Howdy folks. This will be my last post on this blog. I am going to shut down the MrVintageMan in a few weeks. Not to fret; there is nothing wrong with me. I’ve just decided that it’s time to move on to other projects.
When I started this blog nine years ago, I set out with 2 goals in mind. One goal was to improve my writing and publishing skills. The other goal was to see if I could use this blog to launch into some kind of freelance career in my golden years. I’ve always wanted to be a writer, so starting a blog seemed like a good way to dip my toes into the writing pool.
So, did I accomplish my goals? The answer is a definitive yes on the first one. I look back on my earlier posts and redden up with embarrassment. Really though, I shouldn’t be too hard on myself. Writing is like any other skill. It take practice and effort to get better.
The answer to the second is a little murkier. I now consider myself a writer, but I have come to realize that I have no desire to use my writing skills as a side hustle. I am in love with the idea of being a writer, but not in love enough to put in the effort to be a successful one.
My vision for this blog was to discuss ways in which to age with grace and dignity. I wanted to talk about the pros and cons of aging. I felt that including such topics as reading, bicycling, gardening, beer, movies, travel, the West (both the Old and the modern), the military, etc., would show that we can still learn and be active in our later years.
But I could never quite make the pieces all fit together. I never could make my interests in the West and in the military fit comfortably into my writing.
Turns out that I am not a connoisseur of beers; I like what I like and am not inclined to experiment. And really, how much can is there to write about bicycling?
For the past couple of years, my blog has been reduced to mainly talking about the Vintage garden and doing book reviews. Here I am, well into my 60’s, and still doing book reports.
And that is why I am closing this blog down. For some time I have felt that writing this blog has felt more like a doing homework assignment, and less than a passion project.
Does this mean I’m giving up blogging forever? Not necessarily. But if I do decide to blog again, I will be focused on a singular subject.
Anyway, I just want to thank everyone for their support and kind wishes. I especially want to shout out a big thank you to MrsVintage for being my cheerleader through these past 9 years. Thank you, Sweetie!
I will now close out with a well-known goodbye from Roy Rogers:
“Happy trails to you,
until we meet again”.
MrVintageMan signing off.
