I woke up from a nap this very moment, came to my computer, and my knowing, dear husband had left me a note on the screen that said "refresh your blog."
He surprised me with this lovely new banner to celebrate the first day of spring! I am such a lucky, lucky girl. :)
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
being real
A theme seems to have crossed my path this week, and it has really spoken to me. Call it authenticity, or simply being real.
I first came across it here, where Molly is brave enough to show us the sometimes messy reality behind the pretty but staged photography shots many of us take. I love photography, and I love beautiful things, but sometimes its just nice to see the imperfections and "the wizard behind the curtain." It makes me feel more human in my own imperfections.
Then I came across all these beautiful Flickr-folk posting real pictures of themselves, un-made-up or primped or anything. Refreshing (and you ladies are gorgeous all the time, anyway).
Next, I came across this beautiful passage (you can even download a pretty print of it here) that describes the way I really do try to live my life on a daily basis, with varying degrees of success. I feel that, unless we are being our true selves, things get tangled up and our communications and interactions with one another get real sticky real fast.
But sometimes this whole blogging thing starts to make me act funny. I get caught up in my perfectionistic little self and want to post the best photos, and stories of the days when I have it all (or mostly) together, and you know, put my best self out there. But then I start to feel funny. It sucks the joy right out of having this little blog. It's too much pressure. And my blog has been a little empty lately because of it.
Lastly, I watched this video on Ted.com (which by the way has some amazing ideas and perspectives to share from really smart and accomplished people) on the idea of "glamour" and what it is: idealized versions of the real thing, whether its a movie star (Nicole Kidman doesn't wake up glamourous...there's a lot of primping that goes into making her look red carpet beautiful!), or a magazine photograph (look, no clutter! no cords!), or food (no drips, no weird looking stuff).
There's nothing wrong with a little glamour. I love blogs and magazines of picturesque apartments, clothes, food, etc. But as for producing that calibre of stuff myself all the time? Well, its just too much to ask of me when I'm a pregnant mom and wife who works nearly full time. So, I'm letting go of the ideal of glamour and the ideals, and I'm going to try and make this a place where I can just be real.
Ahhhhh. That feels better.
Oh...and to top it all off, here's a picture of me un-made up (and my husband), albeit its from a year ago. Whatevs.
I first came across it here, where Molly is brave enough to show us the sometimes messy reality behind the pretty but staged photography shots many of us take. I love photography, and I love beautiful things, but sometimes its just nice to see the imperfections and "the wizard behind the curtain." It makes me feel more human in my own imperfections.
Then I came across all these beautiful Flickr-folk posting real pictures of themselves, un-made-up or primped or anything. Refreshing (and you ladies are gorgeous all the time, anyway).
Next, I came across this beautiful passage (you can even download a pretty print of it here) that describes the way I really do try to live my life on a daily basis, with varying degrees of success. I feel that, unless we are being our true selves, things get tangled up and our communications and interactions with one another get real sticky real fast.
But sometimes this whole blogging thing starts to make me act funny. I get caught up in my perfectionistic little self and want to post the best photos, and stories of the days when I have it all (or mostly) together, and you know, put my best self out there. But then I start to feel funny. It sucks the joy right out of having this little blog. It's too much pressure. And my blog has been a little empty lately because of it.
Lastly, I watched this video on Ted.com (which by the way has some amazing ideas and perspectives to share from really smart and accomplished people) on the idea of "glamour" and what it is: idealized versions of the real thing, whether its a movie star (Nicole Kidman doesn't wake up glamourous...there's a lot of primping that goes into making her look red carpet beautiful!), or a magazine photograph (look, no clutter! no cords!), or food (no drips, no weird looking stuff).
There's nothing wrong with a little glamour. I love blogs and magazines of picturesque apartments, clothes, food, etc. But as for producing that calibre of stuff myself all the time? Well, its just too much to ask of me when I'm a pregnant mom and wife who works nearly full time. So, I'm letting go of the ideal of glamour and the ideals, and I'm going to try and make this a place where I can just be real.
Ahhhhh. That feels better.
Oh...and to top it all off, here's a picture of me un-made up (and my husband), albeit its from a year ago. Whatevs.
Friday, December 12, 2008
clarifying me
One of the responsibilities that comes with blogging, in my opinion, is to clarify what I may have mis-communicated the first time around. I feel like I need to say something about my post from a couple of days ago.
I really love blogging, and I really love this means of sharing my life with both loved ones and other great people whom I've never met. It's something I've wanted to do for years, and its nice to be living my dream. But, I'm definitely still figuring it out.
I want anyone who wants to read my blog to feel welcome here. I try to both make it an appealing place and I also try to keep it real. The thing is difficult for me is that my audience here is and always will be mostly anonymous. (For that reason, I try not to share too many personal details about me in my concrete life, but I do like to share about who I am as a spiritual and creative person.)
In "real life" we generally communicate one-on-one, or in small groups. Because everyone has their own personality and listening style and interests, and perhaps because I am also somewhat of a people pleaser, I tend to sculpt conversations around what I think may interest a friend while we have lunch together or what a group of family members might think is intriguing around the dinner table. We all do this based on our personal relationships and cultural context to the individuals we are communicating with. But when I blog, I have no idea who my audience is, so I feel somewhat in the dark about how to present who I am and in what context.
This is simply the nature of blogging, and I know it's not going to change. I'm just trying to find my way around in the dark here and figure out who I am in this world. And you're welcome to follow me on my journey, too! Thanks for hearing me out.
I really love blogging, and I really love this means of sharing my life with both loved ones and other great people whom I've never met. It's something I've wanted to do for years, and its nice to be living my dream. But, I'm definitely still figuring it out.
I want anyone who wants to read my blog to feel welcome here. I try to both make it an appealing place and I also try to keep it real. The thing is difficult for me is that my audience here is and always will be mostly anonymous. (For that reason, I try not to share too many personal details about me in my concrete life, but I do like to share about who I am as a spiritual and creative person.)
In "real life" we generally communicate one-on-one, or in small groups. Because everyone has their own personality and listening style and interests, and perhaps because I am also somewhat of a people pleaser, I tend to sculpt conversations around what I think may interest a friend while we have lunch together or what a group of family members might think is intriguing around the dinner table. We all do this based on our personal relationships and cultural context to the individuals we are communicating with. But when I blog, I have no idea who my audience is, so I feel somewhat in the dark about how to present who I am and in what context.
This is simply the nature of blogging, and I know it's not going to change. I'm just trying to find my way around in the dark here and figure out who I am in this world. And you're welcome to follow me on my journey, too! Thanks for hearing me out.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
I have a question... and some random photos
So, fellow bloggers, do your close, real-life family and friends know you have a blog? Do they read it on a regular basis that you know about?
How do you feel about that?
My parents (hi mom and dad) read my blog regularly, and frequently mention it to other family members and friends and gush... And to be honest, I never know quite how to react. I tend to suddenly be stymied and a little embarrassed about the whole thing. Now don't get me wrong, I'm so thrilled that my parents do enjoy my photos and thoughts here. Its nice to get the parental stamp of approval at any age, and its nice that they love it enough to share it with others.
On the other hand, I guess it feels a little like people reading my journal... which is fine when I can be somewhat anonymous, but strange when I know that real-life people in my life are reading. I feel exposed somehow.
What about you?
Monday, November 17, 2008
churches and webs
Wow.
This past week has been an interesting one. My son and I both caught nasty cold-type bugs and while he recovered quickly, I have been out for the count. For seven days, my life has mostly consisted of sleep, getting the things that HAD to be done, done (exciting things like laundry and dishes and feeding the cat) - and trying to assure my husband that I do want to spend time with him but I am simply too exhauste-----zzzzzzzzzzzz. Sorry, Ben.
I often wonder how many of you bloggers do it all. Visit lovely places, take exquisite pictures, upload them, write about them, comment on other people's blogs, create amazing handcrafted products and sell them at local craft fairs... It simply amazes me, the webs you spin, and here I am running at a mad speed, trying to keep up.
I do wonder, do you work outside your home? Do you have children? These are the things that occupy most of my days and weeks, sometimes keeping me from attending to my blog. But sometimes, I get creative and am able to find inspiration without even stepping outside of my daily life.
Last week, I took a little walk outside my workplace and was admiring all the cute churches, each less than a block away. I thought I'd share them with you.
Also, when I stepped outside early, early this weekend, I was delighted to find this beautiful dew-covered web.
But the best part wasn't the web at all. It was all the walking paths that each little spider had taken, suddenly made visible.
Every leap from leaf to leaf, or drop from tree to ground, was suddenly documented. It seemed like a good analogy for this blog. I love having the opportunity to shed light on my life and share it with you. It brings meaning into some of my daily activities that might otherwise be mundane. Thanks for watching me walk here and there even though I haven't yet begun to spin my web.
Soon, Then...
This past week has been an interesting one. My son and I both caught nasty cold-type bugs and while he recovered quickly, I have been out for the count. For seven days, my life has mostly consisted of sleep, getting the things that HAD to be done, done (exciting things like laundry and dishes and feeding the cat) - and trying to assure my husband that I do want to spend time with him but I am simply too exhauste-----zzzzzzzzzzzz. Sorry, Ben.
I often wonder how many of you bloggers do it all. Visit lovely places, take exquisite pictures, upload them, write about them, comment on other people's blogs, create amazing handcrafted products and sell them at local craft fairs... It simply amazes me, the webs you spin, and here I am running at a mad speed, trying to keep up.
I do wonder, do you work outside your home? Do you have children? These are the things that occupy most of my days and weeks, sometimes keeping me from attending to my blog. But sometimes, I get creative and am able to find inspiration without even stepping outside of my daily life.
Last week, I took a little walk outside my workplace and was admiring all the cute churches, each less than a block away. I thought I'd share them with you.
Also, when I stepped outside early, early this weekend, I was delighted to find this beautiful dew-covered web.
But the best part wasn't the web at all. It was all the walking paths that each little spider had taken, suddenly made visible.
Every leap from leaf to leaf, or drop from tree to ground, was suddenly documented. It seemed like a good analogy for this blog. I love having the opportunity to shed light on my life and share it with you. It brings meaning into some of my daily activities that might otherwise be mundane. Thanks for watching me walk here and there even though I haven't yet begun to spin my web.
Soon, Then...
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