My Blogging Why

This little old blog here turned 9 over the Christmas break! It's gone through a lot of changes in those nine years, but for some reason I keep coming back to it. There were times when I blogged every day and there were times when I blogged once a month. There have been a lot of times in between. I've joined blogging social groups and I've participating in blog building seminars and activities. Some of those things have stuck and some have just worn me out, but I just can't seem to quit this blog. Don't get me wrong, I've thought about it. But the thought just makes me sad. I like what I've got here.

So I really examined why I like this online space of mine. I came up with three answers: memories, money, and mental challenges.

I first starting writing to record memories. Those posts are all that attractive to people besides me and my mother, but I still go back and read them on a regular basis. They show up in my Timehop or in my "posts like this" suggestions, and I'm never disappointed when I go back and read stories of when my kids were smaller. I've used my old posts to jog a memory or clarify a date. I've shown them to the kids so they could read about and look at themselves from a younger age. I can't give up this blog because I'd miss all those past memories and I'd miss out on recording new ones.

Frances (4) and Henry (6 months)

There was a time when I thought I could hit it big with my writing and make some good money. I saw other bloggers doing it and I wanted to try it too. I've come to terms with the fact that I'll never retire on my blogging income, but every little bit helps and I've made about $500 each year for the past few years. I like doing product reviews and having contests because I just think it's fun. If you're hobby brings in a bit of extra income, there's no harm in that, right?

I said on Friday that I really like participating in the Secret Subject Swap. There are other blog challenges I enjoy participating in: Blog with Friends, Finish the Sentence Friday, my own Tuesday Ten, etc. These challenges often push me to write things outside of my norm. I get the chance to create things in the physical world as well as to use some creative writing juices. I also get more of a chance to interact with different people who I might not normally have by for a visit. Working and Momming full time don't often give me the chance to be terribly social, but when I visit other blogs or have other people visit mine, it's like a virtual cup of coffee (or tea) with a friend.

This year, the three Ms will be my focus. I'm aiming for memories on Mondays, sponsored posts on Wednesdays, and Blogging Challenges on Fridays. Of course, those might get mixed around a bit depending on my own whims and the deadlines imposed on me by others. It's my house, I can rearrange as I see fit.

Whether you are a long-time reader, or just stopping by for the first time, please know that I value your time here. If you make a comment, I try to reply. If you have a blog, I do my best to stop by your place. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you come back soon!