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Random Thoughts on Blogging

I have a million and ten things on my “blog to-do” list right now.  I always do.

But I have this super strange desire to ignore it all, and just write something from my heart.

Random Thoughts on Blogging

I just want to write something, because I want to write it.

I want to write it with not a care in the bloggy world about Search Engine Optimization, or Pinterest optimized images with text plastered all over them, or whether or not it will boost my traffic for the day.  I want to write something that isn’t a tutorial or with step-by-step pictures.

Random Thoughts on Blogging

It’s just like the other day, when my daughter wanted to pick some of our snowball hydrangeas from our massive bush, for no reason other than “they are pretty”.

And I picked up my camera, for no reason other than the hopes of capturing pretty pictures.  That doesn’t happen very often, actually.  I usually grab my fancy camera for the purpose of a post, or for some reason to benefit my blog.  I am usually concerned with the perfect light, or setting up a backdrop of sorts.

Random Thoughts on Blogging

It was very refreshing to just snap pictures out of the pure love of photography (and my child).

Random Thoughts on Blogging

So, when I sat down today with the goal in mind to update some old posts, play the pinterest game, evaluate my traffic, work on scheduled posts, add some affiliate links . . .  I decided to toss it all.

Because what I really wanted to do was work on those fun pictures I just took.  That lead to a desire to write from my heart about blogging.  Please forgive me if it comes out a bit random – I have no game plan this time 🙂

Random Thoughts on Blogging

I have actually had a blog for quite some time.  I started it about 5 years ago, on blogger, out of a total whim one day.  I had 2 kids, and was desperate for a hobby.  In fact, thinking back, I was quite a depressive person at the time.  My husband was so busy with school and work, and being the sole provider for our family so I could stay home with the kids.  While we knew having a family was the most important thing for us, I found myself feeling completely alone all the time and a bit lost in my new role as housewife and mother.  I didn’t want it any other way – because I was literally living my dreams.  I was just so confused as to why I felt so empty.

Random Thoughts on Blogging

I’ve always had ambition and drive and needed purpose in life.  I determined at that time, I needed to dive into some sort of hobby.  I needed to find something that was just for me and gave me a creative outlet that I so craved and felt burning inside of me.  I needed to do more than change diapers, go to parks, clean the house, make dinner . . . and so on.

That’s when I discovered blogs online.  I knew friends who had family blogs but I began to see blogs with tutorials and crafts and I wanted to be a part of it.  Of course, we all know, blogging was a whole different game 5 years ago.  I think woman, for the most part, just did it for a hobby and to connect with people outside of there own homes.  I think the fact that a woman could gain financial benefits from a blog wasn’t really a huge reality for most bloggers.

Random Thoughts on Blogging

So, I began to snap some tacky pictures from my point and shoot camera, and began to write my own tutorials.  I really laugh at my first projects all the time.  They were {how do I say this nicely} . . . pathetic.  But I was having fun, and I was brainstorming, and I felt some excitement in life!  I was connecting with other crafting mama’s, and I loved it!  Time went on, and I posted maybe a few times a month, whenever I had something I had to share.  I also discovered my husbands woodworking skills which had been subdued by school and work and being a father.  We both discovered how much he enjoys working with his hands and with wood.

I view these years of “blogging for fun” as essential years for my husband and I to hone our skills and develop our style and passions.  I had some fun opportunities open up, such as being featured on big blogs and a magazine.  I bought my first, bottom of the line, DSLR camera and discovered my love of photography.  We bought a home bursting with potential.  We had a couple of more kids.  I took a job contributing for Make it and Love it, and realized that people actually liked my stuff – and I was getting better and better the harder I tried.

Random Thoughts on Blogging

As the end of 2014 was coming to a close, I felt like I was coming to a bit of a crossroad.  As I was investing more time into my blogger blog, I felt like I wasn’t getting out of it what I was putting in.  I felt like life was so busy with 4 kids, I needed to commit and organize, or let go.  After much thought, prayer, and discussion – the hubs and I decided to invest more time and money into this little blog of mine – and just see what happens.

Random Thoughts on Blogging

So, in January, I hired this amazing gal from Key Lime Digital Designs to get me switched to wordpress and design a new site.  I thought about taking the DIY approach to all this and saving some money, but after a few nights of research I decided it all sounded more like rocket science and would be better left to the professionals.  Since the beginning of 2015, I’ve read blogging books, posted on a more regular schedule, researched and researched and researched some more.  Pretty sure the amount of hours I’ve spent learning about blogging would qualify me for a Bachelors degree in blogging.  Which I kind of think there should be one.  I really had no idea how hard it would be to blog with a business approach.  I had no idea how hard it would be to grow my blog and make money at this thing!

Random Thoughts on Blogging

So here I am today.  I spend anywhere from 30-40 hours a week on my blog.  Sometimes a bit here, a bit there and always from 8 pm to close to midnight (minus the weekends).  I am usually exhausted, I have a permanent eye twitch (stress + lack of sleep), and I always feel behind.  I still have on 10 pounds of baby weight, because I struggle to make the time to eat better and consistently exercise.  Sometimes I am frustrated.  Sometimes I cry.  Sometimes everything I try doesn’t work like it should.  Occasionally I want to give it all up.

But then I weigh the positives against the negatives.

I have had some incredible opportunities come because of my blog.  I have met some wonderful, talented and incredibly nice people both in real life and online.  I’ve had the time of my life at conferences.  I’ve learned so much.  I feel such a deep passion and love for all that I do {photography, sewing, decorating, teaching my kids, writing, sharing, etc}.  My kids see me work hard and succeed and are a part of it.  My husband gets some opportunity to share his passion of woodworking.  I am beginning to make some actual money (wahoo!).  I’ve put myself out there and challenged myself daily.  I wake up every day knowing it is going to be busy, but this thrills me.  I thrive on having purpose and goals and blogging provides that.  I have received free products – which is always cool.  I can visually see my growth and development.  I no longer view the seemingly perfect lives of all those on social media and blogs as comparative to mine.  Rather, I drink in the inspiration of the beauty I see, and rejoice for those who have found success and joy (ya, I’ll be honest, this takes great effort and prayer).  I find myself enjoying the tender moments with my children more fully and completely, rather than complaining about being stuck home all the time.  I have been forced to organized my life and utilize every minute I have been gifted in this life.  I have come to see that scheduled time in the scriptures daily is the key to my happiness and success throughout the day.  Overall – I feel much more fulfilled in life than that girl that started motherhood and wifehood 8 years ago.

Hmm.  I think blogging is a win.  For now.

Random Thoughts on Blogging

Random Thoughts on Blogging

I have no idea where blogging will take me.  I have no idea how long I will continue.  I do have my sights set much higher and hope to achieve my goals in the future.  I hope to always be guided and receive inspiration for my blog and family.  My husband and I have the 5 year plan to survive on the income on my blog and allow him to fulfill his dream of opening up a woodworking shop and sell his products.  This may be a pipe dream, but what is life without a dream.

I hope you’ll forgive me for being so personal and all about me today.  But it sure felt good.  Of course, I always appreciate and value the support and encouragement I get from all my readers.  You guys and gals are the best!

I would love to hear any thoughts or opinions you might have of blogging.  Do you blog?  How does it challenge and bless your life?  Do you read blogs?  What do you wish you could see more or less of?  Or, if you are a mother, how do you find fulfillment in life for yourself?  All thoughts are welcome in the comments below!

Thanks for reading!   Normal tutorials and inspiration will resume next week 😉

Random thoughts on blogging.

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21 Comments

  1. I agree, beautiful photos are important. In general, I am for beauty in everything. It’s nice to watch people’s instagram pages, which are beautifully designed. Or go to the online casino website fair-go-casino and enjoy the sophisticated interface. This sets me up as a client in a very positive way. Also, a beautiful photograph disposes people to each other.

  2. Thanks so much for your personal insight Hun today. I feel the same. I started my blog just a year ago with zero clue what I was doing. I had defied the doctors and overcome chronic autoimmune condition by a radical change in diet and I knew despite not having the skills I had to help other girls. So I picked up a camera, got in the kitchen and started. Boy have I learnt so much and is there loads I still want to change to match the vision in my head oh yes, but the creativity keeps me healing. I’ve just discovered your blog and can’t wait to make your antique chopping boards. I’m just waiting on someone with the tools to cut them out? Thank you jo X

  3. I can’t believe you wrote this almost two years ago. This post hit me pretty hard as I have been seriously reflecting between continuing the blog thingy and researching like a mad dog (which is how I stumbled onto this post). I want to write and I have found my best writing comes when I am writing about my family and my experiences rather than how and why DIY. I work full time as a teacher and finding an extra 30-40 hours…well that is a bit unrealistic.

    I decided to blog as a way to share my love of home and creating a space that is comfortable, warm, and inviting both inside and outside. I thought the blog would stimulate me and keep me from feeling blue. I am definitely stimulated! Thank you for voicing that it is okay to just write and not obsess about how to grow your blog.

    So far one of my favorite posts. Keep writing just to write.

  4. Thoroughly enjoy hearing your heart-felt thoughts. My days as a young mother are all but a memory. As I read your post today, I couldn’t help thinking that if I had gotten started decades ago while my children were young, I could have accomplished so much more. On the other hand, decades ago, there were no blogs. So, there ya go.

    I worked very hard for over 5 years on my website/blog and social media presence, only to have a very viscous malware attack completely destroy my website. Back to square one? It’s been a challenge. I need to take a different path with the website this time, work on monetizing and getting sponsors, and I need to “up” my photography skills. So, at almost 63, I’m more than behind. Is there a place for me in this blogging world?

    One thing I know, is that sharing from your heart makes the blog real and lets people know that there is a real, honest and God-loving woman behind the posts and pictures.

    Sending you abundant blessings, Sharon

  5. Beautiful thoughts! I appreciate your honest sharing about the other side of blogging. I do have a few blogs for fun and different purposes. I haven’t written much lately, but had thought about blogging more. Thanks for giving me a lot to think about. I found this blog from a shared link on Facebook. Love it!

  6. Very inspiring, I only blog once in awhile because otherwise it is a full time job. And I never have invested in it to find a fan base so sometimes feels like just a journal of my creations that I’m keeping for myself. Recently, I found Instagram to be more rewarding as far as finding a community for sharing ideas. Yet, this post just inspired me to maybe learn more about blogging, SEO, etc. so thank you for this unplanned post! Refreshing! Glad I found you on IG!

  7. Hi I love your post. Having just started blogging myself its refreshing to read about your blogging journey. I started blogging to share the stuff that I have been making already for years. I just need to remind myself that is why I’m doing it and not to get too hung up on blog stats and stuff like that. I found your blog and post through pinterest and think you have a lovely blog.

  8. You know I’ve admired your blog for ages, you take the prettiest pictures and are so talented and everything I’m not, ha! You aren’t the only one with big blog dreams, so what I would love to see are some ideas and lists of things you’ve done to be successful. People you love working with, great companies that sponsor, things you wouldn’t waste your time on again, effective marketing, etc. And when my blog is finally as pretty as yours, I think we should be like blog best friends, since you’re amazing and sewing and don’t love to cook and I’m the complete opposite, lol, even though we took all the same classes in college:)

  9. Oh Cami,
    You are amazing, I’ve always thought so! And I just love your blog. I’m so impressed with your courage to do something like this, and succeed as well! Keep up the good work, I will forever be a fan! Love ya!

  10. Chels- always so good to hear from you! This blogging gig is really such a personal decision for everyone, I think. I am pretty sure I will be slowing down once the kids are out. I can only make them watch so much TV! And yes, I agree, it is easy to get burned out. But I just can’t imagine stopping! You do some incredible stuff over there girl! Wouldn’t it be fun to live by each other and blog away?

  11. Thank you for your sweet words! Blogging is scary, isn’t it! It is scary to put yourself out there and risk so much time and investment – running on hope. I wish you the best in your small business. I clicked over and checked it out, and you have some lovely products and gorgeous pictures!

  12. Very honest and upfront post. Many decorating blogs make life look like a breeze when reality rarely is. I have enjoyed reading your blog for the past few months and encourage you to keep on. Your photos are beautiful and your obvious love for your family even more so!

    1. Thank you! I was hoping it would come out honestly! Always scary sharing feelings like that! And yes! Isn’t it easy to imagine online homes perfect all the time, just like the pictures? But I dare say, unless you have maids and cleaners – it never is!! But I still treasure my pictures. In fact, sometimes I just take a quick glance at my pics of the rooms all clean and picture perfect – and try to enjoy the chaos that surrounds me. Because they say – we will miss it someday! I so appreciate your encouragement! It means so very much to me! Glad to hear you have enjoyed reading and I hope to continue to provide you with something meaningful for your life.

  13. I want a bush like that! Your pictures are beautiful!
    I love this post, as it has been a learning curve for me. I don’t blog for anything more than a journal for myself. But I do have a part time job. And it has taught me that I need to be organized and have a flexible schedule while I have kids at home. I listen to my younger sister in laws/sisters who want to just be stay at home mommies and I keep thinking that someday they may wish they had worked just a little longer or kept a small something to do outside of the house. I have also learned that when my kids get daddy time, they are way more well rounded. My kids like to hang out with their dad. And I love the balance it gives both of us in the parenting game.
    Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures!

    1. Thank you for your kind words! I can’t imagine having a part time job, kids and a blog! Hats off to you! It is a good way to journal things though. I love having a record of sorts of all my work. And isn’t that so true! We always think things will be better if . . . I have found myself envying others for the chance they have to get out of the house and go to work and leave the kids with someone else for a bit. But at the same time, I can’t imagine actually having to do that and I would probably complain if I did! It is so important to find the joy in each of our situations and find what keeps us happy for our families. I do agree about getting daddy time. We have scheduled hours where I work and dad takes care of the home and kids and I think it is a win for everyone. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and comment!

  14. Cami you are so great! I love this post and your pictures are just beautiful. So much of what you said resonates with me! I love your sweet heart.

  15. My favorite blog posts to read are the most honest ones, like this one. 🙂
    For me, I started blogging to hopefully inspire and encourage other moms, and to share the thoughts and ideas burning in my brain. And while I don’t know where it may lead, and I’m having lots of fun doing the blog & all that comes with it, I try to keep balance in my life right now by focusing on wife/mama as my full-time job. I have learned that it’s only too temporary since my oldest is 22 and the other four are growing up fast! 😉

    1. Isn’t it so rewarding to inspire others? Whenever I hear someone used my tutorials and ideas it just warms my heart. Truly, I started blogging for the same reason, and try to continually have that as my “why” every day. I think us women just need to share and inspire and be inspired by each other! I love what you said about your focus and priorities. During the days, when I just feel like I would love for someone to take my kids so I could just get some blog work done, I try to remind myself that my first and most important job is mother and wife. The rest will fall into place or fall out. Having a set schedule really helps with this when I am tempted to let my mommy work go and work on the blog. Being adaptable is also crucial. Thank you so much for stopping by, and leaving such a sweet comment. Always appreciated!

  16. I love this and can totally relate. You are so talented, I love your photography and mad skills. So glad I got to meet you, this makes me think it’s time for another lunch!

    1. Aw, Becky! You are always so kind to me! I am always so flattered when compliments come from you – because I think you are pretty dang amazing! And yes, it is time for another lunch. I always come away so refreshed being with blogging friends who get this thing!