tea and chat

:: My morning ritual ::

Many of you no doubt have seen this meme making it's rounds. I've felt inspired to tag along myself after reading so many great answers to these questions.

Do you promote your blog?

No. I've always felt that in time, hopefully, some people would find me. It is a nice thing that you can link your blog when you leave comments.  I have found many fun blogs because of that and what a helpful feature for letting the blog community know you're out there. I would not, however, recommend leaving comments for the sole purpose of exposing yourself. Keep it sincere :)

How often do you check hits?

I didn't even know you could do this until a few months ago! Now, whenever I want to do a new post I may check. Sometimes not at all. I'm mostly curious where people are coming from. It's fun to discover new visitors.

Do you stick to one topic?

I blog to talk about my creative endeavors first and foremost--which can be broad. When I first started my blog, I was sure I would not talk about personal things--keeping it crafty all the time. But, I found that as I went along and started making connections with my readers, some of my personal life filtered on. Such as when I talked about my son getting married, or the bitter-sweet of watching your children grow up.  I enjoy sharing about my family and other areas of life here and there, but this will always be my place to talk craft.

Who knows about your blog?

My family and friends. At first, it wasn't something I ever brought up with people. It was kind of my little secret world and hobby and I liked it that way. It makes me laugh when I think of the times that Mark would mention my blog (in a supportive way) to someone and I would cringe--trying to give him the signal to be quiet! He would just look at me with this puzzled expression like, "what's the problem?" My dad is a faithful reader and I think that's so cute. He's a committed lurker though and I still can't get him to leave a comment. Not a problem dad, I know you're out there.

How many blogs do you read?

Actually, not that many! It's a time thing, or I would love to read more. I have never subscribed to bloglines and just keep my favorites book marked. I find that I check in regularly with a small handful--10 or so--and then I try to broaden my horizons when I have the time with the others I have marked--about 5o total. Most of the time I'm just popping in to get a glimpse and to ooh and aww, and then I'm off--many days lacking time to comment.

Are you a fast reader?

Well, not really. I try to practice my skimming skills, but sometimes find that I just need to slow down because I'm comprehending nothing! I think I'm getting better though. That may be why I don't actually "read" that many blogs. I'm kind of slow.

Do you customize your blog or do anything technical?

Ahhh...to learn HTML. Wouldn't that be nice. No brain space for that at this time in my life. Thank you Typepad for doing all the hard work for me.

Do you blog anonymously?

Nope. I use my real name and that of my family too. I worry (sometimes panic) about showing pictures of my kids. I go back and forth with feeling OK about it. When I hear of another blogger finding their kids pictures somewhere they shouldn't be, I rethink this whole thing. I don't want to give fear the upper hand, and I also know that you have to face reality. The world has some very ugly corners in it.

To what extent do you censor yourself?

I want my blog to a be a pretty place, a light place, a happy place. It's my little corner of all things good. Of course my life isn't always pretty, light or happy. But I really don't want to talk about that much here. I have my bad days, like everyone. I just assume that people know that and I never have any intentions of trying to communicate otherwise. I read my blog! I want to smile when I come here. It's just my choice, and I certainly don't want to sound critical of those who do choose to share the hard things in life, because I'm not. There is no right way, just your way.

The best thing about blogging?

Of course that has to be all of you! I wouldn't blog if I couldn't hear from you. You are what makes this little world of mine go round. Your support and encouragement are so valuable to me. The time you take to send me sweet comments is so kind, even when I don't find the spare minutes to tell you so in a response. It seems so one-sided at times and I feel bad about that, but I do what I can. And still you come back! Thank you, a thousand times over. Plus, sharing my love of handmade with like minded people is so amazingly satisfying. It fills a need I have to get excited over perfect stitches or the silly face on a plush toy or the wonderful feel of felted wool. Do you know what I mean? Yes, I know you do.

Comments

[Oona L]

~~I am so happy you blog.What a great outlook on life you and your family have. Thanks so much for sharing everything you do!!!

[Oona L]

Oh and another thing..........love the teacup!!!

[Carolyn]

I've just recently found and read your blog and I've enjoyed it. I hadn't thought much about whether I censor myself on my blog and I do, writing mostly about my quilting, knitting, sewing and very little about myself. I hadn't realized I did that! Thanks for opening my eyes. Just keep doing what you're doing...

[meg]

yay! i so love reading peoples thoughts on this. thanks for joining in!

[Heather Wilson]

it was so fun to read all of your answers, and I think your tea cup is so pretty! Have a wonderful week =)

[jen b]

it is always a pleasure to learn more about you. i am so glad we met! That coffee cup is gorgeous, by the way.

[simply stork]

Hello again,
I just want to say that I really enjoy the simplicity of your blog...I don't visit that many blogs...but when I find one I like I check in when I get the chance...I love to come to yours and just see all the pretty things you snap pictures of...thank's for that!
~simply stork~

[colorsonmymind]

This was insightful. I am making a switch from my blog being about processing stuff emotionally to being a more light pretty place.

[Karin]

I appreciate your thoughtful answers. I am still in what I am calling a trial phase of having a blog. I am unsure about it. I too have a slight sense of uneasiness about posting anything personal. I agree with your statement that you want to smile when you read your own blog. That's kind of what I have been trying to do with mine. Your blog has brought a smile to my face many a time, especially when I see that adorable cat of yours! And, I must say that your sense of color as well as your excellent photography makes each visit a visual treat.

[amandajean]

toni, your blog is such a joy to read. I love coming here to check in on what you are up to. :)

[Tracy]

I am very happy you keep blogging and sharing a piece of yourself and world along with it! ((HUGS))

[Hilda May]

I Ioved reading your meme.....I too sometimes worry about the photo thing but hey, people see us in the street also. Thanks for sharing with us
Rachel x

[Suzie Sews]

Oh so nice, I love this one, its so good to hear a bit more about the thoughts of the person behind a much loved loved blog
Suzie Sews

[Rebecca F.]

Hey T.

Do you have a link to your bunny box post of long ago? I tried to search your blog for it today but couldn't find it.

Thanks.

As always

R/

[Rebecca F.]

Oh! Lucky me. I found the bunny box in your Etsy shop so I no longer need the link.

I poured over your trailer cushions again too. What wonderful work you do!

R/

[Katy]

Thank You for that. I have been wondering about why I blog after listening to some not very complimentary things about people who blog on the radio. Your answers made a lot of sense. I love visiting. Thank you.

[tea time and roses]

Toni, really wonderful... I have been dropping by for quite sometimes now and your beautiful blog has been a joy...I enjoy my visits so much. Thank for being here..

Smiles...

Beverly

[victoria]

That was said so beautifully! I always wonder why people do what they do and say what they say--such a nice insight! Your blog is a place of beauty and a welcoming one too1