soon! Love Annabel.xxx

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    1. Dear Annabel...nutters, yes. I take your comment that if we let them win, then all that is lovely fades. I hadn't thought of it that way. You are wise, as always. A break will do me good. Thankyou for thinking of me. Love, Mimi xxx

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  37. Oh wow, I've just dropped in to see what's happening and can see what has happened. I'm sorry to see that you've had to deal with this all-too-prevalent internet behaviour. You're right to take a step back and re-think how you will post, but don't go away - your posts are way too interesting to just stop!!(I have to admit to being one of those who read and run - sorry!) Chin up, and keep on keeping on! Annette

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    1. Thankyou Annette. I'm feeling marginally better today about it all. I think the solution, sadly, is to remove or at least edit my face out of all of my style photos, and move forward. Otherwise 'they' win, right? Thanks so much for your support. Mimi xxx

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  38. Lots of comments now! Isn't that always the way. Do what you need to, you will be missed.

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    1. Yes Barb. It's been an interesting time. Thankyou. I think I'm feeling more positive. I just have to be more careful about what I'm posting. Mimi xxx

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  39. I'm another non-commenter. I first came across your writing on SS and your threads were always written in such an engaging manner and so optimistic, which was helpful for me as an introverted person who is naturally a bit negative and anxious. Your blog is now one of the few I read. I don't have an online profile (no facebook, etc) and pretty much never comment. Like others, I thought you are admired as part of a big on and off line community and that my comment wouldn't add anything. But I can see that is not fair on you and the time you invest into your blog - I've especially enjoyed your personal style blogs. I hope you keep blogging but will understand if you decide that is not best for you.

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    1. Dear Anonymous SS friend, thankyou. I appreciate what yourself and others have said, and the reasons for not commenting. I also see that now I've raised it, that everyone is very understanding of the fact that bloggers (not just me), need feedback. It's a very lonely pastime otherwise. An author sells their books. A baker sells his bread. I 'sell' nothing, so need some measure of the worthiness of the time invested here. Thankyou so much for understanding. And thankyou for being such a loyal (if silent) supporter. And thankyou even moreso, for coming out of hiding to 'speak' to me. I appreciate it so much. Mimi xxx

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  40. I'm probably guilty of this, Mimi. I love, love, love your blog, but I am a bit internet shy and so I don't usually comment. I don't want you to underestimate the effect you have on people, Mimi. Your generosity of spirit and willingness to share your wisdom and experiences have definitely had an effect on me. I find your posts uplifting and inspiring, they give me a burst of energy and excitement for the possibilities of my life and home. Thank you so much. Enjoy your hiatus, may it be restful and renewing, and when you are ready, I will be waiting excitedly for your next post. Love Veronica

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    1. Dear Veronica, I can't tell you what this outpouring of support has done for me. I'm still feeling very anxious about recent events, and even now as I sit here typing, I have a knot in my stomach...a bit like a Pavlovs Dog reaction I think. I am hoping this will pass, and I will be ever so much more careful about what I post in future. It's been a hard lesson, but I'm a fast learner. I am so flattered and humbled by your comment, and so very thankful that you bothered to share your thoughts today. Thankyou so much. Mimi xxx

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  41. Hello Mimi, how sad. That would have been awful. Take the break you need. Do whatever is right for you, because you (and Annabel) are givers of the world...and it is important to give back to yourself and take time out too. I'm sorry I don't post much on here. It took me a long time to write on a blog, I just felt not very confident to do so; like I didn't have any worthwhile contributions. You write so well! Lots of love, Bridge

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    1. Dear, lovely Bridge, as I've said to others, we 'givers' of the world as you so beautifully coined it, also need to be given to sometimes. I value each and every comment here, and think of many of you as my friends, sometimes more than my real life friends, because we have a bond over common interests. Please don't every think that your comments are not of value. Everyone has something meaningful to contribute even if it's just 'thankyou...I needed that today'...because some days, I need that too. Thankyou so much. Love Mimi xxx

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  42. Dear Mimi,
    My heart aches and I am also angry about your circumstance. Being in the thick of motherhood I use my treadmill time to check mail and read blogs. I have tried before to comment while using the treadmill, but I am not quite coordinated enough to do so without needing a hospital visit! All this to say that I have read and loved every post. Your wisdom and encouragement has blessed my life. I am so very sorry and I hope you can find a way to continue when you are ready.
    Sending love from America,
    Marybeth

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  43. I know this if off topic but I'm looking into starting my own weblog and was curious what all
    is needed to get setup? I'm assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
    I'm not very web smart so I'm not 100% sure. Any recommendations or advice
    would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks

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I love hearing from you! I always respond to comments, so don't be shy! Mimi xxx