Lists

I'm a list maker!  
Yeah, I am.
Lists make me happy.
Lists give me a sense of accomplishment
and satisfaction.  
Lists help me organize
my groceries
my chores
my errands
my thoughts.

I've even been known to make a list of who I am - 
what makes me - Me. 
Things I like
Things I don't
Things to put to prayer
Am I who I want to be?

I kind of had to do that again recently as I was feeling like a bit of a failure as a blogger. 
It would seem that I got on the Blogger band wagon a little on the late side.  The blogs that I enjoy reading the most are the ones that are real and transparent...personal. 
Their sites are not filled with ads and interruptions asking for me to subscribe.  They are simple, heart-felt posts.
About mothering
homeschooling
homemaking (gardening, crafting, etc.)

Those bloggers, for the most part, seem to not blog much any more.
Probably because blogging takes time.
Brainstorming ideas
Writing quality content 
Photos - which may require editing and watermarking.  

The Interwebs is a wonderful place to find information on just about anything - and there is likely a blog post about your query too.
Bloggers now fill their pages with SEO content to ensure traffic, 
Picture perfect photos with personalized watermarks, 
Creative graphics to grab your attention.
It's eye-catching and 
I totally admire them!

As a blogger, I think to myself - that since everyone else seems to be jumping on that trend, then I probably should too.  I don't want to be left in the dust.  
I want to be popular too. 
Pick me!  Pick me!  

But...
It's not me.
Enter in my list of why I blog.
For my far-away family.  So they can see the kids' interests, how they are growing, and can feel connected and close despite the miles.
It's my creative space for journaling, where I can make a little sense out of the many swirling thoughts and emotions.
It's a bit of a portfolio - a place to show my photography and my progress as I strive to improve my skills.
To be a blessing to any outside readers by way of encouragement.

This list is mostly for me.  For me to remember Pur et Simple (Pure and Simple).
That I do best with simple.  
No clutter
No ads
No newsletters
No agenda

and another little list to self...
the kids grow up way too fast
engage with them every day 
each one
hug them
read to them
listen to them
don't let them remember you as a mom always in front of a computer or cell phone!

And in the words of Mr. Banks, "Let's go fly a kite!"


- Carol