Blogging - a self-indulgent act?

Are we a bunch of insecure, attention seeking women with low self esteem craving for constant approval? Are we self centered and obsessed about showing off our creations, belongings, interior and beautiful styled pictures? A group of self-indulgent women??? Are we living in a fantasy world or are we trying to portrait that the life we live is perfect, like that stunningly styled photo we often publish with our text? Are we trying to be someone else? Are we escaping into Cyber World instead of living in the present real life?

Or are we just a hearty community of crafty ladies who unconditionally share, encourage and cheer on each other in our daily lives of dreaming, crafting, creating, moving, thinking, struggling and trying our best? Are we maybe a bunch of talented and driven girls who dare to have a passion, a hobby, a creative outlet that brings balance into our hectic lives instead of letting life overwhelm us with chores, obligations, nurturing and caring? Are we the people who actually see the beauty in every small detail and just love to share this with like minded (or not like minded...) people world wide? Maybe this creative side of blog world is a replacement for real life sewing groups and coffee meetings with needle and thread in hand, but how many of us have a handful of creative friends close by? Isn't it fantastic to meet up in Cyber World Café if we can't meet up in our homes?

When I tell people I am a part time craft blogger many raise their eyebrows and question what I am doing. Something like this:
" Aha, blogging? Isn't that where a bunch of bored housewives show pictures of what they cook, bake and make because they don't have anything better to do?"
Or...
" Aha... you blog?... (Awkward silence appears...) Well, I got to go really. Nice meeting you."
Very seldom someone reacts like this:
" You have a blog? What do you write about? That is really interesting. So how does it work? Is it difficult? How long have you been blogging? Can I have a look at your blog? I would love to see it!"

I am not saying the latter doesn't happen, because it does, just not as often as the above examples...

I am surprised that people in general doesn't know that much about the impact the blog community have in today's society. Many people doesn't even know what blogging is all about. They don't know what a great source of information it is, being a part of the World Wide Web Library of knowledge that Cyber World is. And they don't seem to have any interest to find out what blogging is. It frustrates me.

Without my blog I would never have reached the point I am at today. I wouldn't have learned so much about crochet, sewing and quilting in such a short time as I have done. I have discovered so many hidden talents within myself that I didn't know I was capable of. With blogging you grow, not only within your interest but also as a human being. You start to see opportunities, take steps outside your comfort zone and for some of us it goes in the direction of fulfilling a creative dream. It could be anything from making handmade gifts to all friends and family or attending crafts shows, start craft lessons for kids, starting an ETSY shop or making a business from what we love the most. All with help from cheering on from others in this blog community.

Blogging is not only about sharing what you make and do, how you live or indulging in pretty photos. Think about how much we all have learned about the technical side of blogging. Adding posts, editing pictures, making photo collages, adding buttons, making banners, adding links, opening Facebook pages, connecting, searching the Internet and finding answers. It took me 4 bloody hours to add a Facebook box in my right margin. But I did it. I figured it out. Stubborn as hell I did not give up until I figured it out. I spent another 3 hours trying to figure out how to automatically add my blog posts to my Facebook page and decided to ask a blog friend for advice and "Ping!", got an answer in no time which told me exactly how to do it (BTW it is not possible to have automatic blog updates on FB, you have to do it manually...). Problem solved. It is amazing! Blogger, graphic designer, photographer and webmaster all in one!!! Yay!

And maybe My Rose Valley started out with a nervous Annette with wobbly knees 3 years ago, not having a clue of what to make out of it. Maybe I was a shy girl then with a lack of self confidence who stood in a corner hiding and fearing to enter the conversations, a little bit like on the first day of school. But look at me now! I have grown with my crafts and blogging. I have found a group of like minded people to hang out with. I feel stronger. I've discovered strengths in myself I didn't know I had. I believe in myself more. Because of all the positive response. Like any child, any adult, any person... When we hear something good from someone we feel good. We build self esteem and belief. Blogging is like affirmations about all the good in life. And sure, maybe we only show what is pretty, but who wants to see my dirty laundry? Honestly... Unless it is colorful and inspiring of course. :D... Giggle.... Well, you get it right? I just wish the rest of the world could see that Blogger is a title to be proud of, just as a title like Author, Doctor or Marketing Director can be.

In my opinion we are not a bunch of insecure, attention seeking women with low self esteem craving for constant approval. No, for me we are all strong and incredibly talented women with a huge love for what we do and the best thing of all - we share! It is all about sharing, not showing, sharing is completely different. You may "only" be my Cyber Friends but you are also some of the most generous friends I have and you totally get it when I oooohhhh and aaahhhh over a piece of fabric or a ball of yarn. That is great!

Kärlek
Annette