I decided to opt out on this weeks challenge (Pets) The post I am doing has been rolling around in my head for awhile... the pet challenge kind of pushed it to the forefront.
The Webster's Dictionary definition of Pet. " Any domesticated animal kept as a companion" So first ,when I think of pets I think of things like Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, maybe Birds, Snakes etc....you know what I'm getting at. I don't think of my animals as pets and frankly I kinda find that (term) denigrating to animals in general. I guess there are a bunch of people out there that may find me weird....so be it. I am a firm believer in everyone having the right to their own opinion whether I like it or not. Anyhow to get back to the point of this post.
I have been blogging now since 2008 ...I think. I started blogging because my friend Shirley( Ride A Good Horse) turned me on to it. At first I thought cool, good way to advertise horses and what not. I had no idea how it would grow and become a part of what I do on such a regular basis. I have been amazed at the people I have met through cyber space. There are truly mind boggling people out there, people that have opened up their lives for the rest of us to observe and follow along. We get to see their children and grandchildren growing and going off to do things with their lives. We get to see how other people Farm (Ranch) and live life daily. We get to share in their joy and (sadly) sometimes sorrow. For those of you that may be like me and don't travel far from home, we get to travel the world, we get to see all the color and experience other cultures without ever leaving the comfort of our homes.....I love it ..if someone had told me how much time I would one day spend on the computer compiling my own posts and avidly poring over the many blogs I follow along with....I would have said not. I would have thought to myself....ya right when hell freezes over. Whew that got to be a bit of a rambler....anyhow my point is this.
When I first started blogging I didn't really show that much of myself because after all it was only a tool to be used for my own use. I never said much that wasn't pretty generic. I also never left too many comments that weren't all that generic.....however along the way I guess I have managed to piss some people off...I will not apologize for doing so because it would not have been intentional, I am not the mean girl....don't misunderstand me......I can be mean....but normally am not so without provocation. What I am trying to say here is that I have been feeling like I have no voice , I must be careful what I say or how I say it. I feel like I am just a shadow skulking around the edges of the page...hiding my personality-.. humor or lack thereof... I may not be a person you want to follow along with ....I may be that person you just can't stand or......maybe I am the kind of person you get a kick out of.....maybe I might have stuff to say that you like.....whatever the case may be there is going to be some changes to this blog....don't worry I'm not going to do anything drastic, I just want to get back to feeling like I do this blog for me, if I lose more followers along the way I guess I can live with it. When I started noticing that I was losing some followers it hurt my feelings ....because I do like that people visit my blog and leave comments I would be lying to say otherwise....but if I have to spend all my time being careful and picky about what I say is it worth it to have them. This is my space and I am going to put on here whatever may come to me......think of my blog as Television.....don't like it .....turn it off. I will also be limiting my comments to others blogs because sometimes I have an actual opinion and as I found out a sense of humor that may not be appreciated as much as I think it should be...(ha ha got ya) Seriously though sometimes I think I am being funny and to others I guess I'm not. So folks that's my rant for the day....it has been coming for awhile....I really do hope some of you stick with me.
Have A Great Week
7 comments:
I'll keep following;) Something about "losing" followers though......there are many ways now to "follow" a blog. Some use google ..... and those are the ones you "see" following but there are many other ways where you don't actually know how people follow. I use different feed readers for different types of blogs and often quit one on Google but add it to Bloglines (for instance). Just keep doing what you're doing, we can't change who we are.....I quit trying a long time ago and I'm happier for it.
I like you just the way you are, and I agree that "it's your blog and you can rant if you want to!" I never worry too much about followers, it's always amazing to me that people like my blog- but I think it's more the critters on my blog that they look forward to seeing. People change, their lives lead them different ways and don't take it personal if you drop off their radar. Just keep being you!
It's not just the follower thing Shirley, it's so hard to explain...I started feeling like I was whispering....now that does sound stupid doesn't it.....whatever. The best way I can say it I guess is that the Editing and or proofing may slip by me once in awhile....so you may get the odd (mild) cuss word or whatever.I'm just not going to be as careful with what I talk about....not to say I'm going to turn into a raving lunatic or anything....oh wait I might be half way there:)
Wouldn't miss what you have to say for the world! I always enjoy your posts and comments .I liek real and honest folk who stand up for who they are and what they believe. That fits you to a T. I am careful on some blogs , but what I post on my own is kinda what you see is what you get. as it should be
"When I started noticing that I was losing some followers it hurt my feelings ....because I do like that people visit my blog and leave comments I would be lying to say otherwise....but if I have to spend all my time being careful and picky about what I say is it worth it to have them. This is my space and I am going to put on here whatever may come to me......think of my blog as Television.....don't like it .....turn it off."
Just happened to stumble over here while perusing other blogs for Sunday Stills. I agree with what you said above and have felt that way many times over my past 5 years of blogging. I've lost many followers over the years, and quite honestly I just don't care anymore (well I do just a little, when I'm feeling sensitive), but it's more important to me to use my blog the way that I originally intended to, basically to talk about whatever the hell I want to. I'm not blogging to impress or entertain anyone, or join a clique and be popular. I know some bloggers who have gotten caught up in that, but not me. I got over that when I graduated high school.
I love your relation to blogs as television...if someone doesn't like it, just change the channel/turn it off.
What is most important is to blog, write and be true to yourself.
Good for you speaking up and being honest. No need to whisper anymore. You go and shout out whatever it is you want to.
~Lisa
I don't do the whole "follow" thing yet I read your blog all the time because I have it linked to on MY blog. Those are the ones I "follow". So even if I'm not "tracking" I'm here. That said, your blog needs to be for you most of all and those that want to can "follow along"! :) Cheers!
I totally agree, I think blogging is a way to get out what we want to say and I always tell people that if they dont like it go somewhere else. But I will be here reading along and enjoying it.
I used to be careful what I put in comments but now if I dont know how to say it I just dont comment. Or let them know what I really feel (not always what they want haha)
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