“It’s my blog, but it’s all about you”

Imagine if you will, the coziest sofa you possibly can. A luxurious woolen throw is draped casually in one corner, its long unruly fringe dangling playfully just above the carpet. This is a beautifully coloured woolen throw that you just can’t wait to wrap around yourself — creamy lavender, vanilla and tangerine. It’s soft and you snuggle under it, sighing comfortably, sinking into the sofa like you belong there.

The walls are adorned with the finest tapestries, displaying beautiful, vibrant floral designs and enticing landscapes. The curtains behind you are sheer enough to allow the warm sunshine to filter in, having warmed up that throw even before you snuggled under it. Are you relaxed yet?

Now imagine the scent of freshly baked goods permeating through the living room… perhaps scones, combined with the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee. You can see those scones being pulled from the oven, steaming hot. You envision them being served to you very soon on a beautiful dish, still warm, with butter lavishly melted over them.

This is what my imagination dreams up when I consider describing Barbara Swafford’s home at Blogging Without A Blog. Barbara’s blog is “your blogging classroom on the web.” She invites readers and commenters to think, share and listen to topics about blogging and the people behind the blogs.

Barbara has learned a lot about blogging in more than three years of writing for Blogging Without A Blog and she willingly shares what she has learned. There’s no right way to blog and in Barbara’s own words:

“Anyone who has blogged for any length of time will tell you, ‘Blogs are individual.’ ‘Blog from your heart.’ ‘Make your blog a reflection of YOU.’”

Blogging Without A Blog

In this huge blogosphere, Barbara has a certain way about her that makes you feel at home… welcome. She’s one of the most gracious bloggers I have crossed paths with; generous and supportive to other bloggers out of the goodness of her heart.

There are a lot of sofas in this vision, plus many plates of scones and pots of coffee, because Barbara has been busy making sure that all her guests are invited into the discussion every week.

Her archives are brimming with information that both new and seasoned bloggers can take advantage of. Just take a look; you’ll see what I mean.

She always has a new project on the go. Whether it’s creating more blog headers for free download at The Blog Boutique or her latest project where to date, she has showcased almost 300 other bloggers at the Free Blog Registry.

And if this isn’t enough, she has a great sense of humour, too. Just check this out from her About Page:

“Pull up a chair, sit for a spell, raise your hand, share your thoughts and don’t forget to duck if you see a paper airplane headed your way.”

If you ask her about her blog, she might tell you, “It’s my blog, but it’s all about you.”

Well guess what Barbara…? Today, it’s all about you. Here’s a shiny apple for the teacher :~)

You’re a special lady — one of a kind.

I’d also like to thank Patricia, another special lady, from Patricia’s Wisdom. Doing this toast to Barbara was all her idea. Patricia, you rock!

One final note: This has been an informal group effort that kind of fell into place; no one blogger has been intentionally excluded. Just to give you an idea of how far Barbara’s reach goes, Linda at the blog From Roses to Rainbows coincidentally published a post on Monday, where she too has shown her appreciation to Barbara.

What about you? Do you have some thoughts to share? Or perhaps your own tribute to write?

Photo Credits:

1. Dumbledad

2. Artnow314

1. You want to be on TOP; better than the rest.

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2. You complain because you’re not getting enough comments.

3. You are jealous of the success of other bloggers.

4. You hang out on successful blogs to draw attention to yourself.

5. You don’t comment on certain blogs just out of principle.

6. You publish a post because your numbers are dropping.

7. You’re afraid to check your stats or you check them too much.

8. You log on while you’re still brushing your teeth in the morning (ahem).

9. You’re offended because so-and-so is commenting on so-and-so’s blog, but not yours.

10. You feel entitled to leave a comment and take offense if your opinion is disregarded.

11. You don’t appreciate the time you spend blogging.

12. You comment on every blog in your community till you’re burnt out.

13. Fill in the blank: ________________________________

Who is driving your blog?

If you’re not enjoying the ride, the ego is driving. Fasten your seat belt.

Who’s making the decisions? When the ego is calling the shots, it’s like driving with a screaming child in the back seat.

You’ll constantly be distracted, you’ll waste your energy and resent the trip. So, how can you avoid blogger’s e-Go? Stop blogging; might work.

But, if you like blogging, keep blogging. Do something different. The ego likes the familiar because it’s easier to control.

Following, are some ideas to keep things fresh for your drive.

If you’re thinking, “Duh. I already know about these,” then go back and fill in the blank for #13. What ELSE would you suggest then, smarty pants? If you haven’t tried any of these, what’s stopping you?

1. Stop for gas (fill up on living): take a break from your blog for even one day a week; don’t check stats, read blogs or reply to comments.

2. Slow down. Take a Sunday drive, roll the windows down and let the fresh air in — explore new blogs.

3. Take control at the wheel: write a guest post for another blog — be the expert that you think you are.

4. Yield: invite someone to guest post on your blog — make room for another expert.

5. Pull over and stop where it is safe to do so. Throw the damn ego in the trunk.

The ego isn’t necessarily a bad thing; we can learn from it if we’re aware of our motives and are honest about them.

It will either keep us alert, or distracted. We can use the ego’s influence to steer us in the right direction and not into a tree.

When you’re having fun the ego can’t keep up. With that perspective in mind, imagine the impact blogging can have.

And now if you’ll excuse me, I have to write my next post, reply to comments, read all the blogs in my reader and check my stats.

Woo hoo! There’s nothing like the wide open road. See ya in the fast lane! *toot, toot.*

What other ways does the e-Go show up online?

What impact is blogging having on your life?

Photo Credit: Grzegorz Łobiński

Click image for free download.

Celebrating 2 years of blogging

The following introduction has been taken from this ebook.

June 20, 2010 completes a chapter; two years blogging, late nights at the computer writing until past one o’clock a.m., and blog-hopping around the blogosphere leaving comments behind. Lots of comments.

Writing and not knowing what the next word will be, and then appreciating when it comes… well, it’s not always the word you’re looking for, is it? Not always the ‘right’ one.

That’s what I love about the comment sections in blogs. Words show up there more easily or is that just me?

I wanted to celebrate these two years by acknowledging those who’ve been along for the ride. You, who have shared your comments, insights, shenanigans and stories from week to week, and month to month.

Cheers to the blog commenter

This book has been written by blog commenters. To keep it to a moderate size, I searched for commenters on my blog from 2010 and pulled out the pithy ones of those who’d commented a number of times.

I found comments from bloggers who’ve been around from day one, as well as some newcomers. There are super reflections brimming with wisdom, creativity and sentiment.

This ebook couldn’t have happened without your comments. I’ve appreciated your support and the connections I’ve made over the past two years. There are no ‘right’ words, actually…

Except for, you guys rock!

Below, in no particular order, you will see a list of bloggers whose comments have been featured in this book. Whether or not you are on this list, feel free to click here or on the above image for this free download to read what bloggers talk about at Shades of Crimson.

Also included are photographs my digital camera captured while out and about in the Vancouver and surrounding areas. You’re welcome to download these and use them on your blogs, with a credit to Shades of Crimson.

It’s been a great two years; hard to believe it’s BEEN two years!

Talk about rendering the write impact…

Thanks everyone! :-D

Photo Credit: Davina Haisell

The realignment of my blog universe

There has been a slight wobble in my planetary axis this past week; we shall call it the flu. First bout with flu in years and it really knocked me, shall we say… out of orbit.

Not H1N1 thankfully. Although I will never know for sure because I didn’t get sick enough to have the luxury of having a swab stuck up my nose to name this bug. A fever of 102 kept me pretty much on my back and yes, on my arse in front of the computer too.

I ended up spending more time on Twitter because there I didn’t really have to think. I had no real energy to read or write and so this post has been simmering while my blog has been at rest.

Funnily enough, this wobble of my axis has come at the same time as a planetary realignment in my own life. I’ve been resisting this for a while, feeling too comfortable basking in the warm glow of blogging. Didn’t want to let go of my self-perceived sense of STARdom.

The big blog bang

The big blog bang — say THAT 10 times! :-)

Blogging had become the centre of my universe and everything else forgotten or given less attention to — in the dark — eclipsed (had to sneak that one in there). Juggling blogging with running two businesses became my life. In hindsight, this gradually squeezed the life out of me.

My circle grew in the sense that I had more connections, but yet my life grew smaller. The blogging cycle became a merry go round that was spinning at a dizzying speed.

In my personal experience, it became harder to be creative and come up with new ideas to write about — because I didn’t have a life outside of blogging.

I think that’s why so many bloggers find other bloggers are writing about the same things. The fun and creativity is lost or smothered by self-imposed pressures of obligation. The inner critic has a wonderful time with this, distracting you, knocking around your ASSteroid Belt.

And so, I have decided to shift my focus and spend less time blogging and re-prioritize my life. The Starship Davina is returning to Earth.

I’m going to go back to a yoga class, dust the cobwebs off my cookbooks and join a hiking group. And maybe… I’ll even read a book.

I won’t be posting to a regular schedule but I will still be posting when I feel inspired, and I’ll still be orbiting around to read my favourite blogs. And if you’re on Twitter, I’ll see you there too.

And now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to make some tomato and wild rice soup. Lots of fibre, lycopene, and vitamin B and C for this healing body of mine. You can add shrimp to make a real meal out of it — delicious!

Photo Credit: Hellobird

Can you say Big Blog Bang 10 times fast? ;-)

Break out of your blogging comfort zone

When Joanna Young announced the Mission Im(Possible): Group Writing Project I thought about it for days trying to come up with an idea. The theme was Possibility and the challenge was to write something in a different voice or use a different medium.

I kept drawing blanks. I stretched the brain from writing jingles, to a Twitter conversation between the Big Bad Wolf and the Three Little Pigs. When Joanna suggested I try doodling, drawing, painting or music, I decided to doodle something. But what?

An idea came after doing some exercises to prevent that shoulder slouch that threatens from sitting at the computer for too long. It had been ages since I’d done them because “I never seem to have the time.” I’m an all or nothing type person it seems; if I don’t have a half hour for exercise, 10 minutes just won’t do. So, I mostly don’t do it.

After just five minutes of stretches I felt GREAT! It seems that five or 10 minutes is better than none. I decided to doodle some diagrams to illustrate how to relieve that shoulder tension. You DO have it right?

Well, I can tell you that I started with a pretty negative mindset. It had been years since I’d drawn anything. I did a lot of mirror gazing to get the drawings right (and a lot of erasing). Once I got into it, the negative mindset faded away and it was just fun. This was a fantastic exercise for more than just my shoulders. Plus, I got to try my hand at technical writing. Thanks Joanna for making me “stretch”; now it’s your turn :-) .

5 easy exercises to relieve blogger stress

Note: If you have any back, neck or shoulder injuries, please check with your doctor, physical therapist or chiropractor before doing these exercises.

1. Warm-up: While standing, do 10 shoulder roles forward and backward. Then, circle your head slowly from left to right, 10 times in each direction. Don’t rush this; be aware of every angle of the circle you are making. Just let your head drop, don’t force the movement and keep your shoulders down.

2. Belly Breathing

While sitting, take a scarf, belt or towel, and loosely wrap it around your mid-section from back to front, crossing the ends in front of you. Hold the ends lightly and feel the slight pressure of the scarf around your lower ribcage. Take a slow deep breath, inhaling through your nostrils and feel your ribcage push gently into the scarf. Pause for a count of five. Exhale slowly through your mouth and feel the pressure from the scarf lessen. Your hands are not tightening or loosening the scarf. Allow your ribcage to push into the scarf and then relax. Repeat five to 10 times.

3. Wrist Twist

Note: No flyswatter required. Yes this is just her arm and hand. :-)

While sitting, raise your arms in front of you, with elbows bent at a 90° angle and palms facing each other. Keep your wrists relaxed, then flip your hands rapidly back and forth, rotating your wrists. Do this for 30 to 60 seconds or longer. Our wrists see a lot of repetitive movements while typing and clicking the mouse. This will get the circulation moving again.

4. Shoulder Strap

While sitting, hold the scarf with your hands positioned about shoulder width apart. Raise your arms above your head and hold for a count of five. Be careful not to arch your lower back and keep your chin level. Slowly lower the scarf so that it is stretched behind your head. Keep your arms parallel to the floor, your chin up and head straight, and don’t tilt your elbows backward or forward. Hold for a count of five. Repeat five to 10 times. Feel the burn in your shoulder blades? You’ve got it!

5. Arm Raise

Step one: This is done standing and is interchangeable with the Shoulder Strap exercise, or you can do both. Raise arms parallel to the floor, palms facing down. Keep shoulders relaxed and down.

Step two: Turn your palms slowly, so they are facing upward; notice the stretch in your wrist and shoulders. Raise your arms up, crossing them gently over your head.

Step three: Then lower arms so they are parallel to the floor with palms facing the ceiling.

Step four: Slowly turn your palms towards the floor and lower your arms to your side. Keep your arms in line with your body during each step of this exercise. This is a continuous movement done slowly to feel the stretch at each position. Repeat five to 10 times.

So there you have it: Five easy shoulder, wrist and neck exercises to relieve the accumulative physical stress of blogging.

If you want to participate in Joanna’s Group Writing Project, there’s still time. Post your entries by Friday, August 21st.

What exercises do you use to keep yourself healthy?

What medium or topic would stretch your blogging comfort zone?

Photo Credit: René Ehrhardt
Doodle Design: Davina Haisell

Blogging, Balloons & Yeah!

No blog birthday would be complete without a few numbers, so here goes: 2 blogs, 365 days, 76 posts and 1,956 comments — it’s time to celebrate! Personally, I’ll stick with the number 2 if I have to blow out any candles.

On June 20th, 2008 I started blogging. Loving Pulse was the name I chose for my blog before eagerly writing that first post “The Eye of the Storm.” I hit the Publish Button and waited.

After searching for information on how to blog I left a comment on Blogging Without A Blog. It was not long before my first comment appeared much to my delight — thank you Barbara Swafford!

I’ve learned a lot this past year, especially since making the move to a self-hosted blog and launching Shades of Crimson last December.

5 Things I’ve Learned About Blogging

First and foremost I learned that blogging doesn’t just happen. And writing doesn’t always just happen either, thanks to the fluctuating muse. In any event, these are the things I’ve focused on since that day in June of 2008.

1. Confidence As a new blogger, I was easily threatened by the success, knowledge and community that other bloggers had developed. I was impressed by subscriber counts and the number of comments. I learned to NOT compare myself to other bloggers or try to change myself. I was on my own journey. If anything, I could learn a lot from them.

2. Time Management During the first year of blogging I gained almost 20 pounds! I spent hours writing, reading and commenting. Blogging became a diversion and then an addiction. I learned that I had to balance time spent blogging with other areas of life. I’m still learning this one!

3. Planning That first post I published? It was the only one that existed. I had no other drafts prepared. I didn’t put a lot of thought into the types of topics I would write about or why, or what message was behind the words. In hindsight, I wish I had put more thought into this.

4. Creativity Some people believe they are not creative. I disagree. There is writing and there is expression. We express ourselves uniquely and that IS our niche — our voice — that is creativity in progress, no matter what the content. There is none other like ourselves, no other experience like ours.

5. Respect It has become important to respect words. Which words are used and if ever. I may not always agree with something a blogger has written, but it is important to respect not only my viewpoint, but theirs as well. We won’t always agree with one another, but it can be to someone’s benefit to share another point of view. It is respectful to ourselves to share our truth when we feel inspired to do so.

Blogging Advice for Newbies

Now that I know what I know, this is what I would do differently if I were planning to start a blog.

1. I would write drafts and have at least a dozen prepared before I launched my blog.

2. At least a month before I published my first post I would start visiting other blogs to begin making connections and become familiar with how the process works.

3. I would start a Twitter account to coincide with the launch of my blog.

4. I would spend time reading the following blogs:

Problogger.net — Blog tips to help you make money blogging
Blogging Without A Blog — Your blogging classroom on the Web
Confident Writing — For writing tips from a writing coach
Copyblogger — Copywriting tips for online marketing success
Virtual Impax — Social media strategy, web tools and online marketing magic
(Anti) Social Development — Tutorials and tips on WordPress, social media, RSS
WPBlogHost — Where people come to start and host a blog

I am thankful for your continued support — on my blog AND behind the scenes. Here’s to Year Two and another colourful year with Shades of Crimson. Bloggers rock!

Photo credit: Pink Sherbet