Happy 4th Blog-O-Versary!!!! Now What?

A card for every occasion

Well, it's wacky tacky's 4th Blog-O-Versary and 400th post - a fact that endlessly tickles the fancy of a certain someone with numerical OCD.  Surely, there are bloggers, columnists, sewing enthusiasts, adventurers, cooks, crafters, painters, and poets far more prolific than I but, at an average of 100 posts per year, I am actually feeling less lazy than I look.

I'm hoping my enthusiasm is contagious.

I've tried writing this post at least one hundred different ways and I'm still not sure what the outcome will be.  I hate to sound maudlin but after four solid years of blogging, I am coming to realize that my "unique voice" and passion for silly, old-timey stuff may not "B UNIQ."

First rule of B UNIQ Club: Don't talk about B UNIQ Club. 

Before I started wacky tacky, I had never felt the need to keep a personal account of my life (that documentary wouldn't even make it to the bottom of your Netflix queue).  Before I started wacky tacky, I didn't really understand what a blog was (a bit of a hiccup).  Before I started wacky tacky, I rarely used a computer outside of an office environment (luddite much?).  Before I started wacky tacky, I didn't know how beautifully female-dominated the medium tended to be (damn you, glass flooring!!!).  Before I started wacky tacky, I had dreams of connecting to a broad audience (are you there world, it's me, Mr. Tiny).  Before I started wacky tacky, I believed I could find some measure of success lending an authentic perspective of my favorite things (not like a show on the Food Network or a book deal or anything - no delusions of grandeur here).

At this point, I think that my reach may have exceeded my grasp (too broad in my topics, too silly, not silly enough, too much over-sharing, too impersonal).  I think that I operated in a bit of vacuum.  I think I was too far behind the technological curve.  It think that in many ways, it seems a vain conceit to continue pursuing an investment of so much time and energy that yields comparatively puny returns.  With interest (readership/comments/etc.) in wacky tacky at an all-time low, I sometimes feel like I've failed before I've even hit my stride.  I think I over-think things.

So on a celebratory, if self-pitying note, my question on this the fourth anniversary of wacky tacky's birth is, "Is it just me?"  The inspirations is there, but the motivation is questionable?  Are other writers experiencing the same thing?  Is blogging a fading form of communication?  I try to keep things "light, bright, and polite" here but having celebrated four fun years of adventuring, creating, reading incredible blogs, and making friends from around the world, I'm wondering if it is time to redouble my efforts and blog more frequently and more furiously or is it time to take a rest?  I think there is a natural beginning and a natural end to everything and I wonder if wacky tacky has reached its conclusion.  If I sound whiny, please remember...

"It's My Party (And I'll Cry if I Want to)" - Leslie Gore

Since starting wacky tacky, I have traveled more than I ever had before (Appalachia, the American Southwest, Europe, and Japan).  Since starting wacky tacky, I have grown in my sincere appreciation for all that is weird and wonderful in the world (writing things down sort of sharpens the images in my mind and deepens my gratitude).  Since starting wacky tacky, I have refined who I am and found out what is important to me (this blog very much included).  Since starting wacky tacky, I have broadened my perspective on what wacky tacky means (not relegated to any certain era/style/region/culture).  Since starting wacky tacky, I have allowed more people from wildly diverse backgrounds into my life (the blessed consequence of a decided introvert finally opening up).  Since starting wacky tacky, I have a record of all the things for which I must remember to be grateful (I have always had a bad memory and am way too quick to forget).

All things considered, the problem of waning interest in wacky tacky is such a small one.  Nevertheless, wacky tacky has become such a part of who I am that I can't help but reevaluate and consider the future as I roll over into my fifth year of over-sharing on the internet.  As a huge THANK YOU to all of the brilliant, generous, and talented folks who have read wacky tacky and celebrated with us, I share with you a short video of me performing my favorite trick in the world - rolling over!

Or, more specifically, rolling down a hill!

THANK YOU, you wacky tacky turkey necks; to you I owe a huge debt of gratitude!  Your questions, comments, and suggestions are much appreciated!

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny