I used to think in blog

by , posted on January 26th, 2012 in Just me



I used to think in blog.

Through the course of a day, something would happen and I’d think how it’d make for a great post. I’d even half-write it in my head if I wasn’t near my computer.

But now? Now, it’s different.

I click on “add new” and, too many times, I close the file without writing anything, or after deciding the few lines I’d banged out suck. My mind has been elsewhere. Specifically, on my fiction work in progress. And I wonder if my attention there is closing me off to what’s going on around me. Or if writing fiction makes it difficult to switch gears to blogging, if it’s too much of a brain suck to be left with anything original to say over here.

I find I have less time to sit and think about posts. My life is more about taking a quick instagram, or a couple lines on Facebook. It’s kept me somewhat involved.

Then, the other day, I started feeling sad. A little mopey. Disconnected. I think it has something to do with missing my time over here. Where I can just let my thoughts about parenting or something one of my kids said or my love of cherry jujube hearts flow. Where I can examine them and shape them and know that you’ll understand. You’ll get it. And then maybe you’ll share with me something that’s happened to you.

We have a give-and-take here, don’t we, that I truly value. So much so, I’m starting to realize how much I miss it. It’s not about the validation. Well, not entirely. For me, it’s really more about the connection.

I truly appreciate all of you who leave your words here and trust me with your secrets. I also apologize that this post is so self-indulgent. It was just something I wanted to get out.

Thanks for listening.

 

 

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39 Responses to “I used to think in blog”

  1. Jenn Says:

    January 26th, 2012 at 9:40 am

    I think in blog sometimes, too! I hope you find what you are needing. I love your words, and am happy to read them, whatever they may be :)
    Jenn recently posted..A Year

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    Cheryl Reply:
    January 26th, 2012 at 2:22 pm

    Thank you. I truly appreciate it!!

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  2. Evonne Says:

    January 26th, 2012 at 9:56 am

    I think in blog a lot, too. But actually typing out those blog posts is another story. I haven’t blogged lately and I’m starting to miss the connections, too.
    Evonne recently posted..I understand, but stop

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    Cheryl Reply:
    January 26th, 2012 at 2:22 pm

    It would be so easy to never blog again. But then I would be so very, very sad. So I blog on.. :)

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  3. Rudri Bhatt Patel @ Being Rudri Says:

    January 26th, 2012 at 11:12 am

    Blogging has become an essential part of my life. I love the connections I’ve made and miss them when I don’t blog. But I know sometimes you just need to go with the ebb and flow of the writing rhythm. Glad to see your words here.
    Rudri Bhatt Patel @ Being Rudri recently posted..A Simple Gesture

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    Cheryl Reply:
    January 26th, 2012 at 2:23 pm

    Thanks, Rudri. I know I will get back into the groove. Thank you so much for your kind words, as always..

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  4. Arnebya Says:

    January 26th, 2012 at 11:17 am

    Your blog. You’re welcome to indulge.

    I feel bad when I spend time trying to complete my novel as opposed to writing on the blog. I feel bad when I’m on Facebook or Twitter and not working on the book or writing on the blog. And I still think in blog a lot (which is why I think I can’t always switch to the fiction side).

    With the blog, for me, the comments are my instant satisfaction and gratification. Knowing someone else is living what I’m living, feeling what I’m feeling. The fiction side, the unfinished fiction side, is just that — unfinished. I’m not looking for adoration from people for the blog or the book, but the book is still so much in progress that concentrating on it is hard. And I am official rambling. Sorry.
    Arnebya recently posted..Writer’s Workshop: Work Shmerk

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    Cheryl Reply:
    January 26th, 2012 at 2:26 pm

    Hee! Ramble away! I know what you mean. Sometimes you just feel stretched between all the social media stuff, and the writing stuff, and the blog stuff..I only have so much energy!

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  5. aidan larson (@conjirregverbs) Says:

    January 26th, 2012 at 11:29 am

    I’ve experienced the same thing and have felt so guilty about it.
    Those days of things coming and going and writing themselves in your mind before you even get to the computer are the best. So why is it that sometimes the things that would normally be perfect blog posts just won’t stick?
    Thanks for being so honest and making me feel like I’m not the only one with blog ennui.

    Happy writing (blog or book),
    aidan
    aidan larson (@conjirregverbs) recently posted..French Cookbook Giveaway

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    Cheryl Reply:
    January 26th, 2012 at 5:34 pm

    Thanks, Aidan. I think you said it best when you said “blog ennui.” That might have hit the nail on the head. You are definitely not alone!

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  6. Aliza Says:

    January 26th, 2012 at 11:46 am

    It’s funny – I used to think in FB statuses. Then FB notes. And now I think in Blog. I really doubt I will ever think in novel – creativity was never my forte. Regardless, you’re doing exactly the right thing. Writing a novel is, by definition, isolating. Writing a blog is, by definition, connecting. Don’t EVER feel bad about which is pulling you towards it at the moment. Everyone needs both – no guilt!!!! You rock! <3
    Aliza recently posted..Fake it ’till you Make it

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    Cheryl Reply:
    January 26th, 2012 at 6:39 pm

    You are so wise. So very wise! I think it’s just easier/less draining just to put up a short thing on facebook that I would’ve ordinarily blogged. Must ponder.

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  7. julie gardner Says:

    January 26th, 2012 at 1:21 pm

    You know I get this.
    I do. I do.

    So we need to meet up over chicken mole to discuss it in person.

    Soon.
    julie gardner recently posted..Today call me laid

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    Cheryl Reply:
    January 26th, 2012 at 6:39 pm

    Cannot WAIT for our date. I wish traffic wasn’t so awful around here or I’d be at your house right now, sipping something delish. xoxo

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  8. Kathy Radigan Says:

    January 26th, 2012 at 1:32 pm

    I’ve been in a bit of a blog funk myself. I think sometimes it’s hard to push to the next level of writing, or at least that what I’m telling myself rather than think I’m all washed up as a blogger and have nothing left to say. Lol! Thanks for your post! Nice to know I’m not alone!!
    Kathy Radigan recently posted..Mommy Blocked

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    Cheryl Reply:
    January 26th, 2012 at 6:40 pm

    Definitely not alone! I think we all have something to say. Whether we have the energy or interest in doing it is an entirely different story..

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  9. adventures in alyssaland Says:

    January 26th, 2012 at 2:03 pm

    I go through phases where I am inspired and cannot post enough then others where I go nothing. I know it is bad when even the prompts don’t help. Or I cannot even find a picture for Wordless Wednesday.
    adventures in alyssaland recently posted..Adventures in being Allison

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    Cheryl Reply:
    January 26th, 2012 at 8:51 pm

    Yes. Wordless Wednesday was a stumper this week for sure!!

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    adventures in alyssaland Reply:
    January 26th, 2012 at 9:30 pm

    Ouch. Mine was inane but not a stumper.

    Open ended Red Writing Hood killed me today. Polishing my tools and no ideas.
    adventures in alyssaland recently posted..Search and Rescue in Alyssaland

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  10. John Says:

    January 26th, 2012 at 3:09 pm

    I think in blog, too . . . throughout the day, a million little things that would make for great posts. Or so-so posts that are just quirky enough to work.

    But, alas, I seldom actually get those into action.

    We love your words, be they fiction or random parenting notes, so we’ll always be here when you can post.

    But, like you, I’m in a better place when I’m blogging . . . it’s like there’s the crazy inside of me, and if I can just pour little bits out through posts, I’m all good. But, when life gets a bit too complicated, and I’m too busy to post, or I’m directing my attention elsewhere, and the thoughts I’ve been thinking keep on accumulating . . . well, it’s bad.
    John recently posted..Where I guest post at the Mad Woman’s, talking about baseball & blowjobs

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    Cheryl Reply:
    January 26th, 2012 at 8:52 pm

    Yes. To all of that. I could’ve just had you write the post for me!

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  11. Kimberly Says:

    January 26th, 2012 at 3:34 pm

    I love you for posting this.
    This is a serious problem for me.
    My mind is always on overdrive. Always thinking about how to incorporate how my husband just dutch ovened me or something like that.
    It’s gotten so bad that people will say “You’re going to blog about this aren’t you. You’re thinking about it right now”
    Sigh…
    Blog Brain.
    Kimberly recently posted..And The Cows Rejoiced For This Is The Day A Child Was Born

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    Cheryl Reply:
    January 26th, 2012 at 8:53 pm

    I’m that way with instagram. My husband’s all, “Really? You’re taking a picture of your drink?” Well, duh!

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  12. joann Says:

    January 26th, 2012 at 5:00 pm

    I know what you mean. Lately blogging has taken a back burner for me too, but when I want to understand myself, and my life, back I go. I’m not trying to be selfish when I blog, but there’s so much of myself that HAS to go into a post for it to be good…I don’t know. I like the community too. Sometimes I worry that I’m too self centered for it, because blogging helps ME so much…but my intentions are good. It’s nice to have someone put it into terms that I can relate to. Glad you spoke up.
    joann recently posted..The Cat Is Dead, Absent From The Body But Not From The Head

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    Cheryl Reply:
    January 26th, 2012 at 8:55 pm

    I think we have a basic need for community. Especially as moms. We need to reach out so we’re not so alone. I think it does help us, as writers, but I love reading a post to which I really connect, you know?

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  13. Jen Says:

    January 26th, 2012 at 5:18 pm

    I totally understand this. Blogging to me is therapy and a challenge to find the laughter in each day. I don’t know if I would be able to put one step in front of the other if I didn’t.
    Jen recently posted..The Scream Maker

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    Cheryl Reply:
    January 26th, 2012 at 8:56 pm

    That’s why I love your blog. You always find the funny. Even though I might not always comment, know that I’m reading and you always make me smile. xo

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  14. Jennifer Says:

    January 26th, 2012 at 6:33 pm

    Not overindulgent at all. I think it’s something that writers struggle with these days. How do we employ different voices or avenues of expression without hindering others? I write poetry, but now that I’ve been blogging, blog posts have sort of taken over my head space. While I love the new connections I’m making I’m starting to worry about my ability to write poetry. It’s a little mind boggling to figure out. I appreciate your bravery in exploring it & sharing with us! XO
    Jennifer recently posted..Just Give Me Back My Pieces

    [Reply]

    Cheryl Reply:
    January 26th, 2012 at 8:57 pm

    I feel like I have only so much brain power left after three kids. Right now it’s focused on the fiction writing, but I see that’s come at a cost. Always looking for that balance..

    [Reply]


  15. Mandyland Says:

    January 26th, 2012 at 6:40 pm

    I get it. I truly do. I’m still blogging, but I’m finding myself skipping days. I think, sometimes, real life just gets too hectic and by the time I think to blog it, I need to put out some other fire.

    I’m excited about your fiction.

    Overly excited, actually.
    Mandyland recently posted..Two Paths

    [Reply]

    Cheryl Reply:
    January 26th, 2012 at 8:58 pm

    I find the more days I skip, the easier it gets to skip days. Does that make sense?

    Also, I love that you’re excited. You have no idea how happy that makes me! xoxo

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  16. DebbieLB Says:

    January 26th, 2012 at 6:58 pm

    I totally understand what you are saying! There are times when I’m just too darn busy to blog, and I find myself missing it.

    Know that I miss you when you don’t blog! But I look forward to your fiction!
    DebbieLB recently posted..Baby calves will be here soon!

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    Cheryl Reply:
    January 26th, 2012 at 8:58 pm

    Thank you so much! That fiction? IT’s a LOT of work! :)

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  17. Heather Says:

    January 27th, 2012 at 12:28 am

    I know exactly what you mean about “thinking in blog”. I do that all the time. Sadly I only get those posts recorded about 5% of the time…yes…that’s a scientifically accurate number. Oh well.
    Heather recently posted..Juice

    [Reply]


  18. Cheryl D. Says:

    January 27th, 2012 at 12:30 am

    This is something that I’ve been grappling with. I just don’t have the time for blogging anymore. I feel I’m working a full-time job (at 30 weeks for a job that’s an hour commute away on a good day) while still essentially being a SAHM. It’s gotten to be too much, and my blog is suffering (as well as my readers who are subjected to my eh writing).
    Cheryl D. recently posted..Just Saying!

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  19. angela Says:

    January 27th, 2012 at 12:42 am

    Oh Cheryl,

    It’s ok for the fiction to be taking over for a little while. The connections you made, they’ll be around. Instagram & Facebook & Twitter can still help supplement and keep them alive when you aren’t “feeling” the blog so much.

    But I love your words. And I don’t think I’m the only one who means this when I say, “Write what you want. Write when you want.” We’ll be here.

    [Reply]


  20. tracy@sellabitmum Says:

    January 27th, 2012 at 8:40 am

    Hugs hon. I think in blog too. Not sure if I should sometimes.xo
    tracy@sellabitmum recently posted..Why I Stay At Home…

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  21. nicole Says:

    January 30th, 2012 at 2:43 pm

    Yes! Its kind of lovely not to think in blog. because nicole thinking is pretty damn entertaining too.
    nicole recently posted..no milk engorged breasts here, move it along…

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  22. Emily Says:

    February 1st, 2012 at 10:43 pm

    I find I barely have enough energy in the day to get kids to school and load the dishwasher. It’s a huge struggle to forget about the dust bunnies and the laundry that hasn’t been done, get into my fictional world and pound out my 1000 words. I can’t imagine adding a real blog! (mine is more like a bulletin board where I pin up random thoughts, no real temptation to be in community, or readers who expect me to post anything…)
    Emily recently posted..writing a spoiled main character… (and feeling challenged)

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