On Blogging

"To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong."

Joseph Chilton Pearce

Back when I started this blog, I didn't even know what a blog was. But I knew I liked to write. I needed an outlet for my words or they were going to continue spinning in my head until I burst. And it seemed like it might be fun. I believed my Sweetie, daughter, sister and Aunt Letty would read what I had to say even if no one else would. And I trusted them to be gentle with their comments. You see over my lifetime I have only shared my creative side with people I could trust not to make fun of me. Fear of failure, fear of success and fear of being shamed held me captive. A constant question was "why me?" Why should someone spend their time reading my words? Why should I be published when there are so many others out there who are better? Who do I think I am, Miss Fancy Pants?

It might be beginning to sound like an old story, but what I've gotten from blogging has been much more than I've given. I've made many new friends. I've learned to trust them, but more importantly to trust myself. I've learned to share in others' successes and rejoice in my own. I've learned to say, Look what Miss Fancy Pants has to say today! I wonder if what I'm feeling is the same thing as a snake or lizard who outgrows its skin, leaves the old one lying there in the grass and sashays across the yard in a whole new outfit. I feel like I've finally grown into my skin.

That said, I'm still kind surprised when my blog is recognized by another blogger with an award. Surprised and tickled pink. But not so pink, that except for thanking the sender privately, I didn't forget to post about it. In my defense I think it was during the week of the Poop Chronicles and I didn't have much on my mind other than sanitation.

I would like to officially acknowledge the receipt of this award by AkasaWolfSong even though I don't really feel prolific. Certainly not as prolific as some of the bloggers I read who manage to post every day, or have two blogs. The thing about getting this award is that it makes me feel happy. Thank you, friend Akasa.

Then this afternoon, I got a comment from someone I don't even know who has been reading my blog and gifted me with The Stylish Writer Award. How cool is that? Thank you Camilla Olivia, I so appreciate your visiting my blog. I hope you'll come back soon. You can check out Camilla's blog at http://joyizzachoice.blogspot.com. It's not really a surprise to me that the common link in this chain of blogs is none other than Miss Granola Stew herself, aka Terri St. Cloud.

Now here's the hard part. Most of the awards come with instructions. Mainly to pay it forward to other bloggers, which I believe is a worthwhile endeavor. It's just that I don't think my list is that long and it's kind of like being married to my uncle's brother's cousin. It would just keep the award forever in the same circle. Alas, what is Miss Fancy Pants to do now? She doesn't like breaking rules. Here's what I think. I'm going to list the blogs I follow (most are already on my sidebar which I really should update). Please consider yourself both prolific and stylish and accept this award in the spirit it is given.

There is one more assignment that goes along with the Stylish Award -to tell 7 things about myself. That's a rather broad assignment don't you think? It doesn't say 7 things that make me smile, or 7 things that nobody knows, or 7 things I do while in the bathtub. Nope, just 7 things. So, this should be easy!

1. It's kind of scary to think about now, but I graduated from high school on a Thursday afternoon in June of 1970 and got married two days later.

2. I have 2 really cool kids. Actually they are not kids anymore, they are pretty much grown up. But you know how mothers are!

3. I am married to a guy who fills my heart to overflowing.

4. I once won a blue ribbon at the St. Mary's, MD county fair for Needlepoint.

5. I have birthed a ministry at my church that does not get the attention it deserves. But every time someone donates baby clothes or I hand out a shoebox layette, I cry. I can actually feel the blessing of the Bethlehem babe we honor in this way.

6. I am quite fond of the color purple, but lately I've found myself drawn to pink and brown. I'm not sure what that's all about.

7. I love snail mail and all it's accoutrements - cards, stationery, stamps, stickers, confetti, etc. I have some pretty cool pen pals who have been patient with me lately for not keeping up my end of the bargain.

Here is my list of other bloggers who deserve both of these awards (in no particular order):

Firebird

Qn Dani

Pam Jones

Teresa

Marilyn Fowler

AkasaWolfSong

Molly Faircloth

Laura P. Carr

Patty Mosca

Sally Sunshine

Heartfelt

I've found there are two sides to blogging. There is the writing for writing's sake. And there's getting comments. I have been fortunate (and I hope I'm not putting a curse on myself) in that people who read my blog tend to be of the same ilk as me so I have not gotten any negative comments. I've heard of bloggers who have to change things up on a regular basis to get rid of blog stalkers - those big fat meanies who lurk in the corners of the blogosphere just waiting to say something nasty. Thankfully, I have not experienced that.

There are some people who always comment, which is how I've gotten to know so many cool people. There are others who read but don't comment. And then, out of the blue, I get a comment from someone new and it's like opening the door to new friend. So, to those of you who are quiet, or brand new, thanks for joining me on this journey. Does it feel like the yellow-brick road? I'm not sure where we're headed, but I kind of feel like skipping!

Wishing for you people who appreciate your goodness,

Prolific and Stylish Merry ME