This blog has been going for what? Eleven or twelve years, I think. Every week. Oh, well, sometimes I run an old post, but I have written well over 500 posts, I would suspect.
So I am pretty much out of ideas as far as grammar goes. I have covered everything at least once in my posts, maybe except for some esoteric grammar issues that even I don’t know about. I have been thinking for a while of what to do. Should I do a monthly post? Should I do more of a monthly newsletter with some links and a variety of things? Should I expand to include other topics? Should I have more guest posts? Should I just bag it? It has become stressful for me to think of topics. So here is my current thinking.
- If you would like to write a guest article (about anything you think would interest readers – as long as I approve it – whatever is on your mind or in your realm of interest), please let me know. They are always welcome. Put your idea in the comments, or better yet, email me through the website inquiry or at bigwords101@yahoo.com.
- If you have ideas for posts I could write — about grammar, words, language, or anything else, please let me know!
- I will expand my topics to include, well, whatever I want to write about. In the past whenever I have put anything controversial in a post (mainly a political thought), a few people would tell me to “stick to grammar.” My response is,”It’s my blog.” I am interested in grammar and words and books — and also coffee and music and politics and manifesting and songwriting.
This week, I am still not myself. Most of you are likely in the United States, but I know some of you are abroad. I am horrified at what my country is doing and headed for. I volunteer for Democrats and belong to some Democratic organizations. It has been very difficult for my friends and me to deal with this. It is embarrassing. I don’t feel ready to do a strictly political post at this time, and maybe I never will. Right after the election, I said I was done with politics, and the only way to deal with things was to become apolitical and let the younger generation take over the fight because I am tired. However, I realized I still had strong opinions and ideas, and I post them on social media. I have stopped watching most mainstream media though. They are normalizing a ridiculous situation still.
So, that is my post. I needed to get it done because I need a new computer very badly (I am working on an early 2015 MacAir), and I may be without one for a day or two as I switch all my stuff over. If you disagree with my opinions, that is fine, but I needed to say, at least briefly, how I felt.
And the blog will continue….
Whatever you do, Arlene, I will still follow you.
I have been out of the loop for a while with health issues, but will happily contribute some more posts.
I hope you are feeling better, Jags! I appreciate you — and always welcome your wonderful guest posts! Welcome back to the loop!
Idea–comma usage in lists–for example
a big red house or a big, red house
The longer the list, the more confused I can get. This has bugged me since high school, and now I am approaching 70.
Thank you. Will do. Do you mean the comma between two adjectives???
I share your embarrassment, as well as sadness and fear, but we can’t drop out. My 11-year- old niece asked me this past week “how they could elect a criminal?” I had no answer. Write what you want; it’s your column. Guest articles are good. But please don’t stop writing altogether about grammar. Especially the continued use of pronouns in place of nouns: her and me, me and she, between him and I.😡😡😡
Thank you so much for the comment! I will do more grammar posts; that is for sure. And I will talk about those pesky pronouns that are so often misused.
I agree with your opinions.
Thank you so much!!!! I appreciate that!
I so agree with you! To have such an ignorant idiot representing this country is disgraceful.
Thanks so much for the comment! It is unimaginable.
A sane voice from the state of Florida is always welcome. We’ll most likely survive this.
Thank you! Being from Boston and then living in the San Francisco area for 26 years, I am finding Florida difficult!!!! And getting worse.
I appreciate your struggle with what to do next and your frustration with the state of our political situation. I will just say that I have appreciated reading your blogs and ask you to do what is right for you, keep writing what is in your heart to write, or end it, if that is your wish. Just know if you decide to end it, you will be missed and know too, that your work has been very helpful to me.
I remember taking your class in person when you were in CA and the test you gave us so we could see where we were at in our grammar intelligence, I failed miserably. Your class helped me a lot, but I am still very weak at grammar and still refer to your reference books.
Whatever you choose to do, I wish you all the best,
Athena
Aw, thank you for the comments. I am so glad that my instruction, whether in person through the blog, or through my books has helped you!!! It gives me the will to continue!
I ‘m so glad you shared this – I’m exactly where you are regarding what is happening in this country, and it’s comforting to know that not everyone is part of the disgusting craziness. Have enjoyed your blog for years, Arlene, and hope you will continue-maybe giving yourself a break now and then! Many thanks!
Thank you for the comment. No, not everyone is part of this craziness. The majority of this country thinks as we do. Unfortunately, many do not come out to vote, many are misinformed, and things are being rigged beyond our control. Not to mention, many are now regretful, but it is too late.
One suggestion.
I’m not sure when it happed, but every website is using a light grey font. I can’t even see what I am typing.
That, I cannot help you with….