... because blogging is a very strange thing. :)
If you blog, or if you read them, then the whole blogging phenomenom makes sense. "Knowing" people you have only ever "met" online (whether or not you've actually exchanged words) seems normal, in a way. It can be hard to describe this to people who don't participate in the blogosphere. They might think it's kind of crazy to communicate in this way.
On the one hand - and depending on your own personal blogging style - writing a blog is to share of yourself - some might say bare yourself - to total strangers. And it is a very strage thing when you stop to think about it.
Two and a half years ago I decided to share my ideas, my thoughts and, to a degree, my life in a blog. I did it because I missed creative writing, but also because I wanted to share the reality of our homeschooling life with our family and friends.
Before too long I realized it wasn't just the people who knew us who were reading about our life - it was all kinds of people. This was (and still is) so exciting! Some, possibly most, are homeschoolers like us - looking for ideas, information or maybe a shared laugh. But I would guess there are lots of people who stop by - perhaps following a link - who have little in common with me. That's neat, too. You never know where you might find inspiration.
Now. While I share nothing here that is not true - I don't share everything in my life here.
Because I like to think of my blog as my happy place. It's where I come to share something fun or a new idea that has me excited. I don't share my sticky stovetop or my dirty dishes or that cranky first hour of the day when I binge on coffee and let Earlybird watch TV until I am sufficiently awake. I do mention all those "negative" things now and again, but mostly I like to talk about the nice things here, because those are the things I find fun.
And I blog to have fun. :)
When I share things with you all, I do it because I think maybe it might be something you'll find helpful or maybe you might get an idea from it. I don't ever mean to come off as an expert in any way. And I truly hope I don't ever make anyone feel less than. Recently, it has come to my attention that some folks feel bad when they visit my blog, and this makes me so sad. I really don't want to be that kind of blog.
So when I post pictures of my tidied up learning room, I want you to know I do it with only the best intentions. I usually (I'm pretty sure) point out that I have in fact only JUST cleaned things up (meaning it was a wicked mess beforehand) and I am so happy with the way it all turned out, I just want to share it with you all. I could certainly take pictures of my learning room when it is a mess (and believe me, it can get to be quite a mess), but where would the fun be in that?
Remember - I blog to have fun. ;)
You know, my friends IRL (in real life) have the benefit of knowing all of me. They've witnessed my cranky moments, and they've seen the cluttered, less photo-friendly corners of my home. I think they also know that - while I am no Pollyanna - I do try to be a "the glass is half-full" kind of gal. It's just in my nature to be that way.
I like to focus on the good things - these are the things I like to pass on. To me, they're like sunshine and fresh air: they help me grow. My newly neatened learning room is a good thing; my overgrown laundry pile is, decidely, not.
While I might love and respect Martha Stewart, I wouldn't want to be her. I'd really rather be me, even though I'm far from perfect. But I don't think any of us are meant to be so. I do think we can try to be our best. (Operative word try.) But remember, my best is not yours and vice versa. We all have to make our own happy place.
I guarantee you, my life is not all sweetness and light, but please don't mind me if it's the sweetness and light I share with you.
Peace and Love to you all. Thank you for listening, and thanks for stopping by. :)
