This is my third attempt at blogging. In a time span of (what will soon be) 2 years.
The first was I guess, just a trial run. Launched on a lack of sleep and even less creative flair, it’s title was as lame as a donkey’s leg. Hosted on WordPress, the first post was embarrassingly short, cryptic and terrible quality.
My main audience in this temporary cyber home was my husband and my mother-in-law (What was I thinking?). The rest who cared to read it were from my from my personal FB account, including ex-colleagues, distant friends, even far more estranged acquaintances. (Again, what was I thinking?)
Then, I went into the unknown world of self-hosting; commiting to my first ever .com.
I won’t go into too much detail regarding this second blog. Suffice to say, it died an untimely, unfortunate death.
While it was the little avenue that initially led me to the world of mummy bloggers, its sudden ending actually reaped many surprising rewards.
Over here in this place, the connections are deeper; opinions of others mean more.
The support is abundant and apparent; conversations have developed a natural flow.
In this corner of my world, the laughter is genuine; and when there’s tears, the emotion is palpable.
All the while, I’m completely overwhelmed by the magnitude of our ever growing on-line village.
I will shamefully confess, I had previously given less priority to all these elements of blogging.
And it’s probably why the last blog was snatched away from me. Maybe it was the Universe telling me I needed to discover the fundamentals first.
That beyond the climbing traffic stats and the eye catching media kits, it’s the strength of my community that holds this little blog together.
It’s taken 3 attempts to figure it all out.
I’m not going to berate myself over it. After all, I think as bloggers we inevitably evolve.
At whatever pace it needs to be, we learn, we grow, we gain strength.
As do the friendships we make along the way.
Joining in Jess for IBOT.
And what a lovely blog it is! I am glad you found your way here.
I had several attempts too – all along the lines of mothering, but I think that is part of the journey, muddling along till you find what works. I feel like I am only just starting to become part of the blogging community. It took a while. But it’s nice to be here. xx
Zanni, Heart Mama recently posted..How to grow a child
Oh what a lovely way of putting it! It is a village. I just hope I’m not the village idiot! 😉
I think I’m on my third attempt too – third time lucky?! You have created a lovely community here – you can’t fail this time!
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Well you did something right the third time. I am happy to be part of your village. Rachel x
Rachel from Redcliffe Style recently posted..8 Necessary blogging tools
Grace, you have a lovely space here – I always enjoy popping over! I do think you’re right – blogs evolve. I didn’t understand that at all when I first started, and felt a little lost when my initial “idea” for a blog started merging organically into something I hadn’t planned it to. Now, I’m so glad I just went with it. Being part of this wonderful community is what it’s all about x
MsMandie recently posted..The Real Housewives Of Melbourne – Olympics Edition
lovely post!
Emma recently posted..{crochet} Granny Squares
Hi grace, well I’m glad u kept it up. Im new (well second attempt) and i really enjoy visiting u, reading yr recipes, seeing yr lovely heart and feeling the smiles that come through yr pages x
Bachelormum recently posted..Our children’s sense of belonging
Bravo Mama Grace! You’ve said it so beautifully well. I think what happened with your last blog was still damn unfair BUT at least it got you to where you are now and best part is you are happy here!
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Oh yes, beautiful Grace, it’s the connections that making blogging worthwhile. The beautiful souls that reach out and share life’s moments along with us. Hooray for the village! Hooray for bloggy Sisters like you, beautiful mamma xxxx
Jess WhoaMamma recently posted..In the Haus of Madam V
So true. It’s not about the widgets & hosting arrangements, it’s about the people, the connections & the people who enrich & support us. I find this especially invaluable as a parent, a role which can be isolating & trying. Your third blog is a winner, for all the right reasons. 🙂
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Third time lucky? That’s awesome. I love this space you now call home. X
All those reasons are the reasons we blog. The people, the community, and the sharing.
I’m still so sorry about what happened with the second, but so glad you’re at home here now.
Also, what was the lame name of blog number 1?
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It was “Mamagrace71’s blog” LOL! It was late at night when I started it and I blame it on sleep deprivation 🙂
Thank you for this. SInce being on my blogging break and thinking about my blog and where and what I want to do with it has helped me. It’s all about the community you make your self with the people who read your blog. It’s like a huge family. But hopefully more functional.
Salz recently posted..Fatteh:- Chick peas and yoghurt.
Yes the universe has a funny way of getting the point across sometimes. So wonderful that you can now feel so positive about it all, because clearly it is all working out for the best.
Rhianna recently posted..Pausing For Inspiration
Great post Grace about the fundamentals and why we are all here. Links in well with what Jess posted today. I’m glad the unfortunate demise of blog #2 has led to bigger and better things!
Julie recently posted..When I try to be a fun mum
Ditto. I’ve been blogging for ten years and it’s only in the last year that I discovered online friendships and the blogging community. How’s that for slow?
Love your stuff, Grace. You are such a big part of the Australian blogging community.
Ronnie xo
Pink Ronnie recently posted..The golden hour, chapter 2
I think its my third attempt, and this time it just feels right and normal and do-able and not a chore and not something negative!
I’m sorry that whatever happened to your last blog happened, but it seems its definitely a positive!
xx Meagan
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It takes time to figure out blogging… For me, at the start, I just wanted a blog and because of my fears in writing in English I just had to jump and say that my blog will define itself along the way. Now, I’m learning every day but I absolutely love it.
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I’m only new to your village but already in this past week and a bit thanks to you, I have had more viewings on my blog and more likers from the wonderful link ups that you do. Plus the opportunity to read your blog, which I have to say has been well worth trying to hide out from two little ones and a Husband with a choccie biscuit and cuppa, to read. Thankyou, thankyou thankyou, you certainly have it right 🙂
That’s a beautiful post Grace. You make me feel like such a newbie, such a greenhorn. “Patience grasshopper.” I can hear you saying this now 🙂
Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right recently posted..The best thing I read this week about parenting
I’m so glad you stuck with it Grace. I love your blog!
Julia Kuku Couture recently posted..Happy Snaps
i love the village – its absolutely the reason that we do what we do. and its easy to lose focus of that – thank you hon for the reminder x
#teamIBOT
Lyndal recently posted..you may say
I disagree! I met you on your first blog and even then, you were a beautiful and capable writer who made me feel welcome from day one. Your second and third bloggy siblings have just added further depth and dimensions to the voice of Grace 🙂
Every step and slip has been part of your journey and you are just growing more into who you already are. (Do I sound bossy right now? Oh well…I think I’m right).
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Oh goosebumps! I continue to be astounded by the support I’ve found in the blogging world. I am so glad to have met you and really value your support and friendship. Its a journey, this blogging lark. I’m glad to be part of yours and SO glad you are part of mine. Man, does that sound cheesy?! 🙂
Catherine Rodie Blagg @CoTaaB recently posted..Pizza
Hey, congrats on being third time lucky! I’m finding it to be a lot more work than I expected – but am delighted to find it to be such fun!
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I have to agree Grace! And how’s that? This is effectively my third blog too… although it’s evolved slightly differently over time… just keeping the name!
I am so enjoying “meeting” so many wonderful people via the blogging community now… and giving them all a little insight into my own slightly off kilter world. 😉 xxx
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Oh what a lovely post! I love reading your blog and am very glad you continued your journey!
This blogging world has been fun for me too, I have only been part of it since the end of March, but the support and friendships formed have been amazing! 🙂
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It’s interesting how our journeys in the blogosphere are all so different. Being part of a community was one of my main reasons for starting my blog. That’s why it’s so hard for me not to be able to find time to update and engage as much as I’d like. But I’m glad I found you here and privileged to call you a friend, one whom I’d love to catch up with again soon! xx
Veronica @ Mixed Gems recently posted..Friendship: Learning to let go
Such an inspiring story of yours! I think we all have to walk this way, we need to feel disappointed but we always have to stand up, and make it better! You fortunately have found your blogging way, I hope I will do it, too:)
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I can so relate, as I am just trying to find my blogging way again. And you’re absolutely right, it’s all about the community. x
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Thanks for being so honest – I used to kick myself with all the balls I dropped in blogging and still question whether or not I’m doing it right. Third attempt sounds about right. Glad I discovered you were still alive and kicking over at Ava’s (Grapes and Oranges) – it’s going to be hard to shake your followers now!
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I love this post Grace as it gives me encouragement to see your journey. I love the way you write as if you are sitting and having a cuppa with me. You speak from the heart on all issues and I can so relate. Well done with how far you have come. I love the on-line village too and especially for having met you. xJess
Third time’s the charm perhaps?! 🙂 I think that I have had a lot more than 3 blogs in my time embarrassingly enough! I do hope that this one sticks, and that maybe its even as successful and popular one day as yours!