This is a picture of my favorite scone recipe. 
Cooking and baking which are favorite pastimes for me are also an activity which sustains life. We need food to live.
Blogging is similar to cooking.
Something about the act of blogging appears to sustain us too.
Today’s Lesson
With blogging, just like cooking a recipe, we can complete a post, but “blogging” itself is not done. We answer comments. Visit other blogs. Plan our next post. Work behind the scenes, and the cycle starts all over.
But with blogging we don’t use a “recipe”, nor do we have a complete set of instructions.
After all, blogging has no rules.
We just blog.
Publishing one post after another.
Often experimenting and learning as we go.
Day in. Day out.
Days turn into months. Months turn into years.
Most of us don’t make enough money from blogging to quit our day job.
And some have blogs which don’t get found.
But for some reason we blog on.
Why is that?
Today’s Assignment
What inspires you to keep blogging?
Have you ever quit and then came back?
Care to share?
~Barbara
P.S. My scone recipe was published in the “Harvest Potluck” recipe book which was created by Patricia of Patricia’s Wisdom; a free ebook containing recipes submitted by bloggers from all over the world. Just click on the “Harvest Potluck” link on her blog. Enjoy!
LOL, Barbara.
Love the picture of the scones. I can almost smell them. O-Yum-O! 8)
What keeps me blogging? That’s easy… because I love to write and it’s fun! It’s a challenge to manage the time, but somehow I do. It just goes to show that we make time for what is important to us… no matter what; even if we don’t get paid for it.
I also enjoy checking in with other bloggers and reading about their thoughts and the comments of their readers, and appreciating the talent out there; whether it’s in the creativity or in the knowledge that people have. As for the comments… the crazier the better, sometimes. Good entertainment and it keeps the sense of humor intact.
Thank you Davina,
Yes. The scones are yummy. 😉
I know you love you write, especially after spending three days straight, writing your first novel. *fingers crossed* you win the competition.
Like you, I also enjoy visiting other bloggers, to see what they’re up to and like you said, admiring the talent that’s out there.
Hi Barbara
Why is that?
You know… I haven’t got a clue!
What I do know is that being part of a community makes it a whole lot easier.
BTW – when I read “We need food to live”, I thought of Woody Allen’s quote…
“Man cannot live by bread alone… there must also be a beverage.”
LOL Keith,
I hear you. Community does make blogging a whole lot easier, AND a lot more fun.
well, i just love blogging, and seeing visitors to my site makes me happy. the feeling that i write stuff that makes people all over the world read makes me happy!
Hi Jumoke,
Seeing happy visitors is a great reason to continue blogging. And knowing they’re coming from all over the world makes it even better.
Hi Barbar,
I think it is exactly the varietal aspects that keeps me going. I don’t have to do the same thing each time.
I love being able to take any given “recipe” and give it my own spice. Sometimes it flops, sometimes it’s a keeper!
George
Good play on words George, 🙂
I know what you’re saying. It’s like there’s never a dull moment. If we don’t feel like writing, we can change our theme, add or delete plugins, visit other bloggers, the list goes on…
Hi Barbara! Oooo that picture of the scones – did you HAVE to?
Hmmm, what keeps me blogging? Monkey Mind I think. Or maybe because I was an only child? Or maybe since I took the vow of silence (partial, mind you, more like Quietude) I blog because I have so much to say? Or perhaps because I’m 63 and feel like my experience in living should count somehow and I better hurry up, the train is coming? Or maybe it is the regularity of the once a week commitment – you know how important regularity is! 🙂
I’m morphing rather than quitting. I don’t quit. BTW, appreciate your suggestions. We need to talk! Let me get thru finals and I’ll have more focus. Focus? did I just say that? Monkey must be asleep!
hugs
suZen
Hi Suzen,
Yup! I had to show a picture. They look good, don’t they?
By the sounds of it, you keep blogging for a number of reasons. Whatever it boils down to, I’m happy you are.
Definitely. When you’re done with finals, let’s talk.
OMG Barbara, can I get the reicpe. They are picture perfect and I can SMELL them!
Hi Tess,
Just click on either link and you’ll find the recipe. Super simple to make, and you can vary the recipe by adding whatever dried fruit you prefer. My latest favorite is cranberries and pineapple.
I like the “publishing” part of blogging and I like being able to share my photos, thoughts, and stuff I’ve found with those who visit the blog. I don’t get a ton of comments, but there is almost always a few, and I know that many of the posts get visitors long, long after I published them.
Hi Mike,
That is fun, isn’t it? Knowing what we share is enjoyed by others. Even if we don’t get a lot of comments, if our stats show we’re getting visitors, it makes it all worthwhile.
Barbara,
The scone look yummity yumm…I can almost taste them… 🙂
As for blogging..it is much like baking yummies… The more you bake and the more your family enjoys your cooking…the more you love to try more new recipes. Thats what keeps me cooking and blogging. The only difference though is that for me my readers are my family. Its fun to write for them…and then when i get even one line that says…a post has helped them or touched their life in some way…there is no feeling that can compare to that very moment. It ends up becoming life’s purpose…and mine is to help…
And cook too 🙂 I do so love cooking…its therapeutic for me.
Much love my blogging fairy 🙂
Z~
p.s first you were my blogging teacher ..and now you have graduated to such a level that only a fairy could be at 🙂
Thank you for your sweet words Zeenat,
They are a lot alike, aren’t they – cooking and blogging. With both we “feed” others, some dishes (posts) better than others but hopefully everyone leaves the table satisfied.
You are making a difference Zeenat. Even if your readers aren’t telling you, your words are touching lives. 🙂
I’ve tried different approaches to blogging and I believe I’ve finally found one that works for me. I am blogging simply to keep a personal record of my on-going photography project. I’ve narrowed my blogging down to that. In the past I’ve visited a lot of other blogs and left comments, following their progress, and supporting them in their endeavors. I found that it gradually becomes more about them than me, and I lose focus on my purpose for blogging. Yes, I could make my blog private, but that isn’t my intent. I simply want a record of what I’m doing creatively each day, and having my blog is what works best for me. If others find it and enjoy what I’m doing, then that makes it even better but I found that I can no longer devote time to other blogs. I lose myself. I know it must sound strange, but that’s just the way it is. I occasionally get around to visit those who have left a comment for me, and I really enjoy doing that. But if I do it every day then I get caught up in comparisons between my work and others, and then it spirals out of control and my focus is gone. Or I begin to feel that my work isn’t good enough or I don’t like it. I’ve reached a happy medium I guess.
That scone recipe is going into my recipe box!
Hi Miss Becky,
Let me know if what you think of the scones. 🙂
That’s a good point. Many of us could keep our blogs private, but by going public, they (the blogs) hold us more accountable, AND I think we take our writing or whatever we share, more seriously knowing others may be visiting.
I know what you’re saying about visiting others, comparisons and the like. If we’re not careful, we could easily be dissuaded to publish some work and that could take all the fun out of blogging.
Hi Barbara,
What inspires me to keep blogging is the desire to write and to hopefully add beauty to the world. Initially when I started, I had no idea what the hell I was doing but now things have progressed and I started my own business. And I think ultimately what it means to me is that it is a vehicle to spread meaning and beauty. At least that is what I try to do.
Hi Nadia,
I think you’re right on target. That’s the beauty of blogging, we learn as we go, can build a business out of a blog, and like you said, it becomes a vehicle we can use to spread our message.
One day last year I was reading when came across an article that taught me how set up a blog. I was sort of stunned. A few hours later I had written my first post.
Why is it that one day we just wake up and make a decision to change our lives? What gets into us? The need to laugh, to share? Is there a certain safety in an on line environment, all of us safely writing on a computer?
Still, since making that decision to share my life with others, I’ve been having fun. I love coming across new blogs. My blog readers inspire me immensely. I sometimes lull in the comments.
Reading, writing, sharing. Is that what blogging is about? Or figuring out the mechanism behind what makes a good blog work? All of the learning? Or perhaps, it’s the confidence you gain as a writer? I don’t know. I’m still a newbie. But I do know I like it.
Blog on, Barbara. Thanks for your thoughts.
Julie
You’re welcome Julie,
It’s probably a mix of all of those things. And maybe that’s why blogging becomes such an enjoyable activity for many of us. It’s certainly not boring, and is a hobby we that is only limited by our imaginations.
I agree. Blogging does change lives. 🙂
I keep blogging because I continue to believe in its potential. The potential to make serious money from it.
But also… I enjoy writing and improving the craft. And by constantly blogging, my writing/blogging skills constantly get better in very noticeable ways. I find that very rewarding.
Hi Bamboo,
I’m with you on the potential blogging has. Like you, I also think it can be a profitable “hobby”, plus I think blogging can act as a stepping stone to so much more.
Blogging does work well for those who are trying to hone their writing craft. Between writing posts, reading others work and commenting, “practice” is never ending.
Hi Barbara .. I actually can’t believe the blog is actual and people love it .. but so do I – I have never learnt so much in my life! All interesting stuff .. I was talking to a friend today – saying I’m off to see a Medieval Costume exhibition (which I’ll blog about) .. at a local Priory (1229) .. and then adding – that now, of course, I look at things from a completely different angle – I want to know, I want to take notes …. & because guess what I want to blog about it!
So I blog because it interests people, and educates me as well as others .. I hear you say?!
Then I love the interaction I get with others around the blogosphere .. it’s such fun – and we learn so much doing it .. food!, meditation, how to blog?!, etc etc .. fantastic .. cheers Hilary
Hi Hilary,
I know what you’re saying about how much we learn via blogging, whether it be technical stuff, writing, or interesting facts on other blogs. Are you like me where you feel like a kid in a candy store?
The Medieval Costume exhibition sounds fascinating. I’m waiting to read your post and see your photos. Oh what fun.
Hi Barbara .. to a point .. but I keep my dashing around like a lunatic to a minimum – I subscribe to x blogs & am beginning not to cope – but I do/did! comment everywhere (it says 171 .. but I think that must be wrong – duplicating somewhere .. a 100 yes!).
It’s one of my strengths (I think) I don’t spend hours looking around .. if I’m looking for something (desperately) half an hour and then I make a plan & do it another way!!!
But I’ve been lucky – I think – I’ve become a great part of a blogging community – who offer what I need to learn and grow with in various aspects .. & I’ve come across some great learning tools .. and perhaps an additional plus – that though I’d have liked to have got on .. the fact my mother (and uncle) have been/were terminally ill has made me have time to ‘filter’ things somewhat. I feel now I’m not thrashing around in a tumble dryer .. probably with wet washing coming in on top – but actually can see my way ahead. Yes – it’s been slow .. but I can move forward with a clear head (in the next few months).
So – yes – you’ll have something on the Medieval Costume .. oh oh .. photos too & my own?! I will start taking some & putting them up ..
Thanks for your wonderful reply .. I’d love to be in the candy store – with someone there to guide me .. otherwise my route is suiting me well!
Have a great weekend .. Hilary
You’re welcome Hilary,
Don’t worry about your progress being slow. Like we discussed before, blogging isn’t a race; it’s a journey that can be quite enjoyable. I find it’s when I slow down and enjoy each aspect of blogging, I get the greatest joy.
P.S. I know whatever you’ve got up your sleeve will be marvelous. 🙂
Hi Barbara .. I can’t worry – so I don’t .. and racing with the blog has never been a priority – luckily. I love it .. and all the aspects – it opens so many doors .. don’t know if you’ll have time for the TED talk I mention in my latest post – well worth the watch .. no worries about commenting .. just click the link! Cheers H
Mmmm the scones look AMAZING.
I keep blogging (1) Because it’s now work and I have to 🙂
But also (2) Because I really enjoy the self expression.
Thank you Vered,
You’re a perfect example of how blogging became a career. How cool is that?
And yes, blogging allows self expression which is something we may not always have a chance to share in real life.
I can answer this question quite, quite simply, which is unusual for me – most of my comments tend to be unnecessarily long and rambling! 😀
1) I love writing, writing for it’s own sake.
2) I love people’s responses to my writing.
Hi Sam,
I KNOW you enjoy writing, and what a better place to showcase your work than online, on a blog?
That’s true. The comments we get are awesome, too. To think others take time out of their busy schedule to read our work and share their thoughts. It really doesn’t get any better than that, does it?
I keep at it in the ups and downs because I can help others, because self defense needs a professional to write about it, and because I have great plans for video that I really need to just do.
I’ve quit and come back stronger. I’ve also slowed to a crawl and come back better.
Hi Lori,
That’s very true. You’ve come back VERY strong with words and lessons which have the potential to save lives. And soon, we’ll have video too. How awesome is that? Can’t wait. 🙂
Honestly, I tried to blog for income a couple of years ago. I started a blog that combined Zen philosophy with SEO, but it never took off. It was really what I was passionate about, but it was incredibly hard to monetize it. So right now, I’m creating blogs that are less in tune with my passion, but generating more income… People say follow your passion, well I did.. but it didn’t pay the bills.
Hi Henway,
I think for some, money will follow our passion, but like you said, how long should we wait? I commend you for finding a way to make money online in the meantime. Hopefully the day will come when you can have a blog on Zen philosophy and return to that which you’re passionate about.
My blog will be one year old next Monday, and I have enjoyed the experience, and it’s the challenge that keeps me coming back to the keyboard. I found numerous ways to challenge myself, all of which have been rewarding.
I like seeing the results of my efforts on the screen being read by others, and reading what they have to say about it. The blog has gone through some changes since its inception, each change for the better, I hope.
Happy Blog Anniversary Linda,
Can you believe it’s already a year? Oh what fun!
That’s true, isn’t it? With blogging we’re always being challenged, always learning. And yes, it is wonderful to see the results of what we produce being appreciated by others. It’s like we’re truly making a difference.
P.S. I always smile when I see you making changes to your blog. I think what you’ve done is terrific.
While I am not making enough to quit my day job (of course, with this economy, it is possible I won’t have to worry about quitting), I do plan to make a living out of blogging eventually.
For a long time, I just blogged because I wanted to. It’s fun. It’s a bit therapeutic. I do it because I enjoy it. Now I just need to figure a way to include some of the things that are off topic for my current blogs. Maybe a new blog? 🙂
Hi James,
I always vote for new blogs. 🙂 Once you’ve got the blogging thing down, adding another blog is quite easy. I’m curious. What would your topic for a new blog be?
I agree. Blogging can be therapeutic. It’s like the keyboard “calls us”. Like you, I’d also like to make a living out of blogging some day. *fingers crossed*
Barbara:
The scones do look quite delicious and inviting.
I blog because I love writing and talking about topics that interest me. I have never quit, so far. Touch wood. Many times, before I used to blog, I used to discuss various topics but never found views and expressions from similar minded people. Blogging gives me that platform and I can’t be more glad.
Have a lovely weekend dear Barbara.
Joy always,
Susan
Thank you Susan,
You’ve made a great point. With blogging we do meet like minded people who have an interest in the same type of stuff as we do. In real life our family and friends may show us support, but sometimes they don’t “get it”.
I hope you had a great weekend, too.
I have always written to communicate with myself and connect the parts of me, because I lived in an environment where most folks did not wish to hear what I had to say and I just could not keep quiet. When I blog I connect with people who read what I have to say – I feel connected to actual folks via my words and efforts.
I do not think I am primarily a writer, but a writer because I have something to say – When I am out and about in my community, I am always/always modeling behavior and being watched. People feel free to discredit my actions because of my physical body right now. When I write – on the blog I am not discredited. I also feel as though I have real friends in my blogging community – I still have a couple of those from college too!
I blog because I can be myself.
I feel contented – as I do lots and lots of cooking, well blogging is more what I do for myself.
I am reading a book right now by a psychiatrist who has been on the big name shows…I felt jealous for several days because she is making money saying what I say about change – the hard stuff. Her blog is making money too….then I just stop those feelings and bless them because her voice is being heard and recognized – it is stuff folks need to know, so I am happy that it is getting out there and being heard.
I still wish I was faster at learning new things – technical, I am sure I could not blog without IT Girl, who has started into her thesis and does not have much time right now, but without making any money I am still dependent.
Thank you for the call out for the Harvest Potluck – it is still making donations for UNICEF and I now have made every recipe several times except the marshmallows….it was bound to be a hit because it was foods that people LOVE…
AND I think I have made your scone recipe at least a dozen times…I too love to put cranberries in them…and they make well with GF flours….Thank you for sharing.
Another fun post and comments…
You’re welcome Patricia,
That’s true, isn’t it? With blogging we can be ourselves. Others hear us via our words and predetermined/first impressions based on our exteriors aren’t there.
I’m happy to promote your Harvest Potluck cookbook and like the fact my scone recipe converts well when using gluten free flours.
Hi Barbara, I do indeed blog because I enjoy it, but I hope people can take something away with them from my writing too. I try to think of a topic that invokes some thinking in my readers. It often works, according to the comments. And that’s another reason to keep going, I have visitors who come back again and again and keep on commenting. I enjoy the interaction. And thirdly (it’s the last one, I promise!) is the benefit of knowing people all over the world. I am about to return to the USA (leave tomorrow) and will be there for a whole month this time, staying solely with people I have met while blogging. Oh, apart from three nights in the Statosphere Hotel in Las Vegas because I have been told it has to be done! It is only possible because of my blogging….
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy,
If you’re reading this, you’re probably in the States, enjoying your vacation which sounds like tons of fun.
I agree. It is an awesome feeling when we put something “out there” and it evokes the thinking process in our readers and opens the door to a conversation. Blogging is a marvelous tool, isn’t it?
Hi Barbara,
I love the writing process and I love this community.
I continue to blog because I know from comments and emails that I am encouraging others to find peace within their lives..and I continue to read blogs because they inspire me on many levels..
I did discontinue a previous blog due to a “friend” who became harmful after reading the day’s post..It turned out to be a huge benefit because within that week, I re-invented my blog and my writing into something much more reflective of all that is in my heart..and that has evolved to what I have today, which is pure joy and a lot of fun..
Thank you Joy,
That is a good feeling, isn’t it? – when our words encourage others in some way.
That’s fascinating how a “problem” became the catalyst to what is now your fabulous blog. Life works in mysterious ways, doesn’t it?
hey, this post makes me hungry. ehehe. What inspire people blogging? blogging is one way of expressing one self to another, and some blogs now are for money purposes.
Hi Investment Property Canada,
Yes. Blogging is a great way to express ourselves and can even be used to make money. I call that a win-win (however, I’m still trying to figure out the make money part 🙂 )
Barbara–I just stopped in to say hello and let you know that Hillary M – B did a lovely post about you today!
I blog because I enjoy the relationships I’ve formed with other aspiring (and published) authors…
Hi Sharon,
It’s great meeting you via Hilary. I hope to see more of you both here and in blogosphere. And I agree, the relationships we form online are awesome.
Happy Blogging.
This article is absolutely right for me at this very moment… I am just new in the blogging world and I really needed a lot of information to make my blogs better and acceptable to readers. I am actually excited for my very first blog. I like the way you describe blogging as to cooking.
Thank you Karen,
How exciting that you’re new to blogging. Although at times it can be rather tiring, I’d advise to just take one day at a time and enjoy the journey. We never know where our blogs may lead us, nor who we may meet along the way.
If you ever have a question, please don’t hesitate to ask. If I don’t know the answer, I can hopefully steer you in the right direction.
Enjoy!