This blog has never had a huge readership, though I admit to being amazed at the number of folks who read the silly thing when we lived in Việt Nam. But, its hard to have any readership when I don’t post. You gotta have something to read before you can have a readership.
Too busy? No, though I am working 15-20 hours per week in addition to the 2-3 freelance photo shoots I do and in addition to seeing Mom almost every day.
Sick? Naw – I had a cold for a few days, but not a cold since December 26th.
No muse? Maybe I can blame her for not visiting me, but the truth is, I seem to have just stopped observing the world.
My friend Tom emailed me and asked if I had gotten out of the blogging business – and wondered if I wouldn’t post between Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
So – if Tom is my only reader, I guess I had better get back to work and write something, eh? I wouldn’t want to upset my only reader.
EDIT: I'm writing this after five of you have posted comments.
I had no idea! Truly! I am honored and flattered that five of you have posted comments within only a few hours. Sorry Tom - you're not the only one.
And now, folks - you need to get a life!
I, too, had wondered why you hadn't posted anything lately, but then figured you might be taking care of your mom or something. And my muse hasn't exactly been hanging around my place lately, either, so don't feel bad. :-) Looking forward to reading your posts again when you have the time and energy.
Posted by: Miss Kitty | January 17, 2008 at 04:24 PM
I check in every day. I understand if you can't make it, but I still check. I guess you must have at least 3 readers ;)
Posted by: Nancy | January 17, 2008 at 05:04 PM
After all these years I finally made the big time. I was mentioned on my favorite blog. I can now die a happy man.
Tom
Posted by: Tom Murray | January 17, 2008 at 07:21 PM
I check your blog at least once a day. I really enjoy your blog and you did a fantastic job here. So count me as the fourth reader :).
Posted by: Tuan | January 17, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Okay Doug, I think now that makes five loyal readers. I do to check everyday, enjoy your posts and insights. I got hooked on the Vietnam portions but do empathize when you speak about your mother. Keep posting, you are a talented photographer/writer!
Posted by: Rogena | January 17, 2008 at 09:35 PM
Make it six loyal readers now. I enjoy your posts about your mother, so please keep them coming. I know that blogging often comes and goes in streaks for many long-time bloggers, especially myself at this time for over a month now. But I will be back in Vietnam in a week and should find more to talk about.
-- Mel
Posted by: layered | January 18, 2008 at 01:53 AM
Excuse me, six; hehe
I thought you were busy working. So, how is being alone at home? Do you have to cook yourself again? You should practice more often, huh? I'm getting stuck with daily exams here. I would be very happy when that get done next week; honestly.
Hope to talk to you soon.
Posted by: Tuan | January 18, 2008 at 09:32 AM
Oops, there is someone else has the same name with mine. That's interesting.
Posted by: Tuan | January 18, 2008 at 09:35 AM
doug i was beginning to wonder about you too. you may not remeber me but i talked to you last year about teaching in VN and taking my 3 kids along.you gave me great advice. I've been hooked on your blog ever since. hope to hear more blogging from you soon. lisa
Posted by: lisa | January 18, 2008 at 12:10 PM
WOW DOUG - You must really feel loved and appreciated. Nine comments on your last post about not posting. Your loyal fans await.
Posted by: Tom | January 18, 2008 at 05:48 PM
another loyal fan
cheers
Posted by: tim | January 18, 2008 at 06:48 PM
Dude, like you are so, like, popular out here in Cali.
Don't ever forget us or deprive us again!
Posted by: | January 18, 2008 at 08:16 PM
I do subscribe to your blog on my Google Reader so I do read it regularly. :)
Posted by: | January 18, 2008 at 11:46 PM
We have a direct link to your blog on our dock on the Mac. We didn't want to pester you with emails if you were having a particularly tricky time with your Mom.
Happy New Year! Welcome back to your own blog!
Posted by: Brian Haworth | January 19, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Chalk up another one. Hope your ego is better now.
Posted by: Russ | January 19, 2008 at 06:54 PM
@the other Tuan:
Tuan is a popular Vietnamese name, same as Smith, John etc...
Now if we are coming from the same town, that will be interesting.
Posted by: Tuan | January 19, 2008 at 10:00 PM
yeap, Tuan is a popular name but it's interesting there are two on this nice blog and people might have no idea which Tuan is talking... hehe
Posted by: Tuan | January 20, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Your readership may be small, and my visits less than sporadic, but yours was the first website I thought of to get the word out about this little gem of a website from Church of England:
http://www.church-on-the-net.com
My interest in virtuality has increased much since my daughter left for college, and I ran across this in my travels. I especially like the description, "a low pressure way to explore Christianity."
Posted by: Anne Arundel | January 21, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Am I number 19???
JB
Posted by: jb | January 25, 2008 at 05:19 PM
Keep up the good work, I have very much enjoyed reading about your Vietnam experiences.
Posted by: | February 01, 2008 at 12:12 AM
How reassuring to have so many nice responses from your friends. Your wondering if you have readers is a good reminder to us to post comments more often!
Your comments and postings are though-provoking, often touching, always interesting. Your photos can evoke many different responses and emotions. Thank you for sharing your talents and your life with us. Ellen (esl - Ellen)
Posted by: | February 17, 2008 at 02:01 PM