Why do I blog?

Have you ever been asked this question?  To a non blogger, the world of blogging seems so strange.  For the most part many people just don't know anything about blogging.  I sure didn't before I started and I would have never guessed myself to be a blogger either.  It is hard to believe that yesterday with my latest table scape post I have done 100 blog posts already. 

 Who knew I would have that much to share?  So, today in honor of this 100 posts mile marker I have decided to do a post explaining why "I" blog.

For each of us blogging holds a different purpose or mindset.  When I first started blogging I too questioned why do this?   What is a blog?  I read somewhere that a blog is like an online diary, but unlike a diary it is one you share, however the diary is primarily about your thoughts.  In the world of blogging, I have discovered there are as many different types of bloggers as there are subjects.  It would also appear that there are also just as many followers as there are subjects.  Followers are those that link together with other blogs to read.  Which brings me to my question to myself why blog?  I certainly didn't want to share my inner most deepest thoughts with the world, although I am sure there are many bloggers who do.  The why for me was easy to answer as I was fortunate enough to be introduced into the world of decorating blogging.  I came across someone who made the extra effort to not only maintain her own blog but invite others into the world of blogging.  Thank you Debbiedoos!

In my decor "blog world" I have found a place of beauty and inspiration like none I've experienced before.  What I did not expect to find was the connection of friendships that have emerged.  The ladies I blog with are some of the most kind and encouraging women I have ever encountered in my life.  We share so many creative ideas, finds, and everyday inspiration to decorate our homes and enhance our surroundings.  We are kind and considerate of each others feelings and styles.  We are boastful in only the most lighthearted way and are always happy to encourage another.  The ladies I blog with are NOT arrogant or haughty though I am sure there are those types out there.  We are not too busy with our own lives to acknowledge and encourage each other at times daily or weekly.  That is what is most humbling to me.  It is amazing how many women are out there like me who long for friendships that simply make time for each other.  I have tried this in real life and have had only a few successful friendships that fit any of the above qualities.  If you have this in real life you are truly blessed because believe it or not there are many people out there who do not. 

For me personally, I also try to keep my blog as "my happy place".  It is my place to escape so to speak, amongst others.  LOL!

  The friendships I have made are real but they do not often share all the details of my life.  Sometimes real life issues do surface, but for the most part I try to keep my blog positive.  Why?  Because in my life the realities of my life such as age, raising my sons, dealing with aging parents, extended family, unemployment (or employment) marriage, maintaining a home can often be riddled with stress.  My blog is where I get to come and relax and unwind and focus on all the pretties.

  Because I have a creative nature that is SO visual, I often like to just look at my own blog and SEE what all I have created.  This helps me improve and enjoy the fruits of my labor.   Of course there is the danger of allowing your blog to dominate your focus and pull you from your priorities as with anything in life.  I really try to maintain a balance but sometimes need a reminder. 

Now for those of you who do not blog let me give you one more insight into the world of blogging.  In my circle of friends we have parties on different days where we all link together and share a similar theme of interest.    What has amazed me the most about these parties is when you participate in these you often come across so many other types of bloggers.  For example I like a party called Metamorphosis Monday where we share all sort of projects or things that we have changed.  Within this link alone, I have seen huge groups of furniture restorers, jewelers, crafters, etc.  In another link Tablescape Thursday, there are huge groups of professional tablescapers, nonprofessional collectors, freelance photographers, and writers.  There are groups of bloggers that follow each other who are gardeners, quilters, knitters, foodies, bookworms,beach combers, political minded, and religious minded to name just a few.  There are even bloggers who have figured out how to make money from their blogs through contacts, sales and supporters.  There are so many different types of blogger groups that I have not even scratched the surface.  It is surely a wide wide world out there in blogland!

If you enjoy writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with like minded individuals I encourage you to do so.  You can be as open or as closed with your blog as you want to be.  You can post as often or as little as you want.  You manage it so the choices are all yours!  You will be surprised how many people are out there who can share and inspire you in your field of interest, or how much you have to offer them.    I would hope that you find it a place to find the good in life as I have.  There are negative bloggers out there.   It's best to leave them well enough alone!

  So in celebration of my 100th post, I have decided to send out encouragement.  If you find yourself in a place where a blog sounds like something you want to do but are not sure how to start let me help.  I still have so much to learn and like most of us bloggers we are all learning together.  The technical side of blogging comes easier to some of us then others, but getting started it so much easier if you have a friend to help lead you along the way. 

 Finally for all my blogging friends who are so kind enough as to read through this whole post.  God bless you!  You have been such a blessing to me and I hope you have enjoyed some of what I have had to offer too.  It has been fun and such a learning experience so far.  Now you know a little more of my mindset of why I blog with you.  I am excited to think of where the future will lead me in blogland.  Thanks for all the support and for being my followers and my friends!

Have a great weekend Everyone!

Mary