I have a such a love/hate relationship with blogging and reading blogs. I mean...we're writing about our lives and sharing photos of ourselves and our families and when you think about it, it's all a bit conceited. We're basically admitting that we think we are interesting or attractive enough that people all across the internet would want to read about us...or at least, the "us" that we present on our blogs. And maybe that's the loop hole--blogging can become an art form we use portray our happy/beautiful moments in photos and words. A picture of when we wore a cute outfit (and actually showered!) or a recipe of a delicious meal we cooked for our family (woohoo! a successful attempt at making dinner!) or documentation of our baby's undeniable cuteness (when she's not screaming in my ear and splashing in the dog's water dish). I keep seeing comments flying around on twitter or on other blogs about not being "real" or "acting perfect." But really? Do you you want to see photos of my sink full of dishes? Or read about how money is tight? Some of us use blogging as an outlet to vent (and anything goes...the good, the bad, and the ugly) but I don't think there's anything wrong with using a blog to show pretty pictures and practice our skills in creative writing. I blog because it's fun. I like to write and I like to take pictures. Simple as that.
(I'm going to be all over the place with this post)
I also think that the blog-world is a community where you can look to for support and advice. So it's totally cool to share your downfalls and struggles too. It's YOUR space, so you can do whatever you want! (Free speech is tha bomb.)
So...because I feel like it, along with this pretty picture of Lyla and I, I want to share a struggle I'm having lately: I think (well, I KNOW) I need to get a part time job. To be a stay at home mama is my dream and I love devoting my days to my baby. But it doesn't pay the bills. And Amanda and I work our butts off with our Etsy shops...but it is very inconsistent. So this is what it's come to. I'm looking for a part time job for evenings/weekends. Probably my worst nightmare. My husband will come home from work...and I will leave for the evening. Fun stuff.
So yeah. Life is far from perfect! But in lieu of these struggles I will continue to post silly photos and write about how amazing my little girl is. Blogging is the layman's form of art therapy.
xo
Jayme
2 comments:
I really love this post. I've thought about developing my blog more but when I think about all the energy it would take to do that...I always decide I'd rather focus my attention elsewhere. I just don't LOVE it like some people do. What I DO love is to connect with other mamas and its nice to get ideas for meals, crafts, etc. that I may not otherwise get. But the best thing about reading blogs for me is the posts like these where the realness shines through. I've enjoyed reading your posts because you definitely get a lot of that! Thank you for sharing real thoughts with us readers!
Oh and I have tried a couple of the vegan dinners that were posted and both were SUPER yummy (there was an asian noodle dish and yummy black bean salad). Thank you for sharing these!
I have to say--as a new(ish) mom, I was a little intimidated when I first stumbled on the world of mommy blogs, because like you said--everyone's lives looked SO perfect and pretty and awesome. It seemed like somehow all these other new moms found hours of free time to get lattes and craft and put together vintage outfits while I was wearing my wet ponytail to work and feeling exhausted. I had to get to a point where I figured about what I wanted my blog to be, and just like you said, I primarily use it to capture the good moments. Not because there are no bad moments, but because those aren't the ones I want to dwell on. It's not about putting out a fake identity to the world. My friends and blog followers know for sure how imperfect I am ;)
As for the part time job situation--I'm sorry you're feeling so sad/stressed by it. Please know I also live in a postbaby world where money is crazy-tight and my husband and I juggle schedules and miss each other a lot so we can be home with the girl and also pay bills. You may investigate paid blogging positions...I know Melissa from Dear Baby is being paid to blog for an online Baby's First Year sight. Either way, just know it will be okay. Working outside the home can offer a positive outlet for you to get your mojo back too so you're an even better wife and mom when you're home. Sometimes a little reframing goes a long way.
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