This month I will be participating in National Blog Posting Month #NaBloPoMo. I won’t pretend to be able to keep up with publishing a daily post. That’s not realistic for me right now. But I will be able to commit to weekly, hopefully more.
I’ve been feeling frustrated with social media lately and realize I put too much into it. It helped me stay connected when I was most sick, and for various reasons has been easier on my depleted energy reserves these last 3 years. I would not have been able to meet deadlines on paying work in addition to my various various other commitments AND craft regular blog posts as I once did. Something had to give. Using social media helped fill the hole. It took the pressure off.
But these massive companies are capitalizing on our work, and unfortunately, they have used that capital irresponsibly of late. As I approach 20 years publishing online at this URL, it feels like the right time to reclaim my space.
Other women I know and respect [Elan, Karen, Asha] have been creating dialogue around reclaiming blogging and using NaBloPoMo as a jumping off point to doing it. Some of them are focusing on it as a means towards creating a positive pushback against the darkness of the world. While I share the sentiment, I’m not sure I share their optimism.
However, whatever the reason, I hope you will join in. Dust off your blogs. Write. Make photos, artwork, whatever. Let’s carve out whatever time we can to follow each other’s writings, and connect meaningfully through these spaces we’ve built on our own terms rather than through the confines of opportunistic social media giants.
I’ve got my first post ready to go. It will be up shortly after I publish this one.
In the spirit of sharing, please feel free to add a link to your blog below.
Yesss! I’ve been writing more often (weekly, trying, at least) lately on my blog as a way to keep writing and share creative projects.
Here’s to great, meaningful writing!
-T.
How much do I need this! After some profound personal losses, I just retreated, and though I kept the garden going (though limping along at times), I just have not been able to get back into regular blogging. It even shows in the dark, grainy photos that I have been struggling all year. When all your energy is devoted to keeping going, and you have a full-time job, it is so hard. I am taking this as a sign, so thank you!
I am in 100% support of this idea! I have missed the blogs of yore so much!
I’m glad you’re in!
I’m sliding in under the wire for an attempt at once a week … or so. It’s been awhile. Thanks for the encouragement, Gayla!
I figure there’s no need to meet the daily mandate. Just do what you can!
Hello Gayla,
Your blog was the first garden blog I started reading. It is still # 1 on my garden blog list!!!
Many have come and gone, but yours is the best.
I loved the herbaria series and go back to them often. So happy to know you are feeling better and look forward to your upcoming blogs.
Keep well!!
Thanks so much Ellie! That’s really very kind of you to say.
It’s lovely to see you again, friend. xo
Yes!!! I’m so glad you’re back and sharing!! I just love this idea!!
So many interesting questions! If we’re not out there on social media, do we exist?
Thanks for your insight and lyrical writing. You inspire me as I craft and develop Plants Go Global, using plants as a hands-on tool to empower people to do something about climate change.