My laptop was out of commission for the past two weeks. Which spurred me on to decide something I'd been contemplating for a while, which is to stop blogging for now.
I've had such great support from so many people out there in blogland, and it's been a wonderful experience. Thank you to everyone who's read and commented and allowed me to share my world, and to those of you out there who've shared your worlds with me.
Virtual hugs to all!


I will miss you, Maureen. Of course I understand because I've been cherishing my real life all summer partly through choice and partly through sheer craziness.
I'll be here if you decide to return. And I'm always available by email.
Posted by: Linda at Bar Mitzvahzilla | September 13, 2010 at 03:29 PM
Ah Maureen--I've been thinking about you. Contemplating emailing you yesterday to see how you have been. I so hear you. I have three days left of the 365 project, and frankly, I'm burnt out. And that's not even with trying to come up with interesting things to write, because I haven't been! I'm going to take a bit of a breather, too. Not forever--just not every day. I think, as you probably do, that REAL life needs a bit of attention these days.
Best of luck on everything. SEnd me an email if you're, oh, heading to PA and want to stop for lunch! Or even just because. I'll miss you!
Cheers, Lynn
Posted by: Lynn | September 13, 2010 at 03:49 PM
You have a beautiful voice, one I've never actually heard.
When those stories have to come out, we're here.
I'll miss you, Maureen.
Posted by: Sprite's Keeper | September 13, 2010 at 04:11 PM
I'll miss you, too, Maureen! It's been wonderful getting to know you. I completely understand the need to get out of the virtual world and back into the real one, though. Please visit if you're ever in the neighborhood ;)
Posted by: Mama Badger | September 13, 2010 at 04:16 PM
I'm glad I got the opportunity to read your work. You've got a wonderful voice, and I've enjoyed what you've shared here. All that said, I completely understand the choice you have made, and think it's a feeling that's definitely going around. I definitely have a touch of it!
Posted by: foradifferentkindofgirl (fadkog) | September 13, 2010 at 04:19 PM
While I completely understand the desire to stop blogging all together (the thought has crossed my mind on more than one occasion), I'm going to miss you more than I can say.
Keep well, my friend. Visit us when you can.
Posted by: Jan | September 13, 2010 at 04:41 PM
I will miss you Maureen! Very much.
I'm not going to get too sappy because I am crossing my fingers that you come back! And plus I do terrible sappy.
xoxooxox!!!!!
Posted by: MrsBlogAlot | September 13, 2010 at 05:28 PM
Hope you enjoy your autumn, I'll be thinking of you enjoying the butterflies migrating through the Vineyard in October. I'll miss reading your blog. Thanks for sharing and brightening a spot in my life.
hugs
Posted by: Diane | September 13, 2010 at 05:44 PM
Good luck and thanks for all the words. They were beautiful and meaningful.
Visit when you feel up to it.
Posted by: Michele | September 13, 2010 at 05:49 PM
We well certainly miss you.
And, who knows, maybe you'll find you miss us and come on back. I, for one, will be here if you do!
Posted by: A Mom on Spin | September 13, 2010 at 06:08 PM
Hahahah..... I was just thinking how easily I could do the same! I hadn't posted for weeks and when I sat down to write something.... thought how simple it would be just to not bother.
With a change of weather and seasons....it might be more interesting to read a few of the crafty blogs and look at what the gals and guys are up to again...but, maybe not either..... time will tell.
I'm looking at possible surgery on my left wrist and may be out of commission for up to 7 weeks... I'll probably be lurking even if not commenting in those weeks anyway...
I hope you and your family are doing alright.. well, as alright as can be under the circumstances anyway.... it all takes so much time ....
I've enjoyed reading your blog....
hugs, V.
Posted by: BumbleVee | September 13, 2010 at 07:31 PM
I've enjoyed visiting here. I will keep my link to you on my site active. Just in case.
Posted by: The gold digger | September 13, 2010 at 07:51 PM
Warm wishes as you continue your journey. I hope to read you again someday. I always looked forward to your posts, which often helped me think about things in a new light, or made me smile and say, I feel exactly the same way!
Posted by: dreamfarmgirl | September 13, 2010 at 09:42 PM
Oh no! I hope it's a temporary stop. Take care of yourself. Hope to see you back soon!
Posted by: Kimberly | September 14, 2010 at 12:03 AM
Ah Maureen. I hope all goes well with your other irons in the fire. I'm somewhat in awe that blogging feels optional to you. Should you ever want to have a community of online friends, without the burden of having to post, having to organize thoughts, I recommend Twitter. I'm AmidPrivilege there, and would be happy to introduce to a group of wonderful, literary, women. Otherwise, I too will keep your blog in my reader, in case you change your mind. xox. Lisa.
Posted by: LPC | September 14, 2010 at 10:34 AM
Maureen - I will miss you also, it was nice getting to know you through your blog.
I'll be on the Vineyard next month and will send you a wave.
Posted by: Joan | September 14, 2010 at 11:32 AM
Though I am sad as I'm going to miss your posts, I understand. I've wanted to email you and ask if you were ok. I am so happy to have gotten to know you and Martha's vineyardthrough your writing. Wishing you a life of love, happiness, and peace...and still hoping you'll come back to blogging and share it all with us!
Posted by: SuziCate | September 14, 2010 at 12:13 PM
I hope that you'll come back and visit and share. It's been a true pleasure to read your words Maureen.
:-)
Posted by: Nancy | September 14, 2010 at 04:01 PM
Please do come back, you will think of something really funny or poignant in a week or two or nine. Stay safe and enjoy........
Posted by: TC | September 14, 2010 at 05:48 PM
well I've learned the longer I blog the more I'll see this. There has been at least half a dozen bloggers in just as many months that have called it quits. If it's not much fun for you then you should quit. I still like it and if I have the time I'll have the blog.
Posted by: lisleman | September 14, 2010 at 07:51 PM
Oh, this news makes me sad. You're my favorite blogger but I always wonder how you all (bloggers) manage to keep it going. It seems a burden to me. But I have really enjoyed reading your posts, hearing about MV (where we honeymooned 15 years ago) and hearing about your life. I've often wondered how you manage to do so much. I also like knowing that you are another Jersey girl.
I'll keep the bookmark and check back on occasion in case you change your mind. All happiness to you.
Posted by: PD | September 14, 2010 at 09:32 PM
Oh NO, Maureen! I was just writing something, and thought "I wonder what Maureen would think about this?" and then realized that I hadn't heard from you in a while, so checked my Google Reader to see what was up. And here I find this.
I sincerely hope that this is just a break for you. A time to process your recent loss. I believe you have a sincere and original voice here in the blog world. I always enjoy reading what you have to say, and hearing your comments on something I've written. You're an excellent writer too. I hope you know that.
I will keep you in my reader, and hope very much that you return to us soon!
Best to you always.
Posted by: Gretchen | September 15, 2010 at 01:04 AM
Oh ....
I understand but I will miss you.
I hope you'll stop by to visit now and then and let me know how you are!
xo
Posted by: Twenty Four At Heart | September 15, 2010 at 02:26 AM
I do understand... these things take on a life of their own sometimes. I've been keeping a low profile myself - life does get in the way, eh?
I'm keeping you on my blogroll just in case. Maybe we'll both jump back in at about the same time...
Be well, and keep in touch. xoxo
Posted by: only a movie | September 15, 2010 at 06:11 AM
Sometimes I post sometimes I don't but I definitely miss my bloggy friends and I will miss you if you stop altogether. But I understand and wish you well on your journey! It was great to get to know you a bit!
Posted by: starrlife | September 15, 2010 at 07:08 AM
I'll miss you--and be here if/when you decide to return. Best of luck!
Posted by: TheKitchenWitch | September 15, 2010 at 09:17 AM
Oh no! Just when I discovered your blog! I hope things go well for you. And selfishly, I hope you will come back soon. I really enjoy your posts. You are a talented writer.
Posted by: Patty | September 15, 2010 at 08:38 PM
Thank you Maureen. You were my first non-family, non-friend person to comment on my blog. You gave me the bBeautiful Blogger award and for these I will be forever grateful and now someone I consider a friend. I wish you the very best, and can't wait to read your novel. Take care.
Posted by: Michelle Murphy Zive | September 16, 2010 at 12:18 AM
I'll miss you, but I totally understand!
Posted by: Lora | September 16, 2010 at 12:29 PM
You said "for now". So I assume you will resume blogging some time? When you do, please let me know! I will miss your voice. Some hugs for the road: (((hugs)))
Posted by: subwow | September 17, 2010 at 01:23 AM
this makes me sad. please keep in touch. you will be missed.
Posted by: ~The South Dakota Cowgirl~ | September 17, 2010 at 09:30 AM
Wimp
Posted by: Vincent | September 17, 2010 at 03:42 PM
I've missed you so much the past few months and am so sad to hear about your break. But it will be a break, right? I hope you are well. I hope you are finding time to breathe and enjoy. And I so, so hope you'll be back in Blog World soon. You're one of my favorite neighbors!
Posted by: Jane | September 17, 2010 at 08:20 PM
Wow. Everyone's responses are so mature. Mine shall not be.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
Oh, please! I know I said to do what you HAD to do but I didn't think you'd really GO! No, No, No. I simply forbid it...do you hear me?
We've all been busy...we've all been there...this is just a phase....it'll pass. You'll be back. You HAVE to come back.
(Sniff.) You just HAVE to.
xo
Posted by: kathryn | September 18, 2010 at 10:14 PM
I am with LPC, will keep your reader spot open.
Always, Bumby
Posted by: Bumby | September 20, 2010 at 12:12 AM
I'll miss you, Maureen! I do hope you'll bop in from time to time. Your wisdom and humor always make my day. And when/if you decide to roar again, I'll be here!
Posted by: Stacia | September 20, 2010 at 05:22 PM
Don't let this sunset be a final.... It's too beautiful, as are you.
Posted by: rebecca @ altared spaces | September 20, 2010 at 06:27 PM
I've been such a sporadic blogger this last year that I missed this post. I understand your need for a break, but hope you return at least part time when you feel the urge. I will miss you, but you know where to find me.
Posted by: Pseudo | September 26, 2010 at 12:10 PM
Already missing your posts. Hope the break is wonderful, however long it may be.
Thinking of you from this part of Mass.
Posted by: Kate | September 27, 2010 at 11:54 PM
Just when I come back to blogging, you leave! Sigh. :)
But I totally understand the way you're feeling. I hope your new adventures bring you enjoyment and peace.
I'll miss you!
Posted by: Kristen @ Motherese | September 28, 2010 at 04:28 PM
Well it took me long enough to read this post, and it makes me sad. I know people have their reasons for not blogging anymore, but it makes me sad nonetheless.
Posted by: Jason | October 02, 2010 at 10:08 PM
Well then...I've been struggling with blogging myself, although I haven't called it quits yet, I've been close. I'm sorry to see you go, but I won't unsubscribe just yet. You could always change your mind. ;)
Posted by: Mrsbear | October 03, 2010 at 10:19 PM
I've been wondering why I haven't gotten any updates from you in my inbox! Obviously I should have checked over here earlier...but you know, I'm blonde. ;)
You will be (and are) missed, my friend. Hope all is well - and that you find your way back when you're ready to. ((HUGZ!!))
Posted by: Stacy Uncorked | October 04, 2010 at 09:59 PM
I wondered why I haven't seen anything from you lately. I'm playing major catch up here. I sure do hope you come back at some point. I miss reading you!
Posted by: Joanie Mack | October 12, 2010 at 06:17 PM
Well, it certainly takes me a while to catch on, eh?
I hope that you've been well and happy.
xo
Posted by: Marinka | November 13, 2010 at 02:36 PM
Hey stranger... just thought I'd check in and see how you're doing up there. Hope all is well and maybe we'll see some blog posts from you or me someday down the line.
Posted by: Casey | December 03, 2010 at 04:55 PM
I was just thinking I hadn't heard from you in some time and I was right. I hope all is well and you have a great holiday. I do miss your voice.
Posted by: Jenn @ Juggling Life | December 22, 2010 at 02:44 AM
Maureen I an so happy to find you on Fab over 50!!
Come and enter my Giveaway from My Sparrow, you will love it!
Joyeaux Noel!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Posted by: Karena | December 23, 2010 at 10:14 AM
Hey Maureen! I hope everything is good with you and that you have a great Christmas!
Posted by: The gold digger | December 24, 2010 at 01:08 PM
Just thought of checking in on an old blog (hmm that could be worked into a good expression)
Hope everything is well for you and your family. Since it's too cold and snowy outside you should write a good post to share.
take care
Posted by: lisleman | January 28, 2011 at 03:22 PM
are you well??
Posted by: vodkamom | March 13, 2011 at 09:36 PM
Just thinking of you. Wondering how you are doing.
Posted by: Lisa | April 10, 2011 at 12:20 PM
Always checking to see if you might possibly come back. Am not a blogger, just a retired 75-year old real estate broker -- found your blog by accident -- but always read you. I guess I'm a stalker, but a well-meaning one. Will keep checking.
Posted by: anne p. hartigan | April 15, 2011 at 06:18 PM
so quiet over here you can hear your own comment.
Posted by: lisleman | May 05, 2011 at 07:21 PM
Ha! I just come back and you're out the same door :)) Sayonara, buddy...:))
Posted by: Braja | May 07, 2011 at 05:36 AM
You will definitely be missed! Hope everything is well for you and your family. Hugs...
Posted by: Homeowner Insurance | May 09, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Just browsing the blog graveyard. I hope I didn't disturb anyone. all the best
Posted by: lisleman | September 22, 2011 at 08:18 PM