This blogging thing.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 01:45PM The word "blog" used to embarrass me. I mean, "Blaaagghhhhg". It sounds like someone gargling mashed potatoes. I'd say I did it "for my portrait business", "so clients could get to know me", "so I could keep my portfolio updated". These things are true. The bigger truth is just that I liked doing it. It's changed my life tremendously. But somewhere along the way I started to feel guilty about doing anything that wasn't "productive". And by productive, I mean generating income. BOO!
I think over the last year I've let work consume me, partly because I love it and partly because it's comfortable. At work I know where I belong, what to do, where to stand. It's easy. What's hard is all the other stuff. Like making time for a walk, or girls night, making a salad, knowing what to do on the ball field when my child is heartbroken about striking out again. Work, in all it's straight-forward glory becomes a way of hiding from all that complication. It's a way of hiding from the times when you don't know where to stand, what to do, or where you belong. And since people respect the idea of work, you even get to appear noble while you're hiding. But the problem is that if you're hiding from the complicated stuff, you're also hiding from the stuff that means the most, like your family, your health, your friends, your interests. Life becomes less full, more one dimensional.
I just got back from a retreat that, among other things, made me realize I need to spend less time working, more time on the other stuff. More time remembering things I enjoy like photographing sans paycheck, going out with girlfriends, connecting with my family. Blogging is also one of these things I've missed. So this is me, yet again trying to find some balance. I'm sure it's not for the last time.
But speaking of all the amazing people that the internet has brought into my life, meet Karen. She's one of my dearest friends, and if it weren't for this blogging thing, I would have never known her. I hosted a book signing for her a few months ago with Laura and Jenny. It was really just my sneaky way to get her to come to San Antonio.
She did a segment on Living.
Then Philippe at Coco treated us to a fantastically different book-signing party. It was so much fun, and if you need to host anything in San Antonio, he is truly the BEST, most warm, accommodating, creative person. He even taught us how to make a candle from an orange peel!
A couple weekends ago I didn't go to SxSW because big conferences overwhelm me. And because that one seemed to be the motherlode of not knowing where to be or stand. Then I got an invitation for a brunch that Intel and Maggie + Laura were hosting. That sounded do-able and fun. I was just going to drive up for the afternoon until Karen mentioned that she'd had to last-minute rent a way-too-big house and that there was plenty of room for all of us if I wanted to bring the fam. So we did, and now I love her family as much as I do her.
Karen is the author of The Beauty of Different: Observations of a Confident Misfit. It's a fantastic collection of gorgeous photography and lovely stories. The last time she was here, she left me one to give away. Want to win? Enter by leaving a comment here about what makes you different. I'll announce the winner on Thursday before noon.
Reader Comments (50)
My co-worker just told me that I see things differently than most people with my love of all nature and photography. I'm thinking that was just her nice way of saying "Misty, most women are obsessed with bugs and critters like you!" hehehe
By the way, those are AWESOME, AWESOME family photographs. You captured their beauty wonderfully!
As for different; I'm a scientist who cooks without recipes and writes without fear. I'm a newlywed at 43. I love Jane Austen and Beavis & Butthead. I'm a rock climber who makes jam. I'm a redhead. I'm me.
Taking a chance @ winning the book. What makes me different?: My HUGE teeth & smile that I give away for free to anyone & everyone who looks like they may need it!! :-)
Most days I feel like the average stay-at-home-mom and have trouble seeing the things that make me unique. Traveling with my kids is one of my favorite things to do, I hate coffee but love starbucks foofy drinks, and I'd drink 3 pots of tea every day
What makes me different: my capacity to love and to act upon it.
What makes ME different?
I gave birth to Maile. "Ta dah!!!"
K. Hand it over. I deserve it.
exes and oohz.
Ma'
How am I different? My sense of humor seems to catch people off-guard when they're first getting to know me. Apparently, I come across as super serious and super sweet and super good-girly until I relax and start to be myself.
Your pictures are absolutely stunning. What a beautiful family!
What makes me different?? Size 10 feet? I LOVE snow? I've moved 22 times in my 40 years of life? I hate tapioca? I'm terrified of chickens (and most other winged fowl)? That should be enough, but there's more - I promise you. ;-)
Thanks for the chance to enter such a fabulous giveaway!
I've had Karen's book on my wishlist for a while so thank you for the opportunity..
I think what makes me different is that I never give up, and that I am fiercely loyal. I'll fight tooth and nail for something or someone that I believe in.