3/08/2015

Why Blog?

I really enjoy blogging and get a lot out of it as far as expressing and clarifying my feelings and thoughts.  Also, I like knowing you are reading and following along.  

With regard to the second statement, I am having one of those moments I have had before, and have seen others have, in which I'm wondering who the majority of "you" are... Is what I'm saying landing with you?  I know the vast majority of people just skim through blogs, reading when they can in the midst of busy lives.  

It's kind of vulnerable to say, but I will admit that comments mean something to me.  In case you were wondering, they matter to me.  Even if I only get two or three responses, which seems to be the norm (out of supposedly, according to my stats tracker, around 50 page views per day).  
* Thank you to my few regular commenters and friends!

It looks like lots of folks come over from the blog, "Life and Love in the Petri Dish," who I know has a lot larger audience.  So, if it's true that comments indicate connection, maybe this blog is passing entertainment for many, and there is less of a connection to my posts.  I don't fault this or think it is bad... but I do like to have a sense that someone is out there, and that my words are landing.  Personally, there are maybe a dozen blogs I read regularly and comment on - not every time, but on a regular basis.

So, I am not sure what to do, if anything.  Maybe I'm feeling a little lost, like I'm writing in a void.  Maybe I need to be more focused and write more for my audience.  I started writing on January 9, 2011 and spoke about my journey of trying to conceive a child, as well as recently losing my job and seeking another one that had more of what I wanted.  I talked about making choices that didn't fit my family norm (that they actively disapproved of) and, through the title of this blog, wanting to claim my life as my own.  I have ended up sharing a lot about dating and, for a couple years, about trying to conceive with my partner.  Personal growth and self-improvement have also been big themes in my life and writing; since I'm an introvert, it's been very helpful to get out of my head! 

But my primary blogging connections have always been through the TTC and SMC communities.  At 46, I think I am done with ttc, though I am actively taking steps towards adoption.  I am continuing to date and am on the cusp of possibly getting into another relationship.  I only post every 10 days to two weeks so maybe that's not enough to stay on people's radar.  Maybe it's time to reach out to other communities, as well, so that more women might read and relate to what I am sharing.  Perhaps one of these new communities for me will be adoption or foster adoption.  

I know I want to stay connected to the few folks who I have come to know and consider friends.  Even though most now have kids, I love hearing about their lives, and hope to join them in the next year or two.  My brother's wife just had their second child, so my extended family is very kid-focused.

If you blog and have feedback, I welcome hearing it. And if you are following and would like to continue reading my blog, would you please comment and say "hi"?  What do you connect with in my posts or what would you like to hear more about?  Do you have any questions?  I would love to hear from you.

14 comments:

  1. Just stopping to say hello! I've noticed the same thing on my current blog, way more views than comments. I think a huge part is that I no longer post photos. Not only are you one of my regular visitors, we are also FB friends, so you know me!

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    1. Thanks for the feedback, Ali. It's true that I don't post many photos either - probably why I rarely post on FB. I'm swept up in the moment and forget to take pictures. :)

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  2. I always read but it is extremely difficult to comment, and I bet this time it won't work either, because of your anti-spam settings.

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    1. It worked! :) Sorry anti-spam makes it hard. I did change the settings after I got a bunch of spam comments - they are annoying and I don't like you guys to have to see them, either. But I'll think about if there are other options. Anyway, thanks for commenting and reading along. Hope things are well with you - somehow your blog got off my list - are you still posting regularly?

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  3. Hi Kristina, I've been following you blog since July 2012. I am a 40 year old single mom to my 2 year old daughter. I live vicariously through your dating stories and adventures with your dog. I am delurking to say hi :)

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    1. Thanks, Deirdre, nice to know you are out there following along. Do you have a blog? I bet your two-year-old keeps you busy. :)

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    2. My condolences to you and your family, Kristina. I know it is not easy. My mom passed in February 2010. I will say a prayer for you & your family.

      I don't ave a blog (yet). I do enjoy writing- but lately enjoy more reading :)

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    3. Thanks, Dierdre, I appreciate it. Sounds like you understand. Glad you are reading along.

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  4. Hi Kristina, I am a regular reader and commenter, as you know :-) I enjoy reading about your activities and dating life. Sometimes I don't comment simply because I don't have anything of value to say or it late in the day and my brain cells are not at their optimum. Please do continue to blog!

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    1. Thanks, Sunflower. :) I always appreciate hearing from you and enjoy following your life and family adventures, as well. Thanks for the encouragement.

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  5. I tend to read a lot on my phone, and it's SO hard to comment on the phone. But I'm trying to comment more, because I know how much I value comments, too. Even if all I can muster up is a few words - those few words are nice to know you've been heard.

    I like following your journey, and I really like that you just post about your life. Please keep writing!

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    1. Cool, thank you, Shannon. I bet a lot of people are like that as far as reading on the phone. I appreciate your kind words and love following along with your family adventures, too.

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  6. I'm a regular, and I think I have told you before I live vicariously through your dating life. There are times when I don't comment because I mean to then I'm distracted and forget. I like hearing about your life and you seem like a very strong lady. There are days where your persistence and perseverance give me a much needed boost to go on because I think, if she can do it, so can I. So keep blogging, I will be reading.

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    1. Hi Navigating - Glad you are there and like hearing about your life, too. You are authentic with how you're feeling, which I appreciate. Sounds kinda funny - "If she can do it" but I think I know what you mean. We are all in this together, making our way through.

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