Truly Random Thoughts on Blogging

Just wanted to give a few thoughts on bloggin'.  To start it off, here's a random picture that has nothing what-so-ever to do with my post.

"Ok, mom, so you won't let me suck my thumb."  Princess Brynlee

I love the blogging world and recording my days with my Prince and Princesses.  I love the people I've met through it and I love how it encourages me to be a better wife and mom.

I've often been asked how I have time to keep at it, while balancing (the key) my four kids and hubby.  Here are a few of my random thoughts on blogging. And they are very random.

1. First I have a rule with myself, I never blog unless I've had my devotions that day.  If "inspiration" strikes...I write a little note to myself.  But my relationship with my Savior is more important to me then blogging.

2. "If you can't say something nice....don't say nothing at all!"  {hands on hips with raised eyebrows}     I try to purpose to talk....all sugary and less spicy.  If I wouldn't say something to your face, I don't want to say it on the screen in front of the "world".

3. Pictures are important.  I believe the more artsy and intriguing they are the more people will be drawn to look and read.

As hard as it is.....since I have the cutest kids... don't post a million pictures of them all at once.  Only their grandma will truly enjoy that....just being honest.  If I'm looking at a blog and it's just full of Junior...and Junior.... and Junior.  I get bored.

"Mi lik-ie di" eye candy.  Translated - If you have one good picture at the top of your post it kinda sucks me in.  Like the little moth to the bug zapper.

4. I aspire to record real life.  The laughter, the frustrations, the soggy banana peel on the living room rug.  I don't wish for anyone to envy or covet my life on the Island.  I don't want to paint a picture of  missionary life as something it is not.  I don't want people to think it's all bugs and no electricity and I don't want people to think it's all sunnin' at the beach.....there has to be balance.

I want my readers to love their own life and be better parents and spouses.

5. I keep a continual list on the old pen and paper.  If there's a thought I want to pursue or something funny the kids do I jot it down and come back to it when I have time later.  I don't have a set time to do my blogging.  Usually I don't have a lot of time to sit still.  So I piece it together through the day, pray about it, post it.

6. Commenting on others blogs really helps your numbers grow.  It is also a huge encouragement to others out there.  Remember to be sincere.... not gushy.  I love getting comments...they make me super excited.  I know.... I miss the interaction with people.  I read them and reread them.  If you have a blog link I always click on it to catch up with you.  I also Love returning emails.

I only recently learned that if you have the comments sent to your email it makes life so much easier.  Also if the commenter has a back link it is so much nicer.  Do you have that?  If you do I will return your emails.  I was returning every email I received then I realized that so many come up "no reply commenter"  or something like that.  But you don't realize that if you just click reply.   So if you want me to answer you or anyone to reply back here's what you need to do.

Link up your email with blogger.  That way someone can just shoot you an email response back.  It's easier then you think and it makes it so nice.  Ready?

Go to your blog and sign in.
Click on "customize" up at the top.
Click on "Dashboard" up at the top.
Click on "Edit Profile" (second option down next to your profile picture)
Check the box (third line down) that says "show my email address."
Scroll down a little.
Make sure your e-mail address is entered in the "Identity" section.
Scroll all the way to the bottom.
Click "Save Profile."

You'll be really happy you did.  It's easy.

Have a lovely day,
 
Tip on "how to link up to blogger" is from This Robbed Blogging Tips List