1.24.2008

why i blog


i’ve been thinking a lot lately about the blog.

*why do i blog?

*what’s the point?

*why do i spend 45+ minutes a day posting/stalking when i could be doing something more constructive…like…sleeping?

And my answer to you is this:
because it makes me happy.

occasionally {slash a lot of the time} i get a tad {slash very} embarrassed because i realize that anyone in the world out there has access to every lil detail o’ my slightly-eccentric existence. i am someone who feels very UNcomfortable in front of people. i don’t enjoy being in the spotlight…and i’m kinda feeling anxiety just thinking about it. {smile} i am not what you’d call the most *confident* individual in the world. {chuckle} i definitely just enjoy chillin' in my own little corner. and because i’m prone to over-analyzing things, i sometimes fear that readers will misunderstand me or that i might inadvertently hurt someone’s feelings by somethin' i write. i {sorta} worry about safety on the internet too. so, occasionally i’ll contemplate in my lil angie-brain…maybe i should just erase the darn thing?…

but then i ponder ‘bout the blessing this silly little hobby is in my life. i people. i my friends. i hearing people’s stories. {i making s by pressing alt, & a #3.} i am amazed and intrigued to learn new tid-bits about the peeps around me & what makes them tick. i am inspired daily by the amazing chicks {and dudes} that i am e-associated with. i even meet kindred spirits who live hundreds o’ miles away, who i would have never otherwise become bffls with. i keep in touch with close family. and, i totally just enjoy sharing random, ahem…very random, details about my crazy life.

blogging is also an excellent source of endless inspiration. an amazing gift, a cool thought, a cute crafty somethin’ somethin’, some fashion advice, two lovebirds , a miracle, a fun tag, some talented writing skills, a tasty tuesday, some before/after eye candy, a great product, a yummy song, a girl after your own heart, a fun-n-happy picture header, a sentimental tribute, a good deed, a random fact about chuck norris, a fun fam, a severe LOL, a domestic project, some amazingness, a cool quote, an awesome couple, a RM, a superb list, a happy snap, a cute tradish, a fabulous find, a shout out to edward, a seriously cute house, a lil love passage, an enjoyable re-cap, a home décor lovely, a fabulous reception, a delightful utah friend, a new beginning, good news, a wicked shiner, some birthday delight, bling bling, youtube greatness, a to die for photo shoot, some spiritual uplift, an amazing makeover, some fun kids, an ode to something great, a rockin’ soundtrack, wonder woman, a kind word, a cute dress, a tender home video, a cute haircut, a kodak moment, a smart friend, a rockin' read, a pearl of wisdom, a FUN group, an awesome bathroom, a bucket list, quite possibly the funniest thing i've ever read, an example of awesome, a hip bloggin' mama, an upcomin' debut, a good story, a place “to sit a while” {jk, les}, an adorable set of children, a t.d.f. scrapbook, a family update, a movie review, some motivation to be super cool, a fabulous home improvement renovation, a delightful treat to view, an encouraging post, a childhood memory, & SO much more is/are just a click away!

blogging encourages me to notice the tiny miniature things about stuff that i wouldn’t otherwise notice. it reminds me to take photos of the everyday craziness that would otherwise go undocumented. it reminds me to cherish the blessings that have been sent to me directly from my Heavenly Father. and it reminds me to savor chloe’s childhood that is flying by so freakin’ fast.

i must admit, the whole thing sorta cracks me up though. a web-log is such a *supa small* view into someone’s life. it is a very *etsy-weency* representation of someone’s existence. Like for example:

view A:

someone might think from viewing this photo on my blog, that i am the most organized person in the world.

view B:

talk about false advertising! this is my reality. this is my living room at the moment & like everyday…

but that, my friends, is the beauty of blogging. it encourages me to remember the happy organized closets, when i’m overwhelmed by the crusty-mac & cheese dried on the tile and/or the more serious, inevitable trials & conflicts of life. blogging is a way of forcing me to search for the very best in things & in other people. it is a community for anyone to share their strengths & dwell on the happy. when i am having a bad day, it challenges me to look & think about & share the good. it inspires me to accomplish cr*p & do better. {even though *confession: i’m SO not even done with my ironing yet.} it is a place for me to record life’s most serious drama & it’s most trivial, yet beautiful details. it is a place for me to hang my heart, vent my news, & meet my muse.

there might come a time when I choose not to blog.
maybe i won’t have time to make time.
maybe
i will get tired of it.

but for now: it just makes me happy.

here's to you, my beloved, blogger.com.

49 comments:

Jenn said...

I like this post... a lot.

I wrote sad stuff on mine last night, posted it, then edited the whole thing. But it helped me. That is what I like about blogging. I feel like I have to be positive and so I never post anything that makes me sad- when I hit send on this, I'll wish I could take it back! Blogging is a great thing and for me, helps keep me positive and realize that my life is pretty darn good. I'm rambling... I heart you and would be very sad if you stopped blogging.

Eric Dixon said...

I love you angie, you're tight

Amy said...

Great post.

auburn and chris said...

I can relate... all too well. But, the sad thing is... I MADE this blog for certain people in UT to stay in tuned with our little life... and THEY don't even look at it... ever! But for some reason, I dont really know why... I keep posting for my family that i see everyday. Something about it is just... therapeutic, I guess... hmm... deep thought...

Anyways... LOVE your pages and just can't get enough of your adorable child!!!! I want one of my own! Seriously.. so stinkin' cute!

Jamie said...

Well said, sista! U, my friend, inspired me to blog.

Unknown said...

perfect words to explain having a blog! next time i have to defend having one, i'm going to show them this post! you rock ang!!! (:

Marilyn said...

so very well said angie...you are awesome... you are one of my inspirations to blog too!

Peg and Parker said...

And to you, wonderful, worthwhile, lit-up person! Thanks for putting it into words. Some of us have maybe one or two of those inspirations and talents you spoke of and you , my friend, have it all. Your blog makes me happy too. Heart, Peg

Steph (and Bryant) said...

You are simply amazing. I love it. Thank you for blogging and lighting up the world around you! You rock with words!!

Jolene George said...

Well said Angie. I often feel the same way. Love to blog because it makes me happy, but a every so often I can't help but think of the wackos who could be reading. For now I feel the blessings are greater.

MeL said...

I like you Angie, I'm glad you were born. And I'm glad you blog.

Unknown said...

I told you so............ I told you to make this what blog means and you did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HURRAY! Please don't give up blogging as we need you, and you need US!

Whatever you say is to be shared by all, and never ever would any of us EVER think you would EVER hurt anyone or say anything wrong about anyone. So,YIPPEE for blogging as this name still cracks me up: BLOG> It reminds me of blob.
ha
Have a nice day today!

amy mo said...

I think this post is going to make me keep blogging! I too wondered if I should just stop since I think a total of 2 people who aren't my family actually look at it, but what you said made me realize the real point to blogging! I'm inspired.

Em said...

Sometimes I wonder why I blog too. I feel like no one is even looking at it (even though it is private) but those I've invited don't look but then I think who cares if no one looks or reads, it is like my own little life's journal. So I keep on going trying to find and remember the little things. The things that made me smile at least once that day even if it was a really bad day. Thanks for being such an inspirational blogger. Love YA!

The Candlands said...

And once again I have to say we are far too alike. These same thoughts have been keeping me up all hours of the night. Maybe we should have another scrapbook night and have a little chat! Then again, we are alike, and our husbands are alike...we should just get together!

B. M. said...

that was awesome angie! So true! You are the cutest!!

B. M. said...

ok it's Lyndsie Mac-for some reason im in brians google account....any who, again you are awesome!!!

Kaytie Brown said...

I LOVE "View B", I LOVE getting to "see" you and your little fam. I LOVE reading about your little life adventures. It all makes feel not so freaking far away. Keep blogging girlfriend. I LOVE it.

Kim said...

You’re the best! Reading your blog everyday brings me such joy and happiness. I hope you will continue to blog but if not I understand that too. Thanks for “an adorable set of children” that was so nice of you ☺

C.M. Perry said...

I couldn't agree with you more-I LOVE BLOGS!!! :)

Kim said...

Yes it is Doodlebug paper. I copied it off their website. I also wanted to let you know that Ally's teacher said the new book should be coming out in the next week or so. She also said they are going to be 10 week sessions from now on. Have a great weekend!

Staci said...

you are AMAZING! I know a few anti-bloggers & I think I will email them your post:) Thanks for making us all feel like we aren't wasting our days away, by checking into other's lives/posting about our own!

I really am so glad to know that your house isn't PERFECTLY organized 24-7...makes me feel better!

As for Brooke on American Idol...she didn't go to Mesa High, she went to Heritage, but I knew her from Elementary/Jr. High-ish years. I really need a TIVO that can record AI and TBL at the same time!!!

•stephanie• said...

i'm really thankful you blog. it always makes my day. please PLEASE don't stop!

{and did you HAVE to choose the post about my departed dog? ~ not my best work ever!}

postcards sent from here said...

The reason I started blogging was to make myself more aware of my everyday. I really enjoy your blog because you do the same thing in your own sweet way! Great post & keep up the good work!

O'Loughlin Family said...

You have made me an even bigger blog stalker. That was like a "best of" reel. I am honored to have made the list. Weird how something like that makes you feel good.

Sassy said...

Angie you make me smile and I'm glad you are my friend!

cori said...

for reals. that was so fun to read. i loved clicking away on all your links. can you teach me how to do that? i don't know how to do that. you inspire me. i am so glad you put the false advertisment on your blogio. that was the best part for me. you rock... and i heart you! i'll try that alt # dealy another day. it wouldn't work for me.

Coree Adams said...

Oh to be on Angie's list of awesome blogs. I love blogging too Ang. Keeps me grounded.

Mark Dixon said...

Angie - you never cease to amaze me. What a wonderful explanation of why you blog!

Missy said...

Wow! I just did a post just like this about why I blog a week ago or so, but you put it so awesomely perfect...I love it. And how lucky are you to have so many inspiring friends. I too like to hang out in my own corner, but when I feel like branching out...I go to Blogger.com...lol! Love your blog as always.

katie said...

your view A and B is like our house! Some of the rooms are so organized and others are not. I want them to be, but if I start cleaning, I go psycho and don't want to stop. But I really enjoy your blog! You make me laugh and I love seeing the cute pages you do for your classes at scrapbook, etc. (and it reminds me of why I always wanted to be like you when I was little. I still do want to be like you.)

MeL said...

Holy 31 comments! I think you throwing in the fact that you may not blog in the future totally freaked people out because then the could no longer get their daily dose of ispirational cuteness...oh to be Angie Dixon Dunn.

Anyways, the Kite Runner is good, as in a very captivating read and whatnot, but it is kind of an unsettling story that leaves you kind of with a 'huh' type feeling, you know? So, if you haven't read A Thousand Splendid Suns, and you were going to choose between the two, I would definitely go with the latter. Such a good story, absolutely my favorite out of the two of those. That's all. If you have time, read both, otherwise, just stick with A Thousand Splendid Suns.

Stoddard Studios said...

What a great post. I totally loved reading it. It made my day. Did you know you could put your whole blog into a hardbound book and order right from your computer? I have the website if you want it. That's what I plan on doing. That's what makes me feel like bloging isn't a waste. It's like my journal that I can keep forever.

Alisse Baldwin said...

Cheers!

Annie said...

Well said, Angie. I delayed blogging because some friends have said that it's self-indulgent. I wish I could have articulated your very sentiment.

You are an inspiration...

Unknown said...

You said it perfectly! I just spent so much time on here stalking your links and I found a friend from high school that I haven't seen forever! I love your blog and I hope you never ever stop!

Leslie said...

That's why I blog, too! I'm so glad you do, because I enjoy the minutia of your life. :)
Les.

Annie said...

Good gracious! I had not yet checked out the links you posted when I wrote before. Thanks for including my blog and for saying my house is cute! I'm really honored, and I think you're truly awesome, Angie.

P.S. Don't think I'm a stalker. ;)

Sara! said...

Are you adorable or what?! Thanks for blogging. BTW, Guinness should be calling you soon about getting 39 comments.

amanda p. said...

yep, I'm so glad you blog so I can have someone to admire day after day! You ROCK girlie!!!

Chelsea said...

Holy comments batman! I didn't read all other 40 comments...so this may sound awfuly repeticious...Can I copy and past this please?! You are the best blogger. Don't EVER delete this!! I LOVE reading your posts.

Jackie said...

I just want you to know I am obsessed with reading people's blogs. I love to log on every day and check to see who has had a new adventure in their life. So much, you all have encouraged me to have my own blog. Thank you so much for sharing the true meaning of blogging and letting me be apart of your family.

Kaelene said...

Ang -- you are part of my inspiration to start my own blog! If you ever lose time/interest/your computer, I will understand if you stop blogging -- but I will miss you!

kacee said...

Amen & dito to all the reasons you listed for blogging! I was just wondering the other day if I am REAL on my blog or if I come across as one of those braggy christmas letters that you sometimes get...{maybe}but then I had to think back and remember that the whole reason for me starting was to be happy and notice the little things! You, my friend, were/are my inspiration!

And as my hubby so frequently says it "lets check out that angie in pink - she is one happy girl!"

Crazymamaof6 said...

ditto! love it!

hoagie said...

Angie... Can you e-mail me, disneylover@comcast.net, I have a question for you on some of your previous classes you had at the store, I LOVE THEM!!
Lori

Amanda Jane said...

I love it!

heather said...

I am an occasional stalker of your blog. I love your writing. I love your pictures. I love how you take an ordinary, every day even and shine a light on it just right so that I can look at the same ordinary, every day events in my life and remember how very blessed I am to have them. You inspire me. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE that your living room looks like that because hey, I do hold you up as a queen of organization and creativity and it makes me feel better knowing that my living room isn't the only living room that is enjoying life. :) Please, keep blogging away.

(Plus, didja know you can have the whole thing printed out into a hardbound book and neatly placed in a bookcase for your kids and grandkids to enjoy?)

angiedunn said...

Heather,

I can't seem to get back to you through blogger, but THANK YOU! That is so nice & makes me very happy.

Let me tell you...my living room is enjoying life a little too much lately...hehe...

Have a great day & I'll e-talk to ya later!