Monday, May 08, 2006

As A Way Of Explaining This Blah Blah Brown

If I ever had any aspirations of writing, the blog world has killed them. I read so many beautiful essays online. I despair that I don't have the wit or talent or time to do the same. That's when I realized I don't need a writing career. I already have a career.

I try to make the most of my limited computer time. I call what I post "sharing" instead of "writing." It takes the sting of perfectionism out of what I consider a fun hobby. (Remember, I don't knit or scrapbook!) That's why Like Merchant Ships is still clothed in basic Blogger brown. That's why I refuse a site referrer or meter. Once I start investing time and money on the details, I'm sunk. I know myself too well.

Thanks to Queen of Carrots for her well-said reminder. And congratulations to Kim C., whose own laidback style of sharing (with 7 kids and one on the way!) was recently rewarded with Large Mammal Status at TTLB ecosystem.

11 comments:

Diane said...

I appreciate your "sharing" so much - don't think that because you don't have time to hone the perfectly crafted essay that your posts have no value! I've learned more about being a good, thrifty steward in a couple of months of reading your blog than in most of the rest of my life. Thanks so much for being open and sharing your methods.
diane

Kayla said...

After my post recently, that is humbling to me. Thank you Meredith!

Anonymous said...

I love your posts just the way they are. Please don't compare...they're incomparable!

Anonymous said...

What I love about your blog (and your basic Blogger brown) is that it is so easy to read and conversational...so "simple" but filled with insightful observations and wonderful frugal tips and ideas! Also, just wanted to pass on my 'deal of the day' and knew you would appreciate it. I picked up the Emilie Barnes book, "Home Warming" today at our local thrift store.... for 25 cents! I saw it the other day in a gift store for $16.95 and thought I'd like to have it some day. Just a few short days later and there it is! Highlight of my day, to say the least!!! :)

Anonymous said...

Meredith, whatever you have, it works. Your style is just right and YOUR writer's voice is immediate and practical and lady-like. and I love the brown, it looks like Civil War era cottons. But we all compare, don't we!!
Debbie

Roberta said...

I like the classic chocolate and parchment background.
It was my choice as well, tried white for a few days but quickly returned to the cozy brown familiarity...I am a creature of habit. :)
I appreciate your frugal tips and ideas.

sunny said...

I've got to say, I've been enjoying your blog for a while now and have never even thought of it as "blah" - the content or the formatting. I like what you're doing, straight to the point, not frilly. Thank you for keeping it the way it is!

Meredith said...

Well, thanks, guys!
I am still on dial-up so I try to be sensitive to the number of extras loading on each page. No ads, blinkies, etc.

If anyone has trouble loading the photos, please let me know, though. I decrease the resolution so things will appear more quickly.

Mom2fur said...

Sweetie, I am a writer by profession (although not one that makes much money at it, LOL!) and I can tell you...you CAN write! I love reading your blog. It comes from your heart and that so much nicer to read than some of the ones that are nothing but rants and raves and negative stories. Your grammar is correct and you can spell--and believe me, in the writing business editors just love people who can spell, LOL! So keep your blog going. I look forward to reading each entry!

Kim C. said...

I really enjoy your blog too, and you underrate yourself. I've seen some "well crafted essays" here - the sort that look like they were drafted, edited, rewritten, polished, and posted with love.
Just keep doing what you can when you can. We learn from you, whether you write or just "share."

Anonymous said...

I love your blog. I'm on dial-up, too (after a move to the country made our former DSL impossible for now). Sure do miss DSL!

I think you write a lot like my favorite nonfiction authors. They have a conversational style that makes you feel you are across the table at Starbucks talking to them (or perhaps at a tea room if we're really fortunate).