Today is the day after Labor Day, which in my day, was always the first day of the new school year. Coincidently, it is my first day of self-employment.
It is now 6:30am, and traditionally, right about now, I’d be getting ready to go to work after a long weekend. But today I sit here at my desk, typing away for a few minutes before tackling my to-do list. Somehow I thought being my own boss would mean more time to do the things I want to do, but instead, it means scrambling to do twice as much. No work = no money. Funny how that working thing works. It’s not like graphic design is saving lives, but it pays my bills and feeds the cat. And you don’t want to be around my cat when she is hungry. It ain’t pretty.
As with all new beginnings, some things change. A lot of things are going to change. One of them is this blog. I’ll tell you something: two years ago I made the decision to make things around here a little less personal, because 1. It really sucked to get negative feedback on stuff I made or thought or said that came from a personal place, and 2. I got some bad advice from someone who told me I would attract more readers if I catered my content to appeal to the lowest common-denomiator.
Lessons on that: 1. People who are the most anxious to give advice are usually the least qualified to give it, and 2. Who the hell cares?
What have a learned from filtering out 95% of my personal opinions and experience?
I would rather have someone read a post that came from my heart and dislike it, and tell me they dislike it, rather than get lots of clicks and page views on someone thing I didn’t give a rip about in the first place. The way I see it, y’all can choose from 10,000 blogs to read every single day, literally, so I have to trust there is a reason you are here. And as much as I would love your readership, I would rather have your trust in return. Even if that means that you don’t like what you see and that means you won’t come back. This is a 100% selfish move on my part. It’s part of my effort to invest in myself in these early days of new business. In short: I need to do what is right by me. Even if that means talking about me in some crazy long-winded blog post. Like this.
As I sit here at my desk, alone, I realize I am not going to be seeing other people on a daily basis like I used to, and I suspect that means I will become much more reliant on my online relationships with other people. That means you. Typing that out might make me the girlfriend who says I LOVE YOU too soon, but I said it. It’s there. No take backs.
So I guess what I am saying here is that I hope to see you more often, but what I hope you see is a closer reflection of me; messy and sparkly, riddled with typos and cat hair. Less agenda, more honesty. There will still be some ads and some sponsored posts. I’m still hoping that this holds out as a steady source of side income (-see, that’s me with the honesty there). Pretty much the same as always, and you might not even notice any change, but, I already notice a change in my attitude. My intentions. My enthusiasm. This all might be a massive failure, but it will be mine, and that is exciting. Part of me really wants to twirl around really fast and leap up a cliff ala Wonder Woman, but my ass is too big for the outfit. So I’ll settle for a morning at my new desk with a cinnamon bun and a really impressive hair flip.
Here is to new beginnings. Now let’s watch Lynda Carter twirl for all of us!
HECK YEAH SISTER! I support everything you said 100000000%.
Best of luck to you Peaches. I’m so glad I’m along for the ride on this new adventure of yours.
I’m glad you are here too 🙂
I, for one, was lured here by the personal posts and the cat hair and glitter because that’s *my* life. You are like my spirit animal or something LOL I wish you the best of luck and admire your ballsiness in doing you for you! Long Live Aunt Peaches!! 🙂
I always wanted to be a spirit animal, lol!
Welcome to the work from home crowd, girlfriend! 🙂
Thanks, Vicki!
Good for you Peaches. You know, I don’t always agree with your point of view or beliefs in certain political matters, but you know what..that is what makes this world great. If everyone thought just like me, how boring would life be!? I keep coming back, because I like what you have to say, whether I agree with it or not. So keep true to yourself, and the people who aren’t crazy internet trolls will keep loving you. I am proud of you and your adventure of self employment, and a little jealous too 🙂
Thanks Miranda! I’m glad to know we can all keep an open mind and respect our differences in opinion. It’s odd — 900 posts and only two have had any sort of political slant, but those are the ones folks remember most. What a polarized place we live in these day, right? Cheers to common ground! 🙂
Congratulations! It’s a huge step deciding to go solo, but there are so many perks to be had (yes, some rough patches, too, but you’ll get through those just fine with your sense of humor). Anyway, I’m excited for you! Wishing you the very, very best!! (And I always loved your personal stuff. Keep it coming.)
Thanks Suzzone 🙂 I know you know about this first hand. Glad to know I can go to a friend for advice when I need it!
Cutest Pippi Longstocking Look-a-like Ever! Stand up a lot at your desk. Latest medical reports say that sitting all day can kill you! That’s why I lie on my bed with my laptop. Let the feelings rip! I’d love a post for Miranda Hahs just explaining why you are a feminist and your humanist “live and let live” philosophy. I need more Best Ever Posts for my Pinterest board.
I may need to bring back the Pippi look. Braids were trending a few years ago…I make need to revive again.
You go, girl!
Thanks Emily!
YOU CAN DO IT!
Thanks for reminding me to reflect on being to quick to offer advice (seriously)
Yeah, me too. I think sometimes we all offer our thoughts in effort to help, but sometimes people just want to know that their problem is heard. As I am working on this for myself, I see this happening everywhere. People offering unsolicited advice when there is no problem in the first place. New moms get the worst of it, it looks to me. No idea how they deal with that all day. Would drive me up the wall!
A good day for the universe: the day Peaches becomes her own boss. Love you much, my dear thing! Be honest because life is short.
Love you too, Michelle! You are always such an encouragement to all of us creative types. I sit here under the shadow of your flamingo earrings, drawing their magical (and pouch needed) powers! I don’t think I can ever say thank you enough for all that you do. I am so glad this new tangles inter web machine brought us together 🙂
Here to tell you I’ve been coming back to see what you’ve got going on for quite a while now and have never, once been disappointed. And I am so very tickled to see more of your face.And here are some wise words from Thumper. “If you’re scared, just be scarier than whatever is scaring you.” Good luck, Peaches, I know you can do this.
Vallen Queen
HA! Thumper knew what he was talking about. I’ll be remembering that one for a long, long time!
I am so happy for you! and I full agree about the whole advice thing & how you’re doing what feels right for you. And to any doubters I say “Bye, Bye Boys (I’m gonna) Have fun stormin’ the castle!” THey may say “You think it will work?” and others will say “It will take a miracle” and all I have to say is “Bye Bye Boys” (Because it totally did work and will work for you!)
Thanks Heidi! Glad to hear it worked for you!
Go get ’em, tiger.
Rawr!
You never fail to make me smile or think or even both!! You may well run into some bumps in the road, but I have no doubt that you will find a way to sprinkle those bumps with glitter and pom pons and move on. Good for you. Good luck and good fun!
You know it, Jill. Got my pom-pons ready!
What an adorable photo! I remember you at that age…so quiet and shy. I guess we should have known you’d grow to be the wonderfully creative person and insightful writer the world knows as Aunt Peaches. We’re on your side, and remember: have saw, will travel.
I wasn’t that shy. I probably just knew what scary power tools you kept in the basement and stayed clear.
Bravo, allez-y!!! j’admire votre esprit d’entreprise, bonne continuation peaches!
Merci, Celine!
I can’t wait to read some of your more personal posts- you seem awesome to me! And now I really want a cinnamon bun. xxx
The cinnamon bun was good.
Chicka, I’m behind you 100%. I check in daily on the pages just to see what sort of crazy-ass turn of phrase you have conjured up, fully knowing that I may have to stifle a snorty laugh right at my desk at work. That’s how much I appreciate your creativity and opinions. It it’s worth a snorty-laugh-stifle, then it’s worth reading.
And I think the world would be a happier place if we all still ate lunch out of our childhood lunch boxes.
Thanks Deb! I always look forward to hearing your thoughts and perspective on things. Thanks for being here!
Much luck to you, lovely lady! I stop by every day. Always have, always will.
Thank you!
I don’t usually comment on blogs, but I have been hanging around here for quite a while and I just wanted to let you know I love you blog, your personal posts and your sparkly messiness. All the best for your next big adventure.
I’m flattered that you would take the time to comment here 🙂 Thanks, Aurora!
The very best of luck to you and your continued sparkle filled endeavors.
Thanks, Rasute!
HaPpY first day of self- employment! 🙂
Yay! Why don’t they make Hallmark cards for this occasion?
I read your posts and try your sparklies because I like to play with people who are like minded. You are working on your joy and I adore exuberance! Sparkle on, my dear, I hope you AND I get paid for doing what we love to do!
Hear hear! Three cheers for people getting paid for doing what they love!
Yay!! I LOVE this sort of post, they were always my favourite. Here’s to your first day of self-employment and may the sun shine on all your endeavors, whatever form they take. In the immortal words of Seuss, “Kid you’ll move mountains” and he was never wrong.
Thanks, Shayne!
I always love to read your blog entries… but yes, the ones more personal are the ones why I keep following your blog… not the (although awesome! ^^) DIY things. They are more adding to the glimpses you give from your life and personality and not the other way around. Most of the time I agree with you, sometimes not, but not too agree is always ok. Not to be able to discuss (not shouting, calling names, etc) or even worse telling and dictating other people how live (think, believe, vote, learn, love…), that already disqualifies for me the opinion of these persons. Or even any willingness just to spend a second of my time with them. Honestly, sometimes the more serious stuff you write gives me creeps. I am living in europe, in germany to be more specific, and quite often in we talk about the USA we say… oh… but that is the media overstating to make headlines… and then I read your blog entry about (for example) the crafting store company and their religious beliefs dictating the health care of their employees. Honestly, that is still something I just can’t get my head around. It takes also life in the us to a real level for someone from europe, the good and the bad sides (and the pink sides) and that is more than the politicians and the NSA/BDN are able to do for a better understanding 😉
*waves*
Claire
PS: Okay, there is a condition.
PPS: Yes, it always comes after everything else.
PPPS: The famous sentence start: Yes… BUT…!
PPPPS: I will immediately stop following your blog if there are not enough blog post about/from Lola!
Haha. Lola has already dictated this as a requirement, not a condition, so you need not worry!
I really appreciate hearing perspective on things from people in other countries…or even other states. Things here can be very divided. And our most popular media sources are purposely polarizing. When I say I want to write more of my personal opinions, I don’t see myself writing about political matters very often. Not because I fear offending people, it’s just that I don’t see it as my business to tell people what to think/feel/vote. It’s difficulty to write a quasi-informational post with any sort of civic angle without people automatically assuming I am “with” or “against” them…and that is very sad. That seems to be something Europeans handle much better than us — sharing perspective without getting into arguments. Anyway. I think we are all better off for hearing a different perspective on places and issues that are seperated from our daily lives — so if my blog can be a small piece in that for you, then I will consider myself very accomplished indeed.
🙂
I love your blog and it’s the only one I actually read from beginning to end every time. Your humor and your honesty is what sets you apart and makes you interesting. Keep up the good work!!!
-Heather
I will take that as The Compliment of the day. Thanks, Heather!
I truly believe you will be quite successful. Stay the course! And of course have a schedule. I find that really helps when you work at home! HUGS!
Thanks, Mitra!
Best of luck, Peaches! Your blog is the very first one I started following, the first one I read in my inbox! No doubts that you’re already on your way to great things! Thanks for sharing your world with us!
The first?!?! Golly. I know you have been around for a few years now, but the first?! I feel honored 🙂
Ya know, when I first saw your blog I was excited that there were other people out there that had alot of opinions and tastes so close to mine. I Looked forward to your blog way more then others and it was always the first one I read. Then came a time that you got sorta lost but I hung in there because I felt your pain and could relate. Now I am ecstatic you have again found yourself and have given me hope once again! Welcome back Aunt Peaches! I so look forward to the fact that you are bringing me (us) along on your journey. You have no idea what this means to me.(us)
I think it’s interesting that you say that you have filtered 95% of your thoughts and opinions. I read you because I think you are more opinionated and upfront that most people I know and certainly more than most bloggers. I don’t always agree with your opinions but it’s interesting to hear them. Can’t wait to see what comes next!
Aunt Peaches, I started reading your blog last summer and quickly went back in the archives to get the whole picture. I too felt like I had found a kindred (albeit better at expressing it) spirit. I look forward to your muses and am glad you get hit with a muse fairly often. I’m tickled to share in your new adventure and will strive to be more verbal in our relationship. 😉
Peaches, I think you are brave and brilliant and wonderful. Write what is in your soul and let your spirit shine. You were born for this!
Peaches, I’m following you for two months now, but since day one you were in my bookmarks bar. Why? I don’t know, most of all i like the things you create (and your art to decorate your apartment) and the way you write about it or about other stuff… Just be you, write whatever you like and trust the future! you are a very talented person, I don’t know if you are conscious about it. You also seem to be a good person. As you can see, I like you! everybody should!!!
pss i love the reciclying too
Oh Peaches! This is sooooo exciting! I am so excited for you and all of us! (Lola-lips, too!) I would Love to take you for coffee and a homemade cinnamon roll, but I am in Paris much of the time….and you seem so busy! Would love to talk face-to-face and hang out…so the invitation stands! Good and happy luck to you –erik
Yes, this. I took down my first blog, which was there for four years and filled with all manner of inappropriate juicy goodness and not much DIY after folks in the craft industry started warning me. You can’t say that! What are you thinking?! I regret that decision, honestly. Being less than myself was exhausting and now that I am on the other side so to speak, I am back to being my full on inappropriate smarty panties self on my new blog. Full circle around. Dive on in, sister, the water is fine! Cheers, Madge
Good for you – you are one of my favorite blogs!