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Tuesday, August 2, 2011

A Fact, Two Goals, & Some Beads

Little known fact about me...I was a philosophy major my freshman year of college.  I thought that I could ponder life’s meaning, write magnificent papers, and eventually become a judge or possibly be on an ethics committee. 

Mediating snack sharing and taking turns with my kids may be just as complicated as any ethics issues I was considering when studying St. Augustine and free will, but it wasn’t exactly what I had in mind as an idealistic eighteen year old.
Enter another Summer Blog Social session!  Liz and Jessica suggested that we spend some time thinking philosophically about our blogs.  I may not be the best person to give blogging advice, but I am certain that my two semesters of philosophy classes absolutely qualify me to write on this prompt: What are your overriding goals for your blog and social media presence? How have those goals evolved over time?
When I began blogging, my goal was to create a virtual baby book and a place where my friends and family could have a glimpse into our life without me e-mailing pictures and stories about our lovely daughter, ad nauseam. 
Over time, our family has changed; I have changed; my goals for my blog have changed.  Only recently have I found the confidence to admit, even in my own head, that I have developed two distinct goals for Tiaras and Trucks. 
Personally, I want to capture the humor and beauty that weave together with the ordinary moments in our lives to create something extraordinary.  I hope that Abbey and Dylan will be able to look back one day and feel the emotions involved in building their childhood, feel how utterly invested I am in being their mom. 
One day, even later, I hope that they will look back and discover the facets of me that aren’t about motherhood; I hope they can appreciate my writing and running and rambling and know that my most important role may be “mother” but I have other roles as well.
Professionally (ok, I just hyperventilated a little that I dared use that word in relation to my blog,) I would like to use Tiaras and Trucks as a medium to explore writing opportunities. 
Yesterday, I confessed that blogging has awakened my passion for writing, and the lack of sleep over the last three years has led to delusions that I may be able to convince someone other than, well, me to publish my work.  My blog is helping me discover my voice, and I hope that I can convince someone, somewhere to take a chance on that voice for some freelance writing jobs.
Be gentle on me; this was a tough post for me to publish!  Putting my hopes about freelance work into words feels a little like telling your birthday wish when you blow out your candles.  But this week, this blog social, is about growing and learning, and that involves a little risk, right?

her goals are simpler
wear as many beads as possible at one time

28 comments:

  1. I love that you're discovering your voice. What an amazing voice it is! I love "Personally, I want to capture the humor and beauty that weave together with the ordinary moments in our lives to create something extraordinary." - such a perfect line. They will look back and see how invested you were. Most definitely.

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  2. I think it's wonderful both that you are creating memories for your kids AND that you are looking towards writing more professionally.  I think a lot of us in the blogging world feel that way.  Live your dream girl and don't be shy!  :-)

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  3. You shouldn't ever hyperventilate when you say you want to write professionally!! That's a wonderful goal to have. It gives your blog purpose. I think we bloggers sometimes think, "oh, this old thing? it's not worth anything." but you have the potential to find that freelance work!

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  4. I think it's so awesome that blogging has led you here.  Like REALLY awesome!  And I think you MUST attend Blissdom.  It really is a very motivating conference and I think you will get a lot out of it! xo

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  5. I think your writing is great. Putting yourself out there is the hardest part. Keep it up!

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  6. Thank you!  Things like Summer Blog Social help :)

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  7. I have some time to scrape together the cash :)  Plus (and I know this is silly) I have always loved the Opryland Hotel.  We used to go see it all decorated for Christmas when visiting my grandparents. 

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  8. Thank you!  It just makes it so real when I see it written down :)

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  9. Aw thanks!  At the very least, I have found incredible people that I wouldn't have "met" otherwise.  And Yay! to the Summer Blog Social for leading me to your blog.

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  10. Oh Elena, that was such a kind thing to say! 

    I like that line, too.  Maybe I should incorporate it into my about me or a tagline or something...

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  11. You have talent, Angela. Believe in yourself, put your writing out there and actively pursue those writing opportunities. Make it happen. You have it in you. Good luck!

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  12. Good luck with pursuing your goal! Freelance writing would be an awesome goal to achieve!

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  13. I think you have excellent goals for your writing. Just keep working at it. 

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  14. Your writing is AMAZING and real and very very good. I think all your goals are very realistic. I for one, will keep supporting and kicking your butt to WRITE to make sure those dreams come true. :)

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  15. You're an amazing writer!! I started my blog for the very same reason you did...I didn't know it would turn into so much more! Your bead-wearer is very cute :)

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  16. Thanks Jen!  Isn't it funny how something so simple turns into this creature with a life of its own?

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  17. xoxo my friend!  I will hold you to that promise of support, because I know it will be a tough road.

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  18. Thanks Jessica!  I'm not looking to buy a vacation home or anything.  Maybe just some cool shoes :)  Or a Blissdom ticket...

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  19. I think that your goals are perfect and ATTAINABLE. You are a fabulous writer and will be published someday. I hope the same for my kids too that my blog will detail their childhood but also show them who their mom was as a person.

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  20. Thank you!  Yes, I would love to do that.

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  21. Thanks Alison!  I would hug you at BlogHer, but we're not going.  So virtual hugs to you :)

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  22. Isn't it crazy how blogging - and it's positive effects - can sneak up on a person? You just start writing to record the kids, and then realize you are honing a craft each time you sit down to type. 

    Good luck!

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  23. Great goals and if your mind to it I'm sure that you will be able to get published!

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  24. This was beautiful!
    What a beautiful reason to blog.

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  25. Thanks Leighann!

    I hope they'll like it one day. 

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  26. I know!  Their virtual baby book has turned into my personal project.  I hope that doesn't make me a self-serving mommy (LOL kidding!)

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  27. Thanks Jess!

    My mom was always such a mom to me.  I remember learning about things she did with her friends, like vacations, and just being flabbergasted that she had this LIFE outside of motherhood.

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