Posted in Blogs, Books, Cats, Chocolate

So Long And Thanks For All The Fish

Posted on by D. Parker

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/It’s never easy to say goodbye. Ok, that’s not true, sometimes it’s super easy to say goodbye, in fact, you wished could’ve said goodbye much, much earlier. You’re with someone, they’re annoying you, but it’s impolite to leave, or you feel you should or have to stay. Or when you’re at a party, function, event, etc. and some guests are driving you up a wall. There are times when you’re screaming goodbye in your head, measuring how many steps it would take to get to the door, or wondering if anyone will notice if you were to dive out of the window, full-on Die Hard – hmm, was that what Shakespeare was picturing when he said, ‘Parting is such sweet sorrow, wait to jump out that window till the morrow’? Something like that.

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

We love to tell stories, we’re natural born storytellers. Over 7 billion of us on the planet, telling our stories. So many stories. While we’re telling those stories, or hearing those stories, we’re not going to agree on everything all the time or be pleased all the time, but could we put all the hate, bullying, vitriol, name-calling, hyperbole, lies, persecution, injustice on the shelf? Maybe we could strive to disagree respectfully. There are many ways to tell stories, from many perspectives.

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

A long-awaited specialist appointment  (now waiting for more, er, stuff and trying new, er, stuff) opened and reopened my eyes. No worries, it’s not fatal, to the best of my knowledge, it just feels like it’s killing me…https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

 1) I need to take a break and focus on my health.

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

2) I need to write, not just blog posts, but my book, and maybe try to make more money to pay for my dirty habit…to clarify, it’s my chocolate habit, but it can be dirty; dark chocolate especially leaves terrible stains and smears everywhere.https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

3) It’s with a heavy heart that I write This Is Where I Leave You…actually, I didn’t write that, Jonathan Tropper did and it was delightfully flawed, if a little clever-clever, but I appreciate the exertion. Plots and characters somewhat transparent yet quite engaging. His authentically muddled and intriguingly idiosyncratic style keeps me reading. Hollywood made a valiant attempt to adequately adapt it to the screen with: Tina Fey (SNL, Mean Girls, 30 Rock, Spongebob Squarepants, Simpsons, Sisters, Muppets, etc.), Jason Bateman (Arrested Development, Zootopia, Juno, Paul, Little House on the Prairie, Knight Rider, etc.),

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

Adam Driver (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Girls, J. Edgar, Lincoln, The Unusuals, etc. ), Timothy Olyphant (Deadwood, Justified, Catch and Release, Live Free or Die Hard, The Mindy Project, The Office, Hitman, Call of Duty), Dax Shepard (Robot Chicken, Idiocracy, Parenthood, and endless odd Samsung commercials with wife, Kristen Bell who will always be Veronica Mars to me, also great in Deadwood), Jane Fonda (The Newsroom, Barbarella, On Golden Pond, Sunday in New York, Cat Ballou, Barefoot in the Park, The Butler, Georgia Rule, They Shoot Horses Don’t They, Klute, Coming Home, The China Syndrome, The Morning After, and you may know her from her activism and/or groovy exercise videos).https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

4) I might need to cut back on TV, way too many shows are just ads in disguise. ie. Ride with Norman Reedus should actually be titled: American Tourism, Ducati, BMW, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha Pay For Ride with Norman Reedus. And it’s weird how he wanders around never opening his wallet, it’s like he’s still on The Walking Dead, I guess there’s no need for money during the zombie apocalypse – the Daryl Dixon Discount.https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

Gorgeous bikes, scenery, people (well, mostly), but obviously one long commercial. Don’t know if I’m now more or less inclined to be sad if Negan chooses Daryl. Just sayin’. https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

I’ll forgive AMC, after all, they also gave us: Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, Talking Dead, Hell On Wheels, Mad Men, Fear The Walking Dead, Turn: Washington’s Spies, The American West, Into The Badlands, and now, Preacher, a gruesomely heartening supernatural tale of good vs evil, or more like good vs itself.https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/5) I need to find new  ways to de-stress. Stress is everywhere these days. Even dogs and cats are under pressure to perform, and not just in endless and often demeaning internet videos, gifs, memes, etc. (see above, but how cute is that?); just look at their food – it has to be high in fiber, promote lean muscle, keep them at a healthy weight, all so they can be adorably frisky and playful, for our amusement. Amusement seems more important now than ever. We need to be constantly amused, entertained, busy. Is it a latent, twisted version of hunting and gathering, we now hunt and gather entertainment?

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

We even amuse ourselves with foodporn, I mean, food now…

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

6) I’m crushing on teacup pigs, some call them pocket pigs, or micro pigs, but I worry about their popularity, they could get bought up by someone like Bill Gates and we’ll have to buy endless crappy versions of them – Microsoft pigs.

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

7) I need to catch up on my reading. Numerous library books await my attention, with due dates, apparently some others have the nerve to want to use my the public library. https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

Life is all about the journey, not the destination, and sometimes that journey takes you not where you meant to go but where you’re meant to be. Reading takes you anywhere you want to go and while some books may not change the world, they could change your world.

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

My books to review basket is also overflowing. I almost missed out on a great murder mystery, These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly in the bookflood https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1415718938  And I’ve enjoyed indie works – hidden treasures, like the ones previously mentioned here https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/01/29/always-on-my-mind-blog-party/ and so many more. Luckily I can’t physically see the Netgalley books unless I log on, so I’m pretending I forgot my password (psssh, I know you remember your password). Books have many purposes: entertainment, distraction, learning, companionship, dreaming, but really, like pop culture they’re a way of examining life, a form of philosophy. Long time readers of this blog know I have an ongoing love affair with books, including Open Court’s …and Philosophy series, but there are so many of them, how can I read and review them all? I can’t, but I sure can try. If not on here, then on Goodreads. ie. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1677400824

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

8) I wish The Newsroom (stunning cast of: Jeff Daniels, Sam Waterston, Emily Mortimer, Jane Fonda, Alison Pill, John Gallagher, Jr., Thomas Sadoski, Dev Patel, Olivia Munn, Marcia Gay Harden, Chris Messina, Kat Dennings, David Harbour, Hope Davis, Kelen Coleman, Grace Gummer, Constance Zimmer, B. J. Novak, etc.) was still on and that more people watched it.

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

Aaron Sorkin is a master at presenting all sides of, well, everything, logically, rationally, especially politics. We need more of that. Smart, well-balanced writing. To me, Sorkin is the ultimate optimist, an anti-cynic, after all, who else would keep monologuing, writing epic, inspiring speeches and broadcasting them in the hopes he’s actually reaching people, not just cleverly preaching to the converted.

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

9) So…Politics…That happened. I feel all Alice Through The Looking Glass, what if it’s all a dream? Maybe I went through a mirror, fell down a rabbit hole, opened a door, magically traveled through a wall to Platform 9 3/4, opened a portal, a Stargate, a paratime machine, a window, a crack? I keep hoping I’m in some alternate reality, some parallel Universe and I’ll wake up. Are we BrainDead  (funny show, but making me a tad paranoid of the ants that keep invading my place)? Have aliens taken over politicians? Naah, too obvious. As Alexander Hamilton said: “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.”?  Hmmm, how about stand for something with even a hint of logic, intelligence, integrity, or sanity?

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

Donald Trump, #Brexit, bogus indignation, lies, corruption, murder, abuse, war, poverty, disease, starvation, terrorism (of course, we’ve always got a new foe, it’s important to keep us scared, worried, after all, we buy more that way). Imagine what we could accomplish if we focused on what mattered and would help all people, not just a select few.

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

It’s too easy to long for a simpler times. Watching Brooklyn (https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/01/08/stand-by-me/) it seems like life was simpler, less complex, less contentious, and it’s true in many ways. But we can’t live in the past. Can’t go back. Can’t unring bells that have been rung. With technology ruling our lives, we have to find ways to somehow enjoy the benefits of here and now without being consumed and overwhelmed by the here and now.

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

As for Brooklyn the film? It’s a nicely unpretentious offering about the choices we make and those that are made for us. Saoirse Ronan (Atonement, Hanna, City of Ember, The Host, The Lovely Bones, The Grand Budapest Hotel https://yadadarcyyada.com/2015/09/20/if-i-had-a-million-dollars/) is, as always, astonishing, With the depth of her performance you’d think she was 102 instead of 22; she expresses so much, so perfectly, sort of an anti-Kristen Stewart. Rounded out by the talented: Jim Broadbent (Harry Potter, Paddington, Bridget Jones’s Diary https://yadadarcyyada.com/2013/12/19/bridget-joness-diary/ and a million others), Julie Walters (Calendar Girls, Harry Potter, Mama Mia!, Brave, and at least a million others), Emily Bett Rickards (Felicity Smoake in Arrow), Domhnall Gleeson (Star Wars: The Force Awakens https://yadadarcyyada.com/2015/11/05/go-home-star-wars-youre-drunk/ Harry Potter, The Revenant, etc.

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

10) I’ve thought a lot about why the world more closely resembles the last days of Roman Empire and that line Gena Rowlands uses to chide/teach her moviedaughter, Sandra Bullock in the romcom Hope Floats, “It’s the worst kind of extravagance the way you spend your chances”. What if this applies to the whole world now? We need to stop spending our chances.

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

We need to stop settling. Stop lowering our expectations. Go out there, spend your chances wisely. We may live in a world supercharged by social media, where we dramatize each problem, instead of looking for solutions. Where gossip, blame, fighting, arguing, cool cynicism, magical thinking, phony outrage, lowest common denominator pandering, digital degrees of The Butter Battle Book, The Lorax, and The Cat in the Hat combined (Dr. Seuss would be so proud) rule the day. Where intelligence is mocked, sensationalism screams loudest, bits and soundbites of information, right or wrong, reign supreme. In fact, it would be really funny, if it wasn’t such a sad mess…

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

It doesn’t mean we have to buy into it. We can be more. Rise above. Care. Have character, loyalty, integrity, even if it’s not cool to do so. Choose courage. Choose love. Choose hope. Caveat emptor, lest we drown in the muck. You’ll find true power in being kind.

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

I write this with tears in my eyes and the words to Green Day’s Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) playing over and over in my head: “It’s something unpredictable, but in the end it’s right. I hope you had the time of your life.” I do, I hope you had the time of your life, I certainly did.

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

I can’t thank those of you who have supported me enough! Thanks for following, sharing, reblogging, commenting, visiting. I’m not ruling out coming back at some point, I’m just not well enough to continue now.
https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

I’ll still visit my blogging family and friends regularly. Still take part in some parties, social media stuff, etc. Blogging is addictive. When you first do it, you feel like you’re standing naked (sorry for the visual), exposed, and then you start to love it. You have to silence your inner critic (she’s just jealous).

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

My posts stay here, so please, visit my vaults whenever you’d like, comment, share, I’ll still be here, after all, almost 3 years of blogging later there’s close to 600 posts, like these:

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

I’m not ruling out returning to this blog or another blog, or bookstores near you (she wrote wistfully). Some time away might recharge my batteries and I will regenerate (I could be the new Doctor in Doctor Who, I think it’s time for a female Doctor). Until then, so long and thanks for all the fish…come on, you think I’d leave without something to do with Douglas Adams, he’s at least partially responsible for my brain. I might be down now, but there’s no time limit on getting back up. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, I’ll get up, dust off, and be back, one way or another!

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2016/07/08/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/

Author:

Very me

381 thoughts on “So Long And Thanks For All The Fish”

  5. Oh, I’m sorry you’re going to stop blogging. I always enjoy your posts. I’m sorry your health isn’t good and I understand the need to take a break. I hope your own writing goes well.
    And I hope you’ll be back blogging again before long.
    You are the third blogger I follow who is taking a blog break – hope it isn’t anything I’ve said! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’m so sorry, Dru. I’d been putting this off for too long because it was such a rough decision to make, but who knows, if, no, when my health improves I’ll try to come back, one way or another. 🙂 “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile, because it happened.” ~Dr. Suess
      Hope this weekend treats you kindly. Big hugs. 🙂

      Liked by 5 people

      Reply

      1. Well, I’ll leave you alone then….and I just found you BUT your health does matter and so does your book, I just wanted you to know you’ll be missed. I collapsed last year around September…quite my job because I couldn’t see the computer due to cataracts on both eyes. Had to stop driving until I got the surgeries and still can’t see well. Got diabetes, high blood pressure, shake so bad can’t type yadda yadda yadda. TAKE CARE. Plus by the time I actually get through you blogs and process all of it, it takes me about a month, so you’ll be around for me for a time yet.

        Big hugs back and hope your life treats you kindly. BESIDES, it is always all in our heads. Without heads what would we do.

        Well D. Parker, I’ll always think of you as Dorothy and it has been good to “know” you. I’ll leave you with one last blog of mine and say Goodbye. Oooo ps I want a signed copy of you book when it is done.
        https://saywhatumean2say.com/2016/04/13/homage-to-my-fathers-favorite-poet/
        ~~dru~~

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I’ll still be here, just not blogging at this time.
        I’m sorry to hear about your health, Dru, but I’m sure you understand then about stopping for health reasons.
        It’s been nice to know you as well, thanks for leaving the lovely link, hope this weekend treats you kindly. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  9. When I saw the title to this post I muttered out loud, “ohhhh nooooooo.” But I kept reading, hoping it wasn’t really a goodbye. But I guess it is. 😦 For now, anyway. I love your stream of consciousness. I learn so many fun facts from you, and silly sayings, and important musings. BTW, I’ve read most of Jonathan Trooper’s books also. They all seem a lot of the same, but they are catchy aren’t they? Didn’t know one was made into a movie. I also liked The Newsroom – too intellectual and thoughtful for most? I’m going to miss your wonderfully moving clever blog. Write your books, but please, don’t stay away too long. Best of luck with your health, happiness, and holding back the TV clicker. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. So sorry if I made anyone sad, Pamela, but it is goodbye, at least for now. 🙂
      Yes, I miss The Newsroom, I thought they had so much more to say, imagine what story lines Trump and #Brexit would be giving them.
      Thank you so much, for your kind words, support, and hope this weekend treats you well. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  11. Donna, I’m so sorry to hear you’ve stopped writing your blog but hope it’s only a break and perhaps you can return to it in a more manageable way. I know it’s a real juggling act but I try to strive for balance, even though I know I’m out of kilter. I have experienced severe health issues and your health can not be sidelined forever. It does come back to bite you. You have so much to say and perhaps you could put some of your posts together into a book. I’m intending to do that. Indeed, that’s what I should be doing except I’ve become deeply engrossed in my family history as I’ve stumbled into a story there which has legs.
    Well, take care and all the best and I look forward to hearing from you when you can!
    xx Rowena

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I think your posts in a book would be an awesome idea, Rowena, I’d love to read/reread them!!! 🙂
      Thanks for all the kind words and all your support, it means a lot to me. 🙂
      Hope this weekend treats you kindly. Big hugs xox

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. Thanks very much for the encouragement, Donna. Take care and I’m always here. What keeps coming back to me at the moment is the need for balance and that this is really important for creative people. I know with myself if I do something like painting, go to a show and do photography…bang. I’m in the flow but unless I balance that out, I struggle to keep up with the nitty gritty and keep my feet on the ground. I am noticing this in my daughter too. She’s doing a lot of creative stuff at the moment and is a bit out of kilter. I really believe this is something our creative community needs to be aware of. I just had a sense that might be of use. Big hugs to you and please keep in touch! xx Ro

        Like

      2. Those are really wise words, Ro, I know that I’m struggling with balance too, and I’m hoping a change of scene so to speak will help. 🙂
        All the best to you and yours. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Donna, you have to learn something from your troubles and I think we’re honour bound to pass that on. We have to encourage and be there for each other!! Take care! xx Rowena

        Like

  14. Take care of yourself my friend. I’m going to miss you but your health and family have to come before everything else…and I’m quite sure you already know that 🙂
    No goodbyes just, ‘à la prochaine’ – cheers!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  17. You have to use the right quotes to make the right impact. 😉 We will definitely miss you, but also understand, and want you to be better. Feel better, not that you weren’t already great. 😉 All right, now that I can’t come up with any good quotes, we’ll just stick to the ever-appropriate Hitchhiker’s and 10th Doctor ones. Best wishes for everything, and I hope to see you on The Invisible Moth now and then!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you kindly. 🙂
      Yes, let’s go with:
      “The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don’t always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don’t always spoil the good things and make them unimportant.” from Doctor Who and of course…
      “For instance, on the planet Earth, man had always assumed that he was more intelligent than dolphins because he had achieved so much—the wheel, New York, wars and so on—whilst all the dolphins had ever done was muck about in the water having a good time. But conversely, the dolphins had always believed that they were far more intelligent than man—for precisely the same reasons.” ~Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
      Yes, I’ll be around, I couldn’t leave my blogging family in the lurch. 🙂
      Hope this week treats you well. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  20. I’m sorry you’re not well. I’ll miss you and you’re thought-provoking posts and the pictures of Harrison. Thank you for today’s, by the way.

    I’m English, so I can’t be more depressed than I already am, but if I could be, I would be.

    I hope that the world is kind to you and you’re back on your feet again soon.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  21. Nooooooo! The Ryan Gosling gif perfectly describes my feeling.

    Every post you write includes so many cultural references, most of which I get, which makes my geekiness long to shine (someone gets me!) and you do so in such a gorsh darn funny way!!!

    I’ll miss your posts. I hope you feel better and get to do all the things you’ve been longing to do.❤💜💙💚💛

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  22. Ooh, I’m going to miss you but I completely understand, especially when it comes to concentrating on your health (or lack of it!) – you’re doing the right thing. Take great care and do keep in touch when you have a moment.
    Sarah x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Sarah, thank you kindly, sorry it’s taken so long to get to this, but saying goodbye is taking a long time, but I’m so touched and everyone has been so kind and understanding.
      Hope this week treats you well. 🙂 xox

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  24. What a lovely ramble. It made me sad, you leaving us because of health issues, it made me laugh, you are so funny, it made me say aw-w with cute kittens, and there was chocolate. Get healthy, write lots, and visit us often.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  25. Sometimes it’s just time for a break, Donna. I can relate to so much of what you’ve said here. I’m on something of a sabbatical myself and just caught your title in my email. The world seems like such a crazy place right now, information and sensory overload, life and its demands, health, work and family commitments not to mention neglecting bigger writing projects than blogging. I had my three year blog anniversary on 13th June. Maybe regrouping is in order at this time. All the best with your health, family and writing.x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Happy Blogiversary, in case I missed it, but even if I didn’t, it deserves to be said again, my 3 year anniversary is in August.
      I think knowing when to take a break is important, I hope yours (and mine) are relaxing, productive, and bring us to where we need to be. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  26. A bittersweet post. I smiled, laughed out loud, chuckled, and grinned, and then you yanked the rug out. Well, you did warn us near the beginning of the post. I’m going to miss your special sense of humour, Donna, but I understand how time-consuming it can be to write blog posts and yours, especially, are not easily put together. Maybe that’s why everyone enjoys them so much. Take care of yourself.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’m so glad you smiled, laughed out loud, chuckled, grinned…sorry, didn’t mean to pull the rug out from under anyone.
      Thank you kindly and I’ll be around, just not in the same way, at least for now. 🙂
      Hope this week treats you well. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  27. I’m sorry you aren’t going to be writing your blog but equally I am excited for you and happy that you’ve realised you can’t stretch yourself across all your projects. I am sure you will be back as I think you’ll miss it and the urge will just hit you. I started my Blog as a weekly event but I had to cut back on it, but every now and then I am drawn and pulled to write especially about things i want to share and talk about.
    Wishing you all the best.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  28. Until we meet again then, as I am confident we will. Enjoy the chocolate while I look forward to the day I welcome you back as either a blogger or an author. 🙂

    ps. why hasn’t there been a female Doctor? Now that you’ve put it out there, my mind is boggling at the realization that there should have been one by now, at least for a season.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Allie, I know I’ll be back someday, someway. 🙂
      The only time we had anything close to a female Doctor was in the Doctor Who special for the Red Nose Day charity telethon in the UK, Doctor Who: The Curse of Fatal Death had Joanna Lumley from Ab Fab. We should have a female Doctor and yes, time for a Jane Bond too! 😉
      Hope this weekend treats you kindly. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  30. “We need to stop settling. Stop lowering our expectations.” Well said, this needs to be printed on bumper stickers and t-shirts, people need to be reminded.
    As for your leaving…well, I don’t like it, I don’t like it a bit. I hope you will just take a summer break and I will see you (read you) again in the wintertime. I took a break once myself and it worked wonders (although my house and workroom got cleaned).

    Most importantly, I hope your health issues are just small ones that seem to annoy us on a regular base when we get older. I am frustrated with it as well, try to find the righ balance between medication and rebellion against pharmaceuticals.

    From the bottom of my heart, I can say, “Thank you” for the laughs and the reminders. I will miss your blog. Take care. Hugs, Bridget

    Like

    Reply

    1. Yes, we need to be reminded, for sure. 🙂
      Sorry about the leaving, but that’s good to know about he break, maybe that’s what I need.
      I wish it was just old age creeping up, although I can certainly see it out of the corner of my crinkly eye. lol 😉
      You’re welcome and I’ll still come to visit all of you, Bridget. Hugs xo

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  31. Bummer!
    I’ve had my moments, but have never seriously considered quitting. I’ve been blogging for 5 years and the majority of my friends have quit. Striking a balance is a daily battle especially when writing books.
    I’m sorry to see you go. I loved all your funny gif blogs!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, dear David. I think you understand more than most why, but I’ll be here, just not blogging, at this time, who knows what the future brings? 🙂
      Thank you so much for all your lovely thoughts, dearest friend, thank you for all your support and posts and hope you’re feeling better with some time off too. 🙂
      Massive always friends hugs xoxo

      Like

      Reply

  33. Donna, I hit the like button and confess I lied. It was to show support not that I like your need to leave. I wish you the best and when I need a fix I’ll go to the vault. Thank you for all the enjoyment you’ve given.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  34. It takes only a few minutes to read what took hours for someone to write. I certainly understand the time, emotion, and commitment involved in writing a blog regularly. I’ve cut back on my writing as a result. Perhaps you could consider writing extremely short posts? Best of luck and health to you no matter what you do.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Very true. I have thought about it, but I like to answer comments, etc. although if (hopefully) when I get better that’s something to consider. 🙂
      Thanks and hope this weekend treats you kindly. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  36. Dear Donna… I don’t know what to say. The thing that makes me saddest in this goodbye is that you aren’t feeling well. Feel fabulous fast, my dear, wonderful, generous friend! Please, please do take good care of you. You can’t take care of anyone else if you don’t take care of you first.

    Thank you for all your kind encouragement. I’m sincere when I say it means a lot to me and that I look forward to your visits.
    Thank you for the many, many times your posts have lifted me up and/or made me smile.
    Thank you for the review you did on “Atonement, Tennessee” — it’s something I’ll always cherish.
    And thank you just for being you. Love & mega hugs!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Teagan, I knew you’d understand. I’m not as good at self-care as I should be, so I’m taking the oxygen mask in hand and going to give it my all.
      You’re welcome and thank you for everything, you, my dear friend, have been above and beyond kind and generous and endlessly supportive. No worries, I will still be visiting your blog (I need to see how your latest serial/book ends and wait breathlessly for the next serial, now that I have more time I think I’ll also go back and reread your other serials – I have to give ‘Atonement, Tennessee’, your fantastic book a break, it’s getting quite dogeared from numerous readings…if it was up to me, it would be on the bestseller list) and others’ blogs, you all can’t rid of me that easily. lol 😉
      Many tears were shed making the decision, writing the post, and now reading the comments; it was a difficult decision, but I won’t be of any use to anyone if I don’t get well. 🙂
      Thanks for loving me as me, I feel the same about you, Teagan. 🙂
      Mega This Isn’t Really Goodbye Just Adieu Hugs xoxox

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Oh I do understand… and wonder if I’ll ever finish “Bloom” and still blog… I get the health part too. But that’s from my “real job,” though I might have to throw caution to the winds and just quit as my only means of escape. Even though I’ve just been not hired for a perfect interview (hind sight was 20/20 and she kept bringing up my age (and gender)…). But what do you do when the work environment honestly brings physical illness. Yes, my friend. I understand. Tough decisions all around.
        Anyhow, I came back for one more “thank you.” Thank you for introducing me to Psych! It’s part of my positivity routine because it’s a “feel good” show. Every time I think of Psych I think of you.
        The “road trip” and the old serials are always at my blog when you’re in the mood. Another big hug and go enjoy your evening. 🙂

        Like

      2. I knew you’d understand, Teagan, we always seem to be on the same wavelength and I really hope you find time to finish ‘Bloom’, I want to know more about what’s been happening in Atonement, Tennessee, although I’m thoroughly enjoying your serials as well, so I can’t complain. 🙂
        I know exactly what you mean about ‘Psych’, if I ever need a smile, laugh, and pick me up, that’s one of the first places I go (you know that’s right!). 😉
        I’ll still be a happy guest on your blog, dear friend, even if you do leave us biting our nails to the quick and almost falling off the edge of our seat; I’ll hang off the edge of that cliff until you show us what’s next. It’s all about the journey, not the destination and thank you for the awesome trip! 🙂
        Hope this week is better than the last and your work gets better or changes.
        Mega blooming hugs xoxo

        Liked by 1 person

  40. Golly Moses – you’re so damn creative gal. Please stay in touch and let me know if you need help supporting any of your efforts at buying more chocolate! I’d love to re-blog this post on Tinhatsblog – I just don’t know if I can make it happen! Okay, take care. Jan

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Jan, you’re too kind. 🙂
      Sadly, chocolate seems to find me, now, if only I could grow it… 😉
      A reblog would be lovely, if not, thanks for thinking it was worth reblogging. lol 😉
      Hope this weekend treats you well, Jan. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  41. I’ll miss you and your entertaining posts, Donna – your commentary on the state of life and the little profound bits of hope and kindness that you slide in between the comedy. Your health and well-being comes first, of course, and honoring that is crucial. Take good care of yourself. Laugh, breathe, love, heal. ❤ ❤ ❤

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much. From one D. to another, I knew you’d understand. You’re all being so kind and so understanding, I think that will be my new mantra – laugh, breathe, love, heal. 🙂
      Hope this weekend treats you kindly. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  44. Donna, good that you are balancing your activities to de-stress. More rest, reading, and writing your book is the way to go. Blogging is time consuming, especially your extraordinary posts! Always thought-provoking with a touch of humor! Plenty to read & reread until you come back in some form! Healing thoughts & Hugs! 💛 Christine Elizabeth (CE)

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Christine Elizabeth, you’re too kind, you’re all making me cry with your kindness, but in a good way. 🙂
      I hope to return someday in some way. 🙂 I’ll still be here, for now, just not blogging, but I promise to keep visiting you all. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  48. I’m going to miss your sense of humor. I’ve always looked forward to your posts. I’ve even shared a couple with students. That said, please take care. I hope you’re feeling better soon. If you do decide to start blogging again – health permitting, we’ll still be here. P.S. If you write that book, I so wanna read it!

    Like

    Reply

  49. Feels like the end of Breaking Bad or the Wire, even bloody Downton – however did that snag me, it’s like I caught herpes from my Granny’s antimacassar without realising – or any good series: you’re glad you watched, disappointed it’s done, hope they make at least a Christmas special. You even leave well, drat you Mutley. I’ve loved your experiments in thought-bubbling, your plethora of gifs – what’s the collective noun for gifs? A snippet? – your sagacity and overhyped-by-chocolate wisdom. Thank you Donna. Keep taking notes/the tablets because they will all work out in the end. Mwah!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Oh no, I didn’t want to make anyone feel bad, certainly not that bad lol 😉
      Thank you kindly….hmmm, a Christmas special, interesting. 😉
      A snippet sounds about right. And yes, I’ll keep taking notes. 🙂
      Hope this weekend treats you kindly. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thank you kindly, Pamela and I’ll be revisiting and wandering around your blog to get some organizing advice (even more!) so I thank you in advance. 🙂
      I like that, Live well and prosper. Hope this week ahead treats you well. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  53. Sending good vibes, and healing energy during your blogging break. Take care, and I’ll be looking forward to your come-back tour…because you know you’re a rock star of the blogging world! Really wishing you the best, Donna! ❤ (((hugs)))

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much. I was taking a break from the comments because my eyes were getting all red and swollen from crying, I’m so touched by the outpouring of bloglove from everyone, thank you. 🙂
      I love that, my comeback tour, I’ll keep that in mind…think I’d fit in the Elvis 69 black leather comeback outfit? Something else to work toward! lol 😉
      Thanks, you made me laugh as well as cry. 🙂
      Big hugs xo

      Like

      Reply

      1. You’d totally rock the Elvis outfit! Let this be the summer of rest and recuperation, reading and writing, and refreshment. We’ll welcome you back with open arms when the time is right for you! (((hugs)))

        Like

  55. I just wrote this wicked long comment and it didn’t post. Grr.
    Basically I said read, relax, de-stress, and write your book. Take good care of yourself. 💖 See you around the blogosphere and/or bookstores. 🙂 So long and thanks for all the fish.

    Like

    Reply

  56. I’m sorry to see you go, I’m always enjoyed your posts, even if I did forget to like some of them, sorry about that.
    I hope your health improves quickly. I, for one, will be waiting for your eventual return.

    Like

    Reply

  57. I will miss you, Donna. I really appreciate the fact that you made the effort to write one of your excellent “journey” posts here (blog posts isn’t enough of a word and especially thanks for the Black Books gif). Most bloggers who take a break or drop out of the blogging scene altogether (myself included) don’t take the time to write even a small note, explaining things. As followers and commenters, maybe we don’t qualify as friends, associates, colleagues or whatever. But, you get attached anyway, and you are prone to wonder. I even remember a couple of bloggers who quit more than a year ago, despite having zero contact with them. So, thank you for writing this in the first place.

    Secondly, I admire, respect and support your decision to take a break. Blogging can be very draining, especially for people like you who also network on various social media, not just here on WordPress. And are really very good at it. Even when you think telling a good story in your blog post is where it’s at, you can’t deny that getting that story to people, and knowing their stories and sharing them, is all part of the undeniable human experience of it all. Blogging may not have been around that long, but these things tend to go together. Otherwise, it feels lonely and pointless. I especially want to thank you for the support with my Bridget Jones series. I, honestly, would not have continued writing them had it not been for your support. And I’ve had so much fun with them, the kind of fun I don’t have with my normal writing. Thank you.

    Third, please do take care of your health. I started my blog when I was going through something, and blogging really became a mood-enhancer. But, there have been several ups and downs since, and I have gone through several periods where blogging seemed more like a chore, something I would have otherwise let go to prioritise something else, had it not been so deceptively convenient. You need to be in the right place physically and emotionally to do this, and do it well, so please know that you have our support and understanding in this.

    And lastly, even if there are endless, extremely useful resources on writing books in the blogosphere, none of them can make you magically put exciting, original words to paper in a book-length form. I’ve come to realise that too, and I feel like a fraud for frequently doling out advice on writing without having published a proper book. There are some bloggers who can balance both, but none have the vast expanse of pop culture knowledge (and that is very useful) like you do, and how you want to use your time is really up to you. Social media might seem necessary for the future of a book, but one has to remember which comes first…

    There, I seem to have written you a letter! Well, I am writing this on an envelope. Good luck with your health and your writing. May both prosper, may you live long and may you still have time to keep up with my Bridget Jones posts, now that the real Darcy is starting to make appearances!

    Love,
    Amrita

    Like

    Reply

    1. Dear Amrita,
      Thank you for writing me this letter, it really touched me. 🙂
      First, I couldn’t leave all of you, well, at least leave blogging (for now) without saying a proper goodbye. You’re all part of my blogging family and I consider you friends. And I’ll still be around, just not blogging at this time. 🙂
      Second, I agree, blogging can be taxing, but still enjoyable, but there are limits, for some.
      Third, Yes, and I’m not in the right place right now.
      Lastly, you’re so right, we have to remember, even if so much has changed, it’s all about hw writing makes people feel.
      I will still be visiting all of you, and always love me some Darcy as the yadadarcyyada says. 😉
      Thank you so much for this lovely letter and your kind words and wishes. All the best to you, today and every single day. 🙂
      #bloglove

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. You’re welcome! All my Darcy-related thoughts lately have enmeshed with things I’ve read on your blog (I’m thinking of calling one of the Bridget Jones posts yadadarcyyada!). Just today, I discovered a number of brilliant Darcy memes and thought, that’ll make a great “journey” post here, if you haven’t done one already! Good luck with everything you do and here’s a Darcy meme for you! https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQF6_n8cwW0ojvka7RlKkPq2hzdpZTp8H7cy77NYfX3PQmq01w6

        Like

      2. Love that meme! Sigh, Darcy. 😉
        Oh that would be lovely, and no, I have done one, lots of Jane Austen and Bridget Jones posts and mentions, but not that, as far as I remember. 🙂
        Best wishes!!! 🙂

        Like

  59. I’m sorry to hear that you are taking an (indefinite) break from blogging. I’m sad about it, but I understand your reasoning. If it means you’ll be able to produce a book more quickly, it might be the right decision.

    Like

    Reply

  60. Donna, take a nice breather and see where that leads you, it may even bring you back here! Indeed books are a great escape, we never have enough time for that it seems, so dive in!
    I used to have a method when I was younger of just escaping a party; slithering out without saying goodbye, lol. Sometimes it’s a difficult word. But I’m sure this isn’t goodbye, just a reprieve for you. Be well. 🙂

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you kindly, Debby and you’re so right, we never know where we’re going, we just need to find ways to enjoy the ride. 🙂
      That is a great way of leaving, have done it myself at times, but I still want to try the Bruce Willis/Die Hard diving through a window, well, maybe one of those movie-type windows that aren’t real windows.
      I’ll say so long and will see you all around. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  61. What a wonderful post D!! Will definitely miss the wit and camaraderie here. Now go turn off the tv and social media and give yourself time to heal and re-charge. There’s a new chapter waiting to be created on your own terms 💕

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Val, that’s exactly what I’m going to do…well, after I answer all these lovely comments. 🙂
      Hope this weekend is treating you kindly and to a wonderful week ahead. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I don’t know if you’ll get this comment but I commented some days ago and suspect it might have been caught in spam! I’m so sad to see you go but understand entirely. x

        Like

      2. Sorry, I’ve been trying to catch up, but I keep forgetting to scroll down so I’m doing stuff out of order, not unusual, sorry. Thanks for understanding. 🙂

        Like

      4. I wasn’t really prepared, everyone has been so kind and wonderful, I keep having to take breaks because I keep crying, in a good way, from all these lovely comments. 🙂

        Like

    1. lol You’re so right, Terri and I’ve been taking breaks because this flood of kindness and well wishes is making me cry, but in a good way.
      Thank you so much and I’m on it. 🙂
      Hope this weekend treats you well. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  64. Oh I’m sorry that you’re feeling so unwell. I know how it feels to be so ill that you everything overwhelms you. Please take care of yourself and I’ll look out for your book in my local bookshop! Thanks for joining the weekendblogshare

    Like

    Reply

  66. Dear Donna,
    When I first read the headline I thought your dear little kitty had died. Then as I read on I realized that you were really saying goodbye.

    I appreciate that you are making this decision to take time to concentrate on your health, it is so very important for your healing to do this. I have just made a decision to cut way back on my blogging for the same reason, so I feel encouraged by your decision that I have made the right move.
    I just heard a doctor on TV this morning say that spending too long using a computer probably lowers our immune system, increases inflammation and the likely increase of autoimmune diseases. That being the case, our cutting back on screen time can be a positive for us.

    I hope I still see you around the Internet, your great wisdom underneath the humor will be greatly missed.

    Love and prayers for your health,
    Kathleen
    Bloggers Pit Stop – where your posts will be very missed.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Yes, since you all are part of my blogging family and I consider you friends I felt a real goodbye was in order.
      It’s important to know when to take a break, cut back, change directions, etc.
      I believe it, about computers, and yes, I’m even writing some of my book the good old-fashioned way, pen to paper, it feels more authentic somehow.
      Kathleen, no worries, I will still be around, I would miss you all too much.
      Thank you, Kathleen and to you as well. Take care and all the best wishes for each and every day.
      I still have my vaults so I’ll share, I had so few followers back then, the posts will be ‘new to you’ type things. lol 😉
      Hope this upcoming week treats you kindly. Thanks for everything, you’re a dear person and I’m lucky to have virtually met you. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

      2. My goodness, Kathleen, thank you so much, you ladies at Blogger’s Pit Stop are so generous and kind. This is a wonderful goodbye gift, thank you so much.
        Best wishes, always, Donna xoxoxoxo

        Like

  67. Woah, great post! I only just found you. Any post in a linky (#BlogShareLearn) that has a line from Hitch Hikers is a post I’m going to read. And, I watched every episode of The Newsroom, and simply adored it. It sounds like you need a good break and some well deserved relaxation. Enjoy your time away! Linda. x

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you kindly. 🙂
      Love Elena’s #BlogShareLearn, she’s lovely, always so supportive of bloggers! 🙂
      Another THHGTTG fan! Adore Douglas Adams, miss him too, and I miss The Newsroom, we need it now more than ever, I wonder if they’d consider coming back for a miniseries or movie or something.
      Yes, I need a break. Thank you, I’ll try.
      Lovely to meet you, Linda, no worries, I’ll be around, just not blogging now. 🙂
      Hope this week ahead treats you well. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  68. I don’t even know what to say, dear Donna. I just had about 10 difference emotions all at once. I completely understand on one hand, and the selfish side of me says, “NO!!!!!” You are one of the most amazing people in the blogosphere, my dear. I cannot even begin to thank you for all of your support of me, my blog, and so many others. Your blog in incredible and so are you. Please, please stay in touch. With the biggest hugs I can give, Cher xoxo

    Like

    Reply

    1. Dearest Cher, I’m glad you understand. Thank you, not only for your kind words, but for all your kindness, your support, for the chocolate you sent me (nothing beats winning chocolate), and for just being you.
      I would miss my blogging family too much, so I’ll be lurking around, visiting, etc. Of course I’ll stay in touch (eh).
      The biggest hugs back, Donna xoxo

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  71. First, let me offer hugs and prayers for your health, I wish you ease during this time. Second, boohoo. Your posts will be missed and I hope you swiftly return this or another blog. Third, get that book out of you and onto the page so I can read it. Toodles for now, hope to read you soon!

    Like

    Reply

    1. First, thank you for your kind wishes. 🙂
      Second, sorry and thank you, I’ll still be hanging around, just not blogging at this time.
      Third, I’m working on it, but my characters are being uncooperative.
      So long and hope this week treats you well. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  73. No!! Parting is such sweet sorrow. Who else could mention Aaron Sorkin, Trump, Brexit, Brooklyn (agree, wonderful movie and performance), along with an 80’s Fonda workout gif? I hope that the break isn’t for long and that you get the time you need to write and support your chocolate habit. xoxo

    Like

    Reply

  74. You have to do what’s right for you. But I feel you’ll be back, Donna. Get well, get rest, and I’m sure we’ll be here again, and again, and well you get the point. Thanks for the posts and see you soon! “O)

    Like

    Reply

  75. I’m wishing you all the best. You have put a lot of work and imagination into every blog post, and now you need to focus on your health. Take care of yourself, okay? Let me know when the book is out and when you return to blogging.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a reply to D. Parker Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.