I'm starting to get bloggers block. I don't know why either. I think I'm feeling overwhelmed with it all.
Part of me thinks I'm getting hung up too much with thoughts like "will I get any comments today?", and/or "my work is not nearly as good as the other stuff out there", or, "if I don't have a blog giveaway soon, no one will want to read my blog anymore". Gosh, I guess I'm feeling just a whole bunch of irrational stuff, uh?
I started this post with a witty sentence or two, but then decided I didn't like what I wrote, so I erased it. Then, I sat for a few minutes perusing the internet, and I still couldn't think of anything inspiring to write.
It's becoming apparent I need to get my thoughts into better perspective here. How many comments I get in a day won't define me as a good person or a bad person. Or, more specifically, as a good card artist or a bad card artist. Why do I continue to compare what I have here at Heartfelt Greetings to other, more "popular" blogs out there? Does it really matter? I suppose the correct answer should be "no". But I'm more realistic than that. Of course it matters, in a funny sort of way. Validation is an important element in our lives. Validation helps move us along in our aspirations to become better at what we do. It helps us feel good about our accomplishments. Knowing that people like our work keeps us moving forward, growing, and that's not a bad thing ladies. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise. Should we care what others think? Probably not. But do we? Of course we do. It's human nature. Anyone that tells you it shouldn't is just plain wrong.
There are limits, however, in how much we should care about stuff like this, I suppose. And maybe right now, I'm just a little off-balance in this respect. Right this minute, I probably do care more than I should about how much others like "me", or my blog, or my cards. Will I ever be a Julie HRR superhero? Or a amazing talent like my friend TwistedChick (Michelle)? No. And God didn't intend for me to be them. He meant for me to be Amy. Plain and simple me. And I need to realize there's absolutely nothing wrong with who I am. Does that mean I need to put my desire to "be" just like them to rest? No, I think the journey of trying to better myself is grounded in seeing just what these two (and many of the others) accomplish every day. I'll just keep pushing myself to become just as fantabulous and respected as they are.
And since today's post is all about laying my vulnerability on the line (am I going to be regretting this big time?), I'll be honest with you about one more thing. I think I'll ALWAYS care how many comments I get each day. You'd have to be numb and dumb not to. I'll just have to practice not caring so much.
I understand what you are saying - having those stats and numbers always available is not what its cracked up to be!!
ReplyDeleteYour card is wonderful - I love the bright colors (nice and cheery this morning) and I like the crystals in the flower centers. I've bought some but haven't used them yet - I may just have to pull out some flower stamps!
I've tried to comment before on your blog because it is one of my favorites. I wrote something but couldn't quite figure how to send it. I think your designs are great, ( I had to find the hero flower) now I might have to find a vase of flowers. Thanks for all your efforts and sharing your talent. Jinnene
ReplyDelete{{{{{Amy}}}}}} Big hugs to you Amy!! I know exactly how you feel. It is so easy to get caught up in the blog pressure. How does something that starts out as fun get to be stressful?
ReplyDeleteYou are one of the most talented bloggers out there... I look to your site for inspiration constantly! I love the bright colors you use and the gorgeous papers you put together. Your work is like a bright sunny day!!
I gotta tell you I was suffering from Bloggers Block and UNinspiration for the last week when I was trying to make manly cards - ugh!! Never again!
Keep up the great work - you're amazing!!!
I just wanted to give you some validation by leaving you a comment. ;-) I found your blog last week and you are now on my daily reads. Lots of inspiring and beautiful art and when and if I ever get some time I'd like to CASE some of them. Although I read a lot of blogs (while at work) I don't always comment. Have a wonderful day and I hope your Blogger's Block goes away!
ReplyDeleteI totally get what you are feeling.... it's almost like a competition....
ReplyDeleteI should post more comments because I know how much I love getting comments... but usually I am pressed for time and just want to get to each of the blogs I see daily.
I think you do some wonderful things with your creative ideas and appreciate you sharing them with us!
I promise (for all the blogs I browse) to try to leave comments more often! If only people would get rid of that darn word verification cuz my eyes always have a tough time reading those silly letters!
This is the very reason I stopped updating my blog and reduced the effort into my website. I found that I just didn't have enough to say, and felt the burden of anxiety about keeping the hits coming!
ReplyDeleteYou are a great artist and I subscribed to your blog for the art. Tell us how you feel through that when you are feeling this way and it will be a win-win situation for you!
Good luck and thanks for all that you do to inspire us!
All my best,
Neighbor_Nancy
http://community.webshots.com/user/neighbor_nancy
This is beautiful, Amy -- so fresh and springy!
ReplyDeletePlease know that I think you have a wonderful blog and I always check it when there's something new (Google Reader) and I think it's just that we live in a rushed society and people just don't usually take the time to leave comments. You just have to let it roll off your back and think that at least people ARE checking in or they wouldn't keep coming back!
good luck in the practicing, I think all of us want and need validation, I read your blog, candy or no candy..lol. and while I may not comment as much as I wish I could, I do read it..
ReplyDeletePlease keep up your great work out here in blogger/stamper land! I love your blog and it sits in my favorites so I can check it at least twice a day! ;) I especially love the sketches and your sample cards. What lovely work you offer to us. Keep your chin up, ok?
ReplyDeletebless your day,
barb hendrickson
Love the flower centers, I wouldn't have thought of doing that. This is what I love about blogs, I learn so much even if it is something as little as adding a crystal to the center of a flower. In the end it all adds up and can only make me a better stamper/card maker. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI don't blog myself and can only imagine how difficult it would be trying to post something new everyday. I always suggest doing the blog for yourself, not for us. If you start doing it for the readers than I would think that's where it becomes difficult. Do it for all the reasons you started it. The readers are still going to come and enjoy your work. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.
Well - I for one enjoy your blog and cards - I don't always comment - and for that I am sorry - I do go to your blog everyday - and would miss it if you did not post.
ReplyDeleteTodays card is especially lovely. I'm not very adventuresome in combining stamps with bold patterned paper, but you seem to be able to pull it off every time! And thank you for being so transparent with your thoughts and feelings. What an authentic woman for God you are! :0)
ReplyDeleteAmy, I can so relate! I recently just started my own blog (which hasn't been viewed that much) and really want to be "noticed" as you said. I guess that's human nature. However I stamp for FUN and for my own satisfaction mainly and that's what is most important.Your card is bright & cheerful and I like that! Ida
ReplyDeletehttp://faithartistry.typepad.com
Your card is beautiful! Don't feel bad about the comments. I probably should leave more, but I have seen some beautiful cards that you have done but not taken the time to comment on them. You are so talented. Keep up the good work and I will try to comment more! You are an inspiration to alot of us.
ReplyDeleteYour card is beautiful! Don't feel bad about the comments. I probably should leave more, but I have seen some beautiful cards that you have done but not taken the time to comment on them. You are so talented. Keep up the good work and I will try to comment more! You are an inspiration to alot of us.
ReplyDeleteOf course we all care about what other people think (despite all the lectures from mom not to worry so) ... just so you know I check your blog every day and I read it through candy or no candy. You don't need to *buy* me, I'm hooked on all your beautiful creations. I also read Julie HRR and Twisted Chick - Love 'em both and I love you just as much believe me! OK so that sounds gushy, I'm not a stalker just a fan! Today's card is great. Its very dreary here in Michigan today so these colors are just what I needed!!
ReplyDeleteHi-
ReplyDeleteI was just blog hopping... or what do they call that when you open one blog to another and so on and so on!! I truly appreciate your open comments on blogs. I too feel this way... on sites where people get comments, views and feedback. In real life I don't get that many phone calls or letters or emails... I guess that's just my space. The one thing is, I know I do good work, I am a good friend and I care. I hear ya! I love what you do... and am glad I stumbled on to you!!
Peggy in IL
Hey! New banner!? Great job!! Sorry I missed its debut.
ReplyDeleteok, I'm guilty of leaving few comments as of late. Sheesh, now I feel guilty not leaving one! I don't want to let you down! LOL Just teasing!
I like your cards, Amy, because they're from your heart. That gives them a little something beyond just being pretty or cool...which they are! Please keep sharing.
Awww Amy I LOVE your blog! I check it every single day and whether you realize it or not you ARE an inspiration! I totally understand what you're saying -- those numbers can just drive ya nuts! I really love your style and the artwork you share -- thanks SO much for all the time you spend doing this!
ReplyDeleteAmy...(((HUGS))) I have a number of blogs on my "bloglist" but you are one of about 4 or 5 that is a MUST view every day. Why? Because I wanna be just like you! You say you compare yourself to Julie HRR...well, you are my Julie HRR...I am so very inspired by all of your work. I have become a huge fan of patterned paper because of you! And your tips...I always thought I knew what I was doing, but I learn SO MUCH from your blog. I know it is tough not to count comments (I know I do it myself at times) but know this...you inspire TONS of people out there. Don't give up.
ReplyDeleteI am resisting and not following the blog crowd by doing blog candy. I don't want people to check in on me because of something I'm giving away. That certainly isn't the reason I check the blogs of others. I do it for inspiration...and you blog certainly provides plenty of that. Relax, enjoy the process and try to take on the attitude of, "I don't care if anyone looks at this...I'm doing it for me".
ReplyDeleteI think what you do is WONDERFUL! Everything I've seen! :) I visit your blog everyday! :)
ReplyDeleteAmy, I really like reading your blog and I love your style of cards. They're alot like mine! I also understand your need for validation; we all have that need and you're right, there is nothing wrong with it! Keep up the great work.
ReplyDeleteAmy, I'm feeling bad that I visit many blogs each and every day, however, rarely leave a comment - I guess that I could use the reason I'm to busy, there are so many I truly enjoy and so on and so forth.
ReplyDeleteCertainly not wanting to take anything away from the many, many talented and respected stampers and crafters you mention along with several others.... I have my blog and the purpose is stated on my profile - my blog is for me, me to share what I love, for me to share (hopefully) inspiration, for me to share new ideas, for me to explain to my family and friends what I've been up to. My creativity stimulates me and builds my soul. In other words, I do all of it for me - rather selfish uh?
Validation is a wonderful feeling and I believe that when a piece is created from my heart and juices, given either as a gift or shared via this blog thing that the individual(s) who receive are grateful for me giving/sharing. Validation, I believe, comes in many forms ie comments, when I see a piece that looks similiar or has a part of a piece I've shared or a technique I've used.
You will notice I my blog that I have NO counters or stats - that is because for me, it really does not matter where I am placing on the top 50 or 100 list - I am truly doing something for the love of doing it.
Again, not to take away from the awesome talent you mentioned and those artists I continue adding to "Blogs I Visit", but are the counters really a true reflection of how many individuals visit and how many are visiting because of the inspiration they receive from the visit? Could I visit my own blog 100 times a day and the counter show that 100 people visited? I've seen some counters operate that way.... Some blogs I visit post to their blog and then SCS, and then possibly other groups - I'm not certain I could or would comment each place someone posts their projects. Are people visiting the blog to gain inspiration or to "win" some "blog-candy" - that's what is it called now - right?
My point is, and I'm hoping that the message has a very gentle tone - I visit blogs for the inspiration - I visit your blog to see what challenges you have come up with and to spark "my" creativity from your shared inspiration - to give me, maybe, the little push I need - there I go be selfish again. My hope is to continue getting that inspiration from you along with others. My hope is that each of us are not quite to hard on ourselves and measure the impact we have by counters, comments, etc.
Please continue to share. Lila
Amy, I don't "have" a blog, I don't subscribe to the "feedBlitz' thing(did it for one and never could figure out how to make a comment from it so left), and I read several blogs. Not all of them have candy....That is new but that is not why I read a blog. I look at the art and the easiness of "me" being able to apply what the blogger has done to my own C/S!! Your work is great and don't depend on "candy" to be the deciding factor...most times 300 or so may make comments and only 1 will win. I don't always make comments but as I see more names added to this blog or that blog and read it becomes more than I can handle and just don't comment on all of them. Keep up the great work...stay confident and know that "popularity" is not necessarily the reason to leave or stay. Barb
ReplyDeleteI am absolutely convinced that the harder we try to compete and "win" the harder it is to succeed. Stamp for yourself and the validation will follow. Sure, it is nice to get comments but some of my fondest work has little or no comments but I loved making it and posting it.
ReplyDeleteAmy,
ReplyDeleteI love your work and your blog. You always inspire me!
I just found your blog today and am so glad I did! But when I read your comment questioning yourself my first reaction was "is she joking?" Your stuff is first-rate, and don't ever doubt that! (or else I'll come back and post and post and drive you nuts!!)
ReplyDeleteI have an RSS feed of your blog at the top of my browser. (Modzilla Firefox). I check it EVERYDAY!! I love this blog!! You do not have to give stuff away for me to keep coming back! I like your creations and your positive outlook!!
ReplyDeleteKeep stampin' and bloggin'!!
Amy, I've been enjoying your blog from the first day you PM'd me about one of my cards - it is truely one of my very favorites! Your articles are fun and informative. Your artwork is TOP SHELF! I'm guessing you have a huge following... they are just quiet little peeps!
ReplyDeleteAmy, when I first started to read your post, I felt saddened for you, but as I kept reading I was happy that you have found some realization and comfort in this situation.
ReplyDeleteI've never been a competitive person, so I don't let these things get to me, but so many folks do. I'm happy to see that you mentioned you are you and not them. When I was a SU demonstrator, I started to let the fact that I was not as busy as many really get to me, then I realized that God had me right where I was suppose to be. I wasn't well and if I had been more busy than my health probably would have gotted even worse.
In the beginning I had entered and won several art contests and had my work published a few times. Yes it felt good, but it wasn't all that important to me. For me my claim to fame came and went. I didn't feel the desire to enter contests any longer and after I got a nasty comment on one of my card creations on Split Coast, I decided to pull out all my designs and start my own blog instead. That's right, I did it for me. I don't get a lot of comments on my creations and that's OK. I am guilty of not commenting all the time either when I visit others. Although comments are nice, that's not why I post. I post my creations because I enjoy sharing. If I can help someone by sharing what I do than that's what makes me happy.
I've recently been posting some pages from my little brothers' Memorial album. He passed away a month ago and it's the only thing I had in me to post. I didn't do it for comments, but rather to share with my family and friends. You know I had one lady e-mail me telling me that my ideas have helped her put together an album about her daughter who also recently passed away. She felt lost and my ideas encouraged her and helped her in her healing process as well. Now if that isn't something to feel good about than I don't know what is!
Sometimes I get into a slump and when I see other beautiful designs it gives me a bit of a push to get out of my slump and I'm thankful for all of you who share your ideas. I've always looked at it like we learn and grow from each other.
I love visiting your blog and think you always have so much to share. I'm sorry I don't comment very much and I'm trying harder to make it a point to do better, but do know that your creations and blog postings are treasured by many.
Hope you feel a little better about all of this. Keep your good strong head on your shoulders and never mind the competition. I think if more of us were less competitive than the world would be a happier place. Don't you?
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I have visited your blog. I love it! I like that you not only have beautiful designs on your but I like that you have written something about the way that you feel about blogging. I look at it this way. Everyone is different and those of us who have started a blog did it for our own reasons. I started mine because it looked like fun. Most of the time it is. Some times I have felt as though people would not come back and read what I have to say or look at my cards if I missed a day or more of posting some thing. Now, I do not care. I am paying to have my blog for me. If people choose to stop visiting my blog that is okay. I am a grown woman and do not need validation from anyone. I am very comfortable with who I am and how I got where I am today. :) That being said. Please do not stop blogging . I just found you. It's your blog and you do with it as you want. I will be visiting every day. :)
Nice to meet you.
Mary