Saturday, July 31, 2010

Blogiversary

Today is my three year blogiversary. Just like birthdays or New Year's, this is the time when it makes sense to take stock of the past and try and make a plan for the future.

I started this blog with the intention of writing at least two posts a week. I've done OK there. I certainly haven't been perfect, but it's been pretty close. I'm a little behind this year and like everyone else, find there are too many things to do every day.

While I thoroughly enjoy writing the blog, I have to admit that I struggle with its voice. I want to find a nice balance between the person who is doing the writing and the company that is represented. I don't want this to feel like another advertising vehicle for Lorna's Laces. I'd be lying if I told you that isn't at least part of why I do it, but that's only one piece of the picture.

Some of the reason I'm here is because I want to give you a little peek behind the curtain. Lorna's Laces is a small, living, breathing organism. There are just six of us here. Of course some of what we do is making sure we get the yarn dyed and out the door on its way to you, but our real lifeblood lies in creating beauty. We love being immersed in color and fiber.

I know I don't want this blog to become a laundry list of rants. Of course I have days when vendors screw up, crew members aren't getting along or clients are frustrating. But the good far outweighs the bad and does anyone really want to hear about it? It is far too easy to be negative. I prefer to talk about, and read about, things that are more positive.

While this is a company blog, I'm lucky enough to work in a world where people matter. We are absolutely about yarn, but we're also about Amanda planning her wedding, Anna taking a chemistry class this summer, Caitlin going back to school to be a teacher, Merrilee just getting back from her honeymoon and the other Beth that just started working with us on Monday. Those are the things that make the world go around in the studio. Those are glimpses into the day to day around here that I hope bring you closer to Lorna's Laces.

I guess the bit I struggle with the most is how much of myself should be reflected here. I don't think Lorna's Laces blog is the place for personal politics or religious beliefs. Many of those things can be divisive and I definitely don't want to be divisive here. But, I'm not sure how much I should share about my mother's struggle with dementia. Or that I still cry at the drop of a hat because my dog died of bone cancer last month. Should a blog be all about pictures of yarn and FO's and free patterns and such? I think it's hard to know where to draw the line.

I started this little adventure to try and bring the world of Lorna's Laces closer to you and I hope I've been doing that. Three years into it and I'm still not sure where this is going to take me, but I'm glad you've decided to come along.

Now, sing it with me, "Happy Blogiversary, Happy Blogiversary, Happy Blogiversary, Haaaaappppy Blogiversary!"

13 comments:

JelliDonut said...

This was a lovely post, and I enjoyed reading it--except the part about your dog. So sorry! Anyway, the voice should be one you are comfortable with. It's nice to know something about the heart and soul of a company.

Anonymous said...

ulp ! i did not know there were only six of you there. Great job. thanks a six million !
mym

and : hellos to jellidonut, i recognize you from Ravelry

Walden said...

Happy Blogiversary!!

I agree with you, it's hard to find where to draw the line. Do you only share the good? How much to do you share? I'm still having trouble figuring that out. I have trouble being more open, yet the blogs I love the most are the ones where the posts feel like I know the person more. More connection than just the crafts.

I am so sorry about your dog. It's hard to lose someone so close to your heart.

Carol said...

I understand your angst. I think you should share anything that you are comfortable with.

I subscribe mainly to find out more about your yarn, although I can sympathize with the loss of your dog. The last dog we lost was traumatic and I'm not sure we're over it yet but we adopted 2 labs (mother and daughter who retired from the "show" and love retirement. We try to focus on what a great life we're giving them for however many years they have. The mom has had a bulging disc problem and the only thing that has helped is acupuncture. The daughter (5yo) has renal dysplasia so it's unpredictable how long we'll have her. Their care is expensive but it comes with having a pet these days.

I live in the Chicago area but was purchasing your yarn through Webs before moving here. I had no idea that you were a small business before I started reading your blog. Will you be at Stitches Midwest?

Anonymous said...

Congrats on 3 years! It is always nice that we have a peek inside LL - you're doing a great job. I'm so glad that LL is in my life. We also lost a pet (cat) recently. It was sad. My husband has Alzheimer's Disease....it always amazes me what a small world we live in.

Keep on keepin' on a 'they' say!

Sally

Debbie said...

Happy Blogiversary to you! I did not realize how small Lorna Laces is, I find that extremely amazing with all the six of you get done with such amazing results. I don't write a blog and have no wisdom as to what you can and cannot say but you are not the first blogger that I follow that has struggled with that.
I am truly sorry about your Mom, I worked with the elderly for a few years and watched the struggles of the clients and their families, it was never easy for anyone. I am so sorry about your dog, pets are so hard to lose. To end on a bright note, Happy blogiversary to you!

Anonymous said...

Beautifully said. You struck a real chord and gave Lorna's Laces a personality, not just an image. My mother and grandmother both suffered from dementia and you must wonder, as I do, if that's a part of your own future. I also lost a beloved canine companion of fifteen years, to kidney disease, and although it's been a year, I'm still mourning. The idea that the highly-esteemed Lorna's Laces is run by six people is mind-boggling. You should be so proud of your accomplishments. Congratulations to you all and Happy Blogiversary!

Lea-Ann said...

You do a wonderful job with balance.we know a little more about Beth but more about your yarn and projects in it so we are inspired! Some day, some day...much success to you!

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogiversary! I love Lorna's Laces yarn and that is how I ended up reading this blog. I enjoy the yarn highlights and glimpses into the 'back room' part of the company. I think it would be extremely hard to write something that would appeal to most people: I thank you for even attempting to keep this blog somewhat generic.

I tend to stay away from the ranting and over the top blogs. I can choose after all!

Knitting a pair of shepherd socks using Glenwood. Loving the colors more the further I get!

Kay
PS: My condolences about your dog. They give so much for however long they are with us.

Sarah said...

Happy Blogiversary!

I think finding the balance with how much personal to put into the blog is a balancing act that always changes.

Linda said...

Personally, I really enjoy your blog. I agree with Sarah about the balancing act but I think you have mastered it just fine. I enjoy learning about the people who make up Lornas Laces. Didn't know Amanda was getting married; congratulations! I'm sorry you lost your beautiful pet. I had a great dane long ago; she had a large body and a large heart.

Linda

gMarie said...

So very, very sorry to hear about your dog. I just lost mine to Lymphoma. Hardest thing I've yet to do.

As for your voice - it has to be you and be honest. I blog for me. To find answers to fitting questions (I also sew my own clothing) and to share knitting. I blog about my dogs, I blog about my vacations. I blog about my family but I don't use their names - it's not mine to share. I also don't share their stories for the same reason.

I think you are doing a lovely job. Thank you for sharing and happy blog-versary. g

Carol said...

I would say that a blog is whatever you make it. Little snippets of life DO influence our choices in crafting, and can be interesting to the reader too. However, I feel little snippets are important. Too much information about ,say, your child, and the blog is no longer about crafting, but children. Which is fine. If your blog is a parenting blog. For example....