Monday, March 5, 2012

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)
   

 

21 comments:

lorene said...

Thank you! I loved this post--I have been thinking about starting a blog for over a year. Maybe this is the encouragement I needed! BTW, I made a trip to the "east" last weekend and stopped by Winnie and Tulula's--it is still just WONDERFUL! (I happened to meet you there on a trip last year)

Anne Lorys said...

I think your blog, and YOU are just perfect just the way you are!
It reflects your fun spirit and infectious sense of humor and fun.

I wouldn't change a thing, 'cept your underwear. ;-)

XOXO!
Anne

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

I love how you roll, Deb!!!!

Keep on bloggin'!!!

Luv ya!!

xoxo

The Feathered Nest said...

Hey sweetie!!! I just love you and your style!!! It's funny how folks want to be a "BIG" blog...I've been blogging now for over five years and it seems my little ol' blog is just about the same except for a couple of ads that help fund my creative habit. I've always said, be yourself, share what you would with a goog friend, do what fits into your schedule and life, and always visit other and comment. It's what makes the blogging world go 'round...and if my blog grows because of that, it's a good thing! I hope all is good in your world....hugs and love, Dawn

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Great advice Deb. And btw, I love your blog and you.

hugs
Sissie

Gayle said...

Great advice indeed,
and I love your AUTHENIC voice.
I never leave here disappointed.

hugs......

Olive said...

I am terribly tired and I thought you wrote ..."shine like a new monkey..." and I got so tickled I nearly peed my pants but that is not what you said. I really need to go to bed no matter how dang early it is oh wise poet.

Low Tide High Style said...

Wise words from one of the best! And in case you find the need, here ya go! ;-)

http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=14208&catid=183595&aid=338666&aparam=14208

Kat :)

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Great post my friend..so many points you made are so true..Hope you have a GREAT week my friend..Hugs and smiles Gloria

Shabby Vintage Junk said...

Well said Deb & if I didn't APOLOGISE the last time I saw you I want to do so now....!!

I'm SO SORRY for being such a BIG FAT SELFISH Aussie....This of course relates to WAY BACK when you asked on your blog what we preferred re return contact from you after we commented on a post....I stuck my hand up & said....BOTH....Yes I did....Can you BELIEVE my nerve saying I wanted an email AND a comment....SHAME on me....Shame....SHAME....S-H-A-M-E....!!!!!

A lot of my own posts have sailed under 'the bridge' since leaving that response & I TOTALLY realise how unrealistic that is for ANY OF US to do....!!

So please Deb, accept my most HUMBLE APOLOGY & KNOW that I'm just HAPPY as a PIG IN MUD when you POST FULL STOP....And it matters NOT to me whether you stop by OR send me an email....TRULY.... :o) !!!!!!!!!!

Cheers for now,
Tamarah :o)

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

I saw your post last night and knew it needed my undivided attention. So coffee in hand I sat here for a good read. So...when is that book going to be published, hurry before Warrenton, k! Well you are wise, no doubt, love the advise.

Rebecca said...

What book??? Is there a book in the works I missed? Are you done with it? I have been out of the loop...
Well, you know how I feel about you, needless to say I love you and your windy self! I have been a bad blogger but just can't find time or I should say make time. I am going to try and be better
Blessings today
RE

Laura said...

You are the smartest woman I know with the biggest HEART.

You are Miss Edifier Deluxe.

Amen to the nth degree.

LB

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Great advise my friend..I also have been blogging almost 4 years..and I will tell you I have never cared a rat's behind about growing my blog..I won't blog for monies or join into 50 parties a week..I blog for fun and to meet new people...I also have met some that I really loved and then they got so BIG they won't even get back to me now..sighs..
like my Mama said just stay true to yourself..Any way enough about my soap box rant..Hope you have a GREAT week my dear friend..Hugs and smiles Gloria

Jena Williams, Not So Shabby Interiors said...

Thanks Debbie, even when I have just a few seconds of time to read through the blogs, your always puts a smile on my face... encouraging, funny, sweet and sincere.... and yes, sooo YOU! I want my blog to be like yours when it grows up!

FRENCH LAUNDRY said...

Excellent advice girl! I think authenticity is the numero uno thing. If you're not yourself, people will figure it out. Real is definitely better.

Hugs,
Judy

Diane said...

Thank you for your advice, I for one can really use it. I get it now! And, from a fellow Texan nice ta meetcha!

lisa Moran, Bilancia Designs said...

This was quite a post...
I have been quite blunt about leaving comments on very few blogs. I am still quite NEW to the blogging world... Having a business and a family that requires my undivided attention...leaves me little time to comment...or even look at most blogs. Having said that, I came across your blog months ago when I was REALLY timid about leaving comments (after all, who even knew WHAT a Bilancia Designs was??? :) I came by faithfully because I was so blown away by your honesty, amazing heart, and the ability to knock my socks off with your incredible talent for writing.
You are in a league of your own, my friend. Your refreshing honesty is something everyone could learn a lesson from...
...and your heart...I have never had the pleasure of meeting you, but I can tell you are the kind of friend everyone WISHES they had.
And last, but not least, I am a HUGE fan of your gift for writing just about any topic on God's green earth and having the ability to do it with such charm, grace, humor and TALENT.
I know I'm not alone when I say
I'm hoping one day I get to see your name published. You are THAT incredibly talented.
Wishing you a beautiful week~ xo

VS said...

You're blog is wonderful sweet friend!!! Your inner voice is so you & the way you get it onto the blog, always makes me smile & giggle. {sometimes tear up too}
You have a genuine voice & that my friend is really all anyone need to write a blog that people will want to follow Speak in your own voice, show your heart & 'don't sweat the small stuff'...you got it girl!
Big Hugs,
SusieQ

Dixie said...

You make me smile every time I read your blog! another thing I've found that is an absolute necessity to blogging... time... which I'm in short supply of these days...

hope to see you at Zapp Hall and Theresa's blog party!

hugs Dixie

red.neck chic said...

I can't even say anything after Lisa Moran's comment. Good grief but she has you figured out and summed it u in one comment!!!

Grow up? What? No way...

I've decided I am the world's worst blogger lately. LMBO! I'm going to heed your advice and try a "do over" next week...

and yeah, when is your book getting published? It better have some pig stories.

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

xoxo evelyn