Wearing Your Blog

Blogs can be so different and yet each one is interesting because it reflects the style and personality of the creator.
Like a hat, they come in a rainbow of colors and can be loud and exuberant or small and quiet.
Blogs take a certain amount of guts to write because with each word or picture the writer is leaving themselves open and exposed to any amount of criticism or negativity. Just like wearing a hat with a big bow. A giant bow shaped like your heart.
Sometimes no comment can leave you wondering what you said or maybe didn't say.
The silence can be deafening to someone with low self esteem...should they change this or that?

Maybe they are too dull or boring?

Maybe it's all been said by someone else in a much better Blog with clearer pictures and newer thesaurus? 

Or maybe they don't have time to say hi...maybe the  code for the robot bloggers has them perplexed?

Sometimes it seems easier on my second or third try.

xper3f7

sTu2mllq

Nope, um...maybe that was siu2mllq...
?robots?
hello Blog reading robots !!!
Glad you stopped by!

Are there lots of robots reading Blogs on their automated  lunch breaks?

I wish they could comment on mine sometimes.

Maybe I should try to return each and every email after each and every comment?

I know how much I appreciate the time it takes to actually leave a comment but maybe that is what I am doing wrong?

Maybe by not returning the time,  by stopping back at the reader's Blog,  I am committing some Blogging Sin and shall never be forgiven and will be in Blogger Hell forever? I am not sure that I get it.

If I only emailed, eventually I wouldn't have time to make anything and then what would I write about? I could show other peoples stuff, maybe?

I write and cross my fingers and hope and wish and try and try...

Maybe Blogs are like potato chips and nobody can read just one?

Skipping from Blog to Blog like dominoes falling into the rabbit hole.

How did I get here?

Where am I?

What kind of Blog is this?

Is this a fluffy Blog?

Full of yummy, sweet, cotton candy, that I will forget in moments after reading it?
Is it deep and substantial, like a Russian novel, able to make me think and emote and feel?

Is it young and inexperienced?

Old and unsure?

Does this Blogger love their Blog? Can you tell by the time they spend fixing it up? Do they know how to make a banner? Is it too difficult to learn? (Time. It's always the time or lack of it!)

Do they think about their Blog all the time, taking pictures for it and writing prose while daydreaming at noon or dinner at night?

Do they want lots of people to read it and comment or did they disable the comment box altogether, deciding they would rather keep it quiet?

Brave, they are.

Smart too- I was just at a Blog that had so many lovely images that I, too, loved and wanted to say- "hey! I really dig that !"- and couldn't because there was no place to comment.

What reverse psychology!!

Brilliant!!

How elegant.
How mature.
To be able to put it out there, let it go and turn away and not care if anyone has read it, or agreed, or likes them.

Does the Blog writer provide links?

Do they want to have you leave, and possibly forget to return to comment?

Do all Blogs get lots of comments or are  the double digits only for the famous, successful, well read Blogs?

Is this like  High School?

Do I feel somehow less successful because I have less than 10 comments or is it because I write too often.

Maybe I should just stop and wait a week or two between each post?

Maybe.

Sometimes I wonder.

Why am I doing this?

Because I want friends?

Because I am lonely?

Because I need a family?

Because I have to share my arts & crafts or I will lose my mind all together?

Crazy Calamity Caught Cutting Crepe Continuously Cackling!!!

Do I show you my real hat?

You would be surprised to know how quiet I am.

Shy.

Introspective.

Thinking deep and meaningful thoughts.

Do I come across that way?

Can you see me?

The real Calamity that needs to hear what a good girl she is.

That wants you to be proud of her.

That needs just a moment of your attention before she goes back to her needles and threads.

Did I make you happy?

Do you like my hat?

Does it make my head look too big?

I think each project could be better-

I could have spent more time...

If only I...

Maybe...

What if?

Doubt is like the wind, just gusting up in a gale and blowing your hat clean off your head!!!
Down the road and into a puddle.
That's the Calamity.
Again.

Spilled.

Burned.

Torn.

Bruised.

Thrown away.

Unloved.

Unwanted.

Unread.

Is there anything sadder than that feeling?

Looking over at all the kids huddled around the pretty Blogs with their fashionable colors.

Their new spring hats.

Mine are so dark and old.

Why even worry?

Why even let it touch my tired forlorn heart?

There is something about being able to do this thing- to write and create a corner of the world to shine and say hey- look at me!!!

To become known in a bottomless abyss of Blogs with so much to say is extraordinary!

To have any one find you at all in this world-Wide Web- more or less comment is amazing!

To know that I have given one person the incentive to create something or spend money on supplies they may never use is enough!
Right?
Hello?

Did you hear what I meant?

Did I say it clearly?

Did you know that this is a dialog between us and I am talking to you and I want you to talk to me too?

Don't think for one second that I don't care, that I am any different than you.

Looking down at my hands wondering how I will fill them and my heart today?

That's why I stay busy.

That's why I keep trying on the different hats.

Hats in this post are by the super talented and anything but : "Boring, Sydney" at ETSY. Go check her out and get your own hat!
I think I need a nap.
Or maybe a cup of tea.
hello?
Thank you to all my friends and constant readers- you guys make my day and I appreciate you very much.
The other mice in the corners (thank you Jude) can come out and say hi.
It's OK, really.
I want to say thanks for your time.
Now pass the paper towels, I just spilled more glitter!
I am just like you- only messier!

Comments

[Jane]

Heh Kim, I love your blogs.
Seriously, I have been reading for about 2 months and Just last night , after way to much Easter celebrations I saw your CChicks, And ran, well kinda waddelded, out to the living room and told my Bill, I just cant believe what that Kim has made,, last week I was blowed away by the gnome house, Then all the chicks!!! And new banners!!!
woman!!! How do you do it?????
Any way I love you and I love the thing you make, and the way you write, and You you sweet girl!!!
Thank you for all you do!!!
Jane

[Tina]

Hello Calamity Kim!
Yes I absolutely love your blog & am happy when I find that you wrote something new, & you ( & quite a few others...) are what inspire me to do something crafty each day(when I get brain farts & just can't think of what to do next...) & to keep at my own blog (whether or not anyone else reads it....) So thank you for all you write & share!!!
Aloha,
Tina

[Sara Shalom]

Thank you so much for writing this. You are so brave, and it is so good to read that someone else has such similar feelings, questions and struggles. The more I visit this space, the more I feel like we are kindred. I appreciate you.

[Tine]

Great post!
I love your work, I've been following your Flickr-photos for a while :-)
I also just started a block, and LOL! I thought of some of the things you write in this post!
So made me laugh, and made me feel better about starting blogging.

[hunnybunny]

I love your blog, but you already know that. I also love the fact that you found a comparison with some very fabulous hats. I myself skip around from project to project and don't post about some stuff nearly enough. I come here all the time, because no matter what I know there is some kind of beauty waiting for me to absorb. Blogs are scary and it is hard sometimes, but to so many of us you are a motivational super star. Don't forget that.

[Debbie]

Not a mouse, just an old reader/commenter friend. If you want to feel great about your comments and activity, just check out my blog. I get maybe 0-3 comments sometimes.!! LOL

[Debbie]

AND I LOVE YOUR BLOG, I WILL COMMENT MORE I PROMISE. It is hard to comment sometimes, because so many GREAT comments are in there, mine seem so mundane. I try not to read the others before I put mine in,so I don't feel intimidated. And yes, Kim is SHY and sweet, and has no idea how good she is at what she does!

[ella]

For me, commenting on any blog took awhile. i think that there is an element of high school involved...will I say the wrong thing, the wrong way...on and on. When I am completely blown away by something that you created will I say the wrong thing and sound stupid. I took the plunge and stopped worrying about how I sounded and commented anyway. I was amazed at how many things in our lives were alike, married to a Fred, love big dogs etc. I appreciated when you sent me a quick note and didn't feel like an outsider reading something that I shouldn't. I think that was all that it took since I had never read a blog before yours much less understood how it worked. Everytime I meet someone who is creative and sews I tell them to check out your blog and most of the time they are like me and don't know what it is but check it out anyway. So I hope this makes sense and that you know how much I look forward to each post. You are the first blog that I read everyday, the first blog that I ever found. Thank you for spending the time to write and share your life.

[Christina]

Here is how I deal with my lack of comments/traffic. I pretend I'm the only one interested in me, which is pretty close to the truth. Then I feel EXTRA special if someone comments on my blog! LOL!

Actually, lack of comments used to bum me out. I'm okay now. I've given in to being...ick...unpopular...HAHAHA!

Seriously, Calamity! You have one of THE coolest blogs ever! I LOVE seeing all your new projects. You are a constant source of inspiration!

[Karen Otto]

You're too funny.... "Are you unpoopular? Do you pop out at parties?" Comments.... would you really want to hear from someone who is looking at a blog like yours--so inventive, full of information and sharing, so well written--- and can't think of something to say?! No. Smile, and know you are loved by the 'right' people ;-)
xoxo
Your telephone tag partner...

[Betsy]

good post--made me think!

I actually came over from flickr just to tell you how neat I think your fabric collage shawl is--I am emailing a link to my friend who will dig it to pieces! And while I'm here, I'm getting that chicken pattern--how cute will those be in Jack and Anna's rooms??

So, see?? ripples in the pond are sometimes the only evidence of the wind, if you know what I mean.

keep on rocking sister.

[Gayle]

I am one of your biggest fans.
What a profound post this one was. You write as well as you create.
Thanks for sharing all you do.
Gayle

[Debbs]

Hi Kim, I replied to your email, I hope you got it. Yours was the first reply I ever got from any comments I've left and much appreciated. As a reader of Blogs I am just as confused as you the writer sometimes. Do I leave a comment - do they even care about my opinion, if I leave more than 2 comments in a row do they think I'm a stalker or a crazy women who has no friends and once you answer back you're scared you'll be stuck with me for life!!!???
Sometimes some of us leave comments and like me never receive a reply after 4-5 years of reading blogs. Just think how insecure I feel!!LOL But sometimes it's like we're the worst audience at a live screening of a TV comedy show - we're the ones who sit there laughing without making a noise, worried that we'll snort like a pig and everyone will look at us, or else we're so caught up we don't want to make a noise and miss anything, we're not enjoying it any less than everyone else we're just doing it quietly! Not very good for the guys up on stage though, so I shall try and be noisy without coming over as a stalker. Bottom line though do you really want MY opinion - how do you know I'm not the biggest fool and my thoughts aren't worth the paper they're written on?LOL I must have some taste though - I'm reading your blog right? Debbsx

[Rue]

Hi Kim :)

I've seen your name on other blogs, so I thought I would come over and see yours. You seem like a very thought provoking person, which is a good thing. I loved what you wrote AND the hats. I think everyone, even the BIG bloogers feel this way. I'm new to this, so for the life of me I can not believe that anyone would want to read what I write about. I love blogging, but it's very strange. A friend of mine compares it to handing over your diary. I think that's pretty much what this is. Anyway, thank you for this post.

Rue :)

[Rue]

Blooger?? LOL blogger ;)

[Scarlett]

Thought provoking and so openly honest that I feel you, really feel you.

I like deep gut wretching honesty and I love you and your blog. You inspire me and goad me to be a better person.

Never forget that you are a voice to be listened to, and mulled over and cherished and savored.

So, in that sense, sometimes, I am just silent for a long time . . .

savoring your Calamity.

[Monkey Giggles]

Okay, I am stepping out behind the curtain. I am de-lurking. I have been coming here for a long time and have never commented.

You have so inspired me. One day hubby and I sat down (he is an artisy guy) and looked through your blog and photo's!!! He even enjoyed it. He LOVES stuff lots and lots of stuff.

[Monkey Giggles]

Okay, I am stepping out behind the curtain. I am de-lurking. I have been coming here for a long time and have never commented.

You have so inspired me. One day hubby and I sat down (he is an artisy guy) and looked through your blog and photo's!!! He even enjoyed it. He LOVES stuff lots and lots of stuff.

[Denise]

Hey Kim, I like your blog, I check it every day. I find it very friendly - but I feel silly sometimes leaving comments. I loved "Just like wearing a hat with a big bow. A giant bow shaped like your heart." Sometimes leaving comments on blogs feels like that too. I've found that leaving comments has also opened me up to talking to strangers - something I would have never done before. I like the links you provide and your projects.

[Michelle]

Actually, I think I'm messier, or, maybe dirtier. The other day I had to think, "Should I take my shoes off to step on this white carpet, or, are my feet dirtier than my shoes." I left the shoes on. ;)

[Robyn]

Just brilliant! Well put! Thanks
Hugs,
Robyn

www.happyhouseofhaas.blogspot.com

[Carol]

I think you think too much!!! Your blog is great.
I'm pretty sure we've talked about this once before...
If I had time I would leave comments on all the blogs I visit but that would take away from the time I get to visit. I suck at blogging...my own and commenting on others but it's just the way it is for me right now.
Times up, I must wake the teenager and I still haven't made lunches!
Have a nice day Kim :)

[Tonya]

I think you designs are just great. Thank you for sharing your time, talent, inspiration, suggestions, links, tutorials, and all your other creativity that you share in your blog.

[Tonya]

Gee, my first comment and the dang thing got posted to someone else. . Probably thats why I dont comment. Anyway, I think your designs are great. Thank you for sharing yourself and your creativity. I enjoy all your posts, links, suggestions, tutuorials,etc. Thank you, Calamity, your blog is a nice place to be.

[Amanda Button]

I am your NUMBER ONE FAN! Really!

:D scared now?

i love you, girl...you know i think you are fantastic and what you do is such a huge inspiration to me, and i have no doubt that it's a huge inspiration to pretty much eveyone who steps into your magical little world. Don't fret! Just keep doing what you do and sharing as long as you are ENJOYING it. W all love you for it!

xoxox