Blog schmog

Yesterday I got a text from my niece, Elizabeth, asking me if I could put up the cousin pictures from our family get together in July.  Today after I put them up I texted her to tell her that I had them up and then as an after-thought I texted her asking her about her blog. She had talked to me about starting a blog about her experiences this year.  Elizabeth  just graduated from college and is working for Americorps Vista doing outreach for at risk kids for the next year.  She had told me in July, that she was going to blog about it.   She would post the link on facebook.  I hadn't seen the link, so I thought I would make sure I hadn't missed it.  When I texted her about it today the response that I got back was "Blog schmog".

The funny thing was.....I totally understood.  When you take on the task of a blog it becomes a responsibility, a weight.  Some days you love it, some days you hate it.  Last year on New Year's day, I started a project on facebook...wherein I would post a photo every day.  I decided also to write something about each picture.  I had seen a few others start this photo project....but as is the way with many New Year's resolutions....it never seemed to last too long.  I was determined, that I was not going to miss one day....and I didn't.  At the end of the year, people were asking me if I was going to continue this year.  Some where along the way, I had gathered a small following.  I had this blog site, just sitting there getting dusty, so I thought I would try the same concept on a blog...without the pressure of having to post every day.

I think it was in January, that I missed 3 or 4 days.  I wasn't feeling inspired, I was feeling a little down....so I just didn't post for a few days.  Alyssa has a friend who, apparently, is not able to go through daily life without a post from me, so I was told to get back to the blog.  Since that day, I think I have only missed once...but it isn't always easy.You would think that two things I love...photos and writing....would make it a labor of love....and it is....but it is also often tedious.

 I don't know at what point you can call yourself a writer.... I am sure I have not achieved any of those criterion.  The other day I decided I would go back and read all my blogs from the beginning of the year.  I was horrified at how bad they were, how many typos.  I had to stop.  I am not sure how any of you have stayed with me thus far.  Normally when I write, I put the rough draft aside and revisit it a few days later.  When I write the blog however, I have been through a full day and other duties, including sleep, are calling me...so I just sit down and write...I sometimes look it over briefly for any glaring issues and then I am done. So, it's far from perfection.  There's that....and there is the whole problem of inspiration.  On some days, like today after I got the text that said "Blog schmog", a thought came to me...and I have given it a little bit of thought on and off throughout the day.  There are some days that I have taken no photo's and I just literally start looking through my photo files trying to find something that clicks.  When the actual photo is chosen, there still lies the task of saying something about it. There's that....and there is the whole problem that I am currently experiencing...one of my kids comes and sits by me and starts talking to me.  Now, I can multi-task as well as the next mom, but not when I am trying to write.

I don't know at what point you can call yourself a photographer....and I am sure I am even further away from that qualifier.  I definitely don't have the state of the art equipment....so I can blame my photography skills on that...or on the fact that I just don't have the eye for composition....in any case I am usually, not satisfied with my results.  Sometimes, by fluke...I get a great shot, though.

So....Blog schmog....why am I even doing this??

Sometimes I have to stop and ask myself that question.  The answer is because many of you give me enough encouragement to keep me going.  The answer is that when I write a blog I am proud of, I encourage myself.  The answer is that one of the reasons that I started this was to be inspiring and encouraging to myelf and others...to be a positive force.  One of my goals was to let people know that we can get through the dark days...that the sun really is waiting just around the corner.  The answer is that I am a creative person....people always tell me that, and I don't always believe them, because I don't always love the results.  I am my own worst critic, always have been, always will be.  No matter what I endeavor to undertake...photography and writing among them...I always find someone who does it better....way better.  The answer is that the whole process is very therapeutic for me....and gets me thinking about different ways to look at life's snapshots.  I guess those answers are reason enough for me to keep at it...and hope that throughout I grow and improve.

So there you have it...somedays that's how I feel...Blog schmog!  I thank all of you who stick with me and like and comment and help keep me moving along....in spite of the imperfect nature of what you find here.  But that's the nature of  life, I guess...and we can't all be the best...we just have to keep trying and growing each day.

So Elizabeth....Blog schmog...just do it...people want to hear what you have to say...I want to hear what you have to say....even if you aren't feeling inspired or even if you aren't thrilled with the results.  Just do it!!  I'll be waiting!!