A Little Faith

A couple of days ago, I threw open the door and invited your thoughts on where I should go with my blog, and the response was extremely generous.  The support I received for what I have built here at Less Ordinary really blew me away, particularly as I haven’t been a very attentive blogger of late.

Interestingly there was a real consensus throughout all the comments, tweets and emails I received.  In particular there were quite a few comments than pick up on my practice of sharing my love of the ordinary details of the everyday to show their inherent extraordinariness:

I can’t imagine an Amy blog called Less Ordinary without your lovely photos. Always zeroing in on something quite fantastic, or marvelous, something that’s crossed your path, or something you’ve gone seeking. And the “just so” words you choose to go with them. Being aware and mindful of your world, your life at that moment. I can think of nothing more delightful. And isn’t that enough ~ Jan Cartier

Amy, some of the things that attracted me most here were the photos of those often overlooked, yet profoundly simple things you see around you. Whether during one of your walks around town, the countryside, or whatever, your thoughts, along with the truly wonderful images, never fails to cheer me up. (I’m also one who likes to find those things most folks might simply walk right by, so I understand the point of view.) ~ Robert Hruzek

As a photographer myself I love your use imagery to challenge viewers to think and see more deeply. As a blogger and writer I love reading insightful well written work that takes me to depths I hadn’t explored and opens my mind to yet more intriguing surprises. ~ Bill Weaver

Karen Wallace quite rightly struck upon one of the reasons why I’ve begun questioning the direction my blog has taken:

We all love your photos, your writing – and I have a feeling you’ve found a bit of the spark in the writing you’ve been doing for us at The Calm Space, Nature Space is so inspirational and beautiful… ~ Karen Wallace

I have so enjoyed the writing that I’ve produced for The Calm Space, and I think one of the reasons for that has been the freedom that comes from writing on someone else’s blog!  However, I also think that another reason has been writing with the guidance of themes.  Interestingly, Lea Woodward suggested in an email that I think about adding monthly themes to Less Ordinary, and it’s an idea I’m definitely toying with.

Another suggestion that I really liked came from Joanna Young who, in a tweet, planted the idea that I think of my blog as my playground.  This taps directly into the way that I originally perceived the blog – a place to share whatever my creativity happened to produce with no limitations or expectations.  Somehow, along the way, I’ve lost that & I look forward to finding it again!

Jonathan Woodward also sent me an email commenting on the design of the blog, which I feel needs a bit of a birthday makeover.  His suggestion was to choose seasonal headers and adjust the colour scheme accordingly.  Fortunately, the blog’s theme, Mandigo, has several colour options, so this is definitely something that I’m technically capable of doing!  Also I think it would tap into my love for the new & would refresh my approach to the blog – it’s amazing how much an alteration of the visual opens up my imagination and my motivation to create.

Lastly, Christine Kane left a wonderfully empowering comment about tapping into “what it is in YOU that needs to be born here” and taking the lead:

People love to be led. Especially audiences. I always advise upcoming songwriters not to ask things from the stage like, “Do you want a slow song? Or a fast song?” cuz that puts the audience into a leadership role. Most of them just want you to lead them! So, as for your blog — I would love ANY direction you went in, as long as it’s a clear voice coming from your oh-so beautiful self, Amy. ~ Christine Kane

All of the other ideas, suggestions, opinions seems to support this with messages such as the following filling me with enthusiasm and excitement for the future of Less Ordinary:

Keep writing, snapping photos and sharing your thoughts! ~ Ada Lovelace

I’ll love your blog whatever you do and wherever you go with it… ~ Joanna Young

I do hope that you continue to share your view of the world around you, through your colourful photos and favourite poems. But whatever you choose, I hope that it’s fun for you! ~ Jasmin

Wherever you go with it, you’ll take us all into a good place with you ~ Julie Gibbons

Continue… Doing what you do, Being who you Are, Sharing your Joy, Following your Heart – and the Way will surely appear. ~ Kathleen

I hope you continue blogging, in whatever form appeals to you… ~ Naveen Bachwani

Share it with us how ever the inspiration leads you. We will follow. ~ Wendi-Kelly

Be yourself as usual. ~ Roland Hesz

Special thanks also go to Alex Fayle for his comment, which has sparked off an exciting idea that I hope to put into action soon – more details soon!

Given that so many blogs out there are all words words words, the posts I like most of yours are the ones with photos with only a few lines that ask us to somehow see the world in a different way.  That to me is Less Ordinary and a whole lot More Interesting! ~ Alex Fayle

One of the things that I’ve learned from this process is that I need to have a little more faith in myself and in the kind of content I share here on the blog.  An extremely valuable lesson that I’ll be taking forward as Less Ordinary enters its 3rd year.

A huge thanks go out to everyone who took the time to address my blogging issues laid out in that post and for responding so graciously and enthusiastically.  A great way to start off this blogiversary month!
Amy
xx