Midwestern Mommy » I'm back...

I’m back…

Posted on July 22, 2007
Filed Under Uncategorized |

And happy to be back.

How are you? How’s your summer going? Have a cookie. Sit a spell. Yeah, put your feet up. I’ll get the drinks. Would you like wine? Beer? A martini?

Ok. So some of the hiatus was to sort out some health-related stuff. (Which is much better.) I got on some new allergy meds with some sort of asthma med which opens airways. I can BREATHE at night. And I sleep! Through the night even! Its freaking awesome! And I don’t wake up with a nasty headaches. And I have some energy. Wooty-woot-woot-woot.

Some of the hiatus was spent party planning, cleaning, doing home improvement projects and drinking. Oh and working on my new website. I would debut it now but there’s something wrong with the SQL server (what ever THAT is) and its not letting me customize mah columns. But if you are interested in a little peeky (even tho it ain’t finished because I still needs mah “flair” and some important linky-links) go here.

Another reason for the hiatus is that I’ve come to some sort of bloggity-type crisis. I have no answers for the following questions: What kind of vibe do I want to put out there? Should this blog be funny, philosphical? Should I curse? Should I not? Is it ok to be rude and crude at times? Or bitchy and whiney. (Cause if there’s one thing I do well, its bitchy and whiney.) I have family reading these days. Are they comfortable with the TMI? Are they going to read some of my stories and think, “That Lisa. She just ain’t right. I think she must have gotten kicked in the head by a cow in her youth.” (And no I didn’t. But I did get hit in the face a number of times with softballs. And not THOSE kind of soft balls. So get your mind out of the gutter. See? What an inappropriate comment. Is that ok to do? Will my in-laws read this and feel a bit ill because WHAT KIND OF WOMAN IS RAISING OUR ONLY GRANDSON?)

A blog is like a blank canvas. You can create anything you want. But some times knowing that so many possibilities exist and knowing you want to create the bestest thing you can can be a bit daunting and overwhelming.

So what do you guys think? How do you look at your blogs? Do you look at it as a sanity saver? A way to fulfill your dreams of being a fiction writer, reporter, fashion photographer, researcher, or teacher? What are your goals? Are you hoping get a book deal? Or get a fresh career start? Or are you just looking to stay sane and meet new peeps? Enquiring minds want to know!

And THANK YOU so much for your lovely, warm comments. They were the equivilant of double fudge brownies to a woman who’s suffering from a raging case of PMS. Much need and very appreciated! You chickies “Rock the Casbah”.

Comments

28 Responses to “I’m back…”

FunnyGal KAT on July 23rd, 2007 2:55 pm

Welcome back! These are some deep questions for a Monday morning, but I’ll give them a shot. I started my blog as a way to stay in touch with my blogmate (is that a word?) SJ and as an outlet for my writing. I was a reporter when I started the blog, but I felt like I needed a place where my “voice” could come through my writing.

I find that blogging gives me a chance to hone my humor and reflect on some of the craziness in my life. At times, I find it stressful to come up with stories that are entertaining enough to share. I think we put a lot of pressure on ourselves by calling our blog “Funny Gals,” but we do allow for some deep thoughts as well.

I think blogs are a great way to put yourself out there and get to know some new people… people you wouldn’t otherwise get to meet. But I, too, have struggled with what I want to be the “tone” of the blog. In the end, I think SJ and I threw caution to the wind and we write about whatever’s on our minds. Because, as much as we love having regular readers and getting their feedback, in the end, the blog is for us. If I’m happy with it, or I laugh about what one of us writes, knowing other people enjoy it too is just icing on the cake.

Hope this helps (and thanks for making me think about some of these issues, by the way). And, again, welcome back!
Dana on July 23rd, 2007 3:13 pm

I think it’s important that your blog be for you and an outlet for your voice. That’s why most of us started them to begin with, right? Who cares what genre it’s in as long as you’re being true to your written voice- and as long as it feels like a hobby and not drudgery. Don’t try; you’re already fab.

I will say that those who start a blog with the singular hope of scoring a book deal (books based on blogs don’t sell well); you can tell it in the writing. I usually don’t read those and I don’t think many others do also.
Absolutely Bananas on July 23rd, 2007 3:32 pm

welcome BACK! deep questions you ask. I really haven’t thought so deeply about my blog. I think of it as an expression of myself; no more and no less. Random, deep, funny, sad… it’s whatever I choose to make it on any given day. It keeps me sane, is something that’s MINE alone, and hey- if someday I can get a bit of ad revenue, I won’t say no!
mayberry on July 23rd, 2007 3:43 pm

Glad to have you back! I struggle with the same sorts of questions myself. I started my blog because I was reading so many blogs and wanted to have my own little corner; and also because I wanted to practice writing more (I usually prefer editing to writing). But I’m torn about how public to be. So far I have told friends about my blog (only one reads!) but not family members or coworkers.
Mamma on July 23rd, 2007 4:06 pm

I’ve been on a break myself, and now that you mention it because I have many of the same questions.

If you promise to be inappropriate, I promise I’ll read all the time. I LOVE inappropriate. Probably because I often lack a filter between my brain and my mouth (or typing fingers). But the parents/in-laws reading…I know.
Alissa on July 23rd, 2007 4:24 pm

Yay, you’re back! I am glad.

Let’s see, I started my blog mainly to keep out-of-town family up to date with our lives. But it’s become a bit of an outlet, a place to go to for support or advice or just to whine for a minute. However, I find that I feel guilty when I whine about something and I try to keep it a happy place. I am under no illusion that I’m funny, so that’s not an issue, but I don’t want people to stop reading because all I do is complain. I can’t get into very personal stuff, because my parents and in-laws read–but that’s really a good thing. I figure if I wouldn’t share it with my mom I don’t need to share it with the world.

I guess, bottom line is, your blog should be what you need it to be. And your bloggy friends will be here no matter what.
Zookeeper on July 23rd, 2007 6:01 pm

I started a family blog as a way to keep out-of-town relatives posted about the happenings here, and so they could see pictures of my kids. As it turns out, however, the in-town people read it more than the long-distance folks (go figure!) I try to write my posts as if I were just telling people about my kids, my day or something cool that may be happening in our family. My usual way of speaking to people does not normally include swearing or dirty jokes so my posts are family friendly. Having a nine-year-old daughter who actually reads and writes posts on the site also dictates that things are kept clean. It is a sanity saver at times; a good way to let go of some things that may be building up in my life. I say don’t stress out about it too much. It is more important that YOU enjoy it than whether or not anyone else does. Good luck!
carrie on July 23rd, 2007 8:12 pm

Glad you’re feeling better Lisa, and glad you’re back! Can’t wait to see the new website!

As for blogging - I started as a way to keep in touch with my friend who was adopting while she was in China (hey, it was before I even knew what a blog was and I thought it was the only way to contact her on her trip). So, lo and behold, she introduced me to this new “thing” and the only natural next step for me was to get the stories that had been swirling around in my head for, oh, my entire life, out via writing. So, my blog was born. And my fam reads, and my friends too, so if they read stuff, they read stuff. I don’t “journal” on my blog, so that really isn’t an issue!

Sorry for rambling, I’ve always appreciated your writing and I don’t think you’re ever too inappropriate. But what you are, is funny, and charming, and witty and a great mom! And that shines through in every post.

Carrie
Lisa on July 23rd, 2007 8:56 pm

Yay!1 So glad you are back!!

I started my blog to vent. then to be funny. now it is both. I try to be careful because some people don’t know about it and I don’t want them too but it is mine to do with as I please when I see fit to post (which is usually daily).
Becky on July 23rd, 2007 9:54 pm

man lately my blog is alot of crap i think LOL. its not really anything but a place for me to post pics and talk about things on my mind. i never aspired to be a writer or anything like that. its totally sanity related.
debra on July 23rd, 2007 11:06 pm

I’m so glad you’re back! So glad. SO, SO glad! And REALLY glad you’re feeling better and getting sleep.

{happy dance interlude}

I have a lot of the same questions you do about my blog and if I think about it too much, I start to drive myself crazy.

I’m trying to just view it as a means to hone my writing skills (how do I tell this little ditty so the masses understand it and hopefully enjoy it?) and meet great new people.

And by the way, did I tell you I’m so glad you’re back!
mk on July 24th, 2007 12:01 am

I like the look of the new site alot!

2nd - I would love to site down and have some wine with you! Anytime!

As for my blog (www.shootinthepoop.com) we have multiple writers - all moms. For us the point is to share our experiences, keep in touch with friends we have and meet new ones and gain support from them as we travel down the Mommy highway. Sometimes we are funny, serious, rude and whatever we are feeling at that moment - we have no goal that way.

I happen to love your site and who you are on it - just the way it is! You make me laugh, smile, you have made me cry and I so often feel like someone out there is like me in so many ways. I also happen to look up to you and your way with words - I wish I could come across as you do.
Reba on July 24th, 2007 1:10 pm

Glad your back.
Misty on July 24th, 2007 1:58 pm

dare I admit that I am insanely jealous of your waking headache free and allergy relief… You are living my dream!

(welcome back!)
Heather on July 24th, 2007 2:42 pm

I’m so glad you’re back and all fixed up! I am great at the bitchy and whiney and cursing, but I try to keep it out of my blog. I’m not brave enough to put it out there like that. I have thought of creating an anonymous blog just for those types of rants, but with my luck I’d be found out in no time. My 9 year-old and my nieces read my blog and I don’t want them to read that stuff either. Having said that, I love to read blogs that include the rants and language that I am too afraid to post. I love your writing the way it is. Love the new look, too. SHARP!
Jenn on July 24th, 2007 4:25 pm

Welcome back, I missed you!

My blog is just me. I started it as a way to keep in contact with friends/family all over the known world, and to write. Although I write every day, professionally, I needed a less structured, less defined place to just write whatever I happened to be thinking/seeing at any given moment.

I’m actually quite surprised there isn’t a lot more cussing and vulgarity in my blog, simply because IRL, there IS a lot more cussing and vulgarity and crassness to me.

Maybe I just didn’t want my grandma to know that I cuss ALL the time, or that I talk about sex, A LOT.
Andrea on July 24th, 2007 4:52 pm

Yay, you’re back! LOVE the new place, even with the squeaky floors. Adds character.

So, my blog. Well, when I’m not on sabbatical I just try to be me. I tell the stories that come to mind. I cite my opinions. I write to improve my writing. I sometimes write stories that are figments of my imagination. But mostly, I try to be honest about myself, what’s on my mind, and I try not to think about writing for an audience even if the comments can be a bit intoxicating. I try to write what I feel, what I know, what I would like to know more about and generally what I think. I swear a little, but only censor a bit because I believe that if I can write it well enough, I don’t need the curses. I swear in real life, too, even in front of my parents, who once told me to clean up the language on my blog. I told them to fuck off. It’s my blog. And then promptly decided they were a little right. I hate it when that happens.

My general rule is that if I wouldn’t say it in front of people I know, I don’t put it on the blog, and if it’s not my story to tell, I either get permission or don’t write it. So far, that’s kept me off the hot plate.
Andrea on July 24th, 2007 4:53 pm

Oh and dude! I’m so glad you got some relief from your sinus/headache/sleep issues! WOOTY-WOOT-WOOT is right!
Christina_the_wench on July 24th, 2007 4:56 pm

You’ve been missed.

As for my blog, I just hope the proper authorities don’t find it.

Shhhh….

Congrats on the new meds. Breathing is GOOD.
Operation Pink Herring on July 24th, 2007 5:19 pm

Welcome back!

I struggle with how much I can reveal on my blog, because I have family and friends reading it, too. So i can’t talk about sex. I can’t laugh about what a bigot my dad is. I can’t complain about my friend being a monster bridezilla for fear that it might get back to her. That all kind of sucks, but it’s a dose of reality because no matter how anonymous a blog is… someone could find it. Plus, it’s not fun to make fun of someone’s wedding. Right? Right? Because I really want to.
But I can’t.

Sometimes I worry about what my peeps in real life will think about stuff I write, but I look at it as their opportunity to get ot know me better… and if they’re truly disturbed, they can always stop reading. I try to give a warning at the beginning of a post if I’m going to cross the TMI line so that my brother has a chance to close his browser

Welcome back, again!
Virtualsprite on July 24th, 2007 6:56 pm

Welcome back!

I started my blog as an outlet for me. A way to get rid of all the words that just built up in me and tell the stories that I thought needed to be told. I didn’t have any readership for the first year or so I blogged, and that was okay.

Now I wonder sometimes. The posts that get a lot of comments are never the ones that I think are honestly comment-worthy. Who knows? My audience research skills are nill, so I’m just going to write.

(Well… that was wordy.)
Quinn on July 24th, 2007 9:48 pm

Yay, you’re back!

My blog has a personality disorder and I’ve finally made peace with that- it’s brief, wordy, kind of humorous, angry, depressed, philosophical, fictional, etc. etc. depending on what’s going on in my head when I start typing.

I’m about to start another site that will be more (okay, completely) themed, but sssshhh, not saying another word about it for now.

I think your blog should be all about freedom of expression, and hopefully anyone reading it can respect that.

So I say, just write. We’ll be reading.
Isabel on July 25th, 2007 2:44 pm

Hooray for time off getting stuff done!

And hooray for a new blog. The site looks good.

My family has no idea about my blog. Not that I say anything “bad” on it. I just like to not have to worry about them reading it. It’s just easier. But since your family DOES know…you just have to type what makes you comfortable.

And hello…you are FUNNY. So it HAS to be funny.
Mrs. Chicky on July 26th, 2007 1:37 am

Hey, welcome back, lady.

As for the blog, you’ve gotta do what you gotta do. I fear the day when my blog is discovered by my family, because that will seriously change the dynamic of my writing, but if that happens I may just have to go underground.
Julie Wright on July 26th, 2007 6:53 pm

I blog to release thoughts. My brain isn’t big enough to hold that much . . . I’ve got to let it out somewhere. I’m not really funny, nor am I very insightful. Man, just thinking about it makes me realize I suck at blogging!
I actually started because I write YA books and I get lots of emails from young teen girls who always seem to ask why I don’t blog. I succumbed to peer pressure. At my age, you’d think I got over that, but the inadequacy of high school still gets me.

I don’t cuss in mine, but I don’t mind when other people do. I’m still laughing at many of virtual sprite’s posts. That girl is funny. If she ever write’s a chick lit book I’m going to be first in line to buy it.
This is my first time at your blog but I think you have a nice “voice” funny, poignant, interesting enough that i, the chronic lurker, actually commented. Whatever you got for blogging, you got it right.
Cagey on July 27th, 2007 8:47 pm

Glad you are back!

I blog because it is fun. I have so many real life and blog friends now, that it is definitely a community of sorts for me. I try not to take my personal site too seriously - if I lose sight of the fact that it is supposed to be fun, I try to back off and take a break.
Lori on August 7th, 2007 12:58 am

New blog looks fabby!

And last time I checked, whiney and bitchy were two things, not just one. Hee.

Glad to see you’re feeling better!!!
LisaS on August 10th, 2007 2:35 am

oh, my blog has a serious case of schizophrenia. on the one hand, it’s about architecture; on the other, it’s listed on a list of Missouri political blogs; my mother-in-law reads it to keep up with the family so I can’t bitch about her (maybe I should, because when I bitched about my mother in my blog she suddenly became much nicer); it’s about urbanism, it’s about music … I read all the advice about “focusing” your blog but focus is a foreign word to me. I guess what it’s about is the same thing this blog is about: Lisa. albeit, a different Lisa. so, blog on, name-mate.