Thoughts on Blogging

Several years ago, as a 19-year-old, engaged college student, I began my first blog.  I am not sure though, that I knew it was "blogging" at the time, nor did I know that it would become a hobby I would enjoy for almost 10 years.  I switched from the popular "Livejournal" to Xanga, where I happily blogged about life as a newlywed, my fears and thoughts on having a first, then second, then third baby.  Going back to my old Xanga site is fun sometimes, because I am able to see how quickly I had to mature, even though my contemporaries were still worried about final exams in college, or the dating scene, or partying.  Through those years, blogging felt more like Facebook does now, more of a community feeling.   
Once I plugged in with the ladies at the 4real forums, I discovered that a nicer, more capable blog would be worth having.  I moved to Typepad, and then only last May came over here to Blogger. 
Up until recently, I have enjoyed blogging immensely and even though I never fell into a blog "clique," there were a few people who I genuinely had developed a friendship with, whose lives, wisdom, and faithfulness added richness to my life.
These days, though, I am pondering my purpose in blogging.  As social networking has advanced over the years, the purpose and content of blogs has changed.  Now blogging involves sponsors, and potential income, it involves greater ingenuity and creativity.  I don't have original craft ideas, or excellent writing skills, or beautiful photography, or the time/interest/talent to comment on news and political events.  I'm not an expert on anything.  None of these things are bad, if they were I wouldn't love reading blogs so much!
Blogging was attractive to me because it was a sharing of life, it was a way to connect to like-minded women who held my faith and/or vocation in common.  I'm not sure if this aspect of blogging is around much anymore, reading blogs feels more like reading a magazine as blogging becomes more and more professional.
All that being said, I'm considering putting an end to my blogging days.  I don't come here and post this to be dramatic or anything, really it just seems the natural setting for me to hash this out.  The little "Running with Perseverance" tab on the top of my browser taunts me most days.  It seems I've run out of things to say, or at least no longer have something worth saying, or maybe I'm more apt to guard my heart and my home these days.  I don't know. 
What I do know is that the blogosphere has been a benefit to me.  The real people who I have connected with or whose blogs I have read or have in the past left regular comments for me on my blog(s) have helped me grow in faith and knowledge.
In order to take action on these thoughts, I have decided to take no further action for the time being.  Taking advantage of the remaining Lenten season, I am going to "give up" blogging (or at least the self-inflicted pressure to post something ) and really pray about why I have been doing this and whether I should go forward.  I genuinely do not believe that I have the gifts necessary to be a blogger in the current atmosphere of cyberspace.  But, maybe I'll just come to the conclusion that it is a lovely way to record the blessings of family life.  There's no telling.
No matter what, I don't feel that it's been wasted time or energy.  And my Google Reader will continue to be full as ever.  :-)

Volume 7: Hi!

1. My sweet Felicity received Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time two weeks ago.  She was so filled with joy and had been anticipating the day for over a year. 

It was a lovely Mass...

followed by a party...

and a weekend spent with our very dear friends, her Godparents.

2. This past weekend, we were able to travel out of middle-of-nowhere-Wyoming to Denver.  While we were there, I was able to see my parents and sisters as we together remembered my wonderful Grandfather who, at 93 years old, passed away.  I have such happy memories with him and think of him often, especially as the only family heirloom I have ever been blessed to be given is the desk at which I currently sit, from where he ran his own successful business for years and years.
Grandpa was a WWII veteran, and was given a very respectful, and well-earned military funeral.  It was quite beautiful.

This was the last time I saw my Grandpa, a lovely Autumn day.  Here we are four generations, my grandpa, my lovely mama, me, and my girls (Fina had just been born).

3. Our trip to Denver was great fun, and especially good for me, a city girl at heart.  We had a great hotel right in the middle of downtown where we could see everything going on in the city as well as the mountains.  We got to do a little bit of shopping, eat delicious food, and generally be around a greater hub of activity, which is really my preference.  I am really looking forward to our next trip down, since there will be time (and great weather) for a baseball game, a trip to the museum, and visits with friends.

While in Denver, Felicity purchased her American Girl doll.

Sushi with my sweet friend.  What a great day!

4. I am so thankful that Lent is finally here.  The later Lenten season this year was so strange, and it felt like a relief when Ash Wednesday finally rolled around.  Like others, I've found that having a long list of things to do/give up during Lent results in somewhat of a disaster.  So, we're keeping it simple here too.  There's no need to really list everything we're doing (it's a little late for that, not to mention there are so many great resources out there), but I will say that it's exciting to have girls old enough to really live this season with us this year.  I was concerned about taking S to receive ashes this year - at 19 months she seems to have quite a personal bubble.  I thought for sure she would yell, "Hey!" when I took her up, but she just furrowed her eyebrows instead.  She's so funny.

5. Speaking of seasons...the ice skating rink in the back yard has melted and dried, the birds are singing, and the other day I (gasp) turned off the heat and opened the windows!  Could it be?  Oh, how I long for Spring and Summer.  Soon we'll be planting grass and the children can play outside all day.  Wonderful!  We may even go for a walk today....how exciting.

6. I posted this link to my Facebook, but have you seen these awful dolls!?  I'm just so shocked that there is a market for this, that parents would find this type of "toy" acceptable.  Scrolling down the page I was disgusted enough at the dolls, but when I got to the coffin bed I was just beside myself.    Thankfully, these "dolls" (aptly deemed "occult dolls," by the author of this post) are stocked down the Barbie/Bratz aisle at the store and my girls just know we don't go there.  But still!  Ugh!  First Monster High, next Ouija board, last destruction.

Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -
by the Divine Power of God -
cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.  Amen.

7.  There's so much more, but that'll be it today...

...wondering if I should hit "publish post?"

For more Quick Takes, check out Jen at Conversion Diary.