Two years ago this week, I launched this blog.
I was a very reluctant blogger. My editor (very kindly) insisted that I start blogging. He suggested I tie my blog to my book and write about the church year. So I did. I wrote weekly reflections on the Sunday lectionary passages from Ash Wednesday through Trinity Sunday that year.
After those four months, I increased my posts to twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays), and I’ve stuck with that schedule ever since. I also shifted my focus to be more broadly about books and writing in addition to the church year.
When Doug and I found out last April that we were having twins, I added that to the subject matter mix. I mean, how could I not write about the ludicrous changes to my very pregnant body? It was all so laughable, and I wanted to share the laughter. From there, it was an easy step to writing about my kids and, most recently, about my postpartum depression.
Throughout these past 24 months, though, I’ve repeatedly struggled to figure out why I’m doing this whole blogging thing anyway.
I don’t actually like the short, unconnected nature of blog posts. I prefer to explore and ruminate, roll ideas around in my mind, try to paint them with words, connect the pieces of this idea with that one. That’s hard to do in 500 words or less.
And I don’t really like the immediacy of a blog, either. There just isn’t time to go deep and long and ponder and wonder and really get into the heart of a thing when I have to write this now and post it in an hour.
Which is not to say that blog posts are inherently shallow. Some people (my friend Susan, for instance, or Ann Voscamp) are able to be thoughtful and reflective and go deep on their blogs.
But I’m just not one of those people. I think slowly. I write slowly. I have to revise endlessly to get my words right.
Still, I keep posting twice a week. And I keep asking myself, why am I doing this again?
Well, for one thing, the discipline of writing on a schedule is good for me. It forces me to publish pieces that are unpolished and to put writing out there for others to read before I think it’s ready, which means I have to let go of my perfectionism.
For another, blogging forces long-winded me to be concise. With a 500-word limit, I really have to focus and omit needless words (Strunk and White, Rule 17).
And perhaps most of all, I feel a sense of gratitude that makes me want to keep writing for you, dear readers, the cadre of lovely people who faithfully read my blog.
So, here’s to another year and another hundred posts. Cheers!
Happy Anniversary! And yes, by all means, keep blogging. I would definitely miss it if you quit (although I’d totally understand – not quite sure how you manage to keep it up). I’m grateful for your vulnerability as well as the way you string words together.
Your description of what it takes to write a blog vs a novel makes me understand so clearly— I should be writing a blog! Short and to the point, with occasional whippy quippies and sometimes is exactly what I do best.
Now I just have to find a topic- or 500.
Thanks for the inadvertant career counseling!
Ditto what Glyn says. I’m a faithful reader, and I always wonder how you do it. I do not have 4 children, yet I rarely find/make time to write in any kind of journal (‘cept maybe my “bird nerd” journal). More power to you…
Cheers!
THANKS! from another grateful reader & ‘fellow’ mom who would really miss your posts if you put away your keyboard, but would totally understand! 😉 Blessing to you, friend!
Wow. Thanks, my friends, for these kind comments! It’s encouraging and also humbling to know you’d miss me if I quit.
Just for the record, I can’t not write. Even though it’s just a couple of posts each week, my blog keeps me writing, gives me a place to hang my thoughts, and so keeps me sane.
Your comments make me want to keep publishing posts. Thank you so much.
Oh yes Kimberlee, you would be missed. I’m not a writer so I don’t know all that goes into what you post, but I am amazed and moved at your distillation of feelings and experiences. Your posts reach into my heart. Happy 2nd Anniversary and blessings to you!
Phew! Kimberlee, you’re simply cruel! Your post really should have opened with, “Don’t worry, I’m not giving up blogging,” so that I wouldn’t have broken out in a cold sweat as I hurriedly read to get to your punchline. Man Kimberlee, you almost gave me a heart attack!
In all seriousness though, thank you for your blog. I find lots of laughter and thoughtfulness in your posts, and really enjoy getting small snapshots of your life twice a week. It’s one thing I look forward to when I start my work week on Wednesdays — I can take a quick morning break to read Kimberlee’s new post!
Your ‘string of words’ are inspiring and soul-lifting. More people need to know about this blog – everyone, listen up! Spread the word! How many other mothers out there have entertained the thought of putting a screaming child out on the street with a free sign – they need to know they are not alone, forgiven and loved, and it’s okay to sign up again to be a mom, yet another day. We love you Kimberlee!
Just think, blogging gets you out of writing me letters! Seriously, though, I love your writing and hearing all about you and your family’s goings-on. Life is certainly an adventure! much love, Sarah
I really enjoy reading your posts. They are so elegantly written (yes, they are) and filled with truth. As a mother, I benefit from hearing your struggles AND joys. Thank you!