AUTHENTIC BLOGGING

No matter how sloppy my house might be at any given moment in time, my family and I know how to get it tidied up when we know that company's coming. And though company might say "you have such a lovely home," I know deep inside that they say what they say because I haven't let them open my drawers or closets. But that's OK because what rests in such places isn't meant for public viewing. One of the criticisms out there of artful bloggers is that what we show on our blogs isn't "real." That what is authentic is actually kept hidden in the dark and deep recesses of our minds ... recesses that are kept under wraps ... as only the pretty and tidied up parts of our everyday lives are what get posted by artful bloggers.

To which I say, "So what?!"

So what if artful bloggers elect to present our best face, our most evolved musings, our most elevated images? After all, just like when company comes over, it is a persona we are presenting of the best of who we are, the best of who aspire to be. The commitment I made when I launched my blog was that at least for the first year, I would post every single day. And that I wouldn't crab, bitch, moan, or damage others in the process. That I'd share who I am, who I am becoming, and to do so with class, style, intelligence, positivity, and yes ... authenticity.

Because you know what? Though who I am exists within those drawers and closets, who I am also exists in the bright sunny room that is styled and gussied up for the perfect image to be used for the perfect post. There are some who would also argue that artful blogs with a focus on the positive are too distilled and sugar-coated to inspire anything meaningful or thought-provoking. 

To which I say, "Are you kidding me?!"

Every day, we have the challenge of coping with completely uninspired scenes found in life ... attitudes of self-entitlement, envy-driven criticisms, corruption, and downright evil. Before you know it, the negativity of the world can swallow you up and completely strip you of hope, optimism, and the will to move forward and affect positive change. Can a post about pretty chandelier crystals with a fortune from a fortune cookie — or a post about my latest knitting or crocheting project — inspire hope for those in the throes of depression?

Yes.

Can a post about peanut butter sandwiches and a makeshift gun from Mother's white pumps inspire thoughtful dialogue about the effects of "nature versus nurture" in terms of raising boys and girls?

Yes. 

Can a post about passages from a book by economist Dan Ariely inspire nutritional and physical discipline?

Yes. 

Aside from provoking thought and inspiring hope, I love that my blog affords me the opportunity to play, prance, and provide respite from the weight of the world by pointing to things that are ... for lack of a better term ... HOT!

And if you click onto the "That's HOT" category on my blog, chances are that you'll find many posts about my shoes. I have a thing for shoes. One could argue that it's a weakness. Another could argue that it's an addiction.

Whatever.

Regardless of what it may be considered, it is an attraction that I have decided to wholeheartedly embrace. Life's too short to deny such a simple and sexy pleasure.

So that's who I am ... at least that's who I am allowing you to see. If you want to see the other darker parts, I'll need to have a pretty reputable referral to see you and you'd better have "LCSW" or "PhD" inscribed after your name. It is because I know that you're coming over every day to say hello that I resolve to keep things tidied up, put my best shoe forward, and create a space where imaginations are ignited, curiosity is quenched, and style is revered. It is where even the smallest of notes can be heard and nurtured ... because even the smallest notes can gradually increase in volume and capture an audience of like-minded people who will gather to applaud the beautiful and authentic crescendoh.

[This article was published in the Spring 2009 issue of Artful Blogging magazine.]

Comments

[Nancy]

Great post. I'll betcha my drawers & closets are messier than yours..heehee. We are going to someone else's home for Thanksgiving...Whew! Have a nice holiday Jenny.

[Colette]

I remember that editorial. I'll repeat what I said when I first read it: Hear, hear.

Youbetchafersure!!!!!

[maya]

I read this repeatedly last Spring when that issue came out. I'm so glad you've shared it on your blog. All so true!

[donna!ee]

AMEN sister...i'm with you on every word! thank you for sharing your authentic blogging...you always inspire me to play & prance in the possibilities!

[❦TattingChic]

That is an awesome post! I feel very much the same way. I may only blog about hand tatted lace (pretty much). Some may show all their mistakes and glitches they make in their tatting and I try to show my best...my artfully best side of my tatting possible. My very best is just as authentic as the deep dark recesses of my mind...so there!

[Debbi]

Here, here! I agree, with my whole heart. The point of my blog isn't to share my dirty laundry with the world. As a matter of fact, it began as a way to share memories with my children, and quickly transformed into what I have now, about half art and half personal musings. {I've had a lot to muse about lately, afterall.} I like to encourage others, who are questioning their content or maybe their blog decor, "It's your blog, your story, your inspiration, your art. Do it your way."

[Sue Jackson]

My closets and drawers are the worse! Seriously. They make great places for "quick clean ups"! Great article/post. Just started reading Artful Blogging and I love it! Take care.

[Martina@marchenstudios]

Any one who has stood in harsh fluorescent light in line at the grocery store, while slowly shuffling behind a mom whose kid is engaging in a melt down over denial of candy displayed at nose height of four year old's, knows how heavenly it is to escape with a cup o' joe and beautiful images of magazines like Artful Blogging. And, yes we are intelligent enough to realize that most of the images caught a micro second of fleeting beauty, and some might (gasp!) be totally staged. We still appreciate the escape and the nurture to our soul, that craves the extraordinary. So thank you to all the artist who capture that whisp of heaven through the lens, to the writers and the editors, because the everyday is unbearable without the everyminute of the creative spirit.

[jeanne]

I agree with you completely. Life is full of so much negativity that I want people to feel inspired, encouraged and joy when they read my blog. I have bad days like everyone else....but I make a choice to be positive even in the midst of all that life gives us. I loved this post!!!!

[Christine]

I think you hit on a presumption that some make about the blog world...that if you don't spill the beans on everything that's going on with your family, your private thoughts or show pictures of every inch of your home that you aren't be "real".

The purpose of my blog has always been to share my very specific type of art along with some family bits (for family that aren't nearby). I always try to create my best when it comes to my art and I consider my blog an extension of that. If my blog is inspiring to my readers that's great!
I will never be one to share everything about my life for the sake of I prefer to let my work/images speak for themselves. For me that is being authentic :)

[lisa]

so well said, jenny. it's the beauty that draws us to artful blogs in the first place and the thing that keeps us coming back is the yearning to walk in a patch of golden light with a kindred for a bit. readers instinctively know blogs that are authentically positive and we all know there are many sides to each of us. reality can be beautiful and positive and artful.

{p.s. my favorite issue!!!}

[Olga]

This is why we love you. You are ONE classy Woman !!!! Thank you for all your inspiration.

[Swirly]

This question has been explored quite a lot over the years by many bloggers - myself included - and I love what you are saying here. I love coming to your blog to get inspired and see what creative projects you are up to...thank you for all that you share!

[Angela]

Amazing post! Inspiration is the reason for reading. Not to mention observing lovely images. Really, can you imagine seeking images of drudgery and dirty laundry? This is all too often available without even searching. Creativity and presentation inspire positivity and pleasantry! ~ Angela

[Olive Appleby]

who wants to read about negative? we need images/words to make us laugh and our lives richer. My drawers are a mess as is my wardrobe, but i dont care, its what i create that i want to be real. Shout hoorah for bloggers, who make our lives richer..... and to you Jenny for your inspiration. Ciao

[Lisa Super]

Amen! I stop by for a dose of inspiration or laughter regularly and you can always be counted on. Thank you!

Lisa

[Deb @ Retreat]

Beautifully said, Jenny.

[holly]

appreciates this mag

[Melissa]

I just love you and how you are able to say what so many of use feel...thanks so much for sharing yourself with us on your blog and elsewhere.
Melissa

[Abie]

Amen to that sister. If I was to hear (or read) about someone's mess, I would just say, "you poor thing, go see a shrink!". I think there should be a line between private and public life. I stopped apologizing to people whenever they come by and see my "mess". Once they see what I actually do, then they realize that I'm just actually creating something with my hands and not just being some slob.

I think most people who are not into using their right brain hemisphere are quick to judge based on what they see and I think you speak for most of us who plainly just want to express ourselves. Thank you for the much needed encouragement--you rock!

[Heidi]

So well put. I too have a blog where my mission is to look at the brighter side of things. I would rather post the positives of my life, views, etc., than to post the ugly. I hope that we all would rather read the upbeat, creative, intelligent, positive views in life than to waste anymore time than we have to dealing with the opposite.

Thank you for sharing. Thank you for everything. You are an inspiration.