Blogging, Thoughts of a Newbie Blogger

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I guess this should have been my first post. But it’s not, it’s my third.

 I thought it might be helpful to put into words what I’ve been feeling as a new blogger.

Maybe helpful to someone else just starting out?

And I was just kinda itching to get it out, to be honest…….

I’ve thought about writing a blog for a long while, so in MAY I signed up.

But knew nothing of writing one.

Well, the writing part yes, the actual technical blog part, no.

And honestly, I was a little intimidated and overwhelmed at the thought.

So it sat for awhile.

Until about a month and a half ago when I got busy learning and designing my blog til I got it just right.

For now, I’m sure.

As my husband said, “I’ll look at it in a week and it will be different”.

He knows me all too well.

Yep, I just kept tweaking, adding buttons, changing fonts, colors,
wording on the blog until it couldn’t be tweaked or changed anymore! I
was like…. “Honey, do you like this font or that font better? What
about this color instead of that color? Angled like this or angled like
that? This button or these over here? Over to the left or in the
middle?” Gracious, enough already, it’s time to write!

I had no more excuses.

Silly for someone who wants to write a blog, right?!

It’s a comfort zone thing. Writing a blog.

I think it’s a way of opening yourself up to others.

And that’s a great thing albeit a bit intimidating at first!

I have to tell you, it was nerve wracking, the thought of putting that first post down. What would it be about? Would I jump right in with a DIY tutorial?

Would I talk about my kids, my life, post a recipe? What??

 I knew what I wanted to blog about and the words are continuously swirling around my head with a crazy fury.

But, I had NO idea what I should start with.

Not that it was of huge importance since no one is reading it yet anyway!

But still.

 Even though I was unsure what to write on that first post, and sure I’d do all kinds of things ‘wrong’, I decided it was time to get over it and just jump in and do it!

 I started following some of my favorite blogs, interacting and commenting. Which I had already been reading but not really interacting with.

I didn’t even know how  to follow someone.

RSS what? What the heck is that? No clue. But I do now!!

Really Simple Syndication, SIMPLE, right?

And wow!! Wish I had figured that out earlier. What a great and truly simple way to follow your favorites! Duh! I’m a little late to the party.

But guess what? I even have it right here on my own blog so all of you can follow me too!
It’s that cute little orange swirly button up there on the top left.
Or you can follow me by email. That’s the cute green swirly button.

(crickets chirping)

I’ve also signed up to Pinterest, Twitter (both of which I had not done yet) and I made an Instagram & Facebook page for Artsy Chicks Rule.

Twitter, I’m still learning. Pinterest…..is addicting.

I don’t have any followers on Facebook or Instagram yet. But I keep commenting, posting pics and talking as if I do!

That’s actually not too hard for me. I’ve been known to talk to myself a time or two.

And anyway, I just keep telling myself, if I build it, they will come….right?

Hope so anyway!!

Are y’all coming? Where are you already? Just kidding…it takes time.

I have to earn my keep.

And I do have 2 whole posts here so far. Well, actually, this makes 3.

Woohoo, I’m on my way!!

So, yes, I will keep on writing and sharing and pretending that people are listening.

Until they do.

As blogs go, I sorta feel like the little Kindergartner (even though I’m older then most!) in the room, AKA “the blog world”, with all of the High School students….looking up at them in awe.

They are so smart and beautiful and wise.

Remember that feeling?

Something I came across just recently was in PERFECT timing for me to see.

I love when that happens!!!……

120925_beginning


Oh so very true, right? 

I wrote down this wonderful and very wise saying and put it where I can see it.

As a daily reminder.

Because it’s easy to get caught up in the beauty of others blogs, photos, writings, followers, etc.

But I am not there yet and I have to remember that.

This applies to so many things in life….but for me, right now, it reminds me I am at the beginning.

And that’s a very exciting place to be, indeed.

145AD28B98F594D40ACAF330AEAAF3D5.png

Edited to add: If you are interested in learning more, I have since created a “How to Start a Blog” page to help others on their journey into blogging! :)

 


26 Comments

  1. Yay! I’m so glad you’re finally up and running! You’ve commented with your URL on my site a few times, and every single time, I come to your site to check it out and I’m always bummed that it’s empty. I’m excited to get to read it now!

    P.S.: I am your first official Facebook “like.” Someday, that will totally be my claim to fame. I can feel it.

  2. Yes, finally up and running! Aww, thanks for liking my page Kelly (and being the first to comment on my blog)! That is so sweet!! I don’t know about it being your claim to fame but I’m excited to have finally gotten this thing rolling and I so appreciate it!!

  3. Found you through a post on Facebook (Lady Butterbug) talking about your dresser. Love the dresser and have enjoyed browsing your blog. I know the feeling of starting out and wondering what in the world was I doing. So refreshing to see someone else had those same feelings. I look forward to visiting your blog and all your new posts. Have a wonderful day!

    1. Aww, thanks :) Maybe it’s the new WP design? ;)
      But yep, just into 6 months now! It feels like an eternity in some ways… because I feel like I’ve learned SO much since I wrote this post.
      I’ve really enjoyed this whole blogging thing so far. I’ve met some really wonderful people that I’d not met otherwise!(and you are one of them!) :)

  4. Nancy, I had such a big smile on my face reading this post! I am in that place you were six months ago. I didn’t, and don’t, have the slightest idea what I’m doing with my hope of becoming a blogger. Well, I jumped in and started “something” in April. I haven’t posted much since because we are currently remodeling our kitchen..my husband is building all the custom cabinetry on his “days off”, so it’s kind of consuming us right now. You really touched my heart when you mentioned how friends and family get that glazed over look in their eyes. I felt so alone in my love for DIY, AND my love of painted furniture. I’m so happy to have found a kindred spirit :) If you get a chance, peek at my website, I could use so much advice :)

    1. Oh thank you Penny! I know exactly what you mean…but it’s so great you jumped in! That’s really the only way!! I signed up for my Blogger account in April/May of last year. I finally hit ‘publish’ on the first post in November! ;) OH my yes, DIY, paint…and especially talking about blogging just make people get all buggy!lol I don’t know why that it is but it sure is nice to have all of you to share this part of my life with! I’m still new at the whole blogging thing myself but I’d love to hop over and take a peek at yours and offer whatever advice I can. :)

  5. Nancy,
    I named my blog, bought the domain, and, went back into my box and locked-up. Couldn’t get any farther. Total lack of confidence.
    I found your blog, bookmarked it and immediately got intimidated. It’s beautiful and so well laid out.
    And then. I found this post. How encouraging it is to read this! It may be the impetus that I need to sit back down and make something happen.
    Thanks!

    1. Cindy,
      Oh yay!! Yes, just go for it! Just start. It’s what I finally had to do and I’m so glad I didn’t wait any longer. It’s okay to be intimidated (it’s only natural, I think at times) But don’t let that feeling hold you back….use it to empower you to move forward!
      I just know you will. :) I am so excited for you. Please send me a link once you are up and running! I would love to follow your blog.
      And THANK YOU so much for taking the time to write and tell me this. (and for the compliments on the blog too –I was on Blogger to begin with and moved to WordPress last March)
      Good luck and stay in touch!! :)
      Nancy

      1. Wow ~ How sweet of you to reply. Thank you for the encouragement! I would be happy to send you a link when I’m up and running. Thanks again! Cindy

        1. Hi Nancy,
          can you explain more about the hosting and why you need it. I too use godaddy and have nicmakmo.com and ornatelayers.com but do not have hosting. also a started a blog ornatelayers.blogspot.com. how do you get connected with other bloggers ????? Need Help!
          Thanks, Celia

          1. Hi Celia,
            I actually have created a new page (maybe you saw it?) on How to Start a Blog. https://www.artsychicksrule.com/how-to-start-a-blog
            Looks like you are hosted through blogger? I started out on blogger, and no you don’t need hosting for that. But I realized soon after starting that I wanted to maintain full control over my blog which I wasn’t really able to do through blogger. That’s when I decided to host my own on Wordpress.
            As far as getting connected, there are many (so very many! ;) ) groups on Facebook that are very helpful. Try searching “blogging/blog etc” and many will pop up. Ask to join.
            They are a big help to new bloggers! Plus Google Plus has communities where you can start interacting with to get to know others too.
            Also, I have links to some things over on that page I linked here in this email. Try starting there and joining the sites I mentioned (like Hometalk). Start commenting and interacting and getting to know people in your same niche.
            Good luck and enjoy the journey!! :)
            xo
            Nancy

  6. I just wanted to thank you for writing this post. Right before I started my blog (I’m a little over a month in) I googled starting a blog and your post came up. It really inspired me. I was very nervous to put myself out there but I too wanted to show the world my projects, possibly inspire someone and well, basically be heard. I am constantly thinking back to this post and your other post on how to start a blog as I start my blogging journey, I love the quote about not comparing your beginning to someone else’s middle and I especially love the part about writing like people are reading, even though no one really is…yet. Thanks again!! I’ve been stalking your blog, obviously, and now I’ve finally going to follow you since now I know what that is!!

    1. Hi Sherri!
      I am so happy to hear that my post inspired you! :) We are all nervous starting out, or starting something new. Even to this day I am pushed outside of my comfort zone because of opportunities involving this blog. But I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way! It forces us to grow, live and experience things we might not otherwise.
      And yes, write like they are reading…because eventually they will be! Even those first posts you write. I’m at this again with a brand new food blog. http://www.foodiechicksrule.com. I forgot what it was like to start at 0 everywhere! ;) So I am also having to remember to write like everyone is reading. Because I know they will someday!
      Happy Blogging Sherri! :)
      xo
      Nancy

  7. Hello! I really appreciate reading about your experience. I have been obsessed for nearly 2 years on having my own blog. My husband and children are so encouraging and know that I want this so bad but it is scary. I already have my name picked out for the blog and have been even checking books out of the library and trying to educate on what I need to do to get up and going but I am just so nervous to take that plunge! I’ve been at my job for 17 years and needless to say, I’m scared of the unknown and fearful no one will read my blog and that would be definitely discouraging. Then when I start to write and then my finger lingers over the “publish” key and I chicken out and think maybe I need to fine tune things. Then sometimes I find myself kind of getting stage fright. It’s pretty crazy so I really appreciate your insight. It was very encouraging!

    1. Oh you are so welcome Heather! Don’t be scared…just do it! Even since starting, (which was scary) I’ve had to step out of my comfort zone SO many times! But it’s been a really good thing. I had no idea I’d have so many more “out of my comfort zone” moments but I wouldn’t change a thing! It’s been a growing experience for me, and one that I am very thankful for. So really…just take the leap!
      Good luck and enjoy! :)
      Nancy

  8. Okay, Nancy… I REALLY needed this… rgiht now! Thanks for re-sharing. I am tweeking and re-tweeking my website, and I just need to take the plunge. Setting up my opt-in today and tomorrow. Hope to launch by next week. I’ve been prepping and procrastinating way too long… looking at others’ ‘middles’.

    Thanks again, friend!

    1. You are so welcome! And wow, it was so … I can’t even think of the word…to read it again after all these years. It was intimidating starting out for me. I was hyper focused on everyone else instead of focusing on me…and what I had to offer. Don’t do that! ;) We are all unique and have much to offer and I can not wait to see all the wonderful things you will share. By the way, I took a look at your site the other night and wow! I’m impressed! Very nice. Love your logo and doesn’t Restored have the best designs? This is actually one of theirs (and my food blog is too). I’m actually in the middle of a redesign, again with Restored (and just created a new logo too…see? the tweaking never stops!! haha…this will by my 4th redesign). I started on Blogger (wish I hadn’t!), then switched to WP about 5 months later. Wishing you much success with it and I look forward to signing up and following along! xoxo

      1. Thank you so much! I tweaked it even more last nite. I think it should be good to go next week. I tried doing a photo shoot for my opt-in last nite. Learned a lot, but didn’t get much finished. Will try again this week! (Again, any critique is more than welcome!)

  9. Nancy, your being nervous in your beginning has actually made me feel so much better about my own nervousness. I’m introverted by nature which makes it a little harder but I’m going to go for it! My goal is to start on New Year’s Day 2018. I’m going to buy my domain and get busy! For now, research, learn, explore, etc. Thank you for being there for us newbies.

    1. Oh I’m so glad Robyn! I am a very private person and don’t really like to put myself out there at all. So starting a blog and putting myself out there big time was super intimidating! ;) The first few posts are the hardest. Once you’ve hurdled over them, you are on your way! Wishing you all the best with your new adventure in blogging!! xoxo

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