For the Love of Blogs!
Oct 14
Yesterday Jen from Lovely Living, raised the issue of how hard it can be as a blogger. Not for the work that is involved in producing the blog posts, but because of the vulnerability that can come from exposing one’s thoughts, emotions, ideas, family life, and activities. Whilst the vast majority of time, readers are supportive of the blogs they read, I have on occassion seen comments which are, quite frankly, unnecessary. The old adage, “If you can’t say anything nice….”, doesn’t seem to apply in cyber-world.
Jen called for an unofficial “Day of Appreciation” for bloggers. If you were anywhere on Facebook yesterday, you might have noticed beautiful comments and posts all over the place!! I was touched to see so many bloggers and readers reach out to each other, and let the world know how much they valued the writers behind the blogs that they read. It was beautiful to see kindness in action, from so many women whom I admire!
And so in the spirit of this bloggy-love I wanted to share my story of all of those blogs who have been a part of my journey. This is by no means anywhere even close to an exhaustive list – there really are so many wonderful women whom I would like to acknowledge!
When I started blogging I knew NOTHING. I opened up a WordPress account after recommendations from Jade, The Superorganiser Mum. I asked a thousand questions about scheduling blog posts, uploading images, responding to comments – you name it, she answered it. Nothing was ever a problem.
But suddenly a whole world of plugins, widgets, HTML code opened before me – a whole new language and I had absolutely no idea!!! Jen from Lovely Living answered my late night emergency requests and helped me get to know my blog – adding this, removing that, creating buttons here, and giving friendly advice there. I slowly started to find my groove and was amazed at the support that was out there. I found that if I needed to know something – I just had to ask…. anyone. There was always someone willing to answer with friendliness, advice and support.
In the process, I have met some amazing friends. Yes, actual real friends. I may or may not have me them in real life, but I value their friendship, and I thank them for sharing this blogging journey with me. We are so lucky to have this blogging community in Australia – a group who will reach out to anyone who needs support. A group who celebrates each other’s achievements, and commiserates when things are not quite so great.
So I take my hat off to these bloggers, and I encourage you to take the time to read a couple of their latest posts (and even make a comment or two!). These are the bloggers whom I have laughed with, cried with, and shared stories with. I have read extraordinary stories of courage, hope, happiness and celebration. They make me want to be better – for all sorts of reasons. Blogging is an act of love, and today is all about sharing that love!
- A Little Delightful - Bianca has fantastic ideas for craft and activities with her beautiful children. Always so fun and easy to do!
- Beyond The Baby Presents: Super Organiser Mum - Jade has an incredible knack for decorating and of course organizing. I see a box – Jade sees …potential! I love seeing what she comes up with next!
- Living on a Latte - How could I not love a blogger/teacher with a tradie husband? Kaz has a beautiful artistic flair and a positive and uplifting blog.
- Lovely Living Presents – Cook.Eat.Play *drool* Kristy has some of the most mouth-watering recipes! I love her passion for food, inspiring me to break out of my spag-bol routine!
- My Big Nutshell - Gemma makes me LAUGH. I feel like I want to steal her as my BFF! Her Vlogs are brilliant and she is an integral member of the blogosphere.
- Seven Cherubs - Naomi writes with such heart and passion. She is a beautiful Mama to seven children and her love for her family is obvious. Heart-warming reading – and so honest.
- The Home She Made - Clare is another teacher with fantastic ideas for cooking, decorating and homewares. I am keenly following her Coat Rack project!
- The Organised Housewife - I draw a lot of inspiration from Kat, not just because of what she writes about, but by the way she contributes to, and connects with, the blogging community
- The Smile Collective - Kelly – my goodness. What an inspiration! Positive, gracious, grateful, generous, supremely talented and inspiring. Kindness personified.
And for a bit of an international flavour…
- Enjoying The Small Things – Kelle Hampton - Kelle’s photos blow my mind. Probably the best photo/blogger I have seen. And she has a pretty amazing family.
- iHeart Organizing - Jen is such a friendly and down to earth blogger, with the most amazing style! So many ideas to beautify your home.
- The Pioneer Woman – Ree Drummond - if you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to live on an American ranch, this is a brilliant blog. I feel like I know Ree personally – she makes me laugh!
Source: acritica.net via Paula on Pinterest
So very true! I have only just started my blog in the last month, and I have no idea what I am doing, but do feel a little awkward asking such questions to other bloggers! I love your work and hopefully one day I can get my own blog up and running as well as yours is. x Chrissie
Thank you so much Chrissie!!! I plan to sit down today and catch up with your blog! Never be afraid to ask questions – everyone would be only too happy to help you <3 Good luck with it, and most importantly, ENJOY!
Natalie I’m so touched that you mentioned me, thank you so much for your kind words about my blog. It’s crazy, but it actually IS nice to know that there are people out there who like what you do, it makes it all worthwhile.
Becoming a blogger has truly helped me to appreciate just how much work goes into one blog post. I no longer skim through anybody’s work and I try to leave a comment every now and then because I now know how much feedback is so important!
Thanks for this post and thanks for your own fabulous blog. Keep blogging!
Kristy – how could I not have included you!! Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and positivity – it’s just fabulous!
Lovely post and yes, yay for commenters as I find that the hardest to understand – the days when no one comments vs the days when you get 8, but you don’t actually know what was the difference (maybe just busy days?).
I love all the blogs you mentioned as well !
Thank you Deb! I am so glad I have found you! Your blog is such a calming influence on me – I look forward to catching up with all your posts!
What an awesome post Nat! I love the blogging community and will continue to support these amazing women! So glad I could help you get your blog off the ground and look at what an amazing community you have created! Keep up the amazing work <3
Thank you so much Jen. And thank you for what you are doing for so many other bloggers <3
Hi Natalie, being a new blogger myself, I am absolutely blown away by how much love and support there is in the blogging community. I have connected with some amazing, beautiful and inspirational people and my only regret is I didn’t stumble across this world earlier. Thanks for the gorgeous post and sharing some other blogs I hadn’t yet discovered. Xxx
Isn’t it amazing how many wonderful blogs that are out there – I feel like I am discovering new ones every day! Welcome to the blogging community – I can’t wait to read more of your thoughts and posts
Natalie thank you so much for including me among so many absolutely fantastic bloggers. I’m really honoured.
I agree, our blogging community here in Australia is really one of support and togetherness. Yesterday was proof of that.
x
Thank you so much Bianca. I love that so many wonderful women seem to be drawn together – in the name blogging, kindness, and happiness. Thank you for bringing me joy through your blog <3
Such a lovely post and it has been wonderful to see so much blog love happening this week. It can be so rewarding being a blogger but also so depressing. Love that there has been so much support for each other lately. Thanks so much for including me in your list. N x
Thank you Naomi – isn’t it incredible to see so much support and love! I feel like I have so much to learn still – and you have always been such an honest and gracious blogger. You inspire me <3
What you say is so true. Every blogger presses post and then waits … waits for validation. This rings so very true to me and I thank you for sharing such a candid post that will resonate with many. The world of blogging is hard … and often without reward, but to know that you are not alone makes a world of difference. Thank you for a wonderful post x
Thank you Angela. It can feel like a lonely process sometimes. But I have found that by focusing on “why” I started blogging, it helps me to find the joy that comes from writing and exploring my thoughts. I look forward to reading more of your blog <3
to be included with these outstanding bloggers is truly exciting! thank you Nat and thank you for all your support and words of wisdom. every time you comment on my blog you are so thoughtful. Sometimes it’s hard to write meaningful comments but you do it so artfully. And of course you know how much I love and appreciate your blog, your facebook page and all the work behind the scenes.
Gemma sometimes I think you underestimate the impact you have made on the blogging community. From the first moment I started reading your blog, I was in awe of your raw honesty and sense of humour. You have such a kind and generous heart – I hope you are blogging for a long time to come!!
Natalie – you’re such a keeper!
I’m so honoured to be included in your list with all of those other amazing bloggers.
Starting a blog and facebook page has been one of the best, most uplifting and inspiring experiences for me, I truly feel blessed to belong to this blogging community of women, that support and ‘champion’ each other.
I HEART blogging and I HEART Mummy Smiles
xx Clare
What a gorgeous message Clare! Blogging is such a cathartic experience – it truly is such an enriching process. It helps me really question myself – what I think, feel etc. And I am so grateful to have found such wonderful people – like you <3
PS Thank YOU xx
What a wonderful post Natalie! I’m still a baby in the blogging realm but I too am blown away by this inspiring community. I also feel like I’ve made some new ‘real’ friendships by connecting with so many wonderful bloggers. It’s so lovely to spread the love and support, as you have. (And many of my faves were on your reading list too!!)
Thanks so much Jess – I feel like I am still a baby blogger too – so very much to learn! And it’s so wonderful to be learning together
What a lovely post. Oh Nat you made me cry! Thank you. I feel very privileged to be a part of your beautiful community.
Each day you bring a smile to my face and inspire me to remember what is important in life.
I am thankful to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of women – how lucky are we!
I’ve never read blogs before I found facebook. I guess about a year ago. I have now thought I might like to blog myself and it’s really not because I want other people to read it. Does that make sense? lol. I totally appreciate what everyone does on their blogs it’s not easy sharing your life with other people and being a voyeuristic society we love it. It can also come with a down side of people wanting to bring you down for whatever reason they have. Seems that anytime you put yourself out there someone has something nasty to say. I wish women would appreciate and take the time for each other we really all have the same goal in the end. Thanks for blogging! It’s inspired me a lot. Being a working mum and going to school I think sometimes I get overwhelmed and forget about the small things in life. Just sitting with the kids and talking, buying little things to decorate the house. I never took the time to decorate before??? Just doing little things that make ME happy. I just needed that little boost from seeing what other women are doing and getting ideas on how to organize my life a bit better to fit it all in. I’m much happier
this struck a chord with me.. I’ve been feeling very vulnerable of late.. I love my bloggy friends! x
Hey Sarah – I am feeling a bit the same at the moment. It’s very hard to open yourself up sometimes, when you know that there are some people just trying to bring others down. I hope you are feeling better soon xx
Hi Natalie,
Great post. I’m reading it a little late, I know, but I have just started a blog myself and so was thrilled to stumble onto this. I look forward to working my way through your list of recommendations, and also reading more of your posts. I just teared up reading about your grandfather – it was such a beautiful tribute to him…
xx
Charlotte