Yesterday it was four years since I started this blog and, as has become my custom on blogaversaries, I spent the day thinking about blogging and my experience of it [well, I thought about other things too, but you get the picture]. Inevitably, this year my thoughts revolved around how much things had changed. How this project started out as a nice little diversion, a harmless little hobby, and has, in the last couple of weeks at least, morphed into a highly political forum replete with mud slinging and passionate arguments, and – yes – also some precious words of encouragement and support.
It certainly gives one pause. As regular readers will know I have had exasperated bouts of “Oh, what’s the point!” in the past, but this is of a different caliber altogether. Somehow I find I have assumed a role about which I have ambivalent feelings, becoming some sort of defender of my country and its people [or at least some of its people], and putting lots of time and energy into, as one kind reader wrote in an email yesterday, “worrying about how to explain something to people who already have their minds made up.”
I’ve spoken to a number of journalists and reporters in the last 2-3 weeks, and last Saturday had a couple of documentary filmmakers here at my house, asking questions about “the situation” and, also, about my blog. One of the things they asked was, “Do you think these new circumstances will change the way you write your blog?” – I didn’t really know what to answer, but I have thought about it a lot since then. Frankly, I’m not very comfortable with being in the thick of the maelstrom, particularly when this wave of ill-will crashes over me. On the other hand, with everything that has happened recently, backtracking to writing blithe little posts about things like the Icelandic phone book or Polly’s misguided efforts to hatch hazelnuts seems impossible. So the future of this blog, like so many other things right now, is enveloped in a cloud of uncertainty.
All that aside, writing this blog these last couple of weeks has been very educational for me. I’ve learned a great deal. For instance, I’ve had to learn to be selective about what I take in. Some of the comments that are posted I just don’t read. I skim them, and if they speak to me I read them, if not I let them stand there as contributions to the discussion. [And if they are particularly offensive or abusive, or if they're written by someone deliberately trolling this blog, I delete them.] Many of the ones I don’t read I’m sure are very valid and relevant, but quite frankly if I were to read everything that is said, all the articles behind the links that are posted, all the vehement arguments, the passionate retorts, the sad stories, the innuendos … I wouldn’t have time to carry on with my normal activities. Plus I’d probably be a basket case.
No doubt some readers will accuse me of being in denial; I prefer to view it as being selective about where I put my energy. Because one thing that has become crystal-clear to me these last few days is that I am powerless in so many ways against what is happening. My country has been largely screwed over by individuals whom I did not vote for, setting in motion a series of calamitous events, and there is nothing I can do about that. Except maybe go out and demonstrate, for whatever that’s worth. I can only cling to the vague hope that the people who were democratically elected to represent me and my country have had some kind of wake-up call and now know what the f*ck they’re doing. Other than that, there’s not much I can do as the situation currently stands. My money is still frozen in a fund – there’s nothing I can do about that. There is a lot of uncertainty about work – nothing I can do about that. People very close to me are being laid off – nothing I can do about that. All I can do is hug my loved ones and take one day at a time.
One final point before I close. Some readers have posted comments saying they feel I should write this, or not write that. If I could just give them information about this, or that. I appreciate that people are hungry for information that they aren’t getting elsewhere, and that they have opinions about what I do or do not write, but this is, first and last, a blog. MY blog. On this blog I write about the things that concern or inspire me – whatever it happens to be that day. If this was my job, if someone were paying me to be a mouthpiece or a channel of information, it would be different. But this is something I’m doing for free and for me to keep doing it, it has to ultimately be for myself. Otherwise I don’t see the point. If people want to stick around for that, great – if not, I’m afraid they’ll have to look elsewhere.
IT LOOKS LOVELY OUT THERE NOW
I haven’t ventured out yet today, but there does not seem to be any wind to speak of. There is mellow sunshine and cool but reasonable temps – currently 2°C [36F]. The sun came up at 8.37 am, will set at 5.46 pm.
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Just keep posting what you feel, alda. There is no subjective info reported in any mainstream media so it’s about the only real story available from the inside – at least, if one doesn’t speak Icelandic!
I may have been critical, but not I hope, abusive. Just ignore those who are.
Nice post. I wrote one a the same subject a few years ago on International Webloggers’ Day.
I have no idea when my blogaversary is and really don’t care, for some odd reason (it seems to be important in the Blogworld).
Hi Alda,
Most of your readership, I’m sure; have all the best for you and your loved ones at heart. I understand that you don’t want this blog of everyday things to turn into an econoblog or a political blog. There are enough of those around already anyway. I guess that everyday things around you are changing rapidly at the moment and writing about it might help others. You cannot change the world you are forced to live in, but I wouldn’t say you are powerless. You are holding up a mirror to your fellow countrymen and give the world abroad a rare view into Icelandic everyday life. In times where the news is standardised and prepackaged some subjective perspective of the world is very refreshing. I do not mind you defending your country of fellow citizens, just don’t feel you have to do this. You are not fighting Icelands struggles. Happy blogging!
For what its worth I sit at my desk every morning at 7 am and read this blog. Its important to me somehow. A ritual that I hope never ends. Thanks for another year.
I wondered how much of this intensity you might want or be able to deal with. Hopefully, everyone will get back to doing what needs to be done so life can move on. You will do what you must, but I always enjoy reading your thoughts and its your blog after all. If you keep writing, I’ll keep reading. Thank you!
Congratulations about the blogaversary, Alda. Just write on the subjects that you feel like writing about, and your loyal readers will continue reading you (me included). Sorry again about all the problems.
I, for one, hope that someday in the not too distant future, you will feel like writing about Polly and her baby hazelnuts again. One thing I’ve always loved about your blog is the breadth of subjects you address. Happy blogaversary!
Hi Alda,
The Iceland Weather Report is the only blog I read and
I really enjoy hearing what you have to say ( and that
includes commentary on Polly’s health and wellbeing ! )
I remember reading somewhere that cockatiels are native
to Australia funnily enough. I hope you aren’t feeling too
overwhelmed and dismayed by recent events – you have
lots of support, please know that.
Happy blogaversary!
Block out the negative and just keep blogging from the heart and about what interests you. And don’t deny Polly her 15 minutes of fame, now and then!
Happy Anniversary!!
I wanted to say a quick “Thank You” for all you do. I really appreciate this glimpse into Iceland, and all the work you put into it. My wife and I got married there, rented an camper, and circumvented the Island. Iceland is a wonderful country full of wonderful people, and our hearts go out to you for the situation you’ve found yourself in. Having met so many people, and seen the things you’re capable of, I know it will, eventually, be OK.
Thanks again,
Greg
Hey hun. Your blog is your blog (yes, talk about stating the bleeding obvious), and it should be to you what you want it to be at any given time. I admit that, during the last few days, I was sitting here reading with a sinking feeling, hoping you’d close the comments on the last post. As someone recently said to me: the dialogue than ensues from blogging can bring out the worst in people (or rather the relative anonymity afforded by the internet, which is somehow so seductive to the maliciously intent and brain-dead).
I think it brings out the best in people, too. And your blog is a shining example of positive blogging.
Take care,
o xxx
…I’ve always admired the balance you’ve had in your blog- between the personal, local, national and international. I guess the events of recent weeks have skewed that a bit. You are treasured by me for what you are, I know you won’t let anyone bring you down. Thanks for a great four years!
Yes, thank you for writing this. It is your place, and I like to come here and read what you think, so please keep on doing whatever it is you want to do.
Congratulations to your anniversary. Don’t worry to much about the things, people might say. Do it that way, you can live best with. And don’t bend yourself for other people. As you said yourself: This is your hobby.
Alda, this blog is so fascinating and valuable, precisely because it is yours.
I look forward to reading lots more
It’s your blog – you can write what you like!
Happy anniversary and thank you for your blog. You’re a good writer and I applaud you for staying true to yourself. I’m stuck in the US, and your distillation of recent events has far surpassed whatever I’ve been able to parse together by following mbl. I’m not asking you to be a news service, but I very much enjoy looking into your window to see how “life as usual” is going.
Happy anniversary, Alda! I enjoy your personal point-of-view and take on the world and your country, well aware that you are not an expert and don’t speak for other Icelanders (or other bloggers). I don’t often write about Norwegian politics or way of life where I live, because that isn’t my daily focus anyway. But sometimes the priorities of others become mine, at least for a while, and end up on my blog. My impression of your blog is that that is your approach, too.
I .like that story about Icelands telephone book, it’s cute. What’s wrong with continuing on this track? Write what makes you happy.
And, yes, it may be a good idea to stay away a bit from politics. Tensions are too high in the moment, and you’re a nice person who takes this stuff much too personally. This shouldn’t keep you from going to the demonstrations, though, because Oddsson really has to go. Right now he demands from …oh, fuhgedaboutit, you don’t really want to know.
All the best, and keep this a nice, personal blog. A good choice. It’s nice to read some down-to-earth, everyday life stories for a change.
Kudos, Alda, and of course you can go back to writing of the little trivial things that make the life worth living – if you want.
alda,
speaking for myself, your blog is a ray of sunshine. having acquired the Icelandic Bug about four years ago, you have been my weekly ‘fix’ so to speak. there are times when i feel like dropping everything and heading to the 101 to get my head on straight. it’s almost pathological! your blog has always given me a sense of “i am there”. your stories of your family, the restaraunts, city life, and (of course) the weather make me very happy inside.
times are tough right now for you and your country. your blog reflects that. but i know, things will change for the better. i’m sure soon you will be able to focus on other things because life is like that. even in the midst of The Great Depression of the 20′s (USA), my Grandma told me that life still continued amidst the tragedy. people still laughed, loved, and cheered because life continues.
i am looking forward to reading your next blog, whether it’s politics, the economy, or the attack ducks of Tjornn lake.
happy fourth Alda.
Doug L.
austin, texas
takk fyrir annað frábært ár.
Congratulations on your 4 year blogiversary. I am relatively new to your blog – but I have gone back and read many of your previous posts from the last few years. (Yes, I have that much time!) I really enjoy your take on life where you live and love that I never know where your inspiration will lead. I hope you don’t find it impossible to continue writing about the [little] things that inspire you.
Gray, Germany, indeed he has to go, along with loads of other people. I haven’t seen an official poll for the political parties here, but on a poll on a blog page I saw the Sjálfstæðisflokkur is down to about 18%, an all time low – actually I cannot understand that it’s this high!
Get those goddamn people out of their fat-ass offices, no later than NOW!
“Gray, Germany, indeed he has to go”
Hey, no commands, pls, or I’ll start commenting at your blog, ok ?
I always enjoy your posts, Alda. I hope you write what you like if it makes you happy.
Keep it up and write what you feel. I’m a newcomer to your site but throroughly hooked.
Don’t bend to the ill-informed or the ill-mannered.
Alda, takk fyrir! I read your blog everyday and found it especially relevant after I moved to Iceland. Seriously, I would have no idea what the hell is happening here if not for your blog and maybe Iceland Review and Grapevine.
P.S. looking forward to the googlies….
Happy Blog-i-versary! I’ve been around for a few years so I’m here for the long haul! Take care of you.
Gray, Germany – I think Hildigunnar was talking about Oddsson not you!! Going, that is…
Anyway Alda – happy anniversary. I’ve been reading you from the very start moreorless I think, and have always enjoyed the various incarnations of the blog. I bet when you were going through the whole thing with your Mum you couldn’t think of going back to the ‘little stories’ then either – but you did, when the time was right.
I’ve really been enjoying all the political / financial stuff, and reading all the debates from the various points of view. I don’t know enough about the situation to comment on it myself, but it’s great to see all the new readers this has brought you, and really interesting to see how different people perceive things in different ways.
Keep writing! I fell in love with Iceland a few years ago and your writing keeps that feeling going!
Gray, be very welcome on my meager English site
Talking badly about (almost all) Icelandic politicians isn’t frowned upon there…
Oops, sorry, Hildigunnur, that was a dumb misunderstanding by me. I apologize!
And thank you, Lizzy.
It may sound weird, but after I lived in Iceland for two years I sort of feel like Iceland is home. You know? It does that to people, your island out there in the sea. And I sort of feel like, even though there is absolutely nothing I can do about the situation, I should at least be there to share this with you all. Does that even make sense? I hope everything works out for you all. I’ll keep reading as long as you’ll let me.
Ooh, so many kind words and good wishes – where have all the mud slingers gone? Even Gray Germany has turned nice.
Seriously: thanks, everyone. You are all just lovely.
Alda, I found your blog when I was looking for news from Iceland. This was about 2 weeks ago and since then I’ve been reading old posts… Thank you for the news and nice posts.
Congratulations for your blog, I know it is not easy to keep one.
Take care and let’s hope for the best in Iceland. I’ll be back to Rvk in december and I never thought I would miss Iceland so much! It is an spectacular place with wonderful people!
Happy blog-a-versary. I’ve enjoyed your writing for some time – long enough to remember at least one hiatus, I think. Hopefully events of late won’t get you to down too far, but judging by everything you’ve written, you’ve got friends and family that will be the equal of whatever may come – and what really matters, if not that?
Ég dáist að þér fyrir öll þín skrif undanfarna daga og vikur. Ég er feginn að sumum er nógu heitt í hamsi til að láta í sér heyra. Miðað við sögurnar sem maður heyrir að utan virðist heldur ekki veita af að útlendingar fá smá innsýn í ástandið. Bestu kveðjur.
The value of a hug for, or from, one of your loved ones can never be overestimated…
Thanks again for writing.
From, one of the faithful.
Alda, happy 4th anniversary of IWR.
I can’t tell you how much I look forward to reading this blog with your insight into Iceland, a place I fell in love with way back in 1976. I can only echo all the wonderful things that have been said about you and your writing. Fantastic job, Alda.
I agree with what someone posted a while back and really think you have the skill to make what has happened into a book. Not only the past few weeks, but the entire transition of Iceland from the small, isolated fishing country to the substantial financial power it became, only to unwind in an unbelievably short time . Your book would be so good, I really can see it being made into a movie.
This is quite a story, and the ending is yet to be written, but I do believe things are going to start upward from here for the people of Iceland. It will be a long, difficult road, but Icelanders are up to the challenge.
All the best,
Don
I always enjoy reading your blog, whatever it is that you feel like writing about that day.
I feel I may have learned more about international finance from your blog than from the CBC or BBC radio news …
Keep up the good work!
Lisa
I have many relatives in Iceland but I read your blog to find out what is happening over there. You’re like a temperature gauge for the country or something like that. Your writing style is most enjoyable to read and I just like you! I don’t care what you write about, just please don’t give it up.
As for the politics and finance, you’re the human voice and point of view on the whole situation. I like to compare what you’re saying to what the media over here says to get a bit of perspective on what is going on. I’m finding too often that the media is a machine that feeds on panic and therefore tries to create more panic than is warranted. Given that the worlds banking systems are really based on little more than trust the media probably has more influence than I would like it to, that’s for sure. So thanks for giving us your point of view. It’s important.
Alda, I just think your writing is unique and wonderful. To paraphrase, I would be entertained if you Wrote the Icelandic phone book (like one says one could be honored to hear such and such great actor read the phone book).
No matter the subject, I enjoy your viewpoint and the words you choose to say it.
Thank you for sharing your words with us.
Ann
Oh Alda,
We love your blog when you’re doing the every day stuff too. It’s not frivolous – it’s real life. And letting us into your world brings us all closer together. I thank you very much for the information, but as everyone else has said, it’s your blog, and if you’ve had enough and want to stop, that’s OK too. You know, I even like comparing your weather with mine (in Canada) and my sister’s in Kansas. Take care and may things get better soon.
Hmmm, I remember just this last June (or July) and I had just started reading your blog. One day you asked if anyone was out there in the internet reading you. That was the day I quit lurking and said I would be in your country for almost 12 hours in early September. I have since made several comments on your blog; my comments for today are:
1) Congratulations on four years!!
2) I’ve gotten more from your pictures than I have from the Icelandic Chamber of Commerce (?)
3) I’m still reading your blog and enjoying it after my 12 hours in Iceland.
4) Personally, I’m ready for more about Polly and her nuts.
5) You gotta do what you gotta do and to He!! vwith everyone else – it’s your party! Best wishes for all in Iceland.
Happy anniversary Alda and wishing you many more if you choose to continue. I have been a silent reader of your lovely blog for the last six months or so. I have enjoyed all of your posts — from the bits and pieces of everyday life to the almost incomprehensible events of recent weeks. For some reason, I especially enjoyed the series of posts you wrote about your cell phone. Anyway, I do hope you decide to keep giving those of us from far away places a little window into Icelandic life. I have nothing but good thoughts for you and the Icelandic people (except, of course, for the ones who can blamed for this whole sorry mess).
Well, what can I add to all of the above?
I feel the same way as most commenters. Your blog is one of the two or three that I still read regularly, so I hope blogging hasn’t become too much of a burden. Do what is best for you–I know I don’t have to tell you that!
Alda,
I also am a silent reader, I’ve discover your blog this past January,while researching Iceland for a surprise trip for my daugher.She had done well in school and expressed an interest in Iceland due to her love of sigur ros and bjork. So, this past August we arrived in Iceland, what a lovely country..the people were so nice and helpful…my daugher was in heaven(headphones on listening to her bjork and sigur ros) and so was I, the people ,the landscape and the warmth of I will never forget…
Happy Anniv. , Alda
If i had one wish….I wish for you to continue….and continue with your day trip to Venice…all before the shit hit the fan…you see my husband and I also visited their for our 25th annv…and I would like to know what you did…..and if you also tripped when walking into the Church in St. Marks Squire
Did you put on your nice red nose for the journalists interviews too ??
Happy blogaversary from Belgium … !
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