Wednesday, December 17, 2008

And now I'm standing at the crossroads

It has been almost a year since I joined the blogging world. And like every anniversary in my life, I tend to re-evaluate my goals, my purpose, my rules. I know--I'm a bit anal that way ;)

When I first started to blog, I went in without really thinking. I discovered a friend's blog and after a few emails, I just jumped in. I had no idea there were cool names, catchy blog titles or even a tracking system. And comments--what the heck were they?

I was merely going to record things I did with my family. My rules were simple--never insult anyone, only discuss items someone over the age of 10 would be comfortable reading, no politics  and try to make the internet a friendlier place. Seriously, that was my plan.

I found a few blogs about cooking and decided to join in the fun with my 'whole food' approach cooking blog. I strived to keep this up to date but honestly my heart was not there. I do have a passion for healthy eating but it was too much to keep up two blogs. I have not written in it since August.

During this,  I discovered the whole blogging world. I made friends, even went to dinner with local bloggers and found more and more blogs.

I found blogs like mine, blogs that expressed their political views, blogs that kept me up to date in the fashion world and blogs that taught. I was in awe of how powerful a blog could be. How much it could help a person, how it could communicate with anyone else in the world. Just powerful.

So here I am. A year later and at a crossroads. I have to admit writing about my life from time to time is OK but honestly I get bored reading about me--much less writing about me. Let's face it, the life of a stay at home is not the most exciting thing and I don't think my day will be featured on Perez Hilton anytime soon ;) Please don't get me wrong--I love reading the blogs of other mommies--I find each and every mommy interesting. I just don't feel my life is something I want to write about all the time.

There have been so many posts I have written that I never hit 'publish'. There have been lots of whining, lots of anger and well I just don't care to bring that out to the world. Not because I don't think those are valid emotions--I just know me and I know I do not like to record those emotions for the world to see forever. That's just me.

I am thinking I'd like to expand my posts. I really admire this blog by CC. I love her teaching ideas and her passion for her work with children. You have no idea how many neat ideas I have seen on her blog.

I cannot begin to tell you how much I would love to post some ideas I have regarding homeschooling/education and be able to make a positive difference in a mom's life. That would the best. To improve someone's life by just a little.

Love it.

So for the next few days I am going to choose my path for the next year. I don't think I will ever completely stop discussing my children but there's room for more. I might do some education posts. And I am hoping there is a way to be a truly positive impact for someone. I might add some recipes. I don't know. I do know I want to grow and bring my blog to its next level. 

Wish me luck :)

21 comments:

Laural Out Loud said...

I think diversifying is a great idea! This is your blog- your space to do with what you want. If you feel like expressing yourself by branching out, then by all means do it! I'm looking forward to reading what's to come!

CC said...

I am SO flattered. Thank you for your kind words!

I think anyone with 4 kids has PLENTY to write about. But whatever you choose, I'm sure I'll enjoy it!

Grace Acres said...

I completely understand where you're coming from. I feel like right now I am a complete scrooge and finding a hard time writing positive and inspiring things when I feel like I am faking it. So I didn't post and hope for a better day.

Elizabeth Byler Younts said...

well, lisa, whatever you decide...you had me hello. ;-)

Clare said...

i think whatever direction you take the blog people will read it and love it!! go with your heart, and i do like reading about you and your sweet family! you aren't boring!!

Tyne said...

First off, I have learned much from you... I have a lot to learn, I am about to be there with you, mother of four!

Secondly, I always feel like your posts offer reality and encouragement- not too sappy and not naggy.

I think that the Lord has blessed you with great gifts to teach, so I know that this new level will be glorifying to Him, and I am pretty sure that will leave you satisfied.

Praying for you as you take it up a notch. One day I might take it up a notch... but I think I will wait until I get at least one of my four out the door in school!

Carol said...

I love your blog just the way it is. Looking forward to whatever else you end up adding to the mix.

Rachel said...

Best of luck sweet one.
I know that God will help place you where you belong ;-)

Jules from "The Roost" said...

I think it is awesome that you have thought through this! It is inspiring, really. Why waste time in anything we do? It sounds like you have a great plan in the making and I can't wait to see it unfold! :)

Burgh Baby said...

I think the key is to write for YOU. When you write about what interests you, even if it seems "off topic," that's when a blog is its best.

Unknown said...

It's been a year already? WOW! Congrats. I am excited to see what path your blog takes this year!

Amanda said...

Good Luck!
You have a great heart and lots of patience bringing up 4 children and home schooling ~ you deserve an award.
Love,
Amanda x

Brian and Staci said...

I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!! I think whatever...or whichever way you decide to go with your blog is going to be wonderful! I'm looking oh so forward to seeing what you decide!!! Now, I'm going to check out CC :) My kids are going to be on "Winter" Break (just call it CHRISTMAS FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!) for 2 weeks! I need ideas :) Love ya Lisa!

Anonymous said...

Wow, an entire year... it seems to us that is a long time in blogdom. Congratulations! You know we love reading you, you are more than gifted when it comes to writing, no question about it Miss Lisa.

It may not seem like it, but every day that we read you it is different and interesting, so we'll be here regardless of topic or specialization of content.

We'll say a prayer for you, that you enjoy pondering the choices; whatever direction you choose will be absolutely perfect, we know that much.

Sending a hug,
tp

Anonymous said...

I think it's great that you are thinking of expanding - not that I don't love you as you are...but a bit of change is good, right? And, I'll totally pray for little Dante.

Anti-Supermom said...

I think this is wonderful. I can't believe that you do all that you do and still find time to blog.

I'd love to hear about homeschooling since I run a child care, but I'll always be a bloggy friend, no matter~

dani said...

good luck, lisa:) however, personally i like your blog just the way it is!!! cannot wait to hear ALL about your car trip north for the holidays:P tee-hee...
love,
dani

Jackie said...

Girl, you know we all love your blog, no matter what you choose to write about.

But I do understand the whole been-blogging-for-a-year crossroads thing...I've been on the verge of quitting these past few months. We'll see. :) I think I might love it too much to do that, though.

Emma in Canada said...

I think that the most important reader of your blog is you. Write what makes you happy, or sad, or mad. Write what you want.

That being said, I do love reading homeschool ideas. I don't do it, couldn't even dream of do it but have complete admiration for those that do!

OHmommy said...

I love CC too. I think she does an amazing job. And I love your place here too! You do an amazing job as well. Can't wait to see where next year brings us!

mah-meeee said...

well lisa, you have had some really captivating posts (more than some other blogs) and no need to say, which ever way to go with this, i'll still be reading your posts.

merry christmas!