RANDOM JOTTINGS


A blog about music, sports, theatre and rants





7am and I have been up since 6am. It is so hot and sticky and surely a thunderstorm cannot be far away. I thought I may as well get on with stuff so have added another coat of paint to the chest of drawers I am painting, had a cup of tea and am now here with my trusty laptop.

I have been pondering. Always a dangerous thing to do.  I have been blogging at Random now for over seven years – how time flies.   I love writing and posting on Random but over the last year or so am beginning to feel I am getting into a rut and am in danger of getting a bit listless about it all. Am aware that this is also probably due to the hot weather at the moment when enthusiasm wanes. I always seem to be able to concentrate more in the winter when the nights draw in and the curtains are closed.   However, this feeling is persisting and I thought best thing to do is to write about it and see what you all think.

One of the joys of blogging is the interaction between me and all of you who read and comment. I do wish sometimes that readers who lurk in the corner of the room would comment as well, but aware that a lot of you do not want to and just like to see what is going on at Random Towers.    On this occasion I would really love it if you would pop out, just for a moment or two, to leave your thoughts after this post.

Is there anything else you would like to see on Random? Do you like the way the blog is set up? Do you wish I would review something in particular? and how do you feel about the mix of books, music and family and lifestyle posts which I publish?   The cooking section of Random will be back in the winter – too hot to think of whipping up a Victoria sponge or a trayful of brownies in this weather.

All comments and suggestions will be gratefully received. I want to ensure that everyone on Random has a great time together.

I am now off to boil and egg and have a shower. In that order……

Later – it is now evening and I am adding to this post after reading all the comments I have received below. I have answered every single one.

What I want to make quite clear is that I am NOT giving up blogging.   It seems I may have given you the wrong impression. I simply love Random Jottings and it is part of my life now and all of my lovely readers. I was just feeling that I was getting stale and repetitive and wanted to know what you thought.

I have to tell you that the comments under this post and emails I have received off blog have reduced me to tears with all the wonderful remarks you have all made and the encouragement you have given me.  Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

I am going to Cornwall next week and am staying in a cottage which has no wifi or internet connection. I shall be with my daughter, son in law and grandchildren and will be taking a complete break and looking forward to that very much indeed.

Once again, THANK YOU

xxx

Posted in

87 responses to “Random Jottings – thoughts please”

  1. Elaine Avatar

    Mary – yes you are one of my faithful followers and I thank you for your support and good wishes

  2. Elaine Avatar

    Jean – knowing I sooth your soul is a wonderful compliment. Thank you x

  3. Elaine Avatar

    Caroline – thank you so much for dropping by. I also read for fun but agree there has to be some substance else it can all get a bit of a waste of time. So lovely to hear from you all

  4. Elaine Avatar

    I shall be away next week Sarah and intend to take a few days off completely from all things hi-tech

  5. Elaine Avatar

    Thank you Janet

  6. Elaine Avatar

    Yes I think you are one of my loyal readers Sheila and I thank you. I was working when I started it and now I am retired and such a lot has happened in between. though I hve seen Don Giovanni several times, ditto Cosi and Marriage of Figaro I find by act three I have had enough. A lack in me I am sure but I simply adore every single moment of the Magic Flute so I am not totally beyond redemption….

  7. Elaine Avatar

    I will certainly be carrying on. I seem to havegiven the impression I am giving up but I merely wished to see what people thought about Random after all the years I have been writing it. Good to know it is so enjoyed

  8. Elaine Avatar

    Thank you Susan for taking the trouble to comment on this post. I do appreciate it.

  9. Elaine Avatar

    Thanks Geraldine. I will be writing about Cambridge and the Haunted Bookshop next week some time

  10. Robin Avatar
    Robin

    Dear Elaine–I have been a long time reader and I guess I qualify as a lurker as I seldom comment. That’s my bad–I blogged on and off for several years myself before giving it up because of a lack of feedback–so I should have been a better reader. I’m glad you have shared that you are feeling a bit listless because it is a fact that we all need reinforcement for what we do in order for it to be satisfying to us.
    Here is some positive, hopefully inspiring feedback. Your blog is number one in my favorites folder and I check in daily to see what is happening in your neck of the woods. There are several reasons why you are among my favorite daily reads–First, I’m a anglophile from way back. Secondly, I”m a bibliophile since the age of five. Thirdly, I just like you.
    I think your writing is excellent. I enjoy reading your book reviews even if the books aren’t my particular cup of tea. I love hearing about your visits with your family. I enjoy your stories about technological tribulations. I like the current mix of posts–but if you wanted to do fewer book reviews that would be fine too–what I enjoy the most is reading about your life in the UK. I love your stories about tennis and cricket and Strictly Come Dancing. (I thought Denise Van Outen had no business being on the show also!) Your humor and intelligence shines through your writing. You have broadened my horizons. I hope you keep blogging–because you really are giving pleasure to all of us out in the ether. Thanks!!

  11. Elaine Avatar

    It is lovely when somebody talks about a place one has visited. Happens to me often. Thanks for dropping by

  12. Elaine Avatar

    Thank you Bettina and nice to know that new readers are discovering me

  13. Elaine Avatar

    Excellent and if you have any mystery or detective novels you can recommend do let me know

  14. Sheila Avatar
    Sheila

    Another non commenter normally but always read your blog and have received so many book recommendations through you. also good to hear other people’s family tales. keep up the good work – but don’t beat yourself up to blog more than you are comfortable with. We can wait!

  15. Elaine Avatar

    Sarah g – I will!

  16. Elaine Avatar

    Please do not think you are being remiss about anything. I just wanted to make sure that Random was still hitting the target after all this time

  17. Elaine Avatar

    I have just realised Pam after reading your comment that I have not written about the Ashes. I must repair that omission pretty quickly…………

  18. Elaine Avatar

    Oh I have every intention of keeping on. I just do not want to get stale that is all so glad to hear that you like it

  19. Elaine Avatar

    Joan – what can I say but thank you! x

  20. Elaine Avatar

    Thank you Susan for your blessings. I am just feeling a little lethargic at the moment and was having a think about blog content but so far I am very encouraged by everyone’s kind remarks. Blessings to you too for being a reader

  21. Elaine Avatar

    HI Janet – thanks for your perceptive comments. I certainly do not expect everyone to agree with me on books etc that is why I never diss a book, just because I do not care for it does not mean others won’t.

  22. Elaine Avatar

    I won’t!

  23. Elaine Avatar

    Ann the great thing about blogging is being able to write about publishing houses like Greyladies and Girls Gone By. Makes me feel I am doing my bit

  24. Elaine Avatar

    Hi Caroline and thank you for coming out of lurkdom. I have no intention of giving up Random but just felt that I might be getting a little stale and needed to know what my readers thought so I thank you so much for dropping in. I appreciate it

  25. Elaine Avatar

    Then I will continue to do so Liz. Thanks for your reply

  26. Elaine Avatar

    You mean you dont like Waagner!!!!!! Shock horror. Only joking. Thing is with Wagner he can take you over if you are not careful. No did not hear the Moral Maze this week, presume they were talking about him?

  27. Mary Ronan Drew Avatar

    I’ve been following your blog almost from the first post. You have entertained me over the years and directed me to uncountable books (the Lorimer Line and the Wimbledon books being the most recent.) I’ve laughed and cried with you and I think I know you better than some of my friends here on the ground. Your grandchildren are a delight to read about and I’ve been twice to Australia with you and hope to go again. Do whatever suits you with Random, but as Sarah said, “Just don’t stop.”

  28. Jean Brown Avatar
    Jean Brown

    Oh mostly a lurker..often I want to ask a question about a book, if you’ve read it or something about a book you have read but always feel you have enough on your plate without bothering with a reader who no longer reads much..lots of reason but your blog sorta soothes my soul and makes me feel like I’m a real reader (and I hope one day my life is calm enough I can once more read joyfully)

  29. Caroline Hannan Avatar
    Caroline Hannan

    Foe some reason I thought that only other bloggers could comment. I am a relative newbie to your blog, about 12 months, and I enjoy it very much. Cricket, tennis, grandchildren, Strictly – oh yes, and books! You review books that I might realistically read, and I often do. Gone are the days when I read books that were ‘good for me’ or impressed other people, I read for fun but there has to be some substance. Very much the types of books you review, in fact. So give it up if you really can’t face it any more, but not because you haven’t got faithful followers! And it’s cooler today, thank goodness! Caroline

  30. Sarah Wrightson Avatar
    Sarah Wrightson

    Another lurker spurred to write by the fear that you might stop. I enjoy your blog very much; especially the mix of it. But I certainly could understand taking a break. Can you set up automatic posts, and “re-run” your thirty favorite books, or top five from each year, or something like that, for the next month? Sending cooling thoughts, Sarah

  31. JanetD Avatar
    JanetD

    I too tend to visit and rarely comment but I really enjoy the format and although I am not an opera buff I enjoy all types of music. Please continue to express your thoughts as you have been doing. Your blog is well liked and would be much missed should you give it up.

  32. Sheila Beaumont Avatar
    Sheila Beaumont

    Elaine, you’re doing fine! Just keep on doing what you’re doing. I think I’ve been following your blog almost since the beginning (I was still working when I discovered it, and I retired about five years ago). I especially enjoy your book posts (I love crime fiction!), and I also share your interest in music (yes, even Wagner, though, unlike you, I’m a big fan of Mozart’s operas too). In fact, I enjoy all your posts, family, miscellaneous ramblings, and sports, even the cricket ones, though my knowledge of that sport is rather vague (I’m a baseball fan).
    I think you’ve traded weather with us. It’s rather humid here in Southern California, but cool, in the low 70s, so much more comfortable than it usually is in August. You probably won’t feel so listless once your weather gets back to normal.

  33. Lizziemac Avatar
    Lizziemac

    Elaine, I have been reading your blog now for years. Whilst our tastes in boooks doesn’t always coincide, I value all your book reviews. I enjoy the glimpses of your personal life, and all the ‘side’ issues you blog about. Although I have little knowledge or appreciation of sport or opera, I feel reading what you have written has helped to open up my understanding of these.
    So you must carry on, please…………

  34. Susan.ehrenkranz@gmail.com Avatar
    Susan.ehrenkranz@gmail.com

    I love the way you write. You are always interesting not matter what you write about – but I am particularly drawn in when you write about what you’re reading. I have been introduced to many wonderful writers through you – thank you.

  35. Geraldine Avatar
    Geraldine

    Please continue exactly the way you are, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
    We went to Cambridge yesterday, popped into Haunted Bookshop as per usual and mentioned to Sarah that you’d given her shop a positive mention on your blog.
    Hope you’ll enjoy reading Jean Erskine’s Secret.
    I may not comment very often, but do enjoy your blog immensely.

  36. Hilary Avatar
    Hilary

    I love everything about your blog-please don’t change it!
    I think we are about the same age, and I know London and Cambridge as well as some of the other places you mention so I really do enjoy your non-book posts as well as the reviews.

  37. Bettina Grissen Avatar

    I discoverd your blog only quite recently, but I really like it. I love the combination of the posts about books with the posts about the other things you find interesting (or worth writing about). Not because I share all of your interests, but I do enjoy reading your posts about them.
    So, just do things the way you like to do them, and I am sure your readers will love it.
    Kind regards,

  38. readerinedmonton Avatar
    readerinedmonton

    I agree with the previous comments. I enjoy your blog immensely, even the tennis and opera stuff in which I’m not normally interested. I’m an inveterate mystery and detective novel reader so enjoy those posts especially.

  39. sarah g Avatar
    sarah g

    Can only echo everyone else Elaine. I love the blog especially because it isn’t just about books. Please keep going just as it is.

  40. Claire (The Captive Reader) Avatar

    I love it all, Elaine. I’m remiss in that I usually only comment on your bookish posts but I love hearing about your family and your many other interests, too.

  41. Travellin' Penguin Pam Avatar

    Hi Elaine, I’m always around and probably comment more on FB than here. Still enjoying all of your rants. Don’t forget to mention the neighbour upstairs from time to time. That always makes me laugh. haha Like hearing about your books, your family and your trips into London. It is often the only way I get to visit London is through the various British book bloggers or those on a holiday. And I must congratulate your admirable restraint on not bagging our Aussie cricket players re: The Ashes. I was almost ready to dive for cover under the dining room table. Actually I think the only way they’re going to start hitting the ball is if they substitute beach balls. Don’t know what is wrong with them!! You’ll feel more motivated once you lose the heat wave. Pam

  42. Pam Avatar
    Pam

    Elaine,
    I don’t think I can add much to what has already been said. I, too, love the mix of books, music, sports and family life. You have added many books to my lists over the last few years! And more than once have started my day with a good laugh. So I selfishly hope that you keep blogging!

  43. Joan Kyler Avatar
    Joan Kyler

    I love your blog and wouldn’t change anything about it. I like the way you review books, I like the kinds of books you review (although I’m envious of your ability to read so fast!), I love what you’ve taught me about opera and music, and I enjoy sharing your life through your posts about your family, friends, travel, and the trials and tribulations of daily life. Your blog is one of my favorites!

  44. Susan in TX Avatar
    Susan in TX

    Sorry to hear that the weather is getting you down. This is that month of the year that I try to stay indoors as much as possible as it stays in the 100s here each day – it’s just too hot to be outside. I’m one of those who used to be better about commenting, but these days I’m doing well to skim the post to see what’s going on. It’s a reflection of a busy season here at the moment, I’m afraid. I do like to keep popping in so that when we are on the other side of this I’m not completely “lost” as to what’s been going on with you. I’ve always enjoyed your blog whatever you post – I don’t always understand the cricket terminology since I’m not familiar with it, but as a rabid fan of American football, I definitely appreciate your enthusiasm for your subject. :) As one who doesn’t have a blog to share with the world, I always advise that you blog as you wish, when you wish — we readers will just appreciate what we get when we get it. Blessings to you!

  45. Janet Avatar

    Elaine, I comment occasionally on your blog, as I enjoy your writing and opinions, even though my interests don’t always coincide with yours. The variety of topics you write about, be it books, opera, family or cooking are what make your blog interesting for me, and also refer back to the origins of blogging, which more-or-less began in about 1997 or 8. It’s your blog, for you to write about whatever and whenever you choose. We readers may comment if we have something intelligent to add to your ideas, but if not , we may just lurk for a while. If readers don’t like what you have written, they can always stop reading, just as they can with any other form of writing/ media – close the book, switch off, go away and have a think about why one didn’t like whatever was being presented. But don’t expect the writer to change their opinions or the way they write.

  46. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    Whatever you do….don’t stop!

  47. AnnP Avatar
    AnnP

    I’m another one who enjoys your Wimbledon and Strictly rants. I always read your book reviews and, while I’m not that keen on detective fiction, am very grateful to have found out about several books that I’ve loved – Letters From Skye is the most recent example. I’m also a fan of the reissues of books for children and adults from Girls Gone By and Greyladies and am pleased that you are spreading the word about these.

  48. Caroline Avatar

    Hi Elaine, I have to confess that I have been one of those lurkers since you began your wonderful blog. What has finally nudged me into commenting is a desire to encourage you to keep going in your own inimitable style. I am sure that I speak for everyone who visits when I say that the Wimbledon Rants and the Strictly Rants have become yearly features to look forward to and that’s quite apart from all the touching, funny and always interesting reviews that you manage to keep posting. There have been so many times over the years where I feel as though I have read many of my own thoughts and opinions expressed in a far better way than I could manage and, judging by the comments left by other readers , I think that many people would agree. The cooking, the music and the family stuff adds real depth and warmth to your blog and I really hope that, once this foul humidity clears off, you will get that beginning of a new school year feeling that September often brings and continue entaintaining us for a long time to come. I have been introduced to books that I would never have come across and, have even managed to convert my non-bookworm husband with some success! “Kisses on a Postcard” has been the biggest hit in that regard. Please don’t give up and I promise to comment from now on.

  49. Liz F Avatar
    Liz F

    Keep doing what you are doing Elaine! It is always a pleasure to read about life Chez Random and you have made me laugh out loud at times with some of your takes on things!

  50. jill Avatar
    jill

    Love your blog Elaine and its mixture.I would guess we are about the same age and I share most of your interests,cricket,tennis and music(apart from Wagner!)Talking of Wagner did you hear the Moral Maze on Radio4 this week? I hope you continue with your blog I will comment now and then as I do now.

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