Firstly, let me just say
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!
Another new year is upon us!
What will this chapter bring into our lives?
I mentioned in my post yesterday, about plans for my blog this year…
I had a wonderfully creative year last year with my WIP and my blog, and I hope to continue that this year.
But… there’s always a but… things have to evolve over time.
My work life is crazy busy, what with teaching two classes and being a Governor too, my family is growing older and requiring more attention in different ways, my Hubby Dearest would love a little more of my time…
So real life gets in the way.
Don’t worry… I’m not going anywhere.
I tried that before, enforced blog breaks… they last all of a day for me! And to be honest, writing posts, and reading yours, that is my chill out time!
No.
What I have decided is that I will take the pressure off myself.
I am used to forcing targets upon myself that cause undue stress (sound familiar, anyone?). I do it in all aspects of my life.
So, to do try and do this, I am not committing to posting every day, like I did last year.
I will post regularly – because I can’t keep away – and take part in the prompt challenges when they occur – but, and it’s a big BUT – I won’t beat myself up if I miss one.
I’ll be there reading your posts and be commenting, but again, if I am not able to visit everyone, every day, I won’t feel guilty. I know you are all human, and you understand, but still, as it stands, if I follow you, I don’t want to miss your words. And if there isn’t that acknowledgement on your post that I have been, either by comment or like, I feel bad.
I do have an idea for a regular feature… but it’s still that, an idea, at the moment!
Spidey will definitely still be around every Sunday – How can he not be??!!
And, the biggie… I need to FINISH this dang WIP!!!! It is so close to the end but I am so tired by the end of the day I can’t get my head into gear!
So, the hope is that I continue to be here, as a blogger (but not flooding your readers or inboxes with posts!) and that I finish my WIP, and maybe, just maybe, have a published book by the end of the year!!!!!!!
And I am sooooo looking forward to May 19th – no no the Royal Wedding, exciting as it may be – but the Annual Bloggers Bash!!!! The ABBA’s have been a huge part of my life over the last 2 years and as I get ready to attend the third, I hope it will be something I attend for many years to come!!!!
So, let me wish you a most excellent 2018 once again!
And let me know – What are your plans for your blog this year?
But I Smile Anyway... 
Jan 06, 2018 @ 15:50:16
So pleased to read you’re not going to get stressed out or made to feel guilty about blogging. It should always be about the fun and the enjoyment, otherwise, why carry on with it? I used to go to the gym, but hated every moment of it. Now, I don’t go anymore and I feel far better about it.
Do what’s right for you and, if it feels good, then stick with it, Ritu.
Good luck with your plans.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 06, 2018 @ 15:52:45
Thank you dear Hugh!!!! 💜 hope you’re well 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 05, 2018 @ 02:12:53
Happy New Year Ritu! I plan to revamp my blog, move to self-hosting, feature more contributors and authors.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 05, 2018 @ 08:28:10
Hope all your plans flourish!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 05, 2018 @ 22:37:54
Many thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 03, 2018 @ 02:31:02
Happy new year! great plans for the blog! and a book, yay! hope it gets published! xxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 03, 2018 @ 08:57:29
Thank You! Happy New Year 🎉🎊🎉
LikeLike
Jan 02, 2018 @ 16:28:33
Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 02, 2018 @ 16:58:42
Happy New Year Pam! 🎉🎊🎉🎊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 02, 2018 @ 15:37:29
Great plans, Ritu. I am looking forward to your book.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 02, 2018 @ 15:50:55
Thanks Robbie! After all the type I sure hope it lives up to the mark whenever it’s finished!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 02, 2018 @ 10:50:02
Happy New Year, Ritu! Like you, I am going to be a little kinder to myself if I don’t get to blog or comment as much as I used to. I love blogging and our community but I get so het up when I can’t keep up with everything which in turn, takes the pleasure out of it all.
I am currently back to 12-hour shifts with the odd night thrown in for the next couple of months on my current placement, and of course, have some Uni work and an exam during the same period so I might be playing catch up quite a bit.
Having said that I am keen to complete the #JusJoJan challenge as I have done for the past couple of years, so will have to be good at organising my time (scheduled posts will be featuring highly)!!
I want to do a feature too, but not sure that I will have the time yet!
I wish you every success with your goals and aims this year Sis. and I know you will put everything into achieving them, if not, then there is always next year! (I know we are as bad as each other when it comes to setting ourselves targets, but we must calm down)!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 02, 2018 @ 10:51:23
Thank you dear sis! We can both keep encouraging each other to not be so hard on ourselves. Good luck with those 12 hour shifts xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 02, 2018 @ 21:00:14
Thanks Sis. I did one yesterday and was knackered at the end of it!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 02, 2018 @ 21:22:04
Bless you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 02, 2018 @ 08:05:14
Happy New Year 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 02, 2018 @ 08:25:46
Happy New Year Sophie 💜🎉🎊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 03, 2018 @ 07:46:40
Huge hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 22:03:48
I know I should set goals, but at my age, it is lots more fun to live spontaneously, sooo I will continue to post (on both PWR and Blogging 807) “irregularly and sposmatically.” I will never, never stop taking on reading challenges, but they will be small, short ones similar to the “Color Coded Challenge” some creative blogger put out, and which I finished ahead of time. To whittle down my TBR list (and shelves!), from time to time, I will participate in my own little Mini Readathons. I took some time off from posting, and like you, Ritu, I couldn’t do it. I am anticipating the completion of your work in progress and hope to buy a companion to my Poetic Rituals for my bookshelf. The best of 2018 to you and yours!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 22:28:11
You are so sweet Rae! Thank you for the encouragement! And your goals… however small are achievable totally!!!! 🎉🎊🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 21:25:31
I honestly don’t know how you do it – I went for weeks this year without posting and even then I felt overwhelmed at times haha! Have a lovely 2018 Ritu! Looking forward to seeing you at the Bash!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 21:33:14
I’m not sure how I’ll cope being less active… lol!!! You watch… I’ll still be around!
Roll on May!!!!
LikeLike
Jan 01, 2018 @ 20:59:38
Happy New Year to all of you!!! Michael;-)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 21:00:11
Thank you Michael! Happy New Year to you and yours too 🎉🎊🎉🎊
LikeLike
Jan 01, 2018 @ 20:58:03
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 20:58:00
Happy 2018, Ritu. I hope it brings you many successes, both personally and in your writing/blogging.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 20:59:41
Thank you so much Corina! Happy New year to you too. 🎉🎊🎉🎊
LikeLike
Jan 01, 2018 @ 18:58:01
Happy New Year! And hope you complete that WIP soon! All the very best!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 20:07:29
I hope so too! Thank You!
LikeLike
Jan 01, 2018 @ 17:24:22
Happy New year Ritu. Hope you get to accomplish your new year blogging goals
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 17:24:47
Thanks Arv! Happy New Year 🎉🎊🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 02, 2018 @ 04:39:29
😃👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 17:18:30
Happy New Year Ritu and you are right stress is no good for anyone and I don’t get to go on my FB sites as often as I like but do what I can when I can and that is all we can do as family and work commitments take over sometimes 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 17:21:00
We have to get our priorities straight, you’re right Carol! Happy New Year 🎊🎉🎊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 17:32:07
I think so as well Ritu I have given up beating myself up …lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 17:34:07
That’s what I have to stop doing Carol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 15:42:47
Yeah, with your full life you should never feel guilty. I am amazed at how many blogs you touch. I don’t know how you do it! Are you blogging in the shower? On the toilet? I just don’t know how you do it!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 16:52:16
Lol!!! Can You imagine!!!??? No… but my phone apps really help me stay in touch!!!
LikeLike
Jan 01, 2018 @ 15:10:25
Write the damned book, girl. I want to beta read it for you!
Anyhoo, love you to bits and all that good stuff, hold the pose and smile for the camera and I’ll see you in May…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 15:30:17
Aw His Geoffleship! You are so sweet!!!!
I aim to get the dang thing done!!!!!!! Love you to bits too!!!
Can’t wait for May!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 14:24:18
You are one of the most supportive bloggers/individuals I know. So you do what you have to do and let us know how we can support you in 2018. You have been a big support/cheerleader to me in 2017.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 14:45:54
AW that is so sweet! Thank you so much! I shall try to be as I always am, but I need to learn when to step back… I have tried a bit recently on the sharing days on our FB group… That has been hard, but it was a case of I couldn’t be an online presence, and a mum, if you know what I mean!
Happy New Year!
LikeLike
Jan 01, 2018 @ 14:04:42
Way to go, Ritu. Promise photos from the B.B. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 14:44:33
I’ll be sure to post those Jennie!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 18:11:28
👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 13:29:42
No specific blog plans for this year other than, like you, do what I can without stressing myself out! I am now in the routine of Mon, Wed, Fri regular Posts.. plus a musical one on Saturdays. It works for me!
Outside of blogging, but in the context of creative writing, I do have to dedicate more time to promoting by books especially as they are both non-profit (with funds going to worthy causes). There is also a 300+ page book of children’s stories (co-authored) currently in the publishing process so that will make a considerable draw on my waking hours in the not too distant future.
Yup… it will be a busy year, but also a productive year, and aren’t they the best kind to have? All the best Ritu to you and your “gang”!:)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 13:48:55
Good luck in your endeavours Colin!!!! 🎉🎊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 13:53:24
No luck necessary Ritu. Just got to keep my brain working; my patience level high, and my expectations of the world both optimistic and realistic. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 13:55:23
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 12:50:09
Happy New Year… all the best with your goals… -auto correCT changed goals to foals🙈- as far as plans for my blog goes, just keep blogging😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 12:52:16
Don’t you just love Autocorrect! Happy New Year🎉🎊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 12:30:41
Happy New Year, Ritu! 🍷🍸🍾
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 12:50:26
Happy New Year Lisa! 🎉🎊🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 11:43:25
Happy New Year, that all sounds like a proper well thought out plan, really need to take inspiration and do the same myself, instead of winging it. 😂 good luck into 2018!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 11:44:22
We can but try! Happy New Year🎉🎊🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 11:12:36
I had to start like this last year. We need to adjust our developing lives in order to still fill it with what we love. Although we love it, it can feel stressful to keep up with all we used to keep up. Have a happy and peaceful New Year, dear sister!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 11:25:09
Thank you dear sis. I’ll need to wean myself off the idea that I have to be everywhere all the time. But I’ll do it!!!! 🎉🎊🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 11:44:16
I hear you loud and clearly! It needs some practice and determination. But it is possible… lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 11:44:35
😊😊😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 11:45:22
😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:56:20
Good luck with your 2018 goals! Many thanks for your kindness and support to me and others too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 11:24:13
Thank you Mickey! I’ll try to be as supportive this year Too! Great to get to know you! Happy New Year 🎉🎊🎉
LikeLike
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:47:37
Happy New Year Ritu – may it bring many good things your way. And actually can’t wait till May 19th too…I get giddy & overexcited just thinking about it! Xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:51:02
Thank you Em! The same to you! I’m glad there’s another who gets overexcited about the Bash!!!!! Happy New Year 🎉🎊🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:21:02
I love your energy Ritu, it sounds from the screen! I would love to attend the ABBAS but still on a wait and see basis!! Hard to organise a trip to London here Otherwise my blog aim is to stay posting weekly, engage in BUYB and enjoy it all x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:34:13
Well I hope we get to meet, but will be interacting with you constantly on the blogs!!! Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 08, 2018 @ 21:53:48
Some time probably! Lots if blog chat in between though x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 09, 2018 @ 07:34:13
Absolutely!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:04:15
Happy New year 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:10:34
Happy New Year 🎉🎊🎉
LikeLike
Jan 01, 2018 @ 09:52:35
Happy New Year! I think not putting pressure on yourself is a great mantra to strike up. Life is busy and you won’t enjoy blogging or reading other people’s posts if you’re forcing yourself to do it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:10:19
Too true!!! Thank you and Happy New Year 🎉🎊🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 09:51:31
Have a Healthy and Successful 2018, Ritu and Family 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:09:55
Thank you Chris! The same to you and yours! Happy New Year🎉🎊🎉🎊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 09:50:53
Sounds like a good plan Ritu, all the best for the year and hopefully I’ll see you on May 19!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:09:33
Yay!!! That would be great! Happy New Year 🎉🎊🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 09:47:33
It becomes a habit to post, eh?!
I didn’t have anything prepared for today, having conked out early last night after a day I thought I should relax and not prepare anything for the holiday… So, when I woke up around 1:20 (well, the kitty boys woke me up because that’s “feed-the-kitties” time), I realized I needed to prepare something, and did.
My best effort? Easily not, but the doing enforces the need to do. I’ll be a good blogger and not kid myself about daily preparing something for the followers of the blog who look forward to a little kitty humor each day. Their loyalty to me needs a return on the time they spend searching it out!
Happy New Year, Ritu, and whatever you post in 2018 will be all the more precious because of the extra effort it takes for you to put the posts together!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:09:07
Thank you my dear! I love seeing your kitties!!!
Happy New Year 🎉🎊🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 11:46:43
Likewise your kitty!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 11:58:32
😻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 09:46:50
I wish you all the best with your goals Ritu, and hope you look after yourself so that you have the energy you need to accomplish everything you want to do. (I speak from experience, having had 4 kids!). Best wishes, Denzil
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:08:23
Thanks Denzil! Happy New Year 🎉🎊🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 09:23:44
Happy New Year Ritu. Sounds like you have made good and healthy resolutions/plans for your blog in 2018.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:06:55
Thank you! Hope I can stick to them! Happy New Year 🎉🎊🎉
LikeLike
Jan 01, 2018 @ 09:00:59
Happiest of Happy New Years to you Ritu, I wish you only good surprises this year and a hatful of dreams come true. Taking the pressure off in the blogging sense might just be the magic key to getting that pesky WIP finished. You can if you will and I know you will 💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:06:23
Thank you so much! From your lips to God’s ears! Happy New Year 🎉🎊🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 08:33:54
Happy New Year Sis, good luck with all your projects.. I hope to sort my work in progress too this year, I am also looking forward to seeing everyone at the Bloggers Bash 💜💜. Be well and Happy 🌹🌹🌹🌹
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:05:58
It will be another good year 💜💜💜
LikeLike
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:08:29
Indeed 💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 07:43:27
Happy New Year. I’m definitely looking forward to the Bash.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:05:31
Oh me too April!!! Happy New Year🎉🎊🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 07:04:39
Happy New Year and hope it brings much happiness.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:05:08
Thank you Davy! Happy New Year 🎉🎊🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 02, 2018 @ 06:26:56
Thank you Ritu 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 06:41:03
Happy New Year 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:04:56
Happy New Year 🎉🎊🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 06:37:37
Happy New Year to you too Rachel 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:04:48
Happy New Year to you too Stuart! 😉
LikeLike
Jan 01, 2018 @ 06:16:55
Sometimes we need to think at ourselves too, Ritu. Good to see, that you take care not to be the one going down with stress. Happy New Year.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:04:28
I hope not anyway Irene! Happy New Year 🎉🎊🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 05:50:21
Happy 2018! May it be everything you want it to be, Ritu 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:04:01
Happy New Year Shailaja! Thank you 😊
LikeLike
Jan 01, 2018 @ 05:36:18
Happy New Year. 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:03:19
Happy New Year 💃🏽🎊🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 15:22:16
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan 01, 2018 @ 05:33:02
Happy New Year. Good luck getting the EIP done.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:03:11
Thank you! Happy New Year 🎉🎊🎉
LikeLike
Jan 01, 2018 @ 05:12:48
H N Y….
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:02:58
Happy New Year 🎉🎊🎉
LikeLike
Jan 01, 2018 @ 05:07:28
Wish you a happy new year 😊 stay healthy and happy ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:02:51
Thank you! Happy New Year 🎉🎊
LikeLike