This blog post is a response to those of you who have asked where I’ve been since I haven’t been blogging for a while. My ex and I have been busy selling our house (which sold on August 14th; the new buyers take possession on August 31st), trying to find a job, and I’ve been working on adding graphics to my Etsy shop in my spare time. To be honest, I’m an “all or nothing” person and because I couldn’t keep up with one blog post a day, I felt like a failure as a blogger and briefly entertained the idea of closing the blog altogether. I have, however, decided to keep my blog open and continue blogging, even though it won’t be on a daily basis.
Julie is a vintage enthusiast and a Photoshop addict who collects old books and new recipes.
Contact her at: theolddesignshop(at) gmail(dot)com
I really enjoy your blog and the old fashioned pictures. Just blog when you have time. I understand the all or nothing conundrum, but be easier on yourself! We all know life happens. Just know that I, for one, enjoy the emails and posts as they come through. All the best to you!
Oh please don’t shut down the blog! It’s okay to take a break, and post when the urge hits you. We will all still be here! I have loved all your freebie offerings and use so much of it in my art, I would gladly wait for new posts 🙂
Glad to know everything is okay with you. Don’t worry about blogging – just post when you can. Sometimes life gets in the way of blogging. I’ve taken a blog break myself this summer – I completely lost my mojo – but I’m easing my way back into it. Wishing you all the best! Congrats on selling the house!
Julie, thank you for all you have done. I have enjoyed your blog and vintage images so very much. Daily posts take up a huge amount of time. I have thought about doing the same thing with mine. Sometimes the time spent on the Internet takes away from the important things around you. You make the decisions that are best for YOU–and please know that all your effort and time spent on your website have been appreciated.
Shirley
I actually thought my computer started sorting you as spam, but didn’t see that so I resigned up for the newsletter. I totally understand life gets in the way good or bad and must be dealt. I am still working at getting through the last 3 months myself. We will all still be followers regardless of how many posts you do. Prayers with you!
I hope you continue. even if it’s not daily, I still enjoy it. thanks and I hope you get settled and back to what you enjoy.
I agree with everyone. Do not stress yourself out over blogging every single day, but instead blog when you have something to say. I wish you the best in your job search and all your endeavors. Love your work.
Sounds as though you have a lot on your plate. I do enjoy your blogs but I would prefer once a week or once every two weeks or even once a month.
I hope things work out for you.
Whatever you can manage will be better than nothing, by a big margin. Please don’t lose faith. Things will always work out.
regards, Terry Shapland, UK.
Thinking of you. You are not a failure. Sometimes life just gets in the way. Good luck on finding a job and getting your life back together. Edwina Brown
So glad you decided to continue the blog. I have enjoyed browsing through and using your vintage graphics. I would certainly miss them if they disappeared! Once a week, once a month, three times a year. The number of entries doesn’t matter! We just love your graphics!
Yes, please continue even if it is just a couple times a month. Life is busy, we understand. Thanks for the update.
Keeping you in my thoughts, good to see you post today. Hope that you will find a job soon. Don’t ever feel like a failure blogger, life happens, people understand. Shoot I haven’t posted on my blog in over a year, lol..And honestly just use it now as my internet recipe box (grin)
Many of us have enjoyede using your images for our art so thank-you for that! However often you can post even once per month would be great to see as we enjoy reading your blog as well as seeing the images.
I had messaged you on face book with photos of your images I graphic designed and put on a custom ordered purse for a client. When you have time plse look at my message, I wanted to thank-you!
Hope to talk with you soon, take care.
You given all of your blog watchers a great gift of time and hard work for quite a while. I thank you so much for your blog. I hope your situation improves greatly and soon and wish you much success. Will look forward to seeing whatever you come up with in the future.
All the best,
Lisa Sherman
I too had wondered where you’ve been! I totally understand “life” and being busy and would be totally happy with a blog post from you whenever you have the time or feel the urge to share. I love all of your graphics and one of your posts in my inbox reminds me to (again) go look at your Etsy shop! A blog should not stress us out and make us feel like we HAVE to post on it. I follow some blogs just so I can be reminded (even if not that often)n) that it’s one that I enjoy and want to remember. Even a post coming in once a month or so is pure delight! Good luck in your job search and hope you do continue with your blog, even if “whenever” you can or feel like it.
It always brings a smile to my face when I see “olddesignshop.com” in my inbox! I will pray for God’s guidance and blessing for you and your family as you traverse this season of great change. Just know that whenever you can post, no matter how infrequently, I will be waiting to once again enjoy the treasures you share!
Bless your heart! Blog when you can to keep in touch – we’re not going anywhere and will be here for you when you want to share. Prayers heading your way. Hugs and blessings
i have missed my old pics from you, but was so glad to hear from you again – I would enjoy hearing from you and reading your blogs whenever you make the time – don’t be so hard on yourself – take it easy – will look forward to hearing from you …
And that is o.k Ms. Julie. You have alit on your plate, so take care of yourself first. The red3sign of your blog is great. Share when you can, it is a tremendous you give to us. We can spport in return. Take care…pfenix.
Just aim for one a week or one a month to start. You should be able to handle that. Don’t overwhelm yourself with everything you need to do. I love your finds. I am thinking about going through them and picking out some to make into line art for coloring books that I am creating. I will let you see one once I finish it. If you click my link, you will be able to see one I created with public domain images.
I truly hope everything works out for you. Most of us are busy and we have signed up for your blog posts but don’t need one every day… whenever you have something to share, we’ll see it.
Be strong, Julie, life will get easier and better!
I enjoy your blog very much as you know I love the images and turn them into cards. I have two blogs a writing one and a gardening one and I don’t blog more than once a week, so don’t feel you have to do so, instead just blog when you enjoy doing so and we’ll enjoying reading what you post as and when you feel like it. ^_^
Hi Julie,
I have been wondering where you were lately and my heart goes out to you. Been missing you and can’t wait to hear from you again but understand what you are going through so whenever you have something to share it will be a pleasure and delight as always. Looking forward and remember life is good even when there are tears.
Sincerely,
Your friend,
Harriet
Thank you for letting us know I do miss your blog. Will be happy to hear from you in whatever time frame works for you. Love what you post.
You are the best in the ways you care,
Most appreciated every time you share.
An offered hand gets you in the door,
Proven skills for those who hire more.
We all have magic individual ways,
To make the best of all our days.
Each holds a torch and hardy spark,
And heart to light the darkest dark.
~ D. S. Jackson
So glad to see you are all right! I, myself, have not been online a whole lot lately. Just barely glancing at my feed, so no wonder it took me so long to miss you. I am glad your house sold. That is a huge deal off your mind. I agree with everyone else – take your time, blog when the urge hits. We love your posts no matter when they come. We can always catch up, too. I hope and pray you will settle down to the best life and know you have a lot of friends our here in cyberspace.
Thank you to each of you for the understanding, encouragement and excellent suggestions! It’s great to have the feedback and nice to know that you will continue to enjoy the vintage images, even if they are not coming in on a daily basis. ♥
Linda, I don’t see a FB message from you.
Marilyn Southmayd, the coloring book is adorable.
D.S. Jackson, that is a lovely poem.
Thank you Julie J. Friends inspire friends…
Julie, e-mailed you the pics 🙂
I really love your blog posts. Even if they don’t come every day, PLEASE send them occasionally. They remind me to come and buy new graphics off you for my website. 🙂
Please continue…at least occasionally. I truly love your graphics. Just blog when you can and I’ll enjoy reading what you post!
Good to hear from you. We are all busy: frankly I don’t know how anyone can blog EVERY day. I am new to this, but wanted to say, I have been enjoying your blog. I will send some photos at some point.
Keep up the good work, and best wishes to you with all your life changes. Donna
So glad to see you are back. Hoping your life settles down soon. I really missed your emails. Thanks for all the effort you put into them
Good to hear from you. First of all I wish you a new bright and successful beginning of your life. Continue to present us with your blog even if not daily. Who like your blog, like always, even if the frequency is not the same.
In Portugal we say, “Muita saúde” (a lot of health)
Hi Julie , ones a week , ones a month it will be ok for us – just don’t leave us ! If you need a break , do the break ! I have stopped creating kits for summer I needed to do something different . I have started to do patchwork denim quilt , I have tons of old jeans and always wanted to have something like that. I have no idea about sewing but I will learn 🙂 I am not rushing myself just having fun with cutting my jeans 🙂 You should do the same , think about something you’ve always wanted to do or learn but never have time for it. Now its the best time , do something just for yourself , just for pure joy . Good luck ! Hugs !
Thank you to each of you for your kind comments. You’re all just awesome!
My husband and I separated 18 months ago so we’ve both had time to adjust to our new lives and we are now taking the steps to divide our assets and finalize our divorce as part of moving on. Although there is some sadness as we proceed, there has been much healing with the time that has passed and I have a positive outlook for my future. I also wish him a peaceful and happy life.
Linda, I enjoyed seeing the photos of your lovely purses.
Donna, I look forward to seeing the photos.
Lena, I like that, “Muita saúde”.
Anna, your new project of making quilts sounds like a ton of fun! Returning to work will be my “something different”. 🙂
Julie
You’ve inspired me to start posting on one of my sites again. I too was disappointed that I no longer posted daily. But hey, even if it’s a post a week, people still enjoy it.
I enjoy the images you post… Thank you 🙂
I’m happy to hear that Beth! You have some beautiful photographs on your site.
It’s great to hear that you’re enjoying the vintage images. 🙂
Hi Julie – Wishing you a glorious Holiday season and I wanted to Thank you, tell you how much I look forward to getting your posts and all the sharing – efforts you do for all of us out here in cyber world. Failure? Hardly girlfriend – Wonder women is more like it. You make a difference to me with every post. Turned me onto the beauty of vintage artwork with your kind and generous posts. Just letting you know how much you are valued and I am sure I speak for many – Hugs – OOO – Echo
Aww – that’s such a nice message Echo. Thank you. I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I’m delighted to know that you’re enjoying the vintage artwork. Hugs. ♥