To Share or Not to Share

Yesterday, someone asked me why I share my thoughts and issues here and on Facebook, when it just invites people to criticize and mess with me. It’s funny, but I don’t get a critical vibe from my blog readers, and rarely get any negativity from Facebook, either. I get lots of ideas, support, and conversation, which I love.

Most of the critical stuff comes from people close to me who are reminding me of their privacy, which is totally legitimate and fine! When I’ve gotten requests from people not to mention their names, or talk about their animals, or not mention their business stuff, I totally get it, and do my best to just stick to my ranch life and my own thoughts and opinions. That makes sense, to me, and I’m happy to comply.

And sure, I know that there have been times where people took something I mention here and put an unintended slant on it, use it against me, or some unknown thing (because I generally don’t know what is going on behind my back!). But, that’s really none of my concern and reflects more negatively on gossipers and rumor-mongers than it does on me. And it goes both ways. If I don’t like someone or disapprove of them, it’s probably a reflection of my own issues or misconceptions, not a reflection on them, either.

Honestly, I’m not very interesting, am not pushing any hidden agendas, and just want the best for everyone in my family, my inner circle, my extended community, my work, and my volunteer life. That’s it. I share my thoughts and ranch life adventures because it’s helpful to put your thoughts into words. Besides, since I’ve found reading other people’s thoughts and insights have helped me clarify things, I’m just returning the favor, potentially.

I’m fascinated by the way other people think, how they form their opinions, and what influences them. I’m grateful to bloggers, essayists, and Facebook posters who are willing to share with me and others. I enjoy giving other bloggers feedback, and really get a lot out of comments on this blog, whether praising me or bringing up a potential area for improvement. That’s all.

So, no, I don’t mind “putting myself out there in front of the whole world,” because that’s what writers DO. It’s a risk we all take. It’s worth it, to me, for the community it makes and for the feedback and great conversations that can arise from it.

What do you think? Am I a fool to blog about my imperfections, ups and downs, and adventures?

Chicken Name Update

I decided since I’d already given two of the chickens names that start with the letter B, I might as well do that with all six of the new little henlets. So, here they are:

• Babette: the Faverolle
• Billie Idyl: the Brabanter with the mohawk
• Barbara: the Mystic Midnight Maran (black)
• Blanca: The True Blue, yellow and white one
• Blondie: the yellow Buff Orpington
• Betsy: the black and white/gray Americauna

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