Saturday, February 4, 2012

Beginnings

David Masse over at Life on two wheels, the scoot commute recently published a post about, in part, his original intentions for starting a blog (click here to read the post). Responding to his post and reading the other comments prompted me to reflect on my own beginnings as a blogger.

I wanted to start a blog to get back into the discipline of writing. But, what to write about? Well, I knew I wanted to explore the surprising turn of events that brought me to riding a scooter. But, what shape was that to take? And, if it was to be about riding my Symba, was this all I wanted to focus on?


I tried to write a mission statement. It kept eluding me. Since I wanted the direction of my blog to be clear and well defined, I refused to start until things ceased being so nebulous. Finally, I realized if I waited until I achieved clarity about the direction of my blog, I would never start. So, I came up with a name, Twists and Leanings, and took the plunge.

I still haven't found a clarity of subject matter for Twists and Leanings that I am completely comfortable with, but in many respects the blog seems to be sorting itself out. I have a sense of direction I want to go with it. Along the way I, also, discovered I really wanted a daily journal of my riding (or not) to work, and I wanted to make a daily commitment to writing. Since these two objectives didn't fit well with the other ideas I had about this blog I started another. Thus Did He Ride Today? was born. Yes, I went from not being able to start a blog to having two of them...go figure.

I feel my writing is improving. Recently, I had a post I was actually pleased with on Twists and Leanings, rather than merely satisfied. More importantly it seems stories are beginning to seek me out. When I first started blogging it was a chore to figure out what to write about. Now, the challenge is finding the time to write the things I want to.

From talking with other bloggers I've come to believe it is a blessing that statistics mystify me. I just don't quite understand them. I've heard from other bloggers, including David, stories of spending lots of time pouring over the statistics and wondering about traffic. I know when folks actually started leaving comments on my postings I found myself constantly checking my email to see if a new comment had come in. And, if I got no comments on a post, I found myself wondering what I did wrong.  I've come to see if the post is true and touches me that is all that really matters here. Comments are still very important to me, but not as a gauge to how well I'm doing. Rather, it is because I've found my responses to readers comments often have a depth the post itself only hinted at. Thanks to all you who comment. You do really bring the best out in me.

One of the surprises of blogging has been the role photos have come to play in my postings. Before I began blogging I didn't even own a camera. Now I'm rarely without one. I have a waterproof Fujiflim XP that lives on a lanyard around my neck when I'm riding. And, another Fujifilm Finepix I carry in my pocket. They are supposedly the same camera, but I'm here to tell you, they are not. Even though they are simple point and shoot cameras both have their strengths and weaknesses.

But the most wonderful surprise about blogging has been the relationships I've developed with other bloggers. In October Heather and I headed north to Minnesota to meet up with Chris from Everyday Riding. (Click here for the post about riding  three up on a Ural). When folks at work asked me where I was going for my vacation, I told them I was going to Minnesota to see a friend I'd never met.

The smiles tell the story Photo by the beautiful and mysterious Mrs. Everyday Riding.
Since starting this blog I have made other friends I've never met. I hope the twists and leanings of my life take me down the roads that will lead to my encountering many of them face to face.

So, until we do meet...
Be safe.
Be passionate.
And, love extravagantly.

14 comments:

  1. Very well said. I think writing blogs just makes the world seem a little smaller and brings people closer.

    It isn't about the statistics or comments it is about writing the journal that is our lives. Although it is enjoyable to have those friends we've never met tagging along though the ups and downs.

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    1. Trobairitz,
      Yes, it does make the world seem a little smaller and a wee bite like a safer place. You are such a faithful commenter. I appreciate it. By the way, I'm glad to know you are about to get floored :)
      ~k

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  2. Keith:

    I think it is great that we have all found each other. Similar interests and blogging about it. It's good and bad that we live all over the country. It's amazing how close we are even though we have yet to meet

    bob
    Riding the Wet Coast

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    1. bob,
      You are amazing. You seem to be always among the first to start commenting on new blogs. I've noticed that. And, inspired by you I make every effort to comment regularly on any new blogs I discover. I appreciated your encouragement early on and am passing it on.

      Thanks again,
      ~k

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  3. I personally have always enjoyed you blogs mate, some times I dont have the time to comment, but I do try and take the tie to read every one. Keep up the good work.

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    1. Roger,
      I've told you before and I'll tell you again and again and again....I love your blog. Your passion for riding comes through. Like you I don't always comment. Sometimes it is I don't have the time, but sometimes I just don't know what to say. That's why I added a "like" reaction box. I appreciated it when I had this option on other blogs. I think I saw the reaction thing first on Geoff's blog and thought how neat is that. So, I added it.

      Thanks again for dropping by.

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  4. Wonderfully put. I also find that through blogging you meet the finest people, sometimes only virtually, and sometimes you are lucky and meet in person. You give a little of yourself and get rewarded with kindness. Sometimes the virtual world seems indeed to be what the real world sometimes is lacking.

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    1. Sonja,
      I don't know how you manage to comment on so many blogs and keep up with you own. You are my hero.

      It is ironic how the virtual world can indeed be more kind than the nitty-gritty everyday world. But, again I think it still has to do with who you hang out with. Thanks for hanging out here and commenting so regularly. Much obliged.

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  5. Keith

    I like your blog(s) . I often find in reading other people's blogs they spur me on in different directions. I find it fascinating to read about other bloggers journeys and sometimes they are strikingly similar. Taking photos is another thing I have found that I love doing, I used to avoid it like the plague. Now I don't go anywhere without my camera. I recently met Bob in Vancouver and it felt like we have been friends forever. Your writing is very eloquent and it has been a pleasure reading your blog!

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    1. From the very first I've loved the enthusiasm you bring to your blog. And wow, what fun it has been following you as you moved more and more into the motorcycle world. I loved watching bob's video of you at the motorcycle show. Your passion is contagious. I like it.

      Thanks for all your comments. It has been a fun ride.

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  6. Nice Keith. I remember when you first started commenting on my blog in the middle of our river ride, and then started T&L. I enjoy your posts, and am happy to call you a friend.

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    1. I'd forgotten your trip down the Great River was before T&L. Wow.

      Actually, I surprised to look back and see how young T&L actually is. Like riding it is difficult to think of times before I did it.

      Take care friend and I'm looking forward to hearing about many more trips in your future. Let's see you've covered South and East. I wonder what could be next ;)

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  7. Interesting how we change and grow with these things. Some blogs are very specific and focused, others less so. It's all good.

    I think most of us click on a blog and get hooked by one subject or another that interests us, or perhaps by the writing style, or the photography, but then we get interested in the person behind the blog, and like hearing about the rest of their life.

    Like someone one else said, when things get busy, it's hard to find the time to comment. Usually happens when thing get hectic and reading only happens in short snippets. :)

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  8. You sound like such a lovely man. I truly enjoy all of your posts and sometimes I just read them and sigh or smile. I quietly enjoy many posts. I'm so happy to have found you!

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