you've been blogged

Initially, this space was a way to express my thoughts in some creative (and positive) fashion. It quickly evolved to update friends and family on our life. What happened next has taken me off guard, I suppose because I wasn't sure anyone would take the time to read this and I didn't really understand blogs. Not only do many friends & family check it out (hi dad!), but many people I don't know show up regularly to catch up on the Kenobi household. Even when comments are scarce, the little counter-gizmo I have tells me that dozens, hundreds, or more people are hanging out here. Honestly, I'm not sure what to make of it.

It seems a little like navel-gazing to blog about blogging, but here goes... On occassion, somebody does or says something in my presence that cries out to be shared. My husband, kids, and friends have all heard me comment, "you've been blogged!" to their stories. They may check later and see I never did publish their tale, however. Do they wonder why?

When I'm poised to write something funny or maddening or puzzling, I often stop because I'm not sure how the story might be interpreted. Art has a funny way of reflecting things that weren't intended by the artist. As hard as I try, sometimes I don't truly honor my husband or family or friends with my thoughts. I don't want to make those moments worse by broadcasting things to a wider audience.

Other authors do things differently, and certainly many blogs have hundreds of devoted readers and thousands of "lurkers" in the internet shadows. When I read their writings, I see the talent and work required to maintain that sort of space. There is income to be made, if only one draws enough people to enough pages for enough time. It is a tough balance for those who walk that road. I see the humor, grace, carelessness, or vulnerability they demonstrate. They share lots of photos, real names and places, and detailed stories. Perhaps I'm too cautious... or perhaps I'm not cautious enough.

I always hope that my words on this blog reflect the grace I've received. So, many "bloggable" stories stay unpublished around here. Many more remain completely unwritten. If I were a better author, or more sure of the technology, I might have more to say. For now, that's why you haven't been blogged.

love,
MamaToo