Join me for some lemonade and scones will you? I need to chat.
I am thinking of changing the name of my blog from my little life to honest living.
Or maybe I should combine the 2? my little life: honest living
I know it is a classic mistake to “re-brand” yourself this way, but in the end I have to ask, do I care about my “brand” that much?
I am starting to think not.
There are a lot of discussions going on around Blogland lately – instigated by the big party surrounding the release of this book – about why people blog at all. Why us creative types blog, where we find our bliss in it.
I started blogging because I wanted to share things that I saw that inspired me, I wanted to capture parts of my life that I might forget later down the road, I wanted to share in the creative give-and-take that is happening everyday in Blogland, and I wanted to find a new way to express myself (as corny as that sounds in my head as I type it…)
But sometimes there are things I leave out of my blog, things I think now maybe I need to start sharing. I think that is what would be “blogging bliss” to me.
Only I am not sure if you will like all of them, and that worries me a bit.
I know it shouldn’t, I know I shouldn’t care, but I do. I do want you to like me and my blog. There I said it.
I don’t talk much about my faith or my role at my church because it feels somehow awkward to bring that into the mix with all the glitter and decorating. I don’t talk a lot about the stress of balancing work & kids & creativity, or about how I have suffered from depression in the past and sometimes feel it rising it up, like a turtle neck that is too tight, when times get rough.
But the truth is sometimes I get up on Sunday and I go to church and I am the one that gives the talk to the congregation, and serves communion, and then I come home and I glitter some banners, surf Blogland, fluff my mantle, read In Style Magazine and make breakfast-for- dinner with my Sweet Man, get my kids in and out of the tub and pass out in front of an episode of Tori & Dean, Home Sweet Hollywood.
And sometimes I have a hard time getting out of bed at all, and lately I am thinking about giving up the glitter scene as a profession, but that is not concrete at all, and today all of my boys are home for various reasons and they are in my hair, and I finally had to shut the door to the studio, put in my ear buds and blog a little to keep from losing my mind.
And then there are other days that are golden, pure magic, and I everything hums along like the sweet night song made by the summer cicada’s and crickets.
And then there are other days that are just fine. No more, no less. Just days for living, just as they should be.
And that my friends is the honest truth – and it is all my honest living, one day at a time.
And if you don’t mind, I would love to share more of it with you.
I SO appreciate your honesty. I think that you should DEFINITELY share more…(and I still like you)!!! In fact, I like you more. 🙂 I'm sure others will too. I haven't blogged about my faith either, but I too am a Christian – born again. I too have struggled with depression during tough times…and have to pray that God will help me through it. Thank you for opening up on your blog, and for your honesty. I actually suspected that you were a Christian before you even mentioned your faith. 🙂
I SO appreciate your honesty. I think that you should DEFINITELY share more…(and I still like you)!!! In fact, I like you more. 🙂 I'm sure others will too. I haven't blogged about my faith either, but I too am a Christian – born again. I too have struggled with depression during tough times…and have to pray that God will help me through it. Thank you for opening up on your blog, and for your honesty. I actually suspected that you were a Christian before you even mentioned your faith. 🙂
I SO appreciate your honesty. I think that you should DEFINITELY share more…(and I still like you)!!! In fact, I like you more. 🙂 I'm sure others will too. I haven't blogged about my faith either, but I too am a Christian – born again. I too have struggled with depression during tough times…and have to pray that God will help me through it. Thank you for opening up on your blog, and for your honesty. I actually suspected that you were a Christian before you even mentioned your faith. 🙂
I SO appreciate your honesty. I think that you should DEFINITELY share more…(and I still like you)!!! In fact, I like you more. 🙂 I'm sure others will too. I haven't blogged about my faith either, but I too am a Christian – born again. I too have struggled with depression during tough times…and have to pray that God will help me through it. Thank you for opening up on your blog, and for your honesty. I actually suspected that you were a Christian before you even mentioned your faith. 🙂
I SO appreciate your honesty. I think that you should DEFINITELY share more…(and I still like you)!!! In fact, I like you more. 🙂 I'm sure others will too. I haven't blogged about my faith either, but I too am a Christian – born again. I too have struggled with depression during tough times…and have to pray that God will help me through it. Thank you for opening up on your blog, and for your honesty. I actually suspected that you were a Christian before you even mentioned your faith. 🙂
Thank you for your honesty & sharing your thoughts & fears about your blog. As someone who reads your blog every day, I would love for you to share more of yourself. You're an amazing, beautiful, talented person and all the things you list in this post – church, glitter, past depression – they're all a part of who you are & each part makes up the person you are. You don't need to separate parts of your life. Not for us – we love you the way you are!
I've been struggling too lately with having two little ones and everything else that goes along with life these days, so it would be a nice reminder to know that I don't walk this path alone & that everyone has days that are sunny & some that are not so sunny. And for those not so sunny days, there is breakfast for dinner & Tori & Dean on TV (love that show!).
Well, this is the joy of Blogland–you can express whatever you please. Some will go, yes, but most will stay and others will even come (there are plenty of like-minded people out there). There have been some hard days when I really needed a kind comment on my blog, and someone actually left one. What a perk-up! We ALL need an outlet–mine is blogging and doing my glass bead hobby/business. It gives a little sanity to my life full of housework, church things, homeschooling, and whatever else comes along. If you close one creative outlet (glittery things), it must be filled with another. I learned this a few years ago. Go ahead and change things–just not too much too fast. What you have to say is valuable and important because you are valuable and important…and we're eager to read more of what is on your mind. ; )
~Michele
P.S. Yes, I'd love some scones and lemonade!
Well, this is the joy of Blogland–you can express whatever you please. Some will go, yes, but most will stay and others will even come (there are plenty of like-minded people out there). There have been some hard days when I really needed a kind comment on my blog, and someone actually left one. What a perk-up! We ALL need an outlet–mine is blogging and doing my glass bead hobby/business. It gives a little sanity to my life full of housework, church things, homeschooling, and whatever else comes along. If you close one creative outlet (glittery things), it must be filled with another. I learned this a few years ago. Go ahead and change things–just not too much too fast. What you have to say is valuable and important because you are valuable and important…and we're eager to read more of what is on your mind. ; )
~Michele
P.S. Yes, I'd love some scones and lemonade!
Well, this is the joy of Blogland–you can express whatever you please. Some will go, yes, but most will stay and others will even come (there are plenty of like-minded people out there). There have been some hard days when I really needed a kind comment on my blog, and someone actually left one. What a perk-up! We ALL need an outlet–mine is blogging and doing my glass bead hobby/business. It gives a little sanity to my life full of housework, church things, homeschooling, and whatever else comes along. If you close one creative outlet (glittery things), it must be filled with another. I learned this a few years ago. Go ahead and change things–just not too much too fast. What you have to say is valuable and important because you are valuable and important…and we're eager to read more of what is on your mind. ; )
~Michele
P.S. Yes, I'd love some scones and lemonade!
Well, this is the joy of Blogland–you can express whatever you please. Some will go, yes, but most will stay and others will even come (there are plenty of like-minded people out there). There have been some hard days when I really needed a kind comment on my blog, and someone actually left one. What a perk-up! We ALL need an outlet–mine is blogging and doing my glass bead hobby/business. It gives a little sanity to my life full of housework, church things, homeschooling, and whatever else comes along. If you close one creative outlet (glittery things), it must be filled with another. I learned this a few years ago. Go ahead and change things–just not too much too fast. What you have to say is valuable and important because you are valuable and important…and we're eager to read more of what is on your mind. ; )
~Michele
P.S. Yes, I'd love some scones and lemonade!
Well, this is the joy of Blogland–you can express whatever you please. Some will go, yes, but most will stay and others will even come (there are plenty of like-minded people out there). There have been some hard days when I really needed a kind comment on my blog, and someone actually left one. What a perk-up! We ALL need an outlet–mine is blogging and doing my glass bead hobby/business. It gives a little sanity to my life full of housework, church things, homeschooling, and whatever else comes along. If you close one creative outlet (glittery things), it must be filled with another. I learned this a few years ago. Go ahead and change things–just not too much too fast. What you have to say is valuable and important because you are valuable and important…and we're eager to read more of what is on your mind. ; )
~Michele
P.S. Yes, I'd love some scones and lemonade!
Your honesty is soooo refreshing. I know exactly how you feel, I want people to like me and my blog too. I feel like such a dork saying that but it's the truth. Keep it coming, you have follower in me. I want to read blogs that I can relate to. It's hard to feel good about ones self when you try to live up to the blogs that can't honestly be so perfectly perfect as they seem!
Well, here is my honest answer:
I like blogs with a little “grit”. Shiny and happy is all well and good, but that isn't what truly makes a life what it is, is it?
There will certainly be some people who don't like it though. I know my own blog stats tend to flucuate a lot depending on what is happening in our lives. (And that does mean that when we are at the bottom of poop hill, like we have been for most of this year, they go down).
But I started blogging for a totally different reason, and I am committed to remaining true to the reason I blog and not sugar coating it for the “masses” if you will.
I guess all of that is a long way of saying, I welcome reading WHATEVER it is that you want to write about.
Of course, you could always take a cue from Emily Martin who maintains two blogs with seperate but interconnected purposes – her Black Apple blog & her Some Girls Wander blog. Perhaps there is room for both your frosted and wheaty sides? 😉
ALL of it is refreshing…blog away. Honest living has sincerity that's for sure 🙂 Really enjoyed this post as I feel the same way many times.
I believe you can blog about anything you choose, it's your blog. Some may leave but new ones will come. You are amazing to me, everything you get done. It's nice to know that not everything is perfect. Sometimes I think I need to quit blogging or reading others cause I tend to feel inadequate so it's good to read “the good, the bad, and the ugly” I say blog away with whatever you like 🙂
I thought this was a great post, if that's any help … I guess I tend to avoid or stop reading blogs that get whiny, screechy, preachy, but I can't imagine you would be any of those. It's your blog: do what you want!
I was thinking as I read the potentially new name…Honest Living, it would only work if you are actually going to *be* honest. You know, not just share the pretty, but the ugly, too. And its okay to be who you are. I think we will like you still, you know?? There are times on my blog where I get down to the nitty gritty and I may get fewer comments on that post, but its okay. If I've touched or encouraged only one person, then I did my job{or God's work} that day. So change your name if you feel led…
Happy Wednesday!!
Elise
keep it coming, sista! I think we all fear that; that if we're too open, too honest, nobody will like us anymore. How much is TOO much? We all have our personal limits I suppose, and if people don't like what you have to say, screw 'em!
love ya!
TG
Jerusalem,
I've been quietly following your blog for almost two years now. Don't even know how I found it. I think maybe from your Etsy shop? Anyway, I have been thoroughly blessed by it and I know I would find it equally refreshing and helpful if you wanted to discuss other aspects of your life. I have to say that many of the things you shared in this post are already hitting home with me. So, write on I say! Follow your heart and God's lead.
Adrienne
Girl, you are just refreshing, that's what you are. You write whats in your heart. This is YOUR blog. I will come here no matter what. I promise. If some people stop coming because you are being your real self, then maybe you don't need them coming anyway.
Thank you so much for sharing your feelings. I understand. If you hop over to my blog you will see that it hasn't been updated in quite sometime. I don't have anything creative to share. No good news. Life is tough and I am struggling. So I haven't posted. That being said, I like the fact that you long to be honest with your readers. It makes you more “real.” I know in the coming days I need to just open up on my blog and let people know what is going on. Thanks again for sharing your heart. I'll try to share mine soon.
You touched a nerve with this one, didn't you, sweetie? All those lengthy comments! See — your audience loves you and is listening. Just keep living — and sharing — your life.
love, daddyo
hi jerusalem,
what a thoughtful post. i tend to keep my blog from any problems and even though i know that my blogging friends would be helpful and supportive, i like my blog to be a little escape for me. no worries there. having my blog has been helping me though some serious problems with my mom, which again, i don't want to even elaborate on.
even days when my boys are “in my hair” a bit, it's relaxing to find a friendly comment or even look at something pretty.
i hope you will keep the glitter in your life. i think women need it, i know as a mom i need it, even if i have to sneak it in late at night. 🙂
as for changing your blog's name, i am a big fan of branding (as goofy as that sounds) and i would keep it as-is. honest living could always be a separate off-shoot blog for tutorials or something.
i hope that helped.
xo
I think that true creative freedom comes from living honestly and it is something we should all try to do. I WILL keep reading you blog because I think finding out what a person's life is like as they try to live it creatively is very interesting, because I am trying to do the same.
By the way, I love the two part name. It sounds like they were meant to go together.
I love that you wrote this and can totally relate to the questions about the motives behind blogging..I think that especially when you have kids, you really have to question how you spend your time.
Authenticity, in the end, is what works anyway–even when it gets messy. So yes, please, do share more.
everyone has already said exactly what i was thinking!! being honest is the hardest and best thing we can do. not only with everyone but ourselves as well. i think that one is much harder. keep it coming. whatever *it* may be ;0)
have news will tell soon.
love ya!
Just go for it!!! : )
Keep blogging and sharing creative pics!!! I just found you and I L-O-V-E your blog!!!!
Share away! I would love to hear more about your ups and downs. I bet a lot of us can relate. : )
Honest blogging? Bring it on. Well aslong as it cmes with eye-candy that is!
I just found your blog today. I clicked on it because of the name. My little life, the oposite of “My grand ideas” or “Decorator Extraordinaire”. My little life actually speaks volumes! And BTW, only a Christian would call her life little, it lacks pride and is a very humble title. Quite refreshinng indeed! Anyhow, An honest life os good as well and you get to decide because it's your blog and your life, honest or little, or humble, it's you! Thanks for sharing your heart!
Please share, share, share! I lost all my bookmarks a few months ago and am just now getting back to your little haven and I'm so glad! I live in Fayetteville, so I feel like I “know” you more than if I lived in New York..is that weird?
I about fell off my chair when you said that thing about turtlenecks…I have the same issues. I call it “turtleneck mode” and my husband knows to back away. Actually besides for the leading church part (which I think is great) you sound JUST like me….Tori and Dean-check, In Style-check, breakfast for dinner-check!
I'll keep reading no matter what you call your blog or what feelings you share…I think blogs are the best thing to happen to women…a whole new world of other moms with the same feelings and fears and hobbies, etc. Love it!!
You are speaking to me today. Funny, I read the newpaper today and became outraged at an issue and wished I could share my thoughts. Maybe I need another blog, though I'd never find the time to write on it! I do share personal family goings-ons, and I am sure most readers tune out quickly, though some stick around 🙂 It doesn't matter though, because my blog is mine and I started it as a way to chronicle parts of my life, though I do keep it light.
I think your readers could take the transition. Your sweet personality comes through in your writing, and I think it would be nice for us to be able to support you through the rainy days as well as the sunny ones. We all struggle, but how we share that is a personal decision. I like yours…
A fan no matter,
Linda
And then there are those days, when you are ridding around in the car on a pretty sunny coolish day and your mind wanders to memories of your life and it occurs to you as you recall instances of your childhood that your mom had those same up, down, depressed, jubuliant, normal days that you were so unaware of because you felt safe.
Mom
bring it on….i would LOVE it!! 🙂 oh, and did you know we MUST have the same event planner for sundays?! 😉
Wow! How refreshing! I am fairly new to blogging. I followed from a link at Vanessa's “Bloom where you are planted.” I am a christian AND a pastor's wife and I identified with every single thing you said! I am all for being REAL with everything we do in life.I have discovered that we often feel that we will turn people away if we share our real selves and our real problems but in actuality….God often uses our struggles to encourage others to share theirs and to keep them from feeling so alone. Many times people have the tendancy to feel that others don't have the same “issues” that they do. We have a “prodigal” daughter who walked away from her husband and her 2 children (who were 2 and 1) and never came back to her children. She has since had another child and I can't even begin to describe her sad lifestyle and probably don't even know it all. At any rate, I didn't try to hide this from the church, although I certainly was uncomfortable…you know the whole preacher's family stuff. But amazingly, when I shared….women came out of the woodwork to share about their wayward children and out of that has come a wonderful support group called the Magdelines. This is an amazing group of women who share,laugh,and cry together. I really believe God celebrates when we are transparent and real! Thank you for saying what so many of us are probably afraid to say on our blogs.
HI- I am a fist time visitor but I will be back. Discovered you through Google Analytic…you were one of my referring links. If for nothing else, I LOVE GA just for this reason- coming across blogs like yours and posts like this.
This is just a personal opinion from a complete stranger, but my life is not all pink glitter and a perfect studio (or family or life, for that matter). I appreciate blogs that don't make me feel like it should be. Since I have started blogging, I have lost two parents (one a step but a parent in my heart) and put another in a nursing home and waited home for a year while my dh did a tour in Iraq (he's in the Army)…serious things going on in our lives that just can't be ignored- they are part of who we are and they will influence who we will become. I couldn't blog about light things if I didn't at least acknowledge that there is sadness (and/or stress) too…
I think your idea is a great one- I will follow to see how it develops….Good Luck!
(o:
Steph
http://sunshinenravioli.blogspot.com
Beautiful post. Share away, I am sure that the things on your heart are things we'll all benefit from. I've been feeling the need to do this more lately too, to be more honest and less 'magazinish' when I blog. It's a fine line to walk, the line between sharing too much and being fake. If anyone can do it, it's you. 🙂
your blog will always be perfect-no matter what you decide to write. It is a reflection of you and you are perfect just the way you are-in this moment and always.