My blog has successfully received a bit of a makeover, thanks to Dan. After a few minutes of watching my frustration with trying to figure out how to get it to look the way I wanted or a least back to how I had it, he took over and had it done in a fraction of the time it would have taken me. That man, he knows and loves me so well; even the words he chose in designing the background describe perfectly what I want my blog/life to be about.
I have been doing some thinking (again) about my blog in the last few days and why I write here. I started this blog on a whim almost two years ago after having a different one since college. I never had any goal of getting lots of readers or anything because I wasn’t even sure that I would stick with it for very long. However, I have really, really enjoyed writing here over the last couple of years and to my surprise, if my stats (although I quit using the silly stat counter which I checked far too much for a few days) and comments are a true depiction, I have more readers all the time. And while I love the comments that so often make me feel encouraged, loved, affirmed, and useful, as well as the connection to many of the people whom I miss daily interaction with, I’m surprised because really I don’t often have anything new, wise, or innovative to share. I am often embarrassed at the grammar mistakes and poorly worded sentences that I quickly type and post (Yes, I do fix them if ever I reread.). Unless I use an image that Dan took, I don’t even have great pictures. Regularly I am too long winded for my own good.
I often feel very vulnerable because I am seeing the whole picture when I write; the beautiful, the hard, the happy, the ugly. I know who I am but those reading don’t see the whole picture and so get to form their own thoughts and opinions. But, I truly love this little space. I know that I likely would not write much at this stage in my life if I didn’t have this. I like looking back on the journey. I like that it gives me a chance to share things that I enjoy or care about. It makes my heart so happy to hear that I have encouraged some one through something I wrote. I feel like I am getting to teach when I post a tutorial. And really I also believe that I, like each person, has something of worth to share, to contribute.
Some people actually make a living with their blogs. I don’t think that I could or would want to do that. I couldn’t handle the pressure. But I am curious, if you would humor me. What is your favorite part about reading my blog? What is it that you most like to hear about? Is there something that you wish I would write about? And thanks for reading, thanks for sharing in my journey.
Part of me likes reading your blog because I know you (and your family) and it makes me happy to hear how you are doing, and part of me likes reading it because our children are of similar age and we have both chosen to stay home with our kids. It’s comforting to read the words of someone going through similar parenting struggles, the ups and downs, and just trying to do what is best for their family. I like your honesty and I like that you don’t hide the rough parts. I also like that the confidence in your parenting decisions is very clear.
Thanks for reading Sophie, you and your family are so special to me so I am honored that you read.
well. for one. I love reading your honesty. I love how you have said some things on your blog that I have never heard anyone else talk about. ex. experiences with ALL (4) of your babies…your challenges of figuring out about gluten free living…moving….I love your daily life stories and simply seeing how cute those sweeties are. I would like to hear more spiritual stuff….but that may be too personal and I am not sure how comfortable you feel putting that stuff out there. but your advent stuff was really awesome and I love hearing your traditions and beliefs and convictions on things.I like hearing about Nova Scotian living!!! I just like hearing about you!
You are sweet EB. You are right, I don’t tend to go deeply into spiritual partially because I wish to respect those who I know don’t share my beliefs (I wouldn’t force it on them face to face so I want to be careful not to here) and also because I do find many aspects of my walk of faith difficult to share in a public way.
Love the look. Love the content.I think I most appreciate the honesty; those glimpses into your days and heart that show vulnerability and strength and need, without encouraging me to justify or excuse my own. It’s a tough line and you do it well 🙂 I also always love any hands-on kiddo ideas.
(AND, I’m getting somewhere on my look/feel– yay!! I just need to figure out how to get rid of my left side bar catagories: they won’t budge!! I prefer the cloud and am finding the extra list annoying. So, hours and days later, I’m getting somewhere. Now to re-vision some actual content! 😉 )
Oh, and BTW, I’m being given a BlessingWay on Friday. Wish you could be here….
(and this has become an email. Sorry!)
So glad you are figuring out your blog:). I am happy for you that you are having a BlessingWay…wish I could join too.
I like to read your blog because I feel more connected with you, even though it is a pretty one way connection, as I rarely write back. In fact I usually just read it through my email, and never see the actual blog. I made a special cyber trip today to see the changes. I also love your pictures. I especially liked the tummy pictures =)
I got your card in the mail Dana and I am so glad that you take the time to read, cousin. I hope that we get to spend some time together face to face in the near future!
My favorite posts are the glimpses into your everyday life where you include photos, especially photos of your family on your beautiful property. I do appreciate reading about the hard times too, but it always just makes me wish I was there with you, not reading it from thousands of miles away.
practically, I always enjoy your recipes and tried out the ginger beef stir fry one recently.
Thank you Sades, believe me…sometimes I so wish that you were here too. I was just telling Dan how thankful I was/am for living so close last year. Miss you.
This isn’t much of a help but I like anything you choose to write about in your life. I’m one of those people who doesn’t enjoy recipes. living tips as much as everyday feelings and stories but I know I am in the minority. Just keep doing whatever you want to write about:) Different people will be talked to. I love the range you have on your blog:)
Oh I don’t think that you are in the minority…I love reading about everyday lives and stories…that is why I mostly only read blogs of friends. If I want a recipe or something, I will search for it so I do appreciate that they are out there…I know I have been so grateful as I have totally changed how I cook due to Aneliese’s needs.
Marissa,
I absolutely love the new look of your blog! And I missed the birth announcement in all the holiday frenzy. 🙂 CONGRATULATIONS on your sweet little girl. She’s beautiful.
Your blog is full of wonderful ideas, and I really appreciate your honesty as well. You’re a beautiful soul. 🙂
Thank you Melanie.Our girl really is sweet, we are all loving our new baby!
The openess, vulnerability, honesty within your writing draws my attention. I believe the smallest (online) communities are grown deeper that way. Small snippets of the whole picture and the variety offered are entirely eye catching. Beautiful heading on this blog too. Thank you for inviting us the friends (readers) along. I enjoy how the pictures also compliment you & yours in daily life.
Dear Alicia. Your gentle words are always so encouraging to me.
Hey Missy, I am a little slow on this but I just wanted to say that I love the simple everyday-ness of your blog posts, the good the bad and the ugly and the beautiful. 🙂 It is a blessing to read and I will miss you while you are on a break but hope you have such a wonderful, blessed time with your mom and sister.