Shhhhhh…..quiet. Ok. Listen. I have something to say.
I have fallen deeper into the abyss of Blogging School Duncedom and I need to revisit.
Why do I have to have goals and gain a larger percentage of readers? Am I a dunceable failure because I don’t? I thought this stuff took time?
Maybe I just wasn’t honest with myself when I started my blog.
I was just a teensy, weensy bit delusional.
Let’s revisit. Again.
I lost my job and I needed something to occupy my mind. I always loved to write and was good at it. Mind you, I’ve always been good. Not great. I can get a simple thought across in an uncomplicated way. I don’t like using a lot of SAT words because it isn’t my nature. I like to tell it like it is—but with humor.
It was my “vison” (or since I’m cross-eyed, shall I say double vision?) to have a blog geared toward the “over 55 crowd”. You know, fashion talk for women who are older but like to dress nicely and sometimes a bit on the more youthful side?
I thought it would be fun to have recipes scattered throughout.
Yes. I made this easy summer vegetable dish. Now that the cooler weather is back, I’ll be able to add more recipes!
I also thought it would be cool to talk about cosmetics and makeup….
One of my favorite things to talk about. BTW, the MUFE HD foundation just doesn’t seem to be working for me anymore. I’ll have to write about that!
….and address the mother of all “ism’s”. Ageism.
Oh, I will NEVER stop writing about THIS ism! Mick Jagger and Ray Davies haven’t gotten back to me about my Age-Aid concert yet. I’ll keep trying!
But—as I started to write, and continued to write, I discovered the focus to be more on my life as an unemployed, anxiety-ridden, American-living-with-a-Frenchman, mother of three grown children and a rescue dog, “stuck in the suburbs because NYC, the home that I had for so long is no longer affordable to middle-class people” woman with absolutely no purpose in life. Let’s get that pity party rollin’ my friends!
WAIT! Then I realized that I DO have a purpose in life!
Like Steve Martin, I, too, have a special purpose in life! I just didn’t realize it!
And that purpose is to write about shit that people may think about, but don’t necessarily talk about. Um…like lady baldness and lady whiskers. Or….people who like to “hide” behind their religious ideologies. Or….bringing back memories of loved ones who left us. Or…failures as well as successes. Or….how being that slightly unkempt person who just isn’t perfect is a perfectly fine way to be!
I’m the one who will be completely honest and tell you. I haven’t taken a bath or shaved my legs or pits for four days. I stink. No. Literally. I stink. I smell. And that’s ok because I know there are others who do the same thing—but won’t admit it. Instead, you can read my blog and admit it to yourself. Nobody else needs to know!
I have no issues showing you what my messy fridge looks like before I clean it out. I’ll even show you the mold on the three-month old strawberries. Why? Because that happens to the best of us. We’ll place something in the way back of the fridge, we’ll forget about it and months later, we’ll realize what we did or didn’t do. And it’s ok!
I’ll write about my travels in France—but not in a pretentious “I’m-ajet-setter-and-you’re-not-and-I-know-everything-about-the-French-and-you-do-not” I try to write about my experiences just basically having a great time and realizing that I am fortunate enough to have these experiences that I just want to share.
I see things just slightly different than most travelers!
Although I’m no expert on film and music, I still like to write about my thoughts on what music and films I like and love. It’s all subjective.
Basically—I write about nothing and everything! I’m comfortable with that. It’s the way I roll!
Granted—I had delusions that someone famous would see my blog and recommend my little blog to all their friends. My delusions then took me to a place where I had millions of Twitter and Instagram followers (Ugh. I friggin’ despise the word “followers”—can’t it just be changed to “friends”?).
Whenever I see or hear the word “followers” I am reminded of Follow the Leader from Disney’s Peter Pan!
I had visions of me guesting on the Today Show—but only with Kathy Lee and Hoda! We would drink wine and talk shoes and go on and on about meaningless trivial matters! It would be awesome.
Hey ladies. Don’t forget to make a drink for ME! Kathy, can I borrow your earrings?
My visions also took me to the Jen Lancaster universe.
I thought I could be the next Jen Lancaster!
That universe of someone who writes a blog—then becomes “discovered”, then builds a crazy-ass fan base. Then writes books—but about herself.
I’ve read all of these–and more! I”ve even left some of her books behind at the apartment in France so others could discover her. I’m SUCH a giver! Her fiction isn’t as good as the books about her though!
OMG. I could be like Jen Lancaster and write best-selling books about my favorite subject. ME!!!!!!
I could write about little me…
And (skinny) mommy me….and
….old me who seems to be gaining weight at Superman’s quicker speed of light.
And time marched on. And I didn’t gain any famous “followers’ friends. I didn’t get a call from Kathy Lee or Hoda.
My blog’s Facebook page goes virtually unnoticed. I’m not popular like Jen Lancaster.
I’m not the blogger eating lunch with the popular blogging queens or kings.
I don’t have 23,000 “followers” or rather “friends” thank you!
Instead, I’ve become a realist.
I’m writing my blog for myself but I’m also writing to those friends of mine who stop by regularly to read about what I have to say for that particular day!
Yes, I sometimes scratch my head in wonder about just how the fu….Oops—I wonder just how does anyone acquire thousands upon thousands of readers or followers !
Then I pause and smile just a bit wider!
My eyes can’t get any more crossed but my smile keeps getting wider and wider because I love my blog and I love my friends who read and enjoy my blog!
I love my little blog! I love writing about absolutely nothing and yet everything!
I love that fact that there are a little over 500 readers in my little club! As long as my reading friends are happy and enjoy what I write about—that is what matters most!
It is far more important to stay true to myself and who I am.
My goals are simple– just keep writing and writing and blogging and blogging.
I’m like the Little Engine That Could. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can…WRITE!!!!!
And I have no expectations. Never expect and never be disappointed!
My habits will remain the same. I write in our home office. I write listening to music or nothing at all.
With that, I give hugs and kisses to my friends who read my blog and like it and continue to read! You make me happy. You have given me purpose!
You really Like me.
I feel so….so… Sally Field!
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 26: Actress Sally Field attends the NBC Entertainment & Cinema Society with Volvo premiere of “Smash” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on January 26, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
Yes, Sally, I really like you. I liked your Gidget wardrobe much more, but I still like you! I like your glasses too. Can I borrow them?
I’m also quite happy that I haven’t been sued…………….Yet!
And with that, I will try to continue to write at least three posts a week—but it’ll probably be more because I have so much to say about so little!
I will also try to do more posts by my alter ego “The Paupered Princess”©. She knows a good bargain and knows how to live well on the cheap—after all, she is without a job!
Well, I really should get dressed. Bonaparte is becoming more and more concerned about my not wanting to leave the house. But my reasons are so shallow that it’s shameful.
I don’t want to leave the house because I may become tempted. My temptation comes not from Satan, but it comes from the King of Prussia Mall and Home Goods and TJ Maxx. It’s because I’m a giver! I’m such a giver that I don’t want to give any of these stores Bonaparte’s money!
Enjoy the Monday! I think I will go out after all. There is zero humidity and my hair needs to take advantage of this glorious good hair day!
XOXOXOXO
Speaking of music, I’m posting “The Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats. I heard it the other day and cannot get it out of my mind. Plus—the weird guy who sings the song is cute!
Please keep writing, we love to read you 🙂
Oh…I intend to keep on writing. Hmmmmm…just like keep on truckin’..we may have another song there! LOL!! XOXOXO
You Rock GF….passing you a note! 📝
Got that note!!!! Reading it!! Let’s go!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XOXOXO!!!
Ah!Ah!Sally Field… “you really like me” – I felt just like that, when people starting commenting and following my “attempt of a blog” , that was exactly what came into my mind 🙂
And yes we really like you Catherine , and your writings (is this a word?)
Turtle Hugs
Hello, just read your blog, kinda reminds me of me. Beautifully written, kept me very interest. I will be a follower. My site is http://www.newheartnewbeginnings.com it is more about our journey after my daughter had her heart transplant dec.30,2013
lynne
Hi Lynne, I’m glad that you like my blog and welcome to my world! I’m putting my shoes on now because I”m walking across the street to your blog! XOXOXO!!!
You are a much needed breath of fresh air in the blogosphere! Amongst all the perfect lifestyle blogs you represent life in all its messy splendor. Please keep blogging, it’s wonderful! 🙂
gk. Thanks! You nailed me perfectly by representing life in all its messy splendor. THAT’S IT!!!!! I’ll keep bloggin’! XOXOXO!!
I think we all have those Sally Field moments the second we realize that we are liked. It’s a nice feeling–isn’t it? Oh..and writings is a word. Besides, if it isn’t, YOU just invented it!! Thanks so much for your support! XOXOXO!!!
You just got me – a new follower and fellow writing course student
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XOXOXO!!!
Oh my gosh, you silly daft goose… I love you, and what does it matter if I am not famous 😀 I love you.. absolutely do.. and you know what? I feel the same way too.. but heck, I don’t really care.. if people “Like” my blog or not.. was never convinced I needed it.. but now that I am a stupid half-wit semi-invalid, I guess I had nothing better to do.. but you know I am glad I met you 🙂 It makes me smile.. Your frenchman is warned, that a younger admirer is round the corner 😀
OMG. You had me at “daft”. Nobody’s used that word on my since my grandmother passed. She used that word on my all the time! You are famous in my little world…and I’m giving you extra hugs today…and warning Bonaparte! XOXOXOXOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
😀 thanks.. I know, I know, I am just an old dinosaur.. old fashioned and all that.. but hey, I am much younger than your Napoleon, I bet.. and I am plenty interesting too 🙂
Love ya..
There needs be a LOVE button! I absolutely adore this and that you write for yourself, because I have a wonderful time reading what you have to say! I will admit that I go days with out showering, and that I might possibly have some moldy food in my fridge as well (I might have to go look…). But the imperfections in our lives is what makes it interesting and fun! So glad you share your little quirks and splendors with all of us! XOXOXO
Thanks Megan! I will admit–with the cooler weather coming it means my legs won’t be bare..and you know what THAT means! No shaving of the legs until someone else mentions that the legs are “filling a leeedoule stubbleeee”! Yes, being imprefect is interesting and fun! I’m glad you “get” that! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Keep writing, I’m still reading! And you have more blog friends than I do, so you are more famous than me! Like you said, I write for myself too, and if someone else enjoys it, or learns something, that’s great. We all look forward to your posts! Oh, and I shared your Facebook page today 🙂
Hi Lori. Thank you, I will keep writing….and it is important to write for yourself first–that way you can completely be yourself first and foremost! Thank you so much for sharing my FB page I appreciate the gesture so much! XOXOXOXO!!!
Don’t you ever stop writing, lady!
I love your ‘little blog’ and I’m so glad I found you from one of your TAPF posts.
You inspire me and I appreciate your honesty.
Bises ~ Joanie, une sœur de cœur
Bonsoir Joanie. Merci! Non I won’t stop writing. There is just so much of nothing for me to write about!! Encore Merci! XOXOXX Bises, bises!!!
I very much enjoy reading your little blog and you and your life! Continue writing and I will continue reading. XOXO to you! 🙂
Thanks Spear. I always look forward to your support and your continuous reading! XOXOXOXO!! Thank you friend!
Your a fabulous blogger and we all love to read about your wacky ways! We have all had that moment where we have seen the strawberries in the fridge lol
Stay true to yourself and keep puttin’ it our there. 🙂 “Nobody does it better…” That’s a phrase from a song but I can’t remember who or what.
Your blog makes my day …..moldy strawberries spilled chocolate sauce …shopping … Three kids…. College loans …… I so get it …..appreciate it …..and you say it so well…..xo Jane
Jane. Right?????? I swear–and I cannot even make this up. I cleaned out the fridge earlier today–not only was a moldy bowl of strawberries found in the back, but I took a look at a box which contained beets wrapped in an airtight plastic bag. Since they were never opened, I decided to look at the expiration date. August 2013!! It was a total WTF moment because we MOVED to our current home in May of 2013. I must have taken the beets with us when we moved. Needless to say, the beets are unopened and in the trash. I’m ok with an expiration date on food being up to about 7 months–but two years just doesn’t work for me! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
I didn’t realise you had a Facebook page too (pitfall of reading in Reader and not viewing the whole site). I think I’ll have to come and stalk you, I mean find you! 🙂
LOL. Oh Haylee. Stalk away! It’ll be fun. Come on over and find me! XOXOXO!!!
Oh! I was SO wrong yesterday THIS should be the introductory chapter of your book! I giggled all the way through this post! 😀
Thanks–I think you’ll like the introduction to today’s post even better. It’s gonna be a funny one……………….XOXOXOXO!!!
Your posts are always fun I have liked your Facebook page. Nobody on Facebook likes me all that much lol. Perhaps you could like me back? I think you definitely have chat show potential, just hang in there. Where are your twitter and Pinterest buttons? I might have to mark you down to an A-….
Thanks Maddy. I’m happy I found your FB page. I liked it and also shared the hearing post. My friends could read that–we all went to loud concerts and listened to music at 11. Yeah!! XOXOXOXO. Oh..there’s a twitter button under the post. I think. Did I do it right?
Thanks heaps for sharing! Yes, that twitter button you have is a sharing button, not a follow button. So no friends for you on Titter but I will tweet your new post!
Seeing an email that you have a new posts always makes my day! You are followed my a group of women in the Netherlands and you make all of us laugh and smile! xoxo
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!! I am?? Oh man, that makes me so happy to know that I have friends in the Netherlands. So cool–I’ll definitely keep trying to make you laugh.XOXOXO!!
Cathy, don’t stop….I wouldn’t know what to read with my coffee! You have an amazing gift.
Hey Maureen. I have no intentions of stopping! XOXOXO!
I put off starting a blog for years because I couldn’t decide which of a million different topics to write about. Then I started and realized that I don’t have to choose. It can be about anything I want it to be about! So, like yours, it may not be developing quite like I’d envisioned it, but it’s all good – we’re DOING IT – and that’s what counts! Write on sister!!
oh – and thanks for putting Safety Dance in my head. :-/
haha!
Right? Its so weird when you have a “vision” of what you think a blog should be–and then when you start writing, it just goes in a completely different direction. I think that’s part of the fun of blogging. Hahahaha…The Safety Dance is one that doesn’t leave the mind for a while. I could have done one worse. I could have played “Pop Goes The World”. BWAAAAAAAAAAA XOXOXOXO!!!
I like your blog as it is now. You talk about stuff that most other bloggers don’t and you have your own distinctive writing style, which means you have a very clear and recognizable voice. I bet if I had only the text of one of your posts and no other hints, I’d still know immediately who wrote it.
I don’t think many blogs (the best ones, anyway) end up the way the bloggers originally intended. My guess is that very often, what we think we want to write about and what we actually want to write about are rather different.
Two other quick points occurred to me when I read your post. First, I also don’t like the “followers” as a blogging term. It seems too religious or political. Second, I don’t mind about my never being invited onto the Today Show, but I would like to try one of those delicious looking drinks. (Sadly, I don’t think Ms Gifford’s wardrobe staff will let you use the earrings since the circus needs them back.)
Hi Bun. Thanks so much. I’m glad that you “get” my style. One other thing–I’ve ALWAYS said what others think but won’t say–so I bring that over to my blog. It’s important to just be yourself.
Oh….I would love to sneak into Gifford’s wardrobe staff room to “borrow” some items, but my son works at 30 Rock for Jimmy Fallon and SNL. I don’t want to get him in trouble! I always have to be on my best behavior when I visit. My luckiest moment was getting a huge hug from Will Forte! He’s adorable! XOXOXOXOXOX!!!
PS. I wish he were my “friend”!
Woah! Really? Your son has an amazingly interesting-sounding job. The hug from Will Forte sounds nice, but you probably won’t be too surprised to hear I’d prefer, say, Kate McKinnon instead. 🙂
Oh….Bun. My son LOVES her. He said she is so incredibly nice. I had to restrain myself last time I visited him because she walked by me and I wanted to attack her in the best of ways. She’s one of my girl crushes! XOXOXO!!!
That’s great! I always love it when I hear that famous people are genuinely nice in real life too and aren’t just putting it on for the cameras.
Bun–I know, right? I’m still amazed at how genuinely nice Will Forte was as well! XOXOXO!!
Catherine- I LOVE your blog because of all the reasons you listed
I will follow you for those same reasons
OMG!! Thank you so much Linda!!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!