My Playlist
1 hour ago
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Keeping it Real...
It has always been my intention for this blog to be a fun and inspiring place..so much so that I have a tag line on my header that I think reflects the typical content of my blog, "Lifestyle, Inspiration and All Things Lovely" I love sharing things that I find beautiful and inspiring as well as fabulous repurposing projects, who knew there were a 101 things to make out of toilet paper rolls?
For the last several weeks I've been feeling guilty because I haven't posted much and I haven't made my blog visits and commented like I typically do. Why do I feel so guilty? It's not a job and there are no rules when it comes to blogging...right? With that said, I do feel that there should be blog manners, I won't bore you with what I feel is appropriate but I guess it would be the same as good old-fashioned manners.
Yesterday, I finally got around to visiting with some of my blog pals and I was reading my lovely pal Julies' blog Idyllhours and she mentioned a post written by Alice from Thoughts from Alice W. Seems I'm not the only one that feels like this! I'll be the first to admit that I have many syndromes such as "Easily Distracted Syndrome", "I Can Do It All Syndrome", "I Can't Say No Syndrome" as well as few others.
When I started my blog 6 months ago it opened this whole new world to me and exposed me to so many wonderful and talented women and kicked my desire to own my own business again into full gear. As Alice pointed out in her post, some fellow bloggers seem to have the perfect life. I too have visited bloggers who post photos of their perfect homes, their perfect craft projects and their 5 perfect kids. Oh, and she also lives on a farm with 22 animals and volunteers for various charities just for fun!
Their posts are always positive and upbeat and cover subjects like "Our beautiful vacation overseas", "Susie made the cheerleading squad" and "Look, I crocheted a cape last night while watching TV!" I mean no disrespect to any one and if this really is your life...PLEASE write a book on how you do it...it will definitely be a best seller and then you can add "Millionaire" to your list!
I work full time outside of my home and spend two hours a day commuting. Do you know what I could do with those two hours everyday? I could keep a better home, I could get my ample ass on the treadmill and I could blog hop! Hey, I just got an idea..."Crafting for Commuters"...how fabulous would it be to craft something incredible while sitting in traffic?!
In addition to my job and commute I try and keep up a house, be what I should to my wonderful man and I'm working hard to launch a business, as you can see it doesn't leave a whole lot of time at the end of the day.
This brings me to another point that Alice brought up, why do some bloggers get 90 comments and some get just 1 or 2? There are some mega bloggers out there that make a great income blogging...huh? Where do I sign up? Heather Armstrong of Dooce receives several hundred comments on each of her posts and now has a store on her blog where you can buy Dooce t-shirts and calendars. No disrespect to Heather but I have visited several bloggers who are so witty and entertaining and I honestly feel their blogs are equal to hers. Let's have a cocktail comes to mind, if you've never been there...run, don't walk! So what is it? Is there a blog fairy that smiles on some?
So, right about know you may be wondering...what's your point Karyn? Well, I guess I'm trying to get a little frustration off my chest and rid myself of my "bad blogger" guilt and apologize for my bad blog manners. I've been blessed with some wonderful regular readers. I've also been blessed with several new visitors and followers over the last several weeks and I feel that if someone takes the time to visit with you and comment, the proper thing to do is visit with them, I haven't been doing such a fabulous job with that lately.
Yes, I could stop blogging today and that would free up a little time for me, but that's simply not an option for me. Aside from being one of the very few things that I do just for me, blogging has brought some really wonderful women into my life that I am incredibly grateful for. I don't want to imply that it's about how many comments or followers I can get, although it's nice to see a comment...what the REAL joy for me is the connections I've made with so many amazing women and the constant source of inspiration I get from all of you. I truly adore each and every one of you!! I guess I just need to know my limits and I can only do what I can do.
I'm just keeping it real, maybe you're feeling the same why I am...just know, you are not alone sweet friend!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
71 comments:
what a great post...there is simply not enough time in the day...i don't think that those people are perfect, i think the just write about the perfect things, maybe as an escape from the bad. i love your blog and your honesty, keep it up!!! on another note...two hour commute...aggghhhh
Hey, don't worry about these things! Just do what you can in the time you have available and enjoy it! Your blog is great, so just relax. ;-)
Its supposed to be fun!!!
Have a lovely day xo
I think we have about covered it sweetie! I was so bummed out and depressed over my eye and that made me depressed over my blog, and yada, yada, yada, and then I read my sweet friend Alice's post and she hit the nail on the head! I love SINCERE bloggers who's greatest accomplishment is not that their dinner party for 100 people was a success... I love to see the ones who admit they burned the tv dinners but they love each other anyway... (no offense to those who have dinner parties for 100 guests!)... I love what we talked about before, how the Native Americans don't make anything "perfect"... your post is great... I LOVE that little girl!!! That looks really says it all!!! Love to you! xoxo Julie Marie
What a really interesting post. I know it wasn't meant to be funny, but I found some of it hilarious..para 5, a classic honey.
Hey we can only do what we can do right, try not to worry. Just post what you want and visit blogs when you can.
love ya babe,
xoxo
never feel guilty about your blog - it's there for you and no one else! the people who love what you do will keep coming back (me) whether you post every day or every month!
no one is as perfect as their public face would lead you to believe!
ps - i never knew anyone made money at blogging, i just do it for fun!
pps - those people thatget 100's of comments probably don't reply to everyone :D
You touched on something that I've been thinking about for a while now. I've had my blog going since July and only have about 130 followers so I totally understand wanting to be sprinkled with some blog fairy dust. I also find myself feeling guilty when I don't post or comment as if it's my job, which it's not. All good things to discuss and get out in the open.
People like to escape from their stresses....I blog for fun..it's my virtual scrapbook, it's my getaway. I'm happy that people read it and some comment, but I don't take offense if I don't get alot of comments. It takes me away from my daily stresses of life and boy have I had some in recent years - 2 best friends died of cancer, my father murdered and a capital punishment trial coming up for a serial killer that I will most likely attend....I like to keep my blog mainly positive, as that is how I like to live my life...but believe me, not one of us has a perfect live and if anyone tells you that - they are lying...haha....Have fun with it and never feel guilty - it's for you! XXOO
Dear Karyn, I read that same post. I KNOW where you're coming from and I know how you feel!! And girl, this is your blog and we follow you b/c we love how REAL you are and your blog reflects that!! I am so thankful that I "met" you!!
You blog and visit other blogs when you have the time. We'll be here!
Big ((HUG)) girlfriend!
Marsha
Hi Karyn, Love this post but mainly I am happy you are back..I was worried about you. I'm glad you are ok!! I didn't even know what a blog was when I started, It was just a way for me to update my old website so my clients could view my portfolio for my business (party planning/design) then all of a sudden I started to get a couple comments and then I ended up meeting some of the sweetest women that have really enhanced my life. I think of my blog as 'the little engine that could'..I only have a few followers but I care about each and every one of them. From a business point of view it is wonderful for all my local east coast clients but personally I have come to learn so much about so many amazing woman. I'll never be one of the big time bloggers out there but I actually like it that way..I have three kids, no help and a job there are only so many hours in the day!!! Keep being you, you are truly one of the most amazing women I know. (and remember No one's life is perfect..as a cancer survivor I am reminded of this everyday I look in the mirror and see that scar across my neck).
xx
Bunny
ps, I see some of the richest woman on a daily basis ( many of them my clients) that have everything one could imagine and they are miserable,nasty, bored and unfulfilled. I still have all the same friends I met in kindergarten, they are amazing and loving women.
I agree 100% with everything you said, Karyn! Blogging should be a fun, creative outlet to express yourself, and while there are certain (unspoken) codes of etiquette, blogging isn't a job (for most of us anyway!) and sometimes does have to take a backburner to other priorities (like family, job, etc.). Don't feel bad for that. I'm just glad that you're not giving up blogging! ;)
Hi Karyn! When I saw that picture, I thought, "Uh-oh." And after reading your post, I SO think that is a PERFECT pic! I often wonder how women, especially on crafter blogs, get it all done. I have no idea. I've read that they cut things out at their kidlets' games or while they're sitting in the car to pick them up. I know I can multi-task, but I don't multi-task, or even motivate, like that. I tend to be more positive on my blog because its nice to remember that I was once a full time optimist! Hubby even told me that was one of the things he fell in love with me for. But, I have my ups and my downs, like anyone else. As for your commenting, really you shouldn't have any blogger guilt! I am always excited to see that you've stopped by and when you do, one of the wonderful things is that you have a bit of a conversation in your comments. While "nice job" or "isn't that great" are nice, meeting people all over the world and finding the ones that you have a connection with is part of what has made blogging special for me. If you can't show up for all posts everywhere...well, then, I just assume you have work (unfortunately, a two hour commute), Your 'Italien', friends, family, fun, a meal, a shower, a walk, a bill to pay, an errand to run, aka other things going on in your life! :> And that's okay. I love it when I get to come visit you here, in your online home. But, I admit, I don't make it to all of your great posts. And its simply time. Or my kidlets have had an exceptionally loud day and I cannot cope with much more than some veg time and bed!! lol :>
In other words......you have a fun, fantastic blog.....you are charming, personable, and enjoyable here and in your visits, and I understand that you have a life outside of blogging as well! :>
(((HUGS))),
Karen
Hi Karyn...first of all Keepin it reals little face is priceless!!! How expressive. Interesting post. Your blog is your blog...Your unique and that's why I like you...You say what you think and your a little out there with the Italian and all...I LOVE YOUR BLOG! Numbers are not an issue with me I guess...I have noticed a huge difference in blogs...there are the MeMe blogs, one blog dictating what all the following blogs will post on a given day, ( now that I'm over 50 I rebel at someone telling me what and when to do something!!!Ha) so I don't do well with that. Maybe I'm just Not a good follower. There are some fabulous cooking blogs...artfully done, great photography. I've found some interesting decorating blogs...inspiring, not just posting pages out of a magazine, no creativity there. I guess what I'm trying to say is the blogs that I really feed off of and come away inspired by are not the Mega number blogs... I think the whole "Followers" option has begun a numbers frenzy. There seems to be a lot of effort given to gimmicks which are ultimately supposed to boost your numbers"...everyday there seems to be another new MeMe of some kind or a Giveaway to entice you to leave a comment or follow or post it on your blog. You just have to decide what your blog is going to be about and the hopes you have for it...I love it here, my vote is DON"T CHANGE A THING...Post what you want, when you want and do some drive bys when you want and have the time... THERE! pretty wordy even for me! Ha! xoxo~Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings...
I don't know how you do it...if I were you I just wouldn't have the energy to blog too! My daughter works and is so tired when she gets home and then it's like..well, I've got to go jogging....
I think you have a great blog and I liked you immedietly...So..don't worry..just do your thing..friends will stick non friends won't. For myself...perfect bloggers bore me to death! :D
I love this post! I know exactly what you mean about feeling guilty and such when you are away for a while. Don't worry though- that is the beauty about the blogging world! No matter how long you are away, or how busy you get, it is always here to welcome you with open arms! Have a great night love XOXO
Great post.
I can't be one of the perfect bloggers. It would be a horrible lie that I know I couldn't sustain.
Good for you for keeping it real!
How you do it I never know- you amaze me and think like me so so much. I haven't come to understand this whole blog thing- how some people have a zillion followers and comments. I feel like, in my real life I have gathered a small circle of wonderful people to give myself to. I don't have as much time to visit a lot of posts so I just visit the ones I adore and they visit me. I say what I need to and I feel loved. I tell the truth-my truth and am loved in spite of that. So refreshing and not something I experience in my other world . So I hope to meet more wonderful friends like you but I am also content if I don't.
I adore you and am grateful more than I can say for your friendship.
You are my true heart sister-Love You.
Laurel
ps- I am so over dooce. ack.
Hi Karyn,
What a sweet little girl in your picture.
You have a wonderful blog, you are a lovely Lady and from the first time I visited you, have loved coming to visit and see what you have to share.
Blogging should be fun and no pressure.
I know how much time goes into keeping a blog and there are often not enough hours in a day. Life does get busy, especially at this time of the year. Just post and visit when you can, we understand.
thanks for your friendship.
Hugs
Carolyn
Dear friend,
As someone who is new to the blogging world I want to say thank you... you were my very first comment and it absolutely made my day. I will be your fan for life...I agree with what Bunny said. I have 2 followers! But I am so excited about those 2!! I'm so proud of my little blog. Although mostly for myself, to know that I've impacted someone's life even in the smallest way makes me happy...I know I will never be one of those clever bloggers that have 200 comments and I'm thankful for that b/c I know that would be something I couldn't handle. So just relax, my dear. Enjoy the journey. :)
oh dear friend! I so agree with you and have pondered these things many a time. I was just thinking about my work space today and envy-ing all the spectacular and organized work spaces that i have seen on womens blogs and thinking how funny it would be if they took a picture of my desk right now! Oh how funny! I so enjoy you!
xoxo
kara
ps i am right there with you, working full time and trying to do all the things I should be doing for business? come on!
OH~ how glad to know I am not the only one out there that doesn't live the perfect life! I love my life, but it certainly keeps me on my toes. And I do so love to browse your pictures and read your posts. It's what I want my blog to be when it grows up!
Kate
I love this post..........now I'm off to knit a scarf while making homemade bread with the wheat from my garden.... :)
Ha ha, I love reading your post, I was wondering the same thing, how do some people get so many comments?
I try hard to make interesting post, like you, I feel the same, who are these bloggers who shop everyday and live in mansions and fly to Paris for the day?
I feel guilty cause I post pictures of things I made last year and I am still working on my giveaways from July....
All of the above comments are so true, I enjoyed reading them!
I love your blog and the posts that you write!
(besides you have the Italian, you rock!!!)
Hugs,
Margaret B
wow... You hit the nail on the head, you are a authentic writer.. exactly what a lot of us are feeling.. well me and YOU anyway. Love it. thanks for justifying what I've been feeling!
Karyn, first, I have to say I love that photo! LOL It's perfect for this post.
And second, I LOVE your blog! You always have something clever and interesting to read or look at.
If there is someone expecting you to do it all, well, that's their problem.
There is so much expected of women. Working, taking care of family and home, etc. etc. If there is someone out there who says she can do it all, I guarantee, she's lying...or has a maid...or a closet full of dirty laundry.
We (women) need to support each other and keep it real.
I do not have a job outside my home, my children are all grown, and I still can't get everything done. I admire you women who have so much to do, and honestly, don't know how you do it.
Your blog is great, don't change a thing.
Hugs, Debi
This blogging stuff is hard work, huh? Keep it up though, love reading your posts...
Bravo my love... BRAVO! I could not have said it any better. I too scratch my head sometimes and think huh... why them, then I remeber it's ok I am way to busy to be married to my computer to blog all stinkin day. I don't know if you have ever noticed that some do a few post a day a lot. Do you know how much time it takes to look all this up and right click and copy and paste... carry your camera everywhere whew it tires me out just thinkin about it :) I love blogging and I love all the 44 followers I have and the 0 or 15 comments I get. I just say and think and dream someday I will be the blogging QUEEN (lmao)
Anyhoot, my Sweet Emily was diagnosed with a mild case of SWINE :( so please pray for my baby girl.
Karyn I think you are GREAT, WITTY, TRUTHFUL, FUN and SASSY don't change othing :)
Smiles,
Sheila
hmmmmmmm, i never know what to say in response to this kind of post...but here is my two cents: i think that if you are here blogging and comparing yourself to others...worried that someone else is living a life more perfect than yours, or they get more comments than you...you are not going to be happy...i blog for myself...because i want to share what i am doing...or things i found that no one in my real life would "get" or appreciate...if someone wants to comment, that is fine...if not, that is fine too...i do try to visit anyone who visits me as a courtesy, and to be nice...i don't always have time, because i have a lot of blogs in my reader, but i do make that effort...i think if you do that, you have more people who will visit you and comment...
oh, and when i say "you" i don't mean you personally Karyn...that is the broad "you" referring to any blogger...i do see you out there visiting a lot of the girls i also visit...
Well said!! I am standing on my chair, giving you a standing ovation. No, not really, just multiy tasking, daughter on lap (with a boney butt, I might aid), eating breakfast, typing to you and planning my work day!!!
So girl, I hear ya out loud!!!
Seriously, thank you for being your self and Keeping It Real!!!
Cindi
Oh my...I can so relate to this and NO...I do not have the perfect life...I do tend to share the happier moments.....because I know when I read a Blog and it is negative and sad...that makes me not really want to go back!!! I can watch the news and read the paper...to be sad!!! I always wondeder how these ladies have tons of comments...but then....hey I am here to share with wonderful friends.....including you!!!!! I adore your Blog and you do not have to entertain us.....Take care of things in your LIFE that are important and we will always be here to give you {{{{Hugs}}}}!!!! Keeping It Real is Important!!!! "-)
See what real is...I did not check my spelling and now I look like a real dummy!!!! Excuse the errors....for I am Human and TIRED!!!! :-)))))
Yeah, I've been cutting back on the blogging and hopping myself lately. lol In my experience, if you want a popular/well known blog you have to hit the cyber pavement and work it girl! lol Having a successful blog is a lot of work and takes a LOT of time! lol
That being said, it shouldn't feel like work and I always slow down when it starts to feel like that. THAT being said, life is life and we'll always be here when you do have time to visit with us for a while. Starting a new business while balancing home and work plus keeping your sanity is much more important that making sure people get comments back. Release that guilt girlfriend, we'll be here when you get back!
((hugs))
Karyn
Oh how well I know those "perfect" girls! Hubby makes a bundle and all they do is shop till they drop and decorate till not a corner is bare. Personally, tell me your sick of the comute, hubby is pms's and you have days you don't want to answer to the call of Mom. When I here I only want my blog a happy place, know what I think? Somebody is lying! If you have to brag of your so called "perfect life" and only want to write "happy" thoughts, must be your escape from a real life you don't confess to. With that said, be you with not perfect days and great ones to, but being you. I have lost a bunch of readers in the past year to a gossiping and lying "B" and due to my honesty about life and mine in particular. Oh well, that is life, seriously. So for all of us NORMAL girls, my motto is "EVER ONWARD!" Thanks for talking for many of us! Lori
Karyn,
I don't have a blog, but I absolutely love visiting them and yours is one of the first I check daily! Your life is a busy and productive one. I especially enjoy how you keep it real. None of us have "perfect" and who wants it?! As I see it, if I demand perfection, I have to be perfection and God knows I am NOT!
Please keep posting when able. Know your "audience" loves you for you.
Hugs!
You can only do what you can - that is the essence of it for all of us. We all have busy lives with many responsibilities. Blogging should be fun and rewarding. Period. Don't feel guilty for one moment!
oh karyn...you make me laugh. sometime i don't get any comments on my blog at all and it takes me over an hour to post!! lol. my home is never perfect. i neglect my children sometimes just to blog. i tell them 'go eat ice cream and gummy bears for dinner already'. my couch always has chocolate stains and frozen blueberry stains on it. i rarely brush my daughter's hair. i sometimes don't wash the clothes i find at thrift shops. i let my son graffiti on his computer desk and play too many mario video games. i cook stuff from the freezer and I DON'T WORK, so what is that about?
after my husband's 6th deployment, i thought working might be a bad idea, so we drive old cars, buy second hand furniture, and shop thrift. there i days i wish i could go to work to escape the frustration of staying at home. i feel like a total second class citizen because i DON'T work and i don't volunteer either. i chase a 3 year old around all day and eat WAY too much bad food and i don't exercise either....so i'm with you....it is what it is and i don't care what people think anymore. i'm too old to care and i don't have the energy. lol.
you are awesome and your blog inspires me all the time!!!! you do what you can and you post when you can and we will all be here to read it!!!!!
take care and start knitting during those long red lights....
s
Comments are a puzzle all right. What you want to concentrate on is what YOU like and what YOU have fun doing. No need for guilt!
I do know that it takes a lot of work to get comments- you have to be working the street..going to other blogs and making comments. I'ts time consuming- and most of us just don't have time. You don't want to make this you life, do you? Then keep up what you're doing- you have lots of friends out here.
LOL Girl - I LOVE this post!!! I am riddled with "blog guilt" day in and day out! Then, I will read the perfect life stories, see the perfect pictures - comment on blogs when I have a few extra minutes and I go home and look around and wonder: "what have I done wrong?"? My house is a mess, my sewing room is a mess - my life in general is a huge combination of insanity...there are a million things to be done and yet, they don't get done!!! HOW do some of these women do it? I WOULD PAY TO KNOW THEIR SECRET!!! In the meantime, I'll just keep scratching my head and plod along...but know this! You are so wonderful - keep on keepin' on, you are doing a beautiful job and I adore you - for all that you are - comments or no comments, updates or no updates, craziness and insanity - you rock.
xoxo
Robelyn
Your blog is wonderful! I just stopped by today clicking thumbnails & I am so happy! What fun! & when you are away...that just means you are out having fun! Don't worry & just inspire us when you can! :)
KARYN, this is one of the BEST posts I have ever read, my gosh, I have thought about this in the past and I could not agree more! I blog without obligation, otherwise, I would get burned out! I love your blog, it is perfect!
Love ya,
Amy
I am one of your recent followers. So first I want to say Hello!! I also want to comment on how lovely your site is....and finally I want to add a comment about today's blog.....but I can't come up with anything different than what all the other good comments said. I just started blogging. For years, friends would say that I should write decorating articles because they were always amazed at what I would dream up. I thought blogging would be easy and it isn't. Of course I can't find or don't have the "before" pictures for some of my best trash turned to treasures pieces that I would write about so I am now careful to take pictures of everything just in case. It could be time consuming and yes I work full time and somehow have to clean my big house full of lawn sale finds. (Doesn't matter where you get your pieces, they all dust the same.) Your right about being excited having followers, I have 3 and am so pleased to be sharing with them. But more importantly, even if no one was reading my blog, it makes me feel good to just do it.....and that is what matters most. I may be starting off slow, but just wait till you see how I do Christmas!
Amen, sister! I agree with all you said. I, too, have been super busy lately and I don't even have the 2 hour commute daily. Life does tend to get in the way of things I'd really like to do sometimes. But, in spite of that, I am blessed to be able to work at home, have my own business and work far more than if I had a 'real' job outside of my house! Wouldn't have it any other way.
I am also blessed to have 'met' you and am grateful for you in my life!
Oh my goodness Karyn....this post is wonderful today! You are so right no one has the perfect life...as I sit here feeling like a train has hit me and getting more depressed by the day as this darn flu bug has decided to make itself at home forever. I love to blog and I love the creativity of it all and meeting so many lovely people. I really stay away from the blogs that are all about "me" type blogs...I only visit blogs that make me happy. I do love seeing everyones beautiful homes and amazing creative ideas {I have saved oodles of $$$ in magazines} I love blogs like yours which keep things real..I feel so blessed to have found you my friend. None of our worlds are perfect...we all need each other to lean on and I have found some amazing women to do just that! I do know that blogging takes so much of my time too...I would love to find someway to get paid for doing it...I never even thought of that! Not going to happen. Anyways I could blab all day because those flu bugs drugs are taking over. What I really want to say is that I love you my dear and you have been an amazing new friend...do what you can when you can and above all make yourself happy. You come first{and your family}! I will always be here for you..
Hi Karyn,
I really like your post. You put into words many thoughts that I have about blogging. Sometimes blogging feels not worth it and don't know why I do it. But I do. I enjoy reading about other women are doing and how they are living. I so enjoy the women I read regularly and feel like they are friends. I am inspired and encouraged by them. Maybe in some small way I do the same for them. I too, want to be positive and hopeful in my blog because I want to keep trying to be grateful for my life but I wonder if it comes across as candy-coated. I want to be authentic in sharing who I am, but am I brave enough to do so? I am not sure. I agree that there is only so much time n the day. Blogging is a part of my life. I do it when I can/want to/ feel like it/ and when I am relaxed. If I feel that guilt then I know my intention for blogging is in the wrong place.
I have no idea how people earn money from their blog of get so many comments, but I would love to know! I try not to focus on numbers and just try to do what my heart tells me to post and trust that it is all a part of God's big plan.
Thank you for your post. Thank you for your sweet friendly comments when you come by. You are a blessing and I am glad you blog. Take care.
xoxo Karina
Karyn Daaaaaaaahling,
I think a lot of those same things too. But then I think, hey, I got everything out of my blog that i wanted (and that is meeting some wonderful ladies). I find i do better when i don't compare myself with others and just be "all about me" (which by know i guess you know i do that well :)). I think we all blog for different reasons. When you focus on your goal, you can make things happen. So, if you focus on earning money, i guess it makes sense to sell things on your website. I have never put advertizing on my site cause i have always felt that it looked a bit ugly.
As for me, if i am feeling down, i don't talk about it on my blog. I don't know why, but it embarrasses me. I use my blog as a place to feel happy and make me feel better if i am in the dumps a bit. I am not really a Rachel Ray fan, but she once said that she wasn't going to put sad stuff on her show cause she wanted it to be a happy place. I guess i feel the same about my blog.
As for you daaaaaahling, you have an awesome blog. You can tell by looking at the many comments on your blog that people really care about you and what you have to say... as they should!!! Keep up the good work and if you ever need a break, take one! Blogging isn't supposed to be a job. I am sure we are all going to wait around for you :D
*Kisses* HH
Wow... found your blog TODAY, and believe it or not I needed to read it. My blog is chugging along...slowly... but what's really the definition of slow... especially in blogland?
I'm just going to keep going, because honestly, it makes me happy. it's fun. As far as those "'perfect people" out there, they are in all walks of life. I used to homeschool, and it was all I could do to get it done, day by day. Then there were the others.. They could simultaneously teach their 13 children Latin, hand-churn butter, breastfeed, grind wheat, and memorize the book of Isaiah... and this was all by 9 o'clock in the morning! All I can say is PA-LEEEEZ!
You are a doll!
~Teri
just love reading your blog & one of the reasons is that you do KEEP IT REAL.
remember - the person you should blog for is you my darling! if, in fact, you make someone happy in the process then how wonderful.
and you do...make someone happy that is!
so tonight raise a glass to YOU - a great blogger & a nice person as well!
have a great week my friend
:)
~vickie
www.yourbellwedding.blogspot.com
&
www.myrubyslipperslife.blogspot.com
Ah, this post really hits home.You are so right, blogging should be about what inspires you and makes you smile! Not about how perfect our lives are or how fab our homes. Yeah, i move the junk out of view for blog photo's and my kids aren't perfect but heck, blogging is FUN! Keep on keepin' it real sister! I only have seven followers and yes half of them are family but i love em one and all <3 Thanks for being one of them!
Karyn...Wow! Keepin it real realy pulled them out of the woodwork huh!!!!I stopped back to see what everyone else wrote...great! this was the best intertainment I've had all day!!!! See, Your loved! Rock on my friend, xoxo~Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings...
My sweet Karyn.. you hit the nail on the head on this one big time. I also work...commute 2 1/2 hours and have kids and a home etc. I have been feeling rather guilty myself lately and I think we should cut ourselves some slack. I read Julie Marie's post as well as Alice W's. We are all extrordinary women who have so much going on and this blogging world is a big one of them. I struggle and I know you do as well. Let's just have fun and laugh and when we get the time to experience the JOY of blogging...we should and not feel guilt of any kind as this is supposed to be for our enjoyment!! I know you enjoy it and it shows with all of your wonderful posts and comments. Anyway...I'm rambling!!
Love you sweet friend..keep doin what your doing....your awesome!! Hugs xOxO Nerina :)
gosh sweet friend, i can relate to so many things you've written here. you can't possibly be all things to everyone. and i often wonder about some of the very things you've written about. real is good :) love ya! susan
Hi, Karyn! My computer is back! (again!)
You've only been blogging for 6 months?! Look how many followers you have! Gee, you must be perfect! ~ Wink ~
I blog for fun and it is! ♥
Karyn,
I read your post last night but I was too tired to put into words how I feel about what you wrote. But I am in agreement with you. I sometimes see the blogging world as a miniaturized version of the women on my block. We all have different homes, incomes, number or lack of children, grandchildren. Some work, some don't, some are artistic, some not. And we get together. And our differences just don't matter. Some of my friends have the most fabulous social lives, but I am sort of a shy homebody. I love hearing about the things they do and the places they go and they are always entertaining or on the phone with someone. They love that life. They would be the ones with lots of followers and comments!! (See where I am going) And they would live for that... I have a friend who seriously has to pencil me in. It is just the way she is. I personally like to blog and whoever comes, great. If I never got another follower I sure would be happy with the rest that came to the party!
As for blogging for reasons other than socializing (making money), I just don't let it affect me. And I understand time contraints on ladies such as yourself, who can't always leave a comment. You have always been really kind. Sometimes when I go to a blog where someone has 2000 followers, I may just read and not comment because I think it is impossible that they will read my thoughts anyway.
Enough said. There was a time when my life was filled with friends and female co~workers and there was always miscommunication. WE are better than that!! You have hit the nail on the head in so many areas. I hope the other
ladies keep playing like the big girls.
Thanks for a great post!!Have a wonderful evening Karyn!
xoxo
Jane
Lots of comments are generated by going to other peoples' blogs and leaving comments. People will be curious and click on your name, and go to your blog and leave comments. Also, if you personally answer all the comments in your comments section, people will comment back again, and you get a lot of comments that way. You have a really cute blog, by the way!
As you may recall...I have been there! ;}
m ^..^ (your new blog look is AMAZING!!!!!!)
Hello. I'm new to your blog and as far as I can tell, you're doing a great job!
As a fellow blogger I realize that regardless of our commitment towards blogging, we have lives offline that demand our attention too.
It's totally understandable that you need some 'me' time to get your things done. Unlike our offline lives, our blogs can afford to suffer some (occasional) neglect. To make up for guilt, there's always the blogger "advance posting" option :) In any case, your blog is a worthy read and i'm sure your readers will be right here waiting for you whenever you get back!
Cheers,
Hosanna
http://www.camesawconcurred.blogspot.com
Hi sweet Karyn,
If anyone claims to have a perfect life, they are lying. Just remember that. The grass is not always greener.
Blog for YOU, and try to release any comparisons you may have. There will always be people who seem to have more, do more, buy more, seem happier, etc. It doesn't always mean it's true though! Follow your heart and your gut and they will never steer you wrong!
Hugs,
andrea
Man you hit the nail on the head with some blog struggles I have had on my mind. But then I think I shouldn't treat it as a popularity contest but I have to say I do get jealous when I see others who I think are just as cool as me have more followers or commentors. It makes me realize that in even though the internet is not "real life" as a lot of peopel say. It is and if you are sincere your personality comes through which is true. I find myself always on the outside of cliques or group of people I think I would love to know and be loyal to. But never get a chance too. But then I realize it just makes me more loyal and cherish the awesome friends "in real life" and blog land that i have. ANd I am silly for wanting to be popular. Thanks for your sincere post and validating that we are all human even if we never really meet or know each other.
hahaha it happens! I blog at work so I can have something to do whenever I don't have anything to keep me busy! I has never been here but i really enjoyed visiting you! Hope you have a great day!
Hi Karyn,
My blog grew fast like yours in 6 months, and I'm scratching my head over the same things. I cannot be everywhere at once, and have a life or a budding business. I was so fearful at first that if I didn't get to all my followers blogs to comment back that they'd lose interest in me, and never come back... NOT SO. In fact, I have some wonderful people who follow me faithfully whether or not I post every SINGLE day or visit them on a regular basis. I'm learning to blog without obligation, and to realize it is just plain therapy--with or without followers.
I enjoyed this post, and needed to hear someone else voicing my thoughts. Thank you~
I'm with you ...actually I thought I wrote that myself...haha...I had the same thoughts a few weeks ago, but then "picked myself up by the bootstraps" and just "blogged when I could", "visited when I could" and had a "glass of wine" when I could....I got very discouraged after visiting a blog daily, leaving a comment daily (for 2 months) and never heard a word from this gal...but I enjoy her blog so much that I just read it now and move on to the next...I also find that setting up numerous posts at a time and set them to "publish" themselves helps me out a lot...CHIN UP OL' GAL....feels good to vent now and then, doesn't it?
love your blog! and glad that ur 6 months of blogging is going great! :) u seem like u are really a talented and lovely person!
xo
maya
So glad I found your blog! It's stunning and inspirational. I've added you to my blogroll. :)
What a great, and timely, post for me to read right now. I'm new to the blog world so I'm still figuring out exactly how this as works and what blog etiquette IS!
I loved browsing through your blog, so lovely!
I started my own blog just a couple of weeks ago, I'd love to have you stop by for a visit- when you get a chance! : )
http://excerpts-kristin.blogspot.com/
What a great post - I agree 100 percent. I believe in blog etiquette, too, but sometimes it just gets overwhelming trying to keep up with everything else. I feel guilty when I fall behind, too. I always feel like I've accomplished something when I'm all caught up. LOL.
Hugs, Bella
P.S. Laughed out loud at the "get my ample ass on a treadmill..." part.
nice page!春夏秋冬,民宿,
樂活花欣,秦老爹民宿,福紀行,極品美宿,極品,風格民宿,風格民宿,休閒套房,人文旅舍,包棟民宿,花園民宿,尚芳民宿,松格民宿,水晶閣民宿,吉吉小鎮,綠野森林,盛夏的軌跡,花蓮民宿,大興民宿,仙洞人民宿,忘憂園,奇巧民宿,益順休閒農莊,阿寶民宿,溫泉山莊,金萱花民宿,加賀屋,信義民宿,清悠嶺,綠海天際,衣牛農舍,加家民宿,鏷石民宿,花園別墅,花園民宿,漱石山居,樟之園,客之屋民宿,小棧民宿,東岡秀川,知音民宿,柚子林民宿,弘果民宿,夢之鄉民宿,信號,溫泉山莊,清風茶園,出租,景觀民宿,椰子林溫泉,微風星情,鯉魚潭,整棟出租,傅家農園,金典民宿,元氣屋,綠舍,渡假花園,東華,嘉年華,村野之家,11號海洋,山海戀,海景民宿,豐廬居,魚爸的家,海景民宿,經典海岸
I hear ya! Been on been on burn out mode myself! But life happens... :) Stay tough, and do it for the love not guilt! Have a great weekend... :)
Oh heavens, it's definitely not just you that feels this way. :)
I wrote this in the spring:
http://amandacowell.typepad.com/violaceous/2009/05/living-life-beautifully.html
I'm happy to hear that there's at least one other blogger who doesn't do everything perfectly all the time. It's refreshing and honest. Such a well written post.
Hi Karen! I have felt the same things many a time. I just don't have time anymore to keep up with the wonderful blogs I've discovered. I wish I could, but it just takes up hours and hours of time that I don't have. Consequently, other areas of my life suffer. I do love it when people comment, and I have to admit that sometimes I feel validated because of it. That's not really a good thing, but I guess that's more of an issue for a shrink than a blog buddy! LOL
Anyway your blog is a joy, and I'm sorry that I don't make it over here more often.
xo
Lori
Hi Karyn, I think if you can make $$ from your blog that's great, and if you don't that's great too. I guess some blogs are run as a business and some are not. So don't stress love, just do whatever you want to! Simone xx
I have always found that creative people are often overrun with ideas - flowing through a busy life. It's easy to take on too much - but that's also what makes this group of people so cool. Other's are inspired by you, sometimes consoled by your words, and feel befriended by your openness.
Never feel guilty about taking a little rest. I find when I am overly stressed for whatever reason - it squelches my creative side. Everything in nature needs a little sleep before the new buds appear.
I've enjoyed your blog - and I'd take you once a month if that was all you were able to post.
Post a Comment