Patchwork Times by Judy Laquidara logo

Why Do You Do It?

If you don’t want to leave a comment here, please email me and be brutally honest but don’t be mean, ok?

(1)  Why do you read my blog?

I know some want more quilting, some want more recipes, some want more Chad/Vince/Speck stories.  Really, folks . . I write about what’s going on in my life.  Lately, quilting just hasn’t been happening so much.  I don’t report on here much about when I’m gone but lately, I’ve been gone more than I’m home.  And, when I’m home, I’ve been trying to put up fruit and veggies.  I will get back to quilting . . when I have time.  Not to sound harsh but I blog about what I do . . I don’t do what I do so I can blog about it.  Make sense?

I’ve been reading a lot about why some blog and why they post what they post.  I had no idea there were so many regular women who blog for so many different reasons.  I read lots of blogs, though I rarely take the time to leave comments (bad Judy!) and it seems that all the blogs I read are normal folks blogging about what they do all day; wives and moms who are keeping a household running smoothly, cooking creative meals and trying to keep the food costs down, quilters, gardeners, chicken owners.

So many of the “serious” bloggers talk about politics, business, finance, etc.  Am I shallow?  Do I have my head buried in the sand?  I’ve quit watching the news and what I want to read when I’m reading blogs is stuff that makes me smile; stuff that makes me want to hug the writer and say “thanks” or “good for you!”, stuff that motivates me . . makes me want to sew or try a new recipe or plant an herb garden.  Maybe it’s because I’m getting older . . I want to be around happy people.  I don’t want to read a blog or a web page or a newspaper that aggravates me.

When I first started blogging in 2004, it was totally like a personal journal; without a target audience in mind; without regard to popularity or approval of any who may read the blog.   That’s still the direction I want my blog to go.  I’m happy for each and every reader I have but as I’ve said before, if I had no readers, I’d still blog.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone back and found info I needed.  When did we buy Chad’s tires?  When did we buy my tires?  Where did we stay in Louisville? Everything I need to know (almost) is on my blog!

(2)  If you blog, why do you do it?  Do you blog with a specific audience in mind or is your blog more of a diary of your life?

Thanks for answering my questions.  I’ve just been thinking about this a lot . . maybe for 5 minutes last night!  🙂

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I read your blog because it’s interesting and it was one of the very first blogs I found when I first started blogging. I don’t comment as much as I should.

    I blog because it connects me with like-minded people with similar interests. Blogging has provided me with a community that has helped make living in a foreign (to me) country much easier. There is always a friend at the end of the keyboard.

    Please forgive any typos that have
    slipped through, the toddler is helping me type.

  2. “what I want to read when I’m reading blogs is stuff that makes me smile; stuff that makes me want to hug the writer and say “thanks” or “good for you!”, stuff that motivates me”

    And that’s why I read your blog. Keep on keeping on. I like to read what you like to write, whatever that might be.

    My blog (when it happens) is mostly about our travels in our RV, some about quilting, some random-thought essays, some memes or dumb internet tests if they strike my fancy. The audience I have in mind is mostly my friends in DC, who I don’t talk to as often as I’d like.

  3. OMG. Not again? I’m with Ruth and Linda C. I read your blog because I enjoy it. It’s entertaining, informative, funny, and makes me smile. I look forward to reading your blog each day no matter what the subject. I have not interest in blogging. Thanks again for sharing with us. Keep blogging!

  4. Ditto to the above. Your blog puts a smile on my face no matter what the topic. It’s one of the first things I read in the morning to start my day.
    I don’t blog although I’ve been toying with the idea – mainly as a journal for family & friends.
    Keep on keeping on…..

  5. Judy, your blog is a great homesickness cure for me (I’m a Southeast Texas girl living a long way from home). You are just the sort of happy and interesting person that I would choose for a friend if I lived in America. I love your quilting, your cooking, your chicken adventures, and your family life.

    My blog is just a creative hobby and a way to keep track of what I am sewing or want to sew. I’ve also met some lovely online friends through blogging.

    Thanks for being there. I read your blog first thing every morning, and I miss you when you’re gone!

  6. I read a lot of quilters blogs, and if they spend a lot of time talking about their everyday life instead of quilting I usually delete them from Reader. Yours is the exception — no matter what you chat about I enjoy your attitude and style of writing. I’m sure I’ll continue lurking as long as you continue blogging.

    • Judy, Not a blogger here…just a blog reader and occasionally make a comment…but, if I wrote a blog I would want it to be just like yours! We are quite a bit alike…proud mother (however, I am also a VERY proud grandma and can hardly wait until that happens for you!), trying-to-be-nice wife, quilter with a messy sewing room who intends to clean and organize one day, canner, freezer, have 2 truly spoiled dachshunds, don’t like to leave home much, frequent the Amish stores, and LOVE chickens (but don’t have any now). Hey, wait…are you writing my blog? Sorry, guess not as you get so much more done than I do like all the homemade bread and goodies, writing a book, and you can run EQ whereas I just get frustrated. Through the years, I’ve learned a lot and laughed a lot. There is news everywhere 24/7 and not a lot good…I read your blog for a slice of down-home, common sense life. Truly appreciate you and the variety of snippets you share.

  7. Yours was one of the first quilting blogs I found when I started blogging. I loved looking at your quilts…they inspired me to do better on my own. I love reading about your every day stuff…whether it be about Vince…or chickens…or Chad. I’ve also loved when we have written back and forth over a post.
    I started blogging as a way for my family to see what we were doing while in Korea and they were in the States. It morphed into something a little more then that. Bloggers are some of the best people! You my friend are at the top of my list.
    hugs!
    dawn

  8. Judy,

    I read your blog because you are so real and honest…….and it makes me smile
    Thanks for giving us just what we need in our world a little bit of sunshine.

  9. I love blogs about everyday stuff,what people do that makes them happy. Yours is perfect for that and my first each morning. You start my day just right.

    Keep up your lovely blog.

    : )

  10. Why do I read your blog. You live on the other side of th world and I find the glimpses into your life fascinating. If it was just about quilting I don’t think I’d still be here.

    Why do I blog – not sure. Will have to think some more on that.

  11. I don’t blog but I do enjoy reading other’s blogs. I stumbled across yours sometime ago through a quilting thread as this is my main interest but I enjoy reading all the other topics you post about too. Its interesting to read about life in another country (I’m in the UK) and agree with the others who say they want to read stuff that makes them smile.

    I don’t comment very often but this doesn’t mean I am not enjoying what you write about.

  12. I look forward to your blog every morning and now so does Roger. He loves the chicken stories and since he is an engineer and we have one son near Chad’s age, we can’t help getting a chuckle over the similarities that pop up from time to time. I suspect we agree on most political issues but I’ve found that you really can’t express yourself freely on blogs anymore and so I think that politics probably is best left off them. There is a certain element that is just waiting to be extra unpleasant about that and it really spoils the fun of blogging.
    I love seeing what you, and your family are up to and you always make us smile….a lot. I don’t care what you write about-just write!
    Your quilts are beautiful and you’re generous with patterns and help. That’s a lovely thing to look forward to. Thank you.

  13. Yes, it’s 4:30 in the MORNING! I’m never up this early. Never! But I couldn’t get back to sleep, so here I am.
    Why do I read your blog? The quilting content snared me to begin with. Mostly, that is what I look for on blogs. However, as you shared your life, your thoughts, your questions, your joys….. in short, as I got to know you, the quilting became only a piece, not the whole. I tend to think of you now as a friend who also happens to quilt, not so much as a quilter who blogs.
    Too, your outlook/sense of humor toward life and your writing skills in presenting your life’s stories take the reader right into your life, even more so than being a next door neighbor.
    I’ve tried your recipes, your ideas, your ways of doing things, your patterns and enjoyed having a new friend in my life.
    The world is so busy. Life is so full. I rarely see local friends —-unless we are going to the same meeting! Where else can one find instant friends, other than clicking on the computer to see what Judy is up to today?!
    And on that score, I really have appreciated the times you have replied to my comments.
    Like you, more and more I am looking for “happy friends” and input into my life. I don’t mean a false sense of happiness. But there is a lot of negativity out there which does not inspire my creativity, nor my sense of well-being.
    And as far as the quilting frequency is concerned, aren’t you glad that life is not static? There are times to quilt and times to travel, etc. My quilting cycle thinned out when we flew cross country for a week to visit family –in June– and came back to 6 weeks of entertaining visitors. It is nearly mid-August and I’m still trying to get the quilting going smoothly again. It’s summer; I feel like I “should” be outside “doing something.” But I’m gradually finding my balance again.
    It is late/early and I’m rambling, but thanks, Judy, for sharing your life.

  14. I chose my blogs the same way I chose a book or magazine to read, a movie to watch, music to listen to or most importantly, my friends. It appeals to my likes and to the things that matter in my life. If they make me feel good I read them. Sometimes I read a blog for awhile and I realize it just doesn’t touch me anymore so I take it off my favorites list. No big deal and no offense to the author. I can honestly say that I haven’t thought about removing yours and I’ve been a follower for a long time. What I really enjoy about your blog is the warmth of your personality. It shows through in all the love for your family and your generous sharing of recipes and quilting tutorials. Call me if you and Vince decide to move to northern Wisconsin. I’ll help you house hunt and unpack from the move.

  15. Your blog is like a breath of fresh air….a “just right” mix of normal, everyday activities…..fun (sometimes aggravating to YOU) family tales that often make me laugh…..quilting……cooking……..all written in an easy-to-read style. I love your blog….PERIOD. As for me, I write my blog to talk about stuff I enjoy doing (and once in awhile to share an upsetting situation in my life)…..it is, for me, more of a journal than anything else. I don’t care, either, how many readers I have and….when I have an occasional giveaway, I actually ask my regular readers NOT to blog about it….as I don’t want to become a blog where people go just to get “free” stuff. I just like to meet nice people….all over the world…and to continue to get confirmation from their comments that we all have more in COMMON than not…..we all want many of the same things…..good health for ourselves and family members……independence and happiness for our kids, etc. Through blogging, I find that on a daily basis. For me, that’s what it’s all about. So…please just keep on doing your blog the way you’re doing it now, okay?

  16. I read your blog because I think it’s like having coffee with the next door neighbor. You chat with me about what is going on with your family, give me recipes, influence me to try and buy new things (got that dehydrator yet?) 😉 and make me smile, laugh and cry. You are my “friend”. Thank you.

    I blog as a journal of my life moments, some great, some not so great. And like you, if no one read my blog, it doesn’t matter to me, I blog for me.

    Looking forward to our next chat. 🙂

  17. I love reading your blog just the way it is. No need to add deep thinking political/financial/breaking news stories. I love reading about the chickens, the food you make, and of course the quilting info and tutorials, too. Thanks for sharing!

  18. I enjoy reading about all the interesting things you do. You are a great writer and I enjoy everything you write about – quilting or not. Sometimes I have even read your post our loud to my family…usually those ones are funny episodes with Chad’s adventures.
    I enjoy your design wall Mondays and post when I can. I check out all the other quilters posts too.
    I started blogging in 2006 to record my quilting adventures and that is still what I am doing. I find it a great way to keep track of my projects and accomplishments/finishes. I occasionally write about other things, family events or other highlights.

  19. I’m not sure how I found your blog – probably by way of the stashbusters list. So I started reading the blog for quilting. But I enjoy reading about what’s going on in your life.

    Additionally, I’m getting cooking tips. Although I admit I can’t remember if I’ve made one of your recipes.

    As for why I blog — I started it specifically to participate in the weekly stashbusting report — so it started off, and is still primarily a blog about my quilting. That’s not to say I don’t blog about other things, but my goal is to keep track of my quilting.

  20. I read blogs to learn. I cannot attend quilt classes because of my schedule so I read to learn. I blog to share ideas and to learn from others. SO I am being schooled basically in blogland.
    I have in the process made some wonderful friends and learned many, many techniques that I would otherwise be struggling with.

  21. I blog to keep a record of all the sewing/quilting I do. I’ve only been blogging since June 2009 but I enjoy it.

    Judy – keep doing exactly what you are doing..

  22. I found your blog from reading someone else’s, when she talked about participating in the 2008 Stashbusting. Knew I really needed to get the fabric buying habit under control, so I follwed her link to you! I have since assessed myself as someone who buys fabric when I am stressed, when I need to get out of the house, and when I need to remember that someday a portion of my life will be mine again, not entirely devoted to my little ones’ needs and wants.

    Mostly, I read your blog for the quilting – especially the pictures. It’s inspiring. But I also recognize that bloggers have the right to write about whatever they want, and it’s up to me whether I want to read it! I usually end up reading everything you write, anyway. I’ve been inspired by you talking about using fresh ingredients, and have started checking out the farmers markets around me. I even tried freezing green beans last week, and it went pretty well!

    From the stashbusting links, and some of your regular commenters, I now have about a dozen other blogs I read regularly. My criteria are that they have quilt pictures on a regular basis, are at least 50% quilting, and that I actually LIKE the quilts they make.

    I have been doing a blog about my kids for the last 6 years, since I was pregnant with my firstborn. All of our family and many friends live in other states, so that was a good way to share what was going on (and not get accused of favoring one grandma with news before the other one knew). That blog is on a different blog service. I started my Blogger one to join and track my Stashbusting, and I try to include lots of pictures. Most of my quilts are pretty simple right now, because I’m trying to get stuff used up and finished and out of the house!

    The way I see it, there are two types of blogs – those that are for the writer, and those that are for the reader. My blog about my kids is done for my readers – I try to keep it very focused on what they are doing, which is what my parents, sister, inlaws, friends want to read. For the most part, I keep my opinions and personal activities out of that. My quilting blog is for me – a record of what I’ve been doing and a reminder to keep tracking, and if you want to read it, fine. In that one, I am not worried about keeping specific readers happy – if something I say offends you or doesn’t interest you, then don’t read it! Your blog seems to fall somewhere in the middle – because you run a business related to quilting, you don’t want to anger too many people, but you’ve never promised that your blog was ONLY about quilting or would have a minimum number of posts per week with quilt pictures, so I just enjoy what you have to say!

  23. Judy, I read your blog everyday, first thing in the morning and usually check again before I go to bed. Its always interesting and a fun read. Love the chickens, and Chad and Vince stories, and of your travels. Your quilts are fantastic, and I have many of your free patterns. I am currently finishing up your Bears in the Farmhouse quilt and loving the way it has turned out. Thanks for the great blog, don’t change a thing, just keep on blogging.

  24. Judy, I read your blog first thing in the morning and then every chance I get during the day. I have just loved the chicken stories!!!! Even though my husband is not an engineer he should have been one if you get the drift! So I have really enjoyed reading about those frustrations. I also have three suppose to be grown up children so I can really understand your problems with Chad. In short, I started reading because of the quilting and stayed because I have enjoyed getting to know you and your family.

  25. I started reading because of the quilts. Then the chickens are interesting and it is hilarious to read about their antics. I feel like you could be my best friend. Oh yeah and you live in MO! Throw in some cooking tips and ideas and you have me hooked. Design wall Monday is always interesting and someday I will post or send you a pic of mine. I do not blog and probably will not ever because I am not a writer and have a hard time keeping a journal of any kind, including for quilting.

  26. I enjoy reading your blog because the stories are usually pretty amusing. I’m loving the chickens, even though I’ll never have any. I had fun with Bears in the Farmhouse. I don’t read political blogs, either.

    I guess I blog the way you do – about my life. Family (lots about my awesome kids), quilting, crafting, Girl Scouts and gardening. I’ve noticed when I’m not sewing as much, I don’t get as many readers. I don’t really care. When I have enough posts, I’ll have a book made for myself.
    http://blog2print.sharedbook.com/blogworld/printmyblog/index.html

  27. “I don’t want to read a blog or a web page or a newspaper that aggravates me.”

    One of the reasons I read your blog or any blog is the above statement that you wrote today. I want to be happy, I want to smile and the news lately just isn’t cutting it!
    I read your blog every day, sometimes twice and I learn something every time–I don’t want chickens for one thing. But, I bake bread now because of reading your blog. My quilting improves because of reading your blog.
    Keep doing what you are doing, Judy, I love it.

  28. Your blog is one of the first things I read every day. I enjoy everything you blog about and find it all interesting.
    I have been trying to write my own blog, but I just don’t seem to have the time to keep up with it. Maybe because I am so busy reading other blogs and Facebook!
    I think you should blog about what you want to, not about what you thing others want.

  29. (1) I read your blog because I’m nosy, and because I like a giggle. I love the chicken stories and I have great admiration for the time and effort you put into all your preserves. Like you, I quilt and I cook, so I find inspiration and ideas in your blog.

    (2) I blog for the very same reason you do, it’s a personal diary of stuff I do, aimed solely at myself and my OH, but conscious of the fact that friends and family read it and keep up with what I’m doing. I love looking back through old posts and seeing what we’ve done, and how much we’ve done, even though sometimes it seems we’re not making progress on a particular project. I like the fact that blogging makes me conscious of what I’m doing, rather than just drifting through life.

  30. I read YOUR blog because you have so much to say! You do so many things that I want to do myself. I have copied many recipes from you and made a couple quilts I wouldn’t have made otherwise. We have a lot in common but you seem to DO more. I blog for the same reason you do. I talk about my life, the people in it and what projects I am working on, my struggles finding work and dealing day to day. It’s my journal. Thanks for sharing your life with us.

  31. Well Judy, here it is in a nut shell ! We love ya ! You are down to earth, entertaining, informative, and a giving person. And Ladies, she’s like this in person. Keep up the good work ! You haven’t had ‘uglies’ contact you again have you ? If so ignore them !!! Glenda

  32. I started reading blogs for information (political and news). I started looking at quilting blogs last December and discovered a whole different community. I liked the idea of stashbusting and reporting to a group of like-minded people on my progress, or lack thereof.

    I enjoy your blog because of the variety of topics. And there are several that I check daily to see what life is like in different parts of the country/world.

    Why do I blog – I started mine to record my stashbusting efforts (I guess that makes you my “blog mom”). I keep at it as a form of therapy. I lost my mom last August. She lived with me for the last couple years – so I’ve also lost a good friend. I keep at it since my sister uses the blog to check in on me – if I don’t post something, she starts worrying. And, like you, I post information that I want to keep track of, mainly good quilting tutorials. But, yesterday I did my first “political” type post, it was fun to rant a little.

    My two cents – keep posting what you want to write about This is your journal. If someone doesn’t like it, tough. They can read elsewhere.

    Post whenever you want to! Don’t feel that you are obligated to write something every day. This should not be increasing your stress level. But, let us know, so we don’t worrying about you!

  33. Like many others, yours was one of the first blogs I started reading when I searched for “quilting blogs”. At that time I wanted so badly to be part of the Stash Quilters and got on a waiting list. It was a pleasure being part of that group but I dropped out when I was not posting as often as I felt I should be posting. However, I continued to follow some of the blogs from that group – yours and Mary (in MN.) and Jeanne (Spiral). I read your blog because first of all you are a good writer. You make everything interesting and draw the reading into your world. Secondingly I enjoy the quilting instructions, information and pictures. Third, you have a great sense of humor. Fourth, after all these years of reading your blog, I feel like you are a dear friend. I’m always quoting you…..”Judy said this and Judy said that.”

    I blog, but my blogging lately has been sporadic and very short posts. Because I am not in a Ring, I don’t get many visitors, but that is OK. It is my diary of craft progress.

    Keep up the good work Judy. You have many, many fans and friends because of your blog – and because of just who you are.

  34. Hi Judy:

    You don’t whine. . . .well, yes, you do — sometimes — but you don’t go on about it for very long. Plus, you are quirky and we share some phobias (like bridges).

    There is an amazingly popular blog that I will not read anymore because when she whines, it goes on forever (or at least it seems to) and everything comes out sounding like “me, me, me”. . . . .that had really started to get on my nerves, so I don’t follow her any longer.

    You, on the other hand, talk about normal things, in a normal way. . . . as a relatively new wife (in my 1st marriage for almost four years) I laugh about the ways that Vince & I have similar ideas (like you & my DH have also). . . and it makes me smile.

    My DH does the cooking in my house. . . .but I have seen recipes on your blog that I would like to try on one of “my” days to cook (DH hates to follow recipes so I will need to do the cooking).

    I blog. . . . .and sometimes my blog feels like it is the only “safe” place to state my opinions or thoughts. . . .so I don’t really care if anyone agrees with me or if they don’t. If they can show me logical reasons for the opposite side I may (or may not) amend my feelings.

    I don’t care if anyone reads my block — although I am surprised that I have 4 followers; and I know that several of my friends will check my blog on occasion.

    Keep doing what you’re doing. . . . . .I’m having a good time being one of the folks “in the shotgun seat”.

    In peace & pieces,

    Sherry V.

  35. Hi Judy,
    I read your blog because it’s so fun. And honest without being mean. I am thinking about chickens. Not going to happen, but I get fresh eggs from a friend and I think maybe. Can’t eat store bought eggs anymore. I used to can every summer. If I have access to fresh produce like you I would start again. I enjoy reading about you doing it. I love your pictures. And then there’s your family. The love and commitment you have for them is wonderful. It makes me hopeful for the future when I read it cause I know there has to be others that feel the same way. Your quilts are eye candy and you never try to make people think that this is easy. You always write about the effort and thought that went into making them. And how sometimes you have to force yourself to follow through. You are a wonderful writer and I love your blog just as it is- a story of one womans family and her dog and chickens. Keep it up please because it’s a part of my day everyday, a good part.

    Cynthia

  36. Judy, I read your blog daily & truly enjoy your writing about regular people in everyday life. I don’t blog, but read several. If people want to read about politics/finance, etc, they can go to the Drudge Report or some other place. Keep on entertaining us with your & your family’s antics. Love it.

  37. Love your blog, please don’t change a thing. Reading your blog gives me a chance to enjoy quilting with others, gives me new ideas and the courage to attempt them.
    I work long hours at a very stressful job, so I often don’t have the energy at the end of the day for “real” conversations. My close friends aren’t into quilting, so reading blogs helps. It’s almost like being with a quilting friend. In a real conversation we would talk about lots of things, not just quilts.
    Reading blogs allows me to relax, de-stress in peace and quiet (except for my occasional ooohhs,ahhhs, chuckles and rolling on the floor laughter over some of the postings).
    Your chicken stories are hilarious. Reminds me of when we had chickens when our kids were growing up on the “ranch” (6 acres just outside of town). Great memories. Thanks for being just you. It’s been fun getting to know you.

  38. I was first pulled into your blog by the quilting content but I do enjoy pretty much everything you write about, even the chickens! I would have to say it’s probably your style that keeps me coming back every day. I don’t blog for no particular reason but I do enjoy daily blog reading.

  39. Like you Judy I blog about my life and if I’m dyeing or quilt top making or my grandkids it’s just whatever I do. I like to read other’s blog but like you I don’t always comment.

  40. Judy, I read your blog because you’re interesting and fun and inspiring, you make me laugh, you share so much with your readers — you’re somebody it would be a pleasure to sit down and have coffee with every day (or a Dr. Pepper), and through your blog, I get to do that!

    Why do I blog? I’ve always loved to write and I always wanted to keep a journal but life seemed too hectic for me to find the time. Blogging is my journaling; I do it for me. My blog has evolved to include photography and some travel, but it is still primarily a quilting blog.

  41. I blog about my struggles with learning to quilt and about my every day life. It is more of a diary for me, somthing to look back on to see how I have expanded my quilting knowledge as well as my life’s lesson.
    I read your blog because it has become a part of my morning ritual. You inspired me to start my own blog, and I begin each day reading your blog to inspire me to keep makeing entries in mine. I do know from looking at my (never any) comments that my blog is not read so much. But that doesn’t bother me. My blog is my blog. And if people read it so be it. And if not, it really doesn’t ruin my life.

  42. Morning Judy

    I can’t remember how I stumbled across your blog a year or so ago, Boy am I glad I did. I enjoy reading your blog daily. Most days I check in a couple of times. First thing in the morning and early evening.
    There are times it makes me smile or say to myself I like to try that or why didn’t I think of that or I should start doing that again, and times when I think Judy are you sure you want to raise chickens LOL.
    When I started reading your blog I realized we have a lot in common. So I just kept checking in to see what you were doing.
    I found I enjoyed your honesty and willingness share your life with your readers.
    There may be a time or two that we wont agree, but I do respect and thank you for your honesty and opinions.
    Over time I have become to think of you as a friend and look forward reading your blog.
    Thank you for sharing your blog with us.

    Carla

  43. 1) I read your blog because I feel a connection with you. We have alot in common. Quilting, knitting socks, cooking are all things I’m interested in. You inspire me to do these things better.

    2) I used to blog but it has almost been a year since I last posted. It just takes up too much of my time and I usually have to think of something to post. Writing does not come easy to me. I love reading others but just can’t seem to keep my own blog. A lot of the time I found I didn’t have anything to blog about. And taking the pictures took up so much time with loading them on the computer and resizing them. I’m much happier just reading others blogs.
    That’s it,
    Terry

  44. I don’t blog.
    As I have told you before, you are my favorite blogger. I appreciate your view point. I enjoy your quilt designs and know that you could not show a lot of your work because of the book in publication.
    I get a chuckle out of your blogs and I learn from you..
    Hugs from the steamy South.
    Pam

  45. Judy,
    I can not wait to get home & read your blog every day, I enjoy all the stories especially the ones about the chickens, have been sending links to all my friends. I also enjoy all the recipes and am astonished see all the cooking and preserving you manage to do in a day & last but not least the beautiful quilts you make is an inspiration. Please do not change anything!

  46. I happened across your blog a few months ago when I was searching for something quilting related. I’ve really enjoyed reading about your adventures with the chicken house and the chickens and love to see what you’re cooking as well and all the little peeks into your home life. I think it’s perfect just as it is, no need to change a thing and thank you for sharing.

    I do have a blog of my own but tend only to post on it when I’ve finished making something or to write about the books I’ve read each month. If people find it interesting that’s great and if not, I’ll still keep on doing what I’m doing. It’s like a little notebook of all the things I’ve been making/reading.

  47. I started reading your blog because of the quilting aspect of it — and I still thoroughly enjoy seeing the beautiful work that you come up with. I’m definitely not at your level and I don’t do any longarm quilting, but I appreciate the ideas you come up with and it inspires me to try different things. Of course I’m not nearly as quick as you — if I finish three or so quilts a year I consider it a milestone.

    I continue reading your blog because I consider you a kindred spirit. Though you don’t blog about your political leanings very often, every now and then you state your opinion about something with strong convictions. It’s at those moments that I want to stand up and cheer and say “You go girl!!!” ’cause I have the same strong beliefs. And though we’ve never met, and I’m fairly certain we never will, it’s nice to know that there is somebody who shares my opinion.

    And I continue reading your blog for your Vince/Chad/Speck/Chicken/Food stories. They make me smile and I enjoy reading about somebody who so enjoys her life and her family. Thank you for that gift from you to all of us.

  48. I don’t remember how I got started reading your blog or when. I love your blog just way it is. I do not enjoy cooking but I love reading about the things you cook, can, bake and love your stories about grocery shopping.

    I blog because I am proud of the things I make and I want to document the project.

  49. I read your blog because it’s always interesting and sometimes funny. I like the quilt patterns, the pix, the recipes, and love the chicken stories (tho I have no desire to have chickens myself).

    I blog for myself, and for my daughters to keep up on what’s going on here. One DD is in NC, one in Houston, and one local. My sisters-in-law, mom in law, neices and cousins all read my blog, so they are all my audience.

  51. As everyone here has noted, I read your blog because of the way who you are shines through — your honesty, your sense of humor, your perspectives. I agree with preferring to avoid toxic levels of negativity. And because you’re a really good writer who makes it all entertaining to read as well. You make all the aspects of your life interesting to hear about and not just the quilting, which is what got me here in the first place.

    I’m new to blogging myself. I’ve only been doing it for a few months and only learned about the blogging world a few months before that. (I know. Where have I been, right?) I started for a couple of reasons: one, because I just had a quilting book come out and since I’m just a regular quilter who stumbled on an idea, it’s not like anyone has ever heard of me — I figure the blog gives quilters a chance to find out, for better or worse; two, because writing is my other passion and just the simple act of writing the blog pleases me. I’m still just figuring out how to blog so it’s a work in process, definitely. A blog like yours is inspirational!

  52. I read your blog EVERY day. I check back several times a day just in case you have added another entry. I check about 8 blogs a day, but many of those only have entries a couple of times a week, but I always save your blog for last. It is like my dessert. 🙂
    I started reading your blog because of the quilts, but now I come back for the whole package. I love to hear about your Louisianna stories. Your family lives near where my family is from, so it is fun.
    You have the funniest stories. I am almost guaranteed a laugh a day with you, and in this day and time we all need a laugh.
    I also don’t watch the news and don’t miss it at all. If that is called sticking my head in the sand, then so be it. Day to day life is stressful enough without having to see more in my livingroom.
    I love to read your stories about Vince and Chad. Just before you were dealing with Chad leaving the nest I had dealt with me, my husband and youngest son moving to Florida and leaving my two older children in Alabama. I understood fully your pain and tears.
    Basically I feel like I know yoru family and I have never met them. I have met you. You were walking down an aisle in Houston at the International Quilt Festival and I saw you and asked if you were Judy and you looked at me kind of wary and said yes. I introduced myself and said that I read your blog. After you walked away my friend helping me in my booth asked if I felt like a stalker and I had to admit I sort of did ! LOL!
    Thanks for the giggles

  53. I like your blog just the way it is – I fell its your blog and you should write what you want to and if someone does not like it they should not read it or make nasty comments. This is a blog after all – not a forum open for discussion. Keep on the way you are girl! BTW – yours is the one blog I read faithfully and first every day – can’t say that for lots of the others. I hope we get to meet in person some day.

  54. Just because… I have been thinking about why I do what I do ion a lot of aspects in my life but I sort of/kind of raised this very question (to myself) on my blog just today…

  55. Wow you sure had a lot of responses. I have not read any of the comments, only want to respond to your question. I read your blog because I enjoy “hearing” about what you are doing. Sounds silly? I have not read why people blog. I started blogging as a sort of journal, or diary of sorts. Yes I quilt and I thrift, and I love to take pictures and share. I would blog even if there was no one reading, but it is nice that there are some that do. I agree with you about soap boxes. I don’t listen to the news, and I really would rather meet some nice people who have similar interests. Maybe it is because life has become so distant with others, that there is a need to connect with other women. I think we need the fellowship and friendships. So I read the blogs that are of interest to me, inspire me, and those who bring a little sunshine into my day. Thanks for being one of those blogs 🙂

  56. Ditto on most of the above comments. You are the kind of person I would want next door to share quilting and recipes with and, yes, chicken stories, too. I love it that you are from Louisiana, also, and I drive through Nevada every time I visit my DD in Indep., MO. I always think of you when I go through and say ‘Howdy!!!’ Love having coffee with you each morning in my jammies. I don’t think you would be blogging if you didn’t thoroughly enjoy it and the entertainment factor is over the top.

  57. well Judy, i stumbled on your blog some time ago and just fell in love with your writing! i love that you’re honest and real about your life and hobbies. you show that family life isn’t boring at all and that yes, you CAN have fun and you CAN be interesting if you’re not a full-time professional. as someone who is (much) younger, i really appreciate having a role model like that.

    i *just* started quilting and am a super-beginnner, but i like to think that your work motivates me to get started on projects and learn everything i can. i hope this isn’t too mushy or anything, but i really do admire your work and love hearing about it all! im on the other side of the state (St. Louis area), but i like to think that there’s someone close by that i can look up to – keep up the blogging Judy. and thanks!!!

  58. I look forward to sharing your life through your blog. It doesn’t matter to me if you are quilting more or less. I love the stories about your family and Speck and the chickens. I love that you are willing to share what is going on with your life.

    I have a passion for quilting and if I had the opportunity, I would do it for hours every day. But, unfortunately, I’m at work for 40 plus hours a week and reading your blog during the day helps me deal with the work stuff!

    Thanks,

  59. I started reading for the stash busting and the quilts, but I enjoy every post you make. I love the chickens and the food and everything!

    I do blog and I started to make some internet friends, but I have continued for myself and my mom who is in Florida and for my friends. I consider the blogs that I read and the people who read mine to be my own little community and cheering section for what I do! 🙂

  60. Hanne got me started reading your blog several years ago when she was making one of your Hour a Day quilts and I wanted to make it too.

    You and Hanne are the two blogs I read faithfully. Perhaps I don’t comment as often as I should but if 50 people have already chimed in why should I add to that.

    I love your quilts. You have such creative and innovative designs. Not to mention that everyone of your designs I have made have been successful.

    I enjoy hearing about Vince and Chad and your peeps……

    I like your recipes and when I finally retire I too will start baking my own bread so get ready for all my questions.

    While we have never met and probably never will, I think of you as a friend. A friend I can call and we can talk and enjoy the conversation.

    I blog because it is a form of a diary. It helps keep me motivated to keep completing things because I need something to report on my blog. Recently I went back and read some of my old entries…. I am amazed at how many things I have completed and how many more I need to complete.

    I learn from my fellow bloggers. I learn about recipes and household hints and new ideas of things to make.

    I don’t do Facebook and Twitter. Just blogging.

  61. I love reading your blog because of your interesting stories about your life. I am not a quilter but enjoy seeing and reading about your quilts. I like reading about Chad, Speck and Vince and of course your chickens. I’m a Missouri woman now living in Kansas and my hometown is Joplin so I love to read about your shopping trips and eating out in Joplin because I know the places you visit. Keep up your good blog, it is one I read everyday!

  62. I love reading your blog! I like it because you share your family life, your cooking and quilting. I also check back several times a day, just in case you’ve shared another morsel with us. I love the chickens and the outdoor life. Keep on blogging just like you have been. And, thanks for sharing with us!

  63. I think I read your blog because you and I are very different, plus you’re different from my friends and family. But on so many levelsl, we’re alike. We’re both Moms, wives, daughters and quilters. Because of our differences, I can read with fascination; because of our sameness, I can relate.
    And I’m never bored!!!!!

  64. 1. Why do I read your blog? Because I admire your outlook on life. I love your tenacity and your foibles. When I read your blog I’m inspired, not just by quilts, but by baking, cooking, canning, chickens, family, and your way of life in general. You are real!

    You are a person that I would chose to be my friend. Thank you for being you!

    2. I don’t blog…… I have a hard time putting my life in words. I instead pour my thoughts into fabric.

  65. Hi Judy,
    I read your blog every morning. Love it. Your life is so different than mine. I just love learning new things. I am about as north as opposite as you, so the things are so different that where I live. I have made many of your recipes. I bought the Artisan Bread book, which I have also turned on to many friends living here. Ive learned so much. I even finished one quilt (I have many other ones cut out, but not finished). I just love reading it. I felt the “oh no, what am I going to do” panic when you posted a while ago that you weren’t going to post every day. Your blog just makes me smile.
    Thank you so much, and thank you for posting free quilt patterns.
    Kathy, north of the border

  66. You put it so well, so I will quote you:

    Your blog makes “me smile; … makes me want to hug the writer and say “thanks” or “good for you!”, … motivates me . . makes me want to sew or try a new recipe or plant an herb garden.”

    I’m here at least once a day, sometimes more, and enjoy every single post, no matter how diverse. In fact, I copy a lot of your recipes down, and you have gotten me motivated to join a quilting group (Maybe I will finally get all those UFOs from quiltling classes in Saudi Arabia done!)!

    My “blog” is more a catalog of my stitching, a photo album of sorts, with very little personal in it. I only make one entry a week, mainly photographic, and keep my completions albums up to date. I really don’t care if anyone sees it — it is, as you say, a personal record for my own use more than anything.

    Please do keep on blogging. My day wouldn’t be complete without reading it!

  67. Like many other commenters, yours was one of the first blogs I discovered when looking for quilting related blogs. It has remained one of my favorites because it is fun to read even when the post has nothing to do with quilting. And you are so generous to freely share your knowledge and experience. Blogs full of political or religious posts turn me off even if I love their quilts. Your posts are never preach-y, even when you touch on serious topics. And there is usually a nice bit of humor to brighten my day.

    I started my blog as a quilt journal for myself. The internet friends I have met as a result are a delightful bonus. Blogs that keep me returning are like yours with posts about what happens in everyday life and plenty of photos for visual inspiration. If I ever want to build a chicken apartment complex, I can refer to your blog.LOL! What I choose to blog about has changed & expanded to topics other than quilting, too. I have strong political & religious opinions but I choose not to voice them on my blog. Everyone is free to do so if they wish but I’ll tell you up front, I won’t be a reader of their blog.

  68. i read your blog because you’re an amazing person with an active life.
    When you have a dream you follow it until you make it happen, whether it’s quilting, gardening, chickens, etc.
    I’m glad to see all that you are achieving.

    i have a blog but i don’t use it much any more. i started it to record my progress in stash busting, but i’ve scaled way back in all my activities this year, so there’s not much use for it.

  69. (1) I like your blog just the way it is. I know you are a quilter but we all go through cycles when we mainly do other things. I enjoy reading the stories about everyday life.

    (2) The sub-title of my blog says it all. You’re going to get a little bit of everything, whatever I’m doing, what I’m excited about, whatever I’m mad about, funny things, things I’ve come across that I think are worth sharing. If anybody is expecting to see a new quilt in each post they’ll be disappointed.

  70. I read your blog because you are real. You’re funny, a great mom, a bread baker, a canner, someone who enjoys her family and the simple, important things in life. Oh yeah, on top of all that, you’re a quilter too!

    I blog just because I like to chronicle my life and my love of quilting, color, and the simple important things in my life!

  71. Judy,
    I really enjoy your blog- I like it because it talks about life- there are things that we have in common- I have one young adult son who is finding his way in the world, a dog who is afraid of thunderstorms, and a bright and busy husband. I love to quilt and collect fabric and I am not the world’s best housekeeper either. I like knowing that there are others out there that struggle to find balance and ways to cope with the daily challenges of life. I enjoy looking at your cooking recipes and appreciate your thoughtful fun attitude towards life and family.
    I don’t really want to read about someone’s politics though I will read that occasionally. I just stop reading someone’s blog if what they write is not of interest to me. I have never understood why some people feel the need to critique other’s blogs. No one makes me read or write a blog and I certainly don’t feel that I have the right to be critical or hurtful to someone else . It doesn’t mean I don’t have opinions but treating people with respect and caring is far more important to me than whether I agree or disagree with what they have written. It is different if they have asked my opinion then I may offer a comment –
    I wasn’t sure that I wanted to blog at all – the technological part of it terrified me and I wasn’t sure that I had much interesting to contribute. But I began to leave comments on other blogs and people kept asking me where is my blog.
    My husband also has a blog and he encouraged me to try it and so for almost a year I have been blogging. People have been positive and other than the time factor ( it takes me a long time to create a post because I am long winded LOL) I really do enjoy the many connections that I have made on my blog. It is a whole different circle of friends that I enjoy spending time with- I learn new things and think about different ways of doing things. It is a journal of my life but it also is like having pen pals from all over the globe without having to get a stamp and stick it in the snail mail.
    I will continue to blog for a long time to come I think- Hope that you will too.
    Warmest regards,
    Anna

  72. Hi Judy, I love your blog just the way it is. I love cooking stories, canning, quilting, gardening, the funny chicken stories. It’s like having a friend next door and talking about real life. I too don’t follow the politics like I used to because of the nastiness of it. I prefer to enjoy life and read happy uplifting and real stories. I read yours everyday and sometimes I check back later in the day to see if you’ve added something.

  73. Don’t change a thing. I read about 5-6 blogs every day, and yours is one of them. We have much in common and I consider us “friends”. You just don’t happen to live next door.

  74. I read your blog because it makes you seem like a back fence neighbor. I followed you from the about.com forum, which I read but seldom post anymore. Too busy, I guess. I like you is the best reason of all.

  75. I read your blog because whether you know it or not, you have encouraged me in so many ways. I did the Star BOM and every month you gave me so many pointers just by the way you gave us the instructions. I have e-mailed you before with questions and you have helped me every time. I check in on you every day and I have made several of your patterns. I am fixin to put your binding tutorial to the test with a baby quilt I just finished.

  76. I initially starting reading your blog because of the quilting. But because you’re an intertaining writer, I read non-quilt related blogs, too. I really enjoyed the chicken stories (although I don’t think I need to know how many eggs are laid each day at this point), your food stories, and family stories. Some people blog alot about their family (ad nausium), but yours is just the right mix.

    Quite frankly, if the writing is poor, even quilting can’t keep my attention. Your writing is entertaining and informative.

    Keep up the good work.

  77. Judy I love your blogs they make me smile and laugh quite often, I have learned things about chickens I would never know but which is helpful cause I think my husband is going to get some when I am least expecting them. I love the quilts you do and you are close to my home so I will always think of you when I pass through going home to springfield. I wish I could do many more quilts but working full time and taking care of a ranch takes a lot of time not to mention two teen aged granddaughters. Please sometimes you are a bright light in a dim world for me and I do so enjoy reading your stories.

  78. Judy; You are my FAV blogger!! Truly! There are 23 blogs I follow, but no one posts daily like you do. I like the fact that we have similar intrests; quilting, cooking, canning, a little bit of country life. If all you blogged about was quilting, I’d get bored, because my life has many aspects to it just like yours.

    I encourage you to blog what you want and when you want. We can’t be all things to all people. You blog for your own benefit and you graciously allow us to take a peek, for which I’m grateful. Don’t forget that you blog for your own benefit, not for the benefit of others… and I see nothing wrong with that.

    Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with us. I hope to meet you some day. CYH (consider yourself hugged).

  79. I like your blog just like it is. You have a very interesting life and you enjoy doing many things that I also enjoy. Just keep telling us your stories!

  80. I started reading you because of the quilting, but I enjoy it all – I’m amazed at all you manage to get done.

    I have a blog, with about 3 readers per day – so clearly not very popular, but I don’t care. I blog to keep a record of stuff and to share things with the grandparents (only the set who lives far away and I thought would enjoy it rarely read it – but oh, well).

  81. i read your – and others’ – blog because i like seeing a slice of life that’s different from my own. and yet for all the differences, it’s really a life that’s just like my own. i like seeing regular everyday stuff, quilting, scrapbooking, and pets – you name it. sometimes it’s inspiring, sometimes it makes me laugh, sometimes it makes me remember something similar that happened to me. and yes, sometimes a particular entry is not that interesting. but overall it’s an amazing slice of someone’s life that i feel privileged to get to see.

    i started my blog last month. i’ve been thinking of it (and being nagged by friends to start it) for at least 6 months. why? partly so the grands can keep up with the goings-on of my kids. partly go share my work – quilting and scrapbooking – with family and friends and other crafty type readers. partly to leave a record. so far, it’s as much fun to write a blog as it has been for me to read them.

    keep it up!

  82. I read your blog because I like who you are… just a normal everyday person… yes, really. Your writings are so enjoyable. I’ve quit keeping track of the stash for this year, but still want to use as much of it as I can so you provide the inspiration.

    I blog because the free web page AOL provided is gone and I want to be able to share my love of quilting. And yes, it is a diary of sorts. I don’t care who reads it, but am happy when I get comments and know someone out there appreciates what I do.

  83. Judy I read your blog because I like the variety and I learn from you. I’ve copied several of your recipes (just sent the zucchini pie recipe to my sister who has zucchini in her garden). I saw steel cut oats, which I’d never heard of before you mentioned them, at the Amish bulk store so I bought some to try – and liked them I might add. I write because I can’t not write. I started my blog after having a TIA and having to stay home from a mission trip that my husband and sister went on without me…just needed to do something I guess. If I let my ego get in the way I wish more people would read my blog. If I get down inside of me it wouldn’t matter if they did – I’d still write what I write. I too have given up the news and the current issues because they just show us how greedy we’ve gotten in America and how greed corrupts. I’m not burying my head in the sand…I’m doing what I can to prepare for a huge economic crisis which seems to be on the horizon but I don’t have to listen to it all day to get ready. If your blog were political I wouldn’t be reading it. I enjoy your quilting posts, and your recipe posts, and your Chad/Vince posts. The chickens make for a nice break and often give me stories to tell my sister, who just got her very first egg yesterday. 🙂 blessings, marlene

  84. Like I have told you. I read your blog because I LOVE YOUR BLOG. I love how you write. I love how you quilt. I love that you care to share.
    I LOVE YOUR BLOG

  85. Judy, I read your blog every day. It is the first thing I read, I might add. I love seeing what quilts you are making and the patterns you are so kind to share with us. You have so much energy (I am hoping by reading your blogs some of it might rub off on me) and get so much done everyday. Homemade bread, homecooked meals, canning, baking….all of these things interest me.

    I also really enjoy hearing about your family life. Alot of us can relate to it!! The funny experiences with the chickens, etc, bring a smile.

    One of the best things also is you are the “product tester” and pass on your likes and dislikes of appliances, gadgets, etc. I never heard of a Kindle until you brought the subject up. Now I want one!!!

    I wish you were my neighbor…..better yet, my sister. We sure could have fun. You are so kind and giving. Thanks, Judy.

  86. I read your blog because you’re my friend and because I love to keep up with what you’re doing. You’ve even got me thinking about having chickens again….not so I can eat those “real” eggs but so I can have the manure for my Square Foot Garden. If we do it, I’ll have to figure out something to do with the eggs. Lol.

    Your blog should be exactly what you want it to be. Don’t let anyone intimidate you. If they don’t like it, they can write a blog that suits their own purpose. Keep doing what you’re doing. I love it!

  87. I read your blog because I can relate to some of it, and wish I could a lot more! I love a peek into your daily life, and miss when you don’t post. Like the recipes, stories of your family, and what is going on in your quilting world. Keep it up!

  88. I start my day reading your blog. Don’t change it. I like anything you want to talk about. And I’ve learned something about being a better cook though mine will never be as good as yours. Your loaves of bread look so yummy. I like it all.
    AND I was reading at Quilting About . com and it was about featherweight sewing machines and it had your name and showed your machines. HEY..if you ever run out of subjects please blog about how many machines you have and what they are. It was a whole picture of lots of featherweights. So started me to thinking what do you piece on? I had two fws but gave one to my daughter who is a beginning quilter.

  89. I read because it’s such fun! I read everything – cooking, family, chickens, quilting. Hey, because of you I bought a grain mill and love it!

    I write my own blog to take part in stash reports and to feel a part of a community!

  90. Judy
    I just love to read about your quilting, cooking, raising chickens, oh heck, just love to read it all. It is always a bright spot in my day.

  91. I read your blog everyday because it is interesting. Never a dull blog. I like your chickens and the castle they live in. Mine never had anything that good. I enjoy what ever you put in on quilting but its all interesting, keep up the good work

  92. Because you’re one of my dearest friends, and I like to have coffee with you first thing every morning! It just starts my day off right! You know how much of an inspiration you’ve been to me on the quilting front – and, heaven help us, you’ve gotten me interested in cooking again! Don’t change a thing. It wouldn’t be as interesting if it were all just one subject matter!

  93. I love your blog just as it is written. The whole kit and kaboodle. It shows your wholeness and well-roundendness as a person==not shallow, but a whole person who inspires and gives us good ideas about life in general as we live our daily lives. When I start to feel lazy, I think about you cooking, knitting or quilting and it makes me get off my backside and just do something. So there you mean folks who are negative, just be quiet, okay, because the rest of us are having a jolly old time.

  94. I read your blog because I enjoy it. It gives me a peek into your life (I’ve never lived with chickens!). I enjoy the patterns you share, I enjoy the recipes you share. I enjoy your writing style.

    I blog for the same reason you do…as a journal of what I do. It is also a way for me to stay motivated. If I say I am going to do something, there is power in saying it, for me. I am more likely to follow through. Also, now that I know other people are reading my blog, I have a bit more motivation to keep going and not slide into doing nothing. I don’t blog about anything “important”. I also want to be around people who are happy and focused on what we can do, everyday.

  95. I started reading your blog for the quilt stuff but we have so many common interests that the quilting isn’t as important. I like the fact that you’re “real” and I love the entertainment factor.

  96. judy, your blog is wonderful reading! You keep me laughing with the escapades of the chickens, your family and your Dr. Pepper accidents. I love the quilt patterns you share and your tasty recipes. Sometimes, you make me stop and think about things that I hadn’t even considered before..and knowledge is a good thing. Keep on writing and I’ll keep on reading.

  97. Judy, I read your blog because it’s fun, educational, fun, inspirational and most of all FUN! I love the Chad/Vince/Speck
    stories. I love the homemaker feel with recipes. The chicken stories are informational and funny. The quilting is wonderful.
    All of this makes you seem like our down to earth, best friend
    next door. The world is a much nicer place when we share in
    each other’s lives.

  98. I love your blog and check it pretty much every day – I like the variety and I enjoy reading about anything you want to write about. In some ways we have much in common (I quilt, I have sons, I enjoy cooking) but in many other ways we are completely different, and I really enjoy your perspective. It’s definitely a perspective I would never get from anywhere else, except sometimes my husband, who wants chickens. NO WAY.

    I have a shared blog with my family – we are in different countries and all post to the same blog, which is a fabulous way of keeping in touch. But it does mean that we know who our audience is! Which makes it very easy to write and share.

  99. i do nto have a camera, I do not blog.

    i love yours, and save it for the final read each nite
    I enjoy your comments, your family life, your chickens, deers and everything else you have to comment about, whether it be quilting or egg size-lol. I like that you dont have politics, or news in it. everything is so negative anymore, that your blog is like a breath of fresh air. you dont antagonize anyone
    and you are so positive. You dont juddge us either, and we adore your quilting news as well.

  100. Judy, I started reading your blog because of the quilting, I am an avid quilter myself, and will read anything to do with quilting! But, I kept reading because I like what you write! I love the chickens! Wish I had the guts to get some chickens and start getting my own eggs. Maybe someday.
    I also like that you are not negative; no one needs that at anytime, and why would we want to read it too?
    Just keep doing what you are doing, I think it is great!

  101. I read your blog because you are a great writer who is entertaining. I too don’t read much in the papers or listen to other news media. they get ridiculous. reporters asking kin on camera about how they feel when they just lost a loved one. How the heck do you think they feel? and tracking famous people’s every move is ridiculous. who cares if Britney Spears doesnt wear underwear?
    But a story about spilling Dr Pepper on the keyboard and removing the evidence from hubby, I can relate to that. You have such entertaining stories and through your blog we seem like old buddies.
    Keep up blogging as you do. I read you FIRST every day for my daily fix of laughter. And of course great chicken stories.
    Dawn in MA

  102. I read your blog for the entertainment value, actually that’s why I read most blogs. I enjoy seeing into the life of other quilters and unless you have severe ADD you do something other then quilt…and that helps round out the package. I enjoy the chickens, Vince, Chad, Speck and all of your foodie things..

    I started blogging just for an outlet to express myself. Some days it’s about what’s going on in my store but then I’ll post about “the Girls” (my dogs), the yard, vacation just about anything. I didn’t start my blog as part of my quilt shop but now I have so many customers reading that I do post some things about the going ons there.

  103. I’ve been thinking about this for a couple of days now, and I believe I’ve hit on the reason. I began reading you when you still lived in Owensboro. I was a lurker on a quilt forum you belonged to. I loved your quilts and noticed you lived only an hour away- instant connection- in my mind anyway. I didn’t even know what a blog was at that time. In a post on the forum someone mentioned their blog and I began to notice the little link lines under different signatures.
    I checked out several people’s blogs and enjoyed glimpses into everyone’s lives. For a while I read five or six every day but as time went on no one else was as interesting. You know how when you are reading a real page turner that you can hardly put down and while you are at the doctor’s or doing dishes you wonder what the characters are doing while you’re not there. That’s it! Just wondering what going to happen next is why your blog is the first place I go when I turn on my computer and you haven’t disappointed me yet.

  104. Judy, I read your blog because you are so darn cute with how you write and comment about your day. I get a chuckle reading your exploits and adventures – even when you don’t leave the house! You have great style and seem to be a lot of fun. I wish you were my neighbor!

    I have a blog that I update at random moments. Mostly to keep track of items I make. It’s a place where I can admire my own handiwork. I have too many ideas and can’t keep a sample of everything, but blog pictures don’t take any space and I don’t have to print them to share them with other people.

    PS – I want some pet red star chickens now too, but my hubby would throw a fit.

  105. I love when you write about quilting because it inspires me. If you write about stuff I am not so interested in (Dr. Pepper on appliances for example) I skim the post. I have gotten fond of the chickens, they are a bit of a soap opera for me (can you tell I am not following any of those on TV?). I like reading about your life though I get to your blog for the quilting.

  106. I only read a few blogs, usually ones about quilting since that is my main interest. I do not do my own blog because of the time it takes and I’m on the computer enough already.

    Your daily comments are so interesting and amusing, as well as helpful . I can hardly wait to read your blog every day to see how your chickens are doing, get a new recipe, learn new quilting techniques or hear about your family. You have a wonderful talent for writing. Please don’t change a thing.

  107. OK, judy –
    I read your blog for the same reason I write mine (when I do)… I like to share with my friends. I guess I’d write in my blog if nobody but me read it; as a matter of fact I don’t know if anybody does read it. I sometimes write about what I do, and how much fun I’m having living up here – things that make life joyful. I don’t watch the news, and only read the local paper (2 pages) when I think I may see my neices or nephew there.
    I like reading your blog because I usually like what you have to say, which is not to say I always agree with you. That would be boring, anyway. Reading your blog is a form of visiting with a woman I consider a friend… is that weird? We’ve never met. But thank you… for being there, my virtual friend.

  108. I read your blog because I love your stories & ideas and your zest for your art, home and family.
    I blog so I can share my crafting activities.

  109. Want to answer without reading other responses, but a couple sneaked by… I read it because it is fun. Yes, I started reading it because of the BOM, but have continued because I enjoy it! The way you write, makes me feel like I know you and can relate to some of your struggles. Not about chickens, but other things are universal, family, projects everyday things. Keep up the good work, I know with the hot summer days, I am so totally impressed that anyone can quilt in this weather!

  110. I read your blog because I like to laugh. You crack me up! That to me is the highest of compliments.

    I blog because it motivates my creativity. I don’t get too personal on my blog. I don’t put pictures of my kids or use their names. I am trying to keep things a little more private. I mostly blog about my quilting and knitting and that works for me. 🙂

  112. As a beginning quilter I found your blog as a source for great learning and inspiration. Then as I kept checking back for more quilting ideas I felt like I began to know you as a friend thru your writing. Your personality really comes thru and you seem like such a warm nice person, and those are getting a little hard to come by somedays 🙂

    Question #2 – I started a blog but didnt’ keep up with it. I just never seemed to have the time. Maybe now with DS married and on his own (he’s Chad’s age and they sound SOOO much alike!!) and DD away at school things will slow down and maybe I’ll get back to it…….. someday lol.

  113. Judy, I read your blog because I enjoy reading whatever you write about. It’s silly to think that you’d change what you’re doing in your life in order to have a particular thing to blog about. I enjoy your style, we have some interests in common (quilting, knitting, bread baking, cooking), and the ones we don’t share (chickens, canning, gardening, all other baking) I still enjoy reading about on your blog. I don’t blog myself yet, largely because I’ve never been a big one for journaling generally. But if/when I do start a blog, I’ll probably limit it to quilting, because I tend to compartmentalize my life that way. I don’t figure most folks who aren’t Toastmasters would enjoy reading about the latest speech contest or District Conference or whatever, so I keep that kind of info for my Toastmasters friends. Similarly, most of my Toastmasters buddies couldn’t care less about quilting or knitting, so I don’t tend to share that kind of news with them. But just because that’s how I approach things, it’s not necessarily an expectation I have of other people. I enjoy reading about your whole life, not just your quilting. Of course, that’s the place where your life and my life are most congruent, and I always enjoy your designs and seeing what you’re working on, but I love seeing the pictures of your visiting wildlife, hearing about how the chickens are coming along, or what Chad’s been up to lately, or whatever. It makes me feel more connected to you, which is primarily what I enjoy about your blog.

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