Full Disclosure
☆ October 10, 2011
1) I’ve been wanting to write about the old cow camp for a while. Wait. No. The more honest version of that sentence is: I’ve been feeling like I should write about the old cow camp for a while.
2) I didn’t write a book while I was on the mountain. I thought I would, but I’m quite happy I didn’t ~ my time there was about something much bigger than a book. However…
3) At some point, it dawned on me that perhaps writing on this blog has kept me from writing another book. Not that I write a ton on this blog, but the pressure of writing for immediate public consumption (not in my nature) plus the pressure of the constant deadline (there’s always another post) has made me not want to write anything else ~ the blog is always in the back of my mind, always needing to be attended to.
I’ve been ruminating on/over/about this for a couple of months. I am not quitting this blog, but posts might shift to more images, less words. Maybe I’ll change the layout so the photos are bigger. I might find truncated “captioned photos” incredibly lame (“truncate” is derived from the Latin for “maimed”) and go back to writing full posts, but less often. I don’t know. All I know is that I have to allow the natural drive to write to come back. And that means writing mostly for me for a while.
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80 Responses to “Full Disclosure”
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October 10th, 2011 @ 4:01 pm
Your photos are intensely beautiful on their own. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I will not feel like I have been left wanting if all you post is captioned photos while you write a book. Perhaps the blog can be the recipient of the book’s rejected passages. Those good ideas that you have to write, but later realize just don’t fit into the book thematically. They need not go to waste, and can rest here, where they will be enjoyed.
October 10th, 2011 @ 4:01 pm
Completely understandable. You have to do what’s right for you, not us! We’re happy to view your lovely photos and delighted to read whatever you write, regardless of length. Go! Create! We’re cheering you on! xo
October 10th, 2011 @ 4:04 pm
Happy Shreve = Happy Us
Maybe you could talk your Gramma into wiring more…
October 10th, 2011 @ 4:23 pm
Shreve before you go get creative can you and the cows or Charlie and Chloe have an OccupyWyoming pic?
October 10th, 2011 @ 4:33 pm
gah *writing more*
October 10th, 2011 @ 4:47 pm
Less writings, more feeligs ! ;)
October 10th, 2011 @ 4:48 pm
*feelings sorry
October 10th, 2011 @ 5:36 pm
I read your book The Daily Coyote and then began receiving the awesome photos of Charlie you offer. My 83 year old mother loves them!
Your authenticity and spirit is a gift. Follow your heart and your path. We’re in gratitude out here… thank you for You.
October 10th, 2011 @ 5:39 pm
tail wags the dog ! ? Here in Boston that is so…and how I wish it were not so. I get the feeling you will have a lifetime following no matter what the forum or where you live. You are in enough hearts now that it does not matter how you define yourself to others or on what schedule. I have a lot of ideas for you. I will send telepathically!!!
October 10th, 2011 @ 5:49 pm
Love the image for this post.
Also, I totally know how you feel. I quit my job to finish writing my book, and I feel like I’ve spent more time blogging instead. :(
October 10th, 2011 @ 5:50 pm
A photo essay blog would be wonderful but truthfully I would deeply miss your extended thoughts.
The photo above is just stunning. I love everything it offers.
October 10th, 2011 @ 5:57 pm
Love the photo!!!
Do whatever makes YOU happy! We will LOVE you no matter what! :)
:) HUGS
October 10th, 2011 @ 6:01 pm
Write that book and just post monthly or something. I follow your tweets and so do many others so we will catch your posts. Photo only posts are fine too. You could also allow guests to blog things for you. Carol over at red dirt and Jill of the Plume…. Hey, ask Mike even…. Yea right.
But do write a book… Your writing is so uplifting and long format really shows your talent. I would also like for you to consider recording an audio version in your own voice. I love audio books!
October 10th, 2011 @ 6:15 pm
Blogging killed my desire to write. There is something both exciting and deadly about the temptation to see your “published” piece but the demand that there is always another one to do dulls the creative senses. Good for you to recognize this. Writing can be the inner access road to yourself and you are wise not to lose the way.
October 10th, 2011 @ 6:45 pm
I sure hope you will write another book. Being 78, I love books I can pickup any time. You have become part of my daily life. Your pictures alone would fill a book. Your talent will give you answers you want. I even named my new puppy Chloe. She is a companion to my older Schnauzer.
October 10th, 2011 @ 6:48 pm
Very disappointed that we won’t get as much of your writing, but I (and it seems we) would certainly rather you be happy. Good luck with whatever you end up doing… We’ll be waiting.
October 10th, 2011 @ 7:16 pm
Do what you’ve gotta do! I’ll look forward to whatever comes next. Feed your spirit, girl :)
October 10th, 2011 @ 7:16 pm
Understood.
There’s a couple other bloggers/book writers out there who have talked about this exact thing:
http://waiterrant.net/?p=504
also this:
http://wilwheaton.typepad.com/wwdnbackup/2008/08/five-simple-way.html
Both recommended! Hope that helps.
October 10th, 2011 @ 7:17 pm
And. Your photo is beautiful! : )
October 10th, 2011 @ 7:28 pm
No need to explain! blogs seem like a lot of work and you write very thought provoking posts – that has to drain your energy to some degree. As an introvert myself, I cannot imagine having to keep up a blog of personal things. You are such a fabulous photographer – I really enjoy the photos as well. I look forward to whatever you decide to keep on doing – on whatever frequency you feel like!
October 10th, 2011 @ 7:34 pm
I completely understand the need to take time to just immerse yourself in the writing. I’ve never found it possible to do other structured things and also write much. I need that time to just let my mind wander through the thoughts that rise to the surface until I find what I want to say. I think most writers are that way. Photos are fine, though if you need to to not post anything for awhile, I’ll certainly understand.(Will miss your posts,just as I miss my other favorite writers until I hear from them again, but I’ll understand.)
Take care and find your words.
October 10th, 2011 @ 8:08 pm
I don’t blame you for getting logged out awhile to write. Too much going on on the internet, I can totally understand how that could interfere with that “zone” to be in for creating…writting and the thought process.
I may consider writting some day..for now I just dabble in poetry.
Best of luck in your new writting endeavors!
Love, Mindy
October 10th, 2011 @ 8:55 pm
I LOVE THE PIC!!! The flowers and your hair and your shoulders – what a great end of summer theme pic. You do what you gotta do… we will be here. Write that book girl! And good for you that you just enjoyed your time on the mountain. That’s the way it should be, it’s called relaxing. Or walking 5 miles up hill? Not sure. LOL
October 10th, 2011 @ 9:24 pm
You put so much creativity and thought into your posts and photographs, I’ve wondered for a while now if it’s onerous to have the blog looming over you 24/7. While it can be cathartic and often brings a semblance of order to personal thoughts and experiences, I can’t imagine how the urgency of “writing for immediate public consumption” can even begin to coexist with everything – and I do mean everything – that goes into the creative and deliberate process of writing a book. I heard someone say about writing for a daily publication: “Journalism is literature in a hurry.” I’d say the same is true for blogging. As you reinforced for yourself from your time on the mountain, it’s clear that the best times of our lives, and our greatest creative moments, are so often a result of the elegance of unhurried thought, experience and perspective.
We’ll be here cheering you on and will welcome your posts from time to time. Anything else we can do to help? Just know we’re cheering you on – you have our hearts.
October 10th, 2011 @ 9:33 pm
Thank you for sharing what you do. It has touched my life and given me food for thought. You don’t *owe* us anything. Take care of yourself and your creativity. I’ll look forward to whatever it is you have to share and appreciate it nonetheless.
October 10th, 2011 @ 9:58 pm
I’ll miss reading your written words, but your photos are always worth just as many. I will enjoy whatever is posted here! Thanks for taking the time to post for us…turn back to yourself so you can enjoy writing again!
October 10th, 2011 @ 10:17 pm
alot of people have limited or eliminated thier blogging because of the time it takes
on thier other work..and writing requires lots of creative energy and time..wise to do photos and small captions.. I would love to read your next book..so will be looking forward to that!
Marlene from Cambria
October 10th, 2011 @ 10:49 pm
*Do whatever makes YOU happy and stress-free!
October 10th, 2011 @ 11:16 pm
Hey, your readers are really cool (just read all their comments). I’m fine just reading Daily Coyote, although I do love your stories from the homestead! Whatever you decide will be the right decision, for you and for your readers.
October 11th, 2011 @ 12:06 am
Whatever flips your pancake, young missy. Be happy.
October 11th, 2011 @ 4:45 am
I can relate to this because I find myself lacking in creativity for my own projects after spending all day working on assigned projects in my art classes. Sometimes I am so drained, I can’t bear to even try to fake it through what I want to do. Therefore, I completely support anyone who needs the space to follow their heart. I love your words and your photos bring a sense of peace to me.
October 11th, 2011 @ 6:20 am
Do what feels right and comfortable.
Love your work, pictures and commentary.
Blog, book whatever. it is YOUR call, totally.
Its all good.
October 11th, 2011 @ 7:03 am
You need to do for you. You are a gift to the rest of us (at least that’s how I feel). Do what’s right for you and the farmily. If you need to go AWOL for a year, we will still be here when you get back. Like LisaAR and Marm said: “you don’t *owe* us anything” and “be happy!”
October 11th, 2011 @ 7:04 am
Shreve, you do what you need to do to make it happen. If that means less posts here, then so be it. :o)
October 11th, 2011 @ 7:54 am
since twitter stole blogging from me, i can only imagine how blogging stole book writing for you. thanks for the heads up sa to your possible plans. while i can feel disappointment for me, i can still feel joy that you are doing right by yourself.
i wish you peace and happiness…
October 11th, 2011 @ 7:55 am
Dear Shreve,
Everything you do is beautiful. Words are only part of it. You have given us so much.
Cynthia in Florida
October 11th, 2011 @ 8:13 am
You want to write, write. For self for others, whatever. You do what you must. Be glad for the time and space to do so.
October 11th, 2011 @ 8:26 am
follow your heart and spirit. you are so generous and kind to share your life with us and your ‘farmily’ i greatly respect your honesty with all of us and hope you find your way to a book or whatever makes you happy. i look forward to whatever you decided to share with us
peace and love
October 11th, 2011 @ 8:39 am
There’s nothing we’d love more than another book, Shreve. I think your summer posts helped to prepare us for this. We will wait, sometimes with bated breath, but nevertheless we’ll be here.
October 11th, 2011 @ 8:41 am
P. S. As long as that archive is out there, we always have a place to go. I spend a good bit of time there anyway.
October 11th, 2011 @ 8:50 am
As Elvis would say ‘You gotta follow your dream wherever your dream may take you’
Can’t believe I’m quoting Elvis songs lol.
October 11th, 2011 @ 8:53 am
I would really like to have another book written by you. there is so much more I want to know!
Please write!
October 11th, 2011 @ 8:54 am
We are lucky to have whatever you share with us!!
October 11th, 2011 @ 8:55 am
Follow your heart. We will be here.
October 11th, 2011 @ 9:23 am
Shreve, you must follow your heart and your muse. If that means fewer postings for us while you’re off writing a book, so be it. We’ll just have to live among the archives until you’re ready to post at whatever frequency feels right for you.
We all love your posts, and we’d all love another book, but most of all, we love YOU, and we’ll all be here supporting you and cheering you on, whichever path you follow. So go do what makes you happiest and know that we are always here for you and the farmily.
Sending love and hugs and blessings to you and all the farmily!
October 11th, 2011 @ 9:29 am
I agree with most everyone above. The important thing is taking care of what YOU need. A blog should never be a burden to the writer. We will wait for you, never worry over THAT.
Pictures would be just fine, I began reading Daily Coyote for nothing but the photos and was thrilled to find such wonderful posts from you there, and here. The freedom of your spirit has inspired me, and I’m sure many others who read here. Your courage has made me feel like tackling challenges that before I was too afraid to try.
So thank you for all you’ve shared with us; and go, take care of you, write what you need to write. We will patiently wait for whatever you’re able to share. The word “share” is the big point: sharing means that it’s still your life, and we don’t dictate to you what you ought to write :)
October 11th, 2011 @ 9:31 am
I’m with Steven, “Follow your heart”
We’ll survive.
October 11th, 2011 @ 9:35 am
You don’t seem to be the type to do something half way, or just to placate the masses so…do what you need to do, now and always. Your pictures speak volumes by themselves and yeah, we all need a change at times.
BTW, I finished The Daily Coyote and I loved every word of it. Give Charlie a scratch and a kiss for me even though you don’t know me from Jack. Wait, who’s Jack? I have no idea :-).
October 11th, 2011 @ 10:11 am
Wag more, bark less !!!
October 11th, 2011 @ 10:22 am
Ahh, when blogging goes bad.
I’m not sure if anyone knows the exact point it turns from pleasure to burden.
Good luck!
October 11th, 2011 @ 12:32 pm
If taking time from writing for the blog means another wonderful book from you, how can I complain? Besides, as has been pointed out, your pictures tell whole stories by themselves. Do what you need to; we’ll still be here whenever you want to share anything with us.
October 11th, 2011 @ 12:43 pm
we’ll find you wherever you go, and as often or as infrequently as you choose to be there. there is no doubt that artful and soulful inspiration is better driven by one’s own volition than by obligation.
xo
October 11th, 2011 @ 1:25 pm
I think that “post pressure” comes with being a bog persona. It’s why I could never be one. I’ve been blogging for 9 years now and a few years ago I was probably on the verge of being a somewhat “popular” mom blogger. But I could never succumb to that “post pressure”. I read it in other blogs…….you can tell when a piece is just churned out for a deadline as opposed to being written because the writer just couldn’t hold in the words, you know? I never wanted to be that.
And, I hate anyone or anything telling me what to do. ;)
I hope that doesn’t sound too douchey and I’m not implying that any of your posts sound forced. But if you are feeling it, I’d much rather read fewer entries that are inspired than lots of entries that are laden with the pressure of “I HAVE to write X number of posts this week!”.
And, you know…I think at this point you’re stuck with your popularity, missy. I don’t think there is any turning back now. Just don’t abandon us. But I, for one, would LOOOVE another book.
x’s and o’s from California….
October 11th, 2011 @ 2:20 pm
Shreve, you have done so much for others with your words, your pictures, your creativity…we feel that you are a friend, part of our family and because of that we are all telling you to do what you need to do to take care of you. You cannot care for others, without caring for yourself. It just doesn’t work very well if you ignore your own needs for too long.
Just like a good friend or a loving family, we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers and we’ll be here whenever you have time and the desire to visit:)
Looking forward to a book and whatever surprises you have for us in the future. Love all that you do!
Take care!!
October 11th, 2011 @ 2:22 pm
Shreve,
You wouldn’t be you if you didn’t follow your intuition. Listen, follow, you can’t go wrong.
Sending love your way.
-LJ
October 11th, 2011 @ 2:59 pm
I’m sort of the opposite of you. I check this blog almost daily yet have only posted a handful of times. I appreciate reading your wisdom and certainly understand that you would need to take a break from this. Modern technology can be a wonderful thing but it can also be a curse. Post photos if you’d like, post when the mood strikes you, but know those of us who follow you are here no matter what because we started by loving Charlie, and now we love you and the rest of the farmily….
October 11th, 2011 @ 3:01 pm
your readers are like a grandma. we love you and want you to be happy and do whatever you will do but we also want you to visit us once in awhile or we’ll poke and annoy you to no end.
October 11th, 2011 @ 3:15 pm
Do what makes you happy and what works best for you! I loved The Daily Coyote book, which is what brought me here, and I am patiently waiting for another book from you. If that means you must abandon this ship for a while that that’s what needs to be. Good luck.
October 11th, 2011 @ 3:50 pm
What a cool friggin shot!!!! So amazing on so many levels…
Do what works for YOU Shreve…we love you and the farmily…and “if momma ain’t happy ain’t nobody happy” …..:)
October 11th, 2011 @ 4:12 pm
Hi Shreve, I loved Lisa’s above comment that you don’t OWE us anything. Of course, I look forward to your pictures and your stories of the Farmily. But they are your family, and not mine, and none of us are entitled to know more about you than you are willing to share.
Do what is best for you!
October 11th, 2011 @ 6:24 pm
I read your sister’s site and Grandma Svensto,and I look at red dirt in my soul often, so shrink back to one site only, you don’t have to baby sit, it’s all good…Go write !
October 11th, 2011 @ 10:26 pm
Reading is just as captivating as blogging.
But, yeah. Hard stuff pays the rent.
Outline the book.
Create and Test parts as blog pages.
Keep the unblogged re-writes, transitions, your internal responses to blog posts, and synthesizing perceptions as indexed pages with a word.doc table of contents.
Add, edit, mix and match as you go.
BOOK for sale.
Best wishes for all your professional mousers.
October 11th, 2011 @ 10:38 pm
I’m truly fascinated by how moving your pictures and words are. And am happy to be a part of how much or how little you can share.
Rock on ~~
October 11th, 2011 @ 11:33 pm
I like reading your blog, but I LOVED reading your book. I’d trade a hundred blog posts for one published book I can read on the bus on my way to work. :)
October 12th, 2011 @ 6:57 am
Do what is right for you. Just pictures would be great. I’d be happy to buy another book whenever it’s finished.
October 12th, 2011 @ 7:07 am
What Susan, #49 said, says it all: “Wag more, bark less.” See, you bring out the best in people, Shreve.
Maybe sometime you will narrate your first Charlie book. I know that my 92-year-old mother would be captivated, and she loves a soft, soothing voice.
And you are a great inspiration to people who yearn to get past the dreaming stage and really make the life they want.
October 12th, 2011 @ 7:12 am
P.S. I could live on the archives a very long time.
October 12th, 2011 @ 10:20 am
Writing is an intensely personal and private experience. Blogs are both a blessing and a curse. When the story from within demands to get out, you have to heed the call and that is not always an immediate release. Follow your call…
October 12th, 2011 @ 11:37 am
Everything I feel has been said above. But I also want to comment on your ‘fans/followers’… What an amazing group of smart, articulate, caring people. Where are they all hiding? If there were lots more of us around, the world would be a much better place.
Thank you for sharing yourself with us.
October 12th, 2011 @ 11:45 am
I feel the same as the previous posts. Whatever you post, large or small, will be an honor to read.
October 12th, 2011 @ 6:18 pm
My son is an met and works in an ER. He would love this story.
October 13th, 2011 @ 9:11 am
you are beautiful inside and out and you have to put yourself first and be happy! :)
October 13th, 2011 @ 11:05 am
Remember that we old-timers/long-timers originally found and followed you because of your pictures: the blog came later as frosting on the cake. Do what feels right to you, and we can all look forward to a new book from you, in your own good time.
Pictures of Charlie and the gang, though, would be wonderful and help with SWS (Shreve withdrawal syndrome).
October 15th, 2011 @ 10:49 am
I didn’t read all of the other comments and maybe this was already said, but really i have always thought of your sites as a supreme privilege! That you would share more of Charlie with your readers has been a treat for us all! To be able to ‘see’ him more and learn more about him after reading your book because you have given us all that gift is so much more than expected of a good book’s author! As someone above said; we all fell in love with Charlie and you, MC and then everyone of the rest of your farmily…of course we love it all! even when you say we have to get used to less! NO problem, we love that too!
(There will be a lot of SWS though as montanarose just said! Haha!)
October 16th, 2011 @ 1:28 am
You are providing us a FREE service by sharing your life and writings with us, and have already provided us with pages and pages of awesomeness. You should not feel bad in the least if and when you need to take a break from that. :)
October 16th, 2011 @ 7:26 pm
Gees, come back soon, whatever you decide to do …
October 16th, 2011 @ 11:07 pm
well, i just got back from a week-long trip that wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun, if i had not been gluten-free for the last year. my brain works better, and my guts are sooo much happier. THANK YOU! it’s all because of your gluten-free cookbook that i am on this happy path.
whatever, wherever, whenever, you feel like writing is just fine by me.
lots of love to you!
October 20th, 2011 @ 12:02 am
I used to paint all the time, I haven’t painted something real in years. I’m worried if I don’t use it, i’ll lose it. Practice, practice, practice, everyday until it’s habit again. Your book has a birthday. We just don’t know what day yet. (I stole this line from Dear Sugar Section- The Rumpus)
October 22nd, 2011 @ 5:22 pm
Bummer.
September 29th, 2012 @ 7:59 pm
Understand!