Hello Monday and hello to you too! I hope your weekend was heaven or at least you had a small slice of it at some point. Did you do something good for yourself? It’s so important to fit in a little self care now and then — so good for the soul. My feel good moment was yesterday when I picked up two French magazines at the train station and snuggled beneath the blankets in my bed last night with a cup of fruit & cream tea before going to bed. It may not sound like much, but these are (to me) the best moments that make me feel refreshed and emotionally clear. I also took a long walk in the forest yesterday near my house, just after the morning rain. I saw not one, but two massive rainbows and some of the most amazing cloud formations ever – the sky was putting on such a show, lots of drama and very “end of the world” ala some Will Smith film. It was awe-inspiring to say the least and made me feel somewhat small in a very large universe. It’s humbling and a good reminder that often our worries have become so petty up against the bigger things in life. I like to remember that as often as I can, personally it’s how I find peace and harmony within my soul & family life. Remembering that my feelings and ideas aren’t all that matter in this world. Blogging and social media make me forget this at times.
Many (and I include myself at times), let’s face it, have turned into self-promoting cheerleaders on so many levels that it can feel very unreal and lacking in charm and value. Blogging can make us so self-focused! But this is the reason for blogging, right? I mean, it’s a “web log” or an online diary – at least so they began this way. And then over time blogs grew into valued resources and this magic takes place worldwide every day where thousands are publishing their thoughts and journeys via their blogs. I’ve crafted just to show and tell, or taken a photograph with the idea of showing it on my blog to inspire someone. Who else can you talk about in your diary but yourself, right? And of course you are going to share your life and work on your blog. Totally normal and well, expected. At least in most cases.
But because blogging is a public diary, we each become authors writing a moving biography and often we can forget that our life is pretty mundane in the grand scheme of things. Nature has a way of changing the popular “me me me” perspective very quickly because it runs the show, you have no control over external circumstances or people, only control over your own thoughts (unless of course you suffer an emotional illness and often lack control there, too). In the end, it’s vital for me personally to have these time-out moments to keep sane. I love blogging but I don’t want to become self-absorbed. Yes, this is my blog, my diary, and so of course I’m going to talk about my feelings. This post is the perfect example. But I can assure you that by sharing in this open space I’m only trying to make a connection with you and perhaps raise a topic that may make you think about something and in return, your comments do the same for me. Again, finding a balance in all this crazy blogging is key. I often like to sit down and just think about blogging and what it means to me, why I do, what is my goal with having a blog, etc. and then I feel really clear as I begin a post. If you ever feel like your blog is running your life and not vice versa, try to think about finding some balance with it.
This “me” mentality, which can sometimes take hold on someone who blogs frequently, really affects how one approaches work. Take art as an example. Art may become less about painting something you love as much as it becomes painting something that will sell (which isn’t always what you love). Making a living and having a life have such a huge gap between them! It’s important to work hard to be humble in your work, know your place, and be authentic. This can be really hard when you have a successful business as most of you know — when you are good at something, whether it’s designing a building, caring for animals or working on a project at your job – you tend to have success with it and then with success comes fans of your work — those who look to you to set an example. If you are immature or a “fame whore” as we call these people in the states who will stop at nothing until they rule the world (ha ha), then all this attention can quickly go to your head and you forget your roots and often mistreat others or misuse your own power. Or if you’re rare like Oprah, you have heart, you use it for the good of others. And some bloggers do this so, so well. I think we bloggers in general have to keep it in perspective, don’t you agree? We are constantly writing about our thoughts and feelings that we can forget that our ideas are not all that matters. I think this is why I battle with the idea of having a cult following (reminds me of zombies following some great leader) or being a tastemaker/trendsetter. On one side, I see the need and it can be quite community building and helpful. On another side, if you are the leader of this, it can be quite hard to live up to. It can also make one quite narrow-minded I think and it can be very isolating – especially since you start to wonder if your same friends would care for you if you were not wearing your current hat. And for the followers, they can start to forget their personal goals and dreams and start mirroring that of their leader instead, or of the pack, so as to fit in and be popular, cool, accepted. Something to think about, right?
That’s when a good time out is needed. Step away from the computer and think of what made you happy as a child and that it had nothing to do about blogging or the internet and everything to do about being creative, playing and having joy – and usually this involved getting very dirty and giggling a lot, or reading a book with your parents in bed. And when your parents are gone and if you have no children to read to, then you simply must grab a stack of books or magazines and read to yourself. This gives such a nice balance to the soul but also a great start to the work week. Flipping through French magazines does a body good. :) A little nature walk, some fresh air, reminding yourself that you are not perfect, and that you are not all that matters. I think it’s freeing actually, when you accept these truths because then there is a burden that is lifted and better work can flow more freely from your soul. And so this ends my essay, which really is an assemblage of random musings without one focal point, but perhaps you can extract something from it that will make your week a bit more interesting.
And so, now to talk a bit about Anna, who has definitely lost her spotlight in this post and for that I’m very sorry, Anna. But she receives full shine over at Real Simple where I wrote about her earlier today. Have you heard of Made By Anna and her blog, Colour + Sound? I think it’s a nice way to begin our week. I wrote about her over on Real Simple if you’d like to learn more… These photos above are just a glimpse of some of the photographs on her blog that inspire her work and that have inspired me today.
(images: anna betts)
September 14th, 2009 at 7:11 am
A very rare thing a post of such vulnerable honesty spoken from the soul to reach others. Thankyou for your bravery in putting it out there Holly. Lots of insightful things to think about. Most definately blogs can have that affect where they make it feel you have to put content out there but is it really what you want to share or are you just trying to keep up with what people want to read. nature brings me back to ‘earth’ on these matters too. Having a hard time personally in my life too which also gets things into perspective for when I can return to my journal, and hav a fresh start.maybe alters what I’d want to put my time into.
I think your new pace and where you’re living have contributed to these thoughts and musing I see it only as a positive for you & your balance of blog/real life – love kathryn
Kat´s last blog ..Forget me nots
September 14th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Such a good post Holly – way to remind us to keep perspective. Blogging really can be so self-centered (ahem, looking at my ‘latest blog post’ below, sheesh). On one side I find it so inspiring in terms of getting ideas and seeing what’s new. It’s also been fun to meet a few really fun people that, back in the pre-computer days, would likely have been my pen pals (did you do that, I loved that as a kid!).
On the flip – I don’t want to be pressured to blog M-F etc. I recently read one blog where readers were critical of the author taking time off…she doesn’t even have ads on there! She makes no promises – geez people! I’m glad to document my home, mainly for my mom and sister, but don’t want to get too caught up in a ‘look at me!’ phase. blech-recent blog post title again! Sometimes it’s a fine line. I think the things that help me to avoid this the most are having a regular weekday schedule with my husband & weekly friend meet-ups as well as the fact that my blog has nothing to do with my freelance work-from-home projects. I don’t know if I could deal with a blog that was my full time job! I recently considered whether a blog would enhance my online presence to develop more freelance projects but, after some research, think micro-blogging on Twitter is more in line with my clientele. That would bring it’s own pressure, but would also be more manageable (i hope!).
thanks for the reminder – and glad you’re making time for yourself!
juliette´s last blog ..My skylight on Chez Larsson!
September 14th, 2009 at 7:48 am
Trying to keep it real…it is very hard when you’re an artist trying to make a living out of your passion not to steer towards what people may enjoy to look at, rather than not care.
Because I am home with my girls I try and practice my ART where ever and when ever I can…finding a balance is definitely something which is important…and alloting time to blog and not making it a priority over family and friends is also VERY important.
All my family is in the Uk…and I am in Canada…so for me Blogging is also a tool to be able to show them what we’re upto over here.
I’m off to see what Anna is up to…thanks for jerking those ever important thoughts!
Great post.
Char.x.
char´s last blog ..you’ll LOVE this…
September 14th, 2009 at 8:27 am
You are so right! Taking time out for yourself!! I am a big believer of work stays at work and for the most part, it does! But, to me, this doesn’t mean lay on the couch and do nothing. What is that accomplishing? I feel like all of these blogs that I read weekly have brought back the inspiration that I lost for so long…Thanks for the feel good moment :-)
September 14th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Well written and well said. I was just thinking some of these same thoughts last week as I realized I needed to “unplug” a few days and limit the stimuli coming into my brain. I was feeling overwhelmed with life, and didn’t need to be seeing twenty seven more projects that were great ideas, finding forty two more people who needed prayer or a hundred more recipes that looked delicious while I am trying to diet…….ah, you get the picture. So yes, one must indeed take time to get out of the computer world and live the grand life that is outside…….that consists of family, friends, all things domestic, and such!
Thanks, and have a magnificent Monday!
suzanne
suzanne´s last blog ..
September 14th, 2009 at 8:45 am
I agree with this statement in your post:
“Step away from the computer and think of what made you happy as a child…” Sooo, true :-)…..also, Anna’s work is so simple and fantastic!
nina renee designs´s last blog ..Modern, Simple, Floral + Feminine
September 14th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Great post Holly. This is why we love (and respect) you.
I found I was trying too hard to keep up with my blog, and it was robbing me of time needed for other important things in my life. I knew this wasn’t how it should be. Now, I only blog when I really want to, not when I think I must to keep up with some unrealistic pace. I know it is different for those that blog for a living.
And, good for you for appreciating all that nature does for us. I’ve long been a cheerleader for a walk in the fresh air and under an open sky for a real pick-me-up and soul cleansing. Glad you are enjoying your new home.
Ann Marie´s last blog ..45
September 14th, 2009 at 8:51 am
I think about why I blog a lot. In the beginning it was because I was moving to Marrakech and was very excited about it and had been inspired by Maryam of My Marrakech (who also told me to read your blog!) to write a blog of my own. That was very good fun, although I confess that I self-edited a lot. There were experiences that I had in Marrakech that I could not write about without exposing myself to criticism from people who might not understand the experience themselves and, well, I didn’t want be controversial.
When we moved to Paris I started Passementerie and decided to let the blog take on a style aspect as much as a diary aspect. I particularly enjoyed that. I like having the balance between the two primarily for my own sake and also because I know that when I read style/decor blogs I like to imagine I know something about the writer.
Now as I consider what to do next with my life I see the other potentials of the blog both as a diary of the changes I hope to bring about and as a sounding board for new enterprises. What I love about receiving feedback is the variety of perspectives you receive from a much more mixed audience than you might have in your “real” life.
Passementerie´s last blog ..Big Day Out
September 14th, 2009 at 8:52 am
thank you for a lovely post. i felt as though i was tooting my own horn the other day on my blog, but i was proud of myself and wanted to share. i can’t imagine blogging everyday as you do – i don’t have that much to say. well…maybe i do, but i don’t necessarily need to tell the world. so instead i try to make jewelry, collect vintage and read stories to my son every night before bed. the fame can wait.
alexandra keller´s last blog ..vintage toys
September 14th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Well, first of all I love Anna and these photographs above…thank you for the introduction hun! I will be on my way over there in just a second to check it all out. And secondly…I couldn’t agree more with what you said above, I often find myself taking a step back just to check in with what I really mean to say or what really matters to me. Just checkin in….so, thank you for that wonderful reminder and I will think of it today as I take my little one to the zoo and enjoy every minute! :)
xo
Melis
Melissa de la Fuente´s last blog ..Monday: Inspired by art
September 14th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Thank-you so much for your blog today. Sometimes I have such a hard time remembering why I blog. First I was a diary keeper, then journals and now a blog. My friends tell me not to say anything to personal, but then what is the point? Like most of life it is a hard balance. And although I love to see beautiful design, always everywhere, lets face it, it will never replace a real human doing something beautiful.
Keep up the thoughtful prose. Lulu
lulu´s last blog ..First Days
September 14th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Blogging is so emotionally and intellectually conflicted. What usually begins as a simple and sincere need to “share” can quickly morph into navel-gazing and the documenting of the most ridiculous or minute or self-involved things for the sake of creating content. And then there is the question of readership. I see lovely blogs where there are is so little commenting and participation that I wince in sympathy with the blogger and then there are extremely popular places where people race to leave a comment just to “podium”. It’s mind-boggling.
In any case, you have the solution correct–to step away from the computer and let your blogging inspire your life, not control or manipulate it.
onegrandhome´s last blog ..My evolving home: Where we dream.
September 14th, 2009 at 10:41 am
Reading and going for a walk, two great ways to step back from any situation and not just blogging. Slowing down and engaging in such activities can surely help put things in perspective.
I enjoy the pictures you share on your blog, so thanks!
Amisha´s last blog ..Pink Panel and More
September 14th, 2009 at 10:48 am
You wrote what has been on my mind for a while but couldn’t put into a coherent thought (or post!) so thank you. Blogging is a delicate balance between service and self absorption and sometimes the lines between the two become very blurry.
becoming-mom´s last blog ..My 15 Minutes of Podcasting Fame
September 14th, 2009 at 10:49 am
Holly–
yes, yes, and yes. Blogging (and memoir-writing which is the kind of writing I most enjoy doing), if done in an open spirit, can connect to the universal, that which we all share and find essential. I return to your blog because you have an eye for Organic Beauty and I am open to your visuals and how you integrate them into your life. That doesn’t mean I run out and buy something you point out and try to be like Holly. But I do pay attention and if I feel a connection and feel that my spirit and those who live with me would be deeply affected by an image, color, design, that I only became of aware of because of your generous sharing, then I will incorporate that into our lives–maybe not in the same way as presented but in spirit, yes. Our homes reflect who we are–even the open spaces that just hold light.
September 14th, 2009 at 11:10 am
Anna’s photos are lovely, thanks for the link Holly… but I enjoyed a lot reading about you today, great post! xo
Nuit´s last blog ..Mixing it up!
September 14th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Thanks for the thoughts! I’ve found that an occasional media-free weekend helps. :)
Frugal Bon Vivant´s last blog ..H&M: Buy One, Get One 50% Off Coupon
September 14th, 2009 at 11:56 am
that was the most perfect thing for me to read right now… especially first thing on a monday morning – so thank you :)
suzannne´s last blog ..Hobbies…
September 14th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Holly, thank you so much for this post! I’ve recently started a blog that chonicles aspects of my life, and I have already worried about the feeling of “showing off.” I’ve been trying to tell myself – and this post served as a great reminder – that I am doing this for myself, and I try to write as if no one will be reading my posts. It keeps things in perspective.
I love your thought-provoking posts like this one!
Flavia´s last blog ..Seeking – the Perfect Chairs
September 14th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Thank you for writing this post. Your honesty and integrity as a blogger is what keeps me coming back to your site. Please do take time for yourself, your blog and readers benefit so much from it!
Gina´s last blog ..Library Links Ahoy!
September 14th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
amen, holly! i’ve bored myself to tears lately. honestly, sometimes i exhaust myself thinking about me. it’s SO time for me to move outside of this head and realize that i am so ineffective spinning my wheels sometimes. do you know what i mean?
September 14th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Thank you so much for your wonderful monday post.
For so long I was going through these things
with my personal journal, that a few years ago
I finally just stopped writing it.
Lately my life has taken some turns,
forcing me to write for work,
which has created an odd balance between
where I end and my work begins.
This has brought up a desire to begin writing again as myself
for myself.
This weekend the first rains of the season began here in San Fran.
I’ve always loved rainy weather, and after a busy and adventurous summer, taking the time to myself to curl up and listen to the sounds
of pattering water droplets was bliss.
I also picked up a stack of magazines to treat myself,
one of them even included a review of one of my favorite blogs,
yours!
It was a much needed, very relaxing and insightful weekend,
and I thank you for helping us to bring that calm serenity into our busy work weeks with your blogs and writing.
September 14th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Beth, yes I do know exactly what you mean and I think many of us can relate to that feeling!
Everyone – Your comments are great, I really appreciate the thought you put into them. Sometimes I need to hear more from my friends besides “pretty post” and “love that chair!” and hear from your hearts and today I have and I love this… Thank you.
September 14th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
we’re loving those blues- They are great. BTW- great blog! We think you have a great eye for details! chrissy from the Perfect Palette.
The Perfect Palette´s last blog ..For Bridetide: Halloween Inspiration
September 14th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
This is such a great posting, Holly. I like what you wrote…”Art may become less about painting something you love as much as it becomes painting something that will sell (which isn’t always what you love).”
I’m a painter and I’ve been painting something that I really love, not just following the trends. I think it’ll be easy to fall into the trap of copying others’ styles when you just want to paint something that sells well. Besides it’s more fulfilling for me to paint something that comes out from my soul:)
Heidi Alamanda´s last blog ..Group show @Creative Arts Workshop
September 14th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Wow, Holly…..your post really hit home this morning. Thanks for being so candid, honest, and real. I’ve been feeling some of the things you mentioned and you expressed it so perfectly. One thing I’m finding that helps me step away from the computer is my new hobby, photography. I can hardly wait to post for the day and get outside! Thanks for the encouragement to keep things in perspective and prioritize.
You’re an inspiration, Holly. xo!
vicki´s last blog ..Sweet Things Cupcakes!
September 14th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Fall is often the time where I feel like I need to wipe the slate clean and refocus. This essay came at a perfect time and thank you for sharing.
Abby´s last blog ..Residents of Southern California were treated to what was probably their first sonic boom on…
September 14th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
So delightful to hear/read a fellow blogging writing about keeping things in perspective. When I was blogging daily at my old blog, I was so very unhappy. With my new blog, that has all changed and it made a huge difference. We are all important in our own way, but fame and attention doesn’t pay the bills or cuddle you at night – that’s what family, friends, and personal happiness are for. :)
September 14th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Having kept multiple online blogs and journals as well as offline…I think that it’s not so much “self-absorbed” that is the risk as it is “tunnel vision.” When I write about fashion I often become so immersed in my strappies vs. peep toe debates I forget about other, bigger things in the world. Sometimes this is a relief. Sometimes it’s not. And I’m always stunned to find other people who think about these things as intensely as I do!
Diana´s last blog ..Introducing decoupage vials
September 14th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
I’m definitely taking this one to heart. I remember, just before I started blogging, saying something to my husband like, “I have nothing that feels like my special, creative thing to do.” I started the blog and, somewhere along the line, became (somewhat) addicted to it, meaning it runs me sometimes! At the same time, the more I delved into the blog world, the more I realized that there are zillions of blogs out there. So mine was just one in a zillion! Then came the dangerous, competitive thoughts, how can I make mine more beautiful, more perfect THAN THE OTHERS, blah, blah, blah. Well, there are SO SO many talented, intelligent people out there that this frame of mind was/is completely futile! But I still have to fall into this trap…OFTEN! And, honestly, the absolute best thing for me to do is to go outdoors. I come to my senses and realize I am such a small, small thing in this beautiful universe. Everything you’ve said here, Holly, pertains and matters to me! So thank you!
liza´s last blog ..I Miss This Lake
September 14th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Very well written!
Katrine K´s last blog ..Tiny drawings
September 14th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Great post! So much truth.
-FringeGirl
September 14th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
This post is so inspiring.It makes me leave the laptop and go for a walk, read some magazines.And maybe redecorate around here.Very nicely written.Thank you
ruxandra´s last blog ..Two words that make my life easier and my heart bigger, that show you are loved and have a purpose in life
September 14th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Thanks for writing this – these are all great things to keep in mind. One thing to remember is that even Oprah didn’t start out in the spirit of reaching out – she reached a point where she realized she wasn’t happy about the direction that her show was going in terms of topics and decided she wanted to make a change.
mjb´s last blog ..Bend the Rules Lap Quilt
September 14th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
I have found myself thinking about these very things lately. I love blogging and have come to know some really amazing people, but sometimes I just have to shut it off and walk away. Just today I spent the afternoon baking and cooking and it felt so good to not sit in front of the computer! And just tonight I took extra time with the kids at bed time. We curled up under a quilt tent in my daughter’s bed and read books together before they went to sleep. That is the stuff that they remember and so will I.
Travelingmama´s last blog ..Back to {happy}
September 14th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
this is a really interesting post, holly. very thought provoking. here are some of my thoughts on this, though my blog is pretty young, and so i don’t have too much experience with it all, but i believe authenticity- like what you’ve written here- is the absolute key to writing a compelling blog. also i feel that since i began blogging i’ve become less self involved. now i know what goes into creating a post, i’m finding i want to comment and show my interest in what the blogger has written, instead of lurking and just enjoying it quietly to myself – although maybe thinking anyone cares what i think is the definition of self involved haha. i can see the pressure to blog top quality posts everyday getting stressful, but for now, even though every post i write isn’t amazing, its just some escapism for me. i don’t have much ‘me’ time and this year has been pretty awful, so i guess my blog is forcing me to stop and think about what i’m liking or giving some value to what i’m working on, where previously i’d think no one cared or my stuff wasn’t worth sharing. but balance is important, you’re right, and i’m glad you’re finding some in your new lifestyle :) keep up the great writing holly.
pilgrim´s last blog ..vintage graphis: ‘71 kodak instamatic ad
September 14th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Wonderfully well-said. Precisely the reason I’m taking a break from selling on Etsy; because it started feeling more like something I “had-to-do” rather than “wanted-to-do”.
On another note, for what it’s worth- I think you have found a lovely balance between writing about design and writing about your personal life. I like blogs on which the author allows him/herself to “be human”, rather than just a blogging machine. Keep up the lovely posts, and have a good week!
PS- Your blog has completely inspired me to spruce up my apartment, and has given me some wonderful ideas about ways to do this on a budget. I’ve been dying to de-blah the place for a while, but couldn’t quite get that “spark” up until now. :)
Sarah´s last blog ..Artist : Marc Johns
September 14th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
i really enjoyed this post. having a blog does throw in elements that weren’t in my life before and there have been times where i have had to walk away from the computer to get a fresh perspective on why i blog. kt
kt´s last blog ..sunday’s afternoon painting
September 15th, 2009 at 2:52 am
Holly,
This is such a wonderful and well-timed post. Thank you so much for the mention, but also for saying what a lot of us are feeling. Blogging sure can be a pressure, and luckily in most cases I find that it spurs me on to make work and keep going with projects (because I may have promised a before and after!) and when my enthusiasm was waning, blogging has given me a kick in the proverbial! When it does start to feel like I’m blogging for the sake of blogging rather than to say/show anything I know it’s time to go and do something real. I’m so glad to know that others feel the same way.
I also totally agree with Abby about fall being the time of year to start afresh. My second year at university is about to start and I think this is a very exciting to time to evaluate what one wishes to get out of the next year. Plus the weather is just starting to get chilly and you can start making plans to squirrel things away for the holiday season, bliss!
Thank you for such an honest post, I feel like we all know each other a little better :)
September 15th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
This is a pretty random response, but when I finished reading this, I had this thought:
Holly is going to make one hell of a mom.
;)
nichole´s last blog ..Look!: Animals
September 15th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
I loved this post. I recently discovered that my approach to my work had changed somewhere along the way. I became obsessed with creating for product, for my job and my personal work. So much that my personal work became generic and didn’t reflect me at all. It was trend driven and geared towards the market. I have taken a step back and am trying to rediscover my true voice. I am actually painting again and staying away from the computer. I am also trying not to paint for my blog… for now. That, for some reason changed what my work looked like also. You are correct about the “me, me, me” mentality of having a blog. I am not sure how to get around that at this point because the main purpose of blogging for me at this time is self-exploration and discovery. Hopefully some day I can turn that around.
Design Healing´s last blog ..Just a Doodle
September 15th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
i love this posting! Some weeks ago I decided to blog less, it is just my private fun blog, no particular subjects and I need less then once per week to write there.
Like Sarah said
“Wonderfully well-said. Precisely the reason I’m taking a break from selling on Etsy; because it started feeling more like something I “had-to-do” rather than “wanted-to-do”.”
Yes, this have to feeling was something I didn’t like. So it is o.k. not to.
jja´s last blog ..Razno
September 15th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
I enjoyed your thoughtful post about blogging. I do my best to remember why I started blogging to put down my thoughts and share things I loved. So when I feel like blogging is a chore, I just let it go. Come back when I feel ready to speak.
Shell´s last blog ..Love for Patrick
September 16th, 2009 at 2:56 am
Holly, Just wanted to say how much this resonated with me, esp this line: Many (and I include myself at times), let’s face it, have turned into self-promoting cheerleaders on so many levels that it can feel very unreal and lacking in charm and value.
blogging is amazing but it comes with very real risks – there’s a tendency to make ourselves too much the star of our own universe. Like a teenager staring in the mirror for hours, wondering if she’s pretty.
Thinking of you.
love from Marrakech,
Maryam
Maryam in Marrakech´s last blog ..Marrakech: and my tiny tale as a bewildered model
September 16th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Your mention of your woodsy walk reminds me of a poet I have recently fallen in love with: Mary Oliver. She does this amazing job of connecting nature and life, and celebrating being alive and the grandness and the smallness of natural wonders. Here’s one of her poems I posted on my blog: http://bluebicicletta.wordpress.com/2009/09/06/another-mary-oliver/
I also really enjoyed your discussion of balance here. It’s always a challenge to keep remembering what is important, what really makes your heart sing, and to keep striving to do that, not always get caught up in what you should be doing, or self-promoting, or talking about yourself.
blue bicicletta´s last blog ..A Quiet Calm
September 16th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
I found this entry at the most perfect time! As a new blogger, I’d started feeling guilty that I wasn’t blogging more often. I also found myself thinking about what my readers want to see/read and decided to pull myself back to why I began blogging in the first place…as a creative outlet for thoughts and ideas on all things that mean so much to me….food, design, gardening etc.
Personally, your entry made me think about how much I miss yoga and how I must continue to do all of the things that I love. Being a wife, mother, sister, friend can be so exhausting. Thank you for the honest reminder that living and being is most important.
Mimi’s last blog… A Mood Board…
September 26th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Brilliant, well said post!
Aunt Spicy´s last blog .."We Make You Sew Happy"
September 30th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
As a newbie to the blog space, I too am very conflicted about the balance between self absorption and relevant, exciting information. I have only posted once now to my brand new blog and have decided that for me, worthwhile posts are most likely going to be weekly rather than daily. I have been following the Decor8blog for months and just love the inspirational photos which usually trigger an idea or just fill my head with stimulating images. I so appreciate Holly’s honesty and reminder about the purpose of blogging.