Blogging Tip: Blogging Without Obligation

Some years ago now, I came across a post entitled Blogging without Obligation. At the time, I'd been blogging a couple of years already and was starting to lag and feel pressure as I tried to post something every day. It was exactly what I needed to read because I was beginning to also feel a wee bit guilty that I wasn't able to post every day.

The author, upon seeing apologies in so many posts, wrote a post to address this creeping sense of obligation for what was supposed to be an enjoyable and creative outlet. The author gave permission to share the post, and so here it is in full... I hope you will find it as freeing as I did that first time I read it.

AFTER COMING ACROSS what seemed to be the 4000th or so post on someone’s blog starting with “I’m sorry I haven’t posted in awhile,” I decided it is time to rethink what makes a good blog and the expectations that have come to be part of it. I am thinking that no one should utter those words again . . .and with that thought I give you Blogging Without Obligation.

If you feel the same way feel free to grab the logo, make a logo or whatever you would like to do!

I release all the logos, thoughts and words mentioned here about this concept into the public domain. Take the idea and run with it. . .or walk away. It is all good.

• Because you shouldn’t have to look at your blog like it is a treadmill.


• Because it's okay to just say what you have to say. If that makes for a long post, fine. Short post, fine. Frequent post, fine. Infrequent post, fine.


• Because it's okay to not always be enthralled with the sound of your own typing.


• Because sometimes less is more.


• Because only blogging when you feel truly inspired keeps up the integrity of your blog.


• Because they are probably not going to inscribe your stat, link and comment numbers on your tombstone.


• Because for most of us blogging is just a hobby. A way to express yourself and connect with others. You should not have to apologize for lapses in posts. Just take a step back and enjoy life, not everything you do has to be “bloggable”.


• Because if you blog without obligation you will naturally keep your blog around longer, because it won’t be a chore. Plus, just think you will be doing your part to eradicate post pollution. One post at a time. . .

Here's to restoring our joy in blogging!

Hugs,

Brenda

xox

Post updated January 2015

Kitty Stuff

Cats' hearing apparatus is built to allow

the human voice to easily go in one ear and out the other.

~ Stephen Baker

This quote reminds me of a little story from years ago. It was shortly after I met Rick and it was the first time at his house. It was a warm autumn day, and we were sitting in his sunny living room, when he decided to call his tabby, Roxy, back into the house; she'd been out exploring in the front yard, and Rick was concerned that she'd been after some songbirds earlier.

At the sound of Rick's voice, she turned and meandered up the sidewalk toward the front door. Wow, I thought! She's pretty obedient (for a cat). So we stood at the front entrance waiting for her to come. Just as she reaches the front door, without missing a beat, she waltzes past, tail in the air, and quite deliberately flops in the flower bed and rolls in the warm dirt. Aha ... so much for that ... cats do have a mind of their own and they certainly use it!

Now, here's wishing you a purr-fectly fine day,

Brenda

🐈

Happy Monday!

2010 by Brenda Colleen Leyland

Good morning! I've got so many writing ideas swirling in my mind this morning that I can hardly contain myself with excitement. And so I'm chomping at the bit to get them down on 'paper' and start sharing here, there and everywhere.

But as this is my exercise class morning, I'll have to wait until I get back. Just wanted to pop by to wish you all a wonderful start to the week.

Something Wonderful In The Works

I read Lorrie's posting yesterday in which she shared how her friend recently came back from Haiti with art work from local artists. And, how these pieces are being sold and all the proceeds are being sent back to the Haitian people.

I was so inspired and moved, I wanted to share the link to Haiti By Hand, in case there are those of you are moved to participate in this particular way. The Etsy shop is being stocked with wonderful items donated by many other artists.

What I love in all this is seeing the myriad of creative ways people joining hands and hearts to wrap love around hurting people... the beauty of artwork showing the beauty of kindness. Wonderful!

 

Joyfully,

Brenda

xox

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY... Linking to The Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window... no sunshine, foggy and overcast with hoar frost on the trees.

I am thinking... how good it feels to have cleaned out some of the messy corners happening in my basement. The Christmas stuff is back in place, and now a newly-filled box waits in the car to go to Goodwill, along with a bagful of no-longer-watched videos to the library for their annual fundraiser.

I am thankful for... the fun I've had reading the latest edition of Artful Blogging; there's been inspiring and encouraging words from some amazing bloggers. The most fun part is going to visit their sites after and actually 'meeting' them.

I am wearing... black jeans, a patterned aqua blue and green beaded top, and dangling glass blown earbobs.

I am going... to exercise class tomorrow morning and to my mom's on Saturday. I think I heard my friend's voice on the answering machine (it's in the other room) which means I may be going for coffee with her this evening.

I am currently reading... a wonderful new find from the library. Yes, a new book by L.M. Montgomery (for you Anne of Green Gables fans). Apparently, the author had the manuscript ready to go for publication before she died in 1942, and for various reasons it was never published in its entirety. The book The Blythes Are Quoted (edited by Benjamin Lefebvre, 2009) is a sequel to Rilla of Ingleside.

A quote I just found... "Worry gives a small thing a big shadow." (author unknown)

From the kitchen... Just finished a snack version of lunch (I was so busy in the basement, I forgot to eat)..... stonewheat crackers, aged cheddar cheese, and a juicy navel orange cut into wedges.

Around the house... Hubby and Miss Kitty are having a nap. Late afternoon shadows are shrouding the corners and I need to turn on the lights. When I took the Christmas tree down in the living room, I set the fig tree festooned with tiny white lights in its place, so it still feels cozy on these dark days.

The photo in my banner... Someone recently asked me where I get my pictures. The johnny-jump-ups are from my own garden. Many photos in this blog are my own, however, I will use free-to-use photos from places like Glitter Graphics, Penniwigs,or morguefile.com.

Something that made me smile... I went to the library this afternoon and discovered hardcover copies of two books that I enjoy by Debbie Macomber -- Back on Blossom Street and Susannah's Garden. The part that really made me smile? They were only $1.00 each -- how's that for being blessed!

One of my favorite things... the happy chatter of flocks of birds feeding or jostling in the shrubs in the backyard.

From my picture journal...

Wishing you a happy day!

Brenda

xox

Need A Blogging Challenge?

Source: morguefile.com

 

The days zip by and I find myself still without a plan for my blog this year. The last few months seemed to have so many things that required attention that my blog has been less than....

Which makes me wonder if I need a blogging challenge again.When I first started I challenged myself to do 100 postings in 100 days. So maybe I should do something similar, only this time, include a goal to update and add interest, as well as fashion a list with a new range of topics and ideas to ponder and write about.

In the meantime, thanks to those of you who stay in touch. It's always such a pleasure to find your 'footprints' in my comments garden.

Wishing you a great day,

Brenda

Haiti

It seems a little strange to think about blogging when a country in our world has been so devastated just a few short hours ago. It's hard to wrap one's thoughts and feelings around the numbers that are being reported back to us. How can we even imagine it.

In the midst of this intense darkness, the good news is that people's hearts are already reaching out in all manner of ways to help and encourage and save.

We bless and send our thoughts and prayers heavenward for all those who are in the midst of this, that those victimized and those coming to wrap arms of kindness will be strengthened and encouraged.

Comfort and Peace,

Brenda

Monday Morning

It's a good thing I don't usually let the weather dictate my frame of mind, because when I look out my study window this morning, it's dreary, dreary, dreary. There's not a flash of a sunbeam, not a flicker of a bird wing fluttering towards my feeders.

I'm heading out the door to my drop-in exercise class in a few minutes. It's supposed to be quite mild outside, so perhaps in this case, Tom Lehrer's comment that 'bad weather always looks worse through a window' fits.

Have a wonderful day.

Brenda

Perfectly Delightful!

The other day I found a quote on a sticker inside an old notebook: "Live one day at a time, and make it a masterpiece." Ever since I've been pondering what a masterpiece day might look like. I think I got close to one today...

It started last night when dear friends phoned to invite us to join them for a visit to the Farmers' Market in a nearby city this morning. Yes, an adventure to look forward to....how splendid. Although I haven't been in ages, I remembered the place is always a-buzz with excitement and tantalizing food smells and wonderful craft displays.

I had fun stopping at various booths, exchanging a few words with the artisans and produce sellers. Although I didn't really have any idea of what would capture my attention when I got there, it wasn't long before my bag was filling up with...

Beautiful Pink Lady apples that just begged you to bite into them, tender homemade perogies that later filled our tummies at supper, a bag of baby carrots that promised -- and delivered -- a sweet experience, and lastly, the treat of finding freshly made, fluffy Mediterranean pita bread made locally by a family who, at one time, lived in Israel.

When I got home with my purchases, I dropped them off and headed out into our mild and sunny day towards two other favourites spots: the library and Cafe Haven.

Stopping at the library first, I found DVD's for movie-watching this weekend and a couple of Writer's magazines (looking for writing prompt ideas, particularly), and a book by Bill Gates' dad, Bill Gates Sr. (his thoughts about life -- looked interesting). Oh yes, the book I came for, Write It Down, Make It Happen, by Henriette Klauser.... it's a book I check out every couple of years or so, as it reminds me to write things down if I want to make things happen.

Then laden with reading possibilities, I stopped at my favourite coffee place where people were enjoying their visits with friends. I found a cozy corner with my own steaming latte and, as I say, my reading pile. What a treat!

I hear a sound indicating I must sign off quickly -- my buzzer for the apple crisp in the oven just rang.

So, yes it's been a delightful day. I'm happy and sated. Now for a wee bit of apple crisp and a movie from the series, The Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency, snuggled alongside hubby and kitty. What more could a person ask for.

Here's wishing you a peaceful evening!

Brenda

💑

No, I Didn't Freeze Up

I see that 2010 is not going to be a meandering kind of year. It starts with a brisk trot with me in the midst of finishing up a few projects hitherto left undone. That's why I haven't come out to play on my blog. Although the weather has been quite cooperative -- cold but not intolerable -- I'm not frozen like an icicle.

However, I have been staying up later than usual as I got my nose stuck in my first book of the New Year. I could barely put it down until I finished.

Here are a couple of quotes to whet your appetite for The Mistress of Nothing by Kate Pullinger, 2009.

'Absorbing, intimate, Pullinger's story of a loyal English maidservant's awakening during a journey to an 1860's Egypt in turmoil is also a subtle observation of the play of power and love'. Lisa Appignanesi, back cover

'I've been coming here for a long time. I don't know why. The other maids ask me -- they think it's very odd, why go all the way up to town to sit in the Museum? Most of them have never been, will end their days having never been -- I can't think how to reply. I tried once, with Cook; I said, 'Because I like the mystery.' She looked at me as though I'd forgotten how to speak English. And it's a coincidence, my visits to this room over the years, and the fact that we are now going to Egypt. A wonderful coincidence that has, for once, gone in my favour.' A random quote, p. 11

Why did I like the book? Perhaps because it's based on a true story; perhaps because it was so emotive and sensual -- I could feel, smell, hear, and taste the sights and sounds and flavours Lady Duff Gordon and her maid, Sally Naldress, experienced during their travels down the Nile to their new home.

*****

And, now I must be off...

Brenda