Hello Magic Eye Readers.
First and foremost I just want to apologize for not doing updates the last
month as I was dealing with some personal stuff that I couldn't ignore.
What I was dealing with, and in a way continue to deal with, took place
even before my last update. I thought I could do the updates and deal with what
I needed to take care of. And for a
while, it looked like I could. After all, I had done it a couple of times
before, and so I thought "If I could do it then, I can do it now".
But, unfortunately, I couldn't.
As I wasn't able to get to the Disneyland Resort that after the Autopia
update, it was rough. But I knew I had other things that needed my attention.
It was hard and disappointing because I knew I wasn't able to supply you the
pictures you have come to look forward to.
Typically in the past, I would state that I wouldn't be able to make it.
But I though, eh, what's one weekend. I'll be going the following week and
everything will be fine.
The next week came, and I couldn't get away. Then the following week came,
and I still couldn't get away. Soon, it
became a month, and then more than a month. At first I felt guilty about not being able to
bring to you the weekly pictorials. As each week passed and I couldn't get to
the Disneyland Resort, it was hurting me. As much as I told myself that
"This week I will make time" and not being able to fulfill on that
promise I made to myself, it had gotten to the point that I didn't even want to
think about it. I had already stepped
away, that I wasn't sure if I would ever get back to my routine.
You know what? I want to tell you a secret. A deep, dark secret. Even
though it was hurting that I couldn't get to the Disneyland Resort on Fridays,
or any other day, after that hurt had subsided, I was somewhat relieved.
I mean, doing the weekly pictorial is a lot of work as it takes time and
effort. I love going and I enjoy taking pictures. But the whole process can
wear me down. There were mornings, getting up at 6:30 am to get ready, and I
didn't feel like I wanted to get out of bed. When rainy days came, I would get
this sort of happy feeling because I knew that I didn't have to get down there.
Because I don't like the rain and I don't want my camera to get wet. So it
became like free days. I was free to do anything else. And you know, can always
make up for it the following week.
During this time that I had to take care of stuff made me think about the
past. I have been doing my blog since 2009. And like clockwork, practically
every week, with the exception of when I would go on vacation or something, I
would always go to the Disneyland Resort. And I just have to say, that at times
I felt like the blog has been running my life. The blog was always first
priority. Everything was planned around my blog, making sure I would somehow
get to the Disneyland Resort at least once a week to take pictures. Because the
blog took priority, other things in and around my life were, at times,
sacrificed. Of course, my way of thinking was that even though it was an
inconvenience at the time, in the long run, it would all work out for me and
everything will be fine and dandy. Little did I know that things wouldn't be so
bright after all. As I was beginning to miss opportunities in my life, I slowly
began to realize that I was missing out on doing a lot of things because I was
so focused on the blog.
A close friend of mine, who used to go with me on my visits, once said that
the blog is not a job. That if I miss one, two, three weeks, etc., it shouldn't
matter to me because it's not a job. I
thought he was talking nonsense. I knew it wasn’t a job. I knew I didn’t have
to do it. But it made me happy, made me feel like there was some sort of
purpose with what I am doing. , and that I owe it to those who visited Every
now and then that comment would pop in my mind, but I would always think about
my readers, and that would give me the push to go and take the pictures.
After some thought, at this moment in time, I may step back a bit from
doing it every week.
I want to thank those who have supported me over the years and those who
have recently discovered the blog.
When I do a new post, I will definitely tweet about it.
Until Next Time…
Thanks for the update. More than anything we wanted to make sure you are okay. We will keep checking back for when you feel up to it. You were so consistent, I bet that it did feel like a job. Good for you to take a break! More importantly, you have let us know that you are fine. Until next time.....
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update :)
ReplyDeleteGlad that you are ok, and weren't subject to an accident, or worse.
Two things I have learned in life is: 1) To Thine Own Self Be True, and 2) Your art must be for You first.
If you follow these, doing what you love, or like, will rarely feel like a chore or job.
I, for one, would never want to be tired of Disneyland, and would never wish it upon anybody.
But, thank you for letting me live vicariously through your posts while I was stuck at work :)
Thank you so much for all that you have done over the years :) I truly have loved every update and I hope everything is okay. Take all the time you need, doing what you love shouldn't be a chore, and I wouldn't wish Disneyland to feel that way for anyone. Your photos have always been a highlight of my week for me, and you definitely fueled my passion for Disney. Words cannot express my gratitude for everything you have done. <3
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. When and if you post again, I'll appreciate it all the more. Thanks for all you've done in the past. First and foremost, do what you need to do for yourself. I'm just glad to hear you are okay.
ReplyDeleteMint Crocodile, your friend was right, the blog isn't your job. It should be something you enjoy and not let become a chore. You've given your readers a GREAT MANY YEARS of your time and effort and you deserve, not only a break, but the freedom to walk away whenever you so choose. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for ALL of the sweat you put into your blog. As other readers have expressed, it's been a privilege to 'see' vicariously through your lens the goings-on at the parks. And likewise, as others have observed here, I was concerned for your well-being. Glad you took time to put it in perspective. When and if you return to the blog, trust that we'll be here to welcome you!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Mint! I go through this as well with the Insights blog. As I approach ten years, I am rethinking things as well. Thank you for all your hard work. Bless you and rest well!
ReplyDeleteMark
Whew! Glad you're ok! And actually, it sounds like you're making good changes.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you're alright. I thought at first you were avoiding the parks during spring break, and/or not able to go because of spring break. It seems that you often go to the parks for just a few hours. I could definitely see how that could begin to feel like a chore. Hope you will post again soon though as I love seeing your pictures.
ReplyDeleteMint, take care of yourself and update when you can. You provide a fee services to the online community so there can be no expectations. And as you said, it's just a hobby. You take great pictures and I look forward to new updates whenever you get around to it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update, and thank you for the best DL photography on the internet. I'm glad you're good, and have come out the other side of this. I'll appreciate what you post, when you post it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for updating us. I am glad to hear you are ok and even if you post once in a while I will still enjoy every minute of seeing the pictures. Take care.
ReplyDeleteBob
Thanks for all your contributions over the years. Whether this is your swan song or just a hiatus please know that you have brightened the lives of many who have enjoyed your photography as well as your sense of humor. Take care and best in all your personal and professional paths!
ReplyDeleteThank You first and foremost for all that you have done in the past and know it was very appreciated. Secondly Thank You for being so forth coming with your current situation sharing this is more then generous on your part. I believe most if not all of us have been genuinely more concerned about your personal well being then the blog and please always put that matter first. We will still come back and if it is updated excellent if not we hope you are doing well. I hope whatever challenge you are facing it is resolved positively and allows you to return to the life you desire.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are ok, I hadn't seen anything posted on social media from you in a while and I as getting worried about you. Don't worry about updating with pictures every week if it can't happen, then it can't happen. I have been trying to find time to work on a post for my blog for over a month and I just haven't had the time I thought I would due to work getting crazy.
ReplyDeleteI have been following your blog since you first started back in 2009. I have only said something in the comments once, so here is one more time. I have always come here every week because I have been priced out of Disney for some time and your pictures have always been the best, and always on time every week. I have always wondered what it would take to do the kind of job that you have done on a weekly basis for years. I just knew it had to be so stressful to do something for strangers on the internet. I commend you good sir for doing what you have done for the years you have done it. You are really a master at it. Thanks for putting up all those pictures for all of us every single week for years. Getting your life in order is definitely the right move. Like others have said, we were really concerned about you. That will always be more important then some blog, even one as awesome as you have done. Thanks for everything and get well my man. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update! I've been an avid reader of your blog for years now and I am glad to see you take a break for yourself! Your dedication to visit the resort each week has always impressed me but you are right, there are plenty of other things in life than this blog and the resort!!
ReplyDeleteSending along my well wishes.
Hey Mint! Thank you for all that you've done all these years and I would encourage you to take whatever time you need. In general Disney is a wonderful escape from the tough realities of life. That's what keeps people coming back to the parks and that is why some many of us have enjoyed taking a mini-vacation by viewing your photo blog. You're a great photographer and it's clear you love the parks. Find whatever posting schedule that works for you - but don't lose the joy of it all. God bless you my friend!
ReplyDeleteTaking care of you is more important than us! Loyalty will remain!
ReplyDeleteLove your posts, but definitely take care of yourself and any personal stuff first. If there is anything we can do to help, please let us know!
ReplyDeleteI feel that most of us were concerned by your absence. You have been apart of My Life, for quite some time now. Be well.
ReplyDeleteHope your doing well, miss the posts. Your panoramic photo of the star wars land construction is my favorite view. Take care!
ReplyDeleteThank for everything you have done. Looks like you are pretty much done with the site since you haven't posted since you wrote this post. However, with everything getting ready to reopen, there is extra motivation to get out there, so maybe we will see you soon.
ReplyDelete