Cape May Blog Shut Down

Cape May Blog Shut Down ?

It feels like this Cape May blog shut down for the month of September. It wasn’t, and the content was always there. September sucked. My last written blog post related to Cape May was actually in mid-August. Yes, there were a few photo essays. A technique used to prevent the dreaded Cape May blog shut down in totality. Many reasons or excuses contributed to the blogging slow down of September.

  1. Why did September suck?

Harvey happened at the end of August. Then Irma happened, then Maria. None of these storms had any direct impact on Cape May or my family. Irma and Maria did have a significant impact on many people I know in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The thought of losing my vacation destination, selfishly, played with my head. Not my Virgin Islands! Not twice.

I am infatuated  obsessed with the weather and the Caribbean. At the height of the storms,  Facebook pages like What’s going on St. Thomas, a loosely moderated version of the Cool Cape May Facebook group,  kept me informed of conditions in the region. News of St. John also kept curious onlookers informed as well.

One of our strongest housekeepers quit, quite unexpectedly in September. That sucked. It was also frustrating and made me angry. It spiked everyone’s workload after Labor Day, a time when Cape May is still busy. A time when temporary J-1 Visa workers start getting distracted with visions of travelling the United States before returning to eastern Europe.

  1. Second photography exhibit.

The Wednesday after Labor Day I was invited to hang my second and most successful photography exhibit at the Mad Batter restaurant on Jackson Street. Getting ready for this show felt like a chore. No adrenalin rush like last year’s inaugural exhibit. I had all winter to get ready for that show. A couple of well-timed, quiet evenings allowed me to  mat and frame pictures easing anxiety. Friends Ginny and Hugh provided moral support and helped hang the show.

“You have two empty hooks,” read the text message. September sucked a little less when after the first weekend of the show two pictures sold. Experience taught me to have images ready to restock.

Preventing Cape May Blog Shut Down

  1. Professional obligations.

The CookeCapeMay brand is visible on social media. Promoting other clients brands takes priority over my own. Last minute photojournalism assignments that included news articles also jump to the front of the list. Research has shown me almost every popular blog eventually writes a Why I haven’t blogged in a while post. Then there’s my day job, running the Victorian Motel which to use a bad cliché, trumps everything.

If you know me and have read this far, you already know I don’t sway with circumstances. Usually steadfast and typically patient, I did not mean this post  to sound whiny. Look for future posts about proactive attempts to help the people of St. Thomas and St. John. Look for attention grabbing posts from Puerto Rico Hurricane News, run by my friend Justin. Almost a month later and things really do suck in Puerto Rico. Cape May not so much.

 

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14 Comments

  1. Alan
    October 11, 2017 / 8:42 am

    Thanks for the update John. Is the Cape May Locals show still alive? The Podcast has not updated since July.

    • October 11, 2017 / 9:06 am

      Hi Alan, we are alive and well. Just updated two shows yesterday. Should be on Itunes today. Uploaded to sound cloud yesterday.

  2. Ben
    October 11, 2017 / 10:55 am

    I’ve enjoyed watching your posts on digital media. You’re a busy guy, John, and I think that’s great!

  3. Katie Fisher
    October 11, 2017 / 11:41 am

    Thanks for the update John! I look forward to your blog every month, it is my little taste of Cape May until will get back next year!
    All the best!
    Katie Fisher

    • October 11, 2017 / 12:06 pm

      Thanks for checking in Katie…It’s a pleasure to write and know it is enjoyed. Cheers!

    • October 11, 2017 / 5:17 pm

      Thanks Katie, appreciate the feed back.

  4. October 11, 2017 / 12:47 pm

    From you, John, even a blog about not blogging is an interesting read! Keep up the great work. Always great to peruse anything you write as well as to see your photos. I don’t know how you wear so many hats, all of them well. You define the ultimate in time management!

  5. Cynthia holder
    October 11, 2017 / 1:12 pm

    Hi John! Yes also
    Being a STT lover, I am very upset with what happened. I have been in touch with the woman we rent from in Peterborg and also close friend that
    Live in Mahogany Run. They are
    Both fine, our rental has damage and she is working on getting
    It back by December. We
    Asked what she needed, and she told us Home Depot gift cards, since
    They have one on the island. So we r in the process of doing that, and getting them to her. Such wonderful people there, that we see every year, and hoping they are doing better soon. I know U love it there also. Take care John

    • October 11, 2017 / 5:16 pm

      I hear you Cynthia, fortunately Joannie our host only lost decks and porch roofs. We are keeping our January 7th reservation at this point. Hopefully the Island recovers by the end of the year. They will need the business.

      • Cynthia Holder
        October 11, 2017 / 6:32 pm

        We are scheduled to
        Go February 27, 2018. We are also keeping our reservation. I believe you told me you stay over by Secret Harbor which I heard fared pretty well. Keep in touch

  6. Nancy Stober McCarthy
    October 16, 2017 / 3:31 pm

    HI John:
    Sorry you had a rough month in September, Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to all the victims of all the hurricanes. Thanks for spotlighting the issues in the Caribbean. Martin Guitar Mike and I cannot wait to be back with you (and Joy Yay) early in December.
    Have a good Fall,
    Best
    Nancy

    • October 18, 2017 / 9:35 am

      Thanks for commenting Nancy. Stuff happens. Look forward to seeing you next time.

      • Nancy Stober McCarthy
        October 18, 2017 / 11:20 am

        HI John:
        Yea it does and sometimes seems overwhelming. Focus on the good things.
        See you Dec, 3rd with Annie and Jeff.