Dedication…
This post is dedicated to Debbie Stinedurf. There would be no Marsha in the Middle without her. She doesn’t blog as much now, but you can find her on Instagram here.
Last year, I joined the wonderful women from Is This Mutton, MK’s Adventures in Style, Deb’s World, Grownup Glamour, and Frugal Fashion Shopper for a global writing challenge. Later, Suzy from The Grey Brunette, Sue from Living Well after 50, Leslie from Once Upon a Time Happily Ever After, and I joined in on the fun permanently! Debbie chose this month’s theme. This is one of my favorite posts to write and to read! On top of the wonderfully different opinions and thoughts, the writing itself is wonderful! I hope you’ll visit all of these blogs because you are going to be amazed at, not only the diversity of the ideas, but the stories of each person. There’s also a link party at the end of this post!
If you want to participate…
I borrowed this listing from Deb as she’d already done the work (thanks, Debbie)! If you’d like to join in, we post on the third Thursday of the month. You can link up with me or with Gail, Sue, or Debbie.
- August: Holidays/Vacations (MK)
- September: Favourite Things (Jill)
- October: Schooldays (Penny)
- November: Confidence (Gail)
- December: My Year in Review (Sue)
Here we go…
I have been a blog lurker for years. I think one of the first blogs I ever read with any regularity was Wardrobe Oxygen by Alison Gary. It took me years to figure out what that title meant! Other blogs I followed were Fine, Whatever and Dimples on My What (a fellow Hoosier). I think, at some point, I googled blogs for women over 50 (like I said it was years ago). I found Jodie’s Touch of Style as well as Style at a Certain Age. But, I struck gold when I found Fashion Fairy Dust (now Your Styled Story). That blog…that blog changed my life!
A little more…
I know that sounds really dramatic, but stay with me! Through Debbie Stinedurf, the Fashion Fairy, I learned I could wear any colors together that I wanted. And, if I wanted to wear a tulle skirt at my age, it would be perfectly acceptable to do so. Debbie’s blog was the very first time I ever commented. I remember being so nervous and thinking I was doing something really extraordinary when I pushed that comment button! When she responded, I was positively gobsmacked!
Still more…
For the last few years I was teaching, I experimented with my style a bit. One of my favorite outfits was a teal jersey knit skirt with asymmetrical layers, an orange tank with lace at the bottom, and a merino cardigan with purples, yellows, oranges, and blues in it. I still have it, in fact. The skirt, alas, I donated because I lost lots of weight when I retired. Sure wish I still had it because it was really cool. If not for Debbie’s blog, I would never have even thought to put together an outfit with such “outrageous” colors!
Back to school…
Around 2021, Debbie restyled her blog as Your Styled Story and began a new career. In case you didn’t know, Debbie was a special education teacher. I think that’s one of the reasons I could relate so much to her blog. After retiring, she received certification (I think that’s what it’s called) in life coaching and personal styling. I was thrilled to be one of her first life coaching clients. We met virtually every week for several weeks. I had homework and assessments.
Goals…
What came out of that series of meetings, homework and assessments were several things: my desire to learn something new, to stretch my brain, use my creativity, and do something completely different from anything I’d done before. In other words, I became a blogger! Debbie didn’t hold my hand through the process though she did give me some really good tips. She knew one of my goals was to learn something new. I published my first post on July 8, 2021. It’s crunchy and cringy, but I did it! And, as you can tell I’ve learned a lot since then!
Technology…
Boy howdy! I have learned and learned and learned! There is so much technology to blogging. I seriously thought all it entailed was to take some photos, write some cute little passages, and et voilà, a blog post would appear! Nope! You have to have this, that and the other thing. You have to be able to understand the difference between a widget and a plugin. OK, I lied…I still don’t know the difference! But, I do know I have to update my Instagram widget every so often and have the directions written down because it’s not easy to find on the hosting site.
How I do it…
There are probably lots of easier ways to actually create a blog post, but what I do works for me. I know I could change the theme of my opening page, but I’ve also read blog posts where the blogger has lost everything by doing one little thing. And, that scares the willies out of me! I think it probably takes me a good two hours to actually write a post. That doesn’t include the time planning the outfit, accessories, and taking the photos. All in all, it may take up to four hours. But, there have been times when I’ve procrastinated (I am the Queen of Procrastination after all), and I’ve written one in about an hour. I wonder if you could tell!
Community…
I think the biggest thing I learned from blogging has been the spirit of community. I have, luckily, fallen into the best little neighborhood in the blogosphere. Everyone has been welcoming and kind. If I’ve reached out for help, someone has an answer or a way to find one. You would think, when many bloggers use their blogs as sources of income, that a new and inexperienced blogger could be perceived as a threat…hahaha…like I’m a threat! That (asking for help) has always been met with offers to help me figure out my problem.
Well, a little negative…
The only faintly negative experience I had was one of my homework assignments Debbie gave me. I had to email at least three different bloggers with specific questions on how to develop a blog. Jodie was one of them! I won’t say who the blogger was, but her advice was to figure out my niche and stick to it. There wasn’t any warmth to her reply nor was that advice particularly helpful. But, hey, she was probably writing a blog post or figuring one out! And, everyone has bad days, right?
What I’ve learned…
Blogging has led me to discover I can smile for the camera and not feel self-conscious (though I do still have those moments). It has led me to discover new and fun retailers. It has led me to see the world through the eyes of someone on the other side of the planet! But, most importantly, it has led me to friendships around the world. I know, should I happen to find myself in Australia, I have a few friends there who would show me the sights. The same holds true for the UK, the Netherlands, and many in the US! I also know I can ask all of these virtual friends for help, and they will give it without hesitation!
What I know…
I wish I had known that comments on blogs are the cherries on the top of the sundae! We bloggers love to read comments. We love to interact with our readers as well as with each other. Blogging has definitely met all the goals I set with Debbie and then some! Blogging has changed me, and it all started with a Fashion Fairy and one little comment!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
One of the things that breaks my heart is the waning of the long form blog. Many bloggers have either quit blogging altogether or are using Instagram more and more. I get it. Long form blogging takes a lot of time; Instagram is sorta instant. Another thing that worries me is when a blogger just disappears. Bloggers don’t owe us an explanation for when they decide to quit, but that doesn’t mean we don’t worry. If you’re like me and you’ve read certain blogs for years, you feel a bit of kinship with them. So, you are left with the worry when they disappear. If and when I quit blogging, I will try my best to let you know! As always, there is no one way to interpret the theme so I can’t wait to read the posts of the members of the Global Writing Challenge! So, can we talk? Are there blogs you’ve followed for years and never commented? Have you read a blog for a bit only to discover it’s really not your cup of tea? In your opinion, what makes a good blog? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as soon as possible.
Thank you!
I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, subscribing or emailing! It truly means so much to me! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
What others are saying…
Suzy “In this month’s edition of Tell Us About…Blogging, Suzy takes us through her extensive and colourful journey in the world of blogging, from her early days to her current passions.” Find her over at www.suzyturner.com.”
Mary Katherine “looks back on how she got started in blogging, and who her influences were then and now.”
Gail from Is This Mutton “has been blogging since 2006 and reckons she’ll still be at it in her 90s, probably wearing purple.
Debbie “How do bloggers decide what to write about? Are there certain topics off limits to you? Debbie discusses these issues, and blogging in general, in her Tell Us About post.”
Jill from Grown Up Glamour says she’s “I am looking back over my last ten years of blogging. And wondering what the future of the blog will be.”
Penny “has been blogging for over 11 years now. She takes you back to those early years and some of her clunky photographs! She also tells you why she has two blogs on the go at the same time.” Find out more on her blog at https://frugalfashionshopper.co.uk
Sue says, “explores beauty in all forms and discusses how we can thrive by putting the focus on our inner beauty as well as the beauty that surrounds us.”
Leslie “began blogging 10 years ago as an outlet for her writing. In this month’s edition of Tell Us About, she talks about her fair-weather friendship with blogging and her various take aways from her half-hearted efforts.”
And, now, it’s your turn!
If you’d like to link up your Personal Style posts, you may link up here, at Gail’s, Sue’s, or Debbie’s blogs!
Oh wow, it’s so interesting to read about the ‘journey’ other bloggers have taken to get to the blogging world. So glad you joined in with all of us and yes, isn’t it such a warm and positive community. That is one side of blogging that I never ever thought existed – but it does. And yes,I too will always love the long-form blog because after all, I think we all love writing and communicating with others through words. The instant hit you can get from Instagram isn’t nearly as fulfilling. I like the effort we have to put in. Long may it continue. And you know what when it truly starts to die out I think there will always be the ones who will continue and never mind what others think. Great post Marsha – long may your post continue 🙂
Thank you so much, Penny! Your words mean a lot to me. I never even considered the idea of making friends when I started blogging. But, I feel I’ve made quite a few. I love the writing aspect so much more than the photos. I know that seems odd because my posts are quite photo heavy, and I’m considering cutting back on that. Instagram is a necessary evil for some, and I know that. I pop in and out but it’s just not me. You and I will continue for many years to come, I do believe!
I did enjoy reading how you started your blogging journey Marsha. There is a lot to learn and may I say you are so good at the techy bits . It is the connections you make and seeing others style and a glimpse of life in a different country that is the best part. May we all continue.
Thank you, Jill! I’m good at some of the techy bits, but there are others I just have no clue about. It’s a bit like my car. I know I can answer my phone on it, but I could never quite get it all coordinated so I disabled that. The same goes with my blog. I’m sure there are other aspects I could take advantage of, but I just don’t want to do that and mess up. I am so very glad to have landed in this “neighborhood” because we are all so different and yet alike! Thanks again, Jill!
I remember you telling me about how you worked with Debbie when you started blogging. My goodness how I wish I had someone like that when I started 8 years ago – there is so much to learn and I have made so many mistakes. I wish Debbie still blogged, I always liked reading her posts.
Aren’t you amazed at what you’ve learned and how far you’ve come in such a short time? So glad you started your blog!
xo,
Kellyann
Thank you, Kellyann! I was extremely lucky to work with Debbie. She helped me in more ways than just setting up my blog. I do wish she’d blog more because her posts were so good. My biggest fear about changing any little thing on my blog is that I’ll crash the whole thing. I can’t remember who that happened to, but I remember a blogger writting about it.
I’m just so glad to have met you online and in person, Kellyann! You are truly one of the best people I know!
This was a fabulous post Marsha! I so enjoy finding out the ways bloggers started and how they’ve learnt along the way and your post is a perfect example. I found myself smiling all the way through it, so full of light and joy. Thank you for all the fun you bring to us with your posts! Please contact me if you’re heading to Aus anytime soon 🙂 xx
Thank you, Debbie! It’s been such fun getting to know different aspects of bloggers through this challenge. I’m so glad you enjoyed my post. Your posts often leave me the same way…smiling and just feeling so happy. I doubt a trip to Australia is in the works, but I also say never say never! Who knows? Some day, you may be visiting your daughter in the UK, and I’ll be there! I could meet the glorious Dottie!
What a lovely story! I followed Debbie in the beginning of my blogging. A real woman like we all are in our,, group,, right? And indeed, with blogging you have friends all over the world!
Debbie is definitely real! We had lots of good talks before we got down to business. I am so glad to be able to include you as a friend, Nancy!
Thanks!
It was fascinating to learn how Debbie inspired you, and to see the strides you’ve made since you started blogging. It’s always amusing to look at the very first photos! I’m sharing one of mine from 2013, where I look hideously self conscious. I’m sure your blog is a constant source of inspiration to many other women.
Thanks, Gail! Debbie inspired me to change my way of thinking in so many ways. I was really lucky to work with her. I’m really glad I started blogging because I’ve discovered so many different ways of thinking, culture, etc. Thank you for that huge compliment…it would be nice to think I inspire some women.
Did you know that I have TEN blogs now? That is insanity! My “website link” on this comment will direct you to a further explanation that I posted on my newest blog on Substack. (I’m liking Substack a lot. Feels like a combination of the old Blogspot [Blogger] and OG Twitter).
My very first post ever was a sketch in 2008.
My first fashion selfie post was on 7/2/2010 on SpyGirl.
I don’t write consistently on most. I use them as journals for the various facets of my Gemini self.
As you say, the greatest part is the community. IRL blogger (or other social media) friends meetups are The Best!
Holy cow! Ten blogs!!! I can barely handle one! I haven’t really delved into Substack. But, I’ll try to find yours. I have only met one blogger IRL!
Thanks, Anne!
I could not agree more that we have found ourselves in a spectacularly friendly and supportive corner of the Internet! I am sometimes astonished by the generosity of established bloggers like Jodie toward those of us who are newer, and I love the friendships I’ve made with others bloggers. I am such a fan of the long form blog over Instagram, etc., because I do enjoy both reading and writing about the topics with more depth…and frankly neither my own photogenic qualities or my style photography skills are my strong suit! I hadn’t realized what a strong role Debbie played in your starting to blog – that was really interesting to hear!
Thanks, Sally! Yep, Debbie is the reason I blog! I loved reading her blog and wish she would do more of it. I miss her. I do love long form blogging because I love the reading and writing just like you. I have been amazed at how welcoming and friendly everyone has been. It’s wonderful!
I’m so glad you started blogging and isn’t it amazing how it can change your life.
When you talked about the negative part, it almost sounded like it was me who was negative, but I know you shared with me who it was.
It’s also been so delightful to knit together via Zoom.
Thank you for blogging,
XOXO
Jodie
Oh, Jodie! I read your comment, and then I reread my post. I realized many people might wonder if I meant you! I’m so glad you know it wasn’t you! I love blogging and hope to continue for many years!
Thanks!
I love your blog journey Marsha. Like you I have embraced technology to write my blog. I’m not a fashion blogger, I’m all about books and gardening, but I do pop in from time to time. I remember you had a post recently that matched an outfit with a book and we had a bit of a chat as it was something that I could relate to.
One of the best things about blogging is making friends from all over the world. It suits me at my age and there are plenty of other out there still blogging too. Best wishes, Rosie
Thank you, Rosie! I love your name as my maiden name was Rose! Oh, the technology is something, isn’t it? But, that was part of what I signed up for…stretching my mind! I do love that I’ve “met” women all around the globe. It is another wonderful reason to blog!
HI Marsha,
Glad to have met you and so many of the ladies through blogging. I am in my 10th year, and there are tech parts I wish I knew better ( SEO) but I have learned alot in this journey. I have enjoyed reading about your journey into blogging and seeing your beautiful colorful outfits! I wrote 3 times a week for 10 years, and have cut back a bit ( in the summer) but will probably go with the schedule again i nthe Fall. It is wonderful to be inspired and motivated by other ladies as well.
take care,
jess
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thank you, Jess! Oh, SEO…I’m hearing AI is making that a real problem for bloggers. I try very hard to keep my SEO scores high, but sometimes, you just can’t! I wonder if I’ll make it to ten years. That’s a long time, but who knows!
I love hearing about how you got your blogging start (and that you were a blog lurker for years!) and how you make it all happen today. I think it’s been such a rewarding pastime of mine that has allowed me to learn so much, stretch my creativity when it comes to fashion, and also meet so many great people!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thanks, Ashley! Oh, I had no idea how much bloggers like comments. Maybe, I would have worked up my courage and commented sooner if I’d known. It has really made me think…especially when coming up with titles and then content! I really appreciate the hard work others put into their blogs, too!
This was so interesting, Marsha! I hadn’t realised you’d been one of Debbie’s clients and that’s what kickstarted Marsha In The Middle! So cool! I love Debbie…she has the best style, doesn’t she?! And you cannot beat a tulle skirt, especially worn with a pair of chunky boots. Debbie always looked so freaking cool…and you do too. I love how you put colour together.
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Awww, thanks, Suzy! Yeah, Debbie is my blog mother. I had been thinking about blogging for years but just didn’t have any idea where to start. She was so helpful. I wish I was half as cool as she is. That hair, her style, her just general badass attitude…I want to be that when I grow up!
I remember Debbie’s Fashion Fairy Dust blog and always enjoyed her posts! I didn’t know she inspired you to start your blog, but I’m glad she did because I love your posts and following along! I agree, one of the best things about blogging is the connections and friendships that have come out of it!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Oh, Jill, thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoy my blog! Yes, Debbie is my blog mother. I miss her blog but can catch up with her on Instagram. I honestly did not expect the warm welcome I’ve received, but, like I say, I landed in the right “neighborhood!”
My gosh, you have come so far from the pretty picture taken from your first blog post. Your photographs are just perfection. Your looks are varied and different but all so very YOU. I love that you share bits of your life on your blog and that you (like me or I??) prefer the long form of blogging. My daughters keep telling me to do video or vlogging. To make reels and stories. Good grief. I can’t keep up as it is!! And unlike you, I am not very comfortable smiling in front of the camera!! I also feel very uncomfortable reading comments. I hate to think that someone would feel required to say something complimentary or actually, anything at all, just because they ‘should.’
I remember Debbie and followed Fairy Dust too. She and another gal, Jenny at Pocketful of Polka Dots, were early favorite bloggers of mine. Love their fashion sense. Thank you for reconnecting me with Debbie.
So proud of all you have learned in just a few short years about blogging and technology. It is crazy trying to keep up with it all. Right now my blog is not wanting to save posts. Such fun. And I can write, upload photos and then I am unable to connect to the internet, even though I am in fact connected to the Interent!! Grrr. No wonder my hair is gray.
Sending you big hugs. Hope Nigel is feeling better these days and that you have a plan in place for his restoration to health. Hope you enjoy your down time the remainder of the summer. I am thinking you are soon off on holiday. XO
Thanks, my friend! Nigel is doing well, all things considered. He’s anxious and apprehensive but looking forward to being able to walk without a walker again. Yes, I’m leaving on August 15th, but Nigel isn’t going to be with me which will be weird.
I am amazed, actually, when I look at my photos because I’ve always avoided having mine taken! It stems from my grandma making a comment about my gummy smile. My mom actually told me to smile with my lips shut for picture day at school…let’s just say it was not a good photo at all! Mike usually says something goofy to get me out of my head, too! I really enjoy reading comments because, sometimes, they contain good ideas.
Oh, I really liked Jenny, too. There were so many I used to follow who no longer blog. Actually, yours was another blog where I lurked! Oh, the technology part of it is not fun at all. But, it’s also part of what I wanted to accomplish when I started the blog. It seems like your blog is always fighting with you! It’s so frustrating when you’ve got it all done, but the internet or whatever doesn’t cooperate!
Thanks, again, Leslie!
I was a lurker too! Then following a few years and the timing being right I started my own blog in 2018. I love that Debbie inspired you to begin your journey. Mine came from Catherine “Not dressed as Lamb”. Catherine mentioned me on her blog at the beginning of my blog journey, which was so kind of her to do. Reading through we have so many similarities, including style (love the black tulle) and finding the IT and marketing frustrating and complex. I don’t understand the Google algorithm….and how to find out what key words are? The list is huge! Like you the writing and being creative makes blogging exciting as well as the great community. If you ever visit the North East of England give me a shout I would love to meet up. xx
Thanks so much! I would love to meet up with you if I find myself there. I’m planning a trip in January, but I think we’ll probably be in London most of the time. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who lurked for so long! Oh, my goodness…that Google algorithm! I have no idea how it works, especially with the AI component added in. On my hosting platform, I can put in the words I think are important which raises my SEO, but then, I don’t know if Google thinks they’re important! Actually, I just like the writing and being creative through my blog! So, if I don’t make great SEO, I’m not that concerned.
Thanks, again!
Looking back at our blogs can be fun and weird at the same time. I agree about worrying about bloggers when they just stop blogging. I worry that they’ve gotten injured or sick or —- well, died! I wish they would at least put up a quick update to tell us all how they are.
Yep…that’s the thing I worry about most. There is a blogger I followed for years who retrofitted a van to travel the country. She posted for a while, and then just disappeared from all social media. I worry most about her since she was traveling with just her dog. It’s funny how we develop these ties to blogs, right?