Artful Blogging...

Some months ago, I was approached by Christen Olivarez, the editor of Artful Blogging, to write an article about my blog. I was stunned and so excited...and felt a little guilty.... since I had been given the chance to write an article about my former blog for Somerset Life previously.

She knew that though, and encouraged me that the readers would still be interested.

As the deadline drew near...I drew a blank. I typically have lots and lots of thoughts swirling in my head...but this time...writer's block.

That's when I started reflecting on what my blog was all about. My thoughts...simple as that.

So, that's what I decided to write. My thoughts on blogging...my experiences...the highs and lows...and my advice to other bloggers out there. Now, these thoughts are by no means profound or even that enlightening, I suppose. But they are real. And that is what I wanted to share. Something real.

Being perfectly honest, sometimes this whole "blogging" thing gets me down...........very down.

And then I get more down beating myself up for getting down about a blog!

But...it's true...I do...

I spend nights lying awake wondering if anyone will care what I have to say...

Or why can't I be as perfect as some others seem...or as happy as they always seem...

Or how do they keep their homes always so spotless...

Or why do some bloggers out there get 90 comments every time...and some...only get 1 or 2?

Or how does everyone else make time to write posts so often and always take time to read and write thoughtful comments on so many others? {this one always puzzles me since I can never seem to keep up}

And...does anyone else ever feel as lonely as I do out there...in this vast blogland?

But of course.....I convince myself, they do not. For surely, everyone else has it all figured out. They are confident in themselves and don't question these things like I do, right?

And lately, some of these things have been weighing on me quite heavily. Which is why I have not been posting or visiting as often. Sometimes, I need to heed my own advice, like in the article that I wrote, and step back...and reconnect with who I am. Remembering that how God made me is perfect. Perfectly imperfect. And that when I am enjoying that...I will flourish...and the resentments, the fears, the doubts...will all beautifully slip away...

So as I dust myself off...and grasp the hand of God to lift me up...I am looking to him for my fulfillment. Not blog comments, not comparisons to others who may be more "inspiring" than I, or envying those who have seemingly perfect lives, because I know they don't...and that perhaps, even they have moments like I do...wavering...wondering...questioning it all...

Or better yet, even if they don't, and somehow their lives are actually just perfect, that that is okay. It's okay that mine isn't because it is still a beautiful one...filled with the ones I love, a life that I love even when it's hard...and most importantly, that it is filled with the love of a God who is so big and yet so small...that he can understand all of these thoughts of mine and find each one important...

So for those of you who happen upon my article in the magazine...I hope that it will encourage you...even if it is only in some small way...and if you ever find yourself wondering any of these questions {and others} just know that you aren't alone...I have thought them too. And then in that thought...the loneliness disappears...

Till next time...

Comments

[stacey]

I found you in that article. What you wrote struck me and what you write here strikes again. Of course, not in a mean ugly strike, but in the kind that touches soul to soul and resonnates through our minds. At least, that was what it was like reading this post. Your words are often what runs through me, so know that even if it is just one other, you are not alone.

[Margaret Bouwmeester]

Alice, I will certainly stand in line for the magazine! I love your blog, and I understand how it feels to have qualms about the number of comments. It is a hard thing, you put yourself out there, and then make yourself crazy about who will read you.
You have a wonderful and beautiful blog, and sometimes people read your posts but maybe don't comment, have faith.
Keep doing what you are doing sweetie, the talents and inspirations you have will shine through. Being in the blogging magazine will surely help!
I am so excited for you!
Make sure they share all your beautiful photos, I love when you post pictures!
Hugs,
Margaret B

[Jackie]

I think we all have those thoughts and feelings. I have felt that too...that other's lives seem so put together, that they seem so happy, but then I opened up on my blog and found wonderful people who are supportive and who all have their issued too. We're all here to support one another, so continue to write from your heart and write for yourself and others will love it - you have a beautiful heart and a beautiful blog!!

[Sandi]

Oh dear sweet Alice. I just want to grab you and give you a big hug and tell you not to worry! There are so many of us out there who have those same feelings as you. You are definitely not alone. Sometimes I fear we make our blogs too "pretty" and not really *real*, but life is what it is and there is no denying that.

I often wonder if people really saw where I live...on a remote dirt road...in Michigan...would they still leave comments. I don't lead a glamorous life, but I love where I am and who I am. (took me 50 years to be able to say that ) Then I think...it doesn't matter where I live or what I do, but what matters is that God loves me and He cares for me and that is all that matters. If we can do a little good along the way then it is an added blessing.

I feel so blessed to have met you through blogging and pray that you will continue to realize how special you are to all of us in blogland! So thankful also that you are posting again and I will definitely try to find that magazine soon!!
Hugs~

[Sheila R]

I too read your article and enjoy reading your lovely blog - whenever you post, because you are a person with a beautiful God centered heart who is lovely just the way you are! Speaking from your heart is what has drawn me to you and your inspiring blog.

[Deb]

Hi Alice
What a beautiful cover for this month's Artful Blogger ~ looking forward to reading your article. I created an inspiration board a few years ago, and without realizing it the word Perfecly Imperfect found itself right in the middle :-)

[The White Bench]

Alice,
thank you. This is so special, you made me feel good.
Hugs,
Monicax.

[Carole]

Oh Alice....you couldn't be more wrong your blog stands out from the pack. I read your article and was so moved. I thought how did you get right in my brain? I wonder about the same things all the time...it consumes sometimes but I'm too chicken to write about it. Thank you for being so brave and speaking your thoughts for us. Your blog has everything...beauty,honesty and that desire to keep going forward!!!
I think you will be overwhelmed with comments on THIS post!!! I often don't comment because I don't want you to think I'm obcessed with you :)LOL ...but I read almost every post!!!!
Big HUGS sweet Alice!

[Julie Marie Vicknair]

Hello sweet Alice... boy did this post hit home with me! As you know, I have some problems with my eye right now and am taking a break from blogging until it heals... I thought no one will notice, no one will care, no one will miss my silly little posts,... but I was wrong... I have had so many heartfelt comments left for me to get better soon and post some more, I was overwhelmed...Sometimes I think I don't fit in the blog world, I am not rich, or famous, I don't have a shop, or a house at the lake, or travel to Paris, or many other things I read about... but then I thought about my daily Nature walk and how I love to post about that and All God's creatures and how that makes me feel so close to God... then I tell myself that is really all I need... My sister has a beautiful Native American shop and works so closely with the Native Americans who supply her with their crafts... they intentionally make little imperfections in their wares, a bead missing from a beaded pouch, a glaze slip on a piece of pottery, etc because they believe that only God can make something perfect... I love their belief and try to remember that myself when I think things need to be "perfect"... I love your blog and adore you because you are YOU!... I can't wait to get that magazine and read your article... I so look forward to each and every one of your posts! Love to you and as always, big doggie kisses to sweet Renoir! xoxoxo Julie

[Laura]

Alice,
Everyone tries to put their best foot forward and show all the good that they can to the world....but we all fall short...we all have problems and quirks and issues...that's what makes us human beings...I think that we should all continue to be the best we can be and accept and embrace the not so perfect in ourselves and each other! I look forward to reading your article and appreciate your honesty. I am sure it will help some people to know that even the beautiful and accomplished Alice W. has her moments of doubt! Thank you for sharing.
Take care, Laura

[Rita]

hi dear alice,
I've just discovered your blog and i'm soooo glad I have. i read your your post very carefully and it stroke my chords. i heard your words resonate in me... i'm quite new at blogging and i'm most of the time asking myself the same questions...so i'm not alone out there in blogland. even wonderful bloggers like you feel the same way...
well, dearest alice, thank you for inspiring me so much and for being so uplifting.
I find your blog so TRULY beautiful and TRULY inspiring in a TRUE way. Thank you.
I'll be most pleased if you'll find the time to stop by my blog, not for an extra comment - that i can do without - but to simply show my humble blog place to someone so special like you. Thank you for taking the time to read my boring comment.
Blessings
rita

[Leah C]

Oh sweet Alice, all those doubts that swirl in your head...swirl in mine, too. And most likely in many other bloggers' minds as well. I've struggled with trying "to be perfect" for so long; but what a waste of my time! I love how you put it...perfectly imperfect...and that's what I strive for these days. I love visiting your blog, love reading your words, and afterwards, I always feel inspired and/or moved:) Always. Yours is a beautiful soul, Alice, and even though I don't really know you...I feel like I do! And whenever you visit my blog and leave a comment, I feel like a good friend just stopped by:) So, thank you...for being you!

[Mira]

You are not alone! That is the perfect line to comment your latest post. I think the most of us have the same doubts like you. I always ask myselfe how some bloggers can find the time to comment so much... I mean I visit my dearest blogs and the blogs of new visitors nearly every day, but I don't have the time to leave a comment every time. And you are so right, it is very strange how many comments sometimes were left and considerably less the other time. You are totally the right person to write an article for "Artful blogging" and you surely made it perfect... It's allways a pleasure to come around here, hugs & kisses, Mira!

[June]

Alice, now I am very excited to pick up my issue, knowing that you are in there. This post is so thought-provoking. When I started my blog in Feb. it was mainly for myself...to help me focus on the beautiful things in my life. I think the world has enough ugly and mean in it, without me adding to it. I didn't want my blog to be a political blog, or a blog that focused on all the unfairness going on in our world. I have my face to face friends to hash all that out with, lest there be misunderstandings, as I think some things don't translate as well...written.
I do think we have to stay true to the reason we began blogging in the first place, the love of beauty in our lives and the joy we get from our very different hobbies and interests.
Your blog feels me up with these things that I crave everytime I visit and that is why I adore you so. You are real and lovely and endearing. That is why, I myself visit this very beautiful place called Alice W.
Congratulations on being in this issue. I cannot wait to read it.
Hugs,
June

[Dawn @ The Feathered Nest]

Dear sweet Alice, we all feel this way!!!! Each and every one of us....and believe me, if I show part of my home, it the part that's clean! If you were to blog only once a month or once every six months, I would be here to read it ~ because I enjoy your tastes, your beautiful writing and always your gorgeous photography. I can tell you are a wonderful person through your blog as well. You value your family and your beliefs and that is so very evident in everything you do. Thank you for being here sweet friend, hugs and love, Dawn
(ps ~ I'll be sure to check out your article!)

[mamaAyanna]

Alice,Congratulations on the article in Artfull blogger! You ARE a very artful blogger. Everyone seems to have said what I thought while reading that. As you know I have not been blogging for long at all, but when I saw your blog the first time I was amazed! It is just beautiful and has one style and it all fits together. Please keep on blogging. Can't wait to be painting both coming sunday on our doors. Can't wait to meet. We are all indeed "perfectly imperfect", thanks for sharing that and being so honest. I surely think that is what has and will attract many people to your site.... :-)

[Tracie~My Petite Maison]

This is why I love you... dear, dear friend.
~Tracie

[Christine Dallimore]

O.k.- You are just AMAZING!!! Everything you had to say just touched my heart as I feel the exactly the same. I have an infertility and miscarriage support blog in which I talk about A LOT of very sensitive subjects. It's tricky, but so many blessings have come from it. I too wonder how SOOO many people can have these perfect blogs AND comment thoughtfully on everyone elses!! :0) Well, anyway, truth be told I just LOVE yours!!! I can't wait to buy the magazine and read your article!

[Rachel]

Nicely said, Alice. I think you have articulated very well what we all fear - that nobody will care what we have to say. I might have (most days) convinced myself that it doesn't matter. I've always wanted to be a writer and if writing a blog is all I ever get to do... well, at least I'm doing that. As for the comments, I consider myself lucky if I hit double-digits, although I admit I have wondered the same as you why some bloggers get comments in the hundreds (those are the blogs I usually don't comment on - they don't need my input). But look! You now have 18 comments, including mine, so we do indeed care what you have to say. Your blog is lovely! I will most definitely be looking for Artful Blogging, just for your article!

xo
Rachel

[Crystel]

Alice,
I stumbled across your blog a few months back, and I have been so inspired and moved by it. Don't let life's ups and downs keep you from writing. Whether we comment or not, there are many of us out there who read and enjoy your thoughts, stories, photos and art. It truly makes my day to read your blog. It is so beautiful and thoughtful, and you are so talented!
Crystel

[Tami from: www.SouthStreetShabby.blogspot.com]

Alice,
I don't necessarily think that writing every day is the measure of a good blog or that the number of comments is a meter to which one can check the readership or sincerity of a certain post.
There are plenty of blogs which I only check or read occasionally. I scan the title and lead picture and if it catches my interest, I read it.
I find your blog and your writing style fresh, interesting, sincere and pointed. I enjoy the photos that you choose to illustrate your posts and see them literally, as illustrations.
Needless to say, I always read your posts, enjoy them and find myself looking back to remember something I saw or read. I look forward to reading your article in Artful Blogger.
Tami E.
PS...Those who you think are perfect and wonderful home keepers, probably aren't...nobody is THAT perfect! ;-)

[Sue]

You have a wonderful and inspiring blog, so don't measure it by comments or the like. I actually feel MORE connected when I blog. I've been told to utilize SEO and sell advertising, but that, to me, would taint it. Blogs (at least junking/repurposing ones) should grow organically and true.

In recent months, your posts have inspired me to redo my booth, and it's paying off. So THANKS!!!

[Cheryl at Casual Cottage Chic]

Alice,
If it weren't for your blog I would never have "met" you! You are so talented and I delight in reading your blog...and LOVE your webshop. I am one of your BIGGEST fans :-) As you know, I recently started blogging...wondering what I could possibly share with others that would be interesting. It's not fun to blog when you feel like you HAVE to say (share)SOMETHING! I think my life is pretty boring, but I enjoy reading what others are doing, where they live, how they celebrate events. So many of my favorite bloggers are fantastic photographers! Don't stop blogging...don't stop creating. God has blessed you in many, many ways.

[Karen Valentine]

Wow. That's the only word that freely comes to my mind to describe everything that I just read. Your terrific article, your heartfelt post and all the sweet and sincere comments your fellow bloggers have left for you. We all really only see the great and powerful Oz. Not really realizing there is a person behind the curtain who is vulnerable and unsure of themselves. I go through this on a daily basis. I go to my favorite blogs, and I marvel at the creativity that I see. The lives that you all must have!!! They look so perfect. When in reality everyone of us has insecurities that we must battle with. I am so grateful to have met you and all the other wonderful gals out there who show support for each other like no where I have ever known.
Thank you for sharing your heart with us.

Karen
My Desert Cottage

[Vintagebejoyful]

Your authentic self always shows up in your writing which is why I come back for more, you inspire me to be honest and forth coming in my own writing, thank you dear Alice for sharing yourself with us.

Tracey

[Kerryanne English]

Alice, I beleive this post and your feelings are felt by nearly all of us at sometime. None of us are perfect - nor would we want to be. Honesty and inner beauty always shine through and this is why for me, you are a valued blog friend.

I'll have to order this issue from the US so I can read your article.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

[Queenmothermamaw]

Hello Alice, but cause I can't remember where I was before I found you, I can't tell you which blog I came from. Well it doesn't matter. I so admire and identify with your article for the magazine. This is a whole new world for me. I had my job taken to the city about 2 years ago and at 70 was not ready to not work, but decided to go on and retire. My job allowed for a lot of creativity and I missed that. I found the land of blog and I am so renewed at this stage in my life I can only give thanks to my God for leading me to folks such as you. I can't sign in as a follower since I have trouble with google, but you will go on my "I recommend list." Stop by my neck of the woods if you have time. Looks like you have lots of comments now.
Blessings.
QMM

[Claudia]

Dear Alice - I have already read your wonderful article in Artful Blogging and had been planning on sending you a note. It is beautifully written. What you say about blogging is very true. It is easy to fall into the comparison trap and to wonder why some blogs have so many comments or followers. I've fallen prey to that, myself. But in the end, your blog is for you. You decide how often you want to post and what you want to post about. I know this: I love your blog and whenever you post, I will be here. You have such wonderful taste and everything you post about interests me. So don't worry. Please. You are so admired by many, many bloggers. You are just right.

xo
Claudia

[Diane]

Alice, What has helped me with some of these problems is to remember, even burn it into your soul, that there are ALL different kinds of people out there. Some we will never measure up to but on the other hand, we will be someone for some others to aspire to.

Or in the words of Desiderata - "Do not compare yourself with others for there will always be greater and lesser persons than yourself"

[Martha]

What you create is beautiful Alice, and I know everyone shares your doubts. I think it's especially hard when you put so much of yourself into your creation and allow it to be reviewed by others. Keep up your incredible work, because I do look forward to seeing your gorgeous blog posts. Take care, Martha

[ginny]

my sentiments exactly! I feel the same way. I only just recently decided that I did not care how many comments I get, or if I will ever have a giveaway, or if my house does not look like a model home exquisitely furnished, or if I can craft cutsey things. I blog for me. I blog to try to bring some sort of sense to this world and perhaps by my blogging someone else will be helped, inspired. I blog, because it helps me sort out life's confusion for me.
I hope I can read your article.
Great post.

[Coralie Cederna Johnson]

Wonderful blog!!! Love hearing more from you! Great job!

[Micki]

I just found your blog, and I have enjoyed reading the posts. I started blogging a year ago, and it has been a wonderful experience. I am originally from Philadelphia and married an Irishman and live in a small seacoast village in Donegal, Ireland. I thought your post was very good, and enjoyed your thoughts on blogging.
Nice meeting you!
Micki

[Laura]

Hi Alice, I had seen your article and thoroughly enjoyed reading it last week. I found it so fresh and honest, and I remember thinking when I finished..."this girl is wise beyond her years". I'm not one to conform to what I perceive is expected in the blog world... yet I definitely have moments of feeling guilty for that lol, so silly. Anyway, your article was wonderful - well done girlie :)
Laura

[Ludid]

when i read artful blogging, i usually write down the blog addresses of those who have appealed to me in someway. your article was one and i am happy to have found another blog that is inspiring.

[Barbara]

I enjoyed reading this, Alice. We all come from a different place but share so much online. We've become friends with people around the world- it is a wonderful experience!
Nobody's perfect... I like it that way!

[rene]

Yep...that pretty much sums it up! Well said...we really are all the same, aren't we?
Great point...our fulfillment should come from God...we have to keep coming back to that.
I DO love it here...so so pretty.
blessings to you and your family,
Rene'

[Karla Nathan]

Your blog is always so lovely, I'm glad when i see you have a new post. I don't comment as often on many blogs as I used to, but I do keep up with them in Google Reader and zip through new posts. Yours is always a favorite.

[Isabel ~ Maison Douce]

Alice, you are not alone...!!!! You bet there are times when I feel alone, inadequate, imperfect... A friend once told me that dull women have immaculate homes...!! Yes, there are times when I wish I could just be more "perfect", but then I look at the pile of laundry, the dust bunnies and the messy kitchen and all I think of is how fun it was to watch my daughter play soccer, or my son riding is bike, and I realize what is really important to me!!! Can't wait to read your article!!
Isabel

[Pam]

Congrats on being published! Your sentiments so thoroughly echo what's in my own heart, and it is funny, because yours is one of the blogs that keeps me from starting my own-I don't feel like I could ever measure up to YOU!! Enjoy your successes, and know they are much appreciated and read, even if we don't comment each time! Blessings to you.

[Suzanne]

Dear Alice,

Congratulations on the Somerset article. I am so happy for you and will go out this weekend and purchase my copy.

Your writing {and your glorious photography} is wonderful ~ straight from the heart. I am right there with you regarding the comments and feeling somewhat alone in blogland...but look how many you have here!

I am happy to have found you out there and on Flickr. I wish we were neighbors.

Ciao bella,
Suzanne

[Shell]

Alice, your blog is a beautiful place. Whenever I get a bit lost over my blog, I remember why I blog in the first place. To have fun, share my crazy and creative ideas with the world. Once I get back to my center..i'm fine.
I'm sure from all these comments you know how special you are.
As my old acting teacher use to say, perfection is boring!

[Lynn Kreizl]

Since I just started a blog I really appreciated your thoughts on blogging. In a way I am lucky, I lost my hearing at 39, 13 years later had a cochlear implant (blogged about this) and as a result I can never be "like anyone else". I am caught between two worlds at times, hearing/deaf. One to one I have my life back. But socially, it is almost impossible to meet or party or lunch as I my CI picks up the loudest noise, I sit/stand with the pasted smile and heart breaking. So I started a blog and write from heart and have felt free to do so, and pray the the Lord allows my blog to touch somoone in need. He is my strength every day and what I cannot do socially in real life, I would like to do in blogland, reach out and touch someone from my heart, to help someone going thru anything, that God is bigger than whatever that is. Yes, when a blog gets tons of comments and I get none, I feel sad. I know getting started takes time so I am patient. I would just love to give back from my blog the inspiration in many forms that I have found from other in their blogs. Have a blessed day. I love blog that speak from the heart as yours does.

[Sharon A. Kyser]

I am not even going to read other peoples responses. (which I always do so I won't repeat the same thing numerous times) I want you to know that I go through the very same thing. Why? Is it how I write? Who cares? Is anyone hearing me? on and on and on I started blogging as a dairy of sorts for just me so that I would have a record of the things I have or haven't accomplished over a years period of time. In the process I have thought, hurt, & mused at why some people come, some people go, some people comment, some people don't care but in the mix is always that soul that expresses their interest and concern. It is hard to not keep count/Who knows who/how to get into the "in" crowd. Now I consciously TRY not to check the numbers and TRY to remember why I started in the first place. I find that I can give of myself, just the way I am. I don't have any handycaps or problems except that I somehow always feel lonely in a crowd, never quite fitting in and in blogland I fit in or you won't come back and that is okay. My artroom is a mess, I don't sleep well anyway so why not blog. I leave my testimony of my walk with the Lord when it is appropriate but only if it "fits" into what I am creating at the time. Because I am, at heart, a giver blogging is a perfect outlet for me. Because I need approval in my art work, I get it most always from a few. I will continue to blog because I need my buddies out there to say "keep on keepin' on" and that is enough for me.
Please continue to be honest, upfront and creative. I need your words, I need YOU to be you...
Sharon

[robin]

Your blog post is just amazing! I thought I was the only one who had those same thoughts.

[Denise M]

Oh Alice.........you are such a wonderful soul! I love your honesty, your beautiful words, your love for life and your love for GOD! I can't wait to get my copy and read your wonderful article.......congrats on your sucess!

[desiree]

this is such an honest post I loved reading your thoughts, so at least 1 person cares what you wrote ;)

while reading I look around in my living room thinking that I should make a picture of the explosion of mess there is going on whilst I am working on a new room. Just to show that I am not perfect.

Actually I know I am not perfect and I have no intention of hiding it ! I should try to find this magaine over here in Holland, must be fun to read.

[Vicki Thompson]

Hello, Alice,
I have had your same thoughts about blogging. I have only been blogging a short while, but sometimes I think, Do I have anything to say? Does anyone really care what I have to say? and then I remember that I started my blog for me and to express MY thoughts and then everything is put in perspective again. Thank you for your honesty. I enjoyed my visit with you very much. Vicki

[Tina]

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading the article as I also do with your blog. You´re such a great inspiration. Love your style.

[Kimberly Ryan Art]

So many nights I just wanted to delete my blogs and give up, seems I work so hard and feel great about posting some pretty things and only one or two comments, then I visit a popular blogger who posts about how cute she looks in a dress , she gets over 70 comments? Whats that all about? But you know, I touched 2 or three really wonderful ladies and they were listening and appreciating my work,why do I need validation from people I don't even know? I love all you do, your the most Romantic soul, you touch many hearts, like mine....xoxo ps. I fell in love with your spool nests last year, you inspired mine!