I’ve been thinking about blogging lately. Well, I always think about blogging, so to be more specific, the evolution of a blog has been on my mind. Blogging is such an individual, personal thing. To me, a compelling blog reflects that blogger’s personality, passions, humor and talents. What is it that draws us to a certain blog? What keeps us coming back? I think, to me, it is authenticity. If a blogger’s posts over a period of time give me a real sense of the person behind the blog and I find I like that person, I will usually keep coming back. The initial draw might be photography or a shared interest, but if I never get a sense of the ‘stuff” within that person, I’ll lose interest.
Of course, we all have to make a decision as to how much we share of ourselves. Every one of us has a line we draw that we won’t cross. Some things are too personal, too embarrassing, too private. As it should be. Some bloggers show photos of family, others choose not to. Some share their sorrows with us, others simply cannot. We have to be true to ourselves.
I’ve mentioned before that I consider my blog a sort of journal. My attempts to keep a diary or journal in the past were a failure. My husband writes in a journal fairly consistently. I admire that. When I discovered blogs, I was immediately fascinated. For me, the combination of words and photographs was the clincher. Wait, I’m figuring it out … I know what really did it for me….writing for myself wasn’t quite enough, but writing my thoughts, taking photographs, and then sharing them with others was. I was an actress for years. I like the response from an audience. It’s what makes the experience so powerful. It’s the conversation that happens, the back-and-forth that makes blogging so wonderfully satisfying. I can share my thoughts, knowing there are kindred spirits out there who will read them and understand and maybe, in turn, share a thought with me.
I installed the Feedjit widget recently. I’d seen it around on other blogs. Then my sister installed it and I thought I’d give it a try. I have other methods of checking stats but this particular widget shows me who is visiting my blog at any given time. It’s fascinating. And it tells me something I already knew – that many, many people visit, even read the blog regularly, and never leave a comment. And I’m fine with that. I have moments when I read a blog post and just don’t have time to leave a comment or don’t know what to say or am in a bad mood. I lurk on a few blogs. I do. Guilty.
But I do love the conversation, don’t you? I love getting comments and I love leaving comments. Because the ‘Yes, I get it’ or ‘Thank you’ or ‘I understand’ or ‘I’m so sorry’ or ‘Great job’ or even ‘I disagree’ means a great deal to me. It makes me smile or cry or laugh and reminds me that there is a world out there beyond mine. It gives me perspective.
As to the evolution of blogs – I’ve been blogging for over 3 years and I’ve watched as others have found their own personal style of blogging. I’m sure if we all shared our first post and whatever blog design we had at the time, along with a current post, the change would be startling. MHC has gone through several transformations. I like the current look and don’t anticipate changing it for a long while. But it took me a while to get here.
My blog really is a journal. A shared journal. Sometimes a quick thought or two, sometimes a funny story or a tour of a city I’m working in; always my passions, my joys, my loves, my sorrows. I used to write posts to fit with a weekly meme or a special party and I still do that sometimes. But I’ve finally accepted that this blog is my journal. I share what’s happening in my life both here at MHC and away from home. The freedom to write what I need and want to on any given day is important to me. For me, that is the only way to share the authentic me with you. There’s a comfort in knowing and accepting what works for me. That ‘knowing’ is ultimately freeing.
I went through a period where I thought about what to do to bring in more readers, what things I could add that might make this a ‘bigger’ blog, if you know what I mean. I pondered all those ideas. Shorter posts? Occasionally, but I love to write. I’m a talker. Anything else wouldn’t be me. A certain ‘look’ and lots of ads? Didn’t feel right for me. Eventually, I stuck with my gut. I have no real desire to compete on that level. It’s not my thing. In making that decision, I found my voice.
My goal? To write honestly. To write the way I speak – well, maybe a little better than that – so that when we meet in person someday, you will recognize me. I want you to say, “She’s exactly as I imagined her to be.” No surprises.
This blog has become an extension of me. It’s the right fit. I like that.
How has your blog evolved? Tell me about your blog journey. What is the right fit for you? What draws you to a blog and makes you want to go back for a return visit? I’d love to hear your thoughts. As always.
Claudia,
What a wonderful post! I think I am still evolving but I am getting there I think….I started to blog to assist me in not smoking which I had stupidly started again when my first husband died. I started blogging to try to give a sense of myself to my three sons who miss their father to this day. I wanted them to remember recipes and where the family came from. And I started blogging to master the computer and the camera. I like learning. And I like accomplishing. I like to show what I have made and fixed and arranged. I like knowing others who have the same interests.
Carol
Claudia,
This is a GREAT post! I had to read it twice (so your talkng doesn’t bother me one bit). My first post, well probably the first 20 were a mess. I was all over the place. And yes, I also tried to please the ‘audience’. I didn’t want to bore people with pictures of my kids & such. But after reading my favorite blogs over & over I became aware of what it was about them that kept me coming back. It was that they are personal, real. I feel like I’m visiting friends not just reading a blog. As far as building numbers, that annoys me to no end. I personally don’t like to enter give-aways that ask you to jump thru hoops or become a follower to enter. I may not have a million followers but I never solicited any of them. And as for comments. I am so guilty these days. Honestly, I am just in a place right now where I can’t spend as much time as I used to but I try.
I have always loved reading your journal Claudia. Reading about your cottage, your collections, your theater work…..I think of you as a good friend!
Lisa
Well, this is a great post. I have been blogging for just about six months but I have been in love with writing All my life. The thing that attracts me to a blog? I guess it has to be the look of it all. I am attracted to blogs that simply…make me smile. I am amazed at some of the blog designs and yes envy them too at times,but grass is always greener right? After design of course there has got to be substance. There is a blog I follow that is posted maybe once a month and it consists of short little poems. I love it! Then there are the ones that have just pictures or just life stories and I love those too. Yours was one of the first that I really liked and followed. It was the pictures of your studio that pulled me in. I even included it in one of my posts http://10minutes2breathe.blogspot.com/2010/11/jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none-how.html if you want to take a peek –I love it when I move someone in some way whether its to laugh or to think or share with me a similar experience. It tickles me to no end when I go to my dashboard and there are comments waiting there for me to read. I guess it’s the sharing of ideas and lives. I feel an instant relief and satisfaction when I click that “publish” button. It’s a great feeling. Blessings, Joanne
Claudia, I come here to visit and to be inspired….and sometimes (most times) just to read and enjoy your words. I love to hear the way you tell a story, or talk about a certain place or subject. You have that true rare quality of a story teller that can take a person away to another place and time and make one feel as though they are there, in that moment. It probably sounds goofy but that is what I enjoy so much.
You also travel to wonderful cities and I love that you take photos and share them… then there is the collecting and the sewing and the crocheting……love it!
I am still trying to find my style, if I had more time I might have a couple of blogs, lol, there are so many things I still wish to try!
Have a terrific weekend and enjoy any sunshine you can get….we just received another foot of snow!!!!
Hugs
Margaret B
xx
What a wonderful post! I think that you have it down right Claudia- and one of the reasons I love your blog so much is that I feel like you share your true self with us. I’ve always felt like you don’t write to lure us in, but rather just write from your heart. I love that about you. I actually started blogging to try to keep in touch with my family that lives a couple hours away from me. Turns out my family has no interest in reading my blog- but I discovered there were so many wonderful people out in the world to meet! I don’t know if my blog has evolved- I think I am still trying to find “myself” so I think my blog often ends up being a jumbled representation of that-but if I “find” myself someday I now have a bit of the journey recorded. I often wonder if other people that are reading my blog see me as I see myself :)
CLAUDIA,
I LOVE TRAVELING ALONG WITH YOU TO THE WONDERFUL PLACES, THAT I CAN NOT GO TO AT THIS VERY MOMENT. READING YOUR BLOG, IS ALSO LIKE GETTING A LETTER FROM A FRIEND , THAT I JUST HAVEN’T MET YET. PLEASE KEEP SHARING YOUR PHOTOS,PLEASE. IT’S WONDERFUL TO SEE THEM. I HAVE OPENED A BLOG, WITH THE HELP OF MY DAUGHTER….BUT IT’S A SEEDLING AS OF THIS MOMENT, AND DOESN’T LOOK AS IF IT’S GOING TO GROW FOR SOME TIME NOW. SOME TIMES IT’S GOOD TO TALK WITH PEOPLE THRU BLOGS AND EMAILS. IT IS JOURNALING ALSO. I WILL KEEP TRYING. READING BLOGS HAS SHOWN ME THAT I LIKE READING ABOUT OTHER’S DAILY LIVES, AS WELL AS THEIR ADVENTURES. YOUR NEW FRIEND, SUSIE
Great posts this morning Claudia. Well, whatever you are doing, you are doing right because yours is one of my favorite stops! I’m guilty too of reading blogs and not leaving a comment, and I think it is ok. When I first started blogging, it really bothered me that only a few people were leaving comments but I’ve gotten over that. I know people are reading and hopefully taking something positive away.
For me, some blogs just seem “too big”, “too crowded”, I might read them but rarely leave a comment. Those kind of blogs almost feel like you are at your spouses company party and don’t know a soul. I like to visit blogs that feel like I’m having a cup of tea with a friend on the front porch, your blog is like that for me! :)
I’ve also gotten in the habit of feeling like I MUST participate in some of the weekly memes, to the point of stressing over getting something posted in time. I’m not going to do that anymore! If blogging becomes stressful, then I don’t need to be doing it. Who needs more stress in their life? Have a wonderful weekend, xxoo Nan
PS, Thanks for keeping Little Hippy in your prayers, she is doing amazingly well!
Ok, I admit I am often a lurker rather than a commenter. I should comment more, I should make that a goal. I completly agree with you that one of the great things about blogging is the connection you make with others. That really has been the best part of it. As far as my blog goes, I have been struggling lately with how much to put out there. My husband is a cop so is pretty adament about me not putting too much personal info in, but I am a very up front, open person. Also, I suffer from depression and the last couple of months have been really hard. Do I share all that? I don’t know. Its a big part of my life right now but it is not fun to read about. I have to find some sort of balance I guess.
great post.. sure got us all writing! lol
This entry is what I love most about your blog — just so very thoughtful and sincere.
I started blogging after spending several months recovering from surgery and illness. During that time, I realized how fleeting life can be. I also realized how much I missed doing certain things — things pushed away due to running a brick and mortar and online store, family situations, and other commitments. I wanted my blog to be an outlet for the other things in my life. Little did I know that additional surgery and illness and life changes were just around the corner. I received so much encouragement and compassion during some very difficult days. I owe so much to people I never met. Now, I want my blog to again reflect who I am and what I love. Unfortunately, sometimes I feel that everyone expects me to only write about my sewing and vision problems — and I am much more than just those things. I haven’t had much time to devote to my blog lately, and seriously considered closing it earlier this week. I am still wrestling with the decision. On the other hand, if just one person smiled or forgot their worries while reading my blog, it was all worthwhile.
I loved this post and taking your journey with you. I started out with a Christmas blog. Then found you and the many others out there who love to share their creativity, their daily lives and their friendship. All of these reasons are why I continue to blog and evolve.
Leann
Wonderful post, sweetpea. I’ll be responding to it on my blog in a few days. I absolutely agree with everything you said. Just a post from the heart….
xoxo,
Connie
Hey Claudia, first let me say…those Jumping Jacks are so dang cute!
And now on to this awesome post.
I started to blog just to share things in my life that I love. I remember when I started it I made a few ground rules for myself. First and foremost I wanted to be me. If I had started my blog over twenty years ago…holy cow…people would have seen a totally different person. I was the spoiled cheerleader type.(not that there is anything wrong with being a cheerleader)but maybe you get my drift here)) Then a wonderful thing happened to me. I was given a gift that changed me. Changed the course of my life, changed all of my attitudes and what I thought were important things. So what I write on my blog is the June now, not the June then. When I write, I am hoping that people don’t think I have a perfect life, but that I am writing about the perfect things that are in my life. And a little of the imperfect. It is a place for me to document some of the things that I find beautiful and fulfilling. I think a blog is a personal thing and it needs to be whatever the person wants it to be. I visit many blogs, and I visit them for all kinds of reasons. I don’t shy away from any of them because the blogger has chosen to only show images that they find beautiful, or the blogs that the author is promoting her product. (thankfully those blogs are saving me a ton of money on magazines now)lol! But the blogs I visit over and over are blogs where I have a kinship with the writer. A friendship has been formed and I truly care about her.
Sorry about such a long comment Claudia. I loved this post and the writer.
sending hugs…
I like coming back to yours, it’s real… no hype or fan-fair, just you sharing real life and your adventures. I cant imagine blogs without photos, I know it started out with words but for folks like me who need a visual, I am thankful for photos. I like that you take folks with you to places I know I will not get to see. I listen to how I feel when reading and what I take with me when I leave.
Its a feeling I get when I visit blogs, I listen to that inner voice inside me, what is the blogger saying or hoping to convey and what I can take away or share in my comment.
I pray God will keep you safe in your travels and those left home to hold down the fort while you are gone.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
all those above me including you, have said it so sincerely and succinctly.
I will add only
amen
:D
xxx
z
Gosh.. Great post, Claudia! I can’t say how my own blog has evolved, if it has at all. Perhaps it reflects the trait in myself that is often afraid or reluctant to change. I mean, I LOVE changing the little graphics, or maybe the background to go hand in hand with the holidays, but big changes (like my “big bad move” to a new home).. well, that COULD be one of my biggest flaws. It’s certainly something to think about, and to consider changing if I possibly think I could… I admit, for the most part, I try to keep my private life private. What I, myself, love most about blogging, is the inspiration of others’ artistic talents, and the friendships I make.. or at least acquaintances I find… I always appreciate your stopping by my blog, when you do! I live kind of a quiet life in general, BUSY!.. but quiet; so I love to hear just a “hi” or “that project looks really nice”.. or whatever.. Just the “hi” is good enough for me really!.. I know it could mean a lot more to some people than we realize!… Have a great weekend! ~tina
HI CLAUDIA,
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT YOUR POST, YOU ARE HONEST AND YOU TELL IT LIKE IT IS BRAVO!
MY DAUGHTER JACKIE FOUND YOUR BLOG, AND TOLD ME TO GO ON THIS WONDERFUL BLOG, SO I DID, AND HAVEN’T STOPPED. JACKIE DOESN’T BLOG, BUT SHE’S THINKING ABOUT IT. I WANT TO DO MORE POST ABOUT THE OCEANS AND THE SHELLS, BUT…DON’T WANT IT TO BE BORING
I’M WORKING ON IT…
SOMETIMES I LURK HERE AND THERE…BUT MOST OF THE TIME I COMMENT. I VISIT YOUR SISTER MEREDITH, SHE IS SO LOVELY, AND I LOVE HER BLOG. WELL, HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND, WE ARE SUPPOSED TO HAVE THUNDER SHOWERS TOMORROW HERE IN NJ.
RIZZI
Hi Claudia! I know at one time you were going to ask everyone to share their collections (did that ever happen? I can’t imagine I missed it as I stalk your blog regularly! haha) But you know what would be fun? You bring up such a good point – how our blogs have evolved from our FIRST POST. You should have everyone send you a link to their very first Blog Post – no matter how bad the photos or writing or subject matter might have been – so we can see where and how we all got started in blogging. How much fun that would be!
Love all the blooming that is going on at MHC! Aparently it is just MY daffodils that are lagging behind because when I took Mr. J for a wlk around the neighborhood a couple of days ago, everybody’s daffodils are in full bloom! Chalk it up to me and my brown thumb! haha
Have a wonderful weekend!… Donna
Great, great post. It made me pause and reflect on my start in bloglandia and why I blog at all…and why I visit certain ones.
I began blogging in 2006 and I was not sure I wanted to put myself ‘out there’……I find I am very careful what I share about myself, and extremely careful what I share about my loved ones as I feel it is an invasion of THEIR lives and so there are seldom photos of them. I always keep in mind that once you put something out in cyberspace, it’s always there for ANYONE to garner..and let’s face it, not EVERYONE has our best interest at heart. I prefer to share projects or things I find that make me happy or laugh right out loud.
I revisit blogs that are inspiring or have beautiful photos, or on the same journey as I seem to be at the moment. Some bloggers have become friends that I like to check in with. I may not always leave a comment and truthfully, there are times when I post and I take away the comment ability as I feel strongly that I am not trying to elicit validation, but just have something deeply significant to share.
So that’s my two cents worth…again, great post Claudia.
xox Rella
Claudia,
I loved reading this recent post. The beauty of your blog to me, is that it is visually inspiring and your writing is thoughtful. I am very new to blogging-about 1 1/2 weeks! I’m navigating slowly through the process. I have looked through many blogs, and find your style inspirational and peaceful. Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s fabulous, thank you!
A very interesting post Claudia. While your question about why we blog is important and interesting your post has set me to thinking particularly about why I read certain blogs. The secret ingredient is what you’ve mentioned, the feeling of authenticity and coming to know the blogger as a person you like and admire for either their talents or their personal attirbutes, or both. Sometimes the other ingredient may be the opportunity to glimpse life in other places (I follow quite a lot of French blogs for that reason) and this is a part of the appeal of your blog too Claudia – apart from admiring your personal attributes and talents :) It’s nice to follow along on your ‘adventures’ and see the changing of the seasons around you and get some understanding of what that means to you. (The seasons are not so strongly defined down here so it’s something that’s a little ‘different’ for me).
A great number of the blogs I follow are decor blogs that I seldom comment on – I visit regularly for inspiration mostly for miniature projects and a great deal of them are in foreign languages so they are really in the ‘eye candy’ category.
And of course I follow lots and lots of miniaturists blogs, they come under the ‘shared interest’ category. I try to comment a lot on these blogs, especially when a blogger is just starting out, and some of these mini bloggers have become good friends. When I started out I could never have imagined that this wouldAs you know you’ll find very little personal life stuff on my blog, however I do hope that I manage to convey a sense of ‘who I am’ just the same. I started my blog after discovering miniaturists blogs quite by accident and was so excited by all the inspiration and sharing of information and so on that they offered that I thought I’d ‘join the party’! Outside of Blogland I don’t have any friends who share my hobby (some might say obsession!) and it’s so nice to be part of a group of likeminded people, to be able to share ideas, inspiration and encouragement – and without leaving home!
I think the element of creating a journal is an aspect of my blog too, altho it’s different to yours. I allows me to keep a record of my projects and over time to watch the development of styles (and I hope skills!). I have sometimes thought of creating a private ‘dear diary’ blog too as an illustrated journal just for myself – maybe one day.
Thanks for your post my dear, it’s off back to bed for me now – it’s 3.45 am and I’ve been tootling around blogs and drinking tea for almost an hour so now that I’m feeling nice and relaxed again it’s time to close my eyes, perchace to dream of the perfect miniature project… happen.
claudia
ok, i admit i’ve been a lurker too :)
as a fellow mccoy collector, your photos drew me right in, but your writing kept me coming back – i agree with what others have said about the enjoyment of reading blogs that are written by someone who it seems you could have a great conversation with
pat
Hello Claudia,
Thanks fo posting. I agree on so many levels. I started blogging a year ago to relieve stress in my life. Yes, the “S” word is out. This was a great way to relax, meet new gals and have a laugh or two. This gave me also a creative ave. to explore and talk about my interests,Vintage and photography. Time to time my travels to the Flea or favorite jaunt. I don’t air personal stuff other than my well pump breaking. Darn! My personal life is mine and it ought to be. I say to each is own, if you know what I mean.What is good for me doesn’t mean it’s good for someone else. I have a Follower button on my blog. It’s great, but that’s not the reason why I blog. To get a fan base. You either like what you see or not. I don’t take it seriously or personal. I’m here to have fun.That sums me up!!!! In a nut shell. I have to admit though, I am one of those drive by visitors who don’t leave comments. But, I’m here now Claudia. I will be here tomorrow and the next day. Thanks for being You!
xxx Liz
Between your compelling post and then then the following comments this is one terrific post. I would say I have evolved a lot and still am trying to find my niche. I enjoy so many things and still jump around a lot…maybe that’s just me.
Claudia, I think that all of the above comments say everything that I could want to say about your blogging ability. Yours is one of my all time favorites. You let people inside and make them understand what you are about. I think of both you and Don as friends that just live on the other side of the country.
I started blogging as a way of spreading the word about the world of miniatures. Having been in minis for about 25 years before I started blogging, I had lots to talk about. I never dreamed that people would be interested in reading it.
About a year after I started, Tessie tip toed into the story and refused to leave. I haven’t missed a day of blogging in over three years and I blame her for it. she keeps pushing my buttons and now I couldn’t do the blog without her. She has more friends in Bloglandia than I do! Blogging is a great way to connect to people all over the world. I would do it even if I were the only one that ever read it. It’s addictive!
Hi, Claudia. I am relatively new to blogging, and your blog was one of the first that I followed. I, myself am somewhat of a nuvo “hippie,” and a liberal. I love my home and gardening and crafting. I don’t have children. I love nature and spend time hiking in the woods and playing in the ocean and participating in protecting these things. My blog reflects these things. I don’t feel comfortable telling too many personal stories on the posts. I love to post pictures; both clips from the internet and my own pictures. I try to look for posts that share these same ideologies. I like to find out about different places: when do the robins arrive “up north;” what grows well in your garden; and things like that. I also like to see what crafts people are creating. I love stories about pets. I love photographs of the areas that people live. I suppose it is the blog that relishes the sacred in the simple daily things that I love best. I think that this is what your posts have evolved in doing and it is why I do love to visit. Enjoy the blooms and the garden. We will have wild blackberries and yellow squash from the vegetable garden soon!
I really love this post, Claudia. One thing that I’ve always felt about your blog is that it is truly authentic. That’s such a great quality. I admire (and feel honored) that you can let us into your life at the level you do.
I feel like my blog is pretty authentic to who I am. However, I feel that my blog is just a sliver of who I am. I’m still guarded about sharing at a deeper level. It’s such a vulnerable place to go…
I love that when I read your blog I feel that if I were to meet you in person you’d be that same person. I think that I’m drawn to blogs that have that authentic vibe about them.
Hugs,
Jill
What a wonderful entry today, dear.
I loved reading every word of it. And I can easily confirm, that what is in the post is what is in you. The blog really does capture who you are: A brilliant, creative and caring human.
I’m glad I got to know you first!
D.
hi claudia,
i always enjoy your writing so much and i’m always amazed by the amount of comments that you receive especially since you post almost daily. i think your blog is “bigger” than you think. numbers-schmumbers. ever check your stats?
i so enjoy the give-and-take, too but sometimes i worry that maybe someone has left a comment (or 3) for me and i haven’t reciprocated. when i have time to visit, first i check my sidebar or google reader, sometimes i begin with visiting who had visited me but i always worry that i’m forgetting someone and i hope i’m not. i still remember quite clearly when getting 5 comments was a very big deal.
like you, i really like how our blogs combine words and photos. i almost feel like my blog has been leading me along rather than the other way around. make any sense? the dog walking me? LOL
okay, got to run but hope to be back online later (if i can stay awake)! i either am at the beginning of a cold or allergies. ?
xo
elyse
Hi Claudia,
First of all I read your blog because of you. You are interesting and you have a writing style that keeps it real. I agree with everything that you have said, especially about all of us being kindered spirits.
My blog is still evolving. I don’t care about numbers, but I do love comments. If someone hasn’t been by for awhile I start worrying about them and wondering why they haven’t been by to see me and leave a comment. And, I’m sure they worry and wonder why I haven’t been by their blog. I’m still learning that it’s okay to be absent sometimes and that life gets hectic and other understand when you can’t blog.
The blog world is a wonderful place and I feel so fortunate to be apart of it.
Thanks for sharing your sweet and honest thoughts.
hugs
Sissie
Claudia, I love visiting your blog for so many reasons, your photos are beautiful, your writing is poetic, your reflections often awaken something that I should be taking the time to ask myself and it is a very nice place to spend some some time relaxing.
A little over a year ago I started a blog purely for professional reasons. It was to learn how they work and observe how people interact on them. That is not why I continue now but can honestly say that I am pondering the very questions you pose to us today. One thing is for certain my favorite blogs are honest and creative. I used to work for one of the military services so can relate to not feeling able to be more open.
It’s always good to have positive feedback. It’s also nice to find a connection with a group of individuals that you most likely would never have known if it were not for blogging.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/FrenchCuriosites
This is such a lovely post, Claudia! I started my blog as an extension of my business…I didn’t have a clue what was ahead for me! I have met so many wonderful, inspiring bloggers and my blog became such a creative outlet for me. It has inspired me to step outside of my comfort zone, take classes, and I’ve discovered a real love of photography! I am especially attracted to the generosity and sharing I see in blogs, as well as beauty and humor!
Why did I start a blog? Because I had been getting so much pleasure and inspiration from visiting so many wonderful blogs that I thought it was time to give something in return.
Do I enjoy my own blog? No. I feel inadequate, I have difficulty in expressing myself, and my photography skills are virtually nil. I am happy that I have some followers, but numbers are not important to me. However I really do appreciate it when someone takes the time to leave me a comment, or replies to a comment I have left for them.
I believe in ‘blogging without obligation’. If I enjoy a blog, and what that person has to say, then I will be delighted when it pops up in my reader whether it is every day or once a year.
As a full time carer blogland is my stay sane domain. I don’t have the time to leave a comment every time I visit a blog, but that does not mean I haven’t enjoyed and appreciated that post.
Claudia what I really enjoy about your blog is that your caring and sharing warm heart shines through.
Claudia, I always try to leave a comment, especially when a post really hits the mark with me. I know how much I cherish the comments I receive – that people take the time to read my blog and comment is amazing to me.
I really started my blog for me as a way of letting my family members know how much they mean to me and to pass on some stories from family history or funny things my pets might do. I was really scared when I did my first post and was sure I sounded like a rambling idiot. I still tend to ramble, but I’ve learned so much from fellow bloggers such as yourself how to stay more on topic and to always right about something that is meaningful to me. I vowed that my blog would focus on the positive in my life. I didn’t want to be a complainer about the stresses and I have found that when things do get stressful for me, blogging is my therapy. I have found my computer skills are better, my photography skills are improved and my writing has returned to a higher level.
You are a thoughtful and caring person, I can tell -from your blog! And I thank you for letting us all have a peek at your life and share in your adventures, whether they be in the big city or in your cozy house. Ann
Hi Claudia, I have started my response several times and stopped because I could write an entire post about why I blog. I started because I wanted to “play along” with parties I was seeing–definitely not as a personal journal. I share pictures of my family, but I don’t share my private life, or theirs. At least not yet. I am a very private person. But I am proud of my life, my home, the way I entertain and the people my children have become, and perhaps that shows. I care greatly about comments, which surprised me!! I never leave comments such as “nice post” or “interesting” because I have a very low phoniness (is that a word?) threshold, but I don’t mind them on my blog because for some reason it is important to me to know someone was there! And followers say to me, “I am looking for your next post the way I would look for my favorite magazine or my good friend on the street.” And speaking of friends, I caught myself referring to one of my buddy bloggers as a “friend” a few days ago when I was speaking of her to my husband. I come to your blog regularly for entertainment, armchair travel, window shopping of your beautiful collections, your photography, and definitely for thought provoking posts! I named my blog as I did as a reminder to myself to stop focussing on everything else before myself. Chores can wait. That is an EXTREMELY difficult concept for me. I love the blogging world and am enjoying being part of it. Linda
Claudia, I enjoy visiting your blog! I don’t have a blog of my own, even though I think about starting one sometimes. I enjoy yours because of your photographs, reading about your dogs, crafting but mainly because you seem to be a really nice person! (and you write well too!)
Ah. Well it really is a journey, isn’t it? When I first started out, I just wanted to share the beauty I ran into – what I call ‘serendipitous inspiration’. But then people asked me to share more about myself, and so my blog has evolved to include some of that as well.
I worried about how often to post and content for quite a while, but now I’m just sharing whatever comes to mind – like chatting with a good friend. And I would never want to have a ‘big’ blog with a lot of followers & comments, because then visiting people back would be next to impossible. It is the back-and-forth connection that I value.
I return to blogs over and over again for different reasons. One might share beautiful photography (someday I hope mine will as well), another thoughtful writing, another creative inspiration, and another a gentle soul.
I enjoyed your post, Claudia. Happy weekend to you!
Zuzu
Lovely post! Yes I definitely love it when I can get a personal connection with a blogger. Other bloggers will start to feel like friends and I worry about them when they ‘disapear’ for while.
Love comments too! I try to be a good girl and comment back. But sometimes I just can’t keep it up. I know have a rule to at least try and leave 10 heartfelt and meaningful comments a day. That way it stays fun. And I try to spread the comment love around a bit.
what a lovely post, claudia. i am afraid i often visit people without leaving word of my presence (how rude of me!) my blog started as a journal about a big experience in our lives and i just kept doing the thing! i had a few moments where i fretted about numbers and bog traffic, but those evaporated. i rarely check statcounter and would guess i have a handful of readers. i am so glad i have peace about that! what draws me to blogs is good photographs and meaningful words. i also love to visit women who are living differently than me (i love your work and big city visits, for example!). the best thing about blogging is the friends i’ve made, and like you…i hope if/when we meet someday they say “yep, you’re just like you are on your blog!” xoxo
I keep coming back to your blog because of the honesty of your posts. Also, I love your writing style. Your photos are wonderful. I think you live a very interesting and creative life. And, I love you home.
I have sometimes found myself wondering if my blog is really interesting to others but then stopped worrying about that. I enjoy creating my blog posts and am having fun and feeling creative.
You always make me think. Thanks. Have a good weekend.
Hugs, Cory/Dogwood
Love hearing your thoughts, Claudia, being true to ourselves is the key. I agree, there has to be the essence of the person; no matter how many pretty photos, otherwise it isn’t interesting. I’ve so enjoyed getting to know you and be with you on your journeys. I don’t always leave comments, but I’m always here.
xoxo Debra
Claudia, you really got me thinking about comments. I rarely leave them. And that’s not a good thing at all. Thanks for the gentle reminder as to just how much we all love comments. And to get, it’s only fair to give.
Thank you.
Dawn
Hi Claudia
What a great post. I don´t post much about personal stuff on my blog. This is something I always have thoughts about. Should I do it, would that interest anybody. I would love to be able to write long posts, but still have difficulty finding the right words in another languase. so far it has taken me 5 minutes to write this comment for you – lol.
I´ll have to do more about this, if I dare…
You really made me think.
Have a wonderful day
I began my blog with the idea that it would be a perfect way for my family to keep abreast of my current projects.
It went along that way for quite a while.
Blogging and following blogs has brought so many new ideas to me, whether it’s creations by these talented bloggers, new places, and new perspectives on life in general.
Along the way I’ve gained a few followers and now the posts I blog are to let my new friends know what I’m up to. Some personal thoughts and goings-on but mainly about my current projects, quilting, knitting, etc.
I’m not certain what impression Followers have of me, I just blog.
I don’t always leave a Comment just to comment but do leave one when I feel I have something to contribute.
I love following your blog as it never fails to catch my interest.
Hugs,
Gerry
Your post are always so interesting and true to heart Claudia and that’s why I keep coming back. I could go on and on but I won’t. I admit I started my blog as a way to draw more people to my website 4 years ago but it has become so much more than that now. The people I have met is just amazing. One I see almost every week now, another came to visit for a few days last Fall and another is coming soon from Canada to visit. And I am even thinking of going to Paris with a few others. Isn’t that something. xoxo P.S. The funny souls are what attract me the most and blogs from the heart. I have been told many times that people feel like they are sitting in my living room talking to me when reading my blog….sure hope that’s true.
For me it’s the writer’s “voice” if you will, and of course the photography. I think for you you are doing what is absolutely right. Because if this is your “journal” nothing else would work when down the road you come back to read excerpts!
Brenda
I love your blog Claudia. It is always like reading a letter from a favorite pen pal. Maybe that’s what blogs have evolved from? I am having issues with my blog. Not even sure why I keep it anymore.
Now, I just have to tell you that I was reading your comment and your comment from Sparks is just so heartwarming. I love it that your husband reads your blog and leaves you sweet comments. You are a lucky woman…
I just found your blog today, this is a nice post and kind of you to invite our comments. I blog because it’s a creative outlet for me. I am unable to work, and use my blog as accountability to myself and to give me a purpose. I offer free vintage images and I know people are checking every day to see if I’ve posted. I am happy to share with them. I have met many dear online friends. It’s something I truly enjoy doing and feel as though I’ve found a niche for this season of my life. ~ Abby