Happy October 1st friends! Although I’ve been in fall mode for about a month now, October is when our favorite pumpkin patches open up, so I’m stoked for our adventures this year. We may visit a few new ones, which is pretty exciting in my world, let me tell ya.
I’ve seen a few of my favorite bloggers sharing their tour around blogland over the last few months. So I was pretty excited when Della @ Della Devoted asked me to participate. She’s a newbie blogger and so sweet. You can check her blog out HERE.
1. What am I working on?
Right now we’re working on upgrading our kitchen! We’re getting new counter tops, back splash, sink and faucet. Y’all, I am so excited for a new sink. Our sink is so gross and the bottom is chipping off because it’s plastic. I know, plastic. I cannot wait to breathe some new life into our home.
I’m also working on Little A’s birthday party next weekend! I’m excited to share it with you in a few weeks. I also blogged about her pink lemonade theme 2nd birthday and shabby chic 1st birthday.
2. How does my work differ from others in my genre?
It differs because it’s mine! There are a ton of lifestyle bloggers out there, so it can be difficult to make yourself stand out. I may not always post the most revolutionary recipe or workout, but the way I write and the photos I take are all unique to me.
One of my most viewed posts, my white chicken chili recipe.
3. Why do I write/create what I do?
I write to connect with others. I originally started this blog to share my love of baking. But it quickly transformed into something more. This place is my outlet where I can share whatever I want. And I love that. I create what I do (recipes, workouts, projects) because it makes me happy. And I hope that what I share will inspire others to create as well.
4. How does my writing/creating process work?
Process? I don’t really have a process per se. I tried planning out my posts before, sticking to a specific schedule, but it’s just never worked out for me. I always have multiple posts in draft, so as the inspiration comes to me, I write it down. If I’m not feeling inspired by something I started writing, I don’t force it and just move on. I’ve had times on this blog where my posts have felt forced, and I hate that. I never want to publish something I don’t like. I’m sure it happens to all of us at some point, but it’s never our most shining moment.
And there you go. Just a little insight into me and how/why I blog.
And now let’s get real folks. Or, I guess more real than I just was….because that was all real of course. I mentioned in my post last Friday that I was just feeling off. And even though on Sunday night I was pumped for this week and had my posts all ready to go, after Monday’s post I felt….blah (technical term).
I spent a lot of time over the weekend thinking about this blog and what the heck I should do with it. Should I continue? Should I just stop? Do I want to take it in a certain direction and become a niche blogger? I thought about all the free time I’d have if I just stopped blogging. I pictured me and the hubs sitting on the couch after putting Little A down for the evening, with a glass of wine, just watching a favorite show; and not feeling like I need to think of a new post idea, or stress about how I can get more followers, or how my blog is doing. While I do love writing this blog (and trust me, I really do), at times it’s stressful.
Blogging takes a lot of time. And having a toddler takes a lot of time. And having a sled business and a corporate job takes a lot of time. I honestly don’t know how some of you mamas with jobs do it. I am constantly feeling like some aspect of my life is being neglected, and I never, ever want it to be my family. My job is getting in the way of my blogging, obviously. 🙂
I would love to grow this blog and have it supplement some income for us, but I just don’t know if I’ll ever get there. I don’t know if I have the right content. I’m not a niche blogger, so I sometimes feel like I’ll never get to that level where I want to be. And, at this point in time, that just isn’t sitting right with me.
So I guess what I’m trying to say is, I don’t yet know what the future holds for A Touch of Grace. I’m still weighing what I want to do, and if I’ll have to continue with a corporate job, if I’ll be able to continue with this blog.
So that’s that I guess. Sorry I don’t have a more exciting end to this post except happy hump day!
I understand that life gets busy. At the end of the day, do what makes you happy. We love these peeks into your life, but if you’re not getting joy from it, is it worth it?
I want to tell you a little story that i think applies:
The other night, I was talking to John about how disappointed I was that I haven’t been as consistent with my runs as I was last year. I just haven’t been enjoying them. They have felt like work to me.
After hearing this, he turned and said, “Running isn’t your job… do what you enjoy”.
That really struck home with me. Do what you enjoy, girl.
I ditto all of the above. If blogging is making you stressed, then maybe take a step back or blog just as a way to record memories. Either way, that story from the above comment is right on. Do what makes you happy and content with life. Also, I love that first picture!
All of your last paragraphs…exactly my thoughts lately. I know we’ve talked about this some and will more but I feel ya. You know I love reading your posts but even if you decide to not blog anymore, we’ll stay caught up on each other’s lives. 🙂 You are a great blogger though…just remember that! Loved the blog tour part too 🙂
I’ve had those blahs too… so I hear you! I frequently tell myself, if I’m not enjoying it, I’ll stop. However, even when things are crazy, hectic, etc. I love it and just can’t stop. Boy oh boy would I ever miss you if you stopped though. You’re on my “must see” blogger list.
Ultimately though, it’s your life and you’ve got to do what feels right for you and your family.
Hugs.
xoxo
I agree – blogging takes up way too much time. If the Lord didn’t call me to do it, I definitely wouldn’t be!!! Not only is there writing the posts (which some could take me HOURS) but then I want to invest in everyone elses stories too!!!! I have no idea how people make money – but I guess that is why some people blog all together??
Yay for a new kitchen!! So awesome!!!!
I’m like you, I’m so excited for pumpkin patches. It will be Raylan’s first time at one. Thanks for sharing the recipe. I can’t wait to try it. I really do hope you continue to blog. I love reading all of your posts and I’m so glad I have met you through blogging. May God bless you!
Della@Della Devoted
http://delladevoted.blogspot.com
Aw thanks Della, you’re so sweet. You should definitely try the chili; it’s awesome!
Have fun at the pumpkin patch! We love going to them!
Wow, I can totally relate to your struggle with blogging. It’s such a blessing in many ways but takes up so much time. I’ve thought a lot lately {again} about what I could with my time if I stopped blogging as well. I think it’s healthy to figure out why you’re having those feelings and through prayer come to a conclusion. That’s what I’m still working on!
Like others mentioned above, I would miss your posts too, but ultimately, you have to do what’s best for you and your family. 🙂
You are so right Jen. I really need to get to the root of things right now and create a plan going forward if I want to continue. Thanks for your support! 🙂
I loved reading about your blogging thoughts. And I’m so excited to see your new kitchen, that is sooooo awesome. I totally know what you’re talking about when it comes to the time and dedication required of a blog, and also when it feels more like stress than fun. I go through those phases and I hate them. I hate hitting publish on a post just because I have nothing else to write but I feel like if I don’t hit publish it will be the first of many times and I’ll fall off the wagon. And I also feel the same way about just being able to hang out with my husband at night and watching our shows rather than stress about writing a post or responding to emails. Totally, totally feel you. I will say though that I would be soooooooooooo sad if you stopped. You’re one of my “top blogs” to check in on, and now that I’ve met you in person I would be totally bummed! There’s always the option of just posting less often, like once a week? Much less burden but if it’s consistent, people will still show up to read 🙂
You are wonderful to read. I’m o thankful to see your posts. I feel like we share so many similarities, But, I like you, struggle. I started my blog to document my kids and I know my posts aren’t always inspired but I want to be better. Like all areas of my life I want to give 110% and that can be hard to do when we are pulled in so many directions. Either way–I hope you find peace about where you choose to take this.
Aw thanks Bekah. I totally agree with giving 100% to all aspects of your life, but it is so hard to do all the time. Thanks for your support. 🙂
I plan on doing a blogland tour post this week! Someone tagged me. 🙂 You and my other blog friend Tamara share the excitement I have for fall. It is really an amazing time for me and I just love so much about it as well. I totally understand your gripe with blogging. I’ve contemplated dozens of times giving up my blog, but then I think of how in the toughest times this year, the blog comments from people like you who have been supporting me in this journey and how they really have helped me and encouraged me so much. So what I end up doing is cutting back on how much I post which actually helps so much. Like this week I posted twice (apart from the linkup I host every Sunday). At one time, I posted once in a week. I just do whatever I can and because I share my struggle with the balance thing on the blog, a lot of people understand that I may not get to read every post they write which is very great to hear because family comes first! In the end, if you decide to give it up, I totally understand! I just wanted to let you know I’ve been there with you contemplating the same thing! 🙂
I totally agree with you on the support you receive from blogging. I feel like I’ve built such a community here. That would be the hardest part about giving it up.
Thanks for your support. I think maybe going down in posts when I need to would probably help. Although then I’d probably stress about not posting enough and losing readers, ha! 🙂
I hope you keep your blog!! I am so new to blogging, but I just post once a week from my laptop, so I can have time with my hubby & son. I pop on Instagram & answer msg’s & emails a couple times a day from my phone so I’m not glued to it. I’m your “newest” follower, so now, ya have to stay!! ha ha!!!! 😉