Stepping off
In my moments of inspiration… in the curious alchemy of night evaporating into morning, or the glittery mania a half a bottle in… in those (increasingly rare) moments that I’m possessed by the powerful urge to mark time with writing, to hurl my words into the air and watch them flutter swaybacked down around me… in those moments of inspiration, I come here.
To this blog.
But it’s where I don’t go with those moments of inspiration that are weighing heavy, soppy-wet and musty, on my mind of late.
I’ve kept this blog for one year. In the act of writing here, I have fallen in love with words — with my own words, in fact. I have grown confident of a skill I once doubted at every turn. I have found my voice here, sneaked out to meet her in the middle of the night, smoked her up and shot whiskey, gossiped and giggled and arm-wrestled her for the prize. I’ve felt accountable to her, and therefore worked at improving her with a vehemence that wouldn’t have been there without this forum. But in this frenzied dalliance, I’ve crippled her, in a way.
You all make me feel so big. So big. But then I wander outside of the bright blogosphere and my eyes adjust to the real world light and I see it for what it is, and I see me for who I am, and it’s not the same. I’m smaller and, somehow, less significant. And I worry that this world I’ve built is nothing more than a Wild West movie set, a city of cardboard cutouts staged with people and places that blow over with a single, errant gust of wind.
When I write a magazine article for publication, it doesn’t appear in print for months. When it does, there is a brief, brilliant flash of accolades, but it burns out fast when next month’s issue hits the stands. I imagine it’s even worse for book authors, who toil away at their craft for years and maybe, if they’re really lucky, enjoy a modicum of success until the next book comes along, until their work of blood and guts incarnate is relegated to the remainder table, forgotten. It’s a hard, lonely job. It’s why we writers go a little bit crazy, why we drink a little too much, why we’re so often brilliant on paper but retarded in life.
But, blogging? Blogging gives me instantaneous publishing, instant feedback, instant, mind-blowing gratification. It’s incredibly addictive. And all it asks in return is everything.
So I give it everything. All of my creativity, all of my mania, all of my ugly, all of my fantastic, all of my inspiration, goes into this blog. When, instead? It should be going into my work. Finding work, improving work, getting paid for work. This isn’t just a hobby for me, it’s my mortgage.
I realize that many, many writers can do both, but I can’t. It’s the way I’m wired, this need to treat you all well, to reciprocate, to keep track, to perform. To be a good friend. To do something all the way or not at all. It’s just one of the many things I’d change about myself if I could, but I can’t. It is what it is.
I may regret this decision, I know that, especially as I watch the publishing world evolve into a place that forces every writer to be a marketing machine, a curious world where even my editors have blogs. I will also miss you all, each of you with your unique voices and contributions and gifts. But, for now? Stopping this ride and stumbling off, dizzy and nauseous, mildly bewildered, feels like nothing more than relief.
Tremendous relief.
Natalie says:
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Have I made myself clear enough?
June 27th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Maggie says:
Aw. I understand. So much. Needing to step off so that your creativity can go into priority mediums makes so perfect sense. I will miss you so much. I have enjoyed getting to know you. If you get back to this place, I’ll be watching for you. In the meantime, go after those dreams, I’ll be wishing they come true.
June 27th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Natalie says:
OK, now that I’ve got that off my back, I do understand, but I don’t want you to go.
June 27th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Pare says:
I’m emailing you right now because there’s so many things I have to say (most of which you already know) but I want to tell you right now, here, where it will go down in Google search history that I am behind you all the way, 2349988% in this and everything else we discuss nearly constantly, because I know you and I know what it does to you offline, in real-time, face-to-face.
Lastly?
I’m here always, you know that.
I BELIEVE IN YOU TREMENDOUSLY, in writing, in being a wife and mother and family member, in being a friend, in being YOU.
It’s just a bloody blog, after all.
I love you.
June 27th, 2008 at 10:14 am
that girl says:
Wow! I’m really sad. I just discovered this spot and your writing and I’m just sad. But you have to do what you have to do. I’ve enjoyed reading and laughing and all your sharing.. Good luck.
June 27th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Betsey says:
I’m so heartbroken but I understand entirely. Okay, not entirely, but I understand the soul sucking that happens and when I don’t put my all into my blog it shows. And when I put my all into my blog it shows elsewhere.
Which is why it’s been so lame lately. But this is not about me, this is about you. And how terribly I will miss your words, your voice and your inspiring comments.
You’ll be missed, Maggie girl.
June 27th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Tina says:
Well, shoot, Maggie. I just found you. I understand, though, I do. I freelanced for years (still do occasionally) and it does take a lot out of you. I’m not doing both blogging and freelance at the moment, but I’m not sure I could anyway. Stay in touch now and again when you have a minute. I’ll miss you…
June 27th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Kritta says:
Whimper.
June 27th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Lara says:
You have an amazing way with words. It’s obvious that you do give it your all.
And I understand the fascination with your own writings… mine aren’t nearly as good, but when I put something down and can re-read it, seeing the feelings inside me coming out of the screen, it’s an incredible sense of validation. You just re-read it a few times, and think, “Wow. That says it.”
You will be missed. Incredibly. The glimpses into your life. The images of Emma and Gretta. The emotion you wring out of us just by your words.
A gift needs to be used, and used wisely. Only you can decide the wisest way to use yours. I wish the blog were the wisest way, but I understand that it probably isn’t.
You’ve made a lot of friends out here. We’ll miss you.
June 27th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Maria says:
What? The hell?
NO. NO. NO. NO. NO.
I will not allow it.
I knew today was gonna suck.
You need to do what’s best for you, but I will sorely miss you. Please reconsider.
June 27th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Ryan says:
Doing both sucks; you being gone sucks worse.
It has been an absolute & outright pleasure to play on parallel-playgrounds with you, my dear, and I hope you’ll still stop in on occasion, to both your blog & mine.
Yep, and in penance for that last remark, I’m putting together a little surprise for you; this aformentioned present will take a bit of time, so don’t think I’ve flaked out when there’s nothing from me stabbing at your inbox for a while.
I’m so mysterious, aren’t I?
Love Ry
June 27th, 2008 at 11:00 am
soupisnotafingerfood says:
That makes sense – I honestly don’t know how professional writers can also blog. It’s kinda like moonlighting, I’d imagine. Or having an affair.
But enough about YOU. What about us? How will we feed our Maggie jones? Do you write anywhere that we could read online? Will you still pop over to read our blogs and leave comments? Got a mailing list I could join?
Don’t disappear on us… we all love ya and will miss your insight and wit and snark (and your tags, I love your tags!).
Peace to you, Maggie.
June 27th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Tasses says:
This post conjures so many emotions in me.
When I first started blogging, I found that bloggers ran in distinct circles. I didn’t know who I wanted to ‘be friends with’ and I didn’t know why I was blogging. I vacillated between the bad boys, the bibliophiles, the writers, the mommies and the artsy-fartsies. I was all of those people and none of them.
I quickly filled my Google Reader with over 400 feeds. This began to suck my time. As an organization freak, I just had to clear my reader each day. I was lucky to finish my own post and it was many times inspired by another person’s lead.
The book reviewing gig began to take off (getting seven free books this week). Consequently, reading has now become a chore. I don’t get paid for the reviews and I’ve made a whopping 37 big ones over at Amazon from nice folks clicking on my links.
I’ve never built the confidence to submit an article for freelance and I’ve envied your blog. I kept thinking that one day I’d write something that would be good enough for submission in a magazine, kept adding story ideas to my little book of writing ideas, tried to figure out the people that I wanted to hang with – the niches I wanted to form, basically wasted hours upon hours wondering about writing instead of writing.
So, although I am filled with sadness at your parting, I really am, once again, envious. I’m still uncertain as to why I blog, but know the time-sucking beast that is the internet. I thank you for your revelation. Of the 400 feeds I originally added, I’ve tagged 6 that I MUST read everyday. I’ll now be down to 5.
June 27th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Eliza says:
I am very sad, but if this means you get to go back to calling your real life friends (hint hint) I’m all for it!
June 27th, 2008 at 11:22 am
manager mom says:
OKAY. Freaking Right the Eff Out Right About Now.
June 27th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Bluestreak says:
I´m sorry I just caught the tale end. BUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRR.
June 27th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Captain Steve says:
Oh. This is good. This is good. This is good. It’s just a blog, it’s not really a big deal and real life is good. I support you in your decision and I will miss you desperately. Good luck.
June 27th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Marilyn says:
WHAT?
EVER!
Hmmm, I guess I’m making this all about me and it’s not.
I wish you the best, but I’ll miss you.
ALOT.
June 27th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Susannah says:
WHAT????$YO(*&@^#()@*^@%@??!!!
I am stunned.
But understanding.
I feel the exact same way but still need the daily love, the daily flash of recognition.
Please don’t completely disappear, though. Please?
June 27th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Clayjack says:
Kudos to you for making this heart-rending decision. Your ride analogy is so accurate, like the kids merry-go-round. You hop on and the thing goes so fast – faster than it looked when you were watching from the sidelines. And the spinning can sometimes be nauseating, but you don’t want to hop off, for fear you won’t be able to muster what’s needed to jump on again later.
But you will.
Prioritizing other things ahead of this blog, a place where you’re so universally accepted, takes some guts. But yeah, the other world where mortgages come due and grocery bills are climbing is not make believe.
Knowing I jumped into reading your blog after you’d already achieved a level of notoriety, I’ve been humbled by how kind you are to everyone that takes part in your discussions. A good soul.
Good luck, Maggie. But I know you’ll do just fine.
June 27th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
distracted spunk says:
I do feel as though I just found you, so I’m terribly disappointed to know you’ll be leaving.
I understand though. Sometimes, blogging gets in the way of real life, making it difficult to enjoy or even work. Especially when it’s summer time, and you feel as though you should be outside, but instead, you’re inside reading blogs because it’s an addiction.
My own blog has been feeling slightly neglected lately. But anyhow.
I wish you luck in everything you choose to do. I hope you pop around from time to time, but if you end up writing a book, I demand an e-mail.
June 27th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Erika says:
All I can think to say is –
nothing is forever.
A blog is not forever. Neither is a hiatus from a blog. Go where your heart, mind, and soul need to go. I admire your courage in being true to yourself. Reading your writing for this brief time made me a better writer.
June 27th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Mollie says:
“why we’re so often brilliant on paper but retarded in life”
Thank you, thank you, thank you.. someone finally explained what was wrong with me lol
I never stopped to think that all people who thoroughly enjoy writing might be similar in that way.. genius behind a pen/keyboard and a bit more than slightly socially inept.
I don’t feel like such a retard anymore lol
June 27th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
just beth says:
aw, maggie. of course you gotta do what you gotta do, and good luck. hope to hear from you from time to time.
thanks for your support and advice. take care,
xo
b
June 27th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
donovan says:
Congratulations. Difficult decisions are meant to be made. That’s why they’re called ‘decisions’ in the first place. The word ‘difficult’ only describes what’s at the heart of it all.
Please don’t stop writing. Keep a journal or something. I assure you that you’ll look back at it later and be thankful. Your children will be as well. It also helps expel some stuff we need to expel.
“The Moral Law tells us the tune that we have to play: our instincts are merely the keys.” – C.S. Lewis
June 27th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
CrankyBelle says:
It’s been fantastic and inspirational. Thank you! Good luck, I know lots of great things are ahead for you. And relief is a good feeling.
June 27th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Jules says:
I’m picking up what you’re laying down.
One of your previous posters said it best. When you write for a living and then blog, it can all be too much. Before you know it, you spend your day hitting the refresh key to get your latest stats, when you should be focusing on work that, you know, pays money. I know my creativity for writing (paying jobs, that is) has suffered since blogging. It’s like Eve’s apple: so damn tempting.
Good for you for having the moxy to do what you know in your heart is right.
June 27th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Nutmeg says:
I get it; this is an awfully time-consuming, life-devouring hobby. However, having just discovered you and being so inspired by you makes me sad that you had to make this decision. That’s how it goes, though. Send me an e-mail if you ever come to hang in Milwaukee.
Good luck!
June 27th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
gretakiki says:
Um…there’s no quitting. Now allowed.
June 27th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
liv says:
is this the curse of the furiousBall design?
i find myself completely over it, too.
June 27th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
sizzle says:
You’ll be missed.
June 27th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
sweetney says:
also just found you…. definitely understand where you’re coming from though. will you still tweet? i hope?
June 27th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Veronica says:
I only just found you and now this? I could cry.
I understand it though. I don’t like it, but I understand it.
June 27th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Xbox4NappyRash says:
I want to hate you right now but I can’t.
I wish I could focus myself like you’ve decided to, I wish I had a fraction of the ability you do, to focus on.
When the rest of the planet realises what we already know, and you pay off that mortgage in one fell swoop, come back?
Please.
June 27th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
flutter says:
I respect you. You will be missed.
June 27th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
noble pig says:
Are you kidding? What? What? Okay, but geez…will you ever come back? Ever?????//
Miss you…now and forever.
Me
June 27th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
bejewell says:
This makes me sad. And also a little scared, given that I’m on the other side – new the the Blogosphere and hoping to use it as a springboard to do what you do.
But your previous post? The one with the pictures of your girls? That really says it all.
Best!
June 27th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
DaisyJo says:
Maybe I could pay your mortgage and you could stay here?
(I understand. Pop in and see me once in a while, ‘kay?)
June 27th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
w1kkp says:
“So I give it everything. All of my creativity, all of my mania, all of my ugly, all of my fantastic, all of my inspiration, goes into this blog. When, instead? It should be going into my work. Finding work, improving work, getting paid for work. This isn’t just a hobby for me, it’s my mortgage.”
Um. Er. So, shouldn’t you be thinking about how to market this, the all of your creativity, the all of your mania, the all of your ugly, the all of your fantastic, the all of your inspiration that goes into your blog?
At least give it some thought. You already have an audience of readers. They shall go where you on the internet. They may not be able to go with you to a print magazine or a print newspaper (all of which are closer to the cardboard cutouts than the blogasphere in my opinion) but if these same magazines and newspapers have an online presence, then you could offer them actual eyeballs. Eyeballs mean mortgage money.
I am having the same thoughts and have some ideas. If you want to chat, email me.
But, take a look at a series done by Maira Kalman ( she’s done children books, illustrations for books), she did an illustrated a column for for one year, every first Wednesday of the month, for a year for the NYTimes.
It inspired me to try my hand at photoblogging.
Her readers would wake up on the first Wednesday of each month and fly to see her new illustrated column. Her combination of whimsy, philosophy, dreaminess, and colorful imagination evoked from her readers a loyalty, a passion, not dissimilar to what you are reading here in your own comment section.
She made them into a book. It sold. It is called “The Principles of Uncertainty”.
If she was talking anywhere within a hundred miles of me, I’d go. How are you at public speaking?
Here is the link. It begins with her last column. The upper right hand corner has the thumbnail of the previous months. Spend some time in the comment section. Tell me with a straight face, this is the wild west or something less real than anything you’ve read in your life.
http://kalman.blogs.nytimes.com/?8qa&scp=1-spot&sq=maira+kalman&st=nyt
Maggie, Dammit. See it already sounds like a book. Speaking Tour. Maggie, Dammit, World Tour.
But a cone bustier like Madonna.
Just give it some thought in your stepping off moments. But, don’t step off for too long. People will find their way to other authentic, marvelous voices. And, you more than anyone know they are out there. Part of your trying to treat everyone right thingy.
Ok. Officially my longest comment ever. I must like you or something.
June 27th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Karen meg says:
Oh dammit, Maggie! I just found you not so long ago!!!
But enough about me. I hear you on this. I blog for fun and it is all consuming, and I really need to be doing something more profitable too, to bring more to the fam damily bottom line.
You do what you need to do. I will miss you, that’s for sure. But I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you will come back, some day.
Hugs and best of luck to you. You are really, really talented, and should make some bucks off of this talent. Something tells me you will…
June 27th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Maria says:
Wait, are you saying that okayfinedammit is no more? Because I’m just not having that. I will hitch a ride out to the middle of no where if I have to and beat you with a keyboard until your forehead writes a post for you.
June 27th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
pameladayton says:
I have loved reading you, even in the short time it’s been. I wish you the best of luck, but tremendously gifted outweighs luck 400 to 1. At least.
June 27th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Unanimous says:
“You will be missed”
“Best of luck”
“I understand”
“That makes sense”
Are you ready for the truth? You are financially successful when you freelance, however you are essentially working for someone. Yes, you write your articles to express yourself, and your view points, however, you are still writing for a publisher. The reason you feel this blog isn’t “successful”? You have no constructive criticism. Look above, look at everyone’s post. Everyone ALWAYS agrees with you. Yes, they say “No Don’t Go” at first, but in the end, they are your followers, they do what you tell them to. “Absolute Power, Corrupts Absolutely”….
YOU have to make the change. There are 2 ways to go through life: Making money doing what you love, or doing what you love and making money. Stop and think for a minute…. why are there tons of “Bloggers” that are famous and making tons of money? Figure out what they are doing and DO IT! In fact, do it BETTER. There is Nothing stopping you!! Go for it!
It’s funny too, because It was just today that your husband and I were talking and he said “you know, you should just go on her blog for once and finally post a reply”… funny that just as I do your logging off. So maybe its best this be my only and last reply, and now you can continue to blog.
***P.S.*** Please tell your husband to stop grabbing my ass while I’m trying to work… it’s very inappropriate. And more importantly, I don’t like guys
-A
June 27th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Susan says:
Best of luck. I will miss you.
June 27th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Jenn says:
“It all seems so unfair! Just when I found you I lost you!”
That’s a line from Grease 2, a favorite childhood flick. It applies because I knew you when you were a kid, then we lived our own lives for some 17 years, then we hooked up again in blogland, and now you’re leaving and we still haven’t gotten together for beers and laughs.
*Snort*
Email me or my lobster so we can do that.
June 27th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
bejewell says:
I can’t believe someone broke out a line from Grease 2. That’s serious business, dude.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
kittyconcerto says:
wow. I just entered into blog land and your leaving. *sniff* hope you make your dreams your reality. Muah!
June 27th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
heather says:
Now I have to be a real life friend!
June 27th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Mtnhighmama says:
Ok, really…you have the most comments ever and you are going to give up such a loyal audience?
I agree with the other posters that say you need to use your blog to create some abundance in your life. It’s unreal the amount of people reading, loving, commenting, hearing, being moved by, cheering you on, relating their own stories… if that isn’t success I don’t know what is.
I don’t know you, and that fact taht I even give a damn says something.
So I’m not going to be one of those to wish you well (though, of course I do) but I really really really really really think it sucks that you are leaving.
Please reconsider, because I love coming to your blog, and I will miss you, and without it, how will I find you?
June 28th, 2008 at 12:20 am
karey m. says:
i’m not even going to comment on this…
BECAUSE IT IS NOT HAPPENING.
lalalalalalalalalalalalalalai’mnotlisteninglalalalalalalalala.
{dammit, maggie? this is NOT fine, ok?}
crap.
June 28th, 2008 at 12:26 am
Angel says:
awww Maggie, you have to do what’s best for you, but I’ll miss you terribly. I don’t even know you and yet I feel like I do. That’s the gift you have in writing.
I do hope you come back from time to time. No one says you have to leave us permanently! We just don’t have to be at the beginning of every day.
June 28th, 2008 at 5:08 am
QT says:
Everyone has already said it – it sucks, but you have to do what is right for you. Perhaps the best thing about blogland is that we are here to support your decisions, even if that means you are withdrawing content from us! I’ll miss you, but perhaps you’ll humor us with monthly updates? You’re staying in my reader nonetheless. And of course, I can see you IN PERSON too.
June 28th, 2008 at 5:34 am
Candance says:
Uh, I have abandonment issues, so I’m freaking out right now.
I know you have to do what you have to do, but, Dude, I’ll miss you, Maggie!!
Good luck!! Come back to us one day!!
June 28th, 2008 at 8:25 am
becky says:
Rock on Maggie! Doesn’t matter where you go or what you do, you will always be a hit to me! God bless you and Don’t be afraid to take a chance. (e-mail me once in a while okay?) Sending a big hug and I am proud of you! Love always, Beck xo
*sniff*
June 28th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Dad says:
But how will we communicate with each other ?
Love, Dad
June 28th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
magpie says:
I am sorry to hear this – I feel like I’ve just started to know you. But all best to you.
June 28th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Mr. Chuck says:
Maggie Dear Maggie,
You got me hooked and now you leave, but I understand I will miss you so on the web but I know I can see you day to day and that makes up for it! Love you and your writing so!
Mr. C
June 28th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
daddymolson says:
I’ve been pacing back and forth. My chocolate lab so cleverly named Cocoa has been watching me with wonder and confusion. Angst this severe is normally reserved for Packer Game Day.
I’ve reached deep inside of me; into my heart, my soul, the core of my being. I have searched the gut wrenching churning inside of me. I have delved into the dark places to find pain, fear, anxiety, and neurosis, as if they were 4 friends getting together for a poker game.
For when you have one chance to say what something truly means, how it affects you, how it may always make you feel, you not only want to get it just right, you want to get it perfect. So I use this introspective process, walking aimlessly through nature trails, and searching the great moments of sheer beauty that is our world to bring you my moment of expression.
So all that I am, all that I have to give, I shall humbly express to you now:
This really fucking sucks.
June 28th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
jtj3 says:
Wow…so I drop by to see what’s going on, and I find you’re leaving us? ::sniff:: But hey, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.
Your voice, Maggie, is tremendous. You are an incredibly gifted writer…you make me laugh, you make me think, you sometimes even (almost) make me cry.
For the record, Okay, Fine, Dammit is the blog that mine wants to be when it grows up.
You will be missed.
jtj3
June 28th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Dondi Tiples says:
But I just got to your blog….!
@:(
June 29th, 2008 at 7:07 am
nutmeg says:
I am so proud of you! And you did it without a twelve-step program! You may as well experiment with crack because I’m sure you could walk away from it after awhile. I’m so tempted to join you. (Not the crack.) I so get everthing you wrote. I’m taking a break myself to re-enter the real world. Maybe…
I’ll really miss you.
June 29th, 2008 at 7:59 am
Felicity says:
So completely bummed…but so completely understand. I feel this world of blogging has overgrown itself and we all are trying to do the same things, and share our innermost deepest thoughts. I have realized, I have nothing to say to people now. Keep in touch…
June 29th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
jennyC&F says:
Sometimes just hitting the blog “Pause” button works wonders for your … Cough… cough… professional and personal lives… BUT it also leaves an empty hole in the blogging community. I like your blog. Silently, until lately I have not been big on posting ‘comments’ . Reading your blog makes me smile. Your witty, sweet, and smart. Good luck in your choices.
I mean it when I say this is a nice blog. I have been reading a lot of blogs lately while dodging my statistics homework. I have hit the “pause” button for upwards to a year before and never forgot my password! Again, good luck. And me… I have chapter 4.2 up in statistics and I need to get to work!
June 29th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
wrh says:
huh?
Wha?
But…
oh.
okay then.
Really?
Keep in touch.
June 29th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
James Michael says:
Thanks god!
June 30th, 2008 at 2:46 am
Maggie, dammit says:
Are you calling me “God”, troll? Thanks you!
June 30th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Maggie, dammit says:
To the rest of you, thank you for all this. I don’t know if you’ll see this comment, and I meant to reply to each of you individually, but I haven’t had time and now it’s been days and I’m feeling really bad about it and so here I am with this pathetic little comment. So small compared to your big, I know.
but thank you.
June 30th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Debbie says:
Your title got me hooked from the beginning…I knew my son would think his name was “Dammit, David” from the time he was about 8 until now…he doesn’t even remember. I’ll remember you though and I’ve really enjoyed your blog!
I agree with the others though…you have to do what pays the bills and this is time consuming and keeps you away from things that have to be done. Follow your heart Maggie and do what makes you feel the best!
Will you still twitter? We need to know you’re okay, dammit!
June 30th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Christa says:
What if, Maggie, we all – us, your readers – sent you a buck? five? I mean, we’ve all been soaking up your blood, sweat and tears for a year. All you’ve had to give for a year. We’ve gotten to know your husband. And your girls. For A YEAR, we’ve been doing this! for free. How selfish. I’m willing. Anyone else willing? I mean, consider it back-pay. A thank you. I’m putting my $5 in the mail today. To show you appreciation. Seems a shame that’s all I’m giving. But it’s something. And please, put my name on the waiting list NOW for your book. When it does come. I want it. Love you. Good luck.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Christa says:
what if we all sent a buck or five? To say thanks.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Christa says:
what if?
June 30th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Christa says:
Not to make you feel guilty…or to make you come back…but to say thanks.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Christa says:
Anyone?
June 30th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Maggie, dammit says:
Christa?
I feel honored that you chose my space on which to lose your mind.
I love you.
And, honey? I would be totally cool with you saving up those $5 bills for a plane ticket to come see me.
Just saying.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:15 am
dana says:
good for you
very good for you
hugs
d
June 30th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Maria says:
I’ve been checking daily, hoping for a snippet from you saying that you’re not really leaving us, so yes, I saw your blog comment. And if didn’t give me the answer I wanted.
I’m so hurt. You were like…wow. You were something else Maggie and you touched me. I really, really miss you.
June 30th, 2008 at 11:00 am
mamatulip says:
I am really, really, REALLY bummed out to read this.
But.
I understand completely.
Be well.
June 30th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Miss Britt says:
I am so, so glad I got to see you and know you while you were here.
And I’m crushed to see you go.
But I get it. Dammit, I get it.
June 30th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Chanda says:
I completely understand your decision to step away, to focus your creative energy where you feel it must be focused.
Good luck in everything you do, I know you will be brilliant, because that’s basically what you are. I love how much of yourself you put into every word you write, and every heartfelt comment you leave. I will miss you so much. Please know if you decide to come back I (we) will all be here ready to pick up right where we left off…. just like old friends.
Be well Maggie.. and if you ever find yourself in NC, let me know. We’ll crack a beer or bottle of wine together.
“I think I will miss you most of all”….(Dorothy to the Scarecrow)
June 30th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
beth says:
Oh Maggie…
I thank you for being so open and honest with all of us, but OH!! you will be missed !
I sure hope though that we can still get together at the winery sometime this summer…please ???
email me !!!
Hugs, beth
June 30th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Gypsy says:
But… but… I’ll miss you. So much.
July 1st, 2008 at 9:17 am
Toasty says:
I came in a bit late… as usual, and I’m sad, because I also just found you. But I think you’re right to focus on the published writing. Please include me in your e-mail listings when you publish something. Thanks for the comments and blog. I enjoyed it.
July 1st, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Erika says:
Okay. I think it’s starting to sink in. I’m feeling lightheaded.
July 1st, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Arkie Mama says:
You said what I was trying to say. I just didn’t have the energy to find the right words.
Be well. And be sure to email what you’re writing elsewhere.
July 1st, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Tera says:
ummm, but i just met you!
okok-good luck!
July 1st, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Jennifer says:
Well, dammit. I just found you!
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:28 am
Love Bites says:
I’ve been there, done that. Just don’t forget that you can always come back, if you need to.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Baroness von Bloggenschtern says:
Although it’s such a shame for us, your devoted readers, I completely understand how it is a relief for you.
That creative well we all possess has a finite volume to it – and if it’s contents are needed elsewhere, whaddya gonna do?
I hope, like so many others, there is a way to keep in touch with you.
I look forward to finding your bylines.
Big Hugs and may you find as much success out of the blogosphere as you found admiration within.
And next time I’m in Minny? I’m definitely coming your way – that trampoline is wa-a-ay too irresistable!
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:34 pm
James Michael says:
Ha!
Let me troll for you.
Thanks for stopping this blog.
Honestly.
Thanks Magpie.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Scott says:
Maggie -
I haven’t been faithful in reading the blog, but I decided to come back today (July 3) after I resurrected my blog. I come back to THIS????? I read the first few lines and I KNEW where you were going with this post. I blurted out loud, “Dammit, NO!!!!” You’ve made me laugh, I’ve even gotten choked up a few times reading your posts. I’ve appreciated your emails AND your comments on my blog. Can you PLEEEAAAASSSEEEE post every once-in-a-while???? I don’t know about your other readers, but life without Maggie isn’t going to be the same. Dear, sweet, lovable, kind, tremendous, fabulous Maggie – PLEASE, Dammit!!????!!!!!
July 3rd, 2008 at 8:07 am
Batspit says:
We miss you.
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Mtnhighmama says:
If we clap loud enough and long enough, will you consider playing a few more songs?
*standing up, clapping so hard my palms hurt, considering whistling one of those long loud obnoxious whistles that make the people next to you want to what you*
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Lara says:
I didn’t comment on this at first b/c I sort of thought it was a joke. I think you’re a brilliant writer and so I’ll miss my “daily read”, but I understand 100%. Good luck! Oh, and whoever mentioned a book? Yeah, you should get on that.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:01 pm
revbob says:
You’re the best. I’m so happy your life continues to grow and bloom. If it’s OK for us to see the next things, I would really, really like to. But you deserve to immerse yourself in the wonders life is revealing to you.
July 5th, 2008 at 2:38 am
we_be_toys says:
For all the reasons you listed, a blog is a wonderful thing. It gets us going, it makes you work harder at the craft, and the instant feedback is addictive.
But yeah, real life is actually, uh, more real (because I am so good at CRAFTING my words, see?), and it shouldn’t take a back seat to BEING in your life, ever.
I will miss reading your words, I will miss you, dammit, but I could never ask my friends to give up the essence of what makes life meaningful, just to amuse me.
You DO know that your two best virtual friends will always leave the door open for you, right? It’s an outside chance, but you never know when you might be in our neck of the woods. The view might not be as fabulous as your backyard, but home is where your heart is, and a piece of yours has been planted right here (I bet you didn’t even know that!).
July 5th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Pomeroy! says:
Oh no…
I’ll miss reading you, Maggie.
But I wish you the best of luck.
If you come back, make sure to look me up!!!
July 6th, 2008 at 1:49 am
tysdaddy says:
“to hurl my words into the air and watch them flutter swaybacked down around me”
I’m with you Maggie.
I’ve said it many time: you are one of the reasons I’m here. You inspire me and challenge me and I have grown because of you.
I wish you well. And I still have your number. We’ll chat soon . . .
July 6th, 2008 at 9:01 am
karey m. says:
just visiting. anybody home?
{sigh}
she really left? i thought she was kidding. son of a.
must begin email campaign. aka stalking.
July 6th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Nora Bee says:
Our loss, but you have fun now, you hear?
July 6th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Velma says:
I totally get it, but still. Damn it, woman… I just found you!
July 7th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Natalie says:
I know what you’re doing, Maggie. This is all a PLOY to get as many comments as you possibly can.
Right?
No?
Dammit, I miss you and your wit!
July 7th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Maria says:
i still miss you.
comebackcomebackcomebackcomebackcomebackcomebackcomebackcomeback!!!!!
July 17th, 2008 at 7:13 am
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