Kate from Centsational Girl had a great idea to do a Growing Your Blog series this week. Five of us will be joining in and we’ll each host a post at our site. Today’s post is here at Nesting Place and I’ll remind you to check out the posts for the rest of the week at the other sites. Each day we’ll focus on one topic and we will each answer a question about blogging. Today’s question::
How important is authenticity on your blog? How do you communicate your personality with your readers?
Sarah @ Thrifty Decor Chick
I believe even though readers may not know you personally, they can still see right through the fake stuff. I try to stay true to myself and therefore true to my readers by just being ME. It sounds cliché, but I think it’s worth saying…again.
I worry that sometimes I may be too authentic (I say a lot of goofy things and share way too many horrible photos of the messes in my house), but I just don’t think there’s any other way to be. Anything else would be too exhausting. Be you and people will either love it or hate it. And if they hate it, you wouldn’t want them around anyway. At least that’s what I tell myself. :)
Jen @ Tatertots & Jello
The blogs I enjoy the most are those where the writers seem real. You don’t have to be a fabulous writer, you don’t have to be funny: I wish I were both of those. Just be yourself. Write like you talk: that’s a great way to make sure your blog reflects your real voice. It’s sometimes nerve-wracking to put yourself out there. Every time I push the “Publish” button, I still get nervous. No matter how big your blog is, you still want others to like what you do.
I’ve found that my readers like me sharing the not-so-great moments in life – a really bad day, when my kids are being terrible, craft project failures, my messy home. Of course I love sharing the beautiful pictures and making everything look its best – but my readers love it when I post about my real life and messy craft room or kitchen. Even though it’s hard for me to put myself out there, I’ve been able to connect with so many people and have made wonderful friendships just by being myself and sharing my life.
Marian @ Miss Mustard Seed
I think authenticity is a big factor in the success of a blog. Whether over the internet or in person, people are attracted to other people who are genuine and real and willing to show different facets of themselves. I try to show my personality by writing the way I speak. I don’t make it formal just because it’s in writing. I also have made some videos and I don’t edit my personality out. If I spill my pins all over the floor or if my son wanders in and flushes the toilet, I just leave those things in and let the viewers enjoy the humor of the situation with me. I know my readers also appreciate when I show a dose of reality mixed in with the “beauty shots.” It’s nice for them to know my kids are messy and my carpets are stained and my laundry is out of control and a life is really lived in my house. The bottom line is that authenticity on your blog invites your readers to think of you as a friend.
Kate @ Centsational Girl
Authenticity is the #1 requirement for a successful blog and trying to be something that you’re not is a recipe for disaster. The thing that makes a blogger great is when he or she shares their life in their voice in the unique way only they can do. My most favorite bloggers are the ones that both inspire me with their beautiful images and amazing creations, but also keep it real by allowing their style, their thoughts, and their imperfections to show through. I’m typically more formal in my writing, especially with the how-to posts or reflections on design, but then I’ll bust out a more raw version of myself or reveal the personal side and readers respond to that too. We’re all imperfect, we’re all human, and sharing those moments when we’re silly or dorky or when the world is falling apart around us forms that real connection with readers.
I once read somewhere that you should write like you speak, and even better, write like you’d speak to your sister or best friend, and that’s true. Language can be casual or formal, it’s up to the blogger, but the most important thing is to use your real thoughts and true voice that only you have to offer – that’s the key.
And back to me, The Nester
Authenticity online is one of those things you can’t always explain but you know it when you see it. Or in this case, read it. Here’s one of my favorite comments from that Pinterest and Blogging post that I wrote the other day::
Kristen shared something authentic and vulnerable and my immediate reaction was “I ADORE YOU” to the point where I had to respond to her comment right then on my phone right then and spell words wrong, I couldn’t wait to connect with her because she had connected with me. Something happens when people share something imperfect that we can relate to. Don’t underestimate the power of authenticity.
Instead of me talking more about authenticity, I thought I’d link to some of the most authentic bloggers I know of. These women have the audacity to risk being their true, imperfect, relatable selves and tell it like it is in their own way. So, naturally, I’ve met all of these women and can vouch that their online voice coincides with who they are in real life.
June @ Bye Bye Pie
Annie @ Annie Blogs
Heather @ Especially Heather
Emily @ Chatting at The Sky
Ann @ A Holy Experience
Ashely @ Handmade Home
Tomorrow, we’ll be at Sarah’s talking about monetization. I’ll be sure to remind you.
Is there a writer/blogger you think of when you hear the word authentic? What does authenticity mean to you? Why do we make it so complimicated? {See what I did? I wrote complimicated instead of complicated in order to infuse a little of my authentic personality into my blog.}
Ha ha, I agree with June up there…..my mom actually said ot me,” maybe you should take a writing class, you write just like you talk”……..”Mom, If I have to go take a class, to talk to people in cyberspace….,then I am already over…..like June said, Keep it street…..Nester, thanks for the encouragement, some of us may only ever get it from you…lol!
Thank you so much for doing this series! It is exactly what I need to hear. You really are the blogger that I read that came to mind when talking about authenticity, so thanks for the advice and for living it out :)
I always smile with anticipation when I see that you have a new post. Partly because of your own authenticity. I love that. And partly because you dole out a big dose of encouragement. What a generous idea you all are doing. Thank you!
Dixie
Love this! There is nothing more indomitable than being yourself! Looking forward to more in this series this week.
Re: Spelling mistakes.
My psychiatrist tells me that I need to make mistakes on purpose. (To teach myself that the world won’t cave in when I goof up.) Somehow I can’t bring myself to make a purposeful spelling mistake on my blog! Or in a comment. Or kan I?
awesome.
Thank you…from deep within my heart..thank you and your friend bloggers…your words, your authenticity (and theirs)..has renewed my soul. I was a high powered, super successful super stressed Sales executive with medical Anti-Aging skincare line..and one day iin 2009 it all began to unravel…and I became gravely ill. Very ill..like I have never been sick before..I won’t go into all the details but my world changed. I was in bed for about a year..slowly began to try and put the pieces back together. Through God..I found a new physician and have slowly emerged from the darkness. Facebook depressed me because I was so ill..and everyone’s life seemed so “perfect”. So…I closed my page…and then discovered Decorating Blogs…my passion. But…although I first fell in love with the designs, the creativity, the art of it all…it was the way you and your wonderful friends were truly “real”..that began to uplift me. It was truly unintentional..but it was the genuine way you write, the messy photos, the authentic views on life..it connected to me in a deep way. I became inspired…hopeful..my love has always been decorating..but your blogs connected to me as a woman…I had become numb..by the pain, by the loss of friends, career, etc…but I now see it as a blessing. I was so intense, going 100 miles an hour 80 hours a week that although the money was awesome..my life was consumed by my career….your blogs have helped me get my groove back….I smile more..dream more….I feel inspired. I feel joy…thank you. Please let your friends know how they affect others too…I am new to all this and don’t quite know how to connect with all of you. God bless you…you are making a difference in so many lives..and have helped to renew and transform me from a dark place into the sunshine…and I am loving life again!!
this is very interesting. I am new to the blogging world. My best friend just wrote me an email saying that I write exactly the way I express myself in person. I tend to make fun of myself because I like people who can laugh at themselves. But this tip is great and I am looking forward to the rest in the series.
MC
So first I was all, Oh Em GEE I love all these bloggers… I can’t wait to hear what they say….and then I was all, you FLIPPING MADE MY DAY with that super awesome sweet compliment. Seriously. You guys are all a huge inspiration, and I can’t thank you enough for being you.
Most importantly, I think it’s time to clear the air here. I also, strongly dislike angelina jolie. She has spindly arms, and big boobies. It’s not fair. And I feel better after saying that. Particularly after writing the word boobies on someone else’s blog.
I am learning to let go and be me…..
What an authentically authentic post! Sorry, couldn’t resist. For me, what keeps me coming back is definitely a mix of voice and self-deprecation — but only in the most confident of ways, do you know what I mean? Like the blogger is taking ‘ownership’ of her/his imperfections and potentially ‘messy’ life and home. Not in a way that is looking for — even trolling for — affirmation. Does that make sense?
And humor gets me every time. Like ‘The Little Brown House’ and a two newer blogs, “The Rooster and The Hen” and “Thistlewood Farm” …
And of course I adore all of the bloggers who contributed to your story … there is a reason they have been going strong for so long …
I like to say that people will absolutely judge a book by it’s cover — so we need to make our blogs look pretty with layout and pictures and such to first drawn in readers. But they won’t come back if we don’t deliver “inside the cover” with solid content. In the end, content is king (or queen, in our case)… and I want my readers to finish my story, and not give up half way through …
I just started blogging last week! I love to write and craft and plan birthday parties and I have been at it all for quite awhile. I had no idea how to start a blog and my husband got me hooked up. So now in reverse order I am looking at other blogs and learning a lot. I love all of your advice and I look forward to seeing the rest of your posts this week too. ( p.s. -this if my first official comment too :)
I asked people what they think authenticity is and sent them this way as well. I hope I get some responses! I hate that crickets feeling.
Great topic. I love reading blogs, like yours, where I can relate to the writer. Life is not always perfect but sometimes, especially in the blog world, we read blogs where someone else’s life seems to be perfect, that nothing every goes wrong for them and that they have the money to “get” whatever they desire whenever they desire it. Real life isn’t like that at least not for most people and I like to read about “real” people and their not so perfect life. Yeah, I like the pretty stuff too, but give me “real” anyday..
This series is so timely for me. I’ve only been blogging for a couple of months (sporadically), and I need all the help I can get. This is definitely important for me to remember- my insecurities tend to keep me from letting myself be truly known and this whole blog world is like a slap in the face of all insecurities. Am I good enough? Do I have anything to say? Does anyone care what I have to say? on and on….
I am so excited to see more great blogging information. I am not, nor will I be perfect. As a new blogger, my sister said it sounds just like me! Now I know that must have been a good thing! I am already so very appreciative of followers, and amazed. They must not mind my flaws, word’isms’, or ways of sharing. Glad you ALL are participating in sharing your expertise in this series. I’m taking notes!
I am so excited about this series. I recently got up the courage to start my own blog and I think this series will be really helpful for me. My husband so kindly told me my first two blog posts were nothing like me. He told me I always have a lot to say but it totally did not come out in my blog. I think the authenticity is so true!
I have shared a lot on my blog about depression. It always scares me to press “publish” on those posts…but in the end, those are the posts where people email me and confide about their own struggles…those are the posts where we can encourage one another…those are the posts where real connections are made. And I’ve never regretted sharing…in fact, blogging has been a bit therapeutic for me! :)
This is so great that yall are doing this. My blog will be celebrating its one year blogiversary, in Jan. although I still consider myself a newbie. I cannot wait to follow along for the rest of this series. and I am so glad yall first tip is to write like you speak! I do that all.the.time! it was the biggest complaint I got in college when writing papers.
this is great! I was just talking with one of my friends who is always really honest with me. I asked her if she thinks Blog Meg is different than Real Meg. She said they were the same. And my dad is always telling me, “it sounds like I’m talking to you. You write like you talk.” That is all great feedback. And it’s great having good, honest, encouraging people in my life. And writing like I’m speaking is always my goal-its’ nice to hear that the professionals tell us to do the same in this post. Very encouraging!!! Thank you for doing this.
I love this series! It is very valuble information for people who have just started blogging such as myself and for anyone else for that matter. Thank you ladies for doing this I commend you all!
~Mandy
I have been married for 11 years and a mom for 9 and during that time I feel like I have lost who I am as a person so when my husband suggested I do a blog like this I thought it might be a good chance for me to open up and be myself. Along with us needing extra income but having 4 kids that I want to stay home with, I have found that this blog has given me an outlet to be Penni, not wife, not mom just Penni and that is a good feeling.
What a great series and great shares by all! Did that make sense? I agree that authenticity is key. I relate to people who share their life and real stories. That’s what makes me keep coming back is when I can relate :) Thanks for sharing everyone! Look forward to tomorrow’s post!
Sometimes I realize I wasn’t being authentic when I post on my blog and realize how mundane and boring it sounds. So I try to go back over those posts and rewrite them. I was just thinking a sort of funny thought, what if I find out someday that my authentic voice is horribly mundane and boring? Like “I am being me and it still sounds awful!” lol! I am really grateful for this series for reminding me to keep the real me in the foreground. Thank you! Xxoo- Kristie
Growing my blog is one of my goals for the new year, so Im looking forward to this series. People can tell when you are not being authentic, in person and in blogging, I think. I get more comments on posts where I talk about struggles and messing up than I do on any other posts!
You all are so encouraging! I have wanted to blog since 2007, but felt too paralyzed to do it. It was weird– I created websites, both personal and for work, with no problem, but blogging felt too.. .personal, I guess? I always wanted to share, I just worried too much about it. I’m just going for it this year– thank you for these posts, ladies!
Ironically I was thinking about this topic earlier today. Maybe I’ve been reading too many blogs for too long a time, but with a few exceptions, it seems they are all starting to sound the same, look the same – the sun streaming through the windows, the Ballard style rooms right out of the catalog, etc., and the perfect lives are amazing to me. I know many people, family, extended family, friends of extended family, my own friends, and not one of these people I k ow have the “perfect family” or the magazine styled home. It got me wondering why so many women claim to have it all, and then why so many women believe them, follow them, and gush all over them in their comments. I love to read “real stories”‘ see “real pictures” of projects in progress or projects gone bad. I can’t be the only crafting or decorating or painting without the perfect manicure. Don’t misunderstand me, I love my home, I love my life, but by no means is any of it perfect. I just don’t understand an entire post of authenticity and the many comments it brought, that you all are nodding your heads in agreement of keeping it real.
I definitely get that the idea of the perfect home, life, etc. can come across, but I don’t think that being authentic means having to lay it all out there all the time. None of the “big name” bloggers I read claim to have it all and I don’t think that’s what they are saying by posting beautiful (and admittedly staged) pictures of their homes to showcase design ideas. I love Sarah from Thrifty Decor Chick but I don’t want to see her fabulous Christmas tablescape with her family’s leftover breakfast dishes on it just so I see that she’s a real person with real messes (besides we’ve all seen her posts about her basement in its fulll glory and whoa!). While I’m sure that none of these homes look like this all the time or even most of the time, it’s more inspiring to see them as a visitor and not as an insider (most of the time). Even when my best girlfriend comes over I manage to put the dishes away and move the piles of laundry waiting to be folded out of sight. I’m not hiding who I am, but trying to make my home more pleasant for her, which I think is the equivalent of what these blogging chicks do.
OOh, I’m excited about this series! When I think of authentic bloggers, I immediately think of Ashley at Under the Sycamore and Meg at Whatever. Those two blogs both have great photos and cute DIY/decorating stuff, but what keeps me coming back are their stories. I’m fairly new to your blog, and I came the first time because of some pretty pictures of your living room on Pinterest, but I’ve been hanging out because your writing inspires me. :) Thank you!
Such a great post to read! I am excited to continue reading the rest of the series. To me, being authentic is putting yourself out there…mistakes and all. When I read a blog, I like to know that the person posting isn’t perfect and everything they do isn’t done correctly on the first try…it makes them more human! I think us…women…typically make it more complicated because we want everyone to like us…so we try to be someone we’re not to impress everyone else…and then find out…we don’t need to be like anyone else except ourselves!
Thank you for sharing this series, it means so much to me as a newbee, when “stars” like you take the time to spell it out for us! Looking forward to the week!
I love that you said “complimication”; it reminds me of when you used to talk about “home edumacation.” (I don’t think that’s how you spelled it, but I’ll always remember that you said it–it made me think “This is a girl I can relate to.”)
This series is so cool. You are authentically brilliant. Or brilliantly authentic. Or both.
Richella! I cannot believe you remember edumakashun. I like the way you spell it better. I rarely say it correctly in my every day life, so why spell it like I do? xoxo
This post rocks. Why? Because it validates what I’ve been feeling as a new blogger that has been given many “words of advice” from other bloggers. Most of them have been trying to tell me to pick something about myself and blog ‘about that’. Just ‘that’? Talk about puttin’ myself in a box! My hubby and I have been not-not trying to get pregnant for over 7 years. There are parts of that struggle that are great-because God has a perfect plan for our family and I trust that. BUT there are parts that are very difficult and I know God doesn’t want me to dwell on those parts. So the last thing I want to do is hang out in that box every time I post on my blog! So I’m just me. All over the place, doing way too much and sometimes missing God’s best, and always learning from my mistakes.
Thanks for the validation. I look forward to more tips from the pros! HAPPY 2K12!
Thank you for these series! I am self-taught in the area of blogging and blog layout, which isn’t saying much! Techno impaired…I have found that most people blog as a creative outlet…blog to share ideas and join in a community of other like-minded women. I don’t think women (or men!) blog to try and ‘sell’ a false identity. That being said, my friends and family have told me that the pictures I post are absolutely NOT how the rooms in my house look most of the time and that I should show the mess! I have three kids and can barely keep anything in it’s place! Looking at my blog, you would think I was the most organized person! So here is the deal…to take the picture, I clean the space. My husband just loves for me to blog, because I will purge a space and clean it up! Secondly, blogging is such a creative outlet. After my honest friends/family told me not to wear a mask of neatness, I started writing ‘Life Lessons’ on Sunday. The Lord has taught me so much and this is the way I am able to keep it real. I don’t really think anyone wants to see my laundry room with possibly exposed dirty underwear! Who wants to look at that?! I just wrote some amazing advice that I have been given, words of wisdom and resolutions at http://threepixielane.blogspot.com/2012/01/resolutions-words-of-wisdom-and-good_01.html.
I will be writing a series on marriage leading up to Valentine’s Day each Sunday…and it will genuine…who doesn’t ride the roller coaster of life in their marriage? My husband and I have read every book on marriage and been to counseling so many times that we feel we should be given a degree! Thanks for the thoughts and the challenge to be authentic! I am getting too old to care to be anything else!
P.S. I think you are in Charlotte?? I am in Rock Hill!
What a great series. I’m looking forward to the other posts. I do love this topic of authenticity, because I struggle with it on a daily basis, both in my blogging and in real life. I am so many things, a mom, a single mom, a daughter, an employee, a friend, etc. But who I am FOR REAL is something that only a few probably really know. So how to let that REAL me reflect through the blog is tough sometimes. And a little scary.
To me, authenticity = true relatibility. Did I spell that right? relate + ibility! What I mean is being honest in your writing allows readers to relate to you. Like a girlfriend you chat over coffee with. It’s why you have so many wonderful comments! I started writing in October 2011, and so I very much appreciate this series so early in the New Year! There is so much to learn. I have yet to pull the trigger to share my “project” with my family and friends. I hope the advice of your crew gives me the confidence to share, share, share!!! All the best in 2012!
I just have to say that Rebecca @ You Are Talking Too Much is the blogger who immediately comes to mind when I think of authenticity. I love her.
Molly, I just saw this! Thank you for thinking of me……I appreciate you so much! Love, Me
I’m so glad I popped over from MMS to read this, and I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of the week! When I saw this was about authenticity, the first person I thought of was Shaunna @ Perfectly Imperfect ~ I love her and SO many other bloggers who just keep it real! :-) Thanks again!!!
I love “it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful” There are so many time I just ignore my blog because I don’t think it is worthy of the world view. It is very encouraging to know we can show who we are and what we really have going on without having to worry about making every little detail picture perfect. I think this is a wonderful series for the timid bloggers like myself! Thank you!
As I just told Centsational Girl, my other new best friend, it was time to subscribe to your blogs, since I was the last person who hadn’t!
On a bit more serious note, look at the comment length here. All the comments are in depth and personal, instead of “oooh, how pretty!”. Maybe it’s your genuine spirit that gets people talking. Eh? Great to finally get my butt over here!
One of the first decor blogs I found that I was drawn to was Sarah’s. She speaks in a similar manner to the way I do in real life. I always appreciate self-deprecation. I love those pictures of her messy house and hope she never stops posting them. I also am a big fan of Kellie at Nest of Posies (love her silly photos) and Mandy at Vintage Revivals (who can’t love a blogger who ends her posts with “love your guts”?). Anyone who admits to being a true dork is someone worthy of my adoration!
And yes, authenticity is everything!
Jenny
Fun series… love it!
Oops, I clicked “reply” too quick. Let’s try this again…
Fun series. love it. I think all the embarrassing and life stuff make blogs seem more personal. Some blogs I’ve seen have cool ideas, but lack the personal factor… I can see cool stuff anywhere, but when I feel like I know someone (the blogger), I’ll subscribe… even if their posts are just about life and not necessarily always cool ideas/things. I love funny satire blogs too…
Sometimes I wonder if there’s much point to starting a blog. Then I remember, it’s for the fun of it… like an only diary. To me, anyway. I know I’ll never have hardy anyone read my stuff, but at least a few friends can keep up with me via my blog. I think adults either want to be amazing at something or they want to quit… while kids can just color and have fun and not care about the end result. I’m trying to think that way with everything- hobbies, crafts, learning…. it’s the fun and the process, not the result, that count.
This reminds me of leadership..who are the leaders I am drawn to follow? Certainly not the ones who act as though they have no flaws or imperfections. I am drawn to people who are willing to share ALL parts of their lives. When we live/write/lead like this, others are drawn to follow us. This is what made me keep coming back to your blog!
What happens when you are authenitc but it seems like nobody has any interest in reading what you have to write? I guess it’s my fault because I have never been aggressive with getting readers. I started writing as a way to get my feelings out there but as I continue to read all the great blogs out there, I wonder if anyone is reading mine. I hope that one of the points addressed this week is how to put yourself out there for others. Thanks for such a great encouraging blog !
This is a very timely series & I am thankful for the topics. I launched my website last May with a commitment to blogging, however the site took so much energy to get up & running, the blogging never took off. So I have made a renewed commitment to developing my blog this year. It’s amazing to me what a huge community there is out there. So any inspiration, tips or how to’s are welcome!
Being authentic can be a challenge. I try hard to catch those moments and place them on the blog, but I find that as with all my writing, it is more often far more crafted than I wish it to be. This may because I teach writing. It is easy to revise yourself right out of your own writing and I encourage students to be wary of this. Thank you for a great post! ~Kelly
unDeniably Domestic
I think one reason authenticity seems to “complimicated” is because it’s linked to personal transparency which is linked to vulnerability. When blogging, although we know many personal friends and family are reading, there are also STRANGERS :-) reading, too. It’s not my policy to open up to people I don’t know, so while writing I imagine my friends at the other end. The most wonderful thing, though? Pretty much everyone I’ve met in the bloggy world is really nice! Thanks for the new series. I’m looking forward to hearing more through the week.
i stoped over to say thans for teh “pin it on pinterest” tip!! installed and excited! then i got distracted {squirrel} with this post and chiiming in to say thanks to everyone for their thoughts on authenticity [can’t believe i actually spelled that right!}. i’ve been struggling in my writing lately … you know, cuz i can’t get my words to dance like ann’s. this was just what i needed to read today to encourage me “write like you talk …” i do and it’ll just have to do!
{decided to leave my ytops in for a bit of my own autenthicty} {wow, guess i’m a one hit wonder with the authencity spelling} {yep}
I know I’m going to love this series!!! I’m just coming back to my own blog after a 3 month break. An unplanned 3 month break. I sorta gave up on it which is really not like myself to give up on anything but I think I needed some time to really think about what I want in my life and what I expect of myself. We are our own worst critics and I’m so tired of tearing myself down. My house is messy, my kids are outta contol, and I have many failed crafts but I’m grateful for the opportunity to own my home, to have children to brighten my day, and every once in a while I do slay an awesome craft! Authenticity for me is someone who is willing to share selflessly with others. :)
Oh, I’m so glad you ate doing this series, ladies.
When I think of authentic,, look away now Nester, (Hey is that a Santa hat on your big fish?!) I really do think of the Nester. Come on, girlfriend showed us her dented and scratched up top on her 2nd table.
The other gal I think of is Donna from Funky Junk. She just seems like someone I’d want to share a coffee with. And, maybe hammer a few pallets with, too.
I love all those ladies, but if you stopped me on a street corner and said, “Authentic. Writing. Who?” I’d blurt out the Nester and Funky Junk Donna.
Then I’d tell you all about why…and you’d be walking away…and I’d say, “Wait, i didn’t tell you about the Big Fish yet, and you’d say, “My, look at the time, ” and I’d say, “But if you give me just a second I can tell you about how curtain rings have changed my life” and you’d say, “Love to, but I’ve got a plane to catch, “And, I say sure, I get it, but did you know that those decorator tables are a great place to HIDE stuff?”
Er, gosh i hate typos.
I didn’t meant to type ate. I meant are. But, I was hungry. nevermind…
Great post and great series! This is a great message to share, and one that I thought a lot about as I was making plans for my blog & shop for 2012. I came to the same conclusion that you talk about in this post – you have to be yourself. I need to work on being more comfortable sharing photos of myself because I’m not a twenty-something any more so I’ve been kind of hiding behind my words. This year I’m going to try to be more personal with my readers and let them get to know me. I look forward to the rest of this series.