My blogging break turned into a break for a few months, incorporating the entire summer. Was I creative? Yes. Did I document it? Sometimes. What have I been up to? Tons!
Although I didn’t announce it on the blog, I’m sure you’ve figured out that I decided to take a blogging break. Why? Well, there were some negative things going on and I really don’t like adding negativity in my life, so taking a break was my answer.
The Bad
People were copying (verbatim, pictures and all) my posts. Not cool, fellow bloggers. Not cool.
Notices were issued and some complied. Some were “convinced” that legal issues weren’t in their best interest. That took a lot of time and even more of my patience (and kind of a ding to my faith in humanity), so I needed a blogging break.
I was also getting tons of “bloggers work for free, right?” emails. Sure, we work for free and the 9 hours of us working on a post for you will come with a small surcharge of $1500. Thanks and I hope to hear back soon. Because I really, really, really wanted to send that response, I needed a blogging break.
The Good
Mostly I took a blogging break for positive reasons. Summer in Seattle is an amazing time: everything is gorgeous, green, and inspiring! Here in the Emerald City, summers are warm but not too hot to actually enjoy the outdoors. Plus, I had all of these amazing things to do before my little one started preschool and everything changes:
Vacations
Beaches, mountain trails, and even our own backyard – we spent tons of time just soaking up our own family.
First Haircuts
It was three years in the making, but our little one got her first haircut. Ever. Yes, that’s her ‘on the phone’ telling her friends about her big day.
Bike Rides
The little one took a while to get comfortable, but she’s now riding her balance bike like she was racing in the Tour de France!
Lego Mania
The 3 year old discovered Legos this summer and now we’re swimming in them. I’m sure some Lego crafts will be coming your way soon for our little master builder! And that hamburger was created by a real master builder for the newest Lego store here in Seattle, which is now Elise’s favorite place!
Running
I have gotten back into running and I’ve been doing quite a lot of it these past few months. Running outside in the Pacific North West summer is a must, and with a view like this, who would want to stay inside at dawn?
As always, I have been creative but I’ve only chosen to document some of it. I’ll be sharing with you soon because I have tons of drafts of crafts and recipes in One Note from before the break and even a few that I’ve been working on the past couple of weeks.
If we’re connected on Instagram, you’ve seen some of the amazing fun we’ve had this summer. If we’re not buds on Instagram, pop on over here and let’s be IG friends!
Taking this summer was just what I needed. Having said that, it’s darn good to be back! What have you been up to this summer?
Maria says
Saying hello from Shine blog hop
So glad you had such a lovely time on your blogging break. A few people think it’s such a waste, but blogging breaks are a fantastic way to rejuvenate and refresh! I schedule one every few months just to avoid the blogger burn out. It looks like you had a fantastic time! Love your family excursions and yay for your 3 yr old riding her bike (I see she has an affinity for hello kitty too…she has a kindred spirit in my 2 yr old…she’s all about her too!)
Thank you for sharing this, Sarah! Hopefully, others will be inspired to take the same path and give themselves a break for a little while :)
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Sarah Nenni-Daher says
Thanks, Maria. I had taken tiny breaks – with content prescheduled so no one would notice – but you are on point when you say it’s a great way to rejuvenate and refresh. Maybe I should schedule one each month like you. Great advice and thank you so much for stopping by.
Tamara says
Very, very uncool about people copying you. So sorry about that!
Sheesh.
It’s so nice to see a post from you and hear about summer in the Emerald City. It’s been a great summer in New England and now fall is gorgeous and here.
Tamara invites you to read ABC, Easy As One, Two Three.
Sarah Nenni-Daher says
Thanks, Tamara. It’s glad to be back.
I never stopped reading all of my friends’ posts, I just took a break from commenting. It’s never as easy to comment while on mobile. :)
Sarah at Journeys of The Zoo says
Like you, I’ve been taking a blogging break. Not for the same reasons but important ones also. Glad that you’re happy with your decision. Life is short. Live.
Besos, Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
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Brita Long says
Blogging breaks are healthy! Sometimes you just need to take a step back from it all.
Brita Long invites you to read cuddle+kind: Providing One Million Meals a Year, One Doll at a Time
Emily says
That looks like the perfect blogging break.
I cannot get over your Seattle at dawn picture. I would love to have that view on a morning run! I was in Seattle for the first time 2 years ago and thought it was a beautiful city. That view! Gorgeous!
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Candace says
I love blogging breaks. I took a great deal of time off this summer as well, but I’m still having a hard time fully returning. It looks like you and your beautiful family had a memorable summer. That helmet is fantastic! Welcome back :).
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Kacie says
Thanks for sharing this! So sorry you went through that, I feel like sometimes people forget there’s a real live human behind the blog. I took an unintended blogging break over the summer too and am looking forward to a new season of writing!
Kacie invites you to read 10 Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Became a Mom
Betty says
Blogging breaks are good to take. Sometimes you just need to give it a rest. Good for you.
Becky says
Glad that you’re back! Is that skyline picture from Kerry Park in Queen Anne?
Elisa says
I’m so glad you are back from your blogging break!
Sarah Nenni-Daher says
Aw, thanks Elisa!! I made a Toothless costume for my daughter for Halloween and used your video for inspiration! I keep meaning to write that in the comments on your vid – I’ll go and do that now.
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Tiffany @ A Touch of Grace says
Summer is a great time for a blogging break. I took one that was much longer than I anticipated as well, but it was so nice. Looks like you guys had a lot of fun. That helmet kills me! So darn cute.
And that last photo of the skyline is amazing. So beautiful. We really do live in a great city!
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Sarah Nenni-Daher says
The helmet does show off her rock star status… :) It’s good to be back to blogging and back to all my blogging friends!
Jen says
Oh my gosh! How did you find out about the stolen pieces? That is terrible! I am so sorry. I guess I haven’t ever looked around to see if it has happened to me. I am sure it has, but I am just too scared to look.. Bad, huh? I am so glad you are back! I really missed you.
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Sarah Nenni-Daher says
Aw, thanks Jen! I have been keeping up with most of my blog reading (that piece about your daughter was a tear-jerker)!!
A company who wanted to work with me notified me of one instance of stolen content, a couple of readers notified me of another, and then I found out my feed was being syndicated without my consent. Ugh! One of the sites actually told me “anything on the Internet is free game” – a take-down notice let them know that wasn’t so much the case. :)
I’m definitely glad to be back in the swing of things.