Bring Blogging Back

This little blog recently turned five years old. Before I began writing my own blog, I read several others written by women very much like me. They inspired me with their love of home and family. They shared ideas, recipes, and photos of their homes. I felt connected to an entire community of women who shared my interests and values, and despite the fact that they lived all across the country, I felt as if we were neighbors, sharing coffee and talking about our days.

I was so inspired that even though I knew nothing about blogging, and even less about computers, I jumped in feet first and began my own little blog. Because of this space, I have met some of the most amazing women, and have developed the most wonderful friendships with women from all over the world. I have even met several of my blogging friends and their families in real life, and know that these people will be part of my life forever.

Where am I going with this? I am making a plea. I am making a plea to anyone out there reading blogs to jump in and begin a blog of her or his own. Throughout the past several years, I have noticed a drastic decline in the number of new bloggers joining this world of online scrapbooking. I have also witnessed many of the amazing women I so enjoyed reading abandoning their blogs for one reason or another. I totally understand that one of the most important aspects of blogging is timing. You must be at the right time and place in your life to be able to devote yourself to your blog and enjoy it as well.  If now is not the time, I understand. I have been there! Babies and schoolwork...home and family...work and laundry...these things come first.

However, if you do have the time, and feel like you have something to share, do it! Simply choose a name, pick a theme, and start writing! Visit other blogs and introduce yourself. Those bloggers will, in turn, visit you. All you need is something to share and a phone or camera to snap a few pictures. That's it. Write about what you know. Upload a few pictures. Speak from your heart. And others will read.

I would be remiss if I neglected to mention one of the main reasons I believe blogging is less popular today than even a few years ago...That being the increase in usage of Instagram and Twitter. I have nothing against either. In fact, until a few years ago, I maintained an Instagram account that I really enjoyed. I also had a Twitter account that I used occasionally. Instagram is fun. It is easy. The response is quick. In today's world of instant gratification, Instagram is a big draw. But it was that instant chaos that finally made me stop. I felt compelled to respond to the likes and comments as quickly as they came in. I felt the need to post multiple times a day. And there was so much to see! I found myself scrolling way too long. And it never ended.

Blogging takes place in a slower paced world. I feel at ease when I open a favorite blog and read a post. I sit down and even drink a cup of coffee as I spend some time visiting. And if I miss one? I visit later, when I have time. It may be me, but I find blogging to be mindful and cozy. Please note, I am not against Instagram. I am simply putting out a plea to others to not view it as a replacement for blogging.

Blogging is my hobby. It is a place to write and share and document moments of my life. Here, you share as much or as little as you want. Someday, I know I will be thankful that I took the time to write about my everyday life with my family. I will be grateful I didn't try to fit it all into those tiny Instagram squares. And I will be able to look back and see how I decorated my Christmas tree or what we had for dinner on any given Halloween. I will see the beautiful fall trees and the smiles on my children's faces on Easter morning. That is why I blog. Why not give it a try sometime? You will be gad you did. Promise. : )

My very first picture from my very post...

A teeny, tiny Flynn!

Sometimes I post pictures of pumpkins...

And sometimes...pie!

I was thrilled when I met my first ever blog friend Tara...

And again later when she brought her beautiful family to visit!

We met Kathleen and her amazing family when she so kindly picked up my Madison at an airport and let her stay in her lovely home!

And I also met my dear friend Joey and her precious family when they visited our home last summer!

We all made so many wonderful memories.

Flynn found a forever friend in Joey's husband Roger.

The community of bloggers is full of wonderful people...

Perhaps you would want to join us?