Friday, May 21

Some thoughts

Hello everyone.
I wanted to share a few thoughts with you today. I’m still fairly new to blogging but something that’s really hit home for me recently is how blogging is largely about community. All the conversations we’ve shared here have had a really positive effect on my life. From chatting to you and reading your blogs, I have learnt so much about a range of topics from baking and photography to fashion and life issues. I didn’t really know what I was going to write about when I started this blog. Like many bloggers, I’d see things either online or out and about and wanted to celebrate them by means of a post. I’m not an expert on any particular topic but I love to learn new things and write about what I discover along the way. I’m still trying to find my ‘blogging voice’ as it were and to establish the ‘type’ of blog that Glossary is. I started to realize that it’s essentially an online scrapbook. It’s not a fashion blog per se. It’s really a place for me to chat about the people, places and things that inspire me. I’ve found I’m writing more and more about fashiony things these days because it’s something I’ve developed an interest in over the past two years. I’ve always had a passion for journalism and Glossary also gives me the opportunity to write in a way that wouldn’t necessarily be suited to a magazine. I don’t want this blog to feel like a brand, I want it to feel like a cosy corner where we can chat about happy things. The truth is, I’ve struggled with clothes and self-esteem issues for many years and I still do. I hid behind long hair and tee shirts because I didn’t feel worthy of wearing a nice dress. Now, I know that’s bullocks! Everyone deserves to enjoy fashion regardless of his or her shape or size. I do feel a bit silly posting pictures of myself here but it’s a good exercise in self-esteem, I reckon! During my year in London, I realized that, hey, a simple thing like a pretty dress can make you feel happy and confidant which is wonderful. Fashion has this stigma of being superficial and judgemental and certain elements of the industry are, but clothes can also have a positive effect on a woman’s self esteem which can only be a good thing. I feel like this is a fun, safe place to chat about silly things like what to wear on the plane or where to buy some ballet pumps. Just, regular girly stuff! I’ve always had a passion for art and music but I’m starting to appreciate that fashion is an art form as well. The stitching, the fabrics, it can transport you to a wonderful world of make believe! I don’t slavishly follow trends and my close friends will attest to this. I’m just an ordinary girl who loves to watch a nice film, eat some chocolate and wear a pretty dress from time to time. Something I’ve also considered is how much to reveal about my life online. I know that, for now, I’m not comfortable using Glossary as an online diary or window into all the areas of my life. So what you read is an extremely edited version of my life and of course, most people understand this. Sometimes I wander if I give the impression that my life is just trips to the mall and cupcakes in the kitchen! Obviously, it’s not. I have ups and downs in all areas of my life just like anyone else. I just choose not to write about them here because it’s personal and it’s a process. I appreciate that some people prefer to reveal more and work through their stuff online and that’s fine, we just all have different comfort areas when it comes to sharing. I do, however, love taking pictures of a book I’ve enjoyed or a cute pair of shoes and I’m going to continue ‘scrapbooking’ the simple things that bring a little joy to my life. You are always welcome to pop in for a browse and a chat. I’m deeply grateful for your visits and messages of support. They are the most wonderful boost and they fuel my creativity. I also thank you for all the tips and info you share with me.

Well, those were just thoughts I wanted to share. I hope you have a lovely Friday evening and a relaxing weekend. x

17 comments:

Renee said...

what a lovely post.

"I don’t want this blog to feel like a brand, I want it to feel like a cosy corner where we can chat about happy things."

i love this! it seems like a lot of blogs nowadays are started just so they can "make money" or Just so they can get a large following. To write simply because you love to write is admirable.

i started up my blog because my hubby and i move a lot and its hard to find people who are interested in the same things i'm interested in--i love having a blogging community where i can talk about "girl things" no matter where i live =)

Chelsea Nicole. said...

I agree with all of this. My blog is just a bunch of things that make me happy, inspire me, and my daily aesthetic. It's a little of everything. I don't take it so seriously, it's just a fun hobby for me...and if people like it, amazing! I love your blog, keep up the good work missy.

xxoo

Lilacandgrey said...

What a sweet post! I too have learned so much thought this whole "blogging thing." It has made me a better person because I am able to express all of the things that make me happy and what I dream about daily. I love your blog, I read it everyday :)

PinkBow said...

this is a great post lauren & pretty much sums up my attitude to my own blog too. i think the most important thing to having a blog & the thing i respect the most, is those people who blog for the love & not about it being a popularity contest.

Miss Molly said...

such a great post hun, you have really hit the nail on the head when it comes to blogging.. everything you say is so true :)
your blog is SO close to my heart!
xoxo
PS your an incredible writer

Lauren Setterberg said...

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kind words everyone. x

Genevieve said...

I've only recently joined the blogging community and started following blogs, yours is always one of the first i check every morning. Beautiful images, heart felt words and lots of interesting stuff! hugs x

Sharni said...

Hey Lauren, this was a really nice article to read. You are the only blogger I know that calls their blog an "online scrapbook" and that just makes me like it more. I love all your posts and can relate to so much of it. I totally get what you mean about how much to share too (or not to share..) and about blogging about the good stuff (vs not so good and/or real stuff). You are seriously amazing and thankYOU for the comments on my blog and just for blogging in your own style. xo Sharni

Kat said...

I totally agree with so many things you've written here, especially the piece about fashion building your self esteem- for me it actually helped me get over an eating disorder (crazy right?) it's annoying when people see it as superficial, its just another art form like you said.

I'm also really looking forward to getting more into the blogging community as time goes by and having more blog-friends to share things with! :)

x

Unknown said...

This is all so true. I just love the community aspect, and all the nice people I've met through blogging - it's jsut been amazing, I love having a blog!

However I also remind myself when I read a beautiful blog about someone's amazing sounding life that they still have to take the bins out in the morning, and clean the bathroom!

Lauren Setterberg said...

Kat, thank you for sharing. That's wonderful that fashion gave you the boost you needed. Sweet Harriet, that's so true. We all gotta take out the bins! Haha. My life is so far from perfect but it's nice to focus on the simple, happy things with you all here:)

coelho said...

shew that post bought a little tear to my eye, so personal, i love your blog, i think you are a real talent, you take great pics, write really well & have a great "graphic" eye - the layout of your blog is lovely- enjoy your perspective on things x

Miss Emma Jude said...

Even though you may feel like you aren't completely ready to show more of the deeper stuff that is you, in such a public space, that post is revealing and in the best and most positive ways.

I love your blog!!

xx

Retro Chick said...

What a lovely post!

I felt so silly when I first started doing outfit posts, and I still do sometimes. But I think it's all about the coversation and it's nice to get feedback and share opinions.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful post.
Thanks for sharing your feelings so openly & honestly. It's so encouraging to hear you share your few weaknesses & concerns as we all have them.
I love that it is about celebrating the happy things in your life. Yes it is like a good girly chat online. My blog has come to a frozen stand still. Being a visual person I'd like to include images but I do not have my own internet at the mo & cannot upload at work. Hence my inspiration for "The little things that make a GREAT LIFE" is on pause.
I keep reading your beautiful, girly & creative blog ;)

Lauren Setterberg said...

Tanya, thank you so much for your lovely words. Feedback like that means such a great deal. I look forward to reading more of your blog when you can plug in again:) x

Anonymous said...

What a great post hun!It put a bit of perspective for me, I've been having trouble defining what my blog is about because I have this notion that it has to stand for something and be focused on one thing (there's that branding creeping in) but for me the are two things I'm highly passionate about, it's fashion and philanthropy/service to others and I've been having a hard time thinking how can I combine that in a way that does not confuse my readers, can I even do that in one blog..anyway now I'm started to blabber on...ta!