|

|

Obituaries

I read an article on ProBlogger this morning that really resonated.  He told the story of taking a class many years ago where he was instructed to write his own obituary — actually, what he hoped his obituary would someday say about him.  The point was to determine how you want people to perceive you in an effort to define your goals for yourself.  Darren pointed out that the same strategy can be applied to our blogs.  How do we want people to perceive us and our blogs?  Because “what people say about you when you’re not in the room” is one way to define your “brand.”

Now, if I read the word “brand” one more time, I might be tempted to gouge my eyeballs out with a butter knife.  But if I can get past my intense dislike for the word itself, at least when it pertains to my thoughts about my life and my family, I think the exercise is valid.  Because once you identify what you want to be known for, you can begin to try to BE what you want to be known for. Otherwise, you may find yourself floundering for an identity.

I want my blog to be known for two things:

1) Good writing. Whether I’m writing a meme or commentary on a day’s activities or a product review or waxing eloquent about a cause that is near and dear to my heart, I hope to stay true to my voice and maintain a certain standard of quality in my writing.  (And I still have to pause before I type the word “writing” when describing what I do here.  For some reason I feel like I need to have an English degree or get paid or… something besides start a blog and start typing to call myself a writer.  I do not necessarily think that “all bloggers are Writers.”  But however I define myself, I just know that I want to write well.

2) Community. I hope that no matter what else I do here, I develop a sense of community among my readers and particularly those who comment regularly.  I want this to be a place where it’s safe and welcoming, where people feel comfortable jumping into the conversation.  I want this to be a place where there IS conversation.

So I’m going to try it.  I’m going to write my blog’s obituary.  And then I’m going to do my best to make my blog resemble its obit.  Go ahead.  Try it.  Tell me what you want your blog to be known for.  And even write your blog’s obit, if you dare!

musings-button-150

MUSINGS OF A HOUSEWIFE, age 3, designed by DCR Design and powered by WordPress, formerly of Blogspot and Typepad.  Read by many, commented on by loyal friends and readers.  Often witty, occasionally thought-provoking, always kind.  A source of laughter, camaraderie, and information.  A safe haven for women the world over.  Survived by countless bloggers and friends.  In lieu of flowers, please send all donations to Wardrobe 911 because motherhood is not an excuse to be frumpy.

Join The Conversation

22 Responses

  1. I love it. And I think you are ‘living up’ (ha! get it?) to your blog’s obit just fine. There is no doubt that you have a very well defined brand.

    PS. I had to sneak that ‘brand’ thing in. Sorry. I tried to resist but the flesh is weak. 🙂

  2. Oh, she was a good soul. A true friend. The world will mourn her loss for a long time to come. Hmm… I wonder if she left me anything in her will? Hee hee. Maybe that’s an idea for another post?

  3. I love this, Jo-Lynne! As you know, I’m struggling with my blog’s brand. This is a great way to help me answer those questions.

    Also – “always kind” – so true and so important.

  4. Something about the “age 3” and this being an obituary is kinda creeping me out – other than that, nice work.

    On another note, don’t ever hesitate to classify yourself as a writer. We are all writers and story tellers of one kind or another, regardless of the medium we use to express ourselves. Newspaper, magazine, internet blog or your first novel at Barnes & Noble . . . it’s all relative. Being good at it, well – that’s up to the readers to decide.

    I think yours support you more than you know.

  5. Posts like this is exactly why I love you and your blog so much. Jo-Lynne you rock. That obit was so witty, creative, and perfect for your blog. I may have to work on my blogs obits although I don’t think it would be nearly as great as yours. I’m definitely thinking chocolate would be mentioned though!! Thank you for making me smile and I’ll definitley be sharing this post on my Sunday Linkage this week.

  6. Oh, that was great. if I wasn’t so brain fried I would attempt it too! But I have a sensitive, strong willed, drama queen, diva in the making, 3 year old that kept me up all night!

  7. I read the same post and that part really struck me also. Not just for my blog but for my whole life. I think my blog is a reflection of me. What I want to be known for in my real life is also what I want to be known for in my online reputation. I might just work up an obit for my blog this weekend. 🙂

  8. I just found your blog and I can already tell I’m gonna love it… I’ve even set my bookmark.

    I love the ‘moms and frumpy’ line… so true, so true… I’m off to check my wardrobe!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *