Thoughtful Thursday

I’ve been chewing on this post all week. It’s one of those where I feel like I’m walking a fine line on “should I say this”…”should I not.” Believe it or not, sometimes I actually DO have a filter.

Last week, I had a dear friend pose this question to me: “Why do you feel like you have to blog every day?” Now, I’ve probably stewed over this question far more than I should’ve…given that I’m most definitely an “over-thinker.” I’ll be honest, the question didn’t sit well with me. It didn’t hurt my feelings or anything…but I guess it just got under my skin more than anything.

Why do sports fans tune in every week to ESPN? Why do quilters quilt? Why do readers read?

I enjoy writing. I always have, even as a little girl. I used to get the biggest thrill when mom would let me pick out a pack of pens and a notebook, even at 9 and 10. It is just something that I enjoy doing and am passionate about.

So, before I get into why I “have” to blog everyday…let me first tell you about how this blog originated. When I first started this blog…it was inspired by two things: First, in my early years at the Journal, Carrie had a weekly feature that was called “Meet Your Neighbor;” I always loved reading about the weekly “neighbor.” Secondly, also while working at the Journal, I used to be completely captivated when Mrs. Cindy Jo would tell me stories of days past and some of the extraordinary stories about people from the area. At first, the blog was solely going to be interviews. It does take a lot of effort to interview someone, gather pictures, have pictures scanned, listen to my recording and type it out, then edit, edit, edit.

After getting a bit overwhelmed, I had to take a break. This was nearly a year-to-two-years break. Probably one of the longest that I’d ever walked away from my writing.

In picking the blog back up, this time around, I knew that I’d have to do something different. Something to fill the gaps between interviews. I needed something more to keep me writing…to keep me at it. I added more features, “Mama Says Mondays,” “In the Spotlight” (the longer interviews), “15 minutes of Fame” (the shorter interviews), “Aleta Kaylee’s Corner” (a catch all), etc.

So…Why must I blog EVERY day?

1. It keeps me disciplined. Not every day will be a masterpiece, but it keeps me writing, steadily.

2. I enjoy it. I enjoy writing something to make the few readers that I have feel nostalgic, or inspired, or encouraged, or just to make them laugh.

3. In regards to the interviews…I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again. Everyone has a story. Every. Single. Person. I think if we listen to them, to their stories, we have the ability to learn so much. Sometimes it’s easier for a person to tell someone outside of their circle of friends and family their stories, and if I can assist with that…well, it blesses my heart.

On a very personal note, I found out that Mr. L’Hommedieu’s health was declining, his granddaughter said to me “I just wish I had something with his voice on it.” I was so blessed to be able to say “I have the recording of the interview I did with him.” It made me so happy to be able to give her that gift.

And that…THAT…is why I feel the need to write every day. That’s why I feel compelled to spend some of my weekend days interviewing, and many of my weeknights writing and editing. THAT is why.