My Web Log

I remember when blogging was still a novel idea; when some people still referred to it as "web-logging". This labor of love that you are reading right now is actually my third blog. My first one was on the blogspot network in 2002/2003, and then I moved to the Xanga site from 2003-2004.

Then I stopped blogging. I was caught up in finishing college, finding a job, spending every night out with my coworkers, Facebooking, finding a husband...you know, important stuff. I was too busy for a blog.

Then I found myself, six years later, with a college degree, a husband, two kids, and no job...at least not one that I get paid for in real money. Things have changed mightily for me in the last few years; all wonderful things. But I found myself having some time on my hands, with a need to express myself creatively. I attempted some artistic expression last year with my short venture in driftwood art. The majority of my creations were purchased by my mom though, so - while grateful for her love and support - I decided I should try another route.

Writing has always been my passion. I can't even explain the feeling I get when I write. It's so fulfilling, having the words flow from my fingertips. It's soothing for me. Every morning I wake up, and wonder what I will write about that day, but I have to wait for it. And at some point, sure enough, the words - a story, will come into my head. At that point, I have to commit it to "paper", (i.e. my blog), or I might lose it.

So I created this blog. I found I was in good company. LOTS of company. Apparently, since I was last a part of the blogosphere, everyone and their goat has started a blog.

I read many, they are thoughtful, touching and hilarious. There are many, many good blogs out there. There are also many bad ones. It is a bit frustrating, I feel like the bad blogs sort of lower the stock of blogs as a whole. You know, the guy who blogs about what his cat eats for dinner every night, while completely neglecting proper grammar, punctuation and spelling. It's because of that guy, that when I mention to some people that I have a blog, they kind of raise their eyebrows, going, "Ohhh, right. A blog", like it's the red-headed step-child of the writing world.

Sigh.

Not everyone feels this way though. In fact, blogging is growing as its own form of writing. There are even conferences held annually for bloggers. It is my dream to attend one. Some of my favorite blog writers have been speakers there, and I am sure there is much to gain from those conferences.

For me, blogging offers the opportunity to stay at home with my babies, while still getting to create and express my thoughts through writing. This blog allows me to vent when I need to - and it is a heck of a lot cheaper than therapy!

I also feel like maybe it eases the pain, just a little, every month when my parents go to write a check for my student loans. Sure, I don't have some well-paying corporate job, and maybe I've never written a best-selling novel, but I've got a blog, Mom and Dad! I am putting those expensive valuable college skills to work!

The only thing though, is that a lot of the popular blogs, the ones that are actually making money for what they do, all seem to be networked already. They've got ads and they are golden. I can't help but wonder if I have joined the party too late? Not that I started this blog to make money - although I'm not going to turn someone down if they want to sponsor my site, (Gerber? Old Navy? Target? Call me!!) - I just hope that there is still room for my blog. Not that I think mine is amazing...although I do try to make it more entertaining than writing about what my cat eats for dinner.

Plus, my mom says she likes my blog, and she wouldn't lie.