Friday, September 26, 2008

Reflections on the Doors of Blogging ...

On April 21, 2008, I wrote my first blog post (I do wish it was called something a little more elegant than blog, considering the time and effort we put into creating them!). My first post wasn't anything personal or exceptional, just an excerpt from a book about funny Southern expressions ... but from the moment I clicked on the "Publish Post" button, I was hooked. I thought it was the "neatest thing since sliced bread," as we say here in the South.

But at that time, I didn't realize how blogging would open doors for me that I probably never would have entered if I hadn't discovered the fascinating world of blogging.

[Picture borrowed from The Art of Shirley Reade]

The first door blogging opened for me was the "Door to a New Perspective." Since I began writing my blog, I seem to see everyday things in a different light and from a different perspective. Everywhere I go, I see places or things that I want to share with my family and friends. It may be a pretty house, or a clump of wildflowers on the side of a road, cows grazing in a pasture, or butterflies fluttering amongst my lantana blossoms outside my window. Everything seems to be more vivid and interesting now ... things I didn't really "see" or notice before.

Another door blogging has opened for me is the "Door to Learning." I have learned so much from reading other blogs -- from decorating and gardening tips to recipes, and exploring new places. I've also learned from writing my blog.

Once I decide on a subject to write about, I spend a good bit of time researching it, which helps to enhance the experience for me. For instance, I recently wrote a post about our hummingbirds (see Saying Goodbye to our Hummingbirds), and through my research, discovered so many things about them that I didn't know. I find them even more fascinating now and enjoy watching them so much more.

And when we spent a family vacation in Blue Ridge, Georgia, my husband and I traveled to the quaint Alpine village of Helen, Georgia, and I devoted an entire post to that visit, including its history and several pictures I took while we were there. If you'd like to learn more about Helen, please read my post called, A Visit to an Alpine Village in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I'd like to go back to Helen someday ... there were so many things we didn't have time to see.

The third door blogging has opened for me is the "Door to Creativity." I love every aspect of creating my blog ... from choosing a subject and researching it to visiting new and interesting places and sharing them with you through my stories and pictures. I feel as if my imagination, creativeness, and writing skills (what little I possess) have been stimulated and challenged through blogging.<

Since I began to write my blog, one of my favorite pastimes has become photography, and I love seeing the world around me through the lens of my camera. I've gotten to the point that I take it with me most places I go now, just in case. You never know when you're going to see something you'd like to capture in a picture to enjoy later or to share on your blog. Everywhere I go, I see photographic opportunities, which I either took for granted or just didn't see before I started my blog ... like this old urn I discovered in a cemetery on the Natchez Trace ...

Or these spider lilies I spotted on the side of a road ...

The most meaningful door that blogging has opened for me is the "Door to Friendship." Everyday I am amazed and inspired by the heartfelt comments from my blogging friends about my blog posts. To think that you seem to sincerely care about the things I write about just boggles my mind. I truly appreciate your taking the time to read them and leave such sweet and supportive notes.

Although we haven't met "face to face," I have come to know ... and admire ... and feel affection for so many of you from reading your life stories as told through your blogs. I've shared your emotions, both happy and sad, and have laughed and cried as I've read your words (sometimes at the same time). Your sweet spirits, compassion for others, and devotion to your families and God never cease to inspire me to be a better person.

I am so glad that I discovered the wonderful world of blogging ... and I am thankful to have found you, my friends.

Sincerely,

13 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Janie,
That was a wonderful post. I love the way you can take an ordinary topic and make it come alive with your pictures and words. I think you have a talent for writing!

Posts like this reaffirm the time spent on blogs (which sometimes I question-LOL)

Thank you for putting in words what alot of us have been thinking!
diane

Anonymous said...

Morning Janie! Beautifully written post. You don't give yourself enough credit. Your writing and photo skills exceed most and I always enjoy your posts!!!! I, Janie, am glad to have found you!! Have a great weekend dear - Sincerely, Jeannette

bj said...

I do agree with all you are saying here. Blogging is so much fun, meeting people that you actually grow to love, even tho you will never, ever meet. It's about sharing, caring and learning. I have learned so many good tips on so many things...and gotten some of the BEST recipes. Yes, I, too, love blogging and am so glad that so many others love it, too.

nikkicrumpet said...

Well you took my thoughts and feelings and expressed them much more beautifully than I ever could. I'll just say a BIG AMEN SISTER to everything you said. And I've really enjoyed meeting you through your blog. I was always a fan of your home....now I'm a fan of the lady who lives there! Have a wonderful day.

Sarah Taylor said...

Janie,
This post was absolutely beautiful! Your reflections touch on what it's really all about. You are so very talented and I'm so very thankful to have the opportunity to be a part of your life! Have a lovely day!
Sarah

Anonymous said...

Good Morning,

What a lovely post Janie, I too am hooked on 'blogging" and feel so lucky to meet people like you. I enjoy our family blog and always thought I would start a blog of my own, but have decided I enjoy reading more than posting.

It's nice to be with like minded people that love their homes and families....life in general really. I am enjoying getting to know you :)

Thanks for your thoughtful posts, you add to the fun.

All the best,
Kathy :)

Bo said...

I am so glad I clicked on your blog today...the words you have written say exactly what I have come to feel... Thank you for expressing them so well. ;-) Bo

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Janie, so happy that you are blogging with all of us too! You're a joy to know in blogland.

Brenda Pruitt said...

Isn't it amazing! I agree with everything you said. I started my blog in Dec. 2007, on the last day of the year. I had no idea all the friends I would make. What a difference it all would make. How much I would get into photography. The list goes on and on! You have a beautiful blog!
Brendaq

StitchinByTheLake said...

Janie we're all so glad you opened that door too! There are all kinds of friends and though blog friends are ones we will not likely meet face to face (at least in this world) our hearts are still joined. blessings, marlene

Anonymous said...

Janie, this post is beautiful. You've put into words, exactly the way I feel about blogging.

Thank you so much for this post. I hope you continue writing your journal for a very long time!

Picket said...

Oh girl...what a beautiful heartfelt post....I think we all feel that way and just didn't know how to put it in words that told the true meaning for us...I for one am thankful it has opened 'your' door to all of us for so much inspiration and uplifting thoughts....keep up the good work girl..you never know who's life you might touch....I know you have touched mine..have a great weekend Janie!

Carrie said...

You've done a beautiful post on the benefits of blogging...all so true...