Friday, November 26, 2010

Blogging Thoughts

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I began blogging to write, and write I have.

I am grateful for this wonderful forum ,

and consequently, I am grateful for anyone who takes the time to stop by and read.

I have taken some missteps along the way,

when I periodically worried more about what readers thought than what

I wanted to put on the page.

I read the blog suggestion lists that all said

‘don’t make it too personal’,

‘readers do not

want to read about real world problems’,

keep it light’,

find your niche.’

And to that I say

what I said to my students

many, many, many times

(with great love and affection):

“You have got to be kidding.

You’re smarter than that.”

And so because you are smarter than that,

I invite you to not worry about this world of blogging, as my complicated thinking

has so often invited me to do.

Because it is when I do this that I feel all

girdled up

and not very authentic.

My language becomes a little stilted,

and the only word I can think to say, because I lost touch with

my favorite, funky,

dice-throwing words,

is

amazing.

So …

Let’s do this.

We’ll do it together.

When you write whatever you think

or

whatever your creativity needs you

to write,

regardless of the number of followers or comments

your post idea garners or loses,

picture me,

sitting in my Ross Dress for Less caftan,

laptop in hand,

reading every single delightful word of yours,

smiling and laughing,

crying and nodding,

and thinking

you go girl’.

That is

AMAZING.

***

 

 

53 comments:

Donna said...

Great post, and good for all of us to remember.
Blogging is suppossed to be fun. :)

D

Anonymous said...

From your pen to my heart. Well said.

Deserae said...

I have been struggling with my blog lately for a lot of different reasons and this post is just what I needed to read! Thank you :o)
~Des

Cindy said...

Yes! I like it when you (and others who I follow) are REAL. I don't want to follow (or) read a shallow or unconnected person/blog. Keep it up! You're great!

Blondie's Journal said...

When my blog writing heads in the direction of people pleasing, I hit the brakes, I started for the same reasons as you did. I write randomly and that's about it. Just the simple and special things in my life that make me smile.

XO,
Jane

Chel's Leaving a Legacy said...

Oh good grief. This is the second post I've read like this tonight, and I haven't been on here in almost 6 months.

This is so where I am. I have stopped blogging because I didn't feel like I had anything worthy of reading about. What? Isn't this also supposed to be creative therapy for US too? The writer? Of course it is. And most of us would rather hear the real world problems just so we know we're not alone.

I'll tell you what I told the other blogger I read tonight that said basically the same thing: Carry on, girl. Carry on.
:-)

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Had those same exact thoughts when I posted my entry for today... and thought to myself,
"what the heck" I'll just hit the "PUBLISH POST" Button anyway.
Because...by golly! that is what I wanted to say.

Glad you posted this. It gives me inspiration.

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Wow...exactly what I needed to hear. :) I think I love you! LOL

Melissa Miller said...

You're awesome! Well said and so right. :)

joanne said...

seems you've really touched on something here tonight!
I admit it's hard not to get caught up in the comments and the number of followers but I must remember why I started this foray into blogging and choose my reasons for doing so.
I agree with you...amazing!

Sonny G said...

I'm very happy I came here to read this. Thank you for speaking your truth as it may help me to open up and speak mine.

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

I think many "seasoned" bloggers have learned to relax and let it be. When I first started blogging I worried about the content, the words, the followers, the comments.....all.

Now, I've learned to just be me and enjoy what I love.

Great post and very inspiring.

hugs
Sissie

Olive said...

You are swimming in a stream of creativity that is amazing Laura. Follow your heart not "them" whoever they are. I probably will never be "popular" as I break a lot of the rules but I do this for me and to have fun only.

Jo said...

Great posts ! Sometimes we get "lost"

Theresa said...

I love blogging and it has become my daily journal! Whatever I did the day before is what my blog is about! My family keeps up with what I am doing just by reading my blog! Some days are more exciting than others, but it just "is what it is":) Have a blessed day my friend! HUGS!

trash talk said...

L.B.,
I've said it before, but let me just say it again...I would have paid good money to have been one of your students. I know you would have been my favorite teacher...the one I would remember and quote all my life. When I write I break all the rules, both blogging and grammar! Do I worry...you betcha...until I read the one comment I'm hoping for...yours! For me, getting a comment from you is like getting my homework assignment back with a big ol' A+ written at the top...in red! I hope you realize you may have retired from the public school system, but you are still challenging, inspiring and teaching....don't ever stop!
Debbie
P.S. If you'd just give me daily writing assignments my life would be so much simpler.
P.P.S. I love caftans...especially garish ones!

sharron said...

This has been on my mind as of late as well. Who wrote the book on blogging and who says "they" are right!!
I've read everything from turning off your music..to ad's and how to edit this and that...bleh...these posts on how to usually turn me off to that blog!
It's like decorating your house or picking out and outfit..we do it for us and what makes us comfy at that moment..caftan indeed!!! :)
I go between offering TMI and being very bare on my blog!!!
Love this post girly!!!
You set the tone!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

And we're grateful for you and your words -- it's always a delight to read your posts.

NanaDiana said...

Laura- OMGosh-It's a good thing that I didn't read the rules of blogging before I started writing, I guess~ lol I would have been too intimidated to ..my blog is ALL personal (well except for my Magazine Mockery off-the-wall posts) I started my blog as kind of a personal journal for my kids/grandkids...and although I DON'T have a kazillion followers I feel very connected to the ones I do have.

Personally, I am delighted to meet the people that share their hearts and families with me on their blogs. If all I wanted was pictures of pretty rooms and ways to decorate I could see that in the pages of any magazine...although I do love those blogs too...but the heart of blogging comes back to that-just that- the HEART IN blogging.

Ps...What color is the caftan? And, just so I can picture you better in it, are there any coffee or grease stains down the front? If so..than I shall feel REALLY connected! Hugsxxoo Diana

Libby said...

Laura, a very insightful post. Our blogs are to be our views, our world and our life. Very unique and unlike anyone else. Before I started my blog, I asked the question, "Does the world really need another blog?" To that, my answer was yes, because the world needed me.

Interesting enough, the times that I leave a comment is when something has moved me or inspired me. The writer has touched me in a way that I wanted to respond. Thanks for reminding us that everyone here is looking for connections and friendships. No one wishes to simply read an encyclopedia on some given subject. All the best, Libby

Claudia said...

Great advice. I write from the heart. Can't do it any other way. Those who like my style will read my posts and those who don't will move on.

I love writing and that is why I started my blog. And I intend to keep on writing!

xo
Claudia

Deb said...

this is why I love your blog Laura...you are real....I enjoy doing my blog and I have several people who regulary comment and I enjoy hearing from them....I might have over a 100 followers...but I have the regulars I can count on....and that makes me feel good...

Marigene said...

What a nice, from the heart, post, Laura!

Kim said...

Very sweet Laura, and very well said. I remember when you first started blogging and you asked for some advice. You sure didn't need it. I've enjoyed your blog so much and I'm so happy to have met you.
xoxo,
Kim

Erin said...

Greater words have never been spoken... That should be in the Blogging for Beginners handbook! Hugs to you Laura!(By the way, will you kindly stop over and check out my chicken wire basket, many thanks are owed to you for the one!)

Anonymous said...

Took me a while to get there Laura...but I'm with you. Looking at beautiful things is good for the soul but life is messier than that most of the time. Reading true life stories makes us a family...who can identify with perfection. I say, keep the pictures pretty and the words real! Have a wonderful Christmas season, Patty

Loui♥ said...

Dearest Laura..
well stated!
that is why I love visiting with you..
you are for real..
you make me feel as tho I'm sitting across the table, having a cup, and sharing the day as two friends can do..
the ups..
downs..
and all the in-betweens..
laughter..
tears..
smiles and frowns..
we share them all!
thanks for including..
and allowing me into your world!!
warmest sandy hugs!!
Loui♥

erin's art and gardens said...

i needed to hear this...so well put! thank you.
erin

Unknown said...

"...keep it light..." who wants 'light'. I want something with teeth, to make me think.
You Go Girl!

deb mills said...

if the value of my blog is to be determined by the number of readers and followers, i would have quit a long time ago...i don't have many. but i don't do it for that, i do it for me. i consider it my online scrapbook, and i love doing it.
i read your blog every day and love your way of saying things. all i can say to your post is "amen!"

Tammy @BeatriceBanks said...

Wisdom spoken. Couldn't agree more! I recently reinvented my blog out of necessity. My old blog title "A Doctor in the House," was misleading for people looking for med advice,etc. So in some cases, it's nice to be respectful of the audience. I'm glad to hear you discredit that old blogging advice. I never believed it based on the blogs I love to read, yours being one of them.
You are welcome to come follow me at my new place-
www.beatricebanks.blogspot.com
Have a great weekend!

Jacqueline said...

I loved reading about everyone stepping in and helping with Thanksgiving dinner. It is wonderful to know that others care and can help out and we can let go "a little".

I agree, sometimes I worry too much about blogging and then go, I can do whatever I want, this is my blog and no one is paying me, so no one has any say! You go girl!

One last note of Thanksgiving, a big thank you that your tests were clear!!! That's the best holiday news ever.

Elizabethd said...

Well said, thank you!

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Amen! I blog for myself. If people want to come along for the ride, I'm thrilled, but I can't promise to always be proper. (hehe)

Entertaining Women said...

I would have to say that if we gaze back over the centuries at the great, memorable authors, I seriously doubt that they ever worried about what other people thought. I agree...mix it up and let the readers fall where they may! Thanks for sharing your perspective. Cherry Kay

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Hi Laura, You go, girl. Bet your students LOVED your class. I'm a retired teacher, too, so I know an awesome one when I see one. Love your blog. Linda

CHERI said...

Laura, this was a lovely post. I don't really know you but I can tell you are one of those truly genuine people...and those are hard to come by. I used to worry about my blog not coming up to par with so many wonderful ones out there but I took some good advice from others (like this advice of yours) that said just be myself. I can't be anyone else...I can't keep up with all the Joneses...my writing isn't as creative & interesting as some...but it's my blog and I enjoy doing it and if someone doesn't like it they don't have to read it. Of course, I appreciate so much all those that do but I'm sure my blog isn't for everyone. Anyway...thank you for reminding me of some important thoughts. You are super!

Sarah said...

Bravo! Laura, this is just why I keep popping into see you. Love your way with words and honest, but creative approach. Thanks for sharing with us.
~ Sarah

Karen said...

Laura, I can't say any more than anyone else has already stated. We feel the same way you do about blogging. We all have our little quirks too that... well.. if you want to read our blogs then you just have to take that with it. (Mine is probably the music! tee-hee) So, let's just keep on keppin' on...
Karen
Ladybug Creek

Tamra said...

"Caftan", now there's a word I haven't heard in YEARS!

Fantastic post

Unknown said...

Well said, Thank you for your kind words on my blog but more importantly, thank you for the kind words on your blog....

Blogging for me is my passion... I love it but sometimes get off track. Your words will bring me back.

Cynthia

Pondside said...

Very well said - it sounds like this is something we all struggle with in one way or another. Some bloggers seem to have found a 'niche' and while I enjoy reading those posts from time to time, I find I am more drawn to those that vary - the ones that are a bit unpredictable. For me, it's not always about great writing, good photos or some fabulous cooking/decorating....it's what's real in any of these. When it becomes formularic (is that a word??) I don't find myself reading anymore.

LPC said...

Thank you Lisa. Something particularly nice to hear today.

Sharlotte said...

What a great post! I love your words and thoughts! Thank you for being honest and true ~ very inspirational for us all.
Sharlotte

C. Earl Mahan said...

Indeed. Thanks, friend. Love and prayers for you and John.

peace +
earl

I Do Declare said...

I would have liked to have been one of your students, too! "Girlded up" - that's a phrase I'll surely borrow.... I hope your Thanksgiving brought the start of a wonderful holiday season!

Kitty said...

Wow! Wonderful words!! I will be back :)

Tanna said...

Wow. Now, that's some food for thought. You know when I first started blogging it was a way to keep in touch with my daughter who had moved 1200 miles away. Then there were the comments from total strangers... that touched my heart and made me smile... a few followers came along. Sometimes, I would just freeze because it would really sink in that my life was out there for just anyone to come along and read... or criticize... and, that some of the things I would really like to say could hurt some peoples' feelings... some family or friends or persons met through blogging... I don't know how you find that fine line between authentic and kind. I don't guess I have ever thought to read a "how to" on blogging...

I do know I don't have a niche. I know I enjoy with all my heart the "friendships" that have been born and nurtured though blogging. I appreciate and admire your post here, Laura, and I hope you find that perfect balance of authentic and connected... Seems to me you are already on to it. Blessings, girl!

Tanna said...

Ooops... I see some typos and errors! Sorry! The fingers were just a flyin'!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Amen! Thank you for posting this. I wrote a post a while back about the "self appointed blog critics" and ended up not posting. I still have all my notes and was thinking recently I may rewrite it again.
Hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving.
Have a great week.

Lisa said...

Leave it to you, Sweet Laura, to speak to our hearts. What a blessing you are.:)

Lisa ~Suburban Retreat~ said...

It's your 'personal words' that keep me coming back for more!

Bliss said...

Yes you did say it all in this post long before yesterdays post. And it must be an age thing because I too decided before I really started writing any posts, that I'll say whatever I want! And probably never use the A word, because that word packs a lot of punch and being the humble gal I am it's reserved for stuff that really is... amazing!

~Bliss~

 

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