Tuesday, August 31, 2010

tuesday's true confession: are you teetering on the edge?

Okay, I was totally blown away by the response to last week's confession.  Can you believe that there are more bed-leavers than bed-makers?  I honestly thought that I was a lone sheep wandering in the wilderness of messy beds.  I also have to admit that I felt a little inspired by those who do make their beds, and so . . . wait for it . . . I made my bed and my daughters' beds once last week!  (Oh how I wish I would have taken a picture of such a rare moment in history!)  Let's not focus on the fact that I made the beds because we had a window inspector go through the house last week, and I felt somehow obligated to make it look like we are bed-makers.  Let's focus on the fact that I MADE THE BEDS!  (On a side note, why do I care what a complete stranger thinks about my messy beds?  Hmmm . . . I'm going to have to spend sometime contemplating that one.) 

Now, on to a different topic . . . this week's confession . . . I'm slightly obsessed with blogging - reading, writing, crafting so I can then blog about the crafting.  There I said it.  I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one.  I'm guessing one or two of you reading this right now are teetering with me on the edge of obsession.

It started innocently enough . . . I wanted to start a little blog for friends and family to read in order to keep myself accountable to my homemade Christmas goal.  I thought maybe ten - at most - of my closest friends and family would read along and keep my feet to the fire.  But then I got sucked in.  I started reading and following other blogs.  I started posting on my own blog almost daily.  Then . . . people I didn't even know started reading my blog, and I started referring to my bloggy friends in conversations with my husband.  

--Here's how those conversations go . . . Me: Well, a friend of mine said . . .   Husband: Is this a real friend or someone you met through your blog?  Me:  Uhm . . . someone I met through my blog.  Husband:  That doesn't countMe:  Sure it does . . . bloggy people can be friends too.  Husband: sigh--   

My point is that I'm in too deep.  And my ever so patient husband finally said this the other day, "If you are going to spend so much time doing this, could you at least support our family with it?" 

And I said, "I don't know . . . can you support our family by watching football?"  Okay, I didn't really say that because, truth be told, he spends way less time watching football than I do crafting and blogging . . . like I said, he's a pretty patient guy.

But he did have a point . . . I could at least try to use the thing I love to buy a yard of fabric so that I can do more of the thing I love.  So I'm starting . . . I'm starting to venture into the sponsorship and etsy gig . . . I'm starting VERY slowly . . . snails' pace slow.  Maybe by Christmas I'll be able to buy a yard of fabric AND a roll of shiny ribbon.  I can always dream, right?!  

Yep . . . I'm definitely obsessed.  What about you?

Confess on!

23 comments:

Beverly {Flamingo Toes} said...

Um. So obsessed. And to the point when I refer to blog friends by name in conversation that hubby knows who they are and doesn't even question.
I'm with you on the Etsy thing too - still very formative-thinking about how to fit it in-baby steps.
Nice to know I'm not alone. :)

Mandy Beyeler said...

the problem is that everyone posts such fabulous crafty things out there - - of COURSE we get sucked in!!! and then we have to be part of the fun

Anonymous said...

i wonder if there's a blogger's anonymous blog we can weigh in on =)

i'm right there with you... in way over my head - enjoy the creative outlet and inspiration too much to let it go, yet always steeling time for other areas of life that are just as important, if not more, to blog, read blogs, say hi to blog friends, comment on posts about how i don't have the time blog.. bla bla bla =)

love your voice on the issue... you always make me smile, and give me sound grounds to further justify my guilty pleasures =)

yay for sponsorships to support the habit =)

i believe you will do quite well taking your blog to the next level!

Unknown said...

I must echo (loudly)... BLOGGY PEOPLE CAN BE FRIENDS TOO! Probably a little too loudly. :)

I have often thought of having a similar conversation with my husband about making money watching ESPN because, during the summers, when he's not busy, you know, supporting our family, he spends more time on espn.com than I do online. Okay, maybe not more, but it's at least equal.

I am so excited for you! You will do wonderfully, I'm sure, because you are marvelously talented and creative and just wonderful.

chris said...

Yes, yes, and yes. I'm in the same boat, especially now with moving and not working part-time anymore, I am hoping to get something going in the financial dept after we are settled.

Debra Hawkins said...

I hope bloggy friends can be friends too, or else I am pretty friend less. :). I refer to blogs all the time in conversations with my husband and it drives him crazy. I think you are going to do so great!

CraftyMummy said...

I'm definitely with you! I have to stop myself from blogging when hubby is around - he now regrets that he bought me a laptop for Christmas last year. I find the phrase "I read the other day that..." works well.

But it is such a great creative outlet. And I'm thinking about an online shop too. I believe Etsy is only in $US so I'm thinking about a Madeit shop - the new Australian equivalent in $AU.

My other confession is having multiple blogs... imagine!

Quimby said...

I'm addicted to reading craft tutorials. I'm addicted to making presents for the kids. That is a definite illness - so far I've made Christmas, birthday, and Easter presents for 2010, 2011, and 2012. My sister's bet me I can't hold off on starting 2013 until next year and I tell you, it's taking some mighty will-power. (Mind you I make them plenty of other stuff in between too.)

There is a benefit - I've noticed my 4 year old is quite confident in her own ability to craft (she probably looks at the toys I make her and thinks, 'Eh, I could do better'). She thinks she can make anything. That level of creativity has got to be good (even if I'm sick and tired of picking up teeny tiny scraps of paper off the floor).

Quimby said...

I should point out that for me the cost isn't an issue - not because I'm wealthy but because I've got a mother in law who buys fabric by the box at an auction and then passes it on to me. It costs her maybe $5 a box, max, and a box might have 20 to 30 yards (or more) of fabric; and the assortment is wonderful - some of it is actually vintage.

Bellgirl said...

My husbands greatest compliment about my crafting is "You could sell those!" I don't want to disillusion him by pointing out how much more it costs that I can realistically sell the items for ;)

Papgena Made It said...

well, I wish you good luck in your etsy challenge! :)
As for the obsession, I know what you mean! :) So much to do and to know and interact and so little time!
I'm really upset, lately, cause I have this huge list of things I want to do and I don't have the time because of work, and hollidays and family and friends visits...:P
I have to thake it easy!!!!

Julie said...

"Can you say obsessed?"

Yes.That's what my husband just said to me the other day. I am just on the cusp of the bloggy world. I started mine a year ago just to showcase the bags I make. Then people wanted to buy them...my business isn't huge. Quite small actually. My first giveaway is this week. It's almost over! Can't believe I've doubled my following...anyways, that has addicted me. My husband gives me the hairy eyeball whenever he sees me on the computer! :) I think most of us completely understand you!

Julie
vibrant-designs.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I SOOO needed to read this post! I have become obsessed myself! I am constantly thinking of crafty ideas, poring over linky parties, taking photos of projects in the works and typing away til way past my bedtime! Someday, it's my goal as well, to create an Etsy store and try to make a bit of pocket change with all this blogging fun! They say that if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. I am LOVING this!! I'd so appreciate an update on the post after you have started - sharing any tips, tricks, likes, dislikes you experienced along your way! Looking forward to the great things that 12 Crafts has to come!!

Larri said...

Umm, have you been listening to the conversations at my house? They're almost identical to yours! LOL In fact, I purchased a new domain name this week so I could open a Seams Inspired Store. But it's going to be a slow process. I'm just getting my feet wet. I told DH not to expect a monumental decrease in my sewing budget anytime soon :o)

Jenn said...

Ok, so this is bad: I have such a raging insecurity/inferiority complex that I haven't been able to actually post any of my actual projects or stock my etsy store yet and instead keep my blog as an A.D.D. catch-all these days...BUT I have now purchased my own domain AND a bunch of business cards/materials for the "business" I'm too nervous to actually develop. And I'm not sure the MR. even really knows how much I've put into the behind the scenes of all of this. Whoooopsy. :) Fingers crossed that I get off the starting block here soon...

p.s. the MR. quit asking if they are "real" friends or "secret internet world" friends...he gave up. LOL

devon said...

Yup, definitely obsessed. I talk to a small group of women from blogs and from a baby board that I joined when I was pregnant. The majority of conversations start off as follows... "So, ______ from the baby board text me and said" or "So, ______ from the baby board is going to....."
It's pretty hilarious if you ask me, but when you find several people with the same thing in common, it's hard to ignore them over personal friends that don't always appreciate your passions.


==Devon
pinupchronicles.blogspot.com

Bree said...

It's like you reached into my mind & told MY story! :)

My blog started out as a personal thing so I could keep track of things that were going on, more of a journal than anything else. When it started being about crafts ALL the time, I set up MCC, and moved all the crafty crap over & haven't even touched the personal one since.

I've now made a few "internet friends," but consider them to be just normal friends who I don't happen to get to see.

Hubby wants me to make money with the hobby too, if I'm going to spend so much time on it, but like many others, I find myself spending more than I'm making! My Etsy shop is up and running (you can do it!), but so far I'm mostly selling to family, friends, and coworkers. I've found my best advertising is to use my homemade stuff (finally got around to actually making a bag for myself), then not be afraid to tell someone that I made it myself & do sell them (and now I've got cards to pass out too!) when they comment on it. It's gotten me a couple sales, and possibly a chance to teach a sewing class at a local quilt shop! Hubby was pretty proud (finally!) when he heard that.

flutter said...

Well, hmmmm is obsessed a bit strong of a word LOL!! I think I might go with passionate.. I have blogged for years and years changing my blog names to match my moment.

I love to craft and have just discovered that I'm not the only one. I can trail for hours and hours blog hopping away and not even realise it. I go online to read emails and feeds and boom 3 hours later I'm somewhere else completely different. I love to read them though. I think oh I would love to be able to do that. Or how lucky you are to be that creative. I am naughty though, I don't often tell the bloglets how great they are. I think it's becasue I don't want to bug them out or something crazy lol

Anyhooooo thanks for sharing your confession. I think your blog is great and your hubby is certainly a patient man xx

Emily said...

Haha! There are just so many creative people out there that you could easily spend hours looking at stuff. I wouldn't say I'm obessed but definitely into the blogging thing and would like to do it more. And as far as blogging friends, as long as you actually communicate with the outside world too, I think you're fine! :)
PS I'd consider you a friend!

sherrie.laporte said...

I started to blog for awhile. Then all those "dire emergency" things come up. Hubby and mom in law in hospital at the same time, etc.
I took my crafting to the hospital and worked there but no blogging happened. Now ! think my crafting is taking on more of an "Attention Deficit disorder" quality. I juggle several almost done and brand new start projects.
I just can't make up my mind or run out of yarn or can't find that all important item to finish the project.
Anyone else have the ADD issue?

Practically Spent said...

One year ago I didn't have a clue about blogs. Now I kind of wish that was still the case. I spend a ton of time on them. I love them. I hate them. I love them so much I think I should just quit cold turkey. I love them so much I think I better find a way to earn some money doing it.....remiiiiind you of anyone. ;)

Susan-Chasing Marcus said...

I opened an etsy shop about 3 months ago, and although it is really hard work, it has been fun. I have done better than my husband or I ever thought I would and am way busier than I dreamed of, but enjoying it just the same. I am by no means an expert, but if I can answer any questions, please let me know.
Susan
(my shop is thefeltedpear.etsy.com --if you want to check it out)

Rachel Sue said...

Um yeah. Have had that EXACT same conversation with my husband. I now feel it coming on with my sister. . .

Related Posts with Thumbnails