Upon the suggestion of a blogger friend, I decided to join the Zero to Hero challenge. You know why? Timethief is my blogging shifu (teacher/master, in case you don’t know what that means) and what she says, I do. I jest, but seriously, she is absolutely right. I think it’s a good idea, very good idea actually, for everyone to join, especially new bloggers. You might learn a thing or two about blogging basics you didn’t know before. Clueless bloggers like yours truly should benefit from the exercise, too.
I’m already 5 days late, so I have to catch up quickly. Luckily, most of the first 5 assignments involve either tasks I’ve already done or creating parts of a blog that are pretty much already in place here at The Novice Gardener. Oh yeah, about that name, The Novice Gardener. I may have to revisit it one of these days. Not too sure it still fits. What do you think if I change it to “The Novice Gardener, Or Not”? You think anyone would want to read it?
If you read my about page, you would know why I picked the name. But over time, this blog seems to be taking a direction of its own. Have you ever felt that way about something? Or your life? It feels like things are happening beyond your control, and you’re just in it for the ride. That’s how I feel sometimes about this blog. It’s become a beast! It is consuming a good deal of my life and time, all unplanned.
Truth be told, I’ve been enjoying the ride, but I’m also anxious about where all this leads to. And I have a hard time sticking to a theme. What’s this blog about? Gardening or cooking or storytelling or ranting? Or all in one? What do you call that kind of blog? A diary?
Anyway, just want to let you know I’m joining the blogging challenge. Partly because of timethief’s suggestion, and partly because I seem to experience a case of the blahs lately. You know how I know that? Hubby bought a box of donut munchkins and Red Velvet Latte to start my morning yesterday, and I just said,”Oh, thanks.” Not,”Wow, honey, thanks!” Now that’s just not me.
I’ve cooked a bit, written more, photographed a lot, but haven’t been able to bring myself to find time to edit and publish. Of course, the movie marathon hubby and I have been doing and the premiere of Downton Abbey 4 (A bit of a dud. Hopefully it’ll pick up.) don’t help. Maybe the challenge will motivate me. We’ll see.
Shanna Koenigsdorf Ward said:
Hi, Angie. I do like your blog’s name. And your mantra: (gardening, cooking, storytelling). It suits you perfectly and sets you apart from the rest. I hope that you enjoy blogging as much as I enjoy reading your posts. Warmest wishes, Shanna
The Novice Gardener said:
I do enjoy it, Shanna! Especially when I get to meet sweet blogger friends like you. It’s what’s so fun about blogging. It’d be hard to quit. Just need to find the right balance, and the right amount of time dedicated to blogging without forgetting other important aspects of life. Thanks, hon, for your encouragement. XOXO
Shanna Koenigsdorf Ward said:
You are completely right about enjoying blogging, but remembering to keep a good balance. I am sure that your family doesn’t want to miss you too much – or your good friends, either. I guess we learn as we go. Keep up the blogging – and continue to remember the most important aspects in life, too. Best wishes, Shanna xx
Petit World Citizen said:
First I’ve heard of this challenge. Will try to check it out. Thx and good luck Angie!
The Novice Gardener said:
I hope you’ll join, Martine! XOXO
Gather and Graze said:
So reassuring to read that everyone seems to have their ups and downs in this blogging world. Angie, I love the fact that you’re looking for ways to refresh and reinvigorate yourself (and your blog) – to find that happy place to continue writing and doing all that you do with your wonderful blog!
The Novice Gardener said:
Thanks, Margot! Love those words you used, refresh and reinvigorate, putting a positive spin on this slight funk I’m in. I guess everybody has those ups and downs. I shouldn’t fret too much. I’ll find that happy place, eventually! I’m sure of it! Positive! Just keep swimming, just keep swimming… 🙂
tableofcolors said:
I really like your blog name and I think blogging is all about exploring and growing as a person and it should grow with you. If you feel that you have outgrown your name you can play around with other options…but what ain’t broke don’t fix 😉 Happy New Year full of inspiration!
The Novice Gardener said:
I’ll take your advice. It ain’t broke, at least not at the moment. Thanks, Laila! XOXO
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katjashu said:
Thank you for the idea! I’m gonna try to practice it too! I need some blogging routine in my life :^)