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  1. I enjoy your writing ability and love when you get thought provoking and lyrical, but I also enjoy the ones about everyday issues and growing old. I will read you however often you post, and I do read the comments.You must do what you can, when you can and we will take you on your terms.

  2. I have many health problems this year and I chose not to post as often as before so I can have some time to rest after work. I'm not saying it's the best solution, but maybe you should think about it. I'd probably leave the comments on, but choose not to reply to them (people will understand).

  3. Obviously, you need to do what is best for you and your health. I don't think you have to post every day. I only visit a few blogs nowadays, and one of them has a new post about once a week. But the photos are so lovely I go back and look at it several times during the week. I do vote that you keep the comments. One of the reasons I visit your blog is because your readers leave more thought-provoking comments than I find on most other blogs. So between your words and photos and the comments, I really get a lot of great content here!

  4. I have a chronic pain condition,and I can deal with that, but it concerns me that your pain is such a different issue. Your foot shouldn't be hurting like this for so long.

  5. I think you should do what makes you happy. And, if writing the saturday newsletter isn't floating your boat, stop! Think it would be tough sometimes to come up with a topic to write about, especially daily! I enjoy your blog and will continue to read it, no matter which path you choose to take.

  6. I just found your blog and I am loving readying all the past postings you've done. I would be happy with once a week…..just as long as I know your bit of sunshine would still be there. Thanks so much for your blog……I wish I had found it sooner. Have a lovely day.

  7. Wow, you got a ton of feedback from your wonderful followers, Brenda! Hey, let's face it, blogging takes a ton of time and sometimes life gets in the way! At the end of the day, you gave to do what works best for YOU…because you need to take care of yourself in mind, body, and spirit. I think you would miss the comments, though…

  8. your email in my box reminds me to check your blog and see what you are up to.

    I have chronic pain. My back and legs hurt when I walk to much. But I always make my self walk and use the grocery cart for support. I know the walking is good for me and not get tempted into using the electric carts the store provides.

    I really like your blogs and due to memory problems (a side effect of my meds) the email helps me to remember to check the blog I enjoy the most!

  9. I enjoy reading your blog very much. I like to see what's going on in your garden and with your pups. I have a Yorkie mix named Dixie, she is a real joy! I want you to enjoy blogging and if that means posting less often, that is just fine. The comments are what connects us, they are very important. Glad you got the floater checked out, they can signal serious retina problems….but not always. The knee walker is something worth trying, I know a lady who used one in a mobile home…it was so helpful for her. Please try it….pain is so exhausting.

  10. You do what you think is best for you but I certainly would miss your blog daily, I look forward to it. So many people deal with chronic pain, some are not as fortunate as you to be mentally sharp and able to contribute your gifts to others. Be well, happy and content my friend.

  11. I agree with so many others. Your Posts with your thoughts and observations are my personal favorites. I do like the decor posts but I love to see how you arrange…paint….hang quilts etc more. I come every evening to read your Posts for the past 2 years. I hope you will keep posting daily and keep the comments too. I like reading others opinions too.

  12. Hi Miss Brenda, First I must say your blog and only one other I always make time to read and enjoy! You are the veteran blogger , the one that is loved by many! Just do what you can and are comfortable with…. no pressure ,You should have fun blogging as we are entertained as readers. Leave your comment section so we can all still visit with you. Love your pup kids too Lisa@ Sweet Tea N' Salty Air

  13. I understand this, Brenda…you have to do what works best for you. Due to health issues, I am only posting every week or two, I closed my shops, and gave up outside writing work. It has help me to get more rest and to feel better. I would do what you enjoy most, and cut back on the things that are hardest or cause you stress. We will read whenever you decide to share…no pressure! Hope you are feeling better soon!

  14. I love the comments. Sometimes I learn more from what someone posts in the comments than from the post itself. I will continue to enjoy reading your posts whenever you choose to post.

  15. Since you derive some sort of financial remuneration from your blog, my first thoughts were would you be putting yourself in an even more financially strained situation of you decreased your blogging.
    You present you blog family with consistently beautiful and high quality work. For you, its a passion and a career. It's almost like you are the writer, photographer and editor of an on line magazine.
    To maintain this level of quality, I can only imagine the hours you must put into it.
    You know, in corporate America , workers take vacations from their jobs no matter how much they love them. Some companies and educational institutions encourage employees to take time from their jobs so they, the employees , can stay excited and keep the fire alive. You must do what is best for you. We'll all always be there for you.

  16. Hi Brenda,
    I have been mostly bed-ridden and do look forward to seeing you everyday. That being said, living with chronic pain and disability, I understand exactly how you feel. It's very hard to realize that we've reached that point in life that we must scale back. You need to be a little selfish now and do what's right for you! I totally understand and if we only hear from you on a good day, that will work for me�� Time to pamper yourself now Brenda. Be well
    Peggy

  17. Hi Brenda,
    I have been mostly bed-ridden and do look forward to seeing you everyday. That being said, living with chronic pain and disability, I understand exactly how you feel. It's very hard to realize that we've reached that point in life that we must scale back. You need to be a little selfish now and do what's right for you! I totally understand and if we only hear from you on a good day, that will work for me�� Time to pamper yourself now Brenda. Be well
    Peggy

  18. Brenda,
    Pain, illness and aging hit each one of us different. There is no. Comparisons when it comes to those portions of life. Limitations cause us to make decisions we don't like. I have made my choice to continue sharing my creativity because that brings me joy. I have moved my dishes across from the dishwasher and sink into drawers. When you pull out the drawers to load then, it cause less lifting and stretching. Wheel away in that chair. Make it a counter stool with wheels and you will see your garden put your window. Posting everyday must be hard. Maybe post 3 times a week. Please keep your comments or use Facebook comments. I appreciate all you have done to encourage me as well as others. I hope you find Joy!
    Wishing you less pain and joy,
    Karen Marie Kedzuch

  19. I'd just like to say that although I rarely comment, I read every post. One of the reasons that I do is that there are so few people talking about the things that interest me, a grandma in her 50's. You speak a language that I understand, and you speak it well. I hope you keep posting at a rate that is most comfortable for you.

  20. Brebda love it when you are just you…telling us your thoughts, pains, joys,frustrations and love your decor posts and garden posts as you are excellent in both regards. Rest and give up the Saturday letter and post…do Monday through Friday and take the weekends to rest, read, relax and just be…

    I rarely post but love reading them and felt you were beginning to enjoy your life and so happy you have help when needed by your new repair fellow and I am sure he has been blessed also by your friendship. Glad to see some of your sponsors appreciate where you are coming from and have been gifting you. Shows your posts hit home, n'est ce pas?
    Sylvia Faye

  21. Brenda
    I too live with chronic pain. Like so many others and ones so much worse than me. I become very frustrated when I can't bend or stand for very long at a time and still have so much I want to do! I also am not much interested in other peoples apts,BUT I love to see what you come up with. Especially enjoyed the post on doing your counter tops. I also love your posts that are about what your thinking, feeling and happenings in your family. Be encouraged…we love your blog because of who you are.

  22. Brenda, So sorry you are having the pain, wishing you better health. Your blog is the only one I receive & read daily & I enjoy it so much! Like many others it's the blogs about you, the pupsters, family & your home & decor (which I love & it inspires me) that I enjoy the most. Do what is best for you. We will still be here waiting for your next interesting post & loving the comments too, take care of you!

  23. Wow lots of wonderful comments and I love reading them, so PLEASE don't turn them off! (1) Leave comments on; (2) You are my favorite blogger and I look forward to each post, but I wouldn't mind them not being every day – do it as you can; (3) I agree that the Newsletter was just "fluff" and you don't need it; (4) You probably don't need to respond to comments unless there is really something very urgent that you want to say!; (5) I've had floaters for years and years, in both eyes and many of them. I hate them and they do interfere sometimes with seeing, reading, driving, etc. but you do (kind of) adjust. I've learned that especially for driving, if I wear sunglasses, it makes them less noticeable; (6) I've had chronic pain too for 45 years since I cracked two vertebrae in my lower back. It's very hard to live with and I understand totally what you've said and others have said. I've learned to pace myself and do small increments of physical things. I'm limited on what I can do now (like sewing, I can only do it about a half hour at a time as looking down for long periods makes my neck hurt like crazy)….. learn to do small increments and as the above comments suggest, maybe try to find some others ways to "work and still be off your feet". At one point, a few years ago, I had to actually LAY DOWN along my flower bed to do my gardening, planting and weeding, as I literally could not kneel or lean over.. but it worked for me that way as I was determined to continue gardening! If you have less pain or no pain when you are off your foot, then be creative (and these comments have some great ideas!) and re-invent the wheel so to speak on how you do things (like laying down to garden!).

    This is getting way too long! Sorry. But I do love commenting now and then and love reading others' comments… I feel connected to everyone here! I think if you need a break from blogging, go for it.. do what's best for you. I will take what you have to offer. I love things about your own life, your friend, Israel, your thoughts on what you are going through. I usually don't read your Tweak It Tuesday or Six on Saturday as I am not too much interested in going around to everyone elses' blogs to read them. It's just too much information and I don't have the time and don't NEED to explore more blogs that take up my time! That is one area I've pared down… not reading so many blogs that are the same old thing over and over again. So for number (7)… I don't need the posts that send us to other blogs so you could cut those out (that's just me – some may love it).

    Summary, post when you want to, about you and your life… and maybe some posts dont' even need photos, as I know how much time it takes to take them, load them, edit them, etc. And I must admit I just skim over the ones of your patio and garden, that are the same over and over again…. so maybe don't need the ones that are repetitious? just my thoughts. I do love your photos of new things.. even if you went for a drive and took some new ones of a park or countryside, etc.

    Sorry this is so long! I think you could list your favorite blogs on your sidebar like you do as I've found a few other blogs that I like, from that list.

    Take care of yourself and do what you need to do!

  24. I agree less is best. I enjoy your writing so much when it is your thoughts. I skip the ones that are just a compilation of other blogs or info gathered off the internet. I've been reading your blog since you were in Texas and realize what a change your life has taken. You write beautifully and I look forward to more of that.

    1. I agree with Janice. I skip over the other blogs also and the info off of the internet. I do, however, reading your thought and how you are dealing with life. And I do so hope that you keep the comments. Sorry you are having to deal with that darn foot problem. I think you have just over extended yourself with all of the redecorating that you have been doing. Take the summer off and enjoy your beautiful space you have created.

  25. I still think I'm 20 but in reality I'm almost 71. I've given up my antique shop, booth spaces, and car wash. Everything that I've loved to do is now gone. I have five ruptured dics, SI joint out of place, bad knee, and UC. Also, I have been trying to start a blog for about a year, but due to pain that has not happened yet. I say all that to say please take care of yourself and post when you are able. We, your readers, will continue to support you.

  26. Hi Brenda! Well, I do know you need to do what you feel like you need to do. When I first started blogging, I thought I was supposed to post each day! Almost killed me! Not really, but I try to post a couple times a week unless I'm gone on a trip and chopped up like recently. But whatever you do, don't turn off the comments. I love to respond to your posts and I'm sure most everyone does too. Just delete the nasty ones! 🙂 I told you I'd just punch them in the stomach for you! 🙂 Anyway, keep on being you and I know since I broke my knee cap I just can't do what I used to do and don't want to! 😉
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

  27. Brenda, I just read all these comments from your friends, and your input too, and am glad you will leave 'comments' on your blog; thanks!
    I got a flash now when I read one comment that said she liked your blog because "you are 'real people'and we all know real people need a break once in a while."…Brenda, TAKE A VACATION FROM YOUR BLOGGING! Take two weeks vacation if you can afford it! I don't mean to go anywhere, but just shut down for two weeks and take a DESERVED break; think you can do that?

  28. I really believe that you need to do whatever makes you feel good and is convenient. However, I do enjoy all of your posts even if I'm in a "fly by zone" and don't leave a comment. I do hope you leave the comments open though. As others have mentioned, I do learn more many times and I always appreciate another's point of view.

    I feel for you with the ankle/foot pain and I've had floaters off & on too. It can be very annoying but if you try to focus on something else, your eyes will adjust. Wishing you a very blessed day and week ahead!

    xo
    Pat

  29. I look forward to reading your blog every day. And I like to read the comments although I understand to monitor comments could be a lot of work. I pay attention to the many tips you give on how to live and garden frugally. It means a lot to me and is the most cheerful of the blogs I read. Rest as much as you can and I hope some of the energy returns. ~

  30. I believe it isn't about what "we" want ~ It is about what feels right for you.

    I love your blog, I love the comments. I wouldn't mind if you only posted 2 -3 days a week ~

  31. I always enjoy your post…it is the first email I open each day . Honestly I am disappointed if it does not appear, but what I love so about Cozy Little House is the fact that you are REAL and we all know real people need a break sometimes. Share that part of your life with us too. We all need ways to prioritize our time and energy.
    Don't stop comments ..they are what connects us to each other!

  32. What I want is for you to be happy and comfortable with what you do..You do what you need to do to be and to feel the best you can…we will be here for you Brenda…Hugs..

  33. I enjoy your blog… it's the only one I always open. I don't like it when you share your blog space with other bloggers. When you speak from your heart about the things that are important to you it's the best. I also like the comments because that makes it a conversation. Perhaps leave space for comments but you don't have to respond. Blog what you want, when you want. It's your life and you need to do what makes your heart sing.

  34. You were one of the first blogs I found when I started blogging. You still remain my favorite.
    I also enjoy the comments others make. I seldom read comments on other blogs.
    You are the only one that can decide what you are able to do. You are tired and need some rest. That darn foot. Pain is exhausting.
    I say keep on doing what you are up to. We can wait. You are important to all of us.
    Hugs

  35. I like your daily post, but I Iwould understand if you felt it was too much. I like the reflective posts,the garden sharing, and your decor updates. I love quilts, antiques, and seeing your dogs..

  36. I will not miss the newsletter. I like daily posts, but less often is understandable. I love the comments..it allows us to matter,,allows us to speak too. Just like the above idea to use a chair doing dishes..that idea can help many..and you. Interaction is good.

  37. I am 45 years old and have been dealing with chronic pain and other health issues since I was about 35. I completely understand every word you have said here. It's very difficult to make concessions for your "new" lifestyle but it is absolutely necessary. It is also very difficult to deal sometimes from day to day not only with the pain and changes but with the responses you get from other people who just don't understand and frankly most of them don't want to understand.

    You must do what is right for you and your life regardless of what anyone may think. Life is too short. We all must deal with the hand that we've been dealt and in my opinion live the best life that we are capable of.

    I enjoy your blog immensely and would hate to see less posts but if that is what you need then absolutely do that. We've all grown to love you and want you to be healthy and happy in your life. If you choose to share your talents of writing and your life with us then that is a blessing for your readers.

    Take care of you and your babies. Have a blessed day.

  38. Good Morning Brenda. First glad that you just have a floater and not something more serious with your eye. I am glad you followed through and had that checked. I love your blog posts but totally understand the need to cut back and take a break. Sometimes life has a way of having us look at things differently and priorities differently. Post when you can and take time to enjoy your life outside of blog land and take care of yourself.
    Have a great new week ahead.
    Kris

  39. I always enjoy getting your posts in my email…I welcome them. But this isn't about me, or your readers. This is about you and your energy levels…and your interests. If you continue to post everyday…great! If you are unable to post everyday….I understand…great! I too, enjoy reading the comments when I have time….it's fun! We all have to relearn how to do things as we age. I know I have….I'm a few years older than you. Somethings are not as easy to do as they used to be…that's just a reality! Enjoy your day…and that fantastic patio of yours! 😉

  40. I know this may seem irrelevant, but have you thought about going full-plant-based in your diet to conquer chronic pain? A whole foods, plant-based diet can produce amazing results. Please read The China Study by T.Colin Campbell, Unprocessed by Chef AJ, How Not To Die by Dr Michael Greger, and Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by Dr. Caldwell Esseltyn. All are invaluable resources available on Amazon.

  41. Brenda you are my favorite blogger and I would miss you very much, but you have to do what is best for you. I have my sister and sister-in-law reading your post now. I find your down to earth attitude wonderful. Stay healthy. Life is short.

  42. I have LOVED the tours of small spaces around the globe, provided by you! And your take on them. I've gotten so excited when I see a new one appear. I love comments, I'd read everyday, new posts. I'd read every other day new posts, I'd read a few times a week. Whatever you're willing to provide us with. I visit you like a friend daily. I love stories about those in your life. Daughter, grandson, the employee that is now your dear friend,,,,,,have learned from your medical situations and outcomes and have learned much insight into what my son may face in his adult life living on "the spectrum". In short, I'll take whatever you can/will give. And I'm immensely thankful for it. Love.

  43. Hi Brenda,
    Like so many others I really enjoy your blog. It just adds a bit of lightness to my inbox. I will continue to follow you however frequently you decide to post.
    Mary

  44. Brenda, I still look for email from you every day. To be honest, I hardly read any other blogs. Maybe I just became so attached to you and your writings, they are so sensitive and sincere. I too enjoy the comments from others, so please leave them. I agree with others that I don't see the need for you to post daily. You have to take care of yourself. Having had a back fusion I understand the pain and good days vs a lot of bad days. Just keep on being yourself old sweet self, and tear at my heart once in awhile! Love, Annette

  45. You have to follow your heart. Perhaps you need a blogging break. Do what you have to do, do not worry about us.

  46. Have you seen those knee walkers? My sister in law used one after extensive foot surgeries. Don't know if they might work for your situation.

  47. Brenda… I enjoy your blog every day but if you didn't post daily that would be fine. Take care of you…I am in awe of people who post everyday as I know it takes time, patience, imagination and tenacity to do so. I think everyone would understand if you don't post daily. I too get caught up in what I think I should do versus what my body can do. I feel guilty when I don't do what I think I should and I'm coming to grips with the fact that I'm the only one who really cares whether certain tasks are done or not. I blame the nuns for instilling in me a work ethic and a perhaps unhealthy sense of guilt. Realism needs to be a part of the picture too. Rest and relax and it will re-charge you. Hugs –

  48. Brenda so sorry about the pain that you are going through yet again!! As to how much to post you rely on frequent posting for income so I am not sure what to say about that in regards to your situation….I know that I have cut back in the last few months on my posts because I took a look at the time involved over the last few years and I felt that it was something to devote less of that to…

  49. I have had floaters for years, I sit when I do many chores, I realize I am 73 and have high energy but a bad knee so I take it easier. I like comments even though I rarely comment. You don't need to respond to us, most responses are a repeat of what we know already. They are time consuming. I don't like parties or days when the posts send me to this or that site to see a table setting or a new planter, don't spend so much time looking for referrals for us! I like honesty and reality. You make me feel like a true friend when you share, I, also realize no one has that much to say so skip every day posts. Stay true to who you are.

  50. You and I have a very similar ankle injury and mine still hurts and saps my energy when I've been walking a lot. Like the past week or so when I've been shopping for flowers and garden things, I'd come home and crash. I had zero energy for blogging much less anything that required me to be on my feet. I agree that there are many people much, much worse off than me, but that doesn't change the fact that I often hurt too much to get things done when I would like to. You have to decide what to give up, or cut back on, and what matters most to you to keep on doing. As for blogging, lately I'm lucky if I get one post a week done. I try to read blogs and comment when I can, but it's hard to keep up with those that post every day. However, you should post whenever and whatever suits you. You might try cutting back a little and see if you like it. You may not. Your posts are always interesting and I personally like to see a mix of topics. I agree with the above comment about keeping comments on. I often like to see what others saying too. Well, I always "talk" too much, and I hope I made sense because my brain and body are tired from planting flowers today! 🙂 Oh, one more thing…I have had floaters come and go for a few years now. They are annoying at first but you get used to them.

  51. Brenda, I certainly don't expect daily posts. Even just two a week is fine by me. Or even skip a whole week now and then. It's your blog, do it the way you want. Although I suppose the the less you post, the less money you make?

    I don't always comment, but I do like having that option but I wouldn't abandon your blog if you omitted comments.

    I'm sorry about your foot. I didn't realize you've had to be in the boot so much. I know you like to get things done, would you feel better if you worked by a timer? Say work for 15 mins and rest for 15 mins or whatever intervals work for you? My back bothers me and that's what I have to do to get things done without provoking extra pain.

  52. I personally like your blog best when you just write about your home, your garden and your dogs. I understand how much work it is for you to write a blog entry every day, but I look forward to it everyday.

  53. I have found my life changing as I age and my energy level goes down. I like the posts about you, your life and whats going on. The posts about others decor not so much. It's you I come here to visit. So if cutting back helps, please do that. I too like comments as I learn a lot from you readers also. Take care of yourself and prioritize!
    hugs,
    Linda

    1. I agree, enjoy the posts where you share your thoughts, family, friends, apartment, frugal living and thought provoking ideas all scattered with your amazing photos. The posts of others decor and posts not so much. It is your writing that I enjoy be that every day or once a week.

      Put yourself, the pupsters, and your family first.
      Diane

    2. Forgot to say that I enjoy reading the comments of others and occasionally comment myself. Hopefully readers do not feel compelled to comment and you should not feel compelled to respond. Please use your energy for the posts, not responses.

      Thanks for all that you have shared in the past.
      Diane

    3. Hi Brenda, I agree with Linda and Diane. I really enjoy reading about you, the pups, and your home/garden. Re other's decor…. I find myself asking "but how are you doing today Brenda". It seems so many of us can relate to most of your health concerns, issues and worries. We are all in this together, but you put all of our issues into the most beautiful, understanding words.

  54. Brenda, I love your posts, anytime you like!! If you want to post three times a day, I will click over and read them. I don't comment a lot, but I do enjoy the comments, especially when you open up a question to your readers. Your blog is like a one stop shop to me, your posts are always interesting, you post your blog friends, which I like to click on and move around the internet blog world… I love your posts about simple/frugal living, how you manage to fit your world into your apartment… It is encouraging in a sea of huge houses and decor that changes daily, etc. that a creative, wonderful decorating style can be achieved in a small space, and that you are living a contented life. Thanks for your efforts, I don't think you realize how encouraging and important you are to so many of us!

  55. Your posts would not be the same without 'comments'. I enjoy the info your readers share at times and what they like about your current post. When warranted, I like reading your replies to 'comments'. My thinking is that you are trying too hard to post something everyday and I am not so much into what other's apartments are like, only yours but I also realize you cannot be changing your decor every month. My humble opinion is that you keep us informed when you have photos of Andrew, or your blooming flowers and the beautiful photos you have taken along your journey in life, when you have something you want to share or re-share.

    I am glad you fixed the spot on your site to add one's address (because I am changing my email address) so I could put in my new one and it finally took it. BTW, I have had floaters for around twenty years and if you don't fixate on them, your eyes will adjust and will just ignore them. Really, it's true!

    1. All right. Comments stay. I'm glad I got that fixed for you; to subscribe. For some reason your asking me to fix it got put in the wrong folder and I did not even get it until last week!

  56. Hi Brenda, I think all your posts are awesome. But you have to get some rest and take care. Just decide what you have the energy for and what you don't need. Your regular readers will stay no matter what………. the most meaning in our lives at this point and age is keeping life simple. Thank you for all your humor, insight, and fun decor on your blog. 🙂

    1. I guess the pain has just made me very tired. I have always been so energetic, and now my moving about whenever I want has ground to a screeching halt: my being able to get up and do whatever I want. It's like letting go of something vital and it makes me sad.

    2. Brenda, I so understand!! The back problems I have limit me and my activities. Now I must "plan" what I can do in a day and always end up with ice packs! The pain and frustration make me cross and cranky and sometimes bring tears. I keep trying to think of the positives and some days it's much easier than others.

      Wishing you pain free days!
      xo
      Pat

  57. This is the first time I've seen your blog and when I read that you were standing to do your dishes, I thought I'd write. I had to give up standing to do things quite awhile back because of osteoarthritis. I find that if I open the cupboard doors under the sink and pull up a rolling desk chair, I can sit and rest my feet just inside the cupboard and do the dishes from there. For the dishwasher, I pull out all the dishes that go in upper cupboards and put them on the counter to put away when I stand up. The rolling chair helps me move in between the lower cupboards. Sometimes it's just about finding new ways to do things. *-*
    I also have a blog: http://rosiecozynewsie.blogspot.com/
    I hope you have a great day today.
    Mona

    1. I have found new ways to do many things, but figuring out how to do the dishes (and of course I like looking out the window at the flowers) without standing up never occurred to me!

    2. Washing dishes using a bar stool height chair is what works for me and my bad hips and knees. I have to sit to do everything these days. That would be much easier for you, Brenda.

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