Can’t Continue!

A to Z 2021

I started with high hopes for this years A to Z, way back in February. By the time April rolled around, I didn’t have one post written. Since then I’ve completed two and worked all day yesterday on the third. Last night I realized that this wasn’t the way I wanted to write up the Edelweiss women. I wasn’t enjoying it, I was dreading it. And it wasn’t just that I had to write each one right when it should be being posted, I’ve done that in the past. This year I just wasn’t feeling it.

Instead of soldiering on, coming up with posts I didn’t want to do for a project that’s become very important to me, I decided I needed to step back and drop out. And that is what I am doing. I may post about the same women in the future. Or I may not. I will still try and visit around, although I probably won’t comment as much as usual.

I will continue to post poems for the Global/National/Poetry Writing Month on my other blog, Ruff Draft.

37 thoughts on “Can’t Continue!”

  1. I’m sad that you have decided not to continue, Kristin, because honestly, I too ought to do the same. I only made the decision very late in the day and can’t afford the hours it has taken me already.
    I may yet make the same decision, unless I can find a way to sharply curtail these ridiculously long entries. I’m going to try a new approach to D and see what happens. Although I will miss your company in the Challenge this year (which I look forward to every year in large part because of you) I admire that fact that you know yourself enough to know that this is not what you want for this project. And I will continue to enjoy your Ruff Drafts. x J

    1. Thank you Josna. I felt kind of bad because I know I encouraged you to do it and then I decided not to. So, sorry about that!

  2. Dear Kris,

    Oh, so you’re not feeling like yourself during THE WORST GLOBAL PANDEMIC IN A CENTURY?! Give your loyal readers like me, but, more importantly, give YOURSELF a break!

    During this worldwide horror, you’ve been more productive than anyone else that I know, including me! Moreover, despite everything, you’ve continued to set the HIGH BAR that few others will ever reach.

    As if this isn’t enough, you continue to be a GREAT sister, wife, mother, grandma, aunt, cousin and friend, including to me. You’re ALWAYS there when I need your help, and I ain’t unique in that regard.

    You have always been one of my greatest heroes, and your wisely stepping back only confirms why. I couldn’t be prouder of you, Kris. And I couldn’t be prouder to be your li’l bro’.

    1. Thanks Paul. I was thinking that the continuing pandemic had something to do with my inability to figure it out and get it done. You are always so encouraging! Thank you!!

      1. C – Compassion for yourself. Which more of us, including me, need to demonstrate this quality. Good for you. I love you, Kris.

  3. Thank you for sharing your post of thoughts.
    I look forward to reading your posts, however you wish to share.
    🙂
    Gj

  4. Kristin, I’ll miss your A-Z windows into history this year, and am sorry that it’s not feeling good to you this year. But by all means, if it’s not giving you joy, don’t do it! I’ll hope to learn more again some time in the future when you’re feeling it again. (And I didn’t even know you also have a poetry blog. I’m heading over there right now!)
    Black and White: C for Camelot

  5. I have lived my entire life unaware of who my ancestors were. I found your site while doing a random search and saw my grandmothers name. Annabell McCall who I discovered was the daughter of Mary Allen daughter to Eliza. Your site means so much to me and I wanted to thank you and wish you well. Ed

  7. Be kind to yourself. It’s year 2 of a global pandemic and hard to generate energy in the circumstances we have been living through. I will miss your illuminating posts and regular visits — but you need to be true to your mission of telling these womens’ stories in the detail that a less demanding pace allows. Just know that you will be missed.

    1. Thank you Molly! I will still be visiting to learn about your early teen years.
      they make me remember and compare mine.

  8. I will miss the posts but I understand the energy it takes and your posts are always meticulously researched. Running two blogs is very tough too.

    I look forward to finding out more about the Edelweiss Club when you get around to it.

    1. I’ve done lots of research on all of them. Of course there is always another question, another search. The main problem though is writing it up. I just can’t seem to right now. But more about the Edelweiss Club will be coming eventually.

  9. Kristin – I too was saddened to read you were calling a halt to your A-Z Posts on members of the Edelweiss Club. But you took the decision for the best of reasons. There is undoubtedly, some stress in writing to the demanding schedule and if you were not happy with your writing, then why continue. I look forward to reading more about the Edelweiss Club in due course. It is obviously a topic close to your heart. Look after yourself!

  11. I’m sure you anguished over the decision but if that’s how you feel, you’ve made the right one. You are such a meticulous researcher you’d have been frustrated and disappointed in your output if it didn’t meet your standards. Onwards and upwards on what you choose to prioritise right now.

  12. I can’t thank you enough for all the help and information you have so graciously shared with me.

  15. Sorry you have decided not to continue this year. I’ve had a break of several years before this. Thanks for visiting me.

    1. I should have stopped before I started, but I am still enjoying reading other posts. I don’t always comment though.

  16. Cut yourself some slack. I’m sorry that you’re not feeling up to continuing, but you have to do what you have to do. Your own well being always comes first. And no point doing it if it’s not enjoyable. I’m doing a curtailed version myself. I’ll be around to read the poems as and when I can.

    Stay safe and well.

    1. I am enjoying reading yours Nilanjana, even though I do not comment like I usually do.

      You stay safe and well also.

  17. Kristin, I’m so sorry! I’ve been with my head buried into two projects and only today managed to visit you – and this is how I discovered it.
    I’m sorry because I know that this project is important for you, but just because of this, I think you did right to back out, if it’s not the way you want it to be.
    Some projects need their time. I did the same with one of my NaNo projects, which is still waiting for me to go back to it. t’s been years, but I know I will go back when the time comes, and I’m sure it will be the same for you.

    Is everything else all right?

    Thank care, Kristin. A big hugh.

  18. Yes it’s tough when not fully prepared ahead of time. It always seems that we travel during April as also this year. Writing is often a struggle as I’m juggling to finish every night at the hotel. I had done written but then I’m hunting for a specific photo. I know once I’m home I’ll prob add some to my posts as I print them in blog books.

  19. Kristin: Well deserved break. The blogger community will miss your contributions in pictures and historical events behind the family history. What is clear is that you found Eliza what a beautiful family. Take care of yourself.

  20. I’m visiting from the A to Z master list. I see that your blog posts are very thorough, they seem more like chapters in a book to me, and that’s something impossible to do in one month (in my view). I find your theme interesting and understand that it requires more time and space to develop.
    So, I just want to say: Congratulations and Cheers, for Choosing to Care more than to Challenge!

  21. Sorry you couldn’t find the groove this time around. It happens to the best of us.

    It’s hard to believe the blogging challenge is almost over for 2021. Then the after survey, reflections, and the road trip sign-up.
    Plus, I’m taking part in the Bout of Books read-a-thon in May. So much excitement!
    J Lenni Dorner~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, OperationAwesome6 Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author

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