Diana asks: I’m rather new at the blogging thing, including reading yours, so if you haven’t answered it already, I would love to ask if you have any tips for new bloggers, any enlightenment for us newbies…
Well, Diana, it’s funny that you should ask this since Shannon, Mel and I will be talking a little bit about this very topic at SheSpeaks in June.
And by “speaking,” I think we all know that what I really mean is “rambling incoherently.”
But off the top of my head, there are a few bits-o-information that I think are pretty important:
1) Know why you’re blogging. Is it just to keep up with friends and family? Or are you trying to build a readership? Because that last thing requires a ton of time and energy.
2) I’ve said this a hundred times: post regularly, and write in a voice that’s uniquely your own. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. There’s only one you, so use that to your advantage.
3) Don’t expect online community to be a substitute for real-life community. It’s a lovely addition, and you will probably make some friends along the way, but online community cannot – and should not – replace the real-live people in our real-world lives.
I believe that’s what you might call the tip of the bloggy iceberg, but I hope it helps.
Rebecca asks: First, which comes first: fashion or pain? I was sorely limping into a mid-fancyish restaurant in heels that were divine (looking) and got some weird stares from those who do not understand that pain is gain. The pain is actually STILL living in infamy. So is fashion worth the pain to look dee-vine? (FYI: I wore my toe pinching heels with my new trouser jeans… oh, I would have made you proud!)
Well done, Rebecca, with your gorgeous shoes and jeans! As for me, I don’t do so well when fashion involves pain. Because as much as I love to look sassy, I love feeling sassy even more. So shoes that hurt – no matter how cute they are – are completely off-limits to me.
That is why I am such a huge proponent of a chunky wedge heel or some sort of platform shoe – because those shoes are cute AND feel really great. On the other hand, anything with a stiletto heel or a super-flat sole is my sworn shoe enemy.
And I despise a binding waistband on pure principle. Ditto scratchy fabric.
Second, are you a morning person? Do you roll out of bed slowly after snoozing 15 times or just pop right up like a jack-in-the-box on caffeine?
No. I am not a morning person. I AM NOT A MORNING PERSON. In fact, there are many things I don’t enjoy about mornings, and those things include but are not limited to 1) waking up, 2) getting out of bed, 3) talking to anyone, 4) getting dressed.
However, I really, really, really love quiet time. And coffee. And the propect of quiet time and coffee usually gets me moving pretty early in the morning. Moving slowly, mind you, but moving nonetheless.
Cindy asks: Do you floss?
When I think about it. Which isn’t very often, unfortunately. But I’m going to do better just so the next time someone asks me this question I can give a different answer and say, “Yes! I floss ALL THE TIME!”
If your life were made into a movie, who would play YOU?
Someone who can do a real Southern accent and not one of those horribly bad fake ones. Which means that anyone from “Steel Magnolias” who isn’t Dolly Parton is disqualified. Because, you know, it’s a funny movie, but no one in that movie sounds like a real Southerner (except for Dolly), and that reminds me: JULIA ROBERTS SHOULD KNOW BETTER BECAUSE, HELLO, SHE’S FROM GEORGIA.
And as far as a specific actress, I have no idea. I just know that she could not be skinny. Because that would be a cinematic lie.
Hardest thing God has asked of you?
To follow Him in a completely different way this last year. I quit a full-time job that offered us an extra measure of financial security, not to mention some kickin’ benefits. But God made it really clear that He was opening some other doors – and we decided to walk through them. Huge leap of faith on our part.
I won’t bore you with the details, but it has been a scary, challenging, refining time. And yet I know deep down in my soul that this is the exact path that we were supposed to walk. Our faith has been stretched like crazy, and there have been days when we have been absolutely astounded by God’s creative provision.
Has it been comfortable? Heck no. Has it been easy? HEEEEEEECK no.
But has it been worth it? Absolutely.
Lauren asks: I was watching this week’s episode of The Office and I was WAY confused when Creed was discussing the chair situation. Why is three chairs the magic number for him? I mean, I realize that Creed is insane, but most of his and Dwight’s insanity has at least a kernel of sense to it. This one, I couldn’t figure it out.
Lauren, I think Creed’s desire to have three chairs is as an elusive a mystery as why three people die by the sword that killed Caesar in Julius Caesar, why the boys in Lord of the Flies sit in a triangle formation and leave three sticks at the top of the mountain, and why there are three essential steps on the back of nearly every shampoo bottle (“Rinse. Lather. Repeat.”).
So since I have no idea what the answer is, I’ll just say, “Well, clearly all these things symbolize the Trinity” and pretend like I know what I’m talking about.
But if Creed goes for a fourth chair, then clearly my whole fake theory will go up in smoke.
And I guess I’ll just have to live with that.
Sandra Bullock could play you in the movie. Oh, and good post… I learned a little somethin’ about the Trinity.
That third bloggie tip? Awesome. I think we should put those wise words into some sort of scrolling banner across the top of every blogger’s screen. I think we’d all agree it can take a while for us bloggers to learn that one.
Im enjoying your Q & A sessions here. They are both entertaining as well as educational!
Loved this post! Thanks for sharing. :)
With you on the third, however, in my blog life I like to pretend you might be my BFF!
I love your answer to the blogging question! I keep reminding myself of those points when (1) I reallize how low my readership is sometimes – but I’m doing this for me and my family – not for the world, and (2) when my baby needs me and I’m too busy checking out blogs to give her attention.
I love your blog! But, we need some more “Martha” stories!
Great blogging tips! Number 3 is especially wise…
Love the theory about the trinity! That would be so Creed!
I honestly did not know you had a full time job. (Or that you quit.)
And I love the bloggy advice. :-)
I’m with you on the mornings and on the journey that is hard…I am there.
If you think about it, would you pray for dear friends of ours, who are in the midst of a situation that may mean losing everything they own? Their names aren’t important. But my heart is breaking for them right now.
Praying for you this week!
holly
Well, I will add that if you ever listened to Schoolhouse Rock you will know that… “three… is a magic number.” Yes it is.
It’s the reason for all things 3 at our house (3 boys; 3 girls… go figure) and if you ask about 3’s at our house someone is bound to start singing it, including Mr. Grits.
Just thought I’d add that. :-D
Hi BooMama
Last January I visited your blog a few times when you were running the PayPal for a gal with kidney issues. I came back today for a couple of reasons — one was curiosity to know how things have turned out for her. I browsed a little bit this afternoon but couldn’t quickly see an answer! You are such a prolific blogger! I am astonished! the other reason ..
I’m curious to know how effective that method of fundraising was in terms of set-up. If you had it to do again, would you do it that way? If you would do it again, would you be able to give me the first step as to how to start setting it up? I’m sure it is time-consuming but if you could at least point me in the direction of where to even start I’d appreciate it so much.
A blogger buddy in India is in the process (with her church community), of having a well drilled and a couple of us in blogworld would like to make an effort to help. I remembered you last night and decided to ask re your experience. Thanks so much!
I have three chairs in my office.
So I know the real answer.
And I’m not telling.
Okay…I JUST LOVE YOU.
And that is all.
Great blogging tips – thanks!
It has always bugged the stew out of me that Julia is from Georgia and totally bombed the southern accent. But then again, Smyrna is so close to Atlanta and we know folks from Atlanta aren’t really Southern.
Okay, now I really want to know – why THREE chairs? Two, I understand. But three?
And what did call you from your full time job to do? (I’m just really full of questions today, aren’t I?)
If it isn’t too late to ask a question, I’d really like to know what your quiet time consists of? Do you follow a particular devotional, or read thru the Bible, etc.? I could use some help in that area lately… I want to love it.
Woo hoo! Thanks for answering my questions BooMama! (I am NOT a morning person either. At all.)
I LOVED your bloggy answers, especially number 3!!! I get concerned sometimes when I think of how much time a lot of us spend on blogging at the expense of our families…