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5.17.2013

why I started this blog

You may (or may not) have noticed that I haven't posted anything in a few weeks. It's been busy around here and (honestly) I just haven't found the time to sit down at my computer to type up tutorials or spend any considerable amount of time behind my sewing machine. While I'm being honest, as of a few days ago, my computer wasn't charged for 3 weeks. I didn't miss it.

I started this blog because I was documenting my diy projects on sheets of paper so I could remember how I created something in case I ever wanted to do it again. One day it hit me that it would be fun to start a blog. 5 minutes later, I had signed up for a blogger account and now here I am a year and a half later with what is now Sewing Barefoot.

The main reason I love blogging is because it's fun! I like creating things, sharing them on the web & connecting with other fun bloggers who share my passion. After months and months of blogging (and pouring 100% of my free time into this little blog) I found myself feeling like blogging was a second "job." I was coming home from work (exhausted) and was feeling obligated to link up at link parties & get a post ready for the next day so I could keep up with my "self set" schedule. I felt guilty if I missed a post so I would spend every evening on my computer editing pictures and posts while watching tv instead of snuggling up on the couch with my husband (for a while, I think he felt he was married to a computer). I began losing creativity because I was tired and some days felt like I had used it all up on my clients at work.

I don't mean to be negative, but I just thought that I'd share a few things that I've decided in order for me to continued on with blogging:

1) I am going to blog at my own pace (wait, where have I heard this before???) But no, really... I am going to post when I feel like it and NOT feel guilty if it's been 2 weeks since my last post.

2) I am going to retired my link party "The Weekly Creative"... It's not fair to you linkers when I don't have the time to visit and comment on each post. I appreciate each and every one of you and I enjoyed seeing your amazing projects & recipes. Thank you.

3) I am not going to feel like I have to spend every night on my computer. I am going to snuggle on the couch with my husband and probably let my computer die for a few days before I recharge it. I am going to put a lot of effort into the posts that I write but I am not going to feel like I need to spend every spare minute blogging. I am going to find a healthy balance :)

4) I am going to create things that I need, want or plan to giveaway. I have many projects that are just sitting around and when I look at them I think "I made this just for the blog"... If that's the case, I am going to find a home for those projects, even if it means getting them out of my house.

5) I am going to share more personal touches on the blog - like the new couch we just bought and the pillows that I sewed that we based the entire design around. Our new gas logs that we just got installed in our family room. The dining table we saved from Craigslists and had refinished. The side table my husband made for us from the tree that fell on our house and crushed our porch. The DIY art we made and why we made it the way we did. I can't guarantee that everything will have a step by step tutorial, but I do feel like each post will have a lot of personality and inspiration.

If you're still reading this, I'll finish with this...blogging is something I really enjoy doing and I plan on keeping it that way. I appreciate all of you reading this and following along with my creative (and sometimes random) path of sewing, diying, cooking(ha!) and making our house a home.


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26 comments:

  1. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing your heart and your life... I am at the same place with blogging right now.

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  2. Good for you!!! Sometimes we all need to do this. We just moved into our new home one and half months ago and we are still painting, hanging pictures and curtains and I haven't been blogging either. Do what makes you happy.
    Alisha :-)
    Have a great weekend!!

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  3. Great Post! Have a great weekend :)

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  4. Great post! I feel the same way about posting when I feel like it. ;)

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  5. You're so awesome Shannon! I completely understand needing to find balance! I'm going through the same thing right now and haven't linked up to hardly any parties in the past 2 weeks. I just don't have the time since my little boy is "running around" and so active now.

    I can't wait to see your posts in the future... and the pillows, dining table & more!

    Hope you and your hubby enjoy your snuggle time together. Blogging definitely takes away from that for sure!

    Shauna @ The Best Blog Recipes

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  6. I have a blog as well and there is this odd pressure that arises every now and again in me when i don't post for awhile. For me, the 'pull' I feel is my 'self' trying to tell me that I need a break from work and haven't had any time for myself in a while to even 'be' in my craft room to make things. Kudos to you for finding the balance because basically what your saying is your going to treat your blog like it was originally intended to be which is a hobby number one, and a place to share/catalog your creative endeavors. thanks for sharing and good luck!

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  7. I think this is a very wise decision. I have been having much of the same conversation with myself regarding my Etsy site and the products I have in stores. I want to maintain, but not feel guilty all the time for either neglecting Etsy or neglecting my husband, family or friends (like YOU!). It is easy to always feel guilty about something (regardless of what you accomplished!) and wasting energy that is better used on more productive ventures.

    Thank you for sharing this my dear! Love you.

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  8. I'll miss your party, but I totally understand. :-)

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  9. I think you are doing the write (misuse intended). Your blog and your readers will be here when you want to share and you will be happier and more content and it will show. :)

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  10. YaY for you!!! I enjoy reading your blogs, but am so glad that you have put your priorities in order. I am looking forward to seeing you new amazing DIYs and how they fit in your house and life! Now go forth GUILT FREE and bloom!

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  11. I think you are doing the write (misuse intended) thing. Your blog and readers will still be hear when you decide to share. Give yourself a break and enjoy life. :)

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  12. Sounds like a good plan!! Enjoy your new - hopefully - less stressful blogging life ;-)

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  13. Hey Shannon,

    I totally understand and I think you have a great plan :) Thanks for sharing with us. Have a beautiful weekend.

    Hugs to you,
    Stephanie

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  14. Hi Shannon - I actually think blogging should be like that anyway ... blog when the moment is right, and when we have a specific thing to blog about - not a necessity every day (oh my gawsh, who has the time for every day?!) and we should blog about projects/things we just happen to be working on, not working on projects just so we can blog about them. Definitely gotta have couch cuddle time! Take care. xo

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  15. Shannon, Glad you decided that life brings you a blog but life also brings family, which is more important. Thank you for all the fun DIY's to us and look forward to the many more you will share.

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  16. Hi Shannon! I feel like I wrote this post myself!! I totally understand where you are. I am in the same place and started blogging for the same reasons... I do love your posts and look forward to them so I know I will be even more happy when you post again! Enjoy your time with the hubby and your home and send us your love on your own time...

    xoxo,
    Darlene

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  17. Life is sooo much bigger & more important than blogging! I myself have cut back. I am participating in less linky parties. Not so much that blogging is overwhelming, but that I have been SOOOO busy with other things. I don't sweat it when I skip posting.

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  18. I love that you said this! I hope you find the balance that you need!!!

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  19. What a great fresh perspective! I started my blog for the same reasons - to document what I make. It's so much more relaxing to do it without putting pressure on yourself. I didn't find this negative at all, but an encouragement to what's important in life. Thanks for sharing!

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  20. what a lovely perspective to have. i have just started a blog and could feel the self set deadlines creating pressure.your right to carry on enjoying what your doing you need sometimes to take a step back and relax. all the best

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  21. Good for you! Bloggers should not feel they have to post every day.

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  22. Hi Shannon, I understand you very well and wish you could find the better way to enjoy your life!
    Be happy !
    Have a fabulous week!
    Hugs from Portugal,

    Ana Love Craft
    www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

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  23. You're right girl! Wise word :)
    MammaNene

    SergerPepper.blogspot.it

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  24. Hi Istarted following you because I saw a small diaper carrier you made, still not made it. You are so honest in your comments.blogging should be fun not a chore

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  25. I totally agree with you! I am treating my little blog in the same way. I try not to create something for my blog, but to blog about something I create. I enjoy your projects and will keep up with you as you post!!

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