I have blogging block. I honestly can't think of a single interesting thing to write about.
I think I may need suggestions. What interests you most about coming here?
What is on my mind lately are family issues that I would love to vent, but a public blog is not the place. And well my children are still cute and funny, but theres nothing new there. Motherhood drones on and I am sick of myself, sick of cleaning, housekeeping, cooking, shopping etc etc and not really in the mood to discuss it either. Then theres craft and making stuff - which I am doing, and projects continue - but its difficult to describe these without images and I am without camera lately, and really just craft after craft gets dull no matter how adorable it may be. Its too hot to do anything except go to the pool or lounge inside underneath the fan - summertime lethargy is setting in.
I feel like I am in the eye of the storm. The calm in between the chaos. I have pretty much finished christmas gift shopping and frantic gift making, I still have a bit (well, a lot) of organisation to do - but as we are preparing to depart for christmas there is not much to do except clean and pack - which I am inclined to leave to the last minute. I am really in need of a holiday this year. Rob and I are taking a break from kids, from family, from the mundane for a few days before joining the world again in time for the christmas excitement and perhaps by then I will be in the mood to enjoy it.
update:
mmmm for someone with blogging block I am blabbing on rather a lot. So I decided that this might be a good time to answer lisa's challenge 'why did I get started on blogging?'
Firstly I had been reading a few craft and parenting and family and women's issues related blogs and was curious about the whole community. The online diary thing where you share your thoughts and ideas really appealed to me. I started it off in secret and posted irregularly for the first few months, then stopped for a while and then started again. I doubted myself and wondered what I was doing, but then just when I thought I couldn't be bothered with it I got a comment from Cimba. I joined in on a few photo fridays but found it wasn't really my thing. The blog was floundering.
The break through came when I posted the papier mache dolls house, a break through for the blog and for me as a blogger. I suddenly realised what the blog was about and I had an audience. I started a separate blog for my children's photos and another for garden and house and living projects and decided to concentrate this blog on me and my interests. I soon joined in on Loobylu's 'a month of softies', and showed off some of my crafts. Some of my early visitors that gave me the boost to keep going (thank you) were Shelly, Jane, Caliope, Irene, Martha and Amanda. Through them I found a community. It was about 7 months after starting this blog that I started posting self portraits and was followed by Lisa - self portrait tuesday was born - thank you Lisa for your encouragement and enthusiasm on this.
Since then I have posted nearly everyday for the last 6 months and have enjoyed it, I rarely find I don't have anything to say. I write about personal issues but don't discuss my friends or work or mention names except my children and husband. I enjoy showing off my photos and receiving feedback about them, I enjoy getting inspiration from others and 'meeting' so many interesting people.
I feel though it is coming up time for a change - In the new year something new might be called for. Thank you to everyone who has commented on my blog - who has emailed me saying how my blog has inspired them. This sort of sounds like goodbye - not at all, in fact I will be back tomorrow. Just a melancholic moment of gratefulness.
25 comments:
.... New Year list of resolutions?
I know, I know...we make them and break them, but they help me focus on what I need to change/approve with my own self and life.
...or 50 things about yourself that most people wouldn't know...
I love visting here just to see what new and creative things you are up to. I am always inspired by your motivation and creativity.
I would do love to have summertime lethargy...it has been snowing for 18 days...and the sun has not made an appearance in many, many, days...the skies hang above with shades of gray.
If nothing sparks your interst for writing...enjoy the time away ;-)
Hmmm. Tricky one. I vist your blog for inspiration and a snapshot of another life that's not my own - and you do a wonderful job. I think every blogger struggles with how much is too much? What to reveal and what to keep private. And yes, craft is wonderful, but sometimes a stuffed cat just isn't going to represent one's innner turmoil/angst. Enjoy your holiday.
I think you are kind, creative, organised and original, so you are my daily dose of that :)
it's just before that holiday that you feel you need it the most. maybe this interlude means a change is coming, a good thing.
have a great holiday!
see...you did a wonderfull post..and you said you couldn't do it! :) you are a great person and a great blogger...keep on going! :)
you know i love "to read you".
Your blog was the first for me to read, besides my husband and family, that I felt so inspired! I'm not even sure how I came across you...but...
I've sporadically been in a creative slump since having kids, you really encouraged me to take the time and do it. Thank you! I approach my daily life as not a routine anymore, but much more of a "visual" and try to find beauty in the mundane.
Thank you for affirming that although I am running around with 3 kids, I can still keep who I am as a woman. This will be a priceless gift I can give my own 2 daughters.
Sounds like the summer has hit you and you SHOULD lounge around the pool. Perhaps read a few books and post about them! Whatever you do, have a great holiday.
From a friend thousands of miles away...
its perfectly okay to leave your blog for a few days until you get renewed with something to write about. sometimes when i take a break, i come back with something new.
we all get "writers blog" every once and a while! :)
It's perfectly okay to 'blog out' for a bit. Do you know what I'd like to see? This has nothing to do with craft but it's -14"C here today ( -24"C with wind chill) and I'd love to see some sunny summery outdoor photos! Anything really. You are such a great photographer.
I love it when you have big lists that have tons of links in them! I know it's a lot of work and I love that you do it for all of us who visit.
And blog blahs are natural. I've been blogging over three years and sometimes I feel like I have so much to write about that I can't contain myself and other times -- nothing.
This time of year there seems to be a lot of that going around. Take some time and relax!
I agree with a lot of the previous posters...I come here to see a perspective from a mom/artist in a different country who has similiar ideas as mine (simplicity, etc).
I like seeing progress and evolutions both creatively and personally from your blog too.
It's interesting how the internet can take time/space and scrunch it up so people can write to each other who would normally never have known the other existed. Amazing...
Summer blahs...let them be. Definitely read a few books, zone out (when you can) and try something new. Inspiration will strike and new years resolution will enfold.
I'm a snow bound person, my self. Though, the sun is shining and I'm itching to build a snowperson. Good luck. Self exploration is what it is.
dearest kath, why do i visit your blog? apart from finding you one of the most artistic people i have access to i think it's because whatever you say, show, do i find interesting. simple as that. stay the same or change i'll be there.
have an awesome time without the kids. what a great thing to do together.
x dani
Oh, I just thought of something...why not get a cheapy digital camera to use when you don't have your nicer one? Just a thought...
I love your blog, which I recently discovered. I started one myself because I had so many creative crafts and illustration ideas I wanted to share with all the people I was finding online with beautiful things that were inspiring me.
Sometimes when I work on something for a while it loses its appeal for me, I get tired of it, but someone else with fresh eyes might really like it. I get so inspired by the things other people make. I do agree that pictures are important though, maybe you could borrow a camera, use a scanner, or use some older pictures with new comments?
In the end though, I think a blog should be for yourself (although we do appreciate it), and so you don't have to feel like you're letting others down if you want a break.
Happy blog holiday!
Great, I'm glad you started a blog, When I first started looking at blogs yours was the one that hooked me first, I think it was your oven you made in the back yard that hooked me, It fasinated me. I love looking at the things you make and cook and your kids are adorable. I love hearing and seeing photos of your yard, and hearing of the things you do with the kids, I've gotten so many ideas from this blog. What may seem boring to you, really is interesting to others.
I love your blog! It was the first to catch my eye and remains my favorite. I went looking for a simple kids pant pattern and found your tutorial. Your mud oven demo is also encouraging--if your family can do it with two small children then I should be able to, too. I love your honesty about how you balance the family and your own personal needs. I, too, let my son watch videos so that I can get some crafting done. I hate housework! And, to top it all off, your stories are beautifully illustrated by your photos. I wish we were neighbors. Thank you for your efforts. --Michelle in California
I came across Loobylu and that was my intro to the world of blogging and then I found you and thought...hey I could have a go at this too!! i just wish i could get my act together and post like you!!! Very very inspiring.....and so refreshingly honest!!!
Merry Christmas Kath. Enjoy your holiday and we will catch up in the New Year.
michelle
Kath, your blog was the first one that really caught my eye, and I came back to again and again to read through previous posts, savour the photos, and take comfort in the fact that I'm not the only Mum who struggles to keep up with housework and kids, when my mine is bursting with creative ideas.
You have such a large presence in this community - you're linked to all over the place. That must show just how much you are respected for your art, your honesty, your humour, and the time you are willing to put into your blogging.
One request - can you write a book? A real book, stuffed with photos, like a modern Mum's guide to natural living type of thing, with food, crafts, gardening - the works.
Also, I agree with Emily - maybe you deserve your own camera? (Or a spare to use when yours is out of town)
Thanks for all your inspiration!
kath... lovely post.... thank YOU for visiting and for being so inspiring... SPT is one of my favorite things and you are to thank for that.
happy holidays to you as well.... i love the idea that you guys down there have x-mas in summer... that is so great!
repeat after me "Santa, I would like my OWN camera for Christmas"
and i agree maybe even just a cheapy as backup? I really find pics help with the blogging. I post more pics than text but I think that is because I am still in the Xmas crafting frenzy argggggg
keep it up! I love reading you! but chill when you need to, we will be here when you get back!
Hey Kath, in the short time since I found your blog I've grown very used to having you around, so I hope whatever the new year brings I'll get to share it with you. That you use your precious time to post on my blog always gives me a thrill! Thanks for making me feel like I'm finding a community too.
I think what I have learened most about is honesty - it has transfered over to my life.
This was a super honest post. I know the summer turns me into a beast.
Love to see your struggle and how it all began.
I also love doing spt - it makes me look at myself and surroundings!! - thank you!!!
"I feel though it is coming up time for a change - In the new year something new might be called for. "
A fresh start is one of my all-time favorite things. Even if it is just a small one. ;)
Merry Christmas!
your blog is a definite favorite of mine... you are creative, inspiring, interesting. you keep it real. you're honest. your kids are cute. i love seeing what new things you've made, whether it be something edible or something artsy or crafty.
we all get in a funk sometimes. take a break, recharge and refresh. we'll be here when you're ready...
I agree with everyone's "take a break" comments. I think that this is the perfect time to take a break....christmas, new years, vacation! Looks like blog break time to me! You have a great blog, and have been an example to us all. Thanks for ALL your hard work Kathreen. You are a wonder!
Have a really great time away. Today it is cold, dull, grey - no sunshine or snow. It's amazing to think of all these inspiring women blogging in distant lands, that have grown in to such a caring, creative, supportive community. It's the occasional mention of the weather that makes me realise just how far away everyone is. Yet, when I flip up the lid on my laptop, you are all here. People I would never have chance to meet, in countries I will never visit have become important to me. I know am guilty of passing by and not leaving many comments, sometimes I follow a link and this takes me off down a new trail of blogs and it can be a while before I get back to the core of blogs that I try to follow. If I'm honest sometimes it can feel a bit weird, like staring into houses with the lights on, to see what's going on inside, to peer at different life, ideas, ways of doing things. A curiosity, a need to ......... I can't get my head around what I mean to say, except, thank-you for all that you have shared through your blog, for being there, for all that has reached out to across the miles, to me in my home and made a meaningful connection. I will miss you, and be thinking of you enjoying this special time with those you love. When you come back you will be very welcome.
I love all of the why we blog posts. Faboo. You will definitely be missed while away, but the time away will be a good recharger I think.
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