Bramley End


Trelawnyd is as real as the village of Bramley Edge.
For those that are not aware, Bramley Edge is the character driven village from the wartime movie  Went The Day Well. The village that decided to fight back after an invasion of wartime Hun dressed as plucky British servicemen.
Going Gently  is one such reality
It's how I choose to see the world, and that view has amused me for years now, until recently.

Friday I considered bringing Going Gently,,to a timely end . I share this just as information as I have no desire for a plethora of messages to be left asking for more stories of birds in cake tins, sexually promiscuous Bulldogs molesting the vicar and nutty locals do nutty things with all the regularity of a 1970s sit com..

I considered ending the blog for all of the reasons people end blogs for.
You all know the reasons, some of the negatives were beginning to overshadow the positives.
Trolls and fruit cakes with their own agendas, Facebook ( now deleted) and pressure to " perform" all added their own pressures and irritations.

But ten years of keeping a diary in this bizarre and unique form does count for something, I guess..
and for the most part it's been a joy to be here, and that's what I need to remember.

Speak Tomorrow
Hey ho

96 comments:

  1. John I truly appreciate you blog xx

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  2. To everything there is a season ... but if you still want to write, do so on your own terms. It's your blog. Make it work for you, not the other way around!

    Whatever you do going forward, thank you for what you've already done.

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  3. I'm really sorry and troubled to hear that problems continue. The process of blogging, for many, is the process of journaling. I think that if you have always been someone who likes to document the daily happenings in some way, it is very hard to give that up. I hope you find that the positive that comes from blogging outweighs the negative. And as to the negative, I just don't get it or understand the tiny thrill that comes from being a knob. -Jenn

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  4. I, too, have been on the brink at times of shutting down my blog of seven years, for all the reasons you state. Sometimes just taking a vacation from it or reducing the frequency of posts are enough to replenish and refresh the soul so you can continue. The pressure to "perform," as you put it, can definitely have a negative affect on what you post and how you post it. To get past that I try to write for myself and not for an audience (although I often fail miserably at that attempt.)
    I enjoy your blog because it's a glimpse into lives and a world that I never would have been able to come in contact with any other way. But do it for yourself and the trolls be damned. Have a peaceful day, John!

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  5. Sending hugs from rustling Vermont, where the trees are is full autumnal glory...

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  6. I look forward to your postings, for every negative-Nancy, you have 100 people who enjoy what you say.

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  7. I just like reading your blog, whatever you have to say, it's one of the first I turn to every morning. I'd miss you if you decided to go....but it is of course entirely your decision.

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  8. I love seeing how others in far off lands live their lives. It is to connect and the know the experiences others have. We really are all in this together.

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  9. John, you must do what is best for you, because your health and welfare is paramount. I have enjoyed every word of your blog and would miss it if you decided to go, but you are the important one here. All the best. Cathy. 😆

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  10. I second the penguin; the negative nancys can be dismissed with a block. there are those of us who care about you and your life, because it is so different from the life we lead. please stay.

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  12. Me, also .. I head straight to Trelawnyd first thing in the morning. I need to read about life somewhere else, I need to check to be sure you and your loved ones are well .. If I can't be there and see it and hear it, it is your duty to provide it for me ... for all of us. So you see, you are stuck with us, you have to keep posting. Sorry but that's the rule.

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  13. I will miss how you can find humor in almost every situation in every day happenings. It is truly a gift to see the world with a smile and make so many of us smile too. Go gently on yourself John!

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  14. Don't know why my comment appeared twice, apparently I don't have permission to delete it. Hey ho.

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  15. John, You're in danger of letting the bastards grind you down!
    Come on, snap out of it, you've just got the autumn blues, but it'll soon be Christmas, the cottage snug and decorated, chestnuts roasting, etc
    If you want to write, write, if you don't, dont! You don't owe anything to anyone (well, perhaps a mortgage) so please yourself.
    I enjoy reading tales of Trelawnyd, and am still waiting to spot you in Waitrose in order to hide a pack of tampax in your trolley, but I'd rather know that you were happy and rested than think of you getting stressed out by bloody ignorant twonks! X

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    1. Hear Hear!

      Jo in Auckland, NZ

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  16. I enjoy your blog very much John but I also appreciate the need to just shut down once in a while. Why not take a break? A few months maybe. Until suddenly the need to share your life with others breaks free again and you find you just have to start up. I can only say, it worked for me and I'm happy to back now......no longer feeling the desperate need to post every single day or even every week. Whatever you decide, know that you have been much appreciated over the years and will be remembered with fondness.

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  17. I don't post hardly ever, But I will post to encourage you to stay. I would miss you and the prof and all critters terribly.
    With love, From Wisconsin

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  18. Next thing, you'll be putting an axe into the back of the head of a nice young German boy - dressed in your pinny...

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  19. Oh er, the Hun in Trelawnyd, a real worry or have I read this wrong somewhere??

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  20. I would miss you and your blog.

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  21. No no no!!! I love reading your posts John. If you do decide to 'end' this blog then please do start up another letting your cheerleaders (via email) know where to find you or have a blog for invited commenters only. x

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  22. Like you often say to me on my blog John: Chin up son. Look forward to reading your post in the morning.

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  23. I often have the same thoughts and come to the same conclusions. How would we even quit?

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  24. Don't let em grind you down kid. Great blog. Carry on blogging.

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  25. Please know that you make all our lives better through your writing. You are loved and admired by many who just never think to comment. Please stay.

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  27. Sending a virtual cwtch from Neath, if you do take a break or stop, could you somehow let me know when next year's flower show is? I am determined to fulfill my aim of walking parts of the Clawdd Offa path, doing the section near your part of the world on a weekend that coincides with the flower show.so I can attend in person instead of vicariously x

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  28. I think you the professor, village and your sweetly crazy animals have embedded in our hearts. You do so much in a day that blogging everyday became (?) a chore fun or otherwise ? Forget about us . . . write about what you want and keep it short time wise.
    I blog 3 times a week (all I can handle) and I wanted it more photos that words. Sometimes I only post on Friday because It is Square Dog Friday and it is in their contract that I must post or go to arbitration and I always lose !
    As much as we enjoy your writing, take care of yourself first.

    cheers, gayle xo

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  29. I will beg. Please don't leave, it would be like losing an old friend. We love you.

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  30. I shall wait for tomorrow.

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  31. Ah, but you'd miss it.

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  32. Just to say that I have been thinking about shutting down as well, so you do what you need to do without any thought about what others want of you. Vx

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  33. I've been reading this blog for well over 3 years now...look forward to it every day. Would miss you and think of you often BUT it is your decision and yours alone. If I had a blog, and it became a chore to write, for whatever reason, I'd certainly take a break or stop entirely until I wanted to write again. So maybe that's what you should do...take a break and see how that feels. See if you miss us as much as we all would miss you.
    Lizzie in Massachusetts

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  34. I am very strict with my blog. I don't let anything land in it unless I read it first, know who sent it and if it is too ugly/unkind/garbage, I delete it.. then I block that sender.
    I do this for fun. When it ceases to be fun, it is finished. To avoid non-fun a**holes who litter all forms of blogging etc, just put up some fences to keep them out but let your friends still come in.
    I go to Going Gently, first thing in the morning .. me, the cats and my first cup of coffee. It would be a shame to make all of us, especially the cats, have to change our morning routine.
    You know, the older we get, the harder change is ... keep that in mind. Do you want to be responsible for that many nervous breakdowns ??
    love you. love your dogs, your sweet man ... it would be so unkind to us to leave .. I will have such a breakdown .. you don't want that ..
    love you. love your blog. C

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  35. You would be missed but that is not a big enough reason for you to keep on blogging, if the fun has gone out of it.
    Your blog is the only blog where anything can be written and is written with honesty and great wit.

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  36. I would miss you and your little family sooo much. You start my day.

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  37. As long as it's good for you, give us the story. When it doesn't work, off you go, few regrets.

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  38. I am always impressed that you blog daily with an array of touching or funny topics - I hope you continue to enjoy sharing even if the frequency needs to change xx

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  39. I respect whatever you decide to do. You are awful but I like you. x

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  40. I don't think you should feel pressured. You're providing us with free entertainment, it should be delivered on your terms.

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  41. Oh John love. I deleted my facebook account cos nutters seemed to think it ok to post vile stuff. My blog has comment moderation enabled so nothing unpleasant gets through. I would be gutted not to have your blog post to look forwatd to. But that is me being selfish. If it no longer brings you joy then let it go. You would be missed though. Sending you a blimmin great big hug..... and begging you not to go...

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  42. Anonymous9:14 pm

    Is it something in the water, John? I nearly abdicated too. Till I realized that it'll be too much hassle to jam my gob.

    Anyway, even Agatha Christie disappeared for a while. A mystery to this day.

    I think it's autumn with its falling leaves, shorter days, longer nights, which makes us pensive.

    As they say when you have crashed: John, John, John, can you hear me? John ... Stay with us. John ...What's your cat's name... John, John, ...

    Hug,
    U

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  43. I echo Cherie K. Whatever you decide virtual ((hugs)) from Lancashire. xx

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  44. Please don't go.

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  45. Trolls and negative comments are a drag on the mind. I also have comment moderation on. I dont care if people dont like it. I dont like reading peoples bile and for people to jump to my defense and the Troll getting what they want... a reaction.

    I do hope you will continue but if you dont, I wish you and Prof all the best. You have made me smile, laugh and cry at times.

    Sol x

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  46. Anonymous9:24 pm

    You'll be greatly missed if you do decide to give it up John, but I can understand your reasons. Look forward to tomorrows post once you've slept on the situation. Maybe things will seem a little brighter.

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  47. I've only been reading your blog for a year or so and grew to love it immediately. I've fallen in love with your kind heart and your sense of humor, your animals (I just adore Winnie), your Roger Moore eyebrows husband, Auntie Glad and all the rest of your village. I would miss you so much but you need to do what's best for you! Hope to see you tomorrow....From my heart, Gayle

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    1. Oh My Goodness we spell our name the same !
      Gayle is usually a male spelling but Thank Goodness my Mum liked that spelling better than Gail.

      cheers, parsnip

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  48. Hello John, what I was going to say has been well covered by others, and put rather better than I could too. What I would like to add is that I was feeling much the same as you earlier this year so I took a blog break which gave me time not only rest but recover from the loss of my beloved cat. It did me the world of good and now I'm back refreshed and with a more relaxed attitude to posting. I'm no longer worrying if I miss a few days. My life is busy and there isn't always time for everything, something has to give. Oh, and I recommend comment moderation. You can also stop all 'anonymous' comments to - it makes life so much nicer. Elizabeth x

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  49. Anonymous9:55 pm

    I just want to add my voice to all the others who would miss you. I start my day with a cup of coffee and reading various blogs, and yours is the first I turn to. Selfishly, please don't quit. But please don't make yourself unhappy by keeping your blog going, so if it comes to that, all best wishes to you and the Prof and your four-footed family.

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  50. I totally get it. I've had that problem with those trolls and fruitcakes, and everything else in between and all around. I'll miss you on FB, and hope you'll rethink that too. I know I don't stop by as often as I'd like, but I enjoy saying I have a cyber friend in a village in Wales and hope that can and will continue with at least one form of social media - But no question, I respect whatever you decide.

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  51. Dear John,

    Like your other responders, I'd miss your gentle and humorous take on your world, and miss you as a 'friend I've never met' but you must do what makes you happy and gives you energy, and if blogging has become a drag, we must wish you well, and wish you happy. Hugs to you, good friend

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  52. What everyone else has said. xoxoxox

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  53. Yes. What Roses and everyone else has said. I would miss you. You're my first read of the day. X

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  54. you are my favorite blog and i would hate to see you go. but i get it! i feel the same way sometimes but not because of negative comments. sometimes it just seems stupid. but then i think about it and realize that this is all that will be left of me when i am gone. it's a good thing for my kids.

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  55. John, I'm glad that after some consideration, you will continue posting. This blog tells us, in your unique way, about what it's like to live and let live in a place pretty far away from where most of us live.

    What I like is that the local details might differ, but the people are completely recognizable.

    Best wishes to you and yours.

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  56. Do this only as long as you enjoy it, John! I really enjoy hearing about your village life but not if it becomes drudgery for you.

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  57. They are here there and everywhere! 'Don't let the bastards get you down' I'd hear my mother muttering sometimes. Never knew what she meant until later in life lol
    Has The Archers ever had this problem?? Follow their lead John (until you're sick of it)

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  58. I love your blog.I'd miss it if it went...but I really don't want you to be made miserable trying to meet others expectations...consider yourself hugged and thanked, and blog whenever you damn well feel like it!

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  59. I love your blog.I'd miss it if it went...but I really don't want you to be made miserable trying to meet others expectations...consider yourself hugged and thanked, and blog whenever you damn well feel like it!

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  60. I adore your blog and the real life people and four leggers that inhabit it. I hope you do keep writing but should you decide otherwise, thank you for what you have given us! Happy Thanksgiving from Canada to you, the Prof and the rest of the family

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  61. I think part of your pressure might be feeling like you have to reply to all your comments. I don't think many of us would really expect that. We should be pleased that you manage to just read them all! You do have other things to do in your life after all!

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  62. It's my sad observation that it's way of all good blogs. Whatever you decide to do it's been a real pleasure for many years. Lots of laughter and a few tears. I'll be very happy if you keep writing but I also support any decision you might make to do the opposite. Enjoy the fishing!

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  63. There is nothing so constant as change, choose for what is right for you and the Prof.
    Kiwi Fee

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  64. (((hugs to john!))) we stand beside you in whatever decision you need to make for you and your hubby xoxo

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  65. Hardly a fair comparison, but you can look at mine for as long as I can look at yours.

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    1. Great response... made me giggle.. but then I always did have a dirty mind....

      Jo in Auckland, NZ

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  66. John, Take a well earned break. I really don't want you to stop blogging (but that's just me being selfish).However,you must do what's the best for you and yours. As for the trolls what can I say that hasn't already been said.xx

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  67. John, I hope that you will continue to blog even once a week, if you don't I would feel I had lost a friend and wonder how you are because you are such a dear man. Blog for you though not for us.
    I don't read you daily but I always catch up when I have missed a day or two, wandering how you and the gang are doing.
    cheers margo.

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  68. John, Oh I will miss your blog if you do decide to stop, but whatever is right for you. Reading what you right and the happenings with the Prof, your lovely family of animals, the people of Trelawnyd makes a wonderful start to my day, but hey ho you must do what is right for you and no one else. You are a lovely man with a kind, warm heart and we will miss you and the joy and laughter as well as tears that your blog brings, bless you. Sue

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  69. I look for you every morning with my cup of tea next to my laptop so I would miss you terribly but I do understand as recently decided to leave a job I had loved but which was draining me. I go back once a week as a volunteer so maybe less is more.
    Take care xx

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  70. Oh John I echo what everyone else has said. Blogland would be poorer without you but the important one here is you. Take good care of yourself - we love you xx

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  71. I would miss you so much if you decided to end your blog but as others have said you do what you need to do.

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  72. I cut it down on my posting because of the pressure I was putting on myself to write something interesting . Now I have no schedule and write when I when the mood hits me. It is better this way and I retain the wonderful followers and new friends that I have met in Blogland.

    Last week you wrote one of the loveliest posts ever and it touched me so. Stay well, dear John, and don't let the bastards win.

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  73. I think long after the irritation of the odd idiot/troll has passed by you may regret not having this record of where you were and how you saw life in this moment. I would miss you, I have grown fond of you, this, the village, the Prof, Aunty Glad but most of all darling Winnie. That said do what makes you happy. It does seem such a shame though that the few spoil so much for the many. I announced to my daughter the other day `oh John`s been to see Aunty Glad`, she asked I read her the post, we ahh`ed and sighed and shed a tear...it felt like family. You bought her to life to us through this blog. Theres so much good here. X

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  74. What a relief! I love your blog John, and you mustn’t let the sad, small minded wear you down. This has happened to a few blogs that I have followed, with them eventually throwing in the towel. It’s sad, because the trolls and negativity win, which is never a good thing.

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  75. Having read all your other comments, I suspect I would just be repeating the majority of the responses, however, blogging is for your to stop or pause or continue as you wish - not as others want you to do. I agree with the comments for anonymous folk who have nothing better to do that write sour comments.

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  76. Well, you must leave if you must, but please may I ask you for Winnie and the kids email address? Seriously.I think how much fun it would be to read about their daily goings about that more often than not makes me smiled,but
    let me make a suggestion, please? I used to have a blog called A bite of the Moon where anyone could discussed what came to mind and opened doors and closed doors when they wanted to. Then the trolls, whose life must be a cesspool where everything that makes us human drowned, started to make an appearance preceded by their characteristic smell of sulfur, and I am sure they thought that the intelligent men and women were having too much fun and started to spread that brand of intelligence characteristic of the Trump followers.

    I made my blog private, it was by invitation only and when for x,y or z I could or would not find the time to write I would hang a note saying "I will be right back, signed Godot.

    When my husband died,little by little I was the one to go,I just didn't have a life to talk about. I still correspond with some of the old friends, but you want to know the real reason I quit? Because I didn't want to be talking about that injury inflicted by the lack of humanity in others. So do as you want, or need or are thinking about.

    You have enriched my life with your humor, your self deprecating posts and it brings to mind something I learned a long time ago: No mud,no lotus. I will be thinking of you but please don't pull the plug on the blog. Make it by invitation only and you won't have to deal with anything, not even opening the mail.And write when and if you feel like it. But if the blog is still open it would be comforting to comeback and read the old posts. Just think about it.

    Allegra,

    who should be asleep since it is now 4:30am but I tossed and turned after reading your post and finally I decided that since I am so much older than you maybe you could think about my experience and so, here I am. Good night.

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  77. I was at work...and I am not going anywhere..it was just a wobble xx

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  78. John - those of us who are here - even those who don't often post - rely on you for more than the wonderful snippets of village life, and the animals, et al. I rely on you as a touchstone of decency in a world run amok. So glad you decided to continue.

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  79. I've felt like this a few times just recently.

    But the vast majority of my readers are the best bunch of friends I've ever come across, and after a little paddy and a wobble I'm usually back at the keyboard the next day.

    It's my diary after all and in my actual diaries that go back a few years I can't read my own bloody writing half the time. So I'll continue tapping away until something truly drastic happens to bring things to a logical conclusion.

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  80. I am glad it was just a wobble. It's difficult to ignore the ugly souls - I used to think, "Oh, poor thing - what a terrible life he/she must have had to turn out like such sour milk." Now I think, 'Ef-em.' You have many, many more supporters than detractors. Listen to us. You are a gem.

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  81. Dearest John, yours is the only blog which I read every time. I always consider it a privilege and not a right and the level of enthusiasm I and many others feel, please don't feel this is pressure, it's just appreciation.
    With much affection, Maryanne from NZ xo

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  82. For me John, reading your post is hope. I see the kindness and genuine caring you have for man and animal alike. You ar a part of the whole. You share your light. Please shine on dearest John.

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  83. I recently found you . . .
    I'd miss you if you were gone.
    And to think there is "ten years" of you . . .
    Authentic you are!
    Refreshing . . .

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  84. John, I can see your point about the pressure to perform for the lack of a better term; but rest assured that there are many many people who would miss you and your unique humor and your wonderful kindness. Your tales of village life and all your critters make my day every day. Yours is the first blog I hit every day and the last, even if I'm rereading. I check before I go to my job so that I have a spark of joy going into my day.
    If you were to close down your blog, I would miss you dreadfully, but would accept your decision because after all it is your life. I'm just living it vicariously.
    Best wishes!
    Meredith from Oklahoma XOXO

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  85. Hi John, just read a response to Allegra's post?? that you were just having a wobble.. I read the start of your post with a very heavy heart. I don't have a blog.. as I am not sure I have very much to say to anyone that would be at all interesting. I have had a very terrible couple of years where I have read your blog but have not had the where with all to comment.. yours and a couple of others actually... but they are still my go to in the time I have to pick myself up out of the crap that has been my life recently and either laugh, cry, be envious (not my usual way to be) and just enjoy that people are so happy and humourus. I would be devestated if Going Gently was no more but I would have so much back reading to remember the blog that was .. I would fondly remember the feeling of the warm fuzzies I got reading about you, the fanimals and the prof. Btw I wanted to say that the other morning I woke up and in my wallpaper saw a picture of you wearing the Profs wonderful "headgear"... so much so I wondered if I was stoned.. then I remembered I don't do that stuff. Hey John .. what ever you do just remember... Mum's of Sons gay or otherwise ... love you.

    Jo in Auckland, Nz

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  86. I would love it if you would continue to blog. You bring a joy to my life with it.

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  87. keep writing please--- j in canada

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