to blog or not to blog

I’ve been wondering lately whether I should keep this blog rolling or let it drift into retirement.

On the plus side, it’s a wonderful diary of our travels—I know future me will be glad I wrote things down. On the flip side, keeping this old website alive means hiring someone to handle the behind-the-scenes tech updates, redesign, and photo albums. At today’s rates, that could quickly turn into a pricey project.

Meanwhile, WordPress has been flashing at me for months to “update the PHP” (whatever that means). I even asked ChatGPT to walk me through it… let’s just say, the warning is still flashing.

Truthfully, I’m not sure who’s reading. A couple of family members check in regularly (hi Dad! 👋), and we occasionally hear from Phil or Lennox—thanks guys—but most are busy with their own lives, which we totally understand.

Maybe blogs just aren’t “a thing” anymore? Everyone seems to be on quick-swipe platforms like Instagram. Every now and then I post a photo dump on Facebook, and lately I’ve put more effort into Polarsteps since it’s simple and doesn’t involve me wrestling with photo resizing and website gremlins.

Don’t get me wrong—I love writing. I just struggle to find the time, and pulling posts together (words + photos + tech) often feels like a part-time job. My original plan was to keep the blog going, then someday edit it all into a coffee table book for us and the kids to look back on.

So here’s a thought: if you’re reading this, drop me a quick “hello” in the comments. Let me know if you’d like me to keep going… or if it’s time for this blog to gracefully retire while I put my feet up in a hammock after a day of kiting in Brazil’s warm waters.

Thank you, Gracias, Danke, Obrigada,
Sarah

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0 Responses

  1. Hi Sarah, Mike and I have been thinking that you need to put it all together in a coffee table book (or two!!!!). We really enjoy your blog and while the reading of it is not always timely, we love to see the story of your awesome journey.
    So my vote, keep it up
    Love Karen and Dad

  2. Hi Sarah, I completely understand your dilemma. It has to be your decision. Blogs are yesterdays technology, perhaps, but it depends on your objective? Is it to record and share your travels or to attract viewers, or monetise?

    Not sure why you are having updating issues or why you need help with photos etc? . I may be able to help you.

    Maybe Charley would like to get involved?

  3. Hi Sarah,
    I follow and read your blog posts religiously! They are wonderful in telling us all about your experiences and you do write beautifully. However, I do understand the time constraints.
    Wishing you all the best in your continued travels.
    Love and hugs,
    Wanda

  4. Hi Sarah, so there you have it…both Karen and Wanda are with me…we want to share and enjoy your journey by reading your blog. I’m sure Deirdre, Rita, Phil and Lennox also share our thoughts

    I suspect whoever set up your site, has restricted your editing capability? Again, I’m happy to ask Cathy, who set ours up, to help you.

    We all want you to keep right on blogging…:)

    Love to you all.

  5. I suggest one of two things
    –I really enjoy the quality of your blog but if it takes up too much of your
    vacation I would defer it–write your own diary and put together what you want to keep till later.

    Other idea– make a larger distribution–maybe an article or letter to the Pique which is lacking good articles. since Max retired, posting at our lennoxwhistler@mail box which I suggested I might do but never followed through.
    And try to get the schools involved–a suggestion etc the principals as this would be a valuable education tool.

    Good luck with your decision–not an easy onelennoxwhistler@gmail.com

  6. Hi Sarah.

    I for one love reading your blogs but could just as easily keep updated on Polarsteps. I do however enjoy your writing style on the blogs. Having said that, I fully understand that this is a big commitment and time suck to do for you. When I was on the trip when I met you I was blogging pretty much only for family and close friends. It was a lot of work!

    I do check out Polarsteps every now and then and can just condition myself to go there. I love seeing the pics and watching the kids grow up (SOOO FAST!). Whatever you decide to do I’ll keep following along.