Blog Anniversary: 2 Years

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Two years ago today I was 30 weeks pregnant, recently unemployed, and very, very confused about blogging.

I thought that if I simply wrote a few things down, posted a youtube video, or made a half-hearted joke on the Internet–people would read it. I didn’t realize that blogging took work. Real, sit down, don’t get distracted by Facebook, honest to God work .

I’ve written about blogging before and what it means to me. Last year I wrote about finding my voice and transitioning from blogger to writer. Not much has changed. If anything, I’ve grown more apathetic to the side of blogging culture that pushes you into doing things you don’t want to do. As always, I’d like to thank my blogging spirit guide Elizabeth for showing me what real blogging is. That girl gets shit done.

If I have any words of advice on the whole Internet business, it’s this: put out what you want to get back. Do you love reading classy fashion posts? Then do classy fashion posts. Do you love hilarious cat memes? Then go buy a tiny top hat and get to work.

Don’t fake it. Don’t write things you wouldn’t want to read. Don’t pretend you don’t care about numbers but then really, really care about numbers. Be yourself. Be original. Don’t expect to get paid.

I love this blog. I love it despite its terrible title and lack of fancy graphic design. I love it because of you, because when I pour out my heart or post a ridiculous picture of Queen Elizabeth, you show up. You read, you comment, you engage, you make me a better writer. Even if you’re one of those who quietly reads behind your work computer or in the middle of a night during another feeding–you’re showing up too.

Thank you.

This blog, these words, those pictures of Queen Elizabeth–they are my love letter to you.

Cheers to another year.

One Year At Motley Mama

Real Talk: Some Really Awkward Things About Blogging

Blogging Is Weird

Top Ten Things Not To Say To Bloggers

When I Got Pregnant At My Desk Job (and other things you shouldn’t say in an interview)

53 Comments

Filed under Motley Mama

Tagged as Blogging

Elizabeth {e tells tales} April 18, 2013 at 7:55 am Reading during a feeding. Love this blog and you. Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:06 pm xo Reply

Reading during a feeding. Love this blog and you.

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:06 pm xo Reply

BipolarMomLife April 18, 2013 at 8:02 am Happy Blogiversary! You are a very talented writer and I love that you keep going because you inspire me. Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:08 pm Thank you Jenn! Reply

Happy Blogiversary! You are a very talented writer and I love that you keep going because you inspire me.

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:08 pm Thank you Jenn! Reply

Thank you Jenn!

Hannah April 18, 2013 at 8:07 am I look forward to every single post… no matter what you are writing about. While everybody and their sister starts a blog, yours will always remain one of my absolute favorites!! Cheers to 2 years and the inspiring person you are! Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:08 pm Thank you for all your love and support, Hannah. Reply

I look forward to every single post… no matter what you are writing about. While everybody and their sister starts a blog, yours will always remain one of my absolute favorites!! Cheers to 2 years and the inspiring person you are!

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:08 pm Thank you for all your love and support, Hannah. Reply

Thank you for all your love and support, Hannah.

Candis April 18, 2013 at 8:08 am Happy Blog Birthday!! I’ve loved every bit. You are a great writer. Laughed out loud in the doc waiting room at tiny top hat. Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:09 pm Even with a top hat, you would still be giving it the side eye. Reply

Happy Blog Birthday!! I’ve loved every bit. You are a great writer.

Laughed out loud in the doc waiting room at tiny top hat.

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:09 pm Even with a top hat, you would still be giving it the side eye. Reply

Even with a top hat, you would still be giving it the side eye.

danielle April 18, 2013 at 8:11 am Happy 2 years MM! I’m so glad I found your blog. Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:09 pm Thanks Danielle! Reply

Happy 2 years MM! I’m so glad I found your blog.

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:09 pm Thanks Danielle! Reply

Thanks Danielle!

Katie April 18, 2013 at 8:24 am This. “put out what you want to get back.”—exactly. That’s how I feel. Love it so much. happy anniversary. Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:09 pm xoxox Reply

This. “put out what you want to get back.”—exactly. That’s how I feel. Love it so much. happy anniversary.

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:09 pm xoxox Reply

xoxox

Pat April 18, 2013 at 8:38 am Congratulations on your anniversary Kate! Thank you for giving me many chances to laugh, cry and remember what it is like to be a mother of a newborn,and now a toddler. Keep writing and creating. Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:11 pm Thank you for reading, Pat! Reply

Congratulations on your anniversary Kate! Thank you for giving me many chances to laugh, cry and remember what it is like to be a mother of a newborn,and now a toddler. Keep writing and creating.

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:11 pm Thank you for reading, Pat! Reply

Thank you for reading, Pat!

Dara April 18, 2013 at 8:56 am Happy 2 Years! Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:11 pm Thanks for your support, Dara! Reply

Happy 2 Years!

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:11 pm Thanks for your support, Dara! Reply

Thanks for your support, Dara!

Lisa April 18, 2013 at 9:12 am I just started reading your blog… love it! You make me feel normal and real. :) Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:12 pm Perfect. Welcome! Reply

I just started reading your blog… love it! You make me feel normal and real. :)

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:12 pm Perfect. Welcome! Reply

Perfect.

Welcome!

Amy April 18, 2013 at 9:29 am Congrats on two years – that’s an amazing accomplishment! Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:12 pm Cheers to that. Thanks Amy! Reply

Congrats on two years – that’s an amazing accomplishment!

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:12 pm Cheers to that. Thanks Amy! Reply

Cheers to that. Thanks Amy!

tamara April 18, 2013 at 9:48 am This blog made me look forward to fridays even more cause of the Friday snacks. Thanks for your hard work Kate and happy anivarsary! Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:12 pm Thanks Tamara. You’re sweet! xo Reply

This blog made me look forward to fridays even more cause of the Friday snacks. Thanks for your hard work Kate and happy anivarsary!

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:12 pm Thanks Tamara. You’re sweet! xo Reply

Thanks Tamara. You’re sweet! xo

Rachael April 18, 2013 at 9:53 am “If I have any words of advice on the whole Internet business, it’s this: put out what you want to get back. Do you love reading classy fashion posts? Then do classy fashion posts. Do you love hilarious cat memes? Then go buy a tiny top hat and get to work. Don’t fake it. Don’t write things you wouldn’t want to read.” SO TRUE. Faking it = gross. I used to catch myself trying to be profound when I really wasn’t having very profound thoughts. Now I just write from the perspective of my dog. No profoundness necessary = writing is fun again. Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:13 pm Now that’s awesome. Reply

“If I have any words of advice on the whole Internet business, it’s this: put out what you want to get back. Do you love reading classy fashion posts? Then do classy fashion posts. Do you love hilarious cat memes? Then go buy a tiny top hat and get to work. Don’t fake it. Don’t write things you wouldn’t want to read.”

SO TRUE. Faking it = gross. I used to catch myself trying to be profound when I really wasn’t having very profound thoughts. Now I just write from the perspective of my dog. No profoundness necessary = writing is fun again.

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:13 pm Now that’s awesome. Reply

Now that’s awesome.

Meg G April 18, 2013 at 9:53 am Happy Anniversary! Your blog is only one week older than my daughter. So while I was committing pregnancy porn, you were starting this fantastic blog. There has not been one post that I have not loved, even if I did not share the same view. You have the gift of writing intelligently and respectfully. I appreciate the research you put into your posts. Do not ever stop writing. Your grace and humility is endearing while your wit and tact make reading each post worthwhile. Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:36 pm I could hug you! Thanks so much, Meg. Reply

Happy Anniversary! Your blog is only one week older than my daughter. So while I was committing pregnancy porn, you were starting this fantastic blog. There has not been one post that I have not loved, even if I did not share the same view. You have the gift of writing intelligently and respectfully. I appreciate the research you put into your posts. Do not ever stop writing. Your grace and humility is endearing while your wit and tact make reading each post worthwhile.

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:36 pm I could hug you! Thanks so much, Meg. Reply

I could hug you! Thanks so much, Meg.

kittiesandwine April 18, 2013 at 10:15 am I love your blog…esp the tone and dry wit. Don’t stop. ever. btw, reading and commenting at my work computer. Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:37 pm Yesssss! Thank you for reading! Reply

I love your blog…esp the tone and dry wit. Don’t stop. ever. btw, reading and commenting at my work computer.

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 1:37 pm Yesssss! Thank you for reading! Reply

Yesssss!

Thank you for reading!

Cheryl April 18, 2013 at 10:16 am Happy Blogday! For the record, your blog is really easy on the eyes and I thoroughly appreciate that. Annnd I like its name (I have a thing for alliteration). Thanks for sharing your life and writings with us! Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 2:20 pm Thank you! I like easy to read blogs, too. (But I admit sometimes I have blog envy over fancy ones). Alliteration is pretty great. Reply

Happy Blogday! For the record, your blog is really easy on the eyes and I thoroughly appreciate that. Annnd I like its name (I have a thing for alliteration). Thanks for sharing your life and writings with us!

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 2:20 pm Thank you! I like easy to read blogs, too. (But I admit sometimes I have blog envy over fancy ones). Alliteration is pretty great. Reply

Thank you! I like easy to read blogs, too. (But I admit sometimes I have blog envy over fancy ones).

Alliteration is pretty great.

Laura April 18, 2013 at 10:51 am I only recently started following your blog (maybe a month or two ago?) and it quickly became one of my favorites. I love your writing style and just how relatable you are. I only wish I had started following 2 years ago! Congrats on your anniversary! Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 2:25 pm Thanks for reading, Laura. xo Reply

I only recently started following your blog (maybe a month or two ago?) and it quickly became one of my favorites. I love your writing style and just how relatable you are. I only wish I had started following 2 years ago! Congrats on your anniversary!

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 2:25 pm Thanks for reading, Laura. xo Reply

Thanks for reading, Laura. xo

Katie G April 18, 2013 at 11:51 am I subscribed to your blog because I am your friend. But I’d probably have stopped reading it a long time ago if it wasn’t really awesome. I always love reading it, every single post. Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 2:25 pm You are a gem. Reply

I subscribed to your blog because I am your friend. But I’d probably have stopped reading it a long time ago if it wasn’t really awesome. I always love reading it, every single post.

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 2:25 pm You are a gem. Reply

You are a gem.

Jess April 18, 2013 at 11:51 am I think you are the bee’s knees. (I looked this up to try to figure out how to correctly punctuate it. I always thought it was the collective bees’ knees, but apparently it’s just one set of bee’s knees.) Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 2:26 pm Right back at you. (Thanks for clearing that bee business up, it’s confusing) Reply

I think you are the bee’s knees. (I looked this up to try to figure out how to correctly punctuate it. I always thought it was the collective bees’ knees, but apparently it’s just one set of bee’s knees.)

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 2:26 pm Right back at you. (Thanks for clearing that bee business up, it’s confusing) Reply

Right back at you.

(Thanks for clearing that bee business up, it’s confusing)

Jess April 18, 2013 at 12:04 pm So happy that I found your blog. Love E-Tells-Tales as well- you are both great! Some Snapshots Blog Jess Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 2:26 pm Thanks Jess! Reply

So happy that I found your blog. Love E-Tells-Tales as well- you are both great!

Some Snapshots Blog Jess

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 2:26 pm Thanks Jess! Reply

Thanks Jess!

Chelsea April 18, 2013 at 12:16 pm I can’t believe you dislike the title, yours is one of my favorite blog titles. What would you change it to now if you could? Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 2:26 pm Totally. Reply Jess April 18, 2013 at 2:30 pm You would change it to “Totally”? ;) Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 2:31 pm This is what I get for reading too QUICKLY. But yes! Totes. Maybe Totes. (SUGGESTIONS WELCOME) Reply

I can’t believe you dislike the title, yours is one of my favorite blog titles. What would you change it to now if you could?

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 2:26 pm Totally. Reply Jess April 18, 2013 at 2:30 pm You would change it to “Totally”? ;) Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 2:31 pm This is what I get for reading too QUICKLY. But yes! Totes. Maybe Totes. (SUGGESTIONS WELCOME) Reply

Totally.

Jess April 18, 2013 at 2:30 pm You would change it to “Totally”? ;) Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 2:31 pm This is what I get for reading too QUICKLY. But yes! Totes. Maybe Totes. (SUGGESTIONS WELCOME) Reply

You would change it to “Totally”? ;)

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 2:31 pm This is what I get for reading too QUICKLY. But yes! Totes. Maybe Totes. (SUGGESTIONS WELCOME) Reply

This is what I get for reading too QUICKLY.

But yes! Totes. Maybe Totes.

(SUGGESTIONS WELCOME)

Katie D April 18, 2013 at 3:45 pm I already consider it a given that if I ever find out I’m pregnant, this blog will be one of the top resources to get me through it. In the meantime, I’ll continue to enjoy it as a non-mom, non-blogger, but fellow tv-loving fan! Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 6:26 pm High fives to my non-mom, non-blogger friends. You the best. Reply

I already consider it a given that if I ever find out I’m pregnant, this blog will be one of the top resources to get me through it. In the meantime, I’ll continue to enjoy it as a non-mom, non-blogger, but fellow tv-loving fan!

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 6:26 pm High fives to my non-mom, non-blogger friends. You the best. Reply

High fives to my non-mom, non-blogger friends. You the best.

dr perfection April 18, 2013 at 6:00 pm I like Totes. I never liked Motley. You are not motley Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 6:26 pm Totes Mama? Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 6:26 pm I like just: Totes. Reply

I like Totes. I never liked Motley. You are not motley

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 6:26 pm Totes Mama? Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 6:26 pm I like just: Totes. Reply

Totes Mama?

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 6:26 pm I like just: Totes. Reply

I like just: Totes.

julie bailey April 18, 2013 at 6:03 pm Confession: I skipped “Friday Snacks” till last Friday. I thought it was healthy snacks. Wait…maybe it is?? Reply Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 6:27 pm Oh dear! Definitely not. Reply

Confession: I skipped “Friday Snacks” till last Friday. I thought it was healthy snacks. Wait…maybe it is??

Kate {motleymama} April 18, 2013 at 6:27 pm Oh dear! Definitely not. Reply

Oh dear! Definitely not.

Elise April 18, 2013 at 8:08 pm I’m one those quiet readers at their work computer, but thought I’d speak up to say ‘Happy Anniversary!’. I am a pretty new reader but I have to say that your blog quickly became one of my favourite reads. I would have found you through Bridget.H and Elizabeth (two of my other fave bloggers) and I think you guys are all people I would be friends with in ‘real life’. Your blog content is the perfect mix of funny/serious/wise/personal opinion/family which makes you stand out from the rest. Your voice is loud and clear, and doesn’t get caught up in the fads or moulds other bloggers seem to easily fall in. So, thank you Kate for giving me something worthy to read while behind my work computer. Reply

I’m one those quiet readers at their work computer, but thought I’d speak up to say ‘Happy Anniversary!’. I am a pretty new reader but I have to say that your blog quickly became one of my favourite reads. I would have found you through Bridget.H and Elizabeth (two of my other fave bloggers) and I think you guys are all people I would be friends with in ‘real life’. Your blog content is the perfect mix of funny/serious/wise/personal opinion/family which makes you stand out from the rest. Your voice is loud and clear, and doesn’t get caught up in the fads or moulds other bloggers seem to easily fall in. So, thank you Kate for giving me something worthy to read while behind my work computer.

Heidi April 18, 2013 at 9:32 pm Happy Blog Anniversary. I’ve been reading for two years; does that make me a stalker? I hope not. I just really love good writing, and it’s here. Also love E Tells Tales. Reply

Happy Blog Anniversary. I’ve been reading for two years; does that make me a stalker? I hope not. I just really love good writing, and it’s here. Also love E Tells Tales.

karen April 18, 2013 at 11:13 pm as long as you write, i will read. thanks for being a bright spot in my week. xoxo. Reply

as long as you write, i will read. thanks for being a bright spot in my week. xoxo.

Sara April 22, 2013 at 2:19 pm I LOVE this blog! I don’t comment much, but it is the ONLY blog I read religiously. Thank you for being you :) Reply

I LOVE this blog! I don’t comment much, but it is the ONLY blog I read religiously. Thank you for being you :)

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