So much to say that I don’t even know where to begin.
Do I LOVE blogging?
YES.
Does it drive me CRAZY?
YES!
Let me tell you why.
I have met so many wonderful people because of Lil’ Luna. Never in a hundred years did I think I would make friends because of this blog. That may sound silly, but I didn’t start Lil’ Luna to meet others, but now I’ve realized it’s the best thing this blog has provided for me. There are SOOO many creative women out there, and I have loved getting to know them better through blogging. Some started as “virtual friends” {that’s what I like to call them}, and now having met some of them, I love that we are “real-life friends.” Shoot – I like to think of all of them as real-life friends even if we haven’t met. That’s how much I love these ladies. I cannot tell you how many times I might say in a conversation, “Oh my friend {blah, blah, blah}…” And then someone will ask, “Oh, are they from church? Or how do you know them.” And then I have to go into some long conversation that they’re just a person I’ve never met and only met through my blog, and then they give me some weird look like I’m a crazy lady. Gotta love my virtual friends.
The same thing happens when people find out I blog.
The most common question: “What do you mean you blog?”
{Insert weird look}
Me: “Uh, I write a blog that people check out.”
Them: “Oh, that’s nice {like they couldn’t care less}. What kind of blog?”
Me: “A blog that has all sorts of ideas, recipes and tutorials for all occasions.”
Them: “Oh!”
Then the hubby might chime in and say: “Yeah, she gets paid to do it.”
And that’s when the questions start flying.
It’s almost as if people don’t care or want to know about the blog until they find out I make money doing it. But the money is just a small side perk {more on that later}. These conversations made me realize that the blogging world is often a facade to the other readers and bloggers out there. We create this very selective perfect world that we post for everyone to see, but hide the crazy, messy, and more often than not, very frustrating world behind it. That is the inspiration for this rather lengthy post.
This is “The Truth About Blogging.” The things behind the fake front that DRIVE ME CRAZY!
I hope you will bare with me {this is your venting alert 
}
}1. DON’T BE A HATER
As mentioned, I love meeting, socializing, and interacting with so many other readers and bloggers. BUT, I don’t like dealing with SOME people {bloggers} who think they’re too good for some of us small bloggers or just to good for anyone. Have you met someone like that? I hope I’m not like that. I truly want to be friends with EVERYONE – readers, bloggers – you name it! For those of you who have an issue with us little people, this is just a reminder that all of those followers and fans are the ones that made you popular so I’d be a little bit nicer and take more of an interest in them.
{NOTE – this in NO WAY pertains to ALL big bloggers…. some of the biggest craft bloggers out there (like Kari from U-Create and Jen from TT&J) have been my best supporters!!}
{NOTE – this in NO WAY pertains to ALL big bloggers…. some of the biggest craft bloggers out there (like Kari from U-Create and Jen from TT&J) have been my best supporters!!}
2. THE BLOG BALANCING ACT
I spend several hours on the computer each day, whether it’s writing a post, answering emails, getting a giveaway ready, posting on FB, TWEETING – pretty much ever social media outlet, and I’m on it. Pretty sickening, but a MUST in the Blogging World {that’s if you’re wanting to network and get more readers, etc}. I enjoy being on the computer. I REALLY do! BUT, I have 3 little kids. My oldest is 3 {almost 4}, my son is 1 {almost 2} and my sweet baby just turned 4 months. Is it crazy here at the Merkley house? YES!! It’s practically IMPOSSIBLE to be on the computer when the kiddos are awake. They want their mommy and to be honest, I want to spend time with them, whether it’s watching Elmo or playing legos. SO I blog early in the morning, during naptime and late at night. I DO NOT want blogging to take over my life so much so that I find myself neglecting the kids or even the hubby. I DO NOT want to look back in life and think, “could I have spent more time with my family instead of on the blog!” I DO NOT want any regrets. So far, I haven’t had any, and I’m hoping that stays the same. Yes, I have blogging events I attend (GNOs, sponsored events, etc.) Is my hubby happy to watch the kids? Yes, he is but that’s because he’s a great guy and he knows how much I enjoy them BUT I haven’t been to any conferences yet. Do I feel like I need to go? YES, I do!! Do I want to go? YES, I do!! BUT I don’t want to leave my family several times a year to attend them. It’s just not something I’m willing to do. Am I willing to go to one or two? Yes. In fact, I already bought my ticket to SNAP! next year, and I’m so excited although I’m dreading leaving my kids. I really am. Never have done it before. Should you feel like you HAVE to go to a conference? I sure hope not. They are wonderful {or so I’ve heard} and I’m sure you can learn so many wonderful things to make your blog better and to network and make new friends, etc., etc. One of the saddest things I’ve seen is that readers and bloggers get so caught up in the blogging world and their blogging ventures (i.e. craft nights, conferences, events, etc.) that their priorities get skewed. I am just as guilty as this as everyone else and I’m using this as a reminder to myself to refocus my priorities. Number one in everything that we do should be our family, and if we’re losing precious family time then is the blog really benefiting you and your family?? But, let me reiterate, it’s all about finding the right balance with your priorities in mind. I’m not saying you shouldn’t do any blogging or shouldn’t attend any event or conference, but maybe, when we have an opportunity, we should step back each time and see how it fits within our priorities.
3. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS
Another thing I wanted to address was getting paid to blog. Do I get paid? Yes. I do. I didn’t at first, but now I have sponsors and am part of ad networks like SocialSpark and Clever Girls. I love being a part of these programs because once again, doors have opened for me and I’ve been able to work with people and companies that I love. I am also trying to make Lil Luna a quality blog and something that will continually represent me, what I like, what I dislike and who I am. I won’t endorse or promote any product that I don’t like. My only problem is that I don’t want people thinking I’m a SELL-OUT for doing it. I spend A LOT of time on the computer, and to be quite honest, I feel better spending so much time if I’m getting paid. Is that bad? I don’t know, but when I could rather be sleeping or cuddling up to the hubby to watch a movie {keeping priorities in mind, of course} I feel it’s a better benefit to my family for getting paid for that time spent. I don’t think some people realize how much time blogging entails.
4. BACKSTAGE PASS
Most people say “what you see is what you get” but in the blogging world, it’s not necessarily true. What you’re seeing is a clean, thought-out collection of ideas, recipes, crafts and other concoctions, but what you’re actually getting are the midnight ramblings of a tired mom. What you may not realize is that my house is pretty dirty most the time. I haven’t cleaned my bathrooms in a month {I know – super gross!} My kids are in their pajamas most of the day. I sometimes don’t get to shower until afternoon nap time. And we regularly eat cereal for dinner. Bottom line – I’m not perfect, and I don’t want you to think I am either. So for those of you who have blogs or don’t have blogs DON’T PUT US ON PEDESTALS. We’re just like everyone else. Yes, we may have a good idea every once in awhile, but we’re not perfect, or at least I’M NOT.
SO, why am I writing this post? Not sure. I just wanted to get a few things off my chest. As I talk to fellow bloggers, and even some of the readers, it’s made me reflect on some of these thoughts that I’ve shared with you today.
So, to REVIEW:
1. Can’t we all just get along and take an interest in everyone no matter how popular or unpopular they are.
2. Blogging is GOOD.
Friends from blogging is BETTER.
Family is BEST.
3. Getting paid to do blog isn’t bad however, selling out on what you believe is. I’ll try to remain true to what I sponsor and promote.
4. Don’t be fooled by the perfect photo-shopped images on all these blogs.
So, that’s the truth about blogging or at least, blogging as I know it.
I hope I don’t see a drop in followers, but just had to get this stuff off my chest. Thank you to all you readers and bloggers who think it’s worth your time to visit my small growing blog. Without you there would be no Lil’ Luna.
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Thanks for this! I'm sooooo right with you!! You rock!!~ Sarah
aww live your life and no one elses.i found out as a teenager no one is perfect everyone has to have something goin on in their life.and just because you have something that shouldnt mean anything to somebody else
Thanks for sharing that. I especially loved your honest comment saying how long it had been since you cleaned your bathroom. I'm right there with you!!
I think this was such an awesome post!!! I have been playing around with the idea of blogging just haven't taken the jump… you are giving me the confidence that it isn't perfection and will be enjoyable should I eventually take the plunge.
Thanks again, you are AWESOME!!
Loved this post! You are awesome!
I was thinking the same thing yesterday I was feeling a little left out of the whole blogging fun scene. I am one of those "lowly bloggers" that apparently isn't worth reading or getting to know. But, I do it for me, because it makes me happy, even if no one else ever reads it. Good luck and have a happy day.
Thanks for sharing!! Blogging does take time and effort. For me I have to plug in an actual full-time job on top of it.
But I have a supportive hubby that gets that I need a creative outlet. 
Thanks for sharing this honest post and telling it like it is. It's good to remember that no one is perfect and we all need to keep our priorities in order.
Emily @ http://www.bitsofeverything.com
Thanks for sharing Kristyn. It's always nice to hear that y'all aren't perfect! I'll still keep you on a lil pedestal though. You're quite awesome! I'm sure your kiddos don't mind being in their pj's. haha
I think your wonderful! I'm glad to hear your thoughts! I think it's wonderful that you get paid to blog! Do what's right for you and your family and stay true to who you are no matter what those 'others' think!Kim tiarasandbowties.blogspot.comjust another one of the little people here in blogland.
Thank you for your post today. I find myself always wanting to make my blog look "a certain way" because everyone else has a blog that looks "that way." You made me realize that it doesn't matter. I'm glad I'm not the only blogger that has a messy house from time to time and a kiddo in pajamas most of the day too. Keep posting your great ideas. I love them!
Shhhh….don't tell anyone…I love my blogging friends more than anything most days….xoxoxo
I totally agree! I blog only for fun too. Practically no one reads my blog- but I do it because I like to. I love your blog and am glad I found out about it. (I didn't even realize you made money off of it until a few weeks ago.) AND knowing you make money off of it does not make me like your blog any more or less. I am glad you get some money but I love your blog for the great ideas it gives me. I also am excited because I really want to come to one of your craft nights! I would have never heard about it any other way. Thanks for also being honest and genuine!! Another reason I read.and one more just for good measure: I know that your family comes first with you. I know that they are the most important thing, (I feel the same way about my family) so I feel like we have that in common too!!Thanks again for being on my blog today. I hope my few readers get turned onto your amazing blog and have fun reading it like I do everyday!
and p.s. I have not cleaned my bathroom in a month either! so we can be gross together
great post! i feel the same way about the blog friends i've made, and the same about trying to explain my blog to people. that yes, people read it. people i don't know. peope who want to see what's going on in my home, or what i'm ranting about today. i don't have sponsors-i SO want to, but when? is it the amount of followers-can't be, b/c i see people with less followers who have sponsors. so i'm caught up with that. i do social spark, but it's not about the money…i am not accepting any old offer b/c then it WOULD be just for money. long comment just to say good post.
Amen amen and amen! I know we had this conversation and it was refreshing to hear you validate my (and Kelli's) feelings, too. I'm sure there are a LOT of bloggers who feel this way. It really is a part time job but like you said, family is first and knowing that makes it easy to simply close the laptop and focus on what's important. Life is too short to worry about how many comments we are getting or who featured our project or who's tweeting about who, right! Right
Anyway thanks for sharing! Great insight! xoxo
I've liked your blog for quite a while now, but after this post, I LOVE your blog. You've hit the nail on the head. It's like you took the thoughts out of my head. Thank you!
I've read a few posts recently from a few blogs all echoing these same sentiments. As a new blogger, I can't tell you how much better it makes me feel
My life is far from perfect and I feel like who am I to try to share my little ideas when there are so many better bigger bloggers out there?And yes, I feel guilty of the times I brush my little ones aside to get some blogging done. I'm trying to work on that.But I love blogging and I love bloggers like you who are so willing to be HONEST 
Thank you!Maria @ Love & Sugar Kisses
This was a fabulous post! Honestly…it is so nice to know that us bloggers (or at least most of us) feel the same way about blogging. It's funny, you considered yourself part of the small crowd, but with over 2,000 followers…you are WAY bigger than most of the blogs I follow. I have always looked at your blog as so professional and put together. Mine is random and all over the place but to hear that you too have days like me (i.e. kids in jammies all day, a dirty house, etc.) I feel like we just made friends. Haha! Keep up the great work…you're awesome!
This is a great post! I'm a newer follower and ever since I found your blog, I've loved it (:
Amen Sister! I agree 100%.
Ok, let's delete my first comment now that you finished your post. LOL This is a fantastic post. I have to admit, when you called yourself a "little blogger" I almost fell over. I'd consider your blog a big blog! Anyway… Priorities are important. Making money from blogging is great (I hope I someday figure out how to do that)! Keeping it real is a matter of personal style. Can you imagine Martha Stewart keeping it real. I personally like to as much as possible. I sometimes wear my pj's all day and only change into a new pair before I go to bed again (can't stand sleeping in clothes that I've worn all day). I have gone more than a month at a time without cleaning my bathroom. And sometimes, I don't shower for 3 days! There you go! p.s. I love a good rant every now and again! I think an annual "What I love and hate about blogging" rant is in order!
Thank you for this post! I loved every word and found myself nodding along agreeing with everything you said. We have much more in common than I realized! You are awesome!!!XOXOTam
I LOVE and agree with everything you wrote! Infact I was just feeling guilty today because I haven't posted to my blog in weeks because I have been choosing to do so much other stuff with my kiddos and family that there just hasn't been one to sit and write a post! Thank you for making me realize that my blog represents me and right now it is representing me on vacation! Hahah! I am headed back to work as a teacher this september and I I am so hoping I will be able to blog and teach and be a mommy and wife?! We will have to see
Haha! I think it's funny that you consider yourself a small blog! I've got around 160 followers right now – so to me you have a BIG blog! I hear you on the whole balance thing. When I started Loving Every Second, I was spending SO much time on the computer. I was a little obsessed with it. I've backed way off on blogging. I'm lucky to get one or two posts a week up. Which is totally fine with me. My blog is growing VERY slowly, but my family is my priority right now, not my blog. So I'm happy with my 160+ readers right now
You're amazing Kristyn! I love how you tell things how they are and don't try to make it seem like you can do it all-all of the time! I'm glad you have found a way to share your amazing talents with everyone. I love your blog, it's my favorite one to look at (and not just because you're my friend!) I love how you touch on so many different ideas. It's very well rounded. Anyway, ♥ ya!
I loved reading this post. My favorite part is about how we bloggers create a perfect world online! My readers will definitely never see the mold that is growing in my shower. =) I get caught up in it too, and thinking how much more creative other bloggers are. The blogging world is basically a virtual microcosm of real life with women–sometimes there is jealousy, rudeness and mean girls, but otherwise it is so much fun!
SUCH A GREAT POST!!! Thanks, Kristyn, it's seriously so nice to know that I'm not along in my feelings or the world of blogging! It's a hard balancing act aint it! I'm so glad to be a follower and can't WAIT to meet for really real someday!!!
Love, love, LOVE this post. And don't worry, you are NOT a hater.
You have been nothing but supportuve and wonderful to me. Keep it up!!!
AMEN! we have ALL been there as you know from my post! Sometimes blogging is so fun and rewarding and other times…well it sucks! lol Keep up the great work though! xoxo
Thank you and thank you!
Hello Im Anna. I was checking on Kim's website when I came accross your post.You are right about the blogging.I started 2009 and became so happy.Like you,until now some will ask me what is blogging?what do you mean blog?you mean brag? funny..but im your new follower..by the way you arent a small blog the fact you paid for your site right?just kidding..very nice post.
Love it, Kristyn! Perfectly said. And I sure love your blog. Thanks for keeping me inspired.