Why Do I Blog?

Christine asked why I blog and, always eager to talk about my favorite past time, here's what I came up with:

I blog for creativity. Why do scrapbooks or quilts when you can publish your deepest thoughts, feelings and desires for the entire world to judge and critique?

I blog for record. How else will my grandchildren know about the time Andrew nearly burnt the house down while trying to "smoke out" the hamster from our family room wall? Or Spencer eating the Easter egg dye tablets? Full story here if you missed that vintage Scribbit gem.

I blog to see if I can do something well. Doesn't everyone want to feel as if they do something well? I just know there's a Joan Didion hiding inside this middle-aged housewife's body . . . somewhere . . . maybe. . . down real deep . . .

I blog so my husband will think I'm cool. He's a tech-junkie who is impressed by anyone knowing javascript. His idea of the perfect wife runs something like: "Oh Andrew I'm so glad you're home! The cake is nearly out of the oven, I haven't had time to frost it yet because I've been busy coding, but let me slip into something more comfortable and I'll give you a back rub." Now if I'd only train for a marathon he'd think I was perfect.

I blog so people will send me cool stuff to review. Is there anything to make you feel fabulous like someone sending you a box of free stuff, then asking your opinion on the matter? This is my dream job I tell you.

I blog to pretend I'm talking to another adult. When I found myself talking back to Steve on Blue's Clues I knew it was time for more adult interaction.

I blog to promote the lost art of Homemaking. Say what you want about Martha Stewart, one thing I'll credit her with is making homemaking stylish again. Creating an environment where people enjoy being (i.e. your home) while raising good and decent children who are contributing members of society is a skill that shapes our society as a whole and our lives as individuals.

I blog to talk about the things I like. Selfish I know, but with a blog I have a neat, tidy platform for discussing anything and everything I like--including but not limited to: mushrooms, Audrey Hepburn, new shoes, Jane Austen, salads, orchids, knitting, Sting, crosswords and great mystery stories.

I blog for vengeance. For years I've written short stories and occasionally I'd get up enough courage to send one to a magazine. Of course, being an idiot, I'd often pick the biggest, baddest magazine out there and send them a story cold and then wonder why they returned a rejection letter. After a half-dozen such letters my ego was damaged enough I swore I'd never send out another story again. Ever. But with a blog I get a chance to publish whatever I want. I--I am the editor and now I HAVE THE POWER. Muaha ha ha ha! [Maniacal laughter].

Yea, I know, they're really regretting all those letters now. Take that you editors you.

Karen at Miscellaneous Adventures of an Aussie Mum asked me a similar question this week and I was much more serious--if you care to read more of my answers on blogging.

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