Blog babble

 On September 12, I published my very first post on my newly developed "Retirement Blog".  Since that day in September, I have published 22 posts, I also have 14 posts started in draft form for a later publishing date.  Blogging is like storytelling; I am finding for me not only is it an opportunity for expression through the written word, but it is also therapeutic.     

I have come to realize that some posts are more meaningful to some readers than to others. Most of my inspiration for a topic comes from a conversation or a comment I saw written somewhere.  I immediately think "that would make a good blog topic".  I have to admit that I am surprised about what topics are the most popular. Their popularity is indicated to me by the comments or text messages I receive.  I have to admit it gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling when I read your words, and thanks for doing that.   

In true Faye fashion, I took on a blog when I didn't really know much about blogging.  Google search states that a blogger should post every day, that is impossible for me.  Writing has never come easy for me, and it takes me a few hours to make just one post.  I do lots of editing, I make numerous changes to the format and wording; I cut and paste like a crazy person.  I want it to look somewhat polished by the time it gets to the readers.  Spell and grammar check are my new best friends. It is hard to catch a small mistake when you read it as many times as I do, it always looks right. I have noticed errors after I publish, that must have slipped by spell check, but that just speaks to me being human.   

I just spent a good portion of the last three days trying to make a post about homes.  For the life of me I couldn't get it to flow. I recognized I had expressed more opinion in it than I usually do. It was a good lesson for me in that I have to be aware of how some things I say may not be understood in the manner intended and may be offensive.  It is presently one of the 14 in a draft form.  Another day I will go back, and the words will come, and it will be posted. Stay tuned. 

I like to think I have gotten my desire to write from two of my favorite people. My Grandma Dixon wrote a book many years ago.  She had a granddaughter type it for her and they were then able to get it printed. I am so happy that Grandma saw her dream of writing a book come true.  Aunt Joan also wrote a children's book.  She was very creative, and this book is an example of her ability.  I think if these ladies were here in today's world, they would be a blogger. Writing a book has always been on my bucket list.  Blogging has fulfilled that dream only better in that every post has a random thought and it doesn't have to flow like would be expected in a book.  If I was to write a book it would be titled "Retirement for Dummies". 

I was first exposed to blogging when I would follow the blogs of someone that was ill or for an ill family member. It was a great way to follow their progress/recovery and I could read their words as often as I needed to.  For the person posting it must have been so much easier to share an update once and not have to send out numerous texts or explain time and time again over the phone.  I felt so informed and in the know.  Blogging is also used by people that are going on a fascinating trip.  I really enjoy their pictures and words and I found I lived vicariously through those blogs.  

                    

I decided I needed a set of rules to guide me with the writing of my blog. They are going to be my closing words for this post. 

1.  It is a retirement blog and should be relevant to the topic.  

2. This is my blog; it is not a spot to share about my kids or grandkids.  With the exception of a few comments, their lives are not my story to tell.  

3.  Before I write about people, permission is required to do so. 

4. I will not get discouraged trying to manage the blog.  It is totally possible that I will never get the whole managing of a blog, managed.

5.  Decide upon a theme for the post and stick to it, don't segway off into another topic. 

6.  It is okay to get Blogger Block, and not be able to write what I want to say.  I will set it aside and carry on with another topic. 

7. Although I have devoted readers if I need more time to publish a post, they will wait. 

8. It is not about the number of followers; it is about the loyal and encouraging followers that indicates success.