Blogging Genesis
This blog started out as a life-preserver I threw myself. Going to school for something much grander than what I ended up doing, I settled for a menial job instead of a mentally stimulating, challenging career; the absolute last scenario I envisioned when planning out my life, but I’ve heard it said that life isn’t all that interested in your plans, nor your Herculean efforts to make them reality. Sometimes the economy crashes and your chosen field of work disappears. Sometimes you end up with strange flesh-eating viruses that cut your life short. Sometimes loved ones die. Sometimes you have to do shit you don’t want to do in order to put food on the table. That’s just life.
I needed an escape hatch from the pedestrian life I had tried so hard to avoid, yet found myself living out of necessity.
Back before I started, I had written a few posts on my then-skeletal site, stalked a few other blogs, but did not go public with anything because I didn’t believe anyone would read what I wrote, didn’t believe I could come up with regular content, didn’t think I had enough spare time, sincerely thought everyone would hate me and then I’d wind up dead in an alley somewhere with a knife sticking out of my back – because that’s what happens to failed bloggers, right? I used every excuse to stay anonymously in the shadows.
See, it meant a lot to me that I succeeded, and I was terrified I wouldn’t. To be candid, I have failed at a lot in life. A lot. I didn’t want to add another notch on my belt o’ failures, which is hiding in the back of my closet because who wants to wear that shiz? Â
Last August, I finally realized I had built a shrine to my failures by not taking risks. Frustrated with my going-nowhere life, I decided to shove my insecurities aside and just DO IT, ALREADY. What did I have to lose, at that point? Not a whole lot, other than my ego, and believe me, I was willing to sacrifice it on the altar of possible-happiness.
So welcome to my escape portal. We have cookies.
In the few months since this blog’s birth, I found something I didn’t have before:
Hope.
Hope that tomorrow will be better than today. Hope that I’ll create a place in the world for myself. Hope in the communities I’ve discovered here.
Hope that I can write myself free.
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Trying something new today…I’m in a blogging rut.
22 Comments
Enchanted Seashells, Confessions of a Tugboat Captain's Wife
Geez I look to YOU as a role model for blogging, see what effect you have on others? You are an inspiration.
Natalie the Singingfool
Aw, thank you. 🙂
Kate
Glad you decided to try something new!
Natalie the Singingfool
Me too!
Chris Plumb
You proved to me that everyday life, our problems, our victories–all can be written beautifully, intelligently, and hilariously. A blog doesn’t have to be a place where boring people write insignificant remarks about their day. Something of importance can be said in under a thousand words. Thanks for doing that every blog.
Natalie the Singingfool
Wow, thank you. What a compliment. 🙂
Katy Anders
I have found this to be true about writing my blog, too.
Even when nobody else reads it and even when a piece turns into a disaster, it is STILL something that gives shape to my head and to my life.
Maybe it’s because it is something I have complete control over, or maybe it’s because the stakes are so low.
Keep doing it! You’re doing it right.
Natalie the Singingfool
Yes, exactly! I like that – shape to my head and life.
Thank you for the encouragement.
Ericamos
I’m so glad you jumped into blogging! You’re great at it, and it really is a breeder of hope. I started mine as a life-preserver too. We need this to remember who we are. Our jobs don’t define us. We define ourselves, and you do a damn good job of defining yourself through this blog!
Natalie the Singingfool
That’s right! It’s so hard not to define ourselves by our job – having a blog helps.
Thank you!
Samantha Brinn Merel
You are an amazing blogger. I am so glad to have found you, and always love reading what you write. I love the line “write myself free.” I hope that this blog, and your writing, gives you everything you are looking for.
Natalie the Singingfool
Thank you! Coming from you, such a talented writer, that is such a compliment.
Celeste
The site looks BEAUTIFUL. And I love your blog. I found it through one of those wonderful blogging communities, and I am so glad that they exist to help us get connected.
When we live bravely, when we put out our authentic selves and all of that BS, it helps others be brave as well. You’re definitely helping. I hope that you keep it up for a very long time.
Celeste recently posted…One Hundred Word Wednesday: Garden?
Natalie the Singingfool
Thank you! Yes, being brave, open and real has opened up communication in ways I’d never imagined!
jon
Write yourself free. I should post that above my desk. Or get it tattooed on my right hand. Well, maybe I’ll start with above the desk.
jon recently posted…Necessity
Natalie the Singingfool
Although if you end up inking anything, please post pictures…I’ve never been quoted in a tattoo before!
Cheryl Nicholl
I love it when unplanned shiz comes together- as it does here so well. I’m really enjoying you.
Cheryl Nicholl recently posted…A Perfect Perch
Natalie the Singingfool
Thank you! It all makes sense in the end, doesn’t it?
Erynn
Loving the new look! Blog feels fresh and clean! I like. And brava on taking the risk to blog and share your words with us. 🙂
Erynn recently posted…Let Me Tell You Something About the Real Housewives of New Jersey
Natalie the Singingfool
Thank you, Erin! Making over the blog felt a little like cleaning out the closet, lol.
Chelsea Williams
Such a great post! Love your blog and its new look 🙂
Chelsea Williams recently posted…Stop With The Pity Face!!!
Natalie the Singingfool
Thank you! I’m loving it, too. 🙂