Lately, I’ve had several people ask me how I began blogging. About six years ago, I was living in the Callahan Mountains of Oregon. I was new to the area and did not have many friends at the time. During the rainy season, there were several months with long days of rain which meant being inside a lot. My three grown-up kids suggested writing – or blogging, and so I began doing both. I wrote childrens books and filed them away to hopefully publish in the future. I began a couple of mysteries and I began a blog. At that time, it was My Southern Heart. I also wrote the “history” and stories about my growing up in the South during the 50’s and 60’s. That blog is entitled My Southern Heart…The Stories. I had that blog published as a Christmas gift for my family a few years ago.
Before I knew it, through my blogging, I had “met” people all over the world. Had I met them in person? No, not at all. Still, I came to think of them as friends. I followed along as my friend’s daughter in Scotland became very ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I have traveled along on that journey with her and her family (along with many of her other faithful readers) . Thankfully, her daughter is doing much better now. There have been other journeys I have accompanied blogging friends on…all the way from Oregon and Iowa. I have laughed with them, cried with a few who have faced sad circumstances and enjoyed the travels of a few to places that I long to visit. I have loved seeing the talents that so many of my blogging friends possess – painting, sewing, knitting, decorating. I especially enjoy the photography blogs that I follow and am inspired to get my camera out.
So, I have now completed six years of blogging and I still enjoy it. The funny thing is: if I happen to go very long between postings, I will occasionally get emails from those who subscribe…asking me if I’m okay. I appreciate the thought and I think that’s pretty exceptional that someone from a faraway country is checking on me!
Many of you have written to say that you would like to begin a blog and have asked me how to go about it. If you’ve noticed – there are usually no “advertisements” on my blog but I am about to share a little advertisement with you right now! 😉
iPage is the Host that I use and I am extremely pleased with them. I also use WordPress and purchased one of their “themes”. Once you begin, it will be easier than you think! Please watch the video below to learn more about them. The monthly price right now is outstanding! Much less than what I originally paid! If you do sign up to create your own blog, please tell them Sweet Journey Home referred you! Since I will get compensation for it, that will make me a very happy camper. You will be able to share with your readers and be compensated also. There is also a link on the right side of the blog to iPage as well as a link in the footer at the bottom of the blog!
Write about whatever makes your heart sing. Whatever you enjoy! Antiques? Sewing? Cooking? Genealogy? Interior decorating? Farming? Just have fun blogging and enjoy the process. Oh, and please send me a link to your blog, so I can follow along on your journey also!
2 Comments
christinelaennec
Dianne I was so touched you talked about our “blog friendship” here. I have been astounded at how blogging has brought me new friends, some of whom I’ve been lucky enough to meet in person. You must come to Scotland! I always enjoy reading your stories and sharing in your take on the world.
Dianne
It was totally my pleasure, Christine! When I DO get to Scotland (I’ve quit saying “if”), I will definitely look forward to meeting you and your sweet family!