I loved Mandi’s post this week about the big elephant in the room regarding criticism and the internet. It’s so true. It’s something I had been wanting to write, but wasn’t sure how to address it, but it’s something that’s definitely influenced my blogging. It’s made me slightly afraid, it’s made me more of a people pleaser, and it’s made me struggle with what I would normally put out there.
I first came across GOMI a couple years ago. Some of the things they say over there are hilarious, and I get why they need this place to vent, but nevertheless, what was said in a forum about me, definitely cut. It’s no surprise to me to get ridiculed for our kid name choices (we aren’t oblivious to how unusual they are), and we were well aware of Soul Glo when we decided to name the child after Soul, Glow. And I know I have many blind spots about myself, we all do, and I have friends in real life who help me navigate those areas that need work. I’ve tried to think through the negative things said about me and examine if there’s any validity in it and if there’s something I need to change. I think there were possible truth in some things, but I think what hurt most was being said I was fake. I try as hard as possible to be as honest and candid. I have no problem sharing our messes or talking about me dropping f-bombs. I’m not a perfect mother and I’m always learning daily how to fight my natural inclination to be selfish. I want to always love serving my children, but sometimes I don’t, and just want to throw in the towel and crawl into bed until Ben gets home (yesterday was one of those days).
I’m not going to lie. There are some bloggers that make me scratch my head (maybe I’m one of those bloggers for you), and I’ve headed to GOMI to see if they make anyone else scratch their head too. I get it’s kind of a way to vent and see if your feeling are validated. After awhile though, the negativity got to me, and it didn’t make me feel great, and I’m not one to easily shrug these things off. As a blogger, I know I’m not going to please everyone, though I do struggle with wanting to, and I know not everyone’s going to like what I have to say. It really is such a battle of the heart for me, but for me, it’s better for me to not fill my self with it. I feel much better when I don’t indulge in reading the negative banter, even if it isn’t about me. Plus, kindness is magic, right?!
I have very much appreciated when readers have emailed me to voice their concern of how I might have come across in a certain post, or have kindly left a comment disagreeing (or questioning) something I do in the comments. It doesn’t feel great at first because criticism is always hard to swallow, but after rereading it and they way they said it , made me realize that they really just care. I’ve also received sarcastic comments, and those are especially hard because I don’t get the point (did they just want to put me down for fun?!) I’m well aware that this is just part of the nature of blogging, so I don’t expect it to go away, and if I didn’t like it and can’t take it, then I should just get off the internets.
So far though, I’m not going anywhere. I love blogging. I love the creative outlet. I like thinking of projects and things to share and it’s all things I would be doing anyway if I didn’t have a blog. We would still have our garden, I’d still be sewing, the girls and I would still be crafting, there would still be cooking, and our life would basically still be the same. I probably wouldn’t be taking step by step pictures, but there would definitely still be a lot of picture taking because I love capturing moments. Additionally, I have loved all the sharing that goes on, I love watching Rachel use her mad power tools skills, I love watching Katie’s bus to home transformation, and I love how Danni grows her business, or how Merilee keeps coming up with the cutest paper crafts! We all learn so much from each other and I’m thankful for that. Creative opportunities (can’t wait to share more about them!) have come my way that wouldn’t have happened had I not being blogging.
There’s so much good from it, and they definitely out weigh the bad, so I’m going to keep trekking on. I just wanted to share my thoughts on it because it has made me a little bit of afraid and I don’t want to be. I don’t want to be paralyzed by what others think of me and it’s something I continuously have to battle. Blogging tends to be a place where we want to garner the praise and affirmation of others, but with this platform, we will undoubtedly also draw the insults and critical eye of others too. I have to be able to take both.
Jessica at House Inhabit also made a good blog post of how mommy blogging has changed. I never knew exactly where I fit in because I started my blog when I started my etsy shop and wanted to jump into the community of crafters, so it was about crafts and vintage hunting, but somewhere it also became about my life with my kids, so I guess I’m a mommy blogger? After a few years, opportunities came and I’ve been able to collaborate with bigger companies. I’m thankful for the opportunities. It’s not something Ben can quit his day job for, but nevertheless, I’m thankful. I say yes to some things, and I say no to some others. Yes, I am a blogger who does sponsored posts on occasion, but I try to keep it real. I know not everyone may agree with sponsored posts, but again, I can’t please everyone.
Even now, I’m nervous to press “publish.” I know some will just think this comes with the territory of blogging, so I need to suck it up, which is true, and others may empathize with my feelings. I do enjoy thinking of projects and recipes and sharing it, I really just love being able to do creative projects. I love that I do get to stay home and work on these projects for and with my girls, and I’m thankful that it some thing that I sometimes get paid for. In the end though, I really just try to enjoy God through all of it. I know it may not make sense to some of you (and might sound ridiculous), but it’s understanding how my trust in God plays a role in every aspect of my life. I’m not perfect at all, so all my imperfections just teaches me to depend on God more.
Ruby,
Can you imagaine how many people you have inspired over the years to get over the fear of the “spirit” of critisism?… Inspiring others to maybe reach a bit of their God given potential and use the different gifts He has given each one of us as creative beings. I am one of those people! Thank you for your bravery! Have a blessed day darling, and keep pressing on with your adorable family!
I love your blog because it’s fun, interesting and updated regularly. I don’t think you can please everyone all the time, just keep doing what you’re doing:)
I agree. I struggle with being a people pleaser, so this really helps me examine my thoughts behind my actions.
I LOVE your blog! It’s honestly the only one I still read! I have never once thought anything negative about you or your blog. I’m sorry that people are mean :/ not to sound lame but they are just jealous 🙂 I think what you bloggers do is such hard work, especially keeping things fresh and new… So keep trekking! Your blog is inspiring and an encouragement to me, so thank you!
Thank you so much! I think it would be easy to say they are jealous, but I was thinking about it, and to say they are jealous is just making judgment on them and makes us no different. We all just have to remember kindness is really magic.
I’ve been reading your blog for quite some time and while we’re not on the same paths in life or have much in common (seemingly) i respect and admire you and your family. I think it’s wonderful and refreshing to click on your link in between my rounds of sometimes vapid fashion bloggers or blogs that are more trend focused. I think what keeps me coming back to your blog is the ability to see how someone from a complete different walk of life is living. You share some of your trials and triumphs and your girls are adorable and it’s nice to take a peak into your world. Clearly I don’t know you but you seem like a genuine person with a fantastic head on your shoulders and a beautiful family. I hope the harsh and sometimes untrue or jealous words of another don’t make you doubt yourself or your blog.
Also, in a world of Ashleys or Sarahs those girls will cherish their unconventional names one day, that you picked out special for each one of them! And I don’t mind the sporadic ads one bit; at least you’re not pushing overpriced designer clothing or trying to get readers to purchase ridiculous homemade blog tutorials. Xx-
I wish all parents would teach their children some basic polite behavior, like “if you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t”.
Looking from the outside, you come across as a caring and loving mom and wife, and I love to read about your day to day life / experiences.
In my opinion, the ones giving nasty comments or criticize the way you and your family have chosen to live your live, are actually the ones having a problem, not you.
I don’t understand how people behind blogs, with the solely purpose of making fun of other bloggers, think that’s okay behavior?
We love you!
Teneis una familia preciosa. Ben, quierela y mimala mucho.No queremos que deje de escribir 🙂
Thank you!!!
Hey Ruby!
I love this post and its so funny but just a few days ago I posted about how I loved Jessica’s post as well. Everything she said and you said is so true. Remember when I got a little criticism over my “Bee’s Knees” card? Well im sure you can look at that and see it as no big deal, it was just a typo but for me that was my first sort of public criticism and I kind of freaked out. Its so dumb but I really had to take a deep breath and try to let it go and just comment back a nice response, lol. I cant even imagine reading something that calls me fake.
The reason why I chose to want to sponsor your blog specifically is because I feel that you keep it real. While you do take on sponsors and do sponsored posts about 95% of your posts are real and down to earth. Your mommy posts always make me feel better about my daily outbursts. Im so glad that other moms out there are finally speaking up about the real fakeness on the internet and hopefully we can change that. While I look at your homeschooling success as something I wish to achieve, the way you portray this does not make me envious but inspired. While other mommy bloggers could make their homeschooling successes look enviable, you dont. All of these things matter to the reader. Thanks for this!
Thank you Katie! Oh I’m sorry about the Bee’s Knees thing! I didn’t mean to cause harm at all, but I totally understand. It’s hard to get public criticism or criticism of anything. You kind of have to brace yourself and hope that the person giving it to you is doing out of love for your benefit in mind. It’s good to get it no doubt because we all have room for improvement, but it really is so hard.
And I feel you about the homeschooling thing. Some times I look at other homeschoolers and it looks so dreamy and here I am feeling stressed wanting to keep trekking on with all the learning and subjects we’ve got to get to! lol. I could use a dose of the chill pill probably.
by 95% I mean that 95% are not sponsored…not that 5% are fake. Sorry if that came off wrong
I honestly dont see how anyone would have reason to complain about you! I live your honesty, it truly ministers to my heart as a mom. Nothing but love here!
I love how honest and transparent you are. I had forgotten about gomi until you mentioned it and revisited it. It really is a sick place. People can tear others down and are allowed to remain anonomyous. It really is one of the down sides of the internet. And really, that site is pretty much adult bullying. Things we try to keep our kids from doing, yet adults are doing it. I know criticism is hard, but I would say consider the source. If it is coming from someone that doesn’t truly know and love you, I wouldn’t put much thought into it.
I like what you said… “consider the source.” True indeed.
I’ve followed your blog for a long time now. Maybe one of the first blogs I started checking on a regular basis. I have never made a comment. I started to cry when I read this and thought about what your blogging has meant to me. This probably sounds really creepy but I’ve almost come to think of your blog as a friend. I know you don’t know me but it really makes me sad to hear that people have said mean things about you. There are blogs out there that I don’t quite relate to the author and some that I felt have become a little fake but I would never say anything mean about that blogger. I would just stop checking their blog. Anyway, I have always thought you are real about life and that is one of the things I love most about your blog. And it hasn’t changed over time. I don’t know if you make money on your blog or not but I have always felt like you blog to share what you love and I love that. I remember when I first found your blog and read your girls names. I thought they were made up names so you didn’t have to use their real names. I admit, I thought they were a little odd but as I have followed your blog and have, in a way, gotten to know your girls, I have come to love the names you have chosen for your girls because they reflect so much of who you are and who your family is. Anyway, I didn’t want to post to make myself sound creepy. Maybe I’m crying because I’m pregnant and hormonal. I just wanted to let you know that you have inspired me in so many ways and I am so glad you blog! And for every comment you get from a person you have inspired, there are probably 20 more who are like me and never comment but have also been inspired by you. Thanks for sharing your life with us, and forget about those mean people who must be miserable with their lives if it makes them feel better to tear others down! K, I’m done.
Thank you! I see readers as friends too that’s why I feel comfortable sharing the good and the bad, but then it’s also scary because I really don’t know who’s reading and what their true intent is. I’m thankful for your kind comment and I was crying too! And you aren’t creepy at all!!
ditto to Jen English: “for every comment you get from a person you have inspired, there are probably 20 more who are like me and never comment but have also been inspired by you.”
i’ve been following your blog for years now, and as I day-dream about someday being a mommy, i’m always so encouraged and refreshed to read about your beautiful adventures as a (hard-working) mommy who loves Jesus and tries to be her best self for her family.
keep doin what you’re doin!
I’m another one who never comments because it usually feels like a selfish plug, but this time it feels neccessary! You were one of the first bloggers I started reading regularly, I think because you inspired me on several levels, but also because you never made me feel inferior. When I check your blog I don’t feel like I need a bunch of different things to have a better life. I guess that comes from relating to another Christian:) I LOVE how you’re honest so regularly about your faith, and normal human struggles. I’m in good company here, which is why I care to check back in regularly. I don’t know you personally, maybe you are a fake, but that’s not what I’ve seen over the years. (The only complaint I’ve had is when you started only doing style posts for old navy, I just Loved how you mixed handmade with vintage and newer pieces). But I enjoy your creativity in the other things too;)
Please keep going strong! You’re a favorite of mine:)
I am sorry to hear your hurt…..but I’m glad you shared it! I love your blog!! I think you’re the kinda girl I could meet at a tag sale n we’d be friends:) your blog has been so much fun for me to get ideas for my life of my lil boys, gardening, cooking, sewing, and DIY……please keep on!
And I know how it hurts….my oldest son has multiple food intolerances and a allergy and we are just discovering our second son does too. It was really hard to accept the eye rolling and negative stuff with my oldest but with my youngest its sorta easy because I realize those responses stem from ignorance. They will probly be in my shoes someday, in a different circumstance!
You aren’t fake! You have a high standard of excellence and it’s easy to tack ‘fake’ on someone when ones own standard is shown up:) bless you, girl! Be encouraged!!
(I’m from France; Burgundy)
I’ve been following your blog for a while now and it’s a real inspiration! I am always delighted to read a new post!
You don’t sound or look fake to me. You look & sound real, grateful for what comes into your life & compassionate. You’re also extremely creative in a simple & affordable way & this is a fundamental aspect of your blog.
DO NOT change a thing about it!
Anne Sophie
Hi Ruby,
I’ve followed your blog for a few years now and I’ve never commented before. I just wanted to let you know that there are plenty of people from all over the world (I’m from Melbourne, Australia) that love what you do and want you to keep going. I’ve been thinking about honesty in blogging lately (I don’t blog myself) and I think one of the reasons I love your blog is that you are so honest. I don’t have any children and I’m not a Christian but for some reason I just keep returning to your friendly and open little corner of the internet. I’ve learnt a lot from you, from your discussions about your faith, your recipes, your garden talk, your openness about your children, your marriage and your friendships. And I LOVE your children’s names!
I think you’re courageous, full of heart, creative and very giving of yourself and I hope that you don’t feel too defeated by the haters on the internet. I’d never seen GOMI before, but it kinda reminds me of Regretsy. It was funny at first and then it just turned nasty. It has to eat a person up inside to always be living like that I reckon.
So, just a n(not so) short note to express my appreciation of what you do and sending my hope that you keep doing it!
Thanks, Emily
Blogs are free — we’re not paying to read them. The people who hide behind fake usernames at GOMI so that they can anonymously trash all the bloggers they love to hate, are hiding out there for a reason. They’re not out any money when they read a blog they don’t like and they never have to go back to that blog, so what’s their problem? If they want to raise the bar for better blogs and better blog content, why don’t they start blogs and show us all how it’s done? If they’re so smart, I mean.
But no, they’re hiding over there for a reason and not blogging for even better reasons. I’m pretty sure it’s because they CAN’T do what you do, Rubyellen, or others like you. They don’t have constructive or positive ideas and they don’t have the creativity, generosity or courage that it takes. It is SO stupidly easy to trash people while hiding in anonymity (please!) but it’s really hard to put your real self and name on the line and to even TRY to come up with good blog content consistently, let alone to actually do it.
Thank you!!! I do think some of them may really be creative and maybe they’d write a really cool blog, we’ll never know, but I don’t want to encourage negativity about them because in turn we would be just like them. I do think the internet gives a sort of e-courage to be more comfortable to say your thoughts (kindly or rudely) whether you agree or not, but I guess we all need to learn how to filter and that it’s always better to watch what words we allow into our minds and hearts, and speak out of our lips (or rather, type into cyberspace).
I didn’t mean my comment as negative. I meant it as a challenge to those particular GOMI people who viciously trash some bloggers: lead by example if you can do better! 🙂
Oh no, I hope you don’t think I thought you were being negative because I totally know you didn’t! I agree with you, I guess I meant to say just what you said… lead by example if you can do better! 😉
I have loved you since I could hear you talk to me through mama’s stomach 22+ years ago, and even through the days where you’d pinch my nose till it went red in my childhood years. cheers to you sister! God has made you a beautiful daughter, sister, wifey, and mama of four. the bestest biggest sis there is. i love you.
I won’t tell Reinna. 😉
Same as above. I’ve never commented before, but your blog is my absolute favorite. You are an inspiration to me – your energy, your love, your creativity. I know what you do is not easy. I hope you can resist the urge to read that dumb site anymore. I’ve never gone to it because I don’t see the point. If you don’t like a blog, don’t read it! Duh. You just keep doing your thing and know there are tons of us out here loving it.
Who’s GOMI? I love your blog!!! Something silmar happened to my nephews instagram team rudy these group ppl were saying he was faking cancer which we are not! This ig called stopfakingcancer started it and posted pics saying it was fake! My sister made it to bring awareness of childhood cancer since then she made it private. But you can follow! Anyways your blog has creativity and recipes yum! God has divine plan for you and no one can take it away! You have 4 beautiful kids and blessed! Your blog bring inspirations to others and I’ wish I was open like that to!
I love your blog! I love reading about what your weekly meals, your garden progress, Ben, your girls, your creativity, your house etc. I read your blog because of it’s honesty and realness. Keep doing the same! Ignore the negativity as best you can. Negativity and jealousy in people needs to be pitied as clearly something is lacking within them or in their own lives. from Rachael in New Zealand xo
Yes, yes, yes! It’s not like the negativity is going to go away, and it’s not like those spreading it have black, evil hearts. It’s just that sometimes you have to close yourself off to it mentally, and emotionally, or it can cause you to lose the things that make you so great! The authenticity, the things that you do and dream before you hesitate and wonder how others might react to it. That’s what makes you awesome and why we all love reading here. Also- don’t ever say the word bully in anything less than the most extreme use of the word or people will freak out. I found that out after what I thought was a rather benign post being fairly kind to GOMI and the like. Oops.
Totally! I think if we jumped on the wagon and said they were just jealous and sad, we really wouldn’t be much different. I think I let my participation in reading the negativity (about myself and others) affect me and I don’t want it to me anymore. It really made me second guess things and always have these negative ideas at the back of my mind. I want to be free to just keep having fun because I truly love this space and love learning from other bloggers!
I’m thankful for your post. It helped give me the courage to write my thoughts too. I think I was afraid to say something because of the negative backlash that might happen, but you truly can’t please everyone and these things have been on my heart for sometime. I very much appreciate your authenticity too Mandi!
Hi Ruby, I’ve been following your blog for about 6 years now. It was through your honest voice and authentic faith that I truly saw the love of God. Although there were other incidents that happened in my life that helped bring me back to God, I can say that it was seeing you live out your faith publicly on this blog that really sparked the fire in me.
I hope this serves as a great encouragement for you becuase you have a greater impact than you know 🙂 Thank you so much for your authenticity and your love for our Father. God bless =)
Thank you for letting me know!!! I know it might sound weird, but this is really what I pray for when I blog! This is definitely an encouragement!
I am so glad you are not letting the negativity get to you! Stay on my internets! Sometimes having kids scare the crapadooles out of me. But following your blog and seeing you lead a life, though not perfect, that is led by faith and love is a gift. And makes me more excited to start a little family soon.
I really have been inspired by you and your blog. Your home, style and cooking make this more than a ‘mom blog’ and I recommend the blog to many non mom friends.
As a mom, I need to see the uplifting and happy pictures/posts. I know you have tough days, as you are honest with your readers, but I often come to the blog to see the happy, busy mom and kid posts. It gives to the inspiration and motivation on those tough days. We all know you are human and have bad days, but its ok to keep thing upbeat. Your blog would be a sad place if it were all about the hard times. I for one do not think showing the fun days and happy faces is false!
LOVE this site!
Ruby-
I appreciate your honesty and candidness. I have learned and grown from your blog. I am grateful that you take chances and speak truth. Thank you.
I’ve been reading since you were pregnant with Soul, I love your blog so much. I have a five and a two year old and your blog inspired me to open at etsy shop selling hair clips for girls (my second is a girl) and I’ve made dollhouse pillows, mobiles, scarves and tons of other projects that you featured…you helped me to visualize a motherhood where I can make things, and find joy in the little things. Sounds trivial, but when I first started reading I’d get bogged down in how your girls were always so adorably dressed in vintage outfits…but now i LOVE that you let them dress themselves and it’s not always perfect. It allows me to forgive myself for the days we leave the house with a ratsnest of knots in my daughter’s hair and mismatched clothes that may or may not have yogurt stains on the front from breakfast. You’ve deeply impacted my life as a stay at home mom, just wanted to say thanks and keep it up!
Just wanted you to know, that as a 54 year old grandmother and wife of a youth minister (yes, youth minister) I love your blog! It is one of the few I read regularly. Though we are not at the same point in life, as a Christian mother & wife, you inspire me. I love to see what your girls are wearing (and you as well), what you are cooking, your crafts, your sewing, your travels, your decorating, your love for your husband, your love of Christ, your church family, and admitting your mistakes, etc………… It’s refreshing! Hope you are encouraged today. Carry on!
i had no idea about this GOMI place. now i’m browsing it and i find it more entertaining that anything else, why people spend so much energy on hating people. i love your blog and i’m NOT a mom. i like watching the way you raise your girls and treat your husband. you guys are a beautiful family and no one is perfect!! We’re going to make mistakes, but as long as we seek the Lord, that’s really all that matters, right??
I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with negativity on the internet. It’s a real bummer! And while I do believe, of course, that we are all entilted to express our opinions, websites like GOMI (which I just had to google to find out what it was) kind of blow my mind. I don’t get it, at all. If you don’t like what’s being expressed on a blog, why do you read it? That’s what that little x up there in the right-hand corner is for, people! Move on with your lives.
Out of all the blogs I started reading years ago yours is one of the few I still visit because of how real I think you come across. I’ve also loved seeing how you’ve grown more in the business side of this blogworld while not (in my opinion) committing the crimes that Jessica mentioned in her post, which I have seen, sadly, in other blogs I used to enjoy. Keep doing what you are doing!
I’ve never heard of Gomi until I read it on this post so I went to check it out. I honestly, spent hours reading the posts there. I’ve had mixed feelings. First, I felt embarrassed that I blog. They do have a way of making a blogger feel crappy about what she does but as I read on, I realized that those people are miserable people who are actually dying of envy, people who hate their lives, grown up bullies, haters, I could go on and on.
I am amazed how they hate certain bloggers and yet know soooo much about them. It doesn’t make sense. I thought I knew a lot about certain bloggers but oh boy, they knooow more! And what does that say about them? If they really hate someone then why follow them? Why read about them? Why spend precious minutes of their life on someone they so hate? I don’t know, I say take this as a compliment, If they are talking about you there then YOU are worth talking about. If you are worth hating then you’ve certainly made it. Embrace it then go about your life and keep doing what you do.
First off I want to say, I know I am a little late to this conversation:), but secondly I would like to give a few scripture references that I hope will be of comfort to you through this experience:
John 15:19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Ephesians 4:18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.
and
Proverbs 26:20-22 For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
This incident, although still painful, should not really surprise you. I know these people attack non-Christians, but clearly your way of life is off putting and irritating to them. I never read you as fake. You are bold in your role as Christian, wife, mother and teacher. You are candid with regard to your sin.
Liberal, pagans hate this…and that is exactly as it should be. They are quarrelsome, sad little creatures, and have nothing better to do than stir up “excitement” for themselves.
So take heart dear one…and know that most of your readers enjoy life through your eyes.
I am a Christ follower who is currently a single woman. I will be turning 30 this year and always thought I would be more at the life stage you are at with 4 beautiful girls and a godly husband. I read your blog because you are honest about your struggles while still striving for joy. I appreciate that about you! I have been blessed to read your blog for several years now… Not because I love doing crafts, vantage clothes, mommy talk or any of those other “commonalities”. Instead I follow your story because I also strive for God in my daily life and am encouraged to see a sister in Christ in that same place moment by moment, day in and day out.
It reminds me of that quote by C.S. Lewis, loosely quoted, saying that friendship forms when you turn to the other person saying “you too?”
Yes, my virtual friend me too.
you’re swell…
and i love to come to your little space on the intranets.
i love that you so honestly share your faith and your struggles.
i think most of the time, harsh criticism stems from other people’s feelings of insecurity and sometimes jealousy.
you are living a life of faith, which includes so many beautiful moments (worth capturing) and also some down right tough stuff (worth chatting about on this space once in a while).
in the end, it’s YOUR space…
so you can say and share whatever you please.
that’s the best part about blogging.
you don’t necessarily need to fit in any kind of ‘niche’.
other people want to package you up in a box… but take freedom in knowing that you can only be YOU!
God made YOU unique and special.
keep sharing everything that YOU are passionate about.
it might fit into “mommy” blogging… or “crafting” blogging… or whatever!
just do what feels right for you… praying about it consciously all the time.
God will lead you exactly where He wants you to go.
earnestly seek Him and He’ll keep blessing you.
love reading and seeing you and your beautiful family!
many, many blessings on ya!
xoxoxo
I rarely comment, but I just wanted to let you know that I follow maybe 15 blogs, and yours is one of my very favorites. You’re doing awesome. I’m so glad you are planning on keeping it up.
I’ve been reading your blog for at least 4 years at this point (probably longer!) and I think you’re so wonderful. I love your positivity and I think, for me, reading your blog has stood the test of time BECAUSE you’re so real and honest. Bloggers who hide all the ugly are difficult to connect with. I’ll keep reading as long as you’re posting and I’m endlessly inspired by your creativity and positivity.
I don’t think I’ve ever commented, but I just want to you reassure you whether you need it or not (and I’m sure you don’t!) that your blog is amazing and inspirational and I think you are a fantastic person. And your family is so adorable. Everyone is a critic! I’ve always been a fan of the saying, “If someone does not ask for your opinion, keep it to yourself” and “If you have nothing kind to say, don’t say it at all.” It’s so easy nowadays to trash talk people, and I don’t understand why people choose to do so. It’s especially concerning because women trash talking other women…We are all on the same team. We need to be encouraging and supporting one another. This goes for men and men/women relations too of course. You are incredibly brave and strong and honest. Keep doing what you love.
xo
honestly? i was juuust telling my boy friend this morning about you & your blog & your life & how unbelievably AMAZING you are as a wife & a mommy. that i want to be JUST LIKE YOU (‘:
you’re fantastic. you always have been & you always will be. regardless of all your imperfections, you just do no wrong with me!!! keep on keeping on. & more power to you & your happy lil family. ♥
Thank you for this. A few of my previous favorite blogs drove me to GOMI and for awhile I couldn’t figure out why. I guess it all boils down to honesty and a sense of realness, something I feel a certain blog threw out the window when they started photoshopping their thigh gaps and bought a house to fill with expensive furniture their readers could never afford.
I think what all of us want is to feel like we’re not alone, an acknowledgement that life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, and that things aren’t always pretty, a major downfall of a lot of popular blogs. GOMI exists because there are many of us who can’t handle watching such venues perpetuate a false narrative of a perfect life. It’s harmful and in my eyes, the new Vogue magazine – displaying a standard of perfection that most of us will never achieve.
Anyway, for what it’s worth, I’ve NEVER felt your blog to be anything other than honest and that’s why I keep coming back (and why there’s no board dedicated to you on GOMI). Thank you so much for being real in a sea of fake. I apologize if this isn’t well articulated – it’s been a long day of teaching middle school resource and it’s springtime – I’m sure you can imagine what that’s like!
Keep up the good work.
Rubyellen,
I think you are a generous blogger – you give of your joy, your inspiration, your struggles, your faith, your parenting, your love for life, your creativity, your relationships… there are very few areas you don’t generously give to the world in hopes of uplifting others.
When I hear or read something about myself that is a criticism, I always ask myself, my closest friends and God “Is this true?” Coz if it is, then its something I wanna work on. If its not, then its just someone else trying to place lies they believe about themselves on to me. And I try not to live under any lies… life is too beautiful to tarnish it with making ourselves feel horrible.
I’ve been reading your blog intermittently for years, and I have always left feeling better than when I first opened your page… coz you give life even when you are sharing the hard days. I hope this space blesses you as much as it blesses the rest of us.
Thanks so much for stopping by! My best advice is just write what you love and don’t worry too much about reach and followers, if you write from the heart people will want to read it!Learn SEO
So if they’re making so much online why do they still need to axe jobs in the newsroom? Oh yeah, that’s it – because they can and don’t give a toss about the product.
Great message! I’m pretty sure that for me blogging fulfills my life long interest in money and helping other people with how to properly handle it.
Hi Dawn! I think A LOT of people went into blogging for monetization of the blog, which I am afraid was probably why there were so many disappointed bloggers, lol. Firstly, let me tell you I am late to everything, I completely missed Myspace which now I think was probably a good thing, I never did Livejournal or forums, I am terrible at Twitter and Facebook? Gah! We will get into Facebook for business in the coming weeks as we start or own (very late) foray into that for Foto Rx! I think I mentioned in the comments about blogs + SEO (how us Googler’s find folks) and I definitely want to speak to that. I think now if you want to build an audience for your business you need at least one of the extra’s to get people over (the extra’s being Instagram, FB, Gooogle+, Pinterest, etc.) BUT once you get them over it better be darn good info one offer’s up or else they probably will lose that person forever. I am so glad you joined the conversation and were so honest, it really helps us develop posts, because we LOVE helping people and I think we can add a little of our knowledge + experience to this
What are the strategies that you are using for social media in terms of your blogs ?
Any advice that you would like to give for this year 2018 ?
What a great article. As someone who is relatively new to the blogging world, I am still struggling to find exactly what I want to say but I am having so much fun doing it. Any advice on how to spread your blog reach though?Hawaii SEO
Great article. I have learnt a great deal from your content and I would love to add another way you can make money online. You can sell digital products and get 100% of the profits by being a member at inmotiondaily.com that adds new digital products for its members each month. I am a member and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to make money online selling ebooks, software among other digital products. Thanks again for the post.SEO Wexford
There are so many benefits of SEO Services but if you haven’t started employing SEO, you need to begin immediately. If you wait, you’re just going to fall farther and farther behind, while companies who’ve been using SEO for years continue to rise in the rankings.web design Wexford
Excellent content, I now work as an affiliate but I started selling things I no longer used, this allowed me to get where I got today thanks to that, thank you guys are beasts!!SEO