Motley Mama

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.

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