Back to My Bloggy Roots
Ξ April 10th, 2009 | → 13 Comments | ∇ Bloggity Business |
A few of you may have noticed that I’ve disappeared from the blog several times over the last few months. I could blame it on the deployment, stress, sickness, overtiredness, travel…there’s a lot, but the truth is, I had to take stock and change my priorities a bit.
I started my blog a few years ago with the intention of getting to know other homeschoolers. Since we move so much in the military, I thought it would be nice to have some stable contacts, as well as meet people in places we may one day move to.
Which totally paid off in the form of my friend Bethany, whom I met online when living in Maryland, never dreaming that one day we’d both be living in the same city in Mississippi.
I soon discovered I loved blogging and branched out from other homeschool moms. And as I gained more readers I got really into the numbers, my stats (you wouldn’t believe how many guys come here by googling ways to ask a girl out for coffee), and started eyeing blogging conferences like BlogHer, and envying moms who were popular enough to get paid trips to Disneyland. My goal became less about making connections with people and more about being popular.
But as my time got sucked up and I started thinking about sinking money into conferences, I realized that what I really needed to do was simplify. Sure, going to BlogHer would be fun and would make me some contacts, but going to a homeschool conference with a good friend would be encouraging, edifying, restful, fun…and beneficial to the whole family.
So I took a step back.
It was hard.
I lost over half my readers.
But you know who I have left?
You.
The ones who care about more than a quick giggle.
And I’m glad I can reconnect with you.
on April 10th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
I am glad you are back i have missed ya!!! although my time has been short lately to read blogs or write them…
Welcome back!!!!
on April 10th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
I know the blogging dance too. Priorities, family, you’ve got your heart…and your feet in the right place. Good to have you back. We continue to pray for your family. My Claire never forgets.
Kate
Kate
on April 10th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
I have been the exact same way! My blog used to be a hopping place to be, but it did start sucking up my time. Now, I only have devoted readers left and I’m beginning to be ok with that.
Welcome back
on April 10th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Still here… I always leave blogs I like in reader in case someone decides to blog again.
on April 11th, 2009 at 3:45 am
Mom Blogs – Blogs for Moms…
…
on April 11th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Yay! I am still hear – hanging on tight
You’ve likely noticed that blogging hasn’t much been my thing lately too. And I miss the connection with my bloggy friends…but I am also enjoying life with my family instead of stressing over how many posts I published last month and whether anyone cares enough to comment!
Glad you found a balance for you – and as often as you feel the need to post. I’ll be here to giggle (and probably comment – cause everyone deserves a comment!)
on April 11th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
I hear you, girl. I’ve been doing some of the same stuff. I started blogging because I love to write and wanted to do it more. I’ve been trying to find balance and get my priorities back in order lately and blogging has taken a back burner in the process. I realized (FINALLY!) that I am happies when I don’t check stats and only write for myself…not selfishly but just writing from my heart and not what I think people want to hear.
on April 12th, 2009 at 8:36 am
I just discovered your blog (through BD) and am also a homeschooling, scrapbooking, photography- & coffee-loving mom.
I go back and forth almost weekly regarding how much time/effort I want to devote to my blog vs other things. It’s a difficult balance.
on April 13th, 2009 at 11:55 am
I’m with you and keep checking in!
And I sooooo totally understand the route of simplifying….and knowing what is really a priority.
Jolanthe
on April 13th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Yay! I’ve missed you here!
on April 14th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
That was a sweet thing to say, especially since I feel like a horrible friend! You’re getting ready to move and I feel like I haven’t spent nearly enough time with you!
I understand the drive to have a popular blog. When I first started blogging, and actually had a few readers, I got really into the numbers. Now, I really don’t have much time to blog. But I do feel like I’ve made some really great friends doing it.
on May 11th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Love your blog-enjoy your point of view. It is hard at times to define why we blog-especially since the reasons seem to change (for me) from year to year.
Mine started as just a blip on the internet that I was unsure of what I would do with it to now being a place for me to write as I feel like it, and post about things that are happening to us as we live it to whoever might come over to read-even if it is just God, who is the author and creator of my faith.
on March 27th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
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