After almost seven years of blogging, 1,320 posts and 4,381 comments I’ve decided to take a break. This is partly due to burnout and partly due to the need to free up time for a project that starts in January.
This past fall I had intentionally started to pull back from posting. I think deep down I knew that I needed a break. However, I’ve been doing this for so long that I think my mind could not yet fully process the idea. This week I had time to process things which led me to this decision. Will I some day return to martial arts blogging? Perhaps…
For now this blog will remain active on the interwebs–here to forever amuse or annoy. Also, I plan to continue reading my favorite martial arts blogs and I may occasionally leave comments. So I’m gone but not completely.
While writing this I had contemplated thanking at least a dozen martial arts bloggers, however, the list is just too long. So a blanket thanks will have to suffice. If I regularly leave comments on your blog or exchange e-mails with you, then you’ll most likely continue to hear from me. I will say that this blog has given me the chance to learn from numerous martial arts bloggers — many of whom are masters or instructors in their own right–and for that I am grateful.
So, without further adieu, one last video. It’s been one hell of a run!
Bob:
Been a while. I’ve been lurking but not active.
I’ll miss your unique sense of humor. It brightened my Google Reader feed, surrounded as it was by the seriousness that so often permeates the martial arts blogverse.
Good luck to you…
Craig W.
Life is about change.
Good luck with your new adventures.
What do you mean will I ever return
Take care and all the very best, thank you providing such an interesting, entertaining spotlight on martial arts around the world
Aw Bob, that is sad for us, your viewing public, but I’m glad you’re taking care of yourself first. I’ll gently stalk you from the email. I’m trying to remember my first search that led me to the site, but it’s been great for all these years.
Now you have time to come up to the Saloon and have a few cool ones with Dojo Rat!
I’ll be in touch
Wow Bob, this is a shock. Will certainly miss your sense of humor and interesting topics. Can relate as my blog has not been around nearly as long as yours, but it is sometimes hard to stay motivated. I appreciate all the support you have given me.
Enjoy your time away, and hope to run into you online from time to time.
Craig – I too will be lurking so if you ever restart your blog watch out!
Rick – Indeed it is…
Nicola – I rarely say never. We shall see what comes out the other side summer 2012. Perhaps a ST rebirth!
Tater – Our usually arrangement still applies.
D.R. – If ever I get up your way it’s a deal. Also, I’ll be classing down your blog by visiting…
SMK – It’s like that scene in Forrest Gump where he suddenly stops running and goes home. Besides, I may well return summer 2012 after I get past my certification program.
Bob,
Sorry to see you “go”. I’ve only been reading your blog for a short time, but I have enjoyed it.
Enjoy the break, and good luck with your new endeavors.
Bob,
Thanks for the wonderful ride, the great sense of humor, and a unique perspective.
Thanks Jay. Call this a sabbatical. There’s a good chance I’ll flip the switch during the summer of 2012 and return.
Dangit! Just when I am about to come back!
I haven’t written anything new true, but that didn’t mean I haven’t come back to check on the neighborhood on occasion. Regardless it’s sad that hear and see that you’re leaving. I’m still doing my own meditation in life (so to speak) and therefore didn’t see this post till now. Good luck, old friend, your wisdom will be missed.
Accidental – So far it’s a sabbatical. I may return mid to late summer 2012. Please e-mail me if you start your blog back up. I’ve removed it from my Google reader but need to add it back! bpatterson67@comcast.net
Peace.
Miss you already, Bob.
Always enjoyed your posts.
Hope to see you back whenever you feel it’s right for you.
Wishing you only the best.
Thanks Bob.I enjoyed your posts….
Hey Bob,
Take some time and recharge your battery. I really do enjoy your perspective because you always seem to say what you really think.
Hi John,
I plan to. Most likely I will return in the fall. In the meantime I’ll see you in cyberspace!
The longer you break, the more you will long to come back to writing!! I haven’t read your blog before, but if you’ve written over 1,300 posts, you must have quite a bit to say. I suggest you don’t take too long off!