I am in my fifth year writing this blog. The original page was intended to showcase art jewelry I was making out of antique silverware and maps. Then Mr. Virgo died and it morphed into a grief blog. I dealt solely with the monumental task of putting one foot in front of the other and surviving that horrid loss. In an effort to cope, I put something joyful in front of me in the form of a small camper and a group of spunky women who liked to travel and have adventures. The focus gradually shifted from the darkness of death to the possibility of living after loss and eventually I started breathing again. With each stage of grief, with each right of passage, with each new thing, the focus of my writing has shifted to accommodate the change du jour.
A reader commented yesterday that my site has “lost its focus”. I had to sit down and give myself a good self-examination. For what seemed like an eternity, the only thing I could talk about was pain and death and grief and darkness. Thank God that’s not the focus of all my writing any more. It means I’m healing. So, what IS the “focus of my site”? Trailers, camping, travel, Girl Campers and Sisters on the Fly? Not entirely. My family in Colorado and West Virginia? Somewhat. The farm and the cats? Sometimes. God and how He has touched my life and moved mountains? Much of the time. My writing is all of these things and more. I’m part storyteller, part preacher, part analyst, part therapist. I’m part comedienne, part realist, part widow, part mom. Because that’s what life is…it’s 10,000 things all at once so I write about the 10,000 things and try to make some sense of it all. Because out there…somewhere out there is a widow that’s hurting, a wife who was left, a child who was molested. And somewhere in here is a story that just might help one of them, whether it seems unfocused or not.
While the subject matter of my blog has indeed varied over the years, my focus has not. My focus is to help people in any way I can. To be of service. To quote John Keats, “Love is my religion…”. I will admit, writer’s block has me occasionally writing diary-like posts a la Bridget Jones. And this new, wild and wonderful love story I’ve got going on here is distracting, to say the least. I take constructive criticism to heart and I will try to write more focused essays in the future. I have no problem hearing constructive criticism. We all have room for improvement. ❤️
“Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.”
Proverbs 15:31 NIV
It always amazes me when people say un kind things to other’s. And then mask it with the title constructive criticism. I enjoy your blog immensely. I feel like you are a friend and kindred spirit. I will not go ion and on Just keep doing what you do best; tell us your story. Share your wisdom.
Jackie, I didn’t take her comment as unkind at all. She was loving and supportive of my new life with Mr. FixIt. She just felt it was losing its focus. I think she may not have been a long time reader so she didn’t understand the diversity of my writing. She came back today and was lovely. I just brought this topic up as I am often given ideas from the responses of my readers. I’m all about the love here on the Ranch. ❤️
Ginny don’t change. You have always said you try to write about what you’re feeling in that moment and you pray over your keyboard and write what you feel lead of God in that moment or for that day. When lead by the spirit what you write will be right!
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I totally agree. Ginny writes from her heart and tells her story as if we are all her dearest of friends. Every morning I start my day with her.
I can’t agree more! Your story is a story of hope. I personally love the way you write. You are a year ahead of me in the grieving process and I look to you blog for encouragment. I love the way you keep your focus on God and share how He has guided you through life. Please don’t change your blog.
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I totally agree!
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I saw that comment and thought to myself that I was glad for you that the focus had shifted from grief to enjoying life again. That gives hope to the ones still grieving. I’m a new widow…I never thought I would be known as a widow. My husband of over fifty years has only been gone two months so everyday is discovering another part of life that has changed. Even simple things like grocery shopping is different…I find myself wondering what to buy because I always bought things he liked. Keep writing and sharing your life,Ginny, and enjoy this new chapter.
Imy heart is with you on this difficult journey, dear one. I am so glad you are here. ❤️
Oh Ginny, please don’t change a thing! Just think of all the grieving people you have helped along the way. I became a widow 34 years ago when I was only 34 with 2 kids. I have been remarried for 30 years, but you never ever get over grieving. Yesterday was the 34th anniversary of his death and I just can’t quit thinking about him and everything that happened those first 4 days after his tragic death. It is what it is. Death changes you and everything that you thought you knew about life. You never get over it but you learn to live differently. God bless you Ginny and Mr. Fix-it!!! I love that he lets you continue to grieve in your own way and that he lets you talk about him and doesn’t get jealous of Mr. Virgo. That means a LOT and not every widow who has remarried has that priviledge. I wish you both all the happiness in the world. And please, please don’t change a thing in your writings. I look forward to them every day!!
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You write about life. And I am grateful to know as I go through the passages of grief I am not alone ?
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We all are ever changing in our lives with 10,000…people, friends, family, home, ideas, thoughts, words and prayers. I think your writings are wonderful and reach out to someone that is willing to read your blog on that day. If I find I don’t connect with your writing — I move on…another day I will be blessed with your words. Your life is your focus and I appreciate that. ☀️
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Just be yourself. That works for me. I feel like you’re my friend and I am interested in what you’re doing, just as I do with any of my friends. Keep writing! Please!
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Ginny, please do what God lays on your heart! I’m watching my sis die. It is gut-wrenching. But, somehow, your blog lightens my day…reminds me of God’s promises and brings me hope. Be Ginny!
My heart is with you as you go through this transition with your sister. ❤️
I didn’t see the comment of the reader saying you lost focus, and I suspect that she is still seriously grieving and found comfort and strength in your words by knowing she was not alone. I hope she finds her way and continues to be a loyal reader.
If not, it just reminds me of something I read quite a while back and it relates to “readers” as much as it relates to “friends”. As I remember the thought, it was this – there are friends of the road and friends of the heart. Friends of the road come in for a brief time (brief can certainly be many years); they are there to either learn or teach a lesson. Once that happens, they move on. And then there are friends of the heart, and they are there for a lifetime. I’m thinking the same goes for readers <3
There is no reason to change.
Jane B said it best! I agree….be yourself….write whatever is on your heart…it will touch somebody out there…❤️
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love your blog. it is always special.pictures are always inspiring
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Keep on keeping on. Some of us enjoy whatever turn in the road you are sharing.
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Please don’t change anything. I am 9 months into my journey of grief, widowed at only 53 years old. I know I have so much more life in me I want to live, and you give me hope that there is happiness after losing the love of my life. Our departed loves would not want us to just “exist”. Yes, we will always carry the grief of losing the one we loved. Even though we move through the rest of our lives and maybe find love again, it will never take away the experience that we had during our darkest days. It is yet another layer to who we are, and our life story. I am inspired by you to know that one day my heart will be ready to give to someone again. That doesn’t take away from missing the one that we have lost. If anything, it makes us even more aware that life CAN change in an instant, and enjoy each day that we can find happiness with ourselves, our family and friends, and perhaps that new love. Your words have helped me on this trip down Widow Lane. It makes me realize that I won’t always be stuck on this road. God bless you for your honesty and compassion for those of us on this journey.
My heart is with you, dear one. The year of firsts is so difficult. I’m glad you are here with us and that my words have helped. ❤️
Your focus has touched me as words from a Christian. Your daily posts are part of my day each day. Thank you for being here for me and others. I am not a widow but there are more facets to your stories and thoughts that I can relate to my own life, and you are helpful and reassuring. I can relate to much of what you have to share. Keep up your good work, Ginny. In my humble opinion, the focus of your blog is broad and meaningful. Your focus, however changing, is applicable to others as is obvious by the comments here. You are a dear blessing to me. ❣️❤️❣️❤️
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Your writing is like a kaleidoscope, little bits and pieces – some colorful, some sorrowful, a few jagged on the edges, others smooth and easy. But as they are all placed in the right circle they form a beautiful pattern. You have touched my heart, and I hope you continue as you have.
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Dont change anything, like you said you are busy with lots of things going on. I like that the blog is varied. It seems to be like me I can be doing dishes and think oh no I need to send that card to a friend. Quite the dishes, then come back wonder why water is cold. Don’t make life predictable make it delectable! Have good, Ginny
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I enjoy seeing how you have dealt with grief as I have said before. I like learning from others experiences. Maybe the other reader was only making an observation and not meaning it to be critical. Just a thought.
Oh, I never felt she was being critical. I think she was making an observation. She is a sweet person and very encouraging. I think she is a new enough reader that she didn’t understand the diversity of my stories. ❤️
Well said, Jinny. Your writings are about YOUR life and YOUR journey. Some parts of this journey…we as readers may relate to and take something away from. Some parts…we may never connect. This does not mean that you lost YOUR focus. I personally enjoyed the fact that you have seen the light at the end of the tunnel of grief. This does not mean that part of your grief will not forever be woven into the tapestry of your inner self. Follow your heart and vision. That is where YOUR focus is and we, as readers, will follow along with you….cheering you on!
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Ginny,
I try to read your blog everyday. And I can see a change in you and it is good. You are healing from your grief. I would think that people that are grieving can have hope from what you are writing. Knowing that someday they too will have happiness again. If you kept grieving where is the hope for others. Maybe the ones that think you lost focus should go back and re read all your blogs from the beginning! I love that your life is full of happiness now! And, thank you for being honest about your feelings. That’s what truly helps. That’s what speaks to others.
Love you!
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Ginny, don’t change a thing in what you are writing. I start my day off reading your blog and my daily devotional. You give me good thoughts to take through the day. My devotions help me in my thoughts on how to be the best person I can be. I too was once a Widow, and it’s not easy from day to day to get through it. I met my man, and remarried and we are HAPPY CAMPERS now. Life is good, but we still have our memories. Keep doing what you’re doing. There’s something for everyone in your daily writings. And, as another lady wrote on here, I consider you a dear friend and look so forward to what you have to share with us each day.
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This is your blog and your story. Your focus and your God led writing. Keep going forward as you have and keep hearing God move you as He wants – let it go and keep being you.
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Keep on keepin’ on. You know? Much love!
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Your ever changing posts keep me going! Knowing that in the 4 years I’ve been a widow, there is always some thing to look forward to besides what could have been had my husband lived. Your life is always new adventures that I look forward too. Wishing you much happiness with Mr. FixIt, and all you do.
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