A blog is a great departure from the norm for me. I've kept journals religiously since I was 10....the pen and paper type, starting with memo pads, then hoarding the college ruled notebooks I was supposed to be using for my schoolwork, to pour my heart and soul into the pages. (Being homeschooled as an introverted teenager, with no sisters to vent to, led to some very dramatic, angst-filled entries.) Later I upgraded to actual bound journals. Very few were permitted a glimpse into them and then only grudgingly. If you have caused me any sort of drama at any point in my life, you most likely would find yourself in them. They've served as my confidante and therapist. Therefore, I need to keep in mind that this blog is not my journal, and keep the juicy stuff for the bound pages. At least most of it. How many bloggers have to stop and erase half a paragraph because they realize they're talking to themselves? I'm tired enough to start doing that!
The Space Between This and That describes how I've felt in most seasons of my life. It could be alternately titled "Not Quite There Yet". It's a common human plight to never be satisfied with exactly where we are in life, and most strive to reach certain goals or ideals for themselves. In high school I was stuck between my studies and dreams of what I wanted my life to be when I graduated. Currently I am in many spaces between, most obviously the space between the baby years and the years when my children will be grown, renting a house in town and buying our place in the country (still hunting!), and the space between skinny and fat. (Despite recently losing 33 lbs., most people would testify that I run much more to the chubby side of that space. Oh yes, there is also a special journal for that!) The Space Between is also a nod to Dave Matthews, of whom I am an avid fan. I am very passionate about certain things in my life, and in this Space I hope to chronicle those passions: homeschooling my four boys as a stay-at-home mom, living our Catholic Faith, crafting things, decorating my home, books I love (or hate), thrifting, and food. Welcome to my Space Between!
After browsing your blog, and finally coming to the last post I have realized we two have a lot in common! I too was raised with sheep and goats. We had Dorset sheep and Pygmy and Nigerian goats, pigs, chickens,,, we even had a llama for awhile. I helped paid my college tuition by shearing sheep! I am excited for the day when we can have that for our children!
ReplyDeleteYour anxiety over starting a blog is exactly the same as mine was. I didn't want to talk about me. I didn't want to be vain. I didn't want to brag. When we moved to the midwest and away from all family 3.5 years ago I felt a need to start a blog to keep everyone close. I got rid of my Facebook account shortly before Nick was born because it wasn't good for me, so I really needed a place to put pictures for family to see. My blog was born out of necessity and hopefully a healthy compromise!
I found now that I really cherish the blogs of other traditional Catholic moms. It's nice to get a peek into other people's Catholic homes, to know we aren't alone, and to be inspired towards being a better Catholic, wife, and mother. Thanks for your blog :)
I'm so glad to know that! We've been gone most the weekend, but I hope to read more of your blog while Ian takes his nap today. There's nothing like country life!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I wasn't alone in my blog paranoia! It can be lonely being at home with little ones a lot, and I think it's important to have other like-minded mothers to reach out to! We are supposed to live our Faith, and it's great moral support to see other families doing just that. It's miraculously still possible in today's world!