Hi, my name is Karen...

And I blog around here. And you are...?

You see, for ages it was just my three sisters reading my blog. No, mom doesn't read it even though one of aforementioned sisters helpfully created mom a launch page that comes up every time she starts her browser that includes links to her email webmail site, the grandkids' online picture sites, and of course her daughters blogs (there are several but I'm the only one actively blogging these days.)

But then I started connecting things up to facebook, and elsewhere (I cross-post on BlogHer, for example.)

And it turns out more than my 3 sisters read the blog. But...be honest, am I failing you? Do I forget to ask enough juicy questions? [1] Am I not that interesting? [2]

I'm not interested in the "they love me, they really love me" crap, but rather - what's up? How are things going for you? Are there specific things you like from my very random collection of thoughts I call a blog? Want more book reviews (careful what you wish for...)? Less? More early-mommy thoughts? More about the silly things the kids say and do? (like today when they just wouldn't quite casting the death spell on the babysitter, who would giggle back and cast Imobilus on them.)

I fear being redundant w/my facebook friend feed, but are all of us connected over there? (I'm Karen T. Smith on fb, but not sure how findable I am. I have to admit a certain love of the anonymity being a Smith lends oneself online.) Should I cross-post more? Less? Stop asking you these annoying questions because you just LOVE being an online lurker and wish people would *stop looking at you right now*?

[1] I really hate the blogs that seem to intentionally write incendiary posts or ask inflammatory questions just to get people starting a firestorm in the comments. That's very much Not My Style and I will wield my Comment Instrument of Death[TM] to rain destruction upon any who choose to have a spaz in my comments. Just so you know.

[2] Er...why are you still reading?

Comments

[Melanie Crouse]

Hi Karen! This is Melanie, and I read your blog, though I must admit that I skip the breastfeeding sections. That painful era of my life is thankfully behind me now. But don't stop what you're doing for me. It looks like useful info for most people.

I'd love more book reviews, since you and I seem to like the same sort of thing. Even the books on your Shelfari list are tempting me to ask questions, but I'll refrain.

[Shelly]

Two things:

1. To make ™, do option + 2. It makes ordinary things So Much Fun™.

2. I read because I love you. I like the stories about the kids as well as your musings on motherhood/womanhood/selfhood.

[Jen Unger Kroc]

Hi! :)

Write anything you like. I just like hearing what's up with you, and I like your thoughts and perspectives on whatever random thing hits your brain on any given day. I don't read every post, but I get over here enough (usually linking from fb) that I can see what's up. I miss seeing you on a regular basis, so this helps me still feel in touch, in that not-really-but-better-than-nothing way!

[Angie]

Hi Karen, I'm Angie and I just found you through a friend. Love your writing style and I always enjoy other moms' perspectives and viewpoints. Looking forward to following you. Check out my blog -- http://www.eclecticcatladyland.blogspot.com/.

Smiles,
Angie

[Karen T. Smith]

Thanks, Jen, Shelly, Melanie, and Angie! Shelly, your google skills continue to amaze me. Melanie...be careful what you ask for! Jen, thanks, you've always been such a source of support for me, I'm grateful for your friendship.

And Angie - welcome! Love your blog - love Morrissey, too. Had no idea he was into cats. Makes him all the more dreamy. ;)