Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Tortillas on The Computer and Why Do I Blog?

I'm trying to sit down at my computer, at the kitchen table, to write my post and there's an open bag of tortillas sitting on top of it. Perfect example of why my house is a mess. The Transporter and SoccerBoy, who just spent the night, just finished making burritos for breakfast. There “was no counter space” because OYT was also making breakfast. That's his reason for putting them there. Um, what about the whole rest of the kitchen table? There was yesterday's mail he could have put it on top of. Or how about the newspaper The Engineer didn't finish reading and left scattered about. Or best of all, on top of the packaging for the car part that arrived FOR THE TRANSPORTER yesterday, and still is sitting ON THE KITCHEN TABLE. No, tortillas on the computer.

I can't win this clutter battle with no help. And I can't even complain about it on my blog until I get reluctant, sullen teenager out of his room to put them away. You'd think I'd asked him to paint the house so enormous was his complaining. Then he tried, “Why couldn't you just put them away? It's just a bag of freakin' tortillas?” My point exactly, but why couldn't YOU put them away. His argument proves my point. He's now sulking in his room because, “All you do is yell at me!” and I'm fuming at the computer because of all the clutter – and what I described is just a small portion, but a perfect example of what happens everywhere.

But that's not what I was going to talk about today...that was accidentally the “vent” portion of my tagline: wanna be writer seeks place to vent, practice, and share. I was going to talk about why I blog, because I read some great blogging rules over at Alex J. Cavanaugh's yesterday. It got me thinking about all the different sorts of blogs I've come across on the Post A-Z Road Trip this summer, and the different types of bloggers, and what motivates us all to go on this crazy ride and join this supportive community.

I blog to practice writing. That's why I'll put up a stupid, gory story when I have “writer's block” (which is a whole 'nother post – does it really exist) because my blog is what holds me accountable to myself (and my readers!) to KEEP WRITING even when it's not flowing, even when I have no good ideas, even when it's late in the day and probably not as many will read it. It's the JUST DO IT thing. Just write. Just throw it up there. Don't let life circumstances, how you're feeling, or what else you have to do stop you. JUST WRITE.

That's why I started my blog. What I didn't know was that I was joining a symbiotic, living, breathing, shifting, evolving community. I didn't know I'd make friends. I didn't know I'd find blogs that I HAVE to read, even if it means that when I get there, I read a whole week's worth of work in one shot. (You know who you are...smiles.) I didn't know about bloghops to meet new people, and I didn't know about challenging myself. I've learned so much.

On my facebook page, my occupation is listed as blogger. It's not that I'm getting paid, but THIS IS WHAT I DO. When I don't do it, I feel like I'm missing out on something good. That good being your post that will teach me something new, show me a great picture, share your artistic talent, make me think, make me argue, and make me smile. The other good would be the interaction through comments and emails that fly all around the world, just because I'm practicing my craft.


Why do you blog?

20 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

It's not a whole week's worth of stuff...
I started because I was supposed to build an online presence for my first book release.
I've stayed because it's an awesome community, I've made a lot of friends, and I can now help a lot of people.
I'm also here for your amusement...

Brian Miller said...

smiles...think i know that guy...
honestly i keep blogging because of the people i have met...there are days i have thought about quitting...but it always comes down to the people...i love writing...i love feedback...i love playing and seeing what works...but i love the people more....and burritos...can i yell at him now...for not sharing...smiles...

klahanie said...

Hey Tina,

You practice your craft and your expertise. Your articulation grows and your blog grows. Your positive interaction is indeed integral to a sense of community.

We both realise that writing, blogging, sharing, exchanging of thoughts, of ideas, are positive resources and distractions. Keep that craft going. It gets stronger and more inspired.

My blog is and always has been about helping others and thus, helping myself. A cathartic, therapeutic, shared experience.

My blog is over 6 1/2 years old. I have always worked discreetly in the background, with little fanfare. It makes me feel good if I can make somebody feel better about themselves.

Be well and smile, dear Tina.

Gary :)

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Kids and clutter. They go together like ham and eggs, peanut butter and jelly etc etc etc. I like your statement about blogging:

What I didn't know was that I was joining a symbiotic, living, breathing, shifting, evolving community.

So well put!

Now go give that boy a hug!

Jeremy [Retro] said...

it's like having a child, you care for it... you watch it grow and someday you hope that it will become famous and take care of you.

Andrew Leon said...

But, wait, I don't know who I am... Who am I? Really? Man, that is so... metaphysical.

We have a ceiling fan taking up half of our dining table. My wife ordered it with the assurance that she was going to do it all herself. I was not to help at all. The ceiling fan arrived without instructions, and I have no idea of how to put it together. I mean, I'm the instruction guy. I even stop and ask for directions when I get lost. So, yeah, we've had this ceiling fan on the dining table for nearly three months, now. All of that to say, "I feel your pain."

I don't have a good answer to your other question. I know why I started, but that's not why I do it.

JoJo said...

I blog because some friends and family aren't on FB or live nearby so that's how they keep up w/ what I'm up to. Also to showcase photography and crafts and sometimes to rant.

Unknown said...

I blog because I'm a writer.
It's not just what I do--and so far, I don't do it for money--but it's because it's who I am. I have to write. It's like a compulsion. I feel weird if I don't do it for a while, like this great part of my life is missing.
I also blog because, quite honestly, I love Jesus and I want to tell others about him--I'm passionate about marriage and I want to share that passion--I love homemaking and I love the community of fellow homemakers I've found here in the blogosphere.

Whew. You can tell I'm a talker. Slash writer.

(Also, the clutter, I hear ya. And I don't even have kids. You're not alone--no worries!)

Cheryl said...

I have 4 just like your son, only in a 300 sq ft bus. Makes a person nuts, huh?

I have trouble blogging anymore. Goes in big phases. Someday I may indulge in one of those blog things to get me blogging when I don't know what or why.

Kellie @ Delightfully Ludicrous said...

Blogging is a weird, fantastic monster, isn't it. I don't think any of us know what we're getting ourselves into when we start, but thank god we do!

Lucy said...

I blog for the community aspect. I have no aspirations of writing or creating a blog to make money. Which I is fine for others. My children both needed me less, one was in college and the other was getting ready to head out the door when I started blogging, I truly started for community reasons and it is the reason I keep it up. I totally enjoy it and read all different type of blogs. I find my favorite bloggers are the ones that are open,honest and not in cliques or niches. I do read niches but those bloggers tend to not read other blogs and only connect with their niches. Fashion bloggers stick with their clique,for the most part. I read them but hardly leave a comment. I learned quickly that they don't bother outside of their niche. I know this sounds awful but if a blogger doesn't bother with me,well, after a while I don't bother with them. I might read them still if I really like the blog but I do stop commenting when a blogger doesn't reciprocate.
Of course, I understand the big ones can't reciprocate, so if I really want to comment I will but I rarely comment on their blogs. I just don't have the time and I rather comment with bloggers that I have a relationship with, those that connect with me :)

Enough of my rambling. So enjoyed your post. Oh,and I understand teenagers, it is a rollercoaster.

Lucy from Lucy's Reality

Anonymous said...

I blog because of all of the above. Thanks for such a fun blog,

Kate @ Another Clean Slate said...

I started blogging as a distraction from normal life but continue because I love the community and feel good about doing it! Eat those tortillas!

Jo said...

My blog is also random Tina, but I am NOT working on my writing skills. I started blogging to make money, joke, then I found I liked writing a blog so I kept on doing it, then I found I gradually became a member of this wonderful community and I have gained innumerable friends because of what, I guess, is my hobby. Hoping to meet two of my new friends in North Carolina in September.

Romance Reader said...

Blogging is fun, interesting and informative. And a great way to connect with other like minded people!

Nas

Vanessa Morgan said...

I started to blog to post news about my books and movies, but it has evolved into a place where I can express everything that holds my interest: reviews of films and books, stories about my latest travels, my cat...

Martha said...

Hey Tina, Long time no see! Unfortunately I had to withdraw from the challenge this year, and then I made some big life decisions and finally downsized my job. I had a couple weeks where things were perfect, almost too perfect - and then my son got hurt and life happens once again. I actually love hearing about your life too. Blogging is more of a social thing for me than anything else. Hope all is well in your world - besides tortillas on your computer. You should have just had them for breakfast and left them tortilla chip-less ;)

Anonymous said...

I blog to keep in touch with everyone, plus I use my blog as a bit of a diary:)

Briane said...

What, NOBODY is going to say "I blog because where else would I keep the tortillas?" COME ON, THAT'S FUNNY!

I blog because I like to tell stories and think about things, and eventually I have told all the stories and things I think about things to Sweetie and the boys and my older kids and my friends and my work buddies, and I find that I still have things to say, so I blog them. Plus, I get laryngitis if I talk to much (NICE OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD FOR A LAWYER, right?) but nobody gets "fingergitis."

Oh, crap, I just remembered "arthritis," which people DO get. I should delete that last sentence. But I won't.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Tina .. I blogged because I was teaching myself things I knew nothing about and aspects that interested me and thus others.

I started as a way of having new things to talk to my mother about .. but also as a way to keep my head above the negative space of waiting for death. The elderly have way more to offer and keeping myself positive was essential and thus I helped both my mother and my uncle be able to enjoy their waning years too ... my mother being bedridden ...

Also the blogging community inspired me and cared for me at times when I was grateful for some hugs - internet hugs are almost as good ...

I've come away from those times with greater compassion and understanding of many ... and I certainly wouldn't want to stop blogging or now developing my skills out for more exciting adventures ..

PS I hope you're feeling easier .. and ready for camping next weekend - happy times ahead ...

Cheers Hilary