This commitment of mine, to post on this blog every day, has been a wonderful discipline. But it has its challenges. My posts are always my original content. No guest posts, no pictures from elsewhere on the internet, and now, no weekly parties. It’s all me, for better or worse. How do I come up with a post every day of the year?
At times, I already have the idea for a post swirling around in my brain. Most of the time, however, I fly by the seat of my pants. After a little coffee, a cursory reading of my email and the New York Times online, as well as a few of my favorite blogs, I am forced to contemplate just what the heck I’m going to write about that day.
Often a thought or feeling from the day before will surface as I write. Yesterday’s post about bullying is an example. I started writing about Louise Penny and then I remembered my anger and frustration the day before with some of the reactions to the alleged bullying within the Miami Dolphins organization and I knew those feelings had to be expressed. So, my thoughts on that subject ended up being the closing words of the post.
Or, as happened the day before: I started writing about my potted plants dying and the process of accepting the transition into cold weather and I typed the words: “That does not make Claudia a happy camper.” The word ‘camper’ jumped out at me from my computer screen and I suddenly found myself writing about being a camp counselor oh-so-many years ago and the friendships that came out of that experience, which morphed into the similarities between that experience and the experience of being in a play. Which morphed into the realization that the plays I recently coached are closing this weekend and the actors are having to deal with goodbyes after making new friends during the course of their experience.
Sometimes I take some pictures that I know will be the theme for the next day’s post and the writing springs from the photos. That happened earlier in the week when Don and I took a late afternoon walk on a beautiful Sunday.
Then there are those posts I know I have to write. I knew I had to write about decorating and the competitive aspect of it that seems to be surfacing in this blog world of ours. I got up that morning absolutely sure I had to write that post.
Or the post I knew I had to write about our estranged sister. It was a long time coming and the process of writing it was cathartic and, ultimately, healing. It also turned out to be cathartic for all of you, as you shared your stories about lost family members. I love when that happens.
Sometimes, I write in a sort of ‘stream of consciousness’ – thoughts flowing freely with very little editing. At other times, the process can be laborious, with editing going on long after I’ve published the post.
Occasionally, I know I have a book review scheduled for that day, so the subject matter is a given. But I still have to write the review, making sure my thoughts are clear, giving enough information to my readers for them to make an informed choice, trying to be fair, yet honest. That’s a whole other challenge.
And sometimes, I just want happy. Happy dog, happy flowers, pretty pictures, pretty things.
This blog is a journal. Simple as that. It’s the first time in my life that I’ve been successful at writing a diary. Previous attempts were futile. But somehow this combination of taking photos and writing for an audience has turned out to be the key that unlocked that door. I have to write every day. I have to pull something out of my daily jumble of thoughts that might be interesting, that might be something to focus on, but must always be written from my heart.
Today I woke up not feeling well. I still don’t feel well. And I thought, “What the heck am I going to write? How am I going to come up with something?” And this post emerged from what I was absolutely sure was a blank space that couldn’t be filled.
You never know.
Happy Sunday.
Claudia I love that you share your daily ‘journal’ with us and I feel like I have gotten to ‘know’ you through your writing. Hope you are feeling better soon.
hugs,
Linda
Thank you, Linda!
Your blog has been my inspiration Claudia. Until the past few months I blogged every day even if it was just a little something. Unfortunately, life has gotten busy lately, with a new grandbaby coming, so much work on the farm and three dogs, three cats and helping with the dog rescue, I have only managed every other day if I’m lucky. In the New Year life slows down a bit until Spring so I will be going full force. But you, my dear, I can count on every day and if I don’t see your little blurb come up on my sidebar I worry about you.
Have a lovely day and feel better
Sue
Don says to me “Why don’t you just not post today?” But I know my readers would worry!
and I definitely would worry!
Claudia,
I feel like we’re sitting in the den chatting and visiting with each other every time I read your blog. It’s almost like having a conversation with you. This is the reason why I always return…..to have our “daily conversation”.
Thank you for the time and effort you put into your blog. I greatly appreciate it.
Vanessa
You are very welcome, Vanessa!
Hey look at the expression on Scout’s face. It is DISMAY !! Why? Because you know darn well that sometimes she guest posts and writes for you!!! So you are only MOST days…:)
Hey I know you love quilts…I went to a quilt show yesterday and was over the moon at all the lovely quilts….took a bunch of pictures and posted them this morning. Enjoy when you have time….:)
Oh boy. I forgot about Scout’s guest posts! She’s going to make me pay for that one!
Hi Claudia,
I hope you are feeling better now and that your coffee has kicked in. You must be doing something right as everyday I read your blog first with my cup of coffee. I always get up thinking wonder what Claudia wrote about today? I am never disappointed. You always write something interesting. Please keep writing and writing.
Sharron
Thank you, Sharron. I will.
Claudia, I really appreciate the heart and soul that you put into your blog posts.
Thank you, Susan.
I’d just gotten back into miniatures and found your dollhouse online. That’s how I found your blog. Your entries are always from the heart and that can be felt when reading your words. I’m a crazy, anxious lady and your posts are soothing to me. They make me stop and relax for a while and that’s priceless to me. Thank you for all your time and all your sharing.
Hope you feel better lickety split!
Thank you for your kind words, Cheryl!
I often don’t know what I’m going to blog about until I start. Or I have a picture, like the post I’m going to do today, that has a story attached to it. I do sometimes use a graphic instead of a picture just for the sake of having something visual if I have something to write about but no picture that would tell the story. Other times, I have a post “drafted” to work on and post it when I’m done. Right now, I’m trying to write daily but it’s the 10th day of November and I’ve posted 7 times, drafted 2 that are sitting and have 1 in my head, so not too bad but not as committed as you are. You are my inspiration to get there!
I just read your post from June of 2012 about your sister. Thank you for sharing your story. My dh and I have the opposite issue. We want to be included in everything family but for years, we’ve been left out. It’s so hard to read Christmas letters where family members share that they have been to our community for a trip or they loved the family reunion in the summer but we wouldn’t be invited or no one visits. Thankful I have my mom here and we do have a couple of family members we can visit, but sad we are not part of the big picture. The puzzling piece is we can’t figure out if we ever did anything wrong. The one constant is “oh, we didn’t ask you and B and the kids as you are both sooooooo busy.” To which we reply “family is the most important thing in our lives, what our world revolves around on a daily basis and we would drop anything for a visit” but it seems to fall on deaf ears. I wonder if it’s because we have a large, beautiful family, if it’s because we decided to work hard to give our kids a decent, not wealthy in stuff but wealthy in time and experiences, or because we have always been so involved in the arts, so we’ve had some really neat opportunities. But we don’t flaunt this (ok, so I’ll share on my blog but they don’t read it, so can’t be that). We’re very humble, hard working, love to have fun, care about the environment and natural living (maybe that’s it!), and both of us just want to make a difference in the world. We have great kids, who are loving and hard working as well. But artistic and sport a few tattoos and have done some really unique things. Maybe that’s it! We’re close to our kids, no one has been in jail, no one has had an unplanned or teen pregnancy, no one has caused us any grief, no one is estranged from us. Maybe that’s it! Our beliefs are our own, we keep them to us, but we’re not terribly religious, although we are respectful. My cousin won’t have much to do with us because we’ve haven’t “been saved” and haven’t given over our life to a higher being. Maybe that’s it! Not sure, but in the end, we’ve carved out our own life, made traditions with our own kids and as much as we’ve been left out, I also feel sorry that they haven’t been part of our life. Their loss!
I hope you feel better soon. I have a dh laying beside me who is struggling with a terrible chest cold. It’s snowy outside today and our only plan is to stay in our pj’s and watch a movie or two, while nestled in our cozy home.
Take care!
Families are complex things, Chy. I will never be able to figure out why my sister is the way she is. I’ve just had to accept it and move on.
I hope that you feel better! You are very special.
Thank you, Carolyn!
Me, too, Claudia. I think the reason I like hearing your opinions every day is because they often mirror my own. I hope you are feeling better soon.
I have advocated for a micro-payment app to show my appreciation for blog content. Unfortunately, I am not a “developer” who can design such an app, but I would sure use it if someone would design it!
Gail Hunt
Me too, Gail!
Well, I never know where we are going to have our conversations either! Because reading your blog everyday…well, we’ve become friends. Funny how that happened…funny how the internet works. Hope you are feeling better! ;)
The friends I’ve met though blogging are priceless, Donna. Thank you.
Take care Claudia. I hope you feel better soon.
Just reread your post about L. Probably bipolar like me ;). I have an estranged brother but it was his actions that caused it and most of us don’t speak to him regularly. I am always civil, just not friendly. My other brother tries to stay in touch with him but they aren’t close anymore either.
I’ve always been bad about writing every day but maybe I should try to have my blog be more of a journal. I tend to try to find something interesting – an outing or decor project before I post. I’m afraid people wouldn’t be interested…I’ll haveto give this idea some thought. J
Bipolar is certainly something we’ve considered. Borderline personality is another. But we’ll never know for sure.
As for blogging as a journal, I’ve found that readers love to know more about our lives. It just depends on your comfort level with writing that kind of post. xo
Claudia, I can honestly say I know how you feel. I will hit the sixth anniversary of writing my blog every day in February. Actually, it is something that just started as something just for me. It just kept expanding. I was really surprised that anyone would want to follow along. It’s mostly about miniatures, but I seem to manage to have something to say, even on the days that take me to something else. I have said it before and will say it again. I love your blog. Keep going. I will keep reading!
Your posts are always wonderful and imaginative and I know I’m going to have a good time when I stop by your blog, Casey. I love your blog, too!
I have no idea how you come up with material every day there is no way I could. You do a spectacular job and I always enjoy stopping by:)
Thanks so much, Dawn!
Claudia….(My favorite blogger!)…Did you receive the small composer statue, that is sitting on the piano…as a piano lesson reward?…My sister and I received similar staues, from our piano teacher, when we took lessons!
The one in the photo? Yes, that’s exactly why I received it. We used to have recitals at my piano teacher’s house and we’d each get one of them. They were plastic – I think I had one of Mozart and one of Beethoven.
I have no idea how you do it on a daily basis, but just glad you do. I have a step son who has chosen to leave our family, started a huge fight with my daughter over 4 yrs ago, and since quit having anything to do w/us. Hasn’t even come to see his sick father in 4 years. How one can just alienate yourself from the family is unthinkable to me. I’ve reconciled myself to what he has done to his sister, and I can live w/out him if this is what he chooses, but cannot understand not seeing his dad. Feel better sweet cheeks! Maybe it’s Scout’s way of telling you she just wants to stay in the tunnel all day!
Scout, unfortunately, is in the living room in a sulk because her dad isn’t here. When Don leaves the house, she will have nothing to do with me. She stays in the living room waiting for her dad to come home.
Isn’t it funny how they let us know who #1 really is? Love her pout.
Dear Claudia, sure hope you feel better soon. I love your blog, it is always interesting and thought provoking which I love. The one and only blog I read everyday. I’ve kept a written journal since we married which will be 40 years in January. It is often the last thing I do before bed. Glad you have Don & Scout to cheer you up.
Good for you for keeping a journal that long, Janie. I am in awe!
maybe some baseball ;-)
((feel better soon))
Thanks, Tracy.
Well I love trees, leaves, skies. I love your darling dog.
So how is that back to you for a comment?
Thanks, Carol Ann!
I look forward to your blog every day, no matter what you choose to write about! You are the friend I can count on to bring a smile to my face. Hope you feel better soon!
Thank you so much, Barbara!
I enjoyed reading about how you come up with your posts, Claudia. I have so many interests that sometimes I think if I ever started a blog, it would be a matter of SO MANY TOPICS, SO LITTLE TIME. That I’d NEVER run out of ideas. Haha! But now I’m old enough to realize that this supreme confidence on my part is a direct product of Inexperience and Naivete. No matter how YOU do it though, you’re good. Your posts are ALWAYS interesting and OFTEN thought-provoking for me. And somehow this is especially true on those days when I think “Oh I don’t think I can take the time to read Claudia right now…” But I’m always glad when I do. Hope you feel better soon. Stay inside & keep warm [with a nice warm doggie] & have some hot tea. Bonus – CASABLANCA is on TCM right now! Just started….
Thanks so much, Janet.
I could just look at pictures of Scout and be happy, but your wonderful words are always a welcome treat, my friend. xoLaura
Thank you, Laura.
Claudia – I enjoy your posts because they are heartfelt and honest – sincere. I feel like you would be a very trustworthy friend. I particularly enjoy when you speak out, as I often feel exactly the same way. Hope you are feeling better. R-
Thank you, Ranee.
I have only recently found your blog and have been enjoying it very much. I love that you share your thoughts & feelings. Sometimes it’s hard to do. The post about the competitive aspect of decorating was exactly what I have been thinking about lately. This is also true of collecting. I have dropped out of so many groups and forums because of the other members trying to “one up” each other. I’m not about that at all and was so glad to hear someone else feels the same way.
I hope you feel better by now and are enjoying the rest of your Sunday. Blessings!
Thank you, Carolyn!
Great post! I was wondering how people think of interesting things to write about every day. I hope you are feeling better. Great picture of Scoutie also.
I am stil having trouble with my blog. I still have pop-ups when people try to comment. I published one yesterday and some of the words are under the pictures and some are on the side. I am thinking of just starting over, but I really hate to do that. Also worried that the problems will follow me.
Is there any way someone who knows code can look at your html, Teresa and see if there’s something that shouldn’t be there? Do you know someone who understands code?
What a wonderful post about how you decide what to write in your daily posts. I’ve always wondered how you come up with things to write about every day like you do. I struggle to write just one post a week, so your blog is such an inspiration to me. It is wonderful that we can create online journals like these and share our pictures and stories. We have so much to learn from each other. Thanks for sharing your writing process with us!
You are welcome, Diane.
I actually think it’s easier to write posts when you are posting three or more times a week. I think you get in a rhythm of sorts. Maybe that would work for you? xo
Hi Claudia
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us….
It’s so interesting how things pop in our heads with a resulting story. I look forward each day to reading your sweet blog and enjoying your great pictures! Thank you
Feel better:))
Stephanie
Thank you, Stephanie!
I love your style of writing Claudia..I also love the way you make us stop and think about things that happen in life..Please keep being yourself..Scout is looking quite lovely..I can see that that she has fully recovered..
She is all better, Nancy.
Thank you so very much Claudia for sharing your soul. Every day without fail, I look forward to your blog, the words , and your photography. ( Of course many times I fret & worry about your family, your pets, and you…like you were my daughter or sister….almost. ) Thank you for being genuine. I would love to meet you if you ever visit the San Diego area again!!
Here’s hoping we can meet up some day, Marcy!
Just LOVE that happy dog!!!!!
I really do look forward to reading your blog everyday.
For me, it’s different from the other ones I go to daily.
Refreshing and life seen from another person’s eyes.
Also, I feel like we’ve been friends since I’ve begun visiting “your place”!!!!
nancy
I feel the same way, Nancy.
I’m amazed at how you can share so much of yourself on your blog. It’s interesting, refreshing, stimulating . . . why I come here each day. Today’s post wasn’t up yet when I made my bloggy rounds this morning and I just remembered to check back. Hope you are feeling much better by now. That Scout is too cute; I love his fluffy little paws, adorable. I read your post about your sister, L, too. That must have been shortly before I began reading your blog. I am sorry for your pain. I, too, have a younger sister who in the recent past has refused to have contact with me. I’ve done a lot of work in therapy to deal with my past. Because of that I believe she feels threatened by me. It’s insightful to see from the comments how common this type of situation is. And, lastly, that picture of you as a child is adorable, no wonder Don likes to have it out. I’m sorry it causes you pain. Becky
I was very surprised by how common that sort of estrangement is. Sadly, it has touched the lives of many people.
No matter what you write about, Claudia – I always enjoy it, that’s for sure! I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well…hope you’re not getting sick.
I feel better today, Melanie.
I just went back and read your post about your estranged sister. What a heartbreaking story. Unfortunately, so much of it rang true with me. I have one sibling – a sister who is 3 years younger than me. We fought a lot as kids, but we had a tumultuous household. We grew closer in our late teens, but once I was in my 20’s, my sister started acting a lot how you described about your sister. Going on rants about everyone being against her and always playing the victim. You never knew what to say to her because anything could set her off. She even said to me one time, “If someone does something to me, I will do something even nastier in return to get them back.” That is her mindset. The more she can hurt someone, the more satisfaction she seems to derive. You wouldn’t believe the nasty emails she has sent to me and the horrendous names she has called me. From what I’ve read, I believe she has Borderline Personality Disorder. She has basically cut off most members of our family, though she currently gets along very well with our mother. Notice I say “currently”, as there’s been times in the past where she’s cut our mother out of her life, too. Well, sorry for rambling. I could just really identify with your story, though yours seems a bit more extreme.
Meredith and I have often thought that L might have Borderline Personality Disorder. I’m sorry this has happened to you, too, Melanie. I know how painful and bewildering it is. Please know I understand.
I love blogging. Growing up, I kept a diary and would write about thoughts and feelings. Then one day I became a teenager and was afraid my little sister would find my diary and read them, so I burned them. The audience for a diary is yourself. The audience for blogging/jounaling is the world!! During the school year, I usually blog on the weekends, but try to visit blogging friends during the week if time allows. I journal for my daughters who work and live in the city; “So close, yet so far away”, for my Mom and to stay connected with friends. But right now I”m frustrated with our government and ticked and disappointed and basically pissed; so as Mom always says, “If you can’t say something nice – don’t say it at all!”
So right now my thoughts are that of Debbie Downer and I’m stuck in a rut and having a difficult time blogging at all. The impact that this medical crisis has on so many people is heart wrenching. And there’s nothing we can do. . . . .
I have very strong political beliefs and I realize that they don’t necessarily match those of some of my readers. So I avoid posting about the two things we were always told not to talk about: religion and politics. It’s just a recipe for trouble.
Hope you are feeling better Claudia….
I am, Missy, thank you.
I am always amazed at the depth and breadth of your daily posts…fabulous in the writing and variety of subject Claudia.