In Which I Want to Talk About Important Things
Source: flickr.com via Beth on Pinterest
I’m having a bit of a Blogging Identity Crisis. I have long envisioned my blog as a sort of intersection between the practical and the poetic, and I am content with my lack of a specific topic focus. I know that’s kind of against the “rules” for growing a blog – if you blog recipes and rainy day activities, then you should not also be taking on heavy spiritual or moral issues, or poetry and art, or God forbid – politics. Your blog should be about *something* specific. IF you are interested in growing your blog beyond the usual mom/grandma/bff readership, that is… which, I am.
Can I just lay it all bare for you here, knocking knees and insecurities aside? I do desire to see this thing grow. I think that most bloggers do, if they’re honest with themselves. (We all want to be heard.) I have two main reasons:
1) It is my art and soul poured out into word form. Most artists want their art to be acknowledged. Even beyond that, I want my art to matter. I want it to move hearts and encourage others in this messy business of humanity. I want it be an expression of my status as an image-bearer of Christ, and I want it to speak love and truth. Growing subscriber numbers and comments don’t define me, but heck yeah, they sure are encouraging. When someone shares my writing with others and likes what they read I am blown away and honoured.
2) It is a potential form of income-earning that I would like to explore. If I successfully grow my blog enough then the potential for earning a tiny bit of extra for my family’s income would be a tremendous blessing. We have willingly chosen a life of “poverty” (please know that I mean this relative to our own culture, not those around the world who are truly in poverty) in order to pursue overseas missions aviation. We are barely making ends meet right now, but we are learning huge lessons about trust and God’s provision, not to mention frugality and creativity in meeting physical needs.
Now, perhaps you are thinking that I’m nuts. That I’m no artist, and that my writing certainly isn’t good or special enough to ever grow that much. Trust me, I have those fears myself. (Boy, do I ever!).
But, you know, maybe Mandy is onto something when she says:
“…maybe, just maybe, we’re all a bit nervous from time to time that what we have to offer isn’t enough. And we’re all a bit nervous that we aren’t going to break through the noise to draw attention to the message that burns within us. And we’re all a bit nervous that the crowd won’t have ears to hear or eyes to see. And maybe that’s just part of being an artist” (emphasis mine).
And isn’t that just it?
Trying to break through the noise to draw attention to the message that burns within us.
That is why I write in this space.
And yet sometimes I look at my latest posts and all I feel is dull. Enter: this little Blogging Identity Crisis. Sometimes I want to write about the practical stuff – the daily grind of being a natural-minded mama of nearly three littles just trying to hang on and maybe even stick my head out the window and feel the wind rushing by as I scrape up dried bits of food from the floor, wipe poopy bums, and deal with discipline issues beyond my expertise. A recipe for something delicious and nourishing (though I totally believe that food can be art, too), a practical discussion on raising three-year-olds… stuff like that. Then at other times I want to hunker down over a piece of carrot cake and a steaming cup of caramel rooibos, and just talk about the heavy stuff. Theology, the church, pregnancy and educated childbirth, morality and God, whole foods and natural living. Sometimes I want to share my *gasp* opinions on things without worrying that I’ll disappoint or offend someone, somehow. I’m not in neat little categories, and if men are like waffles and women are like spaghetti (are they really?) then I’m the most tangled plate of spaghetti you’ve ever seen. (Perhaps you are, too?)
Source: flickr.com via Beth on Pinterest
I don’t want to write dull and drivel (yet sometimes I do). I want to write important things. I want to blaze a shining spotlight on the daily grind and declare its own glorious importance, and to talk about the stuff that burns within me. I want to give you a recipe for play dough but at the same time to stand up and shout “Please don’t just make play-dough. Make art. Make something. Just live out loud with your audacious self and those around you, and don’t worry if it dries out because, darling, we can fix that!”.
I’m just not sure that it’s resonating with anyone, and I’m trying not to fret about it. To have a voice and be heard is a precious thing, and I hold it sacred in my hands, carrying on with my living, trying to live more love out loud.
***
(*Takes a sip of tea and bite of carrot cake*… Whew. OK. You tell me. Why do you read along here? What do you want me to write about more? What do you want me to stop blathering on about (I probably won’t, but I’m curious 
I write for you, for me, for Him, for love, so dear friends, it’s your turn to share your thoughts with me.
Can I give you a good, hearty, “Amen!”
I understand where you are coming from, and frankly, I -like- that your blog is a mixture. Personally? My RSS feed is a mixture of libertarian politics, theology, natural parenting, food sovereignty, homesteading, adoption advocacy, sustainable agriculture, cloth diapering,gluten-free… and my blogging also reflects this, as I have a tendency to share what is currently on my mind. Of course, it also reflects that we do not have internet at our apartment, and thus most of my blogging is either a) via cell phone keyboard, OR carefully orchestrated time dring which I leave the Wee Goon with daddy and go up to my parents’ farm to utilize -their- internet. Not the most reliable blogging in the world, ye ken?
But I think there comes a point.. well, for me, anyway… my blogging is catharsis. I used to journal, but of late it takes place more and more through a keyboard. I can type faster than I can write, and putting my thoughts into “written” word helps me to sort it all out. Do people read my blog? Occasionally. But is it for the readers? Not necessarily. Don’t get me wrong, I love getting cmments, or sparking debates, et cetera… but it is not my goal.
All that to say… I appreciate that your blog is eclectic. Moreover, I UNDERSTAND being eclectic. And if it’s you… well, then that’s honest, too. Be you.
Thanks so much Hannah! It’s so good to hear that people appreciate the eclectic blogs too! I love your mixture in your RSS… sounds like you’ll never be bored
I love this post, Beth! I’m all about not fitting into the blogging box. Write about what you are passionate about, no matter what it is.
Thanks Nicole. Your encouragement means so much! xo.
You know the journey I’m on. It’s very similar to your journey and let me tell you something that I have learned in the last month. God speaks through us, the poetic, the intellectual, the mundane. The posts I find to be “only for the grandparents” never cease to get the most pageviews, the most comments and unprecedented encouragement. We’ve talked about the blog niche, the blog identity and I know, I just can’t do it. I love my blog because it is me. If I were to narrow it down, I would feel like I wasn’t being true to myself. I think your blog is like that and because of that it is beautiful. Maybe it’s not what you wanted to hear, but I say, forget the rules, blog as led. God uses you.
Thanks Krista… it’s so good to hear this from someone who is also looking to grow a blog. I think we are totally on the same page. Thanks for your encouragement
So I am curious, if I can ask…what does it mean to grow a blog in terms of income? Is it through sponsors or advertising? Based on visitors? Do you think many people make an income off of their blog?
Yes, it’s based on visitors, usually. You need to grow to a certain point (I think it’s usually based on things like monthly page views or subscriber numbers) before anyone is going to want to place a paid ad on your blog. Ideally I’d only have small businesses advertising on my blog, or companies with which I agree, ethically, etc. Hence my rates to start out would be very small – like $10/month or something. I’m not there yet though (unless of course someone asked me!). In the whole of all the people who have blogs (a TON)… I think only a few actually make money off of them… but of those that TRY to make an income, I don’t honestly know. I’m assuming that if you put enough work into it, have good writing skills, an interesting niche, etc. that it’s fairly possible. I’m still learning as I go though!
hmm, interesting. Just the very second I now get why people have the visitor counters, I thought it was just so that I could feel good (or bad) about myself. So I would pay you to have my chickadee swing button…makes sense. I’m not quite big enough for paid advertising but I will keep that in mind! Thanks for taking the time to answer.
You have such a gift, Beth! I love your blog just the way it is! Writing from your heart, your experiences, your beliefs and convictions, even your mistakes – you have something valuable to share! The blogs I find the most interesting and refreshing and inspiring are the ones that are ~real~; authentic, genuine, honest and diverse. That’s you, Girl – keep on keepin’ on! Bless you and yours!
Dear sweet Joy – ever the encourager. You have always been in my corner, and you’ve always made me to feel about 2 feet taller every time I interact with you…. your heart is such a blessing to me!
I hang out here because I really like your writing, and I like all the different things you blog about! I feel like you are a couple years ahead of me in life, and I enjoy looking forward through your eyes, but there is also so much you say that is relevant to me now. I agree with other commenters – just keep writing from your heart and God will continue to use your words
I’m so glad you said that there’s lots that’s relevant to you too, despite not being in the same life stage. That is encouraging! Thanks for your thoughts, Alyssa!
I have been following your blog for a few months now. I want to encourage you, keep writing, just like you are! I love your variety of posts, and your honest commentary. I would love it if you follow your gut and write those deep issues with your tea & cake in hand! God creates us each with specific passions and gifts. Don’t allow the enemy to rob us of what the Lord put into you! Reject those fears and insecurities!!
Bless you sister, please keep writing from your heart and sharing your life with us.
Thanks Audrey! Your words are a huge encouragement to me. So good to have new online friends like you to read along and be a sense of community here. Thank-you.
When I open up Google Reader, I look to read your blog articles first as they always pique my interest and seem to say all the things I want to say on the subject at hand! Please keep sharing whatever is on your heart and mind at the moment that you feel led to share, it’s fun to see more than one side of you…
That’s such an amazing compliment and encouragement… thank-you so much for saying so!
I *like* the mix! It’s way more interesting that way!
I so value your opinion, my friend. Thanks!
Oh, the blogging crisis! Especially once more than grandma and the bff start visiting your space. I’m not really up on the blogging rules, but personally I have to completely disagree that a blog should only focus on one thing…BORING…unless that one thing is defined as life. I admit, I only read my friends blogs regularly, but I like hearing about their lives and whatever is happening or they feel like sharing. Partially because I choose to do that as they are the people that I really want to stay in contact with but also because I have the background of personal interaction that I think helps me connect with what they write. Anyways, I am babbling. What I am really trying to say is that I like reading whatever you write because it is the closest I have to a conversation with you. I know that doesn’t help in the blog “growing” department but I think that if your friends see the you they know when they read that others will also see that and want to read and be encouraged, challenged, inspired etc. as well. So I guess that I would say keep blogging a reflection of who you are, however that looks, because you have a gift that you need to use. “They” and the “rules” aside.:)
Totally what Marissa said!!
Thanks for that encouragement. I do enjoy sharing my whole self, rather than just one topic. I agree – that would be boring (and for most of the blogs I read I find myself wishing they’d open up more about personal stuff in addition to the foodie/natural/parenting/whatever stuff they usually write about.
I love the personal! And I really admire writing that weaves the personal growth, thoughts, challenges, stories into whatever is being written about whether it be food, recipes, natural living whatever. I appreciate that you do that.
That is something I do intentionally, and I am thrilled that you noticed. Sometimes I wonder if people notice it at all, or if it’s just kind of “blah blah blah”..
To be honest? I love everything about your blog! You have the perfect balance of mommy-blog, and spiritual depth… I love reading about your mothering, your recipes, your creative ideas, just as much as I love your posts on spiritual & religious matters. The burka one is still one of my favourites!
I think if a blog is TOO much about just one thing, it gets stale. Even though “they” always tell you to stick to one genre. lol
Thanks Margi – that’s one of my personal favourites too