Farewell…

On By Suzanne@PictureRetirementIn photography, retirement, travel

Sorting is the first word that comes to mind when describing my re-entry into the real world – laundry, photographs, mail, meal plans, wrap up blog post, thoughts. It’s all pretty overwhelming when you consider that we lived on cruise ships for two months. Those floating hotel rooms brought us to many beautiful places, the staff catered to our every need, and we enjoyed our time away, but it’s good to be home. It hasn’t been quite as dramatic as the Artemis astronauts returning to Earth after circling the moon, but you get the idea. Life is different now.

There are many benefits to travel, but one that frequently stands out for us is the opportunity to gain perspective. When we travel, we realize both our potential and our limitations. It reflects our connections, personal relationships, responsibilities, and commitments in a new light. Even hobbies and interests fall under the lens of scrutiny at some point.

It was during one of those reflective moments (actually several) that I decided to close this blog. Many of you know that I have been flirting with the idea for some time, so it should come as no surprise. My reasons are varied, but mostly it comes down to time investment and shifting priorities. I don’t know if this is a permanent decision or a temporary one, but I know I need to make my exit.

So, with that said, I thank you all for reading, commenting, and investing in my life story as I traveled this path with you the past ten years. I have enjoyed participating in this existential world of give-and-take, support and motivation, despair, growth, and gratitude. Thank you for the many positive contributions you have made to my life. I wish you the very best and will check in from time to time. But for now, it’s goodbye.

Hitting you with one more barrage of selfies that I took in Australia and New Zealand, along with a reminder to be the star in your own story.

To experience life with the one you love is the best gift of all…..

55 thoughts on “Farewell…”

  1. Oh noooooo – another blogging goodbye. It seems to be the way of things with blogging these days. Maybe you’ll join the crowd that have moved over to Substack to blog for free when the impetus takes them? Regardless it’s sad to see you go Suzanne – I’ll miss your posts and your comments on mine – I hope life treats you well as you process your way through what’s next, and maybe it’ll be a short goodbye followed by a “hello again” if you decide to return. Until then….. I’ll be the first to say how sorry it is to say goodbye. x

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    1. Hi Leanne, I’m not sure yet how I will ‘scratch the itch’ to write about our lives, but it won’t be on Substack. Maybe I’ll go back to journal writing, like I did the thirty years before WordPress. I’ll miss the interactions, but not the time commitment required to maintain an authentic give and take. You have been with me for a very long time and I appreciate your loyalty, your encouraging comments, and your virtual friendship. I love the flow of your writing these days, peaceful, content, resolved in many ways. I’m getting there, just a few more hurdles to overcome…Take care.

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  2. Hi Suzanne,

    I’m sorry to see you go, but I understand. In fact, it felt strange to “like” this post as if I think this is a great decision for you to quit blogging. Instead I “like” your posts, because, well, I’ve always liked reading your perspectives and experiences.

    I think most of us have had the (fleeting) thought of quitting our blogs, because, indeed, they take a long time to compose and publish. And a lot of commitment to stick with it and engage. Will you still read other people’s blogs and comment or will you reduce that as well?

    I will be curious as to if and when you ever find your dream house. I know you said you were on Facebook and I tried to become friends there, but my request might have never reached you as it was right before you set off on your recent cruise journey. I’m happy to follow you and stay in touch there.

    I wish you all the best with your other pursuits in life, which I know there are many. See you somewhere sometime!!

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    1. Hi Liesbet, please try again with FB. I must have missed your request. I’ll be posting trips and significant lifestyle changes there from time to time. Yes, I will still be following my favorite bloggers, I just won’t be commenting as often. I can’t wait to see where life takes you and Mark. I hope you find your new home on wheels soon and resume your chosen lifestyle. Thanks for being a big part of my blogging experience these many years. Yes, we will meet up one day, somewhere….blessings.

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  3. Best wishes, Suzanne. You’re choosing what’s right for you in the present time and that’s both valid and admirable. In the short time I’ve “known” you in the blogosphere, I’ve enjoyed joining you in your adventures via your posts and great photos. Will you still be active on IG?

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    1. Hi Terry, yes, I will continue to post on IG when I have something to share. I have enjoyed our ‘brief’ encounter, and wish you well as you move forward. Keep sharing beautiful photos and snippets of your life. I’ll check in from time to time. Thanks for stopping by.

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  4. Suzanne, I have enjoyed following you and I will miss your blog posts but I understand your reasons for giving up the blog. I wish you good luck in finding a new home. May you continue to enjoy life every day!

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    1. Hi Beth, I feel like we are getting closer to our new home. Hopefully, the long wait and diligent research will pay off in the end. I’ll certainly share that news when it happens. Thanks for being a loyal reader for many years. I will continue to visit your blog and enjoy your uplifting spirit. Keep taking beautiful photos—many thanks.

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  5. I ‘liked’ this post because I empathise with your need to prioritise and admire the way you’ve approached and explained this decision. But I’m going to miss your posts, especially the inspiringly clear-headed (or so it seems to me) way that you face up to changes in your life. I see from another comment that you’re on Facebook. If you’d be happy to connect with me there my profile is https://www.facebook.com/toonsarah – do send a friend request as I’d love to keep in touch.

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    1. Hi Sarah, I tried to send a Friend Request, but it won’t process because it “appears that I don’t know you.” Here’s my link for you to try on your end. https://www.facebook.com/PicturesBySuzanne Yes, we have been ‘clear-headed’, and patient for several years now. We finally feel good about the next step and are positioning ourselves to move forward. The blog had run its course, and although I will miss the weekly interactions, I won’t miss the work. Thanks for your encouraging words and amazing photos. Take care.

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    1. Betty, thanks. I know everyone understands the trials of maintaining an authentic presence here in bloggerland. When it interferes with real life, it’s time to hang it up. I reached that point a while ago, but wasn’t ready to let go.

      P.S. We drove from Ft. Lauderdale to Bonita Springs last week and passed by the entrance to Big Cypress. I know you’re back home now, but I smiled at the thought of you guys being there. If you are on FB, I’ve shared my link above and would welcome you as a “Friend.” Take care and thanks for stopping by.

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  7. Hi Suzanne, I can so understand your decision but like many others have said, I’ll miss your posts and our interactions. Life seems to have changed so much recently, I think stepping back and simply enjoying life is something many of us (me as well) have been considering. I wish you all the very best, be happy, well and enjoy each day with those you love. Life is so precious. xx

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    1. Miriam, your summary is spot on. We are at a point in life when I need to be fully present. Part of me feels like I am giving something up, but most of me feels like I’m making room…You are such a talented writer, and I hope to see your work for many years to come. Take care.

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      1. That’s such a kind thing to say Suzanne. And I know exactly what you mean about “giving something up” but I think you’ll be gaining so much more. I hope we can keep in touch. x

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  8. Dear Suzanne, This was one post I hated to read to the end. I was hoping that I was wrong and your farewell was perhaps just saying goodbye to that faraway part of the world you had just experienced. I’ve just celebrated my 15th year blogging and I know it is a big commitment. It seems that I am saying “goodbye” to so many of my blogging friends lately.

    What I do appreciate is that you let us know…many bloggers just stop one day. You wonder why, worrying about them, hoping that they are well. I feel like we are neighbors, just a few towns away from each other. I was hoping that someday we would get a chance to to meet and compare stories about our adventures.

    You will certainly be missed, not only by those that leave their comments but by the many that read your wonderful posts but remain silent. I’m sure you have brought joy and inspiration to many who just enjoy stopping by to catch up on what is happening in your world.

    As many will say, we will be thinking about where life takes you and your family. Will you stay where you are, find your dream home, move to another state, and where your next adventure will ge. So I won’t say goodbye. Instead I’ll just wish you the best and hope to hear from you from time to time. Karen

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    1. Karen, thank you for your kind words. For the first time in years, we can both ‘see’ the next chapter. We have patiently waited, weighing our needs against our desires, and have developed a plan. But, you know the old saying about making plans…I’ll keep in touch. I always thought we’d meet up too. Your travel and food posts are magazine quality. Thanks for stopping by, and have a great summer. It’s going to be a hot one.

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  10. Hi Suzanne, I have enjoyed your well-written blog posts and beautiful pictures. I’m going to miss your blog. I wish you and Malcolm all the best in your future endeavours. I’d like to follow you on IG if you share your IG.

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  12. Hi Suzanne, I left a comment earlier but it disappeared. I have enjoyed your posts and beautiful pictures. I will miss your blog. I wish you and Malcolm all the best in your future endeavours. Thank you for sharing your journey with us as long as you have and for saying farewell.

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    1. Hi Natalie, I felt it was the right thing to do to say farewell. Most of my readers have been with me for many years and deserve a goodbye of sorts. I wish you the very best and appreciate all that you have done over the years to promote blogging. Keep up the good work. See you around….

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  13. I saw this in my email feed and I got a bit teary-eyed to see you hang up the blog, but I get it! I actually did a farewell post in early 2018, but came back with my Sunday Stills challenge. I tried photos challenges on Facebook, but they’re too cliquish. But I just found you on Facebook thanks to your link in another comment.

    You are going to be missed by a lot of us, Suzanne! I have learned so much from you about your travels, your lifestyle and how you live your retired life. It isn’t easy maintaining a blog. I hope you will post to FB about your travels. Take good care, my friend!

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  14. Hi Terri, thanks for the friend request on FB. I post photos of our trips there and appreciate your interest in staying in touch. I’m glad you found a blogging ‘formula’ that works for you, and admire that you keep it going strong. I’ll check in from time to time. You always inspire me to get out of my comfort zone when taking pictures. I especially love the color challenges.

    All the best to you. Take care, my friend! The best is yet to come…

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  15. Although not at all surprised, I was so saddened to see this post. That said, I’m almost there with you. Blogging takes a lot of time and energy and, as I’ve gotten older, I choose to put that time and energy elsewhere.

    You are one of the bloggers that I haven’t met IRL, but feel that I know as a friend anyway. I hope we can keep in touch via Facebook (although the link you shared above didn’t work for me: maybe you could send me a friend request?) and IG. And, of course, if your travels ever take you to SoCal, I hope we can meet up in person.

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    1. Janis, I will always remember you as the first person to leave a comment on my blog. It was thrilling then, and still is, when someone leaves a thoughtful comment for me. But life gets in the way, and priorities shift. I still enjoy taking photos and sharing, but I want to do that in a less confining way, if that makes sense. FB might be a satisfying outlet, we’ll see.

      Anyway, I hope you are doing well and that your life is full. Wishing you all the best.

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  16. Suzanne,

    So, the time has come…I understand. I took a break at the beginning of this year. I didn’t miss the time and effort required, but I did miss hearing from my “bloggy” friends. I’ll carry on as long as we have an RV (possibly one more year). I’ll miss your adventures, your camera, and news about your new home, but I sent you a friend request, and I think I have your email. Perhaps we can stay in touch. If all goes well, we plan on going to Key West next winter, and I would love a chance to buy you and Malcolm a cocktail. Until then sending nothing but the best…your bloggy friend, Joe

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    1. Joe, Malcolm, and I would love to meet up with you guys. I just accepted your FB request, so we can message there. And, I’ll drop by your blog from time to time. Thanks for sharing your RV travels, your church outings, and time spent with your family. Your stories are always heartwarming. Take care Easin’ Along…

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  17. I just found you in the past year. I am sorry to see you leave. I understand the commitment to a blog and understand how life has to come first. I will miss your beautiful pictures and lovely commentary. I hope you find your dream home. However, it sounds like you are getting closer to that. I will look you up on Facebook. Although I have slowed way down on Social Media. Take Good Care and Happy Trails to You!

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  18. I am a little choked up reading your post, Suzanne, and I have read almost all of them. I consider you a friend, and we have communicated privately … you are always generous, genuine and wise with helpful information. A funny thing about how kindred spirits meet and friendships develop. I like to do things ‘my way’ as many of us do, and I still consider myself a blogger since I visit and read often. Who knows where life and priorities take us, and as you mentioned about the best laid ‘plans.’ I like your words ‘checking in from time to time.’ I am happy how I will continue to see your amazing, inspirational photography on other sites. (By the way – we are away, usually zero on line, and I made an exception to respond to a friend.) 💕 Erica

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    1. Erica, I can’t tell you the number of times I have raced down the comments to read yours. You have a beautiful way of making a person feel heard, seen, and understood. Thank you for that. I thought of you when I decided to hang it up. You are proof that it is possible to be involved in this unique arena without being consumed. Thanks for making an ‘exception’ and responding to this post. I would have been wondering….I know you are somewhere beautiful, having a wonderful time. Enjoy! We will find a way to stay in touch.

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    1. Judy, you are one of those ‘successful bloggers’ who make it look so effortless. I love your sewing projects, your spring garden preparation, posts on winterizing, and all your photos of beautiful flowers. Your blog depicts a deeply satisfying life of quiet simplicity that appeals and inspires in so many ways. I know it all comes from hard work, discipline, and passion. Contentment doesn’t just settle on you one day out of the blue; it’s developed, one day at a time. Thanks for modeling that for all these years. Best wishes.

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  20. Suzanne, Thank you for sharing your travels, photography, travel tips and life in general. I appreciate all the times you responded to detailed questions. I learned about places in the U.S. that I might never have discovered because of your blog. You will be missed here. Hopefully, you will still post from time to time on Instagram. If you ever take a road trip through the Houston area and want to have a coffee or lunch, drop a line. Good luck to you and Malcom. Best wishes, Tracey (ArtisticPension on Instagram.)

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    1. Hi Tracey, I appreciate that you’ve been a part of my blog journey all these years. I hope life in Houston treats you well. I will keep up with you on Instagram, even though their stupid algorithm doesn’t promote like it used to. Tag me anytime you want. Take care.

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  21. So sad to see you depart the blog-o-sphere. I’ve enjoyed your posts tremendously, and your comments on my own have been so supportive and encouraging. I understand as I also have toyed with leaving, but that support and encouragement from my far-flung blogging friends is something i personally still need.

    I wish you the very best in your new stage and I do hope you find the place you can really call “my home” with all your heart.

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  22. Pat, thank you. When we sold our home nearly 5 years ago, I envisioned renting for a couple of years and then buying the home that would take us through the next chapter. A variety of events prevented that from happening, but I think we are finally close to a decision. I fully understand needing your blogging friends for support. I will miss the ‘community’, but it was time. I wish you the very best and will check in from time to time. Building a home is stressful, but in the end, so worth it. Best wishes.

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  23. I’m on the verge of closing myself and so I totally understand. We are preparing a 70 year old home (5 beds/3 baths) sitting on an acre for sale. And then finding the right home in the right community. Ugh. But it will all work out, right? I will miss your positive light in these dark times. All the best! Jan

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    1. Jan, I don’t envy that task. But I admire you for taking it on rather than leaving it to your heirs to deal with. They’d curse you for that! Thank you for seeing my blog as a ‘positive light.’ I hope you will continue writing – one more candle in the darkness.

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  25. I have so enjoyed your blog, your story, and your beautiful photographs. I hope that you will return to blogging once again, after a brief tenure. You have so many gifts, writing and photography as well. Wishing you blessings in all that you do!

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  26. Yes, I have so many other projects on the go I have been abandoning my blog too. I see so many of us are leaving this forum. Its heyday has passed. But what friendships we have made! All the best for the future. I have enjoyed getting to know you.

    Get Outlook for Androidhttps://aka.ms/AAb9ysg ________________________________

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  27. Hi Suzanne, I’ve been pretty much absent from the blogging world for quite a while now…largely because of computer and technical blog problems. I’ve even been having technical difficulties commenting on people’s blogs (like yours!) that I have always enjoyed. I’m still trying to get it all sorted out, and at the same time have been wondering if I want to resume the effort blogging takes. All this is to say I fully understand why you would decide to take a break from blogging!

    I have always appreciated your thoughtful posts and beautiful photography. Thank you for sharing your journey, and I wish you and Malcolm all the best as you continue your life adventures!

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