I know I’ve been MIA lately. Sorry. I’ve been having a bit of a internal struggle about whether I should keep blogging. Let me take a minute to explain. Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere.
Last month, I had 30 people here for Thanksgiving dinner. It was fabulous. I loved every second of seeing my family. I loved the kids running around the house screaming with glee as they chased each other. I loved having my brothers and sisters in the same room, catching up on all the things going on in their lives. I loved the food, and the noise and excitement. I dreamed about having big family holiday dinners when I was a kid, and now we have them a few times a year. It makes my heart happy.
But the weeks leading up to that day were crazy. I obsessed over the little things, like painting the spots in the walls that the contractor made when they were doing the bathroom. I’m pretty sure no one would have noticed them, but I noticed them every time I walked by them. I painted the rest of the trim (finally) in the living room. I re-arranged the furniture. I sold our family room furniture, bought new stuff, hung new curtains, got rid of old stinky rugs, painted the family room… I was busy, busy, busy.
And I meant to blog about it. Really, I did. I even took pictures. But then I look at the pictures and decide that it’s not quite “done”. Β I still need to hang some more artwork, or replace the ugly vertical blinds, or find a new carpet to replace the old one… and so I decide not to post anything yet, because it’s not good enough.Β The truth is, I am a horrible stylist. I have so many interesting pieces of furniture, knick knacks, pictures, etc… but I can’t seem to make them work together to create something that I love; something that I’m proud of. And my obsession with making it all “perfect” is making me nuts.
What was making it worse is that IΒ receive about 50 blog posts from the “big” and “bigger” bloggers in my email every day, and that doesn’t even include the ones I read from Facebook posts and Pinterest. And with every blog I read, I feel that I am completely out of my league. And then I don’t want to share what I’ve done because I can’t possibly complete Β with the amazing rooms they show. And my crafts don’t ever come out like theirs do; mine look like a pre-schooler did them. And my pictures are horrible. How can it be so hard to take a picture of a table that doesn’t move?? Well it is.
Then I read about how to be a successful blogger. You know the advice: Post often, but make sure it’s quality stuff. Have gorgeous pictures, not pics you took with your iPhone. Make sure you appeal to everyone. Oh, and get sponsors and make money and… and… and… I can’t keep up.
So, instead of trying to keep up, I’ve decided that I won’t keep up. I’m going to continue to do what I want, and share what I do regardless of whether it is on par with what everyone else is doing. And I hope you don’t mind that my projects aren’t perfect, and the pictures are fabulous, and I don’t give away a ton of stuff. I will start to post again this week – I’ve got a ton of pins that I’ve tried to catch you all up on.
Until then, I’ll be hanging the new mirrors in my bathroom, and trying to figure out how to make an old dog smell less disgusting. Yep, that’s the stuff that’s going on, and I hope you don’t mind when I share it with you later π
Eliesa
P.S. Can you give me your best “de-stinking a dog” tips? We have tried regular old dog shampoo, but after the first hour or so, they all stink again. Thanks!!
Mrs. Major Hoff says
Love you girl! I suggest the book, Leading an authentic life in a pinterest world. De-stinking dog? I don’t know? Baking soda paste with shampoo? It would probably dry out his skin…..hmmmm…..
A Pinterest Addict says
I will check it out – sounds like something I might need to read right now π
Gibsongirl says
Eliesa-love this post! I totally know how you feel. Sometimes the feeling of inadequacy takes over and its hard to kick. But we are who we are. And we are loved for the talents that make us our own. We can’t do all great things, but the things we do we do with love.
Gibsongirl says
I tried to look for the book suggested above, but couldn’t find it. Were you able to locate it?
A Pinterest Addict says
I found this… http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/not-a-diy-diva-finding-authenticity-homemakers.html I thought this is what Sarah was saying.
A Pinterest Addict says
Oh, by the way, I just love baking soda!! It really has a million and one uses!!
Patti R says
For a while I was REALLY into following a bunch of different bloggers. After a couple of weeks I said to myself: Who are you kidding. They aren’t living in reality. I unsubscribed to almost all of them. I kept yours. Keep up the good work
A Pinterest Addict says
Patti – when I tell you that you just made me feel all warm and fuzzy, I am not lying! Thank you – not just for the comment, but for keeping me too!!
Angio says
Please keep doing what you do!!!! Love your posts and miss you when you aren’t around…then I have to go to your FB wall and snoop around like some creepy internet stalker… You are awesome, amazing, YOU!!!!
A Pinterest Addict says
Well, that just made my day… I have a creepy internet stalker! Cool! LOL!! Thanks for the fabulous comment – it made me smile!
Melody says
WOW, I feel like you just read my mind! I haven’t posted in a month for very similar reasons. Blogging can be exhausting both mentally and physically. I’m so glad you’re not leaving the blogosphere because I love seeing what you’re up to and what you’re pinning. From one perfectionist to another I always enjoy your pictures and what you have to say. Looking forward to what you post next.
Melody
http://www.mypassionfordecor@blogspot.com
A Pinterest Addict says
Thanks Melody! It was good to take a breather, and re-assess, but I started blogging because I wanted to share my little projects with people, and that’s what I will continue to do. I hope you decide to also π
agmarketinggal says
Very nice post, Eliesa! I often find that the perfectionist in me holds me back. I’m glad you aren’t doing the same. And for what it’s worth, I prefer the bloggers that are “real”. Flops and all!
A Pinterest Addict says
If I didn’t have flops, I don’t think I’d have much to blog about! LOL! π Thanks!!
MacCupcakulie says
I share your pain and angst with blogging. I seem to always have at least a half dozen projects in the works and nothing posted. And I realize about a quarter way in, I’ve forgotten to take the “before” picture. I worry about the quality of my photos and if I am being too wordy (or not explaining enough!) I worry that I don’t blog often enough but then worry that anyone who might find their way to the blog is thinking that it wasn’t worth the effort!
All of that said, I think all bloggers feel the same way. Or better yet, you are not the only one who feels the way you do. π
In the end, I think that the crafting, the photography and the writing should be for yourself first and foremost. Secondly, for your readers. So, do what you do when you can and write about it when there is time.
A Pinterest Addict says
Amen! BTW, I have been loving all your makeovers!!
Dawn Garbes says
Good for you ! Been there done that. I am a stylist , not great or anything, but I was a florist for a lot of years and I LOVE display , I waste so much time playing and tweeking my displays that it takes me twice as long to get anything done ! But … I’m a horrible photographer. I did all the linky party things and I got a few features but other people kept getting more . And I thought my projects were just as good if not better but their photos were better so they got “picked”. It became a popularity contest and I started not enjoying it and really feeling bad about myself. I thought about quitting too. But then I didn’t blog for a while and I had some readers actually miss me ! Crazy right…
So , I did a few things different. I stopped doing linky parties , I stopped reading the “big” bloggers who I felt were doing the same thing over and over and bragging a little too much. I started finding new bloggers whos writing and projects I really enjoyed. AND , most importantly, I stopped feeling pressured to blog ALL THE TIME.
I wait till I have a project that I think is cool or I have something I really want to say.
I’m not ever going to get rich and famous from my blog , but thats not what I started out to do. I just like to talk and my blog is an extension of my love of talking. I don’t have 1000’s of followers but I have a few loyal people that miss me when I don’t post and that makes me feel great.
So hang in there . Do your thing . Enjoy it . Cause let’s face it. Not everyone is going to become a “Super Blogger: And if that’s what you are after you are going to be dissapointed. If you are doing it to have fun , to connect and to learn , you’ll be just fine π
A Pinterest Addict says
I am completely doing this for fun, to connect and to learn – and that’s what I had to remember π
Too bad you don’t live around me – maybe you could help me “style” all my cool stuff into something fabulous!
Jaime says
Eliesa honey, no one wins when we try to “compare” ourselves with others. Just be yourself, 100% you, and those that love you will still love you! π Mistakes and flaws are so much more interesting anyway. They teach us stuff about ourselves, or what we would or would not do the next time around. And it is not supposed to look “store bought perfect”. Home made,Home spun, however you define it, it is much warmer & loving. It’s doubtful that any of us has everything 100% finished in their lives. That would be kind of boring anyway…so take the life’s journey photo’s as they happen. Don’t wait until “everything is perfect”, because it never will be. We are all growing and learning, so don’t sell yourself short kiddo! π
A Pinterest Addict says
So true – comparing myself/my house to other people just made me feel crappy… I hope to get a little braver in sharing my “in process” rooms and projects, even though they aren’t perfect. π
Ann says
Keep blogging! You are doing an amazing job. Be true to you! I love seeing what you are working on!!
A Pinterest Addict says
Thanks, I will!:) So many projects lately, you are going to get sick of my updates!! LOL!
Lori says
You ROCK, Eliesa! We “mamas” do our own thing! You just said EVERYTHING every “good” blogger feels! Like I said earlier, I’m tired of the hype. You be you and I’ll be me and we will just blog about what we love. Love ya, girl!!
A Pinterest Addict says
Lori – one of the best things about blogging is having met you and the other Mamas. I can’t even begin to explain how you have all kept me sane. I love that we are all “keeping it real”. xoxo
Amy Fischer Hunt says
I was already loving your blog, now I’m sending my love to you. You are awesome. Don’t change a single thing you do. If I had a nickel for every time I’ve felt some sort of inferiority for what I see online….your posts are inspiring and beautiful! And I trust you. Thanks for sharing.
A Pinterest Addict says
Thank you. For your kind words, and for making me feel so, well, liked. I knew I had the best readers, I just didn’t know how much what you girls would write would make me so happy. I am headed to bed with a big grin on my face and a very peaceful soul.
Joanne says
Hi, this is the first time I commented on a blog and it has to do with smelly dogs. I too had that problem.We moved into a house that had shag carpeting {this is back in the eighties and I’m dating myself}. Well everyone’s allergies went wild. My husband blamed the pets and we had to find them a new home. My niece {bless her} took them and this meant we still got to visit. Lad was a collie and he was fed strictly dog food, except for the odd people treat, but my niece fed him table scraps as well as dog food and he reeked of wet dog all the time. When he got wet it was even worse. After about six months, her oldest daughter was having allergy problems as well. We had changed the carpeting and my husband agreed to bring Lad home and give the situation another try. When Lad came home he was put back on the dog food diet {it was a hard habit to break} and eventually the stinky dog smell disappeared. I mentioned this to our vet and she said that it was true dogs cannot handle people food. I don’t know if might shed some light on your problem, but if you are feeding your dog scraps it might be worth a try. I also had another dog and whenever he was being fed table scraps I could always tell. the nose knows..
Bythe way, love your blog, every time I click on your e-mail and see your picture it makes me smile, you seem like such a
happy soul.
A Pinterest Addict says
We DO feed them scraps – probably more than we should. I’ll be bathing them tomorrow, and NOT giving them anything but dog food for a few weeks (at least!) to see if that helps. Thanks! I had no idea that could affect their smell!
And thanks for making your very first comment on my blog!! I read that last part to the hubby and he laughed at how excited I was to have such awesome readers π I am feeling very blessed.
Freida says
Eliesa, your blog is one, out of about 50, that I read regularly, but yours is the one I look forward to the most because you seem so down to earth and inspiring! You truly amaze me with your “go-get-’em” attitude! Had I not seen your blue chair, your paint job on your foyer’s tile, or any of your other novel ideas, I never would have had the guts to give them a try. Your creative thinking, and talent, turned my “can’ts” into cans. I have yet to see a photo of yours that I thought was sub par, nor have I ever left your blog discontented. Your posts are always so interesting and so genuine. I like to read people’s blogs that I can relate to, not ones that are trying to showcase something that is so out of reach for me. Please continue doing what you are doing, but only when the time is right for you. Don’t let it become a chore! YOU run your blog…don’t let IT run you!
I’m so glad you were able to enjoy Thanksgiving with all your family! Big family gatherings, even with the stresses of pulling it off, leaves everyone with treasured memories. We never know what tomorrow will bring, so we have to grab every chance we can to enjoy our blessings, for they won’t always be there. I believe, as we get older, our priorities shift and we tend to look at life in a different light. So with that thought, I sincerely hope you realize that life is too short not to fulfill your dreams, and make your own mark on this world by doing what makes YOU happy! Hugs~
A Pinterest Addict says
Thanks Freida! It’s so true! People say “everything in moderation” – that can go for so many things in life; food, friends, parties, work, and blogging too. I was letting it take up too much of my time because I was so scared to fail. Now, I’m just going to let it happen when it happens. Thanks for the kind words π
Terri says
I agree with the others! I have gotten rid of the blogs coming to my email that just spew the same things I see on Pinterest. I have deleted the ones who do it bc it IS a job. You, I kept (and WILL keep) regardless of how many (or few) posts I get bc you are REAL! You lead a normal life and tells us about it when you can. No worries! Keep on Keeping on and LIVE YOUR LIFE! Just tell us about it when you get a chance, no rush.
Don’t live your life just to have something to blog that makes us think life is perfect. We see through those bloggers and get really tired of them being ‘perfect.’
and I thought me having 24 people at the holidays was nuts! You go, girl!!
A Pinterest Addict says
Thanks Terri! Thanksgiving was fun, but don’t be silly – 24 is a lot of people too! Once you get past eight (enough to fill the dining room table) it gets a little crazy!
I am feeling much better about putting my not-so-perfectness out there, thanks! It’s been such a relief to let it go! Thanks π
kirbycarespodi says
Eliesa–you know how much we love you, and here’s what I concluded about six months ago: Comparison is the theif of joy. Teddy Roosevelt said that. And he has his head on a mountain, so he must be right.
A Pinterest Addict says
That Teddy was a wise guy! Usually, I’m pretty okay with not being perfect (God knows I’m not) but putting my imperfections out for all to see was giving me heart palpitations. But you know what? All those perfect blogs bore the daylights out of me! I’d rather be anything but boring π
hicksp11 says
Hallelujah I am not alone! Is it something in the air this fall or what? I blog too and have been going through a similar thing. I know that same pressure and it always makes me crazy. I guess that’s what happens when we start looking at what others do or how they do it to the point of it overshadowing the real reason we blog the way we do. YOU GO GIRL! Being like everyone else is so boring anyway. (I say that with a big hug of thanks for being who you are <3) I am still trying to get my blogging legs back under me again but your words were such an encouragement to me. Just wanted you to know. I'll be watching for your bathroom pics.
A Pinterest Addict says
Thanks! Blogging is such an odd thing. So many people, with so many ideas, vying for the attention of the masses. I am learning that I am much happier when I don’t feel the need to compete. I hope you get back on your blogging feet soon!
Michele says
Eliesa, I’m so happy that you made such a wonderful self discovery! Of course, maybe that’s because it made me feel better about coming to a similar one! I agree with everything already said. You’re a real person, you have real priorities and a real life. I appreciate that about you. Live your life, be happy and share when you have time and the notion to do so. There’s only so many projects we can tackle. I’m going to keep trying to remind myself of that when I think about how I didn’t stop to pick up the old dresser with the beautiful harp shaped curves on the back that was by the side of the road this morning. I think your post was a sign that it was the right choice. I’d rather think about stinky dogs, friends and family any day. Thank you.
A Pinterest Addict says
Oh, leaving that dresser would have killed me too!! I always think I can eventually get to everything. LOL! Stinky dogs are not fun. Lately it’s like their scent is taking over the house. Ick. Thanks for being so supportive, and all your comments too. It’s great to see the same people stopping by and chiming in – makes my day!
Kelli Frueh says
I know exactly how you feel. I feel like my blog has become work and it isn’t fun because I too am a perfectionist and if it isn’t perfect, I feel bad. I am going to take your advice and do what I do and post what I want and If no one likes it tough. I am sooooo tired of getting a ton of giveaway, contest, etc. posts from the blogs I follow. I want to see crafts, decorations, hear about their lives, not all of the other crap. Keep being real and I definitely will keep reading.
A Pinterest Addict says
I feel the same way about all the blogs that seem to post tons of giveaways, link parties and sponsored posts. I love to read about real life, projects that actually have a place in people’s homes, and cool/new ideas for home decor. As for the stinky dogs (we have three now) I will try that. I wonder if Loreal makes a manly scent?? I don’t want my boy dogs to catch any flack at the dog park for smelling all girly π
Kelli Frueh says
Also, I bathe my dog once a week with Loreal Vive shampoo. She doesn’t get dry skin and she smells delicious. Coat is shiny and soft.
Kim says
I had to comment today… Just yesterday I was playing catch up on blog reading and was wondering why I hadn’t received an update from yours (I get them via email). I just knew my email was messing up again. I’m glad you are back. You are one of my favorite bloggers. I also feel the same way you do in regards to keeping up with my blog and is it really good enough. I’ve had my blog for a couple of years and have about 30 posts. I’m getting better at blogging mainly because I have been working on a lot of projects. I would love to be able to post at least once a week, but I’m just not there yet. So I look to other bloggers like you for inspiration (for projects, crafts and keeping up with my blog). Thank you for all you do for your readers.
Melissa Crochet @ The Insane Domain says
I completely understand your struggle and I have been going through the same thing. With the health issues of both my parents, I have thought alot lately about blogging and can’t imagine posting something lame like paint colors or how to style a coffee table. I just need to focus on what’s important and if I come across a great idea or an amazing find I will do that…anything else just seems inauthentic.
Laura says
Hi there. π I came across your blog after seeing the fabric spray paint post on pinterest and since I’m considering doing that to some chairs I checked it out. Then I decided to take a stroll around your blog to see what it’s all about and started at this post. I just wanted to encourage you to be you. People don’t care if you have a perfect house. π What people want/need these days is to see real people being normal.
I moved into my house three months ago. I painted every ceiling white, every single wall churchill hotel ecru and every inch of trim white. People thought I was nuts for not adding more color… but it’s my house and I’ll do what I want and turns our people love it because it’s calming and relaxing. I have the old ugly green carpet still in the living room. I ripped up the carpet in my bedroom and the dining room… those rooms currently have the unfinished, unsanded, paint stained hardwood floors. My mattress is on the floor because we couldn’t get the box spring up the stairs (old house) and my night stand is currently a plastic bin.
But no one cares. I’ve had so many people in my house to visit and not one of them cares at all that they need to keep their shoes on so they don’t get splinters and that the upstairs hallway is still only half painted. π
Relax. π Enjoy your house and the people. No one would have cared about those marks if you hadn’t found the time to paint over them. π And if they did care so what!
And blogging… it should be fun. I have been blogging for over seven years and I refuse to follow all those “how to be a good blogger” rules. I write what I want, when I want and I sometimes even post blurry pictures. I don’t have loads of followers but I blog because I like to. Make your space whatever you want it to be. π We don’t have to be what everyone else thinks we should be… we just need to be ourselves. π
Happy blogging!
Jaime says
I love what Laura said! Totally agree π
Charles says
Hi Eliesa, yep I know exactly how hard this is and those moments of absolute doom and gloom. But I find pushing ahead always brings some inspiration and maybe here is a bit for you. You have a great site, I came across it on Pinterest (where else!) and stayed a bit, then started reading some of your posts. Yes a good experience so thank you. In the years ahead you won’t regret these harder times. Keep well and happy blogging, I’ll be back π