A few weeks ago my fellas and I were having lunch at Chuy’s – as we tend to do every single Saturday of our lives barring illness or some inexplicable urge to eat elsewhere, though why, why would we do that, WHY, WHEN WE KNOW THAT OTHER RESTAURANTS DO NOT OFFER DELUXE TOMATILLO SAUCE, MY WORD – and after we’d placed our order, Alex said, “Mama, can I borrow your phone for a minute? I want to type out a story.”
So I handed him my phone, showed him how to pull up the “notes” feature thing-y, and for the next ten or fifteen minutes he typed away at his story, only pausing occasionally to ask us how to spell a word or to make sure he was saving the document correctly.
He put down the phone when it was time to eat, but after we finished he asked if he could read us his story. And he did. We laughed so hard at what he had written that just thinking about the sweetness of the memory brings tears to my eyes. And at the end of the story – when he smiled so big just from knowing how much his daddy and I had enjoyed what he’d written – I thought, Well, it’s finally happened. His stories really are his own now.
I started this blog when Alex was two. It blows my mind to think about that, to remember how he toddled around with a pacifier in his hand, how he threw fits in his car seat when he didn’t want to go somewhere, how he’d always say, “God made you special and he wuvs you BERRY MUCH” every single night after we said prayers. And for about four years, there was something so fun and so therapeutic about being able to document our days here on my blog. I wouldn’t take anything for having this little record of family memories, and I’m grateful that I’ve written about so many of my favorite “mama moments.” Our stories – his stories – are precious to me; they’re our history, you know?
But now he’s seven. Almost eight. And a lot of his stories? Well, they’re just not mine to tell anymore.
(I just realized that so far this post is making it sound like I’m about to shut down my blog.)
(Unfortunately, that is not the case even a little bit.)
(But apparently I get a little sentimental when I think about the fact that my boy is growing up.)
(I will now attempt to be somewhat more upbeat.)
Anyway, my point in writing this post is just to say that I know I’ve been in a bloggy slump lately. A big huge part of that is that I struggle with what to write about, especially now that the boy is getting older and it makes me feel uncomfortable to share too much of his life here on the interweb. The irony is that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE having a child this age – I get such a kick out of our conversations and his sense of humor and the way he looks at the world – but I want to be protective of his boundaries. Because even if he doesn’t really understand right now that he needs boundaries, one day he will. And I want him to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I tried my best to be respectful of that.
So given all of that, there’s been a little bit of a bloggy identity crisis going on with me (for the record, that was the absolute lamest thing I’ve EVER written, but I don’t know how else to say it). I’m not good at the home decor stuff. I don’t post a lot of recipes. I love sports, but people get tired of reading about them. I love the Lord, but I’m a smidge too irreverent (and also wordy) for devotional writing. I like to write about family, but honestly, it has been one sad thing after another in my extended family over the last year or so, and that doesn’t really lend itself to WITTY. I like lighthearted and kicky and punchy and fun. But I almost feel like I’m fresh out of, you know, TOPICS.
(Does anybody have an upbeat-yet-poignant piece of music that they could start to play softly in the background?)
(Because I’ve started to sound like the end of a “Doogie Howser, MD” episode.)
(You know, when he was typing in his journal on his sah-weet blue-screen monitor.)
Last thing. And then I’ll stop oh sweet mercy I promise I’ll stop.
The blogosphere is a very different place than it was back in ye olden days, when we wrote posts with fountain pens and delivered them via the Pony Express. People are super-sophisticated about how they market themselves and brand themselves and etc. and so on and so forth. That stuff just isn’t my thing. And because it’s not my thing, there have been times – like, oh, NOW – when I think that I don’t really fit in with whatever this new model of blogging is. I have Twitter because I enjoy it. I have ads because they enable me to cover the cost of running this little parcel of interweb real estate. I don’t have a Facebook page for my blog because I think the internet is probably sick and tired of me already. I don’t really know what all that SEO stuff is and certainly have no idea why I should care.
But despite all the changes, I still love blogging. I really do.
And even though I’m struggling a little bit with what to write about – and with the confidence to post what I write (there are a lot of unpublished posts in my drafts folder because I decide they’re terrible and then I chicken out) – I’m gonna keep trying to push through.
The bottom line is that my lack of bloggy consistency has been bugging me, so I wanted to say something about it, but for heaven’s sake please don’t let me interrupt even one more second of your weekend with my silly nonsense.
Now go eat some fried chicken or something.
And I’ll see y’all next week.
So many of us seem to be having similar thoughts/doubts about our blogs.
My older 2 kids (daughters 13 and 11) have very strong opinions about if I now mention them and all photos are fully vetted for approval. I need to respect this but it has left a bit if a void in my blog. (Am I so boring that without my kids I have no identity? Hope not!)
My 11 year old loves to write and has just created her own private (invite only yo grandparents) blog and reading her take on things is quite hilarious….but as you say, it is THEIR story now…not ours)
So no words of wisdom, just an “amen sister”!
Hear’s to many more years of blogging and whatever that will mean for us :)
Well, I could read about Miss Martha and the Stein Marts until the cows come home.
I just wanted to say…you probably doubt yourself too much. I, for one, love when you ramble about nothing- you are witty and I enjoy that. The topic doesn’t matter to much to me- I like when you talk about food or shopping or your MIL or whatever pops up- I esp. enjoy your American Idol recaps now that I’m watching this season too. Just keep being yourself- we love it!
I found your blog about 6 months ago, linked from Kelly’s Korner I think. I just loved it from that first post I read. I mean you are so funny, and write like I think, and most days a good laugh is worth WAY more than anything. I like recipe blogs cause sometimes I’m at a loss for what we should have for dinner. I like decorating blogs because I like it when other people have pretty places to live. I like it here cause I feel like I’m reading something from a friend. Don’t change a thing…unless you add more about Miss Martha cause I kinda want to just call her up and see what she has to say today. :)
I’m really new to your blog (and a student at Ole Miss- don’t hold it against me!) but I just wanted to say hi and that I always enjoy your posts! You always give me a good laugh for the day, so don’t hide those posts in the drafts because I am sure you are just being tough on yourself!
We all have moments of terror writing for the general public. My draft folder is the same as yours!
I’d like to throw you a little bouquet. I enjoy your blog immensely. It is funny and speaks from the heart. And your fellas are gorgeous!
I’m glad you’re not shutting down, but I do want to put in my two cents and say that if you just posted a Martha quote here every weekday for the rest of my life, I could die happy.
Your blog caught my attention months ago and I check in every time you update and enjoy reading every. single. time. Even when you have little to say. It’s just the way it’s said. I too blog random things from time to time and find it hard to keep coming up with new things but decided that’s ok – it’s more for my enjoyment than anyone else’s and when I have something to say, it’s delightful to have a place to say it. So let yourself go and don’t force it – there will always be a story here and there to share and we’ll all be around to read it.
Thank you for not shutting this here place down. I would be devastated not to have your sass coming through my reader. Love your style. Your lack of blogging is irrelevant. You’ll write when the urge strikes and I’ll be reading it. I’m going through some of the same thing. I started my blog to write about life and my sweet five-year-old who just turned nine. Now I’m trying to link to parties and improve my photography and…I think I’ve burned out on going too many different directions. So keep on keeping on. You’ve got plenty that love your blog whatever you write.
Plus, I have to have your AI recaps. Have to.
I understand the need to protect the boundaries for your sweet boy. I try to do the same. Even though I do get a little sappy every once in awhile. And, will definitely get a bit sappy and sentimental in the coming year, as my oldest son will be graduating next year…and I already feel the weight of that sinking in.
We love you because you are you…we love your humor and your realness…and your heart. Just keep blogging…(I am tempted to write that twice or a few times in Dory from finding Nemo fashion and just for the record said it in sing-sony fashion in my head.)
Love to you…
Well you could just post the time and temp in you place and I’d read it every day cause I know you would make it fun!!!!
I think you actually said what is at the root of why I blog…I love looking back at the nonsense of our lives. My girls are older and one has her own blog but I too am extremely careful about what I say concerning them. They’re also old enough for me to run things by before hitting publish. In the end, I blog to record family…if people read and relate great, if not I know that one day down the road my girls will enjoy looking back at this, especially when they are in the season of life I’m in now. Oh how I wish I had something like this of my mom’s to read. Anyway, I think people like your blog because of how you say it, not what you say. You’re funny and seem real and I think that’s what readers relate to so keep blogging!!
girl i SeriouSly almoSt felt a tear drop When i thought thiS poSt meant you Were Shutting the ole blog doWN! PLEASE DONT!! EVER:):)
i love reading your blog! becauSe every day itS different, and hilariouS!!
SO TO YOU I SAY KEEP ON WRITING YOUR STORY SISTA!!
Hi, Boo! May I call you Boo? :) Yours was the first blog I ever read. (I wandered over from the Living Proof Ministries blog to see what the heck a Boomama was!) I know what you mean about blogs changing in the last few years. It’s an industry and a business for some people. But your blog (and Bigmama’s too) are still my favorites, and the only ones I check daily (besides adoption blogs) because you’re so dang REAL. And unbranded! And relatable! And funny! I hope you keep it up for a long, long time. :)
I know exactly how you feel. Some days I stress about what to write. Then I end up writing about cleaning out the fridge or collecting eggs from our coop. Please don’t stop writing! I love your view of the world no matter what your viewing or writing about at the moment. You make whatever you’re writing about fun, and that’s why I come by each day. I know what you mean about blogging being a business, and I like you, don’t do what the business model says we’re supposed to do…. SEO, ect. You’re link is listed on my blog as one of my favorite reads!
the wanna be country girl – Caroline
Oops…just caught my typo…I meant sing-songy…but you knew what I meant!
I’ve been mulling over some of the same thoughts. After we adopted our daughter, I put up boundaries as to what parts of her story I would tell and how much of her adjustment/attachment I would share. I disappointed some people by not telling the full story.
My son is now 4 and I wonder when I’ll stop writing as much about him. But I know for sure that in motherhood “the days are long, but the years are short.” I am so thankful I did take those 5 minutes to write out a funny moment. Goodness knows I can’t remember when we were… and he said… then he looked…
I enjoy your blog so much. Thanks for writing.
The same issues came up for me when I started my blog. I numbered my children to avoid using their name and I ask if I can blog when something happens or they say something. They are older, youngest is 15. Still, I wanted to respect their thoughts. There have been some really funny things that I haven’t been able to blog about and those things I write in my journal because that is for my eyes only. So far, so good. Even my husband will say that I can blog stuff. I don’t post that often, but I think it works for us. Really glad you are not shutting it down and I agree with the Martha and Steinmarts comments!
I have been here since the start of time, and love reading what you write. I wrote an ode, or lament to the way things were when I first started blogging in 2006 a few posts ago, because all of a sudden there seems to be a huge divide, and I am happy just poddling along the way I have been.
My kids are older and grown, and 2 out of the 3 really hate being written about. Strangely, it is my youngest who actually sat me down and said, Mum, this is YOUR life. You have been there all through the years you raised us and YOU have stories to tell too. About how you did things, and if you happen to mention any of us, then that is just fine. It is YOUR story. You can’t just declare 32 years to be blank.
True.
You see, you can’t separate me from the fact that my 3 kids have been the single greatest blessing in my life, and have indeed occupied 99.9999% of my time. Therefore I have to mention them. But if I turn the focus to how I feel, cope, survive whatever, then I think that works. The stories, they want to get out.
So keep chatting away here. I will certainly be around!
Oh my goodness, I so understand your dilemma. My blog (small and teensy as it is) has no central focus at this point. It is a grab bag of my refurbing furniture, crafting, my darling kids, my chatty ramblings, etc. But maybe that’s just who I am and isn’t that what a blog is supposed to reflect? Our own personalities, right?
Reading ANYTHING you have to write about, Sophie, is FABULOUS. Cosmetic reviews? Yes, please! Martha stories? Um, who could want to hear anything else!?! Pics of your cute boy? Of course!
Thing is, Sophie, EVERYTHING and ANYTHING you write about is SO entertaining, enlightening, fun and awesome for us readers to read because of YOUR writing! You’re like beyond funny and thought-provoking, my friend!
Okay, I just proofread that it sounds like I am some sort of blogging-life-coach giving a pep talk which sounds cuh-razy! I really meant it all as a compliment because I just adore reading what you’ve got to write!
I love reading your blog because I feel like I am checking in with a friend each morning and having a laugh. I have even found myself telling someone else “My friend Sophie said. . . ” or better yet, “My friend’s Mother in Law, Martha. . .” then quickly moving the conversation along so I don’t have to explain that my special friend lives in my computer. Talk about issues!!
Keep writing, BooMama! We love you just as you are!
I get so much of what you’re saying. I’ve been blogging for 5 years and so much has changed. I love checking in with you.
Cxx
I don’t know what to recommend because I’m going through exactly.the.same.thing. I have no idea what to write about anymore, but I don’t want to stop. And I certainly don’t want you stop!
Like so many already said, I get what you’re saying: my oldest is 8, but he was 4 when I started blogging, so I talk much less about him than I used to. But, I think that’s good and fine – I want there to be comfortable boundaries, b/c I never want him to come back and say “You BLOGGED about that, Mom?”
But..you still have plenty to write about. The daily stuff is worth remembering, especially the way you write it. And Martha and Steinmarts – more, please. More.
I like this post!
I’ve never veered into mommyblogger territory, because I’m VERY private about OT online. I won’t use his full name or show his picture, except on Facebook, where I know everybody personally. And I don’t have the gift (like you have) of making everyday outings seem funny and interesting. I’m not into the home decor stuff – and so much of that looks exactly the same, anyway! – and I’m way too snarky for devotional-type stuff. So I blog about books that I read, and I can confidently say that only three people read my entries. And I’m okay with that. :)
So I don’t know what my point is other than yeah, I know what you mean. I’ve read your blog since 2006 and don’t plan to stop anytime soon. Whatever you choose to write about, I’ll be reading! :)
I think I came to you via the Uganda trip but honestly, much like most of my blogs in my reader, I don’t know for sure how I found you. I am so glad I did though and I wanted to let you know you’re in my favorites and I read those every day come rain or shine. I enjoy the fact that you aren’t all structured and I just never quite know what you are going to talk about but I’m assured always to get a smile and honestly, who could ask for anything more! Love the story about A and hope you find your footing soon but don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re just fine the way you are.
I love your blog Sophie! Never once have a I thought you were boring. I especially love reading the posts that are aren’t about anything in particular. I know you said you aren’t stopping the blog, but just a reinforcement PLEASE DON’T! I look forward to reading it everyday!
I think that’s exactly why my blogging has been so…well…nonexistent. I’m not any of those things you listed in your post, and I’ve gone through a season of life that wasn’t particularly enjoyable, leaving me anything but ‘amusing’. I can’t make light of those things in my writing, and I am just not ‘deep’ enough to be a devotional blog, because even though I’m a pastor’s wife, I don’t take myself that seriously. I guess I just don’t fit in anywhere now that my kids are older and I’m trying to be more respectful of what I write about them.
We shall find our way. Well, I may not, but I know you will. :)
I thought you were closing it down. And I found myself reading ahead with panic in my chest. I absolutely love anything you write. Posts about Martha, The Steinmarts, the way your hair gets dry in the chlorine, the pictures of squirrels passed out on your deck, videos of your dog, how you hurt your foot at the Cottrell’s place (even though that wasn’t funny, but you made it sound funny!) etc. etc. etc. I could read a whole book of your posts. Seriously. And you make me laugh out loud which is very hard to do. Please don’t ever stop blogging because I would be devastated!
I went through the same thing last year after an uninvited blog hiatus. I thought long and hard and changed to almost exclusively a food blog, just to keep a hand in, because I decided my kids’ food pickiness was ok to share, and I liked having the record of things that worked and didn’t for dinners, which has made subsequent planning easier.
And: I’ll tell you the same thing I told Shannon. I’ll miss you if you disappear entirely. But I love hearing from you whenever you have something to share. You made this northern girl feel very welcome in the wilds of the interwebs and I love your stories. So thanks for not shutting down…and thanks for keeping us posted. So to speak.
I less than three you, Sophie. I’m so glad you blog.
I never comment but I always read! :) You were the second blog I ever read back in the day! Enjoy your weekend.
Oh my goodness! Just keep on, keepin’ on! I love every. silly. little. thing. you. write! Your blog is the first thing I read on my computer almost daily (no lie – even before my email) – it starts things off on such a happy fun note and I start my day with a smile on my face! Your posts seriously make me laugh out loud and I often tell my husband about your posts too! I totally understand you wanting to protect your son’s boundaries and that’s cool with me – just keep on with your random, witty stuff about whatever strikes you and we’ll be just fine! So stop being so hard on yourself! And if you’re ever in Austin (home of the ORIGINAL Chuy’s), let me know and I’ll take you out for some of the best TexMex you’ve ever had (and just between you and me, its BETTER than Chuy’s! – but we can go to Chuy’s too) and we’ll laugh until we pee our pants… :) Much love to you BooMama!
Amy in Austin, TX
I was a little worried there, Sophie. If you stop blogging, I may lose the will to read anything.
It doesn’t matter how often you write or what you write about. It’s always GREAT.
Right there with you. Except my response has been to completely ignore my blog (going on two months now). sigh… Not sure what the future of blogging is for me.
But you’re staying on my feed reader no matter what, so write what you want, when you want, and I’ll read!
I was getting pretty nervous. You and Melanie are my A blogs. It seems like a few of my B blogs were taking breaks or quitting. *Sniff* but I’ll live. But it would have been a blow if you quit. I don’t care what you talk about….(One of my favorites was the trip to Stein Mart where you found the Ole Miss T shirts), just love your voice.
Wait. I meant Miss State. Not Ole Miss. Sacrilege, I know! Please do not block me from reading your blog.
Many blogs are information/help driven. Others have blogs that are personality driven. Even Pioneer Woman, though she offers food, photography, etc., is personality driven. It is PW herself that we all buy in to. And so it is with you. I bought in to you two years ago. I did shut my own blog down but that is because God told me to and I pretty much do whatever He says. So, BooMama, don’t leave unless He tells you to. Stay for me. And for the butter, bacon and cream cheese lovers everywhere…
I agree with everyone else whatever you write about is worthy of being read. Every post has something that I can relate to, and I really appreciate your story telling abilities. Sometimes I even have my husband read the martha posts. Take care and keep up the good work.
Hi Sophie,
I hope that you never stop blogging! I have enjoyed your blog for years, but this is my first comment. I just had to write to tell you that your corner of the blogosphere brings me great joy! I love your sense of humor, your kindness, and your delightful story-telling. You are a treasure!
Blessings to you,
Susan
I think I’ve commented here exactly two times in the several-ish years I’ve been reading (sorry about that…it’s my own absurd issue with trying to find the EXACT thing to say. and the more I don’t comment the more I’m self-conscious about it. Clearly I can relate with the having of the issues.) I’ve struggled with blogging myself over the years because of the very thing you bring up here – feeling the need to have some sort of “direction” or “niche”, or even “point”. I sort of hate that about the pressure in the blogging world, and I’d love to just shake off those worries and just WRITE, for pete’s sake.
The thing is, I know I’m not business-savvy or marketing-savvy or much-of-anything-savvy, but to me the appeal of reading blogs is in getting an honest glimpse of a person’s heart. That’s what impacts my life. In recent years I’ve noticed that I’m easily turned off by blogs where someone seems to elevate theme or market or a mass following over just being who they are and allowing that honesty to draw the people that God is gathering to that particular community. I crave authenticity over function. And that is precisely the reason I’m drawn here. Because no matter what topics your posts cover, you are just being you and your heart is pulsing through it all. (That’s supposed to sound encouraging rather than creepy.)
Little corners of the internet like this are what gives me hope for what I love most about the blogging community. You just write about whatever the heck you want, and I guarantee that people will gather.
My heart almost stopped. I did think you were getting ready to say you were shutting down the blog. Thankfully, it was not the case.
I ready your blog every single day. And, love it. You have a delightful way with words and your sense of humor is wonderful. Please don’t stop blogging.
i completely get this post. well, you can always start writing about what you wear like i have started doing. http://afamiliarpath.com/2011/03/what-i-wore-on-the-three-days-i-got-dressed-in-the-past-seven-days/
it’s both humbling and humiliating.
or you could share your twitter expertise. i did that too.
http://afamiliarpath.com/2011/03/twitter-what-do-i-say/
So, I didn’t take the time to read all of the 42 comments so far, so I may just be repeating……
Just keep on blogging! Don’t worry about the stats, the “ins” and the “expected” about blogging. Just write what’s on your mind. Be sensitive to the little man, but please keep sharing.
I love reading your thoughts!
Have a great week!
Roan
I totally get this. I was worried that people thought I loved my daughter more than my son because I was posting more about her. But it’s because, like you said, he is at the age where I feel uncomfortable sharing as much. Also, you and Melanie have been models for so many of us bloggers. We’re all really grateful for the laughter and encouragement along the way. Thanks for sharing your lives with us.
Oh, Sophie! I’m grateful that you’re willing to share your heart with us. Sweet Sister, I want you to know how much I’m blessed by just visiting your blog. I completely and totally understand the whole trying to find your blogging identity. My humble little blog has been the home of such a place. I struggled for quite a while. For me, for now, I came to the realization that I did not need to pressure myself to write on a regular or frequent basis. However, I need to be at liberty to write when I feel led or just the desire to do so. Sometimes it’s funny four-year-old Sophie stuff from around here, sometimes it’s a whole lot of nothin’ and sometimes it is exactly what I feel He is leading me to write. No matter, I just wanted to be free in my blogging. And I think we bloggers all know that can be easier said than done
I’ve come to appreciate my blog for what it is. A very humble little blog read by ones of people every day. ;)
Sophie, what I love is that you are just YOU! It’s you we love! It’s you that we are coming back here for. If “you” means you are at point where the daily life details that mostly involve your little man will have to cut back some because of who you are as a mother and who he is–then I am so completely happy that you are just being YOU.
I love your wit. I don’t want you to grow a new personality. ;) I want you feel liberty to share even the sad stuff that is, “if” you feel liberty. I suppose when you’re blog has been a very witty, upbeat part of the blogging community and can probably be uncomfortable writing about some of the raw stuff. And you may never want to do that.
The point is, you be free in what you write. Don’t second guess yourself. Even through our blogging, even when we may look back and say, “well, I would do that differently now,” well, that’s just a reflection on our humanity.
And now I’m rambling. See, you are by far the only blogger who thinks she rambles. Not that you ramble. Not at all. I’m rambling.
I’m so grateful for your blog. And I’m so glad I’ve had the opportunity to meet you in person if only for that brief moment in New Orleans at Beth Moore. I’m so grateful for YOU!
Put some fresh flowers on your blog and I bet it’ll bring you a smile!
Love you bunches!
BooMama,
I haven’t read all of these comments. I’m sure they are all reminding you how loved and appreciated you are for your wit and candor and enthusiasm for things deserving such. You make me proud of my city – not everything does, you know. But, you show me how to live and talk with grace in a world that sometimes is not so very interested in the things I am as a woman or a Christian. I love that you are nobody’s fool and no push over on things that matter, like people “over there” and problems that have no quick fixes but cannot be ignored either, at least not in Jesus’ name.
You are a hero and example to me. Everyday, you make me laugh or think deeply and carefully about just who I am and what my life’s energies are focused upon. I don’t care if you just give us deals of the week at Publix or the Pig, or if you talk about what growing in your garden or what’s new and beautiful in a shop on The Curve. Hearing your words, knowing you are there, helps me, pushes me, won’t let me forget things that we have both seen and the subsequent responsibilities that we share.
Oh, Boo Mama! Sorry you’re having a hard time. For the record, you’re just so funny and witty that it really doesn’t matter what you write about. Even the stuff that has absolutely nothing do to with anything I like makes me laugh and laugh.
I get this. Hoo boy. I’m such a do-it-all-wrong blogger, but I can’t not do it. And my girls are 10, 8, and 5, and I used to blog about them ALL the time, and I’ve pulled waaaay back without really even realizing it. I share a lot of the funny things my 5yo says, but not the older two, and I sometimes wonder if people think I like her the best (boo). I will ask the older two sometimes, “Can I blog about this?” and they mostly say yes.
Anyway. I think you know how much I like you. And I sure hope you stick around. For life. :)
p.s. We had fried chicken for dinner right before I read this. :)
keep the funnies comin’ girl, we enjoy em :)
And, as you keep writing, we’ll keep reading! Love your blog and your sensitivity to your son!
I’m a long-time grateful reader, but terrible commenter! I so love your blog just the way it is. I enjoy whatever you write, shopping, eating, your MIL, sports, all of it. Just continue with your randomness and say whatever comes to mind – we love it!
Girl! I just want to hug your neck right about now. I read this early this morning and I completely get it! I started my blog to market my book (that never made it to a bookshelf– but that’s another story for another day), but I never was good with the marketing part. I fell in love with the relational part — and that’s where I’ve stayed. I’ve never found my bloggy identity so I’ve declared myself to have multi-personality blog disorder…. One day I’m doing the witty thing, the next is a devotional, then I’m talking vacation stuff, and a bit of parenting tossed in for good measure. I call it the Sybil Syndrome.
But that works for me — and girl, you work for you. Just enjoy the ride. Have fun with it. I think we did this blogging thing for kicks, right?
Oh, Sophie, even when you think you are having a “blogging identity crisis,” you are hysterically funny and very much a must-read blogger. Love your heart, love your spirit and love your wit. You’re a believer and a wife and a mama and an SEC football lover and a very, very good writer. Love your honesty, love the way you process your life and love your writing. Keep the faith, girl. The flowers are starting to bloom and a new season is about to spring forth containing lots of new bloggy deliciousness for which you will report.
Martha. More Martha. I had a mother-in-law just like her once upon a time. God rest her soul. It’s a miracle my husband is normal. She bragged that she started potty training her three “boys” when they reached 6 months of age and “had some success with two of them, I’d rather not say which two.” I’m not kidding.
Please ramble and be yourself. I love reading your posts.
Yes, yes and YES!! I get this sooooo much, girl. Everything has changed. Everything. The Blogosphere used to be just a bunch of mamas who wanted to share and have fun with it, but now it’s all about barfy self-promotion stuff and that turns me off so much I can’t even express it.
And I get it about protecting the boundaries of the children, too. I had that conviction a few years ago, as well. AND crazy hard extended family stuff that makes one not have much to say. All of that combined has made my own blogging become sporadic at best. I used to blog daily and now I’m lucky to get to it once a month which is sad because I do love it so.
I love your blog, girl. You’ll find your voice and if it’s only every now and then, we’ll still be here, faithfully reading. <3 <3 <3
Please keep writing; something, anything. I have followed your blog for close to a year. I think I found you through BigMama. I love recipes and decorating, but that is not why I come to your site; I come for you. My girls are older, and it brings back so many memories to read about a mama who loves bringing up her little one. I also love that you love the Lord. And that you have ankle issues like me. Maybe you are about to find a new voice. I will be listening.
As one of your newest newcomers, my heart sank when I began to read this and thought it was the beginning of the end. Whatever you write is a gift to all of us who read it and I am lucky to know most of your characters so the stories are extra special to me. I’m relieved that as of now you are not planning to stop blogging completely.
I’m also blown away by these comments. What a gift God has given you, and through you, to all of us. Thank you.
Oh, Boomama! I scrolled down to the end of your post when I was fearful you were going to do a permanent “sign-off”. Oh, Dear Heart, don’t scare me like that!! I know how you feel about protecting your little man’s privacy. Just wait until he’s a teen! They need to know that they can trust us. I can’t believe that Alex is almost 8! Wow!
About your writing……..I LOVE your stories about everyday things the most. A few weeks ago, I nearly laughed myself silly over your search for Volume Enhancer and Mentholatum! You can make the very thing I have done before….maybe over different products………sound so amusing, just flat-out hysterical! I’m a little OCD (Ok, maybe more than a little in case someone from my family reads this) and tend to stress out over looking for something. I roared with laughter over your description about the search and even recognized myself in your thinking but I WASN’T LAUGHING ABOUT IT until you had such humor and grace about it. My mother-in-law is from the South, too, and I didn’t laugh about her until you described yours. Now, I get it :) You’ll get your groove back. There is no doubt in my mind:)
I’m newish to bloggin and to blog reading, but it seems that the most fun blogs to read are just like having a conversation with a friend. So keep chatting like you would your best friend, even if it seems ridiculous. You still have a lot to say, even if you aren’t talking about your kids. Our kids give us a lot of conversation, but thankfully we’re all still women too and I could sit and chat about almost anything. Seriously, it’s scary sometimes. So, push through and don’t think it has to be one way or another, it’s yours and you can write anything you please.
I find joy in blogging I guess I have pretty much covered everything in life. Hope to keeping on posting.
Anyhow I wrote out my post for this up coming Saturday photo hunt shoot.
I read and ment all type of wonderful people in blog world.
Coffee is on.
Oh my WORD. I thought you were going to close the blog down. I almost hyperventilated.
I can so identify. I made the foolish choice five years ago to name my blog “SortaCrunchy” and the level of blogging about crunchiness has taken a nose dive in the last year or so. As it turns out, all I want to talk about most of the time is Jesus. Funny, that.
Anyway, listen Sophie – PLEASE. Please let loose with some irreverent devotional type posts. I’ve been reading for years, and you have never failed to delight. I would love to read more devotional-type stuff from you because I know you would make me laugh and think.
And now, you need to know that I started this comment, had a mad NEED for fried chicken, went to go grab some Chicken Express (do you have Chicken Express where you are?) and fed my family on fried delight tonight. I even ate the crispy, crispy skin. And it was awesome. And now I am finishing my comment. So thank you for that.
Boo Mama! Personally, I will read whatever you post – I love your writing style, your testimony of your faith, and your GREAT Southern humor! I love to hear about you standing in the kitchen watching STATE play football, your trips to the SteinMarts, and even your little stumbles down friends’ steps!!! Please keep it up! You make me laugh AND cry! Love it all!!! Leslie
Boo Mama!!!
you.are.hilarous! you make me laugh and cry when i read your blog! i love your Southern charm, humor, writing style, and most of all, your testimony of your faith! the stories of the SteinMarts, tripping on friends’ porches, and standing in the kitchen watching STATE play football are all time favorites! keep it up!
Ditto — I’ve all but stopped blogging because parenting is 99.44 percent of my life and I don’t want my kids’ lives to be public. But that other .56 percent of my life? Boring.
Will you please ask Alex if you can share his story? I’d love to read it, and he might be tickled to be your guest blogger for a day!
I haven’t commented in a while but the reason I still love, love, love you blog after all these years is because you aren’t in it for the money. Or the giveaways. Or the trips. Or whatever. You blog because God gave you a gift of telling stories.
Thank you for sharing the stories from Martha and Steinmart, your men :), the Bulldogs, mentholatum, sharpies, etc. I love them all and get tickled every time I see a new post in my reader!
Dear BooMama,
Thank you for being a voice of joy and laughter in the blog world. I cannot remember how I found you, but I’m so glad I did. I love reading about Sister, since I have 3 of my own, but only one who lives nearby.
When I read what comes into my in-box from you ( I love your recommendations i.e. Sharpies), I feel like I’m talking to my friend. You have touched many of us by just being you and I hope that there is some reward for you, some sense of making a difference, because that’s what you do.
I’m glad to read that you are considering Alex’s boundaries in a world where so many are living ‘reality show’ lives and making some not very nice memories for their children.
Seriously, do those people even think about what their children will read or see when they are older or how they will feel? As one of my sisters said, we’re not saving for college for our kids, we’re saving for therapy instead because they’re gonna need it”. This was said in jest when we were all together on our annual family camping trip and talking about parenting and other family things. (Just a side note, all four of their kids have graduated from college). Although, for some of ‘those’ people, saving for future therapy for their kids would definitely be something to consider. Whew! OK, rant over.
All this to say, I’m so happy you will still be around and that I’ll read anything you write, and maybe Alex will be checking in himself as a guest writer to tell us how he’s doing, or just to say Hi to his Mama’s gazillion close, intimate friends : )
Thank you Sophie for your distinctive, Southern voice and your very sweet, tender heart.
Sandy
So I decided to read through alll the comments because it’s late (or, rather, early) and I like to fill the wee hours of the morning with randomness… and I love seeing how many of the oldie-but-goodies of the blog world have commented on this post. Because, I think all of us who have been around for 5, 6, 7 years (since, you know, the dark ages) have meandered down about fifty-five paths and rabbit trails and maybe over a few bridges and a through a quiet valley or ten. We write about our lives and our lives keep changing, so of course our writing will, too. People have been telling me, recently, that they miss my old crazy stories of happy life with a toddler and such. But, well… now I have two preschoolers and I’ve been through a lot of darkness and my life is about as different as could be from the 19 year old I was when I started typing random happy stories. I can’t pretend to be that girl, now, six years later.
Personally, I love when you ramble and just talk about your dinner or your laundry or TV or yesterday’s trip to Target. It’s all good, Sophie, always.
Hey girl,
You could write about the phone book and it would be interesting. I think it’s more about “voice” than topic and you’ve got a great one!! Keep it up. (Thanks for Andrew Peterson, wouldn’t have known about him otherwise as well as lots of other fun things!)
Long time reader, infrequent commenter.
Yours was one of the first blogs I started reading about 3 1/2 years ago.
I love your brand of funny, crazy, compassion and serious.
I even tried Mentholatum on your recommendation!
Glad you are not throwing in the towel!
Love you, love all the sharing you have done, and love the fact that you aren’t on the “marketing / branding ” band wagon. I have lost interest in so many blogs that are so shiny and slick… and truly, for lack of a better description, just full of themselves:-) I miss the authenticity of Moms sharing their lives and thoughts vs. women marketing their ideas into online businesses. Nothing wrong with that, it obviously meets a demand, it just doesn’t appeal to me.
I am not a fan of contrived, and that is why you stand out. You are a genuine writer, writing about a genuine life, and I love that. Understand about boundaries for your little guy and needing to establish parameters, but I know you will find your groove in this new era of parenting / family life. (Visiting here is alike popping into the neighbors for coffee and a chat- and that is a gift to Momma’s home in the trenches (or like me working from home) needing to connect outside their home, and get suggestions for a good smelling counter cleaner. ha)
I simply love reading anything you write……..
I haven’t blogged in months. I’m pretty sure that facebook ate my blog. That makes me sad, but I also don’t know what to blog about anymore. BTW, you were one of my first bookmarked-to-read-every-morning-with-my-coffee blogs.
I started my blog when my first daughter was 18 months simply to document her life for family and friends (because who wouldn’t want to hear about it?!), and when my second daughter was born I started calling it “The Hairbow Chronicles.” Since I have girls and they wear hairbows, and all. Now they are 4 and 19 months, and pretty much mostly the source for my bloggy inspiration, but I don’t know what I’ll do when they are bigger. Change the name to “The Training Bra Chronicles” ? Awesome, I’m glad I thought of that. All that to say, I think every day life, with or without young kids, can be oh so hilarious…kind of like what happened to us this weekend…
I’ve never commented on your blog before, but I want you to know that I SO ENJOY reading your posts…no matter the subject material! Thank you for your joyfulness in life – it certainly comes through in everything you write, and I am blessed by it!
Ooh, girl. I feel ya. I got into a bloggy hole that I haven’t crawled out of, mostly because of real life stuff. I was having a hard time trying to write things without mentioning the difficulty of our lives at the time. I’d be writing about crafting or sewing something (your favorite pasttime) and trying to be upbeat, and sometimes it made me feel like a big fat phony. Like I wasn’t be completely honest with the world or something.
I think your niche is writing about the things that make life oh-so-fun, in spite of our hardships. That’s why I enjoy your blog so much. I know when my girlfriends and I get together, we choose sometimes to talk about those fun silly things. It’s the cheapest therapy there is. We all know the feeling of “I can’t possibly think about another thing today” (wow, that sounds Scarlet-y), so I’m going to watch “House Hunters” for 4 days or talk about hair. You do a great job of putting that feeling into words.
Keep up it. :)
Can I just say your randomness is actually the whole reason I read your blog?!?! Just keep on with commenting on life and TV and Chuys, because that’s what I love to read! And I’m sure others share my sentiments…
Keep doing what you’re doing. I agree with Traci from Total Momsense. I could read about Martha and the Steinmarts too. I enjoy reading the American Idol updates…never would have found Ben Rector if not for you….there are so many more little tidbits that come through. I think that what makes your inspirational/devotional posts so poignant…you have a way of making us all feel like one of your best friends through all the fun and frivolity and then a word of wisdom comes through and speaks to us all….Keep doing what you’re doing!
Well. I am in no position to comment because the last post on my blog is dated Jan. 11, 2011. However, I will say that I read your blog even on days you don’t post. I mean, I come here to visit and if there’s nothing new, I just re-read what I read the last time I was here. Is that weird? Wait, don’t answer that. All I’m trying to say is that you’ve been an encouragement and we love you. While I don’t know you personally, I think that in your heart you are a writer and that you must write. If you find that it works for you in some other format than the blog, I’ll read you there too whatever it is.
And just an aside, I think Facebook and Twitter have taken their toll on blog world in general.
I am glad you are not going to let your personal tragedy affect your ability to do good hair … I mean affect your ability to write this blog!
We love you more than our luggage!
During a really sad time in my life, you helped heal me. I had become overwhelmed by the burdens of this earth, which many Christians refer to as the “dark night of the soul”. You helped me remember joy in the simple things. JOY in the mundane, if you will. There are those that write in esoteric and lofty verbage, which is so noble and divinely inspired it melts your heart and mind. Don’t get me wrong, there is a place for staring at stain glass, and bubbling brooks and the first daffodils of spring and finding meaning.
And it works if you have plenty of time to stare at bubbling brooks, and gaze at your child’s hair as it glistens in the sunlight through the windows. In my busy/ chaotic world, it is not really practical. I always have a sense of failure in not living up to those who are so serene.
Your humor and delight in the day to day was what brought me out of my funk. Total immersion in a college basketball game and yelling “come on son!” Martha and Sissy stories probably are worth a years worth of Prozac. Delight in diet cokes, and fried chicken and cream cheese. Laughter with friends. Reality TV. Excitement over flip flops and haircuts. And I remembered how to laugh again, and I was and am OK. But more importantly- I remembered God and he remembered me.
Psalm 143
I love your blog, whatever you write about! Seriously, it’s less about the topics and more about your voice and your often hilarious take on things. And I wish you’d just hit “publish” on all your drafts because I’m sure they are awesome as well. :-) (((HUGS)))
You are perfect just the way you are. Please don’t change a thing.
I’ve read for quite some time but never commented….keep writing whatever is on your heart…I’m 32 and now live in Mexico and probably will for the greater part of the rest of my life, your blog makes me feel a little less homesick every time I read. For that alone, I’m really, really grateful.
Yours was the first non-India adoption blog I ever read — it was linked to another southern adoptive mama’s blog, and that’s how I found you. I laughed so hard when I read why it’s called BooMama, because one of my dearest friends is a southern girl transplanted to Wisconsin, and it reminded me so much of her family stories.
All whimsy aside, I also love hearing about your interior life. When you went on the Compassion trip, other times when you’ve had the courage to share what’s happening in your thoughts, or serious topics . . . ALL of that brings glory to God, because it reveals the unique way he’s crafted you, Sophie: lightness, humor, and fun, but also integrity and compassion for those who suffer. I hope I get to keep hearing about all of it.
Okay, girl, listen…I read your blog every single day (well, lately every single day that you post :-) ) and enjoy it immensely. I am an almost 60 year old empty nester, who thoroughly enjoys getting a peek into the life of a much younger woman with a child still at home. It helps me keep my perspective to remember the joys (and horrors) of that life. The fact that we are both in Birmingham is a plus, even though we’ve never met. I know the places you talk about and I like that. So the point is that you are a great blogger and your readers enjoy it. Relax; write what the Lord puts on your heart and what you are comfortable sharing. We’ll be interested and entertained, I promise!
I love reading whatever topic you write about because you’re so darn funny.
I tell people I honestly believe you are the funniest person alive. And I mean that. I’m not a dramatic type who exaggerates or one who gives empty compliments. I really do think that.
Some of your funniest posts, ever, are about Mah-tha/Mother/”Martie”/Sissie/Steinmarts. THEY ARE! THEY ARE! THEY REALLY ARE AMONG MY FAVORITE! THEY REALLY ARE!
And of course, the ones about when you fall down outside of worship leaders’ houses.
All that to say, you are so stinkin’ funny you could write about anything and make it funny. Keep on keepin’ on, Boomama! We love you.
Funny you posted this, because I am feeling the same way about my blog. I started it when my boys were little (6mos and 3yrs) and now it’s been nearly 6 years and blogging has become so different…. I used to fee like I always had something to say on my blog- it started out a knitting blog and morphed into a mommy/craft/knitting blog. But lately it seems like I don’t have much to add- unless something happens (a trip, a big craft project finished), I feel like I’m just blathering on about nothing. So I don’t post. And people stop reading. And I stop posting because no one is reading. It’s a vicious cycle!
Anyways, just wanted to say that I love your sense of humor and even if you are nattering on ‘about nothing’, it’s still fun to read!
You are way too good even when you feel irrelevant to stop writing. And you konw we all have things going on that are sad, but sometimes we can still find the funny in those times. And to second what others have said – I could live on the Martha and the Steinmarts every day. Keep blogging and I’ll keep reading. It wouldn’t be a great day without your witty words!!
I love your blog. I have loved every ounce of Howard and Martha goodness. I have added “COME ON NOW SON” to my lexicon, and I live in California. I think about cheese its a lot more. And fried chicken. Also bacon. Screw those SEO-blog promotion guys. You are a bright spot on the Interweb, and my life is richer and my face is smilier because of your writing. I also know a lot more about the Bulldogs. God bless you, Boomama. Thank you for all the kicky and fun and sassy and hilarious and sweet. You’ll find your footing again. And until then, we love you.
Oh Boomama, please don’t stop writing! You make a trip to SteinMart(s) or Wal-mart(s) sound like the biggest adventure… you just have a wonderful Southern voice that I would miss so much! But, that being said, I understand your dilemma. I am an avid blog-reader. Yes, only a reader. I don’t have the courage to write my own blog. I wanted to have one a few years ago but I struggled with the same things you mentioned. I have three children (older than your son) and soooo many funny, sad, cute stories that I could document but I fear their reaction and loss of privacy so no. I am also a pastor’s wife and I have soooo many funny, sad, cute stories that I could document but I fear their reaction and my own loss of privacy so no! Ha! I also feel like I have missed a window of sorts. Like you mentioned, blogging is such a big business now. You were one of the very first blogs I started reading back in 2007 and things were so much simpler then (ha ha). Now I think there may not be room for anyone else. I don’t know. ANYWAY, please know that we enjoy you and we appreciate you. You turn a phrase like no one else can. :)
I have to echo the sentiments contained in the above comments. My heart started racing when I thought you were saying goodbye. I had to skip ahead to make sure you weren’t leaving us. You are loved, adored, and cherished. Your witty comments and self-depreciation is so endearing. Sometimes I imagine being your friend, but then I worry I wouldn’t be as funny as you! Please continue to write! Your stories about piled-up laundry, your sweet mil, and anything that pops into your head bring pleasure to sooo many! You have a gift, and it is a gift from a loving heavenly Father. God wants us to use our gifts!
BooMama, I love reading your blog! Nearly every post makes me laugh out loud at something you’ve written. Just keep keeping on until it becomes a burden or obligation. :)
Even though I may be one of your newest newcomers, I, too, had my heart sink reading your latest blog entry when I thought, “Well, this is it. She’s done.” And the relief when you claimed it wasn’t so!
You must beam reading these comments realizing the impact you’ve had on so many. I’ve known you were someone special for a while now, and being lucky enough to know some of your cast of characters personally makes your tales so much more entertaining to me. I’d like to be able to read about A’s high school graduation cap near-fiasco one day, but that may be just me. Anything you write about is entertaining and always brings a smile to my face if not a full-blown LOL.
God has given you a gift and, in turn, given us all a gift by allowing us to share in it with you. Thank you.
Obviously, I didn’t realize my initial comment “took”, else I wouldn’t have left a near-exact comment today. The sentiment is worth a two-time posting, nevertheless.
Please excuse me as I make my way to locate a commenting-on-blogs-is-easy class.
I came to your website for the first time today. Thanks for your transparency. I put you in My Favorites folder.
Oh, Soph, I hope you are coming to the 75th reunion! And if you do, I bet you will have some blog entries after that weekend! Love you and can’t wait to see you hopefully!