Once upon a time, way back in 2008, I started a blog. It was called My Own Velvet Room after a favourite childhood book. It became a place where I hung out, made new friends, and wrote random things about the life I was living. It was simple. I loved it.
Then I created another (A Grandma's Garden) and yet another (Arms of Adoption).
In time, I set up a website because I had dreams of writing a book and "everyone" said a writer had to have a website. The website remained relatively static, but I did write that book. And another one, too.
I posted to the adoption blog when adoption-related things crossed my desk or my mind, and I updated the gardening blog throughout a couple of seasons.
It all got overwhelming so I combined them all into one and called it A Slice of Life. I've been there ever since. The blog has grown and changed and I'm there early most mornings contemplating thin places where faith intersects life. I love the friends I've made through it and I love the practice of writing and posting there.
Despite rumours to the contrary blogging, for me, never died. Social media has done its best to draw our attention away from blogs to their platforms and, to some extent, it's been successful.
But, you know, I miss the old days of blogging.
I miss the long-form newsy updates (as opposed to short-form social media posts), and the homey comfy feel of visiting other blogs. So I looked back at my link list, racked my mind for the names of old favourites, and tried to stop by some places I used to be a regular at. I found so many blogs that either hadn't been updated for years or no longer existed.
And it made me sad.
And now I'm here.
I thought I might create a good old fashioned blogger blog again so I logged on and—low and behold—there was a list of blogs I used to follow. Hurray! But again, when I visited I found most of them were no longer active.
I feel like I'm starting from scratch here, but so be it. I'm going to give it a go here on blogger again. Low key. Light-hearted. Just ordinary, everyday stuff. The stuff that makes a life.
Here we go . . .
P.S. If you're reading this, please do a girl a favour and leave a comment!
P.P.S. Please be patient while I figure out the platform here again!
P.P.P.S. You’re welcome to join me on my morning blog too! www.lindahoye.com
Thanks for visiting my blog (A Bench with a View). I've been blogging on and off since 2005. I still enjoy it. I don't post often but follow a lot of blogs (just added yours to my list) and enjoy the friendships I have made over the years through blogging :)
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Thanks so much for stopping by, Betty! Blogging has been a gift to me too over the years. I’m looking forward to connecting with new ones like yours through this new space.
DeleteIsn't this interesting! I have followed Betty (Hi Betty!) for a number of years, and it's fun to see that some of my blog friends are meeting each other :)
DeleteI was talking with my daughter yesterday about blogging and she commented on how it is like a supportive community. Proof here that she’s right!
DeleteThis is so interesting, Linda. I'm curious as to how you are distinguishing the two different sites you have? I used to be on blogspot when I started out with my dog, Frankie and my children's books. But then developed my website with blog incorporated. I've struggled with the "marketing" aspect with a website/blog as I didn't want my blog to be just get people to buy my books, or now hire me for my services. While I've deviated from that at times - I've been having so many thoughts as you - being more homey and just talking about life, etc. While I've gone off 'track' a few times and like you, I've been giving this so much thought of lately, I'm going to continue on the trajectory of just being me and sharing what feels right for me - whether that is 'right' for marketing our not. So I'm just really curious now your thought process with all this and coming back to blogspot.
ReplyDeleteHi Barb! It's so nice to see you here. Thanks for stopping by. It's interesting that we're both thinking along similar lines. For me, there's nothing "magical" about coming back to Blogger. Part of it is that, like you, I started out here so maybe there's a bit of nostalgia attached. I've been surprised over the past little while as I've poked around the blogosphere at how many Blogger blogs are still going strong with the flavour I like and am hoping to achieve here.I suppose I could do what I want to do here on my current space but I've got somewhat of a theme going there that I like and don't want to muddy the waters so to speak. Short answer is that there is no answer. Coming over here (and still keeping the other site) just seems right for me in this season. I too struggle with the marketing piece of writing and feel a need just to "be" for a while. I look forward to reading more of your "homey" posts. :-)
DeleteHi Linda! I really appreciate your reply. All of this makes so much sense. As this world continues to shift, I do believe in my heart, coming straight from our hearts is what people are craving - those reading and those writing. I just had two people share with me last week that they love my posts (on FB) because they are always authentic and they can 'feel' that. That's who I am and wish to continue to be. So your sharing your thoughts and where you are at is just another confirmation for me - so a big thank you!!
DeleteNice to see your new place, Linda! I've been blogging for 12? 13? years, and have always had the same blog. It's interesting to read back through and see the various phases of my life, from a mom with young kids, to young adults, to empty nest. It's nice to see other bloggers out there, still blogging about the normal, everyday stuff. It's a such a lovely community.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen! I think you were one of the first ones I connected with when I started blogging. It is interesting to look back and think about all the changes that have happened since those early days. I used to say that everyone should blog and I still believe it!
DeleteGreat idea, Linda! I've been blogging here and there since 2005. Can't seem to give it up completely ;)
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DeleteThanks for coming by, Aneta! And yeah, blogging does kinda get in your blood, doesn't it? :-)
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by, Teri. I popped over to your Homespun Cottage and look forward to visiting there too. Wishing you a good week.
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