When You Say Nothing At All

I was doing a little catch-up reading and it seems I missed a party last week.  Man-alive...I hate when that happens.  I even had a hat I coulda worn!   Laura did a post for the party (wise words to read when you get the urge for some intelligent conversation instead of my ramblings.  Psst... L.B., punch E3 on the playlist...that one's for you and your favorite dance partner...just 'cause I love you so.) and I thought I'd crash it...just for the heck of it.  After all y'all...my middle name is Party.  The topic at hand...What do you want your blog to be when it grows up.

Even though I've been blogging for nigh on 4 years, I don't think my blog is anywhere near being all growed up.  Law...just the opposite.  I'm thinking I'm it's regressing into a second childhood!  I also don't consider myself an expert on giving anyone advice on how to grow a blog.  I just roll along in my own little world and really try not to concentrate on numbers.  Hair I can grow.  Blog...not so much!

Since I don't have a clue as to when or if I my blog will ever grow up, but because I dearly love the sound of my own voice, I thought (Yes y'all.  I have been known to think before I speak on occasion.) I might have a thought or two to spare share for those who are just starting out.  Let's call it a do as I say, not as I do pep talk...'cause goodness knows I do everything one isn't supposed to do when it comes to blogging...starting and ending with being too windy!

Trust your instincts.  If what you're writing appeals to you...chances are very good it'll appeal to others who share your aesthetics.  Start simple...find your voice tucked safely away in your heart...and don't fret if you don't get a lot of comments.  Like the proverbial ballfield...if you write it...they will come.  Maybe not in a string of car headlights a mile long...maybe not overnight...but they will come.  Trust me.  The sound of an honest voice can travel at...well...the speed of sound.  The best part?  The readers who hear you and respond will be kindred spirits...reward enough.

(Glance in a mirror right now and you'll know who I'm talking about!) 

Remember when starting out...you set the pace.  What you start out doing, can and will be expected in future posts.  Not that a leopard can't change her spots.  She can...just not easily...and not without more than just a little fur flying.  If you're funny...aim for the back row.  If you're contemplative...keep on contemplating.  Whatever your choice of post topic...treat it with respect.  Work at it...hone it...polish it until it...and you...shine like new money.  Expect to work at it and give it all you've got...even if it's just for a personal journal.  Why shouldn't you give yourself the very best.  After all...aren't you the best friend you got?

Saying all that...remember this one thing.  Rules were meant to be broken.  Never paint yourself into a corner.  By that I mean it never hurts to step out of your comfort zone from time to time and shake things up just a bit.  I delight in seeing this on other blogs and your readers will too.  Everyone gets a kick outta the unexpected.

It also means time schedules are for trains, planes and buses.  Don't allow yourself...or others...to guilt you into thinking you have to post on a certain day at a certain time and in a certain manner.  It helps...but it ain't gonna ruin anyone's day if your post isn't up at a predetermined day and hour.  If it does...heaven help 'em...'cause they need a life...and yours isn't up for grabs.

If you are planning on responding to all comments by e-mail...expect a certain amount of frustration.  Not all comments come complete with an e-mail address.  Do you have the time necessary to track 'em down and once you start getting beaucoup comments, will you have the time to respond to each and every one?

BTW...in case you were wondering...cut and paste e-mails aren't the same in my book.  For me...it's all about keeping it real...keeping it personal...and that's why I don't always respond with an e-mail.  Not because I don't appreciate each and every comment, but because time isn't always my friend so I choose to respond with a comment instead.

That's how I roll, but again...you set your own pace.  These are things you'll have to decide work best for you.  I do promise you up and down to respect your choices...pinky swear. 

Speaking of comments...you want 'em?  Give 'em!  Don't be afraid to go visiting and leave a little handprint behind to let it be known you were there.  I don't know of a soul who doesn't love comments.  Don't worry about sounding goofy or being intimidated.  Even the mighty need the affirmation that comes from comments.  Type a kind word or two...hit publish...and ta-da...you might make a new friend.  It's.just.that.easy...except for that new &*#@ captcha thingy Blogger has come up with!

Really it boils down to a few simple things.  Speak your mind.  Be sincere.  Make your readers feel welcome, comfortable, and at home.  Then friend o'mine...voila...you're on your way.

Simply put?

Don't sweat the small stuff!

(Cross pillow and Home Sweet Home pillow Carolyn Westbrook Home designs)