I’d like an order of hot and humid, please.
Oh, wait, what was I thinking? Please cancel that order!
It’s too late?
Drat.
Yep. We’re in the middle of a hot and humid stretch that is causing this girl who hates humidity to stay inside. The activity level in the birdbath was at an all time high yesterday, which necessitated several trips to replenish the water supply.
The birds are feeling it, too.
The rudbeckia is just about to open.
And so are more coneflowers.
I edited a few of my comments on yesterday’s post. I did it simply because I feel protective about my father’s issues and don’t want to discuss too much in this very public place. He’s confused and scared and, yes, extremely difficult to deal with lately, but I want to make sure I draw the line at how much I reveal. I’ve said before that maybe someday I’ll speak in more depth about those issues in terms of how they have impacted me, but I won’t do it until he’s gone.
He’s my dad and I love him, and he’s troubled and complicated and insecure and lots of other things that make dealing with him very hard indeed. But he’s also a good man who is devoted to his family and kind to others. He has a big heart.
So, there you have it. Writing a personal blog involves constant decisions as to just what I choose to reveal and what I choose to keep private. I know you understand.
Did you notice those four words in the sentence I just wrote? “Writing a personal blog…?”
There are times when I have to tick a box as to what kind of blog I write. Often those choices include Decorating and DIY or Lifestyle or Food – that kind of thing. I’ve never felt comfortable choosing “Lifestyle” which is often the only option that might fit. Here’s why: I don’t prescribe any sort of Lifestyle for my readers. I’m not Martha Stewart. I don’t write about how you should do things or what you should do. There’s an occasional tutorial, though come to think of it, I can’t remember the last time I wrote a tutorial.
So the other day I was reading about something, somewhere, and saw the term Personal Blog.
And I smacked myself upside the head.
I know this might very well seem like a “Duh!” moment to you, but I, on the other hand, said “Of course! I have a Personal Blog.” I write about my life and my adventures and my cottage and…my lifestyle. But not your lifestyle or what I think you might want your lifestyle to be.
I know. Seems obvious, doesn’t it? But I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wrestled with how to describe this blog when pursuing advertising opportunities or filling out surveys.
I have a personal blog. And a book blog, which has new post up today, by the way. It’s all about one of my favorite authors. Stop by.
Happy Wednesday.
Understand completely Claudia – and agree with you. It is getting sticky here as well…though some thunderstorms are forecast for today, so hopefully that will cut down on some of the humidity. Hope you are feeling better.
I think we have thunderstorms on the docket, as well. Slowly, slowly, I’m feeling better.
That’s why it’s your blog you can do whatever you want”) It is cold here today a storm came through last night and good by warm weather. Pinning!!
Thanks, my friend!
I totally understand about the privacy part. My dad is still alive and I love him– and when I am mad at him, well, let me be mad…but don’t you dare be mad at him too! (you, being whomever I’m having a conversation with)
I ask myself this question regarding blogging ALL. THE. TIME. Like I need to put my blog in a catagory…but where? Personal blog …just makes good sense. Like you I write about my life. My life includes lots of different topics and travels down many different roads. Its MY PERSONAL BLOG. Thanks for clearing that up.
The flowers are pretty.
Pat
See? Classifying this blog is something I’ve struggled with and “Personal” makes sense! For you, too! xo
I check in to read your blog most everyday, Claudia, and I love it!
It’s what I like to read in a blog…..daily life, inspiration, being a real person;
someone who I wouldn’t mind having as my neighbor. Hey, we all are, “blog neighbors”, aren’t we!
ps. our humidity will be gone tomorrow, hope your will be too.
We are indeed blog neighbors, Nancy!
Love it – personal blog just fits. The balance between writing honestly and privacy is a difficult. There are some issues with my mother lately, that would probably help me to write about, but I never could.
I understand, Vicki. It’s a tricky thing – finding a way to talk about it, if you want to, or not talk about it, except to mention it. Or not. That’s the dilemma.
Dear Claudia, We who read your “Personal Blog” are your friends! and most, certainly understand where your comments yesterday came from, right guys?
from grief,frustration ,worry,and our old friend fear. You are indeed Loved
-Judy Ainsworth-
Ah, thank you very much, Judy.
Going to be very hot here in Maryland today too. Need to do a little yard work this morning and then try later in the evening. I know my bird baths will be packed today, one out front and one in the backyard. Everyone in the pool! Stay cool
I wish I could jump in the pool, as well, Nancy!
Gorgeous photos Claudia!
Me too. I hate humidity, the air is so thick I feel like I’m being smothered. Hoping you get a respite from it soon.
I sure understand your wish for privacy. A few times I have alluded to the dysfunction I grew up in on my blog. My words were so brief and barely scratched the surface – so much so that in hindsight I wonder if anyone even got it? It’s a hard tightrope to walk. Only my husband reads my blog, my family doesn’t even know that I have a blog.
Take care, be gentle with yourself.
I certainly have ‘got it’ from your writings, but that is also because we’ve talked about it in emails and in comments on my blog. It’s tricky because I DO have family that reads this blog, but family that certainly understands.
That’s interesting that you’ve just come to the conclusion that your blog is a personal blog. From the time I started reading it, that was always my thought and why I love it so much. Mine is also my personal blog, reflection and history of my life at this time. Definitely not a Martha Stewart kind of blog, not full of fashion or decorating, other than our cottage style of living!
Hope your struggles with your dad become lighter.
I knew it was personal in that it was about my life, but there never used to be an official category box to check off. Seems there is now. So I can finally own it.
Hi Claudia,
I guess I never thought of classifying my blog, but it’s a personal one too. One day it may be about my latest project on my hook or needles. The next may be about my grown son in Japan or one of my other children. The next may be about a day at the lake or my latest attempt to decorate something. Heck, I may talk about all of them in one post! After all, it’s mine and I get to choose. Just like you. There is always a line that needs to be drawn though. The big wide world isn’t always the friendliest of places and some things are just too private. That being said, I have made some wonderful friends on my blog that I know I can share anything with-privately. Off the blog.
Here’s hoping for less humidity for you or you may be joining those birds in their birdbath!
Blessings,
Betsy
I just watched one – a little finch, dunk himself again and again. That must feel refreshing!
Hot and humid is my life now. When I lived in Idaho I could hang laundry on the line in the morning and it would all be dry by noon. If I were to hang laundry out on the line here it would be mildewed before it ever dried! There is one good thing I can say about the humidity ~ my skin loves it ;-) I am keeping your Dad in my prayers. After losing the love of his life I am sure he is so very sad and lonely in a way that you and/or your sisters can never resolve.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Thanks, Susan.
(My skin doesn’t like humidity so much!)
Personal blog…perfect! You know, it seems that the powers that be, are always trying to label us…or put us into categories. Life isn’t like that. I don’t like being categorized…I’m sure most of us don’t! That’s why I like your blog…it’s a little bit of everything! It was extremely hot and humid yesterday…but I’ve made a vow not to complain…considering last winter! Today it’s quite pleasant out…very enjoyable…time to work outside! ;)
I don’t like to be labeled either!
Too humid to work outside today! Way too humid!
I thing I love most about your blog it that you post something everyday! So when I wake up on Saturday and Sunday morning I know you care about us to share your thoughts.
Hot today here in Southern California, 90 at my house and dry…need to go up to Riverside this morning…even hotter! Already filled three birdbaths.
It’s about time for me to re-fill our birdbath, Judy.
I’m with you on the humidity front. Just can’t handle it with grace anymore. Ugh. During and since I went through “the change”, I’m totally miserable without air conditioning. So why did I move from the Midwest to Southern Virginia? Must be a gluten for punishment LOL!
Take care and hang in there. You’ll be feeling your like old self soon.
Humidity = brain turns to mush
The humidity is awful here too. We had a 3 day break from the rain and then it rained last night. If I have to run errands in the car I do it as early as possible. I have regrets sometimes about what I share with people so I understand the difficulty you must feel about possibly revealing something in your blog you wish you hadn’t . I often think of how my life may have been different if my mother hadn’t been the type who put her own desires above the needs of her children. For sure her actions helped influence my decision not to try and find out why I never got pregnant. I was so afraid I would be like her but I am nothing like her. I love her and forgave her long before she died but I realize that she helped mold my personality in a good way because I was so determined not to follow in her footsteps.
It’s not that I revealed anything I hadn’t already revealed, Janie. It’s more that I didn’t want to dwell on certain things, for my dad’s sake.
“Personal” is the perfect word, Claudia – it should be personal for EVERY blogger. To me, “lifestyle” is one of those trumped-up jargonesque kind of words that the media seems to use in every other sentence for a while, then suddenly drops for no known reason. Totally understand the comments about writing of your dad right now – think of what you did Tuesday as just “cyber-venting” to a bunch of friends. Sometimes you just HAVE to share what you’re dealing with… Hope you’re feeling better and enjoy the rest of your inside day – I’m having one too.
Yes, ‘Lifestyle’ at least for me, sort of sticks in my throat. It just doesn’t suit this space.
I don’t mind venting a little, I just don’t want some of his problems to be on display – trying to guard his dignity.
The humidity has dropped here and it’s been so nice the last few days! I totally get the edit of your comments, I’ve done the same thing. I also write a ‘Personal Blog’ and walk a fine line between saying too much sometimes. I know you love your Dad and don’t want to hurt him. I’m having WiFi issues but still getting some internet time here and there. I’ll read the book blog later!~
Hugs
Linda
I know you’ll drop by, Linda. You’re a loyal reader of both blogs. Hope your Wi-Fi issues are resolved soon.
Of course I understand..that’s why when I asked you that question I also said “You don’t have to answer”..I had a hurtful childhood from alcohol too and I know that sometimes you don’t want to talk or think about it..Your blog is a “personal blog”..it is a reflection of your life..you do not have to answer any question that would hurt or upset you or your family..I would never want to do that..Now for the weather hot humid and storms here today too..They say it will cool down again tomorrow..we shall see..lol..
Well, I had also mentioned that same thing in an earlier response to a comment – before you even asked the question, Nancy. I later had some unease about it, so I decided to delete. It’s not like I haven’t talked about it before on the blog. I have. But…
I totally get it Claudia..My Dad would get drunk and do some stupid things but I always loved him..no question about it..sometimes we get angry and frustrated with people we love and speak before we give it some thought..Thank goodness for the delete button..lol..
Our bad days were at the beginning of the week. Tuesday the heat index was 105. Too much for me.
Don’t you just love those light bulb moments? They make us laugh at ourselves because the solution is usually so obvious.
I’ve struggled on this topic with my mom (deceased) … you’ve not said anything new, but still wish you hadn’t said it. I’m glad you’re feeling a bit better each day, and “Personal Blog” hits the target! Fortunately humidity issues are not the norm here in Oregon – for that I’m immensely grateful!
Oh, yuck that it’s so hot and humid in your area. We haven’t had too much of that – yet! – this summer. We got a taste of it yesterday – 91 and terrible humidity. And then today it was back down to 75 with a great breeze! Looks to be much the same for the next 10 days except low 80’s this weekend. I’ll take it. I missed your post yesterday about your dad, so I just went back and looked at it. Sorry to hear that you’re dealing with all this. Hugs to you.
If you write about the paint on your walls I will read it. It must be hard to choose what to write about. I love your garden, the ice in your gutters, Scout, Don, your doll house and your trips to antique stores. I love your work and the places you go to perform it. If you lay a new kitchen floor I’ll be here. Oh wait. I don’t want to sound like a stalker! But you write it, I’ll read it.
Tana
Ugh! Humidity is the worst. (And accounts for 99.99% of our normal weather around here).
And I get what you mean about the personal blog. Before I made my new blog I struggled with that, too. These days I keep the personal stuff to myself, but have often thought of having an anonymous “rant” blog. I started one once, but felt guilty and deleted the whole thing after just 2 days. Lol!