All Good Things Must Come to an End

Dearest Readers,

Like the snake sheds it skin and the baby bird spreads it wings, to soar high up in the sky, it's time for me to do the same with my blog, at least for a season. After two and a half years of sharing my thoughts at this blog, I realize it is now the time to leave this writing behind, as a satisfactory ending to a chapter in my life has been reached, with my husband's safe return home. As I type surrounded by moving boxes, a few weeks shy of beginning life somewhere fresh again, I realize how much I've changed since I began my blog, since Peapod has grown from a four month old baby to a little girl who is about to turn three, since he deployed again, and I know when I think of a portion of my readership, we're no longer on the same page as we once were.

As my proverbial wings have spread, new conclusions about my life have been made, different choices for our future have resulted, and mistakes have been corrected thanks to the slap in the face that only experience can bring about. As I've attempted to share my evolving thoughts on my blog, I've come to the harsh realization that my growth may not be welcome in the section of the blogsphere that has been my home, that I am perhaps becoming too different from a portion of my readers--or at least those who choose to share their thoughts and express their offense at what I share. Hurting people and causing discord is the very last thing I seek to do with my blog. As I wish no ill will towards anybody who has expressed their dismay, upset, or offense with me, my life choices, or my writing, nor do I want to waste precious time--mine or theirs--overcoming issues that just aren't that important in the grand scheme of life, the most graceful route to take has clearly become leaving the Clothesline behind as I leave the southern heat and humidity. Heat isn't something I much enjoy, what can I say. :P

I've also been wrestling with just how much to share, out of respect for Peapod, concern for the safety and privacy of my family, and out of my deep appreciation for the principles of OPSEC. I'm sure 99% of those who take peeks into my life would never do me or my family harm, but as the anonymous comments have turned nastier and sometimes outright evil, I can't help but feel my fear grow. Sometimes I've shared more than I should have and with increased frequency, I'm being asked to share more than I am comfortable through emails that come to my inbox but to which replies are never sent. I thought perhaps no longer posting pictures of Peapod would be enough of a boundary to ease my feelings but this has not been so.

I also can't help but wonder how offering such a fragmented glimpse into my life might bode if somebody ever googles me. ;o) Let's face it, the narrow focus my blog has can make me come across like quite a boring, one dimensional person. Oftentimes many people who know me in "real life" and read here chuckle to see the conclusions that are made about me, or to think of what could be thought about me, with a lack of perspective of everything I stand for, my sense of humor, and just who I am personality wise. I'd hate for this weird picture of me to bring about discomfort or embarrassment for my husband or Peapod one day, taking me to the "end the blog" conclusion that everything else has pointed to as well.

Penning this blog has been a fun experience, one that has stretched me much and forced me to open my eyes and question assumptions, convictions, and sacred cows I once held dear, much to the detriment of myself and others. I've developed friendships with many dear souls, several that have extended into real life even, and been touched by the kindness, generosity, love, and compassion of many, many, many more. I thank y'all for reading, offering your thoughts and being the proverbial iron that has helped sharpen me. To have so many strangers find something interesting in my writings, in my simple life, and in the ideas I have shared is truly humbling. Thank you to everybody for everything you have shared with me. What a blessing it has been to cross lives with all the interesting and beautiful people in Blog Land! May the Lord bless y'all richly and maybe we will "meet" again with a brief update, here and there. I have pondered perhaps an update or two every month, but have yet to decide if this idea will become a reality.

Before I close this post, I did want to extend an invitation to my private blog. I know many dear ladies have been following my blog almost since the beginning and an invitation to continue only seems proper. Sixty invitations are available still and I'd be happy to pass these along to those who have been longtime followers, especially those who have made themselves known to me through blog comments and emails. Even those with whom I've debate and had my brain picked by through email. hehe. Please feel free to either leave me a comment or email me clotheslinealleyATgmail(dot)com and let me know of your interest. :o)

~Much Love to Y'all~

Amy

ETA: All invitation spots have now been filled. Sadly, Blogger only allows 100 readers on a private blog, so I had to make do. :o( Thank you to each and everyone of you who has sent their kind words in the many, many emails I have received. I've read every message and sincerely appreciated each one.