I wasn’t sure whether to address this here, but I did get some comments about my disappearance from blogland (and thank you for noticing, and commenting! It was nice to be missed!)
So, here is the story in case it happens to anyone else…
If you didn’t notice, then for one awful day my blog was temporarily removed from online, and my account temporarily disabled. Although the word “temporary” was scarily not used… I was completely horrified when it happened. Losing my blog, and my profile; I felt like I had lost a part of myself. It was a very glum day!
I was given an option to send a message to google, which I did. Then sat tight and waited. Then my husband, who is a bit of a computer whiz, turned up and started working at it, which I implored him not to do (thinking he might only make things worse) We applied to change my password, which involves getting a link sent to your nominated email address, and here it was important to have that back-up email address there since I no longer had access to my google one, remember, my account had been disabled! A password reminder link was sent to my backup email, which could only be activated by a code sent to my mobile phone number, also entered into my original google profile (thank goodness I had filled all these options out) We managed to change my password, and at that moment the problem was fixed; I had access to my profile again and my blog was restored. Such a relief!
Even so, Craig and I are unsure whether google had received my message and acted on it really fast, at that very moment; or whether it was our changing the password that did the trick. Apparently, there was “unusual activity” on my account, possibly a hacker, which caused the automated shutdown, designed to protect my blog.
And, if that is the case I have a personal message for that hacker… if you are reading this, then CURL UP AND WITHER, SCUM! You need a life, mate, or at least a hobby, so go out and get your own and don’t try to poach on mine!!! (hairy eyeball, pointing the bone)
During my downtime I did some serious self-searching. Would I be happy without my blog? Should I just let it go? Should I start again? I have backed up my posts as web archives along the way, so I have all my old posts for my own reading should I ever lose it online for good. I started doing that about a year ago, and am glad I did so since this little scare… My blog has become more than just documentation of my self-made wardrobe, my sewing, knitting and handcrafting. It is an artistic journey too. It has sometimes taken on the mantle of a pseudo diary, particularly during those self-stitched months. Those months are interesting to me now, and will be more interesting to me to look back on in the future too, since those months of my life stand out from the months around them, with a clear jog-the-memory of what I was doing and thinking and my moods and so on. I want to keep that…
But, more than that, my blog has become something else that I hadn’t fully appreciated when I started it… I have become part of a real community of like-minded people! Would I ever want to give up those friendships? Well, naturally I would not! I’ve met such a lot of people by this medium that I could never have met nor got to know otherwise. I know most of us haven’t met up for real, but that doesn’t mean I feel any less of a kinship with many of you. Just like when I met Yoshimi and Novita and Darci, we had an immediate understanding and friendship, even though we were actually meeting for the first time. And I feel it would be the same with many many others with whom I exchange words of encouragement via our blogs and websites… sounds strange; but in an increasingly virtual world and a global community blessed with instant easy communication, we are making friends. A new modern form of friendship, but friends just the same. It would be awful to lose all that!
So, in short, I am very glad to be back, and I also take this opportunity to thank all of you who do read my blog, who comment, and who take an interest.
THANK YOU!
(A bouquet of flowers picked from my parent’s garden. It doesn’t get any more beautiful than this, imo)
That is so scary, Carolyn!
I can't understand why would someone do that? Hacking a sewing blog??
Anyway I'm so very glad that you got the blog back! I agree that the blog has become some kind of a journey, a part of our life and experiences. It would be heart-breaking to loose them all.
xoxo,
Novita
Welcome back, Carolyn!!!
I am SO happy that i wont have to do without your posts!
I just can not understand why someone would do that – this is truly awful. Glad you have your blog back though.
My husband reckons that it is unlikely I was "targeted", just that there are people who have random computer searches constantly on the go, trying to hack into accounts, in the hope of some gain. Even if there turns out to be absolutely nothing to gain, like from some trivial little ol' blog like mine… Thankfully google has protective measures in place.
How scary! Maybe I should enter that mobile number too, which I have refused so far, thinking Google only wants more information from me. Also, how did you back up your blogposts? I've never thought of doing this but perhaps I should.
Glad you are back!
Oh how awful! I too would feel completely lost without my sewing blog. Like something had been ripped from me. I'm so glad you were able to fix things so quickly both for your sake, and selfishly my own because I love reading your blog.
I must consider backing up my own blog as I have no backup. Something I had never considered before but you've made me realise I need to rectify this straight away.
Ooh, nasty. I'm glad it worked out though. I think I should go review what my Blogger protections are like now.
Those flowers are absolutely gorgeous; thanks for the photo. 🙂
Oh, how horrible. I would really miss your blog. I'm glad you could fix it.
I must look up how to back up my own blog, Mine has become important to me too.
Keep blogging Carolyn – I would miss you!
Your flowers are gorgeous – the only time my garden looks good is in thick snow.
Sorry to hear this happened to you and very glad you managed to sort it out. My husband is very techie and is often on at me to increase my google security. I think i might pay a bit more attention now!
I'm glad your problem is fixed… I did miss you but naturally at this time of year thought you were just "busy" with other stuff. It would be a shame to loose your detailed diary. I'm glad you are sorted now. Welcome back.
Scary! I'd be very upset if I lost all my posts. It's been fun to see how it has progressed. Glad to see all is back to normal. I'd also love to know how you backed up your posts as web archives.
Hi Carolyn, Mum and I were horrified when we tried to look up our favourite site, only to find it had been disabled. Glad you have got it back, we both love your postings.
Love Dad
Glad you are back – maybe it is just Google being Yahellish…
How do you back-up?
And stunning flowers.
I'm so glad that you were able to get back up! We like having you here!
WAKEUP CALL RECEIVED, loud and clear.
I did notice that you had gone quiet, but I thought it was because you were on vacation and had spotty internet. I had no idea…
But this terrifies me, too, which is maybe all the hacker wants to accomplish. I immediately went and configured my account with backup emails and 2-step verification. (I had already added the phone #.) I was woefully unprotected but I now feel much better.
THANK YOU.
And welcome back!!!!!
And now, off to back up my blog. 😀
Glad you're back
It is events like you describe that help us become aware of how important some things and people are! I trivialize my blog, but in reality, I would be very sad to lose it. My husband writes in Word, saves, and then transfers his posts to Blogger.
Thanks for the bouquet!
So glad we didn't loose you, those flowers are gorgeous!
glad you sorted it out. and I feel the same way – a community of blogging friends and the sewing pals I don't have locally – please continue writing. I so enjoy my morning blog reading and coffee and it would not be the same without Handmade by Carolyn !
I'll bet your parents' garden is a lovely sight, with all those rose bushes.
I'm glad you were able to rescue your blog.
I'm glad that you sorted out the mess, and that you decided to keep on blogging. I so enjoy your posts. You're an inspiration when my creative juices aren't flowing quite like they should.
I've been a bit absent from blogland lately too, but not because of this! Glad you managed to sort it out. And thanks for the reminder to review our security too. I've just passed my second blogoversary, and have been considering how much my blog means to me – a lot!!
Oh, that's terrible! I'd never considered backing up my blog, but you've definitely given me food for thought. Especially since I've already lost a couple of years' worth of photos on Facebook, and more recently my credit card number, to hackers. Jerks.
I'm glad everything is worked out, and that you're going to continue blogging! I always enjoy reading your posts, even if I don't always comment.
When I saw your blog was gone, my immediate response was sadness. Being a creature of habit, once the kids are despatched to school, part of my daily routine involves making a coffee and reading my favourite blogs, yours included. My second reaction was worry…maybe you had a stalker.
I am pleased you have it resolved. I will be changing my settings now too!
So glad you have sorted out the problem, and you have given all of us a wonderful reminder to add security to our blogs and back up. Of course I am interested as the others how you do blog web backups, I am definately not tech savy.
Your parents garden must be stunning, I love your flowers and agree they are gorgeous.
Sorry, bit late getting here; and a very occasionally commenter at that. Please don't consider stopping, I love your blog and the contact with another world (ie down under) it is very important (I can't classify why 'important' but there is something of the inspiration of your sewing and the news of the opposite of the UK).
Thanks muchly just for doing.
You must have felt sick to your stomach – I'm very glad that you're still blogging. Now I must make sure that all my info is backed up and that I still have access to my secondary account!
I would have been horrified to lose you! I look forward to your blog everyday.
An awful feeling to have, I'm sure … not being able to access your blog.
I really enjoy your posts, your photos and your amazing creativity, both for yourself and also your family.
So glad that your blog is safe and sound! 🙂
That sounds just awfull! I'm glas you're back though.
I've been a bit inconsistent with my blog reading lately, so I am happy I didn't notice that your blog was gone for a little bit. I would have definitely been concerned. What a scary thing to have happen, and I am really happy that it all got sorted out without too much difficulty! So glad you decided to continue on. Your blog is so full of inspiration!
This like the attack sites that kept crashing my computer. I would find them searching for things craft related. Like sewing patterns and supplies or knitting things.
Click on an innocent looking link and malware completely wiped me out. Twice.
Why on earth do code crackers set up attack sites for crafting people to be hurt by. What kind of sickos do that?
I have much better security on my box now.
But closer to home, when my gmail account got hacked, google did nothing. They never even responded to my requests for help. I had to do what you did and recover it myself. I have learned a lot about seriously strong passwords from that experience.
I am so glad you were victorious. Even though I don't post often, I do visit frequently. I would love sitting down to tea and chat with you. But since I am not wealthy and rarely travel, blog visits it is!
I went through the exact same thought process when my pictures disappeared off of my blog. I spent a lot of time reflecting and came to the same conclusion as you.
Hi Carolyn, I missed you. Glad you are back in virtual reality. See you at a party in Hollywood next time!