Are you ready for the new installment of
Things Successful Blogger Do That I Do Not Do?
Lets Re-Cap First. Here is the 'Hot List' so far.
(Know whats funny/ironic/sad? I wrote it and I still can't figure out how to get on it.)
1. Have a Life Outside Their Blog
So here is Number Five in my Installment Series of...
Things Successful Bloggers Do That I Do Not Do
5. Seem to Have It All.
Thats right. Its seems like they have it all.
Even if they don't.
It sure seems like they do.
And is it just me or are all successful bloggers pretty?
And have attractive husbands? And gorgeous kids with perfect smiles and obedient, house trained pets? And beautiful homes? And seem to know each other?
Does it also seem like they are the coolest even when their kid is peeing all over themselves in Perkins or their hubby forgot their anniversary or they are eating lutefisk and lefsa for supper?
Why is it so cute when they do it?
I don't seem to remember to be laughing when my darling child decided to stuff his chicken nuggets into his underwear only to reveal it at daddy's office and then tell everyone he wanted to see 'what it felt like'.
Well, maybe I did. That's a bad example.
I remember this one time a popular blogger did a whole post about her dog. It was like 47 pictures of her dog. That's it.
And I was then convinced that I could do the same thing with my dogs and have also have 549 comments telling me how cute my dog was and how wonderful of me to talk about my dog.
Yeah, not so much.
What it boils down to is... really good, really successful bloggers, have a way of making ordinary, even lame stuff seem like it is cool.
Hence...success.
So even if they don't have it all, they are really good at making us feel like they do.
And I kinda gotta respect that.
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Afterthought:
Upon reflection I realized... whether it is reflected in my blog or not, I feel like I have it all.
Even though I struggle every single day with my life and my role in this world, I have a husband whom I love and support, amazing kids, and a relationship with Jesus that pretty much saves me from a life of hell.
So for now, its fun to just think that they do have it all.
Because maybe the reality is...we all do.
Well, since you put it that way- I have it all. Despite what anyone and everyone sees when looking on the outside (of both my home and my heart) what's on the inside has already been redeemed, so, yep, I have it all!
(also blogging about homeschooling & family life with 7 children @ www.anordinarymom.com)
Posted by: ali | October 16, 2009 at 07:34 PM
Yeah Ali!! I couldn't agree more!!
Posted by: Amanda Rettke | October 16, 2009 at 07:37 PM
I love, love, LOVE this series. Because you are RIGHT ON!
And you must be a successful blogger, because you're in my feed reader. So there! :)
Posted by: Sara | October 16, 2009 at 07:39 PM
That's what I was going to say, if you have Jesus you have it all.
Thanks for sending me that recipe. The kids and I may try it for their cake contest at the end of the month.
Posted by: Ruth | October 16, 2009 at 07:44 PM
I like the recap at the end--just because you may not get as many comments as others doesn't mean you don't have it all (just look at mine-not so many comments-haha). Being popular with total strangers doesn't make you have it all--you COMPLETELY summed it up when you talked about your family and knowing GOD--you have it girl--ALL of it (and I don't even know you-ha).
Posted by: Jill Tracy | October 16, 2009 at 08:06 PM
I know what you mean!!! I look at most of the pictures and think, how the heck do you have time to raise your kids, and post blogs about all the amazing mommy activities and crafts that you do with your kids AND put on makeup and look so THIN?!?
I feel like I have it all too. I am bombarded by these feelings of insecurities with my blog though, feeling like "why can't I be one of the cool kids?". I can't figure out why some blogs get 134019234089 comments a day and i get... like 2 sometimes 3. LOL
SERIOUSLY! I am funny people! Wise up! LOL
Anyhoo... I love your blog ayup! :)
Lutefisk and lefsa?!?!
Posted by: BigMamaCass | October 16, 2009 at 08:48 PM
You are the perfect blogger. I love your blog and am so glad that we are BBFF! Your posts are always so funny, true, inspiring and creative.
Love these posts!
Hugs,
Mimi
Posted by: He & Me + 3 | October 16, 2009 at 08:57 PM
I think some bloggers can make the mundane seem like fun or funny anyway. I love your wit and beautiful photos...your desserts always keep me coming back... ;)
I think everyone has different interpretations of 'perfect' and I think you hit it right on! Who has the time to keep up with 100 comments anyway? Not me! Good thing, because I don't get that many! Okay...so bring on some more cake pictures...I am getting hungry! heeheee!
Posted by: Carrie @ MartinManor | October 16, 2009 at 09:08 PM
Great conclusion!!! But I agree, it seems like the successful bloggers can make the ordinary seen extrordinary!
Posted by: Kristin | October 16, 2009 at 09:21 PM
It's all about the relationship with Jesus, since you have that, you do have it all.
Remember, people show you what they want you to see.
Posted by: Kim @ A Fist Full Of Dandelions | October 16, 2009 at 09:36 PM
SO, funny you should post this...my good friend Abby (aka Peter Marie) were talking about what a sweet gal you are--always commenting so sweetly, making amazing cakes, posting funny & charming posts, taking cutesy beautiful pictures...I guess you should consider yourself a successful blogger because you have two big fans in Iowa!!!
Posted by: Londa | October 16, 2009 at 09:58 PM
I think you are a successful blogger and who cares what "they" do? As long as what you are doing makes you happy. . . :)
Posted by: Sarah Robbins | October 16, 2009 at 10:18 PM
Love your "afterthought"...really says the most important thing. You do have it all when you have Jesus as your Savior. And sadly there are probably many that think they have it all but don't have God. You share from your heart and you don't know what impact that might have to someone reading...so keep doing what your doing and you will be successful even if you don't have 500+ comments to show for it! :)
Kristin
Posted by: Kristin Smith | October 16, 2009 at 11:07 PM
This is just my two cents...but what you stated here is why I rarely read the "successful" bloggers. I think some of them create an impression of a perfect life. And, I get it, this is what they are supposed to do...it makes them a success in the blogging world. I just think that some of the readers are left feeling as if their life is lacking or less than.
I am glad you added the second part, though. You are truly blessed with beautiful children and a husband who loves you.
Posted by: Tracie | October 16, 2009 at 11:07 PM
That is so true! And I'm with you. I feel like I have it all because I have love and faith.
Posted by: Kimi @ So Many Kids So Little Time | October 16, 2009 at 11:43 PM
I'm over here jumping up and down, saying, "Yes!! Yes!! I totally get what you're saying!!". Because I do.
Posted by: Mommy Cracked | October 17, 2009 at 12:47 AM
You know what? I think that some bloggers only give you the good stuff for a reason....by "some bloggers" I refer to myself.
Even those I don't have mess of followers, and I definately don't get a lot of comments, I know my largest "fan base" is family and friends, people I know IRL...so I don't like telling everyone when my hubby makes me mad, or my daughter is driving me nutso, or I feel like a lump on a log that day....because I don't want to worry them or be one of those "other" bloggers..you know who I am referring to, right?
Does that make sense?
Posted by: BJ Mama | October 17, 2009 at 01:27 AM
It makes a lot of sense and I think I do that too!! Great points girl!
Posted by: Amanda Rettke | October 17, 2009 at 08:41 AM
I love your blog and think you have it all! I'm new to the blogging world and trying to gain a following of readers..so I really enjoy this series. Now, a life outside of the blog....working on that one! I just realize that after spending hours and hours doing my blog that I lost focus. If blogging would take over and unbalance my life I cannot expect God to bless it. So, I am trying to get balanced. I don't want my kids to remember me as "always on the computer!" LOL. Thanks for the series and for your blog.
Posted by: Richele | October 17, 2009 at 09:46 AM
You know what, Amanda? I am making that pumpkin cake today and I am beginning to feel sick to my stomach. I've never made a cake by trimming it and leveling it before and must say my scrap pile is slowly disappearing. I am willing to bet I gain 10 pounds this week. LOL
Posted by: CFMama | October 17, 2009 at 01:43 PM
You come up with great blogging topics. From where I sit you've got it all. :)
I hope you all are staying healthy.
Posted by: Bethany | October 17, 2009 at 03:46 PM
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? You totally look like you have it all. Even better that you feel like you do! I love this series. Now, I'm gonna go back and read the rest!
Blessings to you my friend,
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | October 17, 2009 at 06:01 PM
Ok girl, I actually only read "one" insanely successful blogger (MckMama), but have to tell you why I love reading the lesser known blogs, because I personally think there's a better chance of getting to feel like you know them and they know you. The reality is when you have 5,000 followers, how many of those blogs will you have time to go read and follow yourself? How many will you feel close to? Probably only a few.
I LOVE your blog and girl you've got it going on. You love Jesus, your husband, children, your craftiness such as photography (and don't argue with me...you ARE talented there!), your baking and decorating skills (seriously..INSANE!!!),etc.
You're one of my favorite bloggers and love ya girl!
Posted by: Christy | October 17, 2009 at 07:26 PM
There you go - goin' on wit chya bad self again! :) Keep on doing what you're doing - it's pretty awesome stuff in my book! I'm enjoying your blog so much and envy your domestic goddessness to the hilt!! I'm not worthy...(on knees waving hands up and down) :)
Posted by: melanie | October 17, 2009 at 09:18 PM
This was a great post! Very funny and down to earth. I have been pondering these same thoughts. Sometimes I feel like a school girl thinking : Why don't I have any commentors. Is something wrong with me?' But you are right...I have a wonderful family and most of all Jesus!
My blog is for my kids to reflect on one day and get a chuckle. Not how many comments I get.
Wendy
Posted by: Wendy | October 17, 2009 at 11:30 PM
Great post! I can't agree more!
Posted by: Liz | October 18, 2009 at 10:05 AM
...but do successful bloggers post hastily cropped photos of their husbands into roller derby photos? Yeah, I didn't think so....no wonder I am falling behind on your point #4!
If any of your readers enjoy blogs with crappy photos, please send them to my blog. It is the antithesis of Pioneer Woman and Dooce. And it is decidedly uncool :D
Posted by: carma | October 18, 2009 at 10:48 AM
i know it looks like i have it all and it's all perfect...it's true! i can't help it that my puppy never poops in my living room every chance i turn around. i can't help it if my husband makes the bed every morning, without me asking. i can't help it if my husband has plenty of underwear so i don't need to run to costco and buy some extra so i don't have to wash the whites so often. doesn't everyone sit at their computer in the morning with their hair done and makeup on? it's my life, i can't help it if it's perfect. don't be jealous. i was just born this way. i don't even have to photoshop it. there just isn't any dust on my furniture!
hahahahaha!
i think having a blog is a great way to pretend things are better than they really are. gives me something to aspire to. like obama and his peace prize. you know?
sometimes we might like those kind of blogs for the same reason we like fashion magazines and martha stewart...just for the inspiration!
if we all could see how we really looked while at our computers in the morning....we might gag and unsubscribe! (ok, if you could see how I look, you would!) that's why i mostly post pictures of food, plants and animals! :)
this is getting long but the coffee was great this morning and i slept 11hours!!!
i just have to add...for me, it's the Jesus in you that is the most attractive thing about you and your blog.
Posted by: olivia | October 18, 2009 at 11:54 AM
I love how down to earth you are, yet you are absolutely one of the "it" girls! That's one reason I am such a fan... you are a great mix of awesome and humble... with an undying love for Jesus. Can I get an amen up in here?!
Posted by: Pineapple Princess | October 18, 2009 at 01:21 PM
That was great! And, um, hello you with 29 comments (well, thirty, now)!! Me, I'm happy if I break into the double digits! Ooooh, ten!! Yeah! Agree, PW could take photos of her poo and turn it into a great, hilarious, funny post, no?!!
Oh, and I remember now where I heard, "How can you tell a successful blogger? They have a book deal." It was from YOU, wasn't it? Well, actually, I think now, I've found the answer to be (unfortunately) "They have their own haters"...you haven't really made it in the bloggy world until you've got a horrible group of haters...right?!!! ;)
And I do mean to be silly about it...can you just imagine, "YES!! Finally, I have some haters!! I'm really making it now!" Kind of a kick in the pants to them?! Or something.
Anywho...carry on!
Posted by: Mama M. | October 18, 2009 at 03:40 PM
Oh, I love these posts you do! Cause yeah, "successful bloggers" really do seem to have it all together. Me? Not so much. I think successful bloggers (and I think I am spelling successful wrong...it doesn't look right) also blog more than once a week and their children don't drive them C R A Z Y. *sigh*
Posted by: Jenney | October 18, 2009 at 04:14 PM
Read the post and all the comments until mine. Great post Amanda!
For me I lost perspective on how much time I was putting into reading too many other blogs in hopes they would read mine. I have gotten caught up in wanting comments and a "fun life" but was too busy on the computer to actually have "fun" and do the things that I want to do for my family and for myself.
While this is fun for me it's not fun for my kids or my husband that I am too busy on the computer. So I have to keep things in check.
Glad you posted! I am thankful that we've met and I love reading your blog!
You have it all! :)
Posted by: Tina Fisher | October 18, 2009 at 09:56 PM
i love the summary for what you do have! and 32 comments or so is NOTHING to sneeze at. no, it's no mckmama, but goodness, nobody's mckmama! not even mckmama (i hope you know what i mean!)
Posted by: gianna | October 18, 2009 at 10:51 PM
I've just discovered your blog today and I must say, the more I read it, the more I like it. I think it seems like you really have it all and are well on your way to be one of those top bloggers :)
Posted by: Mama Plays Mozart | October 19, 2009 at 12:25 PM
I often wonder what makes some blogs work and some dont?? This is a great post!
Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting on my Bugs and butterflies cake! It was a blast to make
Posted by: leslie | October 19, 2009 at 12:47 PM
I feel the same way as you!!! I feel that I have it all, but I know exactly what you mean about the blogs. Everyone seems pretty, to have more money, to KNOW EACH OTHER...like the 'cool bloggers clique.'
Posted by: Jessica @ How Sweet It Is | October 19, 2009 at 01:55 PM
I love your blog and can thank Tasty Kitchen for that!!! My girls and I love to drool all over the place looking at your cookies and cakes! You seem to have "it all" to us :) A husband, cute! children, time to blog, amazing gifts to decorate goodies and share them with all of us and make us laugh and most importantly Jesus!
Posted by: Mary C. | October 19, 2009 at 03:27 PM
Well... thank you Mary!! That is just about the smartest most sweet comment ever!!! The fact that you took the time to be so kind to little ole me is just so amazing to me... I really appreicate you!!
Thanks again!
Blessings-
Amanda
Posted by: Amanda Rettke | October 19, 2009 at 07:09 PM
I wonder how some of the blogs I enjoy have time to be a mom and take 400 pics of their dogs or every step of a recipe. I make my family wait lots of nights for dinner while I try to get a quick pic of it first. : )
Great post.
Posted by: Michelle | October 20, 2009 at 07:00 AM
You DO have it all... plus you've got all those crazy-awesome dot dot dots to top it off.
Posted by: Ria | October 20, 2009 at 10:57 PM
Has it ever occurred to you that you might have readers out there who think that you in fact, DO have it all? I happen to think you're quite pretty. You manage 3 kids, you bake like a mad woman, you home school (oh Heavens, I wouldn't even attempt - my sanity would fly right out the window) you Bible study, you photograph, you blog. You DO have a hottie for a husband 3 amazingly attractive children and from what I can tell you do have a beautiful home. SO THERE!!!!
Posted by: Gardner Momma | October 22, 2009 at 09:38 PM
Love your blog, and will be following it and your new addition "iambaker" for years to come (or as long as you post!). I've had a blog for a long time, several off'n on over the years, and even before blogs became 'the rage' I've had a website where I posted 'stuff'. I do it often not to share as much as to unload. I love to write down my thoughts and vent my spleen occassionally as well. I'm excited to be able to share my life with the world, but don't really care if others read it or not, God is in control and He wrote my life out long before blogs became available, :). I'm just glad He is in control and NOT me!
Great post, keep up the good work, and thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Nona, NW PA | November 01, 2009 at 04:40 PM
Sounds like you got it all to me!
Posted by: Amyisatweetin | February 08, 2010 at 09:40 PM
Oh that is so true! Amazing how packaged and perfect some people seem (or want to seem).
This is part of the reason I don't edit my photos (other than red eye removal or the occassional crop to get my foot out of it). Who we are is who we are, I don't need to color enhance my eyes or slim down my waist (well, sure I do, but in real life, not just online).
This is so well put!
Posted by: Molly | February 09, 2010 at 09:56 AM