Friday, February 1, 2008

Excuse me while I have myself a Martha moment.

I don't know what has gotten in to me.


I have a bowl of fresh fruit on the counter.

I made homemade chocolate chip cookies.



It is amazing the things I have time to do around here when I am not posting on the ol' blawg. Or reading and commenting on other blogs. Or looking for new blogs to enjoy. Or deciding what to do about the future of this blog.

Yes, that's right, the future of this blog. I am stressed right now about all things blog related. I am working on a switch to a different platform, and I know even less about computers and code and metas and propogating and servers and everything else, than I had tricked myself into thinking I did.

And on top of all of that, some of the stress is coming from the fact that I cannot believe I have acutally stuck with this blogging thing for six months. I don't stick with anything that long. I am the queen of quitting things because I didn't think things through first. I have at least a dozen journals with one or two pages written in them. Because that's what I do...I start things with the best of intentions and then I don't finish them. Yet, here I am putting out the inner workings of my brain for anyone to read.


The thing is...this blogging thing? I enjoy it. I enjoy looking back through the archives and reading about what was on my mind at the time. I want to continue, to stick with something and be good at something. And the only way to become a better writer is to keep on writing. The only way to be able to keep on enjoying looking back on my archives, is to keep on writing them. The only way to record my thoughts about life and the kids right now is for me to keep on putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard as the case may be.

I'm afraid if I quit my blog, I could wind up with the same fate as Britney, locked in mental ward because the thoughts, they could not get out. I'm also not sure I'd look great in a pink wig.

Oh, what would Martha do? Because she makes it all look so easy.


Have you ever had any thoughts of giving up your blog?

28 comments:

Melissa Stover said...

i love my blog. i love that i'm creating a journal like no other journal i ever have before.

it's the comments, the expectation of someone else reading and even the daily readers who you know are coming back and checking up on me that keeps me writing. even when i don't think i have anything to say i sit down at the computer and start a sentence and 9 times out of 10 that sentence turns into a post and that post turns into a string of posts that reflect a time in my life.

don't give it up. but maybe you're not ready to take it to the next level. blog should not equal stress it should equal fun, escape, support.

Unknown said...

Oh please dont stop, I love to see you have a new post (no pressure!).

I have been blogging since last March, and I too am amazed I am still persevering. When something happens to me, or the kids, I start thinking how am a going to blog about this! Is this too sad?

I also find it hard to articulate why I blog.....what it is I find so beneficial.....other than it keeps my brain cells active.

I will watch with interest if you move from blogspot. I am too scared it will disappear into the bloggy abyss, and then I may give up.

Great looking cookies - is it a good recipe to share?

snaphappy said...

I think you'd look great in a pink wig!

But seriously, I have recently wondered about why I am blogging. Not sure I've come up with an answer yet.

Sister Honey Bunch/Judi maloney said...

You can't quit us! (my little tribute to Heath Ledger there)

I love my blog with my sister and am surprised at how much satisfaction I get out of it. And I LOVE checking out my favorite bloggers every day.

Daniela said...

Although I am pretty sure noone reads my blog, it is somewhat therapeutic for me. I know what you mean though, I tend to start things and never finish them. Tell ya what, if you keep going, so will I. Have a great day!

Family Adventure said...

Lisa, you were born to blog, my friend! Don't quit. Why are you switching? That seems to be causing a lot of stress - and to what purpose? I think your blog is fine where it is, no?? Or do you have plans for world domination? And how many questions can Heidi pose in one comment?

Heidi

Martha said...

You can't quit because not only would you end up like Brit? So would I! And I KNOW you don't want THAT!

Do you HAVE to switch the platform?

I'm like you, too...I never stick to anything. I'm shocked I'm still blogging, but I love blogs. And I especially love YOUR blog!

And don't worry!! As soon as you stop making cookies and cleaning your house, you'll have more time to blog!

xoxox,
martha

Cindy-Still His Girl said...

I don't think I could give mine up any time soon...it has given me such a community that has been a huge blessing to me.

And really.... if you didn't have a blog, who would you impress with your fruit and homemade cookie photos?? Keep keepin' on, girl, but make it as SIMPLE as you can. ;)

Amy said...

I had the thought of quitting earlier this week, but circumstances presented themselves yesterday and I know that I can't quit. Life throws strange curves and blogging helps keep me grounded. Putting those feelings down and reading what others have to say makes me come back each day to post something new.

Martha said...

Oh - I almost forgot to tell you.....I heard about someone who quit blogging once?

And as soon as she stopped? She started growing whiskers and all her teeth fell out.

True Story. I read it on the Internet.

tammi said...

Only when I get criticized for saying some things. I try not to say those types of things too often!

I'm actually very happy with my blog right now. It's pretty much EXACTLY what I want and how I want it to look. Have you ever clicked the link on my sidebar (or just gone there yourself without my assistance!) for Blogging Basics 101? I've found A LOT of helpful information and tutorials there.

And please don't stop blogging! Maybe you're just putting too much pressure on yourself. Why did you start blogging? Did you have a goal in mind then? Has that changed? Forget what you think others want to get out of it -- what do YOU want your blog for?

Lynette3boys said...

When I first started blogging it was focused strictly on my kids. And then I found myself dwelling on a lot of negativity so I stopped blogging for quite awhile. I recently picked it back up with a fresh sense of direction. I don't have much of an audience, but that doesn't matter as much to me. It's just being able to get my thoughts out. If I miss a few days here and there, it's okay. Plus it's so fun to look back and read old posts that you forget the details about.

I really hope you continue to blog. You seriously have a talent for writing. I enjoy reading your blog and your quirky sense of humor and sarcasm. It's delightful!

momof2 said...

DON'T QUIT! Yours is one of my favorite daily reads....right up there with Pioneer Woman and Big Mama!

Kelly @ Love Well said...

Don't panic. This is just what happens to us Midwesterners when it snows. We start to question everything: "Why do I live here? Why do I blog? Why am I suddenly eating 18 chocolate chip cookies?"

I've thought of giving up my blog -- most famously last summer, when I took a self-imposed two month blog-fast. But in the end, I felt like I enjoyed the outlet too much to let it go. I just need to "control it" so it didn't take over my life.

Queen B said...

First--don't stop. You are too funny. You are a very talented writer. You don't need to stop.

Don't feel pressure to switch. If it is causing you stress, then it is probably not the right thing to do.

I certainly have days that I don't want to post and think that it takes up a lot of time. But, if I make the ole pro and con list, the pros win.

Maybe take a little bloggy vacation for a few days and see if you miss it? AND YOU BETTER MISS IT.

Or Whatever.

Mary said...

I didn't give mine up, I just let it die a slow miserable death. Sort of like my houseplants. I really want to blog and I enjoy reading blogs, I just don't think I'm much of a writer and I don't seem to have a focus or theme. I'm going to try to get started again soon though and I hope your blog will still be here to read!

Amy Plumb said...

Don't stop! I enjoy coming by.

I don't know why I blog other than for fun and keeping family updated on what we are doing. I wish I could be better like some but I don't have time to make this my career. So what you see is what you get.

Just have fun with it. Someday your kids may enjoy it.

SeaWorthy said...

oh, come on fellow Lisa, its just getting fun!
Are we going to have to form an all girl blog possie and come over and thump your "take 90 west" melon? Dont change a thing, girl. And to take a few words from Billy Joel, (sing it with me, bloggers) We love you just the way you are...

Now quit with the crazy talk, girlfriend..really..we NEEEd ya.
Lisa
coastal nest

Born Blonde said...

I found you through Queen B and have been checking your blog regularly for the last couple of weeks. You have to hang on for all of us lurkers. We need you.

nottryingforaboy said...

I just started last month, so no, I'm not ready to give it up quite yet.

And you can't give up yours! I love reading a local blog. I saw your blog title referenced somewhere (shoot me, I can't remember) and thought "that's got to be about Chicago." So I read it and am hooked.

Plus, you make really good looking cookies.

Laura said...

Oh gosh every week I'm saying that's it but then I just keep keepin on and I hope you do too.

Take a break and see what happens.

Laura

Pedaling said...

you so would not do that to me. love your blog, but it should be fun.
big daddy always says "if your not having fun, then your doing it wrong"
its ok to have a bit of blogging indulgence, if you desire. it's also ok to take a nice long break, we'll stick around. just let us know when your back.

I like this blog thing we do and love my new blog friends, but lately, I've really been focused on writing for me, my posterity and my next blog printed book.

there's my 2 cents for what it's worth.

Jennifer (Jen on the Edge) said...

I doubt you'd end up like Britney. :-)

Nope, I've never considered giving up my blog. It's my therapy.

Darcy said...

You can't stop blogging! I always enjoy reading here....you're in my top 5 blogs that I check almost daily you know. :)

Ever since the holidays when I took a blogging break I've thought about quitting altogether with my blog. I feel like I just can't think of anything that is 'blogworthy' to write about but I have to agree with Kelly at LoveWell - it's because of the snow...and the miserable cold weather. Who can think of fun things to blog about when it's 20 below outside?! Since all of our family is out of state and my blog is how they keep up with what is going on in our lives I'm planning to stick with it. I'm just hoping for more bloggy inspiration.....and warmer weather, soon! :)

Christie said...

Please do not give up the blog entirely. If you need to, take a break. But don't leave us all hanging!

k e r r y said...

late to the conversation but I love my blog - it's my therapy. If it ever becomes anything but fun to me then I will give it up. Right now I love it. It should not be something that isn't fun for you.

Mimi's Toes said...

Don't give up and don't be so hard on yourself. I can't believe I have stuck to this thing for almost a year now. I have never been able to journal over a few pages at a time, so I am so proud that I at least try to blog 2 or 3 times a week. I am not a fabulous writer but that's not why I blog. I want something that my kids and grand-kids can look back at what was important to me. If it gets to be stressful to me, it's not worth it...I find it to be great therapy for me. Sometimes I come across a blog that ministers to me right when I need it...Stick with it my friend.

Anonymous said...

Every blogger goes through phases like this. I know I have. We will all still be here whenever you get back (no pressure)