My writing has been stunted lately. I’m not sure if you have noticed, or if you even care. It’s been bugging me, however, and I thought I would finally address the issue.
I’ve been in a bit of a quandary about what really needs to be posted on the Internet for the world to see. This site is supposed to document our lives, but I’ve been trying to figure out what should be posted here and what should not. The result? Fluff posts.
I have always said that I wouldn’t post anything here that I wouldn’t tell a stranger. That is still true…but I have come to realize that I would probably tell more to a complete stranger than a mere acquaintance. I have been becoming more aware of the fact that people in my town, who I barely know, read my site. While it’s cool and all, it’s a little unnerving. Mainly because they know all sorts of things about me and my family and I know diddly squat about them.
Then there are things that I am working through, or that are happening in my life…that aren’t appropriate to discuss in a public forum. I find it therapeutic to write, but I have had blog posts come back to bite me in the hiney before. It sucked. So? I write short little posts about being busy, or about my cute baby girl and two crazy boys.
People still keep coming by, but most don’t say anything. I could say that it didn’t matter, but it obviously does. If it didn’t matter I would write a private journal that nobody but my four immediate family members could read. Well, Matthew can read…and Graham’s starting to!
So I start to wonder if I should even bother blogging anymore. Maybe I should just write posts on a hidden blog and then I wouldn’t be disappointed when nobody commiserated with me.
But I really do love the connection. I likely wouldn’t document our daily happenings if the feedback part of it was gone. That lack of history would make me sad as I love to go back and read about my family and all that has happened in the nearly two years since I started blogging.
Many positive things have happened as a result of this site, so I don’t plan on packing it in quite yet. I just need to figure out what things I can post here that will continue to honour my family. And maybe even be entertaining for those who read. Bonus!
One of the many positive things that have happened?
A while back, another lady (I hate that word…sounds old. How about woman? Girl?…I don’t know…she’s around my age) from my church de-lurked and left a comment. I hadn’t really talked to her before (we have a bigger church), so I invited her over for coffee a couple of times. She also has two boys and a girl but they are a bit older than mine.
We hit it off really well, but I haven’t talked to her lately what with all of my work craziness. Last night she called to ask me if she could stop by and drop something off. Um…OK? I had no idea what she was dropping off…and here’s what she brought:
Carrot muffins, banana chocolate chip mini muffins, chocolate chip cookies, chicken noodle soup AND enchiladas. She had been reading about how busy we are and wanted to help us out. I would give her name, but I don’t know if that would make her uncomfortable…so I won’t.
I cried after she left. Why? Because we didn’t need it. We’re busy, but we’re doing fine. We have both always been self-sufficient kind of people. We don’t have extended family here so we don’t expect any help from anyone.
But the fact that she felt the need to do this for us? A complete and utter blessing. Here I go, crying again.
Ahem.
I will keep blogging, but bear with me as I figure out what my voice will be. I find it hard to write when given boundaries…
And on the family note? Because I see from my stat counter that my Mom has checked about a billion times today?
Pictures of the kidlets:
Excuse the poor quality of the following two…I took the Powershot to Church in the park on Sunday & I still have focusing issues.
Thanks for hearing me out. I guess you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t care. Blessings to each and every one of you.
YOur post just explained exactly how I feel! I am relatively new to blogging but I really enjoy the connection to other people. I (my family) started to feel like too much was being shared about us so I switched to a private blog. It is still nice to write about things but my posts are really mundane and just talk about the kids blah blah blah. I miss the randomness of meeting new bloggers and receiving comments……aren’t we all comment junkies! I feel, however, that even if you are “just” writing about your kids, I would still enjoy reading it. I have kids and it is fun to see what other kids do/enjoy. You are a great blogger and have a way of writing about ordinary daily life in a fun, humerous and exciting way, so don’t give up yet!!
BTW, I think Emily looks a lot like you in that picture. She is one sweet girl and the boys are cuties as well!
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Don’t do it… don’t quit! I think you’ve got far too many people (that are non-creepy) hooked on your blog to quit now. You would have an army of disappointed people on your hands (but no pressure:).
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We definately care! You can’t stop on us now…We’re hooked! That was so sweet of your friend to bring you all that stuff – you deserve it! Emily is looking so big in the picture! Look at those long legs!
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I agree with Ashley, I love to see what your cute kiddos are up to. I’ll read no matter what you write, I blog/read blogs for the community with other moms.
There are things that I often want to vent about (political, society and ethical issues), but don’t because my blog is a “family blog” and I don’t want to give our blog that kind of vibe, that and I am SURE to offend people! I have often thought of starting another blog in which to write about such things, but no time… one of the blogs would be sure to get neglected and I would not want it to be the family one. Maybe in the future who knows.
Emily is looking so grown up in her super cute summer outfit, don’t you just love dressing a little girl! She always has such a big smile on her face, I love it!
Cute, cute, cute kids!!!
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. I’m thinking of having restricted access to my blog when we move to “the big city”. I started the blog for family and friends far away. It’s been great for that and it’s the longest journal I’ve ever kept. I love the feeling of being connected and finding people and people finding me, but Facebook is taking care of that quite nicely. It’s funny, I was actually going to email you to ask your thoughts about this and here you have it for us. And ya, I’d miss your blog.
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You never know who your touching or what lessons you are teaching people. Sometimes in casual writing you change someones prespective, and IMHO prespective is everything in this life. When you wrote your 7 things about me post and said you don’t read men’s blogs, it inspired me to think of the small things I may be doing that may disrepect others. Your readers, creepers from your town or not read because they are interested and probably want to take a lesson from your life. I think it is important to include our struggles when blogging otherwise people think we are trying to make others thinks we are perfect and we all know, nobody is. Have you considered an online journal for the more private things? Keep on keeping on. You’re doing great!
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I am another who would be very sad if you were to stop blogging. I guess I am similar, I only write “fluff” posts and I don’t often get into “meaningful” topics in case I upset or offend somebody. I’m perfectly happy to blog for my own benefit, even if I had no readers I would continue to do it because I like to record moments and look back on our life. It is a diary for me. I used to keep real *paper* diaries but stopped soon after we got married. So this is pretty much going back to those days. In my diaries I would write more personal things than I do on my blog, but when I really think about it, that’s probably because my priorities have changed. My life is pretty much all about my kids. And people read my blog to catch up on what they’re doing – family & friends who live far away and don’t seem them regularly. They are not the ones who comment though – my commenters are friends I have met through the internet (mostly) and who read because they just like hearing about my life. For some odd reason, because I’m not that interesting!
Anyway, I hope you won’t stop. I know you’ve been burned in the past when you’ve written something from your heart, but honestly you have to consider that was only one person (I think) and most people were on your side. So don’t let a minority of people stop you from saying what you want to say. There are nice ways to say even controversial things, and you’re pretty good at that writing thing … so you’d be fine. Love ya!
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Keep up the posts! You’re a fantabulous writer! Yes, I said FANTABULOUS! And if I keep posting, someone who gets one comment, if she’s lucky, then you MUST keep posting
Smile
Tracy
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Your blog is great. I don’t live close enough to stalk you so don’t worry (Nebraska is a long ways from Canada). I do check your site frequently to see what you are up to. I should be blogging on my own but this is better.
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I concur.
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I hear ya about the lack of comments. But I have decided to not care about that. I figure that my posts and pics are there for those that I KNOW are checking. If I ever do get a comment it is just a bonus. I only wish that I had you talented writting skills. Keep up the post Ange, I love them, even if I don’t comment regularily. I love you
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I like the fact that since you moved away from the Lower Mainland I can keep up with you (the Xmas letter just isn’t enough).
I lurk alot, but enjoy everything you write about and even if it is just “fluff”!!!
You will figure out what you need to do, but my $.02 is keep it up, I’d be sad to come here one day and find you gone!
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Yes, there is a fine line on what you should and should not talk about. However, I have found that if there is something real on my mind, I can think/write about nothing else. So, I chose to post about it. Otherwise, writers block sets in.
Do what you feel right!! Plus, photos are always a nice feature!!
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I hear ya on what to post and what not to post. But I want to tell you I’d miss reading your blog (I know I don’t comment to often). They are days when I come away from reading your blog and feel encouraged. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!
BTW your kids are absolutely adorable and are very blessed to have you and your hubby as their parents.
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Ange, you know how I feel about the matter: you are a talented writer and you get the most comments of us all. Don’t stop blogging. Think of all the future cookies and enchiladas you’d miss out on then.
As far as the silent readers go, don’t let it get you down. I read somewhere that on the average blog only 2% of readers comments. It’s not YOU or your writing that’s making people keep quiet, it’s just the nature of the beast. Lots of readers just want to check in or be entertained and aren’t looking for the connection aspect of blogging. Don’t sweat it.
PS: I’m hungry. Can I have one of those cookies? But like next year, when I’m all skinny and done Weight Watchers?
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I am hooked on DutchBlitz!…don’t stop!
Take Care!
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I still read your blog. I love your pictures! Don’t quit blogging and I agree it’s tough sometimes to know what to say on your blog but I think you know where to draw the line.
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I would be extremely sad if you stopped blogging but I understand your hesitation. I love that we have connected through the internet… if I hadn’t started blogging after we met, we would just be CASB acquantances
And I concur, your writing is the bomb!
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Hi Angella,
I love reading your blog … keep on writing
Amber
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I think most of us love to read your blog because your writing is witty and entertaining, but it doesn’t just entertain, it touches peoples lives. The way you love and honour your husband, protect your marriage, devote yourself to your children, and love your circle of friends is such a great thing for others to read about, because so many have never seen that modelled in their own lives.
I love reading your blog because it takes me down memory lane when my three were the ages of your kids. It seems like in the blink of an eye they grew up, so it’s kind of fun reading the antics of someone who’s going through it all. You’re a great mom, Angella, and you handle the challenges that come with three little ones with wisdom and grace (sounds a little Proverbs 31ish!) and humour.
So I agree with all the others who said that even if you stick with ‘fluff’, we’ll keep reading. And I’ll try to be a more vocal commenter!
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Don’t Stop!..I love reading your blog..When the kids are driving me loopy its nice to sit here and check out whats happening with you and your family..you are a great writer and i cant help but check up on your blog daily..or depending on how bored i am a few times a day…
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Hey, I know I hardly ever comment, but sometimes I feel the pressure to say something wise and witty when really I am just agreeing with everyone else – so what else is there to say…. I love reading about you as often as I can because I knew you from college and it’s cool to see our friends become wives and mothers. See their children and what they are doing. We are a voyeristic society, but it means more to me because I know you and even though I don’t live close to you I feel like I can keep up with what’s happening with everyone. It’s our friends and community (internet and our actual community) that keeps our perspectives in check. I think your blog is wonderful!
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You know I’m one of the biggest lurker’s. Commenting is a hard one as well, trying to say something great, that isn’t just Hi.
All though I wouldn’t mind having others drop a hi. I think we all love to get comments, part of our nature I think. I find it really hard to define the line between honesty and just too much information. Blogging is an interesting dynamic.
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you already know what I’d like to read about on your blog
I enjoy “hanging” out with you while my little Ruthie naps. As a mom we rarely get to hang out and just chat with each other about WhatEVER because we’ve got little ones hanging off us all the time! Reading your blog, regardless of what you write about, gives me that little bit of that “friend” contact in my own time. You’re probably already doing this but, ask the Lord what he wants you to write about… It’s so great that we serve a God who knows what a blog is.
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The more people I found out read my blog, the less I want to write it, so I know exactly how you feel.
If it weren’t for your blog, I wouldn’t know you at all, so I’m glad for it, because I’m glad to know you:-) I’m impressed by your ability to add to it daily in the midst of all you do. Keep it up!
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I read everything you write, but I don’t comment on the “fluff” pieces. I know you know your kids are adorable and great, I know you know you have an amazing husband and a blessed life. I guess I just figure I don’t need to be another person saying exactly the same thing over and over again. I like when the more real stuff gets written, on all blogs! The stuff that could get nasty comments but even if one person leaves a comment they didn’t need to 10 others have left an encouraging word or shared their experience or what not. I’m glad you’re hanging around, and I’ll always stop by, but when you see me on the stat counter now you’ll know why I don’t always comment!
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While your concerns about blogging are totally valid and supported, I would definitely miss the good reads you bring! What about making your blog more semi-private, so that only those you know or feel comfortable with could read it? Although, one of the cool aspects of blogging is connecting with new people, I think. Well, anyways, I hope you stick around awhile longer!
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How awesome that your friend dropped off unsolicited goodies!
Now THERE is a reason to keep on a’bloggin!
It is a bit weird to think of people reading but no acknowledging themselves, especially people who know you, and where you live. Most of the people who read my blog are across the world and I THINK I know all the local people who check it so I’ve never had to think too much about that side of things. I do edit at times given that my inlaws read it, lol!
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You’re going through something I think most bloggers go through at some point and to various degrees. Just remember–it doesn’t have to be all or nothing, and the place and extent of blogging in your life can change over time–even from week to week. I think you’ve done a great job of honoring your family thus far.
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Don’t stop! I love checking in with you guys even though I’ve never met you. But if you do, just want to give my blessings to you and your beautiful family (but seriously, don’t stop!
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Maybe you should get rid of your thingy that tells you how many people are stopping by and from where… then you won’t be plauged anymore. When I think of the time that I enjoyed blogging the most, it was in the beginning when I never got any comments and pretty much only my family and close friends were reading. Don’t blog just for the comments. Blog because you love it. And if you don’t then quit.
But, you know I love you and would be sad to not read your blog. But, I’m one of the lucky ones cuz I get to actually see you. That’s better by FAR!
In my opinion…STAY with DutchBlitz!
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just saying a quick “hi” as to let you know I was here…!
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What is a blog without pictures?
I understand what you are saying, 100%. I experience an existential blog crisis at least once a week. “WHY am I doing this again…?”
It’s a work in progress… keep going, you have lots of people who enjoy you and your writing… and seeing pictures of your sweet children.
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Hey girl, Just to put my two little pence in with everyone else. I’m thankful that we have connected because of this blog thing, and I look forward to more play dates and getting you guys all over for a bbq. I know that God could have used another way to connect us, but He used this one. Know and be encouraged that you are a tremendous blessing to many people – as you’ve seen by all the comments. Trust that God is using you to bless, encourage and challenge people in a way that you will probably never know. He will let you know if and when it’s time to change or stop.
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Hey Angella,
I am back! we have safley arrived at our new house and everything is great!
If it wasn’t for you I would never get any comments, and I can tell from my stat counter the people who return and return and return,I feel good about that they come back, the lack of comments gets me down a bit and then I remind myself that they come back and really this blogging is for our family and friends spread far and wide.
Now, DON”T STOP BLOGGING! I would miss you and so would many others.
Your children are as beautiful as EVER.
Take Care xxxx
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Well, it looks like you’ve already had ALOT of feedback on this post!
All I can say is that I kinda wish we were ‘real’ friends instead of just blogger ones….cause I think we’d get along pretty great!!
Tanneal =)
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I’m lovin’ the lovin’
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I’ve had this debate in my head many times. It probably doesn’t help that my name is my web address so that makes everything so much more personal. When I started writing my blog, it was intended as a journal for me and my family and friends, and nothing more. It’s sort of evolved into more than that, but I still treat it the same. I suppose it’s different for me, though, because with the server I’m on, I don’t have the capacity to have a stat counter without paying for it (and the student in me tells me textbooks are worth more than a paid livejournal account). However, when my remaining eight classes are complete, I’d love to move to a site like yours or Amanda’s because I enjoy the format, the creativeness of it, and the feedback you guys get.
I love reading your blog, and in reality we have nothing more in common than our Canadianess. Oh, and our birthdays, that too!
I’ll read whatever you churn out, because that blogging connection is something that can’t be explained, but once you’re in, you’re hooked.
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Love your blog
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I’m one of the lurkers. I’ll admit it. LOL I’ll come out of hiding. I hope you don’t stop blogging. I enjoy coming here once or twice a month to see what’s new with family on the other side of the country. I keep saying one day I will start up a blog. I really should but I know I will put it off again. So for now I will just come visit yours, get some inspiration and I promise I will leave a comment or two.
Take care…Oh and your kids are absolutely adorable.
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