Friday, August 3, 2012

I Never Knew

Photos: Taylor Love Studios // Necklace: c/o Lisa Leonard // Bracelet: c/o Payton Woodcraft

I hear it from every single blogger.

"I never knew."

Blogging seems to be a love/hate relationship.
Some days, the posts just flow through your fingertips (like this post, this post and this post).
Other days, I have no idea what to write,
so I end up writing about my nail polish matching the color of my skinnies.
Very exciting, I know.

Lately, I've been reflecting on Aunie Sauce as a blog, and me as a person.
Some very clear ideas and thoughts have come to mind.
And they all start with "I never knew."

I believe I'm constantly in a state of learning when it comes to blogging,
heck, when it comes to living life.
So in case you want to know, here are some things that I never knew.

Last November, when I began Aunie Sauce, I never knew...
  • How many friends I would meet! I feel like I have better relationships with some of my blogging friends than people I know in real life.
  • That 100+ emails could come in during one day.
  • Than answering said 100+ emails, commenting through social media, putting out blog posts and working at my real job 8+ hours a day just isn't possible. Oh, and don't forget the gym, spending time with Daniel, and actually doing something for myself once in a while. And I'm not even on Pinterest. Not. Going. To. Happen.
  • That 1,000 amazing people would actually ever click that little blue "Join This Site" button. It happened. Yesterday. Whoa.
  • That anyone would even care about how many people follow anyone. Honestly? I know that 1,000 people don't come to my blog each day. So why does that little number even matter?
  • That blogging could be profitable. Granted, mine isn't yet, but maybe someday.
  • That blogging takes a lot of time. Taking photos, writing posts, organizing the details. I am not one of those people that can just bust out a post in 10 minutes. I have to think about them. And they usually end up being a little longer because I'm just so into it.
  • That businesses like to send bloggers free stuff. Definite bonus. And thank you current (and future) businesses for your consideration ♥
  • That blogging is a lot like high school. Cliques. Gossip. Bullying. That's all really intimidating to me so I try to stay out of it.
  • That some of the bloggers who are really popular are not the best bloggers. I love reading blogs written from the heart. If there's no heart in a post, I'm out of there.
  • That there can be such a thing as too many giveaways. I try to have my one big one a month, and then little ones as they come from individual feature sponsors. But more than that? No thank you. It's a hassle for me and I know that readers want posts. Feelings. Sincerity. Honestly? If you're just coming here for the free stuff... well, then good for you, I guess. But if you're here to read about me, I love you even more.
  • That people get really serious about blog hops, link-ups, and big blog collaborations/giveaways/shopping events/mega-group skype sessions. I'm all for attending a conference (if any would come close to me), but the big online things just don't appeal to me all that much. I don't love hosting blog hops or big-group link-ups. It's not what I'm about. I always feel bad when I have to write an email back apologizing that it's just not something I'm into... but it's true. I like writing my posts. For me. I hope that doesn't come off as snobby. While I don't mind putting a link-up on my blog once a week(ahem... today), I don't make people post my button, follow anyone, or abide by any rules. It's just a way to get some more exposure for your blog, and I'm happy to host that. 
  • That reading every single post from blogs that I follow every day is impossible. That commenting on every post that I do read is impossible. That replying to every single comment is impossible. But I tell you what, I try my darnedest. 
  • That I would be so passionate about blogging that I could write really long, ranting posts about it!
I think the most important thing, though, is that I never knew what Aunie Sauce could be.
I went through THREE blogs (one, two, three) before I created Aunie Sauce.
And it has since gone in an entirely DIFFERENT direction than I ever thought it would go.
When I started it, I was going to post 7 days a week.
Each post would have a simple photo and maybe 1 or 2 sentences.
It was just going to be like a little daily photo journal.
The idea of paying anyone to advertise or me myself being paid— ridiculous!
I never even knew people did anything like that.
And that was just this last November.

I've learned that sometimes finding an image comes as you go.
I never in a million years thought I'd take photos of what I wear.
Now, that's what people like the best... and it is beginning to get easier to make those awkward poses seem OK.
I also struggled with a color scheme, design, layout, etc. for so long.
I finally had a nice long email session with a graphic designer/blogger who was a good friend and she really helped me find my niche when it came to the design, feel, and image I wanted.

But I think what I've learned that I've kept closest to my heart is the reason why I began blogging in the first place,
I blog for me.
I began each of my blogs with the purpose of creating something for myself.
An outlet to vent, a place to share my nail art, a project to help my hair (and the community).
And Aunie Sauce is no different.
Everyone needs some outlet in their lives to relieve stress,
express themselves,
call their own.
This is mine.

My little journal.
My little blog-that-seems-like-a-reality-show.
My place to post my thoughts and feelings about my life.
I love it.

I never knew that blogging could help make me a better person.
More compassionate.
A woman of faith.
And passionate about sharing my saucy love with the world.
It makes me so excited for what else I will find along this journey...
and everything else that I don't yet know.

Aunie Sauce

Link up and meet some Saucy Ladies!! 
(Note: you DO NOT have to be a part of "Just Because Fridays" to link up... link up "just because!")

42 comments:

Lena B, Actually said...

Love this post! Similar thoughts have been going through my mind lately... the title says it all!
Happy to have your blog and to be one of the 1000 that hit that blue button! ;)

Unknown said...

Love this post - very well said.

Unknown said...

I love this post :) I didn't know most of these things either. I do know that blogging is one of the best decisions I've ever made though!

Thanks for hosting Annelise :)

xoxo,
Joelle

Anonymous said...

Hi Aunie - I have never commented before, but I do feel funny following peoples' blogs and not ever letting them know :) I just wanted to say hello and encourage you to keep up the good work. You seem like an incredible person and I wish you luck and happiness in all your endeavors. Have a wonderful day!

Elisha said...

This is grand. (: I feel as though I have some better blog friends too!

Jay said...

Really great post! I think everyone enters into blogging a bit blind - uncertain as to what might happen and how it all works. I can't believe the blog friendships I've made and how comforting it has been while living overseas!

Kendra // The Darling Blog said...

I absolutely love this post and all of it is so, so true. I'm a serial blog creator too. I've "owned" more blogs than I have bras!

- Kendra
thedarlingblog.com

Danielle said...

I loved this post today Aunie! It always seems like what's on my mind or what I'm thinking about posting is the next topic you post on. Kind of like we're connected in some way :)

Anyways, I completely agree with everything you said above. When I first started blogging I had absolutely NO idea what I was getting myself into. The passion I have for it and the time commitment being the two that shocked me the most. I fell in love with blogging and all of the fabulous ladies who I read each day (Yes you!!). Aunie you inspire me to be a better person and a better blogger. To speak from my heart and focus on what's important rather than get caught up in the hoopla. I love you for that!

Mindy @ New Equus - A New Creation said...

Just found your blog Aunie and I LOVE IT! it is so cute and so fresh! Totally going to be stopping by and visiting LOTS! :)

Shelby said...

I. Love. This. Post.

Although I still feel like I have no idea what I'm doing, I know I've come a long way from when I started last year. And most importantly, I blog for me.

Have a wonderful weekend, Aunie:)
Shelby xoxo

Emily @ Anna Delores said...

Totally digging this post, Aunie. Agreed on all fronts, but ESPECIALLY regarding how much time it takes to produce a blog that you can be proud of! I used to just kinda toss up photos but then I realized I wanted to take a little more pride in the overall appearance than that. It's also kind of hilarious how it's possible to feel closer to blogger friends than it is *real* people in your life! So bizarre. Hope you have a great weekend!

Unknown said...

This is good. Sometimes I forget that I'm blogging for me and get wrapped up in that little number on the side! I don't need that right?! Nope! :) Thanks for the reminder!!

Amanda said...

I so agree with almost everything you said! Blogging became something I didn't know it could be! And I love it! And I love that you blog for you. That makes me happy. You're awesome, lady - I hope you know that.:)

Priya said...

Hey Aunie! I enjoyed reading your thoughts, as usual. I feel like you (somewhat, although not quite on your level) because I just started blogging and have learned a TON, also I'm really enjoying it. Like you said, I've found my blog to be a little journal, but where I can link up or show anything and I love that. Also love meeting new people who are a lot like me. I can't imagine how many people you talk to/are in contact with, but I think it's amazing that you manage to genuinely contact so many! That's awesome. So is your blog. Keep up the good work :)

perfectly priya

Niken said...

that's so true!
sometimes it's just blank. i don't know what to write

Alesha said...

I totally agree with this post. It makes me sad to see some of my one-time favorite bloggers start substituting giveaways and sponsorship posts for true content. I love how full of "you" your blog has stayed and that's my goal with mine too. <3
Alesha <3

Breenah said...

Love this post. It's SO true.

Unknown said...

Love this post! I'm just beginning to learn a lot of this stuff. And I think the most important thing that I always want to remember is to blog for me. :)

Baylee said...

that's why I love your blog! It's just you!!! There is no other blog like it. I love it. I'm just starting to find my way I guess.. with blogging. I've noticed the more you really just be you the more you get more meaningful comments and followers. It's been cool. Lately I've felt so connected to your blog! Keep doin' you! It's workin.
Also, I love just because fridays.

Maria-Isabel @ Agape Love Designs said...

wow, really great post. Ive been thinking a lot of similar thoughts lately. :) Im kind of a new-ish follower of yours and have not commented before. But you are adorable and had a really great blog. ♥

Much Love & Hugs,
Maria-Isabel
www.agapelovedesigns.com

Gina said...

I loved reading this post and seeing how aunie sauce came about! I love how blogging is an outlet for yourself and a chance to be you. I hope you have an awesome weekend!

xo, gina

Rachel said...

Love this. And I love your comparison of your blog to a reality show--that's a interesting perspective to take, and probably an accurate one!
I still feel like I don't really know exactly what direction my blog will take, as I'm still getting my feet wet--but I know that, like you, I like being the one to write on my own blog, rather than letting others dictate the content, most of the time.

Anonymous said...

Aunie, I'm so glad that you write AS you - that's why people love you! And that's why we keep reading. I'm loving getting to "know" you and see the journey that you're on. Thanks for sharing your life!

Chelsea said...

See, this is why I'm a new fan of your blog! I love when people write for themselves. It's just so REAL. Sometimes I feel like there isn't enough of that in the world.

Bravo to you, pretty girl! Keep doing with you're doing!

--Chelsea
Http://adventurewithmelanoma.blogspot.com

Meghan said...

Oh I have so much to say about this you'd probably get sick of me by the end!

First off, I freakin love you girl! You're one of my all time favorite bloggers! :)

Okay anyways, I love everything you've said in this post. I started my blog thinking that I was gonna have tons of followers, looking up to our "blog celebs", and once I started blogging I realized, Wow. People care about what I have to say?

I'm taking a step back from everything. I'm still gonna blog, still do sponsors, but I am going to tone it down a bit. I LOVE what blogging has brought me, but I'm afraid I'm going to get caught up in the numbers and the pride of it, and lose my love for blogging for me.

Oh geez, I have so much more to say but I'm going to make myself stop here! Enjoy your weekend girl!

xoxo

Sierra @ Sierra's View said...

"That some of the bloggers who are really popular are not the best bloggers. I love reading blogs written from the heart. If there's no heart in a post, I'm out of there."

I am a very picky blog reader--There are so many people I don't follow because they have no substance. I ilk epeople with personality. Blog with depth or humor or something ya know? So you're welcome that I'm still around ;) hahahah xx

Sierra @ Sierra's View said...

"That some of the bloggers who are really popular are not the best bloggers. I love reading blogs written from the heart. If there's no heart in a post, I'm out of there."

I am a very picky blog reader--There are so many people I don't follow because they have no substance. I ilk epeople with personality. Blog with depth or humor or something ya know? So you're welcome that I'm still around ;) hahahah xx

Lyndsay Dennis said...

That last part was exactly what you sent to me in one of our emails back and forth. If I inspired this post in any way, I am honored. :)

Hima said...

I loved this post, and I think it was important that I read it, because I'm coming to some of the same realizations. There is NO way I'll be able to manage school, basketball, the school newspaper, piano, and daily workouts with blogging at the pace I've been doing it during the school year, so I really just don't know what to do.
I guess I'm at a crossroads, huh? Any advice on what to do? Scale back, try to push on, or just stop completely? I don't think I want to stop, because I love it so much, but maybe it would be good. I don't know, what do you think?
Thanks for writing about this, it really made me think!
<3Hima
My Musings

Lisa @ MMT said...

And this is why I love reading your blog! You are so real and genuine to who you are. You write straight from the heart and are never afraid to be truthful.

I never knew a lot of these things either! What a crazy community blogging can be, but yet so much fun! Truly has changed me in so many ways.

Congrats on hitting 1000! May your blog continue to grow!!

Kristen Victoria said...

Really really love and appreciate this post! It's all so true. Blogging brings a new lesson every day for me and I feel like it makes me a better person. It takes up so much time but I don't think I'll ever give it up!! I'm too involved now. I'm also not into the extreme social media outside of blog/facebook/twitter... it gets to be a little much. I like staying unplugged for a while! I'm definitely looking forward to my first conference! Eek! I'll shoot for BlogHer 2013... wanna be roomies? :D

Anna said...

so many realizations! I love that you made the blog = high school connection, it's a real thing.
And hey, if there were a blogger conference here in Idaho, I would SO be there. :)

Emily said...

Aunie - thank you for this post! Blogging is such a tough and inspiring thing. I battle with the love/hate daily. I never knew how long it would take to pull together post ... When I go back to my first few posts I always wonder why I never blog like that anymore. My voice is the same - but it seems like my focus has changed. I want to pour my heart into every post - not only for me readers but for me. Even if that post isn't what they want - this is my space.

OH and I love the no rule link up. Post my button - ya know - If you wanna. Most likely I will wanna.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad that you have no intentions of pinning anything on bloody pinterest! Me neither! X

A Life Un-Styled said...

Hi Aunie, I'm sponsoring over at RDD and thought I'd pop by and say hi. I'm so glad I did. I couldn't agree more with what you said about link ups and blog hops and how serious some bloggers get about it. I've participated in a few because I want to, or it's a close blogger friend who is hosting them. Some of my favorite blogs have now been taken over by sponsor posts and linkups and lost the essence of what they once were. I love my little blog because it's definitely my space and one that I love and have a nice little community and connection with xoxox

Chloe Innvaer said...

This post is soooo exactly 100% of how I feel usually! Blogging was just a thing I did for me, and well I am not at 1000 followers, but it is crazy to me that 157 people think that what I have to say is valuable! That sharing my story might help someone else. That I would have made amazing friends like you! It is just all soooo crazy! But sooo worth it because if I could do this all day everyday I would answer all 100+ emails, comments, and everything else that goes along with this! =)

Alycia Grayce (Crowley Party) said...

you go girl :) it just keeps getting better and better!

My Froley said...

I love your message here. I'm one of those couple of pictures and one or 2 lines kind of girl. I just like to keep it simple. But I'm sure it will evolve. I find myself wanting to write more and more. I like people like yourself who keep it real.

http://myfroley.blogspot.com/

Janna Renee said...

I "never new" so many of these things, and I also have to say no or shy away from certain things. I have to keep my balance, and I don't want to participate in anything that doesn't seem true to myself or makes me feel judged (like the link ups with sooo many rules). xoxo

Selma said...

Your post is so very true :) And you're so very beautiful on those pics!

Unexpected Happiness said...

Love this post! Very inspirational.

Kelsey Eaton said...

Yet again a fabulous post! I got kind of frustrated tonight looking through my list of blogs looking for something to read. Almost every single one was a link up or giveaway. It's getting hard to find genuine posts out there! Thanks for staying true to yourself!

Kels
storiesofkel.blogspot.com

AddThis