(Ok – so far I’ve not really found anything bad, but if I do, I promise to update this post and report back immediately!)
Ok, so let’s start with…
The Good
Back in December of last year, there is no way I’d have imagined that I would soon be classed as a blogger!
Sat here now typing yet another blog post.
There was not even an inkling that other people in the big wide world out here might know an alternative ‘me’!
But it is something I’ve certainly grown to love.
My new found hobby.
I’m a VERY small fish in a VERY large pond, but I’m happy and content with that, as my reason for doing this was never to be ‘popular’ as such – it was purely to journal my family’s life.
So to think I’ve made some new friends along the way is amazing to me.
I never really even thought this would happen.
And going with the theme of fishes in ponds (!?!) I think I’ve met a few other lovely fishes along the way too.
And I know this may sound a bit silly or premature but it’s as if we’ve all become friends
We’ve bonded over a love of similar things.
Here is just a little shout out to the ones I’ve probably stalked the most:
We’ve obviously all got kids or are having kids, we make each other laugh, we feel each other’s pain and sorrow, we can reach out to one another for advice or a virtual hug to make us feel happier and warmer inside.
We’re talking all the time with people who are going through the same things as us.
We’re speaking in the same language.
I’m learning so much about other people, other situations, other peoples beliefs, other peoples traditions, listening intently to others hints and tips, words of warning and guidance, reviews, advice and wise words of wisdom.
On twitter it can seem like only minutes that you’ve been tweeting someone, whereas you’ve actually been chatting online for over an hour!
Tweets back and forth……
……..Another joins in……
……….It can take up your whole evening.
But how lovely is that?
It really has opened my eyes to a whole new world.
To new people,
To new things to see or do with my family,
To places to visit,
To new possibilities for the future.
My new found online friends have been thoroughly supportive too.
It was only last week that I posted a rather more serious post than my usual, jovial antics.
And the support and comments I received back were beautiful.
I can honestly say I was overwhelmed, and rather choked at how people I’ve never actually met in person, can be so kind, offer words of advice and comfort and just affirm that they’ll be there with you along the way, by taking an interest in your story and helping you get through the difficult bits.
So far, I can hand on heart say this has been a truly fabulous journey for me on a personal level too.
I love that I am being more creative.
I’ve found a love of words and photography.
Rightly or wrongly, it’s given my family life a new burst of excitement.
It’s making each minute, hour, day, week so much richer, as I’m learning to appreciate the little things so much more.
Yes, because I want to write them down in the blog, but hey – its making me take in every single moment in intricate detail.
Things I believe normarily I’d have probably just let slip by and forget over time.
The precious moments.
The ones that money can’t buy that I want to remember and keep hold of.
Beforehand, I found everything in life was going too fast, and there was nothing I could do to stop it or at least slow it down.
So, instead of stopping it, I had to record it.
And since that day I published my very first post, it’s become my beloved hobby, my bit on the side as Mr B calls it.
I love that it can be a sounding board, somewhere to go if you need a giggle, a place to seek advice.
But whatever it is – it’s my daily life and I feel privileged that people want to be a part of it.
But now to…
The Downright Ugly!
There’s a darker side to blogging though.
There are those people out there who attack others for their personalities.
I just don’t understand how there can be people out there who badmouth other people’s opinions, and points of view through nasty, vindictive and just plain rude comments.
I’ve not experienced this myself but know of others who have.
And its upset them.
And I can certainly imagine why.
Personally, my blog very much has an element of humour to it; with silly stories, and tales of immaturity. All very tongue in cheek and never meant to be taken seriously or offend.
But surely it by no means suggests I’m a bad mother,?!
I just like to have a giggle along the way – and I don’t see anything wrong with that.
I expect there are others out there who disagree with this though
Ok – so not everyone agrees on subjects, parenting matters etc, but hey- we should all be one big happy family.
At the end of the day – we’re all in pretty much the same boat, all of us with the same end goal of bringing up and raising happy, contented children and teaching them to look after themselves ready for that big scary world out there. And as long as we’re each doing it responsibly, with our children’s best interests at the forefront, it really shouldn’t matter to one another ‘how’ we each get there.
It’s funny really, as one of my fave mummy bloggers, Jess, who blogs over at Mummy Of Boy Girl Twins has already posted something very similar to this (read it here), this very same week.
It’s so obviously hit a nerve.
Ok so we each have our own views, but it’s horrible to think that some feel they can express this opinion on others.
As I said above, this has been an amazing journey for me.
And I just hope that others who read my blog are appreciative that there are so many different types of mummy’s and daddy’s out there, all of us doing the best we can through a love of the blogging world.
Let’s all just enjoy reading and listening to other peoples tales and delight in sharing our own.
After all – isn’t this why we all began in the first place?
xx
I too love blogging, and my own very small corner of the internet. I have set up this blog anonymously to help me through a difficult time. I have another blog too. I love them both and have ‘met’ some brilliant other bloggers. I have not experienced any negativity, and hope that I never do x #binkylinky
I hope you are ok – and am pleased to hear that you are finding some companionship in blogging – it’s really lovely isn’t it! I have all my fingers and toes crossed that your difficult situation sorts itself out soon for you. hugs, xxxx
I’ve not been blogging that long either. I only started a blog to accompany my business not realising how addictive it is. I had no idea it was as time consuming as it is but I can’t seem to stop, cos I love it Great post! #binkylinky
Awww thank you for your lovely comment. Its amazing how you can become so engrossed in something and that it pretty much can take over your life!! Hahahaha! xx
here here. I agree with everything you say. Great post #BinkyLinky
Thank you so much. I’m thrilled you agree xxx
I am glad you are getting something positive out of blogging and enjoying the social side of it. My blog is fairly new and I have been astounded by the support I have received. It is a wonderful community #binkylinky
It truly is, which I why I think we just all need to be nice to one another. I’m pleased you’re having the same positive experience. Thx for commenting. Xxx
I totally are with so many point in this post! I started blogging in March and have totally caught the blogging bug and have come become addicted. I have met so many lovely ladies through it and hope to continue to do so! Xx binkylinky
I’m so pleased you’re having fun too. Brilliant isn’t it (though very time consuming)!! I just hope we all keep going with it and all meet up over the coming years!!
What a lovely post and thank you for including me, I feel exactly the same. I have something similar in my drafts! How bizarre! See you online shortly
Awwww – my pleasure. Can’t wait to read your post too then. I often get this – something sat in my drafts and then someone else posts it. Then I never know what to do!! I must learn to be more organised perhaps! Let me know when you post. Xxx
I think you should still post it, it’s all relevant to our story and we all look at it slightly differently x
Well said. We are all doing so many similar things but like you say, just from different perspectives. That makes me felt much better about my future posts – think you! I am a total wet lettuce you see!!
Just signed up to receive all your brill posts which will be invaluable as a soon to be mummy! Good work! X
Oh hun, what a fabulously honest and open post. I started blogging in April, for the same as you and I’m overwhelmed by the blogging world and virtual friends that I’ve made. I’m so bloody touched that you gave me a special mention. I love reading what you and your lovely little family get up to and I intend to carry on stalking if that’s ok with you! Keep up the great writing, hun, and don’t go getting stuck in anymore clothes… That’s still my fav! Lots of love xxx
I totally can’t believe you only started in April – your blog is fab with so many different elements to it! You’re like a pro already! Hints and tips please!!! And so glad you liked the post – was a bit mushier than my usual but had to be said I thought!! Xxx have you hot blogfest tickets??
Bless you hun, that’s a sweet thing to say. I’m worried that I won’t have much time for it when I go back to teaching in September. Not sure I have any hints or tips for you but if you have any questions please ask!! I loved the post, it’s so true. Not booked my tickets yet. Xx
Thank you – I may just do that! What do you teach? I can understand your worry, as I do find it tricky working full time too – but I know teachers have out of hours work too. I am sure you will be fine though as you’re already established into a routine. Xx
Thanks hun. I teach year 5 and 6 and it’s so much work at home. Id give anything to find a job where i could work from home, the thought of leaving Lola and Harley makes me so teary.
Oh honey, it’s gonna be tough be you’ll be just fine. I settled back into work ok after simply dreading it. We just seem to get on with it. Though I do still wish I could wfh too as I miss my girls. Better get Mr B to get that promotion! Haha! Xx
Thanks so much for mentioning me I love your blog and being so new to it all I’ve loved finding new people to chat to that share the same interests it’s been fab thanks again xx
It’s invaluable isn’t it. At first it’s scary as you’re just doing it all by yourself so it’s lovely that we’ve all found a little community. Xxxx
Well said! And thank you so much for including me in this post. I feel exactly the same as you; its so nice to be a ‘part’ of something very special like blogging…and I too have received so much support from some truly fabulous people!! And thank you for linking in my recent post. I am not in this (blogging) for anything other than enjoying myself! Laughs and giggles all the way girls!!!! x x x x x
I think that’s the best reason to be doing it. It’s difficult not to take it so seriously as it takes up do much time and needs to be kept on top of, but as long as it’s fun on the way, that’s all that matters eh! And of course I was gonna include you – you’ve been fab!! Xx
Lovely post and I see exactly where you are coming from. I started my blog to record our family life and have really enjoyed finding other blogs, especially the ones where I read and think “I have felt exactly the same – you understand! ” and so many lovely bloggers on twitter to chat to too!
It really is lovely isn’t it, and I’m so pleased you agree and have been experiencing the same as me. And lots more discovering to come too.
Hi Steph, just signed up to receive all your posts. I know this is going to be invaluable to me as a soon to be a Mummy! Look forward to sharing the journey! Debs x
Hey lovely – thx so much for following. Can’t wait to hear all about your little life too with the new addition!! Speak soon lovely. Xxx
Oh lovely. This is such a fab post. I am so thrilled that you love blogging. I love you blogging. And I am glad I replied to one of your tweets. And soon we’ll get to meet up and have a gossip over a glass of fizz. Yay! Thanks also for the shout out. Did I mention you were a lovely lovely lovely person? Massive hugs Mrs H xxxx
Hey gorgeous lady! Thx for such a fab comment. I just thought it had to be said and I had to share the love. We all found like we are do totally on the same wavelength! I’M LOVING IT!! And all of you guys who make that happen too. Big kisses xxxxx
Thank you so much for mentioning me. I am so glad that you love this wonderful world that is blogging, addictive isn’t it. I can’t wait for us all to meet up properly xx
My pleasure! And yes – totally can’t wait to meet up with everyone!! Will be so cool!! Xxx