The Life Your Blog Lives Without You

“…Others’ photos are a way to understand and appreciate how THEY see the world.”
-Ry @TwoWheelsToThere.com

One of the most fascinating aspects of keeping a blog isn’t necessarily the act of writing it – it’s the life that it lives without you. Once I commit a thought to type, that’s the point in which we break up. I’ve already lived it, felt it and mostly processed it. Sure, there will be threads, memories or emotions that stay with me but often writing things down is like an exorcism.

Once I press publish whatever happens after that is in little satellite offices around the globe. Pairs of eyes glance over the words, see the pictures and they do their own magic. That magic is a secret kept from me. I handed over my piece of a greater puzzle and someone else put it in place. In turn maybe they do the same for someone else and so on and so on.

People come, read and take what they need. Sometimes that’s mindless entertainment, sometimes it’s a deep-thought catalyst, a pretty picture, fellowship or maybe something else entirely. Or maybe nothing. On this side of the screen, I’ll never know what is needed on the other side. And so I continue to press in one direction – forward based on my whims.

After all these years, it still fascinates me that anyone reads this blog… and then comes back and reads it again! It has become clear to me that the only thing that I DO know about anything is that I don’t know anything about anything.

The most deep and surprising ripple on the surface of this little pond came as a result of showing my cards when I was in a mentally hurtin’ place. That’s when the angels among you quietly said “me too,” or sent words of encouragement or just checked on me to see if I was still kickin’. Perhaps I didn’t thank you directly. There is no excuse for my silence. Sometimes I just don’t know how to deal with people directly. I bet you figured as much.

For a long time it felt necessary to keep a stiff upper lip, keep my trap shut, and keep curating the idea of a breezy life. But, you know? That’s a lie and it’s too exhausting to keep up the facade. While some people may have changed the channel as a result of my occasional melancholy, some drew in closer. For that I am grateful. For you, I am grateful.

Why would anyone who comes to read a blog ostensibly about motorcycles care what’s happening to my brain? I’m guessing because this space has always been about living more so than motorcycles. They’re just the ribbons that tie our hands together, the vehicle to explore the world and ourselves. Like the pictures that Ry mentioned in the quote at the top of the page – this blog is just a way to understand how I see the world. Even for me. Especially for me.

Fuzzygalore

Rachael is the whimsical writer behind the 20+ year old Girlie Motorcycle Blog. As a freelance blogger, she is on a mission to inspire laughter, self-examination, curiosity, and human connection. Girlie Motorcycle Blog can be found on several Best Motorcycle Blog lists.

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12 Responses

  1. I guess it’s hard to let others see your inner workings, see what makes you tick and what pushes your buttons. At least it is for me.

    A blog, your blog, isn’t just for others to see life through your eyes. Its a way for you to reflect and appreciate the things you have.

    Lovely post

    Cheers

    • Fuzzygalore says:

      It is hard. I’m with you completely. I censor myself greatly because i’m scared to let people truly know about me. I have many examples that show that for the most part people would be kind, but still… can’t go there. Also much of life is intertwined with other people and i try to respect their privacy. We do what we can, right?

      Thank you for reading and commenting, EG 🙂

  2. Sandy says:

    Your thoughts are inspiring and ring true with an honesty from one who feels the same. I may not be able to connect face to face with people but through writing it is there. A small thread that winds it way around completing that need to share and be a part of something much bigger…

  3. Darrin says:

    I’m just too dang lazy to unsubscribe! Hehehe…

    Ok, seriously. A blog is unique as it is not just words or as story. It is a persons own words and story. It is an extension of the person. People don’t just want to read a story. They want to read someone else’s story, even just for a moment or a glance. That’s what makes blogs so unique. (At least to me) Some people get your story and some might not. I think I get your story. I can appreciate it. I enjoy experiencing it with you. I thank you for allowing me the opportunity. And your presence is missed when not there. (That in no way implies an obligation to maintain a consistent presence) it’s your story. Live it, ride it, share it, own it. It’s just nice to be able to raise my hand and wave as you pass by every once in a while out on the road. Cheers!!!

  4. David Masse says:

    Bloggers are the polar opposite of Twitter trolls. It’s almost impossible to write as many posts as we do without leaving our souls naked for our sustained readers to see. That’s what builds our community. As trite as it may be, sharing is caring.

    • Fuzzygalore says:

      Yes, i think you’re right. Do you ever wonder what people think you’re really like based on what you’ve written versus the reality of who you are?

      • David Masse says:

        Oddly, no.

        I have found that I have been misunderstood on forums, but not on my blog. When I have met other bloggers it’s as if I’ve known them fairly well. The voice is usually a surprise of course, unless we’ve had phone calls. Blogs are the most intimate of the social media I think. Twitter is the most opaque. It’s the time invested in an episode. The longer the time, the more we see. At least that’s what I think.

  5. Shybiker says:

    Many truths spoken here, which is one of the magnets that keep drawing us back. You speak honestly, if sometimes opaquely. We never really know other people. I also have no clue why anyone would read my blog. Also, it’s easy to befriend people when they say they are happy; it’s harder (and a test of character) to stay friends when they reveal they are not. But that’s when they need our support more.

    • Fuzzygalore says:

      <3
      “..I also have no clue why anyone would read my blog…”
      Perhaps for the very same reasons you cited people might read this one. You present an authentic and unapologetic life.

  6. Steel says:

    A writer who I admire and respect once told me that great writing requires complete and unmitigated honesty, and writing honestly is the most difficult writing there is to do. Hence, great writing is rare. But there are times when honesty reveals itself in our writing, and those written words are the ones that touch our souls.

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