5 Reasons I Write This Blog

I've been reflecting on why I blog. Why take the time to write down my daily thoughts? Why in this format? Why do I choose the topics I do?

It's not like I've got this life thing all figured out. Heck, I'm totally clueless half (or more) of the time! But I do have a strong compulsion to blog, to share, to let people know what I've discovered on the journey so far. So in a nutshell, here are the five reasons I'm dedicated to this blog:

Photo from Ravenelle

1. To Simplify. Life is tough. If I can share a quick tip or solution with someone else and help them navigate the rough waters a little easier (or with a little more fun), then I'm up for that!

Photo from HeideHo

2. To Entertain. I've been told I'm funny. I think I'm pretty funny (but then I'm easy to amuse and my standards are low). So I like making people smile -- why not do it on a large scale?

Photo from Nadya Peak

3. To Connect. I don't fit into any pre-formed box on any chart. But I know my peeps are out there! This is a great way to link up with people who see the world like I do (a little off-kilter, through rose-colored glasses). Interacting with my readers is key for me -- that's why I make an effort to answer each and every one of you (unless you don't leave your address. Then it's not MY fault!).

 

4. To Document. I don't keep a journal, even though I'm a writer. This is it, baby. If my great-great-grandkids want to know about Crazy Nonnie Lain, this is where they'll have to go. My family stories go in the scrapbooks, MY stories are here.

Photo by Loomingy1

5. To Inspire. Again, I don't have it all figured out (wish I did!). But every once in a while I get something right, or my failures are large and spectacular enough to inspire awe and incredulity. I want to be honest and authentic, to let you know there's someone else out there struggling with the same topics... sometimes experiencing a tiny success, and sometimes falling flat on her face.

Now it's your turn -- why do you read my blog? What do you like? (Yes, flattery will get you extra brownie points).

Comments

[Barb Gregory]

I love to read your blog Lain, because yes, you are funny! You also inspire me, and to me, alot more organized then I am ( or at least you appear that way..lol).You keep up with your scrapbooking better than me, and I aspire to write it all down too..so generations after me, know how crazy I am too..and of course because I have loved your blog since I use to listen to your podcast, ScrapHappy. you are doing a great job, thru the move, your new business with Angie--I am really proud of things you have accomplished,and how you inspire us all at any level.Thank you!

[Leora]

Well, Lain....I am glad that you blog. You DO inspire me and you make me smile. Mostly, you remind me to notice and to be thankful. So, thanks to you and keep it coming...

[Maureen]

Mostly I keep reading to see where and yours will get the boot from next. That and you write well about interesting topics with just the right amount of snarky to make me laugh.

[April]

Lain, I read your blog to laugh, to connect, to find out what's great out there on the web that I don't have time to research myself (note: the advent calendar ideas and gift ideas) . . . and let's not forget, to find out when you're taking sign-ups for the next LOAD challenge :-) I've not "scrapbooked" since October 31st.

[Ann Johnson]

I love you new format of the "5's". Makes it easy to read and you have interesting topics and great ideas. Keep the inspiration coming.

[Ann]

Why do I read your blog? I've been hooked since you signed my trimmer way back when you attended CKC "Seattle".
1. To see what you have to share.
2. To BE entertained!! You ARE funny and I enjoy your writing!
3. To Connect with your other blog readers. I will often link to their blogs and have interacted with them over the internet.
4. To be Inspired. You have inspired me to Document more of me and our life. You have also inspired me to try to write funny. You have given me inspiration for some great scrapbook pages and other crafty ideas.
oh and the last reason I read your blog......

5. You are such an enabler ;o)

[Julie - Fine Tooth Comb]

I'm so glad I found your blog, Lain. This sounds a bit weird, but I get excited when I see that little phrase "5 Things" in my Google Reader. :)

One type of post that I love is when you share 5 sites that you like. I've found some great new inspiration by checking out those links.

[Jennifer McGuire]

Why do I read your blog? Well, you entertain and inspire me. I can relate you as a mom, a scrapbooker, and a woman of similar age. You make me laugh. You point out things that I might not otherwise know about. You give me ideas that I can use to be creative. You share information with me. Reading your blog is liking talking with a friend. And mostly, reading your blog makes me feel like I'm not alone out here trying to figure out how to balance and appreciate this wonderful and crazy life.

[AnnieB]

Why do I read your blog, well, to quote a very talented writer, I read it because "I think you are pretty funny (but then I'm easy to amuse and my standards are low)." I enjoy your wit and your take on life. By the way, I love Ella and I miss your podcasts!

[Lain]



THANK YOU! That is exactly what I am hoping people
get from my blog. :)

Thanks for taking the time to tell me. :)

xoxox

L

Lain Ehmann

CEO, Ella Publishing Co.

[email protected]

408.348-2156

[Megan]

Why I read your blog

(um, this feels a little like an essay test)

1. I also think in lists.
2. I think you are funny.
3. I keep hoping you'll podcast again.
4. I love to see your scrapbook pages, even if I don't find time to scrapbook anymore.
5. I'm nosy. (I think that's why I read blogs, I like learning about other people's lives)

[Bridget]

I am certainly one of your peeps! Yesterday, I was in a job interview and the 10 finalists were gathered around like Beauty Pageant finalists fielding questions from the judges. We were asked to describe ourselves and I had this burning desire to shout, "I AM THE FREAKING FUNNIEST PERSON I KNOW." I love that you admit that you know you are funny.

[Lain]



You should join me with my weekend wrap-up five
photo page! Every Sunday, baby! :)

Lain Ehmann

CEO, Ella Publishing Co.

[email protected]

408.348-2156

[Michelle Moore]

Ok, here goes...
1. You are funny. (I'm easily entertained, also.)
2. You usually have interesting info to share.
3. You have your own style, that, while not just like me, inspires me and pushes me to try new things.
4. You really love your family, and it shows in your writing.
Last, but certainly not least...
5. You are a lovely person. When I met you in Mesa 1 1/2 years ago, you were very approachable and friendly. Since then, we have e-mailed each other several times, and it is like talking to a dear friend, who I've only really met once, but who cares about me and mine. I know you will pray for me if I need it, and will ask me for prayers if you need them.

PS-I MISS your ScrapHappy podcast. You and Angie should do an "Ella" podcast! Wouldn't that be FUN! (in all your spare time, of course!)

[Deanna - Fun Mama]

I read your blog because

1. you're funny
2. you do inspire me
3. you left comments on a layout I did for the first LOAD, and I'm an undying fan now
4. you share neat ideas and projects
5. I'm trying to get brownie points.

Can I have some brownies, too?

[Kathy Floen]

I followed you over on your other blog. I am so happy that I "met" you on Paperclipping! :) You are so fun to read and your write like I talk! :) I can tell you have energy by what you write and it is an inspiration to me! :) ((HUGS))

[Rebecca]

I read your blog for the exact reasons you stated: to be entertained, to be inspired, to gain a tip or two, to be connected to someone like me (I wear rose colored glasses also!) I appreciate so much you taking the time to answer e-mails and comments. I don't remember how I first found your blog, but I do remember being so excited to find another scrapbooker who also knits. I e-mailed you right away...and you answered. <3 Here's a funny little note: I think about you almost every time I grocery shop. lol! You see, almost 2 years ago you posted an idea for a coupon organizer made from a $1 4x6 photo album. (it was in your Christmas idea series) I made one and have been using it ever since. (I believe you added pics of mine to your gallery) This little coupon organizer has saved my sanity...and few bucks! It's a little worn now...I need to replace the divider tabs...but it's a part of our family. :) My girls look for coupons to add. My teenager even goes through it before she heads out to pick stuff up for herself. So, Lain, thanks for doing what you do!
(Sheesh...sorry for the novel!)

[Angie F]

Lain
LOVING your 5 Things!! I LOVE extra brownie points...so let's see...I think you are very funny & entertaining! I laughed out loud while I was catching up with what you have been writing! :) You are a huge inspiration!! I love the LOAD concept...now I just need to do it instead of just thinking about it! Thanks for all you share! Looking forward to trying some of your soups!! I could live on soup!

[Alissa W.]

Lain,
I read your blog because:
- i like your voice
- like others I hope you'll podcast again.
- i like what you read
and speaking of reading and podcasting, I am reading "Six Pixels of Separation" by Mitch Joel and it's great and I wanted to recommend it to you because a)it's easily skimmable and b)I thought it might give you stuff to think about for Ella and for your blogging.

Also, I'm really enjoying this new blog. I like that you update regularly and I like the new format (from ScrapHappy). Although I did like it when on Scraphappy you were doing the more detail page inspirational posts - the detailed subject ones, like after you saw Up.

Keep up the fabulous work (both here and with Ella!)

[Rachel]

One of the main reasons I read is that I'm a list person and I love seeing what list you come up with next...I've found humor, tips, and inspiration in almost every post. Which are exactly my criteria for reading a blog. The first post I read was your post on 5 things you love but will never do. That really struck a chord in me for some reason and actually made me go into a period of introspection that I think I needed. Thanks for that. :)

[Lonely Scrapbooker]

So glad I found this blog!

[Lonely Scrapbooker]

Ha I just realized you had asked a question about why I read your blog... I didn't answer it when I posted the first time.
I came back to this post to comment that your layout, which I really liked, inspired this page: http://wickysticket.blogspot.com/2009/12/like-child-again.html
But to properly answer the question, especially now that I've read and enjoyed quite a few posts:
1. For inspiration and ideas about life & scrapbooking
2. To see how someone else is trying to figure it all out
3. To see how someone else does it (figure it out) with wit and grace
4. You write well
5. To see how you are going to keep coming up with 5 cool things. You've been doing amazing so far!

[piradee]

thanks for sharing this... and definitely agree those are the reasons why I love to blog too :)