30.3.10

a private conversation

First let me assure you that I am perfectly happy, very contented, just contemplative. I do what to include an excerpt from an email conversation I had this morning though to let you know where I am at right now.  Also, it sort of acts as a little informal interview with Sarah about her drives for blogging and how a blog affects different aspects of a bloggers life.

"Hi Christina! It's Sarah from The Lipstick List. I just launched my new freelance website (SarahAnnNoel.com) and my style blog is actually feeding through that now! I'm really pumped about it, but it's going to make The Lipstick List look inactive soon which has unfortunately been confusing to my readers! Do you mind updating your Blog Roll to my website instead of the Lipstick List? I'd appreciate it sooo much!

Hope you're well!
Sarah"



"Sarah,

I absolutely will.  I got your comment last week and I apologize for not taking the time to update my blog roll sooner.  I have been a little conflicted about keeping my blog recently.  Due to my thoughts I have been a bit distant from the more social aspects of blogging.  I got so addicted to it all, browsing blogs and whatnot, and so for the last month or so I have been really weighing the time and energy spent.  I feel a little guilty just maintaining my personal pages and not interacting with everyone else.  But time in my life is so limited right now.  I don't know.  Sorry to even be laying this on you!  You are so sweet and beautiful! I think it is great that you have launched your own website!  It must be so nice to manage everything from one place.  So funny, but the same time I have been thinking of quitting blogging and the shop, I have also been thinking of consolidating (my shop and my blog into one site) and expanding (everything, committing to it full time).  It would mean quitting some of the things I am doing in my non internet life, though I feel right now I am so stretched I am not really doing anything very well.  Was going to your own independent website difficult? 

I hope this makes sense.  I am just on the ledge of transition and I think I tend to withdrawal a bit when I am about to make big decisions.  I wish I could just do a little bit of everything you know! I am sorry! you don't even know me that well!  This is so weird! Ahhhhhhh. In any case, congratulations on your own site and I will add it to my blog roll and remove the lipstick list.  Take care! 

Christina"

"Christina,

I love that you just sent me that email, because I've been struggling with a lot of the same. I first started blogging on my writing blog (
sarahnoelsmusings.blogspot.com) and networked with aspiring authors and the like. That was the goal--become a full-time freelance writer.

But I've always been interested in fashion and style, and there are so many fashion blogs I read; I though, "I can do that." That's why I started the Lipstick List. But I did it under a different site and a different name because I felt the need to remain more anonymous and compartmentalized.

Then I realized, "I'm not being all of me." Is sounds silly, maybe, but the website was a huge step for me in putting "all of my pieces together" and publicly being the holistic me. You know what? It wasn't hard at all. I have a computer genius friend, of course, who helped me, but after he assisted me with the steps, I'm confident I could do it all over again. I'm happy to help you if you like! You've been so sweet to me, and I love the email chats we've had about why we blog and the community and what not.

I'm still sorting out what my goals are. If I could blog full time, that would be awesome. I'm eventually opening an Etsy shop, and just can't seem to find the time at the moment. I have a full-time job at a non-profit right now, so sometimes I can get sucked into internet world and forget that I have a real person life, job, etc. Consolidating helped that--I made a life/style blog so I can talk about my real life and display outfits, etc. And besides that, I'm trying to market myself as a writer.

I think when you're a creative person, finding an outlet is never a problem. It's just deciding which one to use! And I have this horrible fear of becoming too self-absorbed in the midst of it all, so much so that I forget that I should be using my energy to help people and make a difference--like at my non-profit job.

It's a tough thing and I'm right there with you! Probably I'll keep experimenting with different ways to do things, but in the meantime, the website is working best for me now. Let me know if I can help you with any of it!

Sarah"

So, this is what has been going through my head!  It doesn't feel like an emergency or anything like that, just a contemplation.  Things are a bit unsteady still at the clinic and I would love to just focus full time on my own independent website.  Or maybe not.  Maybe I'll explore Non internet things for a while and just let it go.  Either way, I know choices are not set in stone forever.  Change is good to consider sometimes.  Either way, I feel optimistic.  I just want to jump into something with both feet you know. Dedicate myself and put passion toward it. 

My outfit today is all vintage except for the scarf from American Apparel.  The play suit reminds me of Pretty Woman at the horse races!  This jacket was a gift from my friend Victorina!  Its in a soft wool but looks like a structured blazer!  LOVE it so much! 

37 comments:

San said...

Polka DOTS! Oh, I love them. This whole outfit looks absolutely great on you. The jacket is very cute too.

sarahannnoel said...

AWESOME. And that dress is so picture-perfect. Let's chat any time, my dear!

Unknown said...

Christina, I'm going through a lot of the same stuff too. I think Sarah really hits the nail on the head with saying that the trouble being creative is just picking one way to be create. I recently got burnt out from blogging and decided to take a little break because, its just exhausting. I really do appreciate the community, but on Friday night when I was picking out what to wear on Saturday (my weekend!) I just got really down. I wanted to just stop.

Right now, I'm not really sure what the cure is except to take a step back.

I will say though, I really enjoy your blog, and most of all you. I have really enjoyed our e-mail conversations and I just love your heart. Thank you for your honesty, its encouraging to see others feeling the same way that I am.

Unknown said...

I think that no matter what you do in life if you put your heart into it you will do well. With the success of your blog I'm sure that it has opened alot of opportunities...I wish you the best...and PLEASE don't completely shut down the blog whatever you do!!

Jolie said...

You really touched on something most of us can relate to Christina! I have contemplated ending it so many times, because it becomes part of you and I have so much going on with my boys, family, and career. It is a juggle for sure, but I'll tell you something... your blog and a hand full of others are the reason and inspiration to keep it up!
I just set up my own website, if you need an assitance or info, let me know! xoxo Jolie

Seval said...

I believe (and you know) that, blogging should be something enjoyable. You start it for a reason and most probably it's not to feel under some kind of a pressure... I can understand the self discipline of updating it maybe important. But as I said, we should try to keep it balanced. It shouldn't be forced. I understand you, I know that, believe me... I hope you find a way to keep it. I know I won't lose you anymore but I also know this somehow lets you reach us... (Complicated thoughts, inadequate English!)

About your outfit, well, you already know how much I love rompers/playsuits... And that just suits you... You are very beautiful and I love you very very much xxx

Kayla Rochelle said...

I completely understand where you are coming from, and find myself there now as well. It can be hard to keep up with the pressures of updating regularly, and providing interesting content to keep your readers entertained and coming back. At the same time, it's just as hard to keep up with your outside of blogging life, and having to choose between the two can sometimes become impossible. After taking a mini- blogging vacation I started to remember why I started my blog. Originally it was just a way for me to keep some of images of my outfits, an to enjoy writting again! I don't want to loose sight of why I started this whole adventure, and bringing myself back to that starting point sometimes helps to keep me on track. It's easy to get distracted by other's blogs prettier pictures, or funnier content. At the end of the day though, writting a blog, is about writting about you, and what your thinking, wearing and doing. If people choose to read about that stuff, than welcome! If they don't find it interesting, than that's okay too. We have to keep blogging for us, because that's why we started it in the first place.

:)

www.sequinissues.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

The dress is just gourgeous!

Alice In Fashionland said...

Oh wow, I normally don't like playsuits, but this one is simply stunning!!

Juliette said...

Cute outfit!
And that e-mail is so true. I think as bloggers, we've all felt that way at one point or another.

-Juliette WhereForArtThouRomeo

tess said...

Personally, I need blogging as an outlet, creatively and emotionally, but sometimes posting, reading other blogs, and commenting can seem quite excessive at times. I wonder if I should be out in the real world interacting with people I can see right in front of me instead in a jpg. but the problem is the real world doesn't offer the people I need to feel whole. if it did, then maybe I wouldn't blog, but for now this is both a social and mental outlet for me. still, I completely know where you're coming from. I spend so much time online, probably more than I realize that I do wonder sometimes if it is unhealthy?

Jilliebeanie said...

Fantastic outfit! Polka dots have been everywhere lately and I just ADORE them!

Totally get where you're at with blogging and busy life. It's never unwise to take a step back and reassess you goals. Best of luck with all your progression, both in real life and cyber world!

Panty Buns said...

Thank you for the peek into the behind the scenes feelings, writing and blogging life and thoughts. btw I like the artful soft wool jacket/blazer you got from Victoria.

guildedsecret. said...

the trouble with blogging is the immense pressure to maintain creativity... sometimes you just want to sit back and enjoy the beauty of the world through other people's eyes, but on the other hand you feel conflicted because you're not "contributing" to the greater blogging process. i really appreciated you posting such a personal email on your blog. i feel that you're a really genuine individual and i truly enjoy reading your words.

hope everything is alright :) in regards to your lovely romper - chocolate brown is just radiant on you!

xo.
princesspolitico.blogspot.com

Jen said...

I love Sarah's comment - "I think when you're a creative person, finding an outlet is never a problem. It's just deciding which one to use" - I have about 10 projects on the go and constantly feel stretched and stressed.

Hope you find out a way to keep writing your blog that offers more balance. If I find one myself, I'll let you know! xx

miss twinkletoes said...

Its so funny that this is your post, because I have been feeling the same lately. It takes a lot out of you to keep these pages up, and sometimes you lose site of why you started it in the begining. And when you get burnt out, it seems like moving a mountain to put out a good post.

Anyway, I'm rambling, but you do an amzing job with your site and I really enjoy reading it! But do what you need to do!

www.twinkletoes-golddangles.blogspot.com

E said...

Wow, isn't it so fulfilling when you talk to someone who feels the same way you do? I love change, and often. It keeps things interesting. I always ask myself if I will regret not doing something when I'm old and unable to do the things that I want to do.

Shea Lennon said...

First of all, I love the look and I agree, very Pretty Woman.

Secondly, I just want to tell you what an inspiration you are. I don't just mean when it comes to fashion (although of course you're quite inspiring in that department). I really admire the way you put your whole self into your blog. I mean, you don't just give us (readers) a glimpse into your wardrobe, you give us a glimpse into your life as well. I just want to say thank you for that.

What we four say said...

You should do whatever makes you happy. But just so you know, you are a welcome addition to the blogging world. I love your positivity and inner beauty. You are also a kick ass fashionista. I often think about the amount of time I spend reading other blogs and how it has affected my personal style and sometimes I think I had better style without all the outside influences and trends being thrown out. Now that I am in my 30's I feel that I want to tone down my "craziness" and dress more appropriate. I know that this is not necessary and I should dress however I want but sometimes I think I dress too young. Is there such thing as a 30's style life crisis. HA! Anyway, I love your blog and I hope you just do whatever it is in life that gives you the most joy! xoxox

What we four say said...

"I think when you're a creative person, finding an outlet is never a problem. It's just deciding which one to use!"

I completely can relate to this quote, this has been a ongoing problem for me lately. For me specifically it's deciding which type of handmade craft I want to sell on Etsy (purses, jewelry, feather accessories??). I'm really struggling with trying to decide what to focus on besides my vintage store, that is.

MeganHowell said...

girllllllll. i feel you.

Corie said...

Whatever you decide to get in to I'm sure it will work out wonderfully for you. Take your time until you know what it is you surely want to do.

I love the dress! It's so cute Christina!

Eyeliah said...

It can be so hard to keep up with everyone and I worry about offending people you know? trust that your thoughts here I totally know where you are coming from, decisions decisions.

Diana said...

That dress is gorgeous!

I was dealing with a similar struggle with blogging and blog reading lately. I realized that I was trying to stretch myself so thin trying to read over a hundred blogs, that I was never really interacting with any other bloggers at all. I cut back massively on my Google Reader and eased up my posting schedule, and now I have more time to really participate in the community that I love. But everyone has their own unique circumstances, so do what's right for you :)

Diana said...

That dress is gorgeous!

I was dealing with a similar struggle with blogging and blog reading lately. I realized that I was trying to stretch myself so thin trying to read over a hundred blogs, that I was never really interacting with any other bloggers at all. I cut back massively on my Google Reader and eased up my posting schedule, and now I have more time to really participate in the community that I love. But everyone has their own unique circumstances, so do what's right for you :)

Bri said...

Well, I certainly hope you don't stop, I always love seeing what you're wearing and hearing where your thoughts are at! Always so interesting!

Jessica said...

I love the mix of prints with the belt. I didn't think about it until you mentioned it, but it is SO Pretty Woman. And I always drool over her outfit in that scene.

I hope you decided to keep some sort of internet presence, because you would be dearly missed! You're one of the few bloggers who gets outside of the fashion aspect of things and really talks about herself, and therefore, one of the few bloggers I feel like I truly know a lot about. So, I always enjoy that aspect of your blog and reading your blog because it always seems so real and down to earth. That being said, you should do whatever makes you happiest. But you already knew that - you're a smart gal.

Morgan and Lua said...

Blogging can certainly be time consuming. I just started my own this past week and I already feel like I'm getting "sucked in". So far I'm enjoying it. I hope I'm not eating my words soon though. I think if my schedule stays the way it is now I will get burnt out quick.
There's alot of maintaining and thinking and planning that goes into blogging and if you aren't doing it full time it can creep into other aspects of your life. I can't imagine how stressful it is to be a mother and a wife, with a full time blog and a full time job. Sounds exhausting.
The encouraging thing is that people really like your "space" on the internet. I certainly do. I think you offer alot more than, hey these are my clothes, see ya. And that's why people are here. That's also why I think your readers would understand if you decided to take some time off, or become an every other day type of poster. If you tried every other day, or something like that, and then realized you were missing it you could always come back full time. This is your space. And you can handle it anyway you want.
The only way you can be the best here, is to make sure that you're the best with yourself and your life is balanced. I hope this helped. Don't over think it too much. Just do what feels right. If stepping back feels right now, then you should indulge yourself. You work hard here. Everyone needs a break sometimes.
I hope you find some balance with all this soon!

www.morganandlua.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Dearest Christina,
REAL life stuff is always more "connected" than anything, but you help so many with your words as well as fashion on your blog. Your kindness sends a group healing hug to all of us, no matter what we're struggling with. I believe energy is sent to people, no matter what form is chosen. May I suggest listening to Wayne Dyer's " The Power of Intention" and you'll see what I mean! Good vibes to you and take it from me, life is soo short and fortune favors the brave!
Reva

Maz said...

I tagged you for a blog award! Check it out! Thanks for being awesome!

goldleafashley.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I felt in love with your dress from the first sight. you look so beautiful in it.

Annebeth said...

I think you don't have to feel guilty for not being able to give everyone a bit of quality time. This is just what happens when your blog becomes popular! I can totally connect with feeling like you'd love to keep it a bit smallscale so you can really interact with every poster, but at the same time popularity is nice, and it makes you feel like you make a difference, as if the things you write and photograph might inspire some people!
my advice to you would be to maybe slow down on the posting and just letting go that feeling of responsibility, or being forced to write everyone back. I wouldn't quit though, you've got such a sweet thing going! :D

Anonymous said...

I need to read the letter exchange when I've got more time.

For now, I just wanted to say how much I absolutely adore that polka dot dress. And with the stripes too. How fun!

Desiree said...

Clearly, I met you through your blog and truly hope that I will continue to get to know you this way. That being said, I know the correct path will make itself known. It is very frustrating to be pulled in too many directions and to feel like you're not giving your all to any of them. Do what you love and do it with your whole heart. I know you already know this, but it is just so true.

I love that you introduce these sorts of questions. They always provide so much insight.

Nishant said...

...I wish you the best...and PLEASE don't completely shut down the blog whatever you do!!
home based data entry

sandyb said...

Christina, wow, your candid nature on this blog never ceases to impress or amaze me. Why? Because being open is a tough thing to do in the "real world", never mind throwing the Internet in there and revealing your thoughts to, literally, virtual strangers. But it's not about that, is it? It's about connecting - period.

I can't tell you how refreshing it was to read your convo with Sarah. I mean, I've thought about shutting down my blog SO many times! But then I think about how every creative person needs an outlet - a musician needs an audience, an artist needs a canvas, an actor needs a stage.. and writers (bloggers) needs a space, too - and this is ours.. a blog.

Thank you ladies, both of you.

Marie McGrath (The Joy of Fashion) said...

This polka dot dress looks so cute on u! love it!

www.thejoyoffashion.blogspot.com

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