Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

I want to go everywhere I haven't been, and back to everywhere I have been.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

You Can't Frost A Cake With Mod Podge...And Other Things I've Learned From Blogging

ake With Mod Podge: Things I've Learned From Blogging by Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

When you look back to when you first started your blog, can you believe all the stuff you didn't know?

I don't have to think too hard, since I've only been blogging for about six months. 

There's still an awful lot I don't know...

...but I can't help but share a few things I have learned since hopping onto the blogging bandwagon.  

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You Can't Frost A Cake You Can't Frost A Cake With Mod Podge: Things I've Learned From Blogging by Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

As a new blogger, I really had no idea how much I didn't know.

For one thing, I thought Mod Podge was a TV show in the 70's with Peggy Lipton. 
But when I found out it was a glaze, I used it to frost a chocolate cake.

It looked AWESOME.

But it was a little hard to digest.
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Blogging means learning a whole new language. To me, "BlogHer" sounds like an obscenity. 

You know, like "Screw Him!" ... "Blog Her!"

There are so many words I've never heard, like "junking." Apparently, I didn't know I was "junking" even when I was doing it.


And chippy??? That's how I feel when I score a pair of shoes at Nordstrom's for 60% off!


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There is so much to learn. 

For instance, it didn't take me long to realize that I am shopping in all the wrong places.

Saks and Bloomies? No way...Hobby Lobby is where it's at! 

That wasn't even on my radar, let alone my GPS.  I think I have to drive to Texas, though, to get there. 
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And I surely wasn't aware that bloggers have their own special calendar.  In blog-land, the seasons start so early! 

I mean, who knew that I had to put my pumpkins out in August? 

Please…just let me know NOW when I have to make Thanksgiving dinner. 
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If I have learned anything about blogging, it's that everything looks better with a coat of chalk paint on it. 

Between you and me, I had no idea that chalk paint wasn't black. 


Is it?

I figured out that chalk paint is not the same thing that's on a blackboard, after I painted my dining room table with chalkboard paint. I'm good, I get it now. Chalk paint.


And who is Annie Sloane anyway? 

I hope she's one of my Followers.

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You Can't Frost A Cake With Mod Podge: Things I've Learned From Blogging by Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

"Write about what you love," says all the blogging advice. "If it comes from your heart, people will be drawn to what you have to say."

Uh, really?  The only readers I seemed to draw in the beginning were blog-sucking Vampirestats...


...that is, until I put on lipstick and heels, and started partying every day of the week.

I hadn't partied this much EVER, not even when I was in college and could stay up past 11pm.  

I have to admit, I was shy at first about going to Linky Parties. What if no one liked me?

But, whaddya know? Those Linky Parties work! I've met some great people, and in fact, some actually started following me...not in a stalker-ish, creepy kind of way...the nice, blogger-ish kind of following.

I guess that's the blogging equivalent to going steady.  

Now I just have to work really hard at these relationships, so that we don't break up.

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You Can't Frost A Cake With Mod Podge, and Other Things I've Learned From Blogging by Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Although I barely knew what a blog was when I started mine, I didn't think it would be that hard to attract an audience…

...because that's kinda what I did for a living for many years.  

Before Blogging ("BB"), my job was to decide what day and time programs would air at a TV network.  The object of the game was to get people to watch those shows...

...which is sort of like getting people to read your blog posts, isn't it?

I was pretty darn good at this in the TV world. I bet I even got you (yes, you!) to watch those shows.

But it's not TV, my friends.  It's a heckuva lot harder to get people to follow your blog than it is to get them to follow Dancing With The Stars, or Breaking Bad. For one thing, I don't have a big network behind me...

...which means I have to do my own research, marketing and advertising…

…create my own content…

and maximize my  SEO...Search Engine Optimization…whatever the heck that means…but it is apparently the key to blogging success.

Oh no, it's not easy.   

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You Can't Frost A Cake With Mod Podge, and Other Things I've Learned From Blogging by Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Content may be the King of Blogsville…

But Blogging is a lot more than just writing stuff.

Even though that's what it says in "Blogging for Dummies," you can't simply write a post and hit "Publish." 

Take the photos, for instance...

Who knew I'd have to shoot 500 photos of a piece of pie, just to get one that is "pin-worthy?"

And that's after I Pic-monkey around with it for an hour.


Nevertheless...

I am working really hard.

You Can't Frost A Cake With Mod Podge: Things I've Learned From Blogging by Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Apparently, however, I am not doing nearly enough.

Oh, no, there is so much more to do everyday!

You Can't Frost A Cake With Mod Podge, and Other Things I've Learned From Blogging by Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

And doing other stuff I don't even know I'm supposed to be doing.

Hello??? When am I supposed to make dinner?

And that's not all...oh no, that's not all.  


It's not enough to be a good writer… 

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You Can't Frost A Cake With Mod Podge, and Other Things I've Learned From Blogging by Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Yikes, I feel inadequate. 

I can crank out a couple of blog posts a week, if I'm lucky, and take a few decent snaps...

But, y'all?  Y'all do it all.

You Can't Frost A Cake With Mod Podge, and Other Things I've Learned From Blogging by Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Well, I'm just assuming you can sing, too. 

And on top of that, you make your own toothpaste and furniture.. 


Excuse me, but when do you people sleep

Even with all that…. 

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You Can't Frost A Cake with Mod Podge, and Other Things I've Learned From Blogging by Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

One thing I did not expect was how incredibly nice and helpful other bloggers are. No jokes here. This is the mushy part. Get out your tissues.  

I have to give a few shout-outs to bloggers who've been incredibly kind to Ms. Toody. 


Katie at Let's Add Sprinkles was my first "real" follower on GFC. 

Claire at A Little Claireification told me the best way to label my photos for Pinterest.

offered to help me fix my "No Reply Blogger" status.

Eileen at The Joy of Caking invited me (me!) to be part of a special feature 
that she will be doing this fall.


Debbie at Debbiedoos explained Linky Parties to me, told me to 'unlock' my photos...and then asked me to take part in her weekly Home Tour series

Michele at A Dish of Daily Life took the time to respond 
to my questions about social media. 

Sunnefa at Coder Mommy nominated me for a Liebster Award.

Lisa at Elembee explained that "Alt" was not just a key on the keyboard…
 but a blogging conference, and sent me the link.

Then, there are those of you who have written helpful posts about blogging, so that people like me can create better blogs.

And, many of you have featured my posts (check my sidebar!), which makes me feel like I actually know what I'm doing.

Finally, there's all of the rest of you, who for whatever reason, are following me on GFC, Facebook, Pinterest, Email or RSS...or take a moment to leave me a comment.

I am so grateful to all of you. If it hadn't been for you, the only ones reading my blog would have been those vampires, and I would have quit months ago.

It's been a great six months, and I'm looking forward to the next six years.

Thank you, from the bottom of my BlogLovin' heart.

And now, I've got to run because -- 

All of you bloggers have inspired me to try my first big DIY project. You'll have to wait for the big reveal...

...but it's got something to do with Rit Dye and my dog. 


Linking With:


63 comments:

  1. Amy this has to be the best read about blogging I ever read! You added humor, which we need! You spoke nothing but the truth on ALL of it. Going on almost 4 years,and I still ain't got this lol! Awesome read, I am sharing on my facebook:)

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    1. Thanks, Debbie! And now I have another thing to thank you for...the FB share!

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  2. I love this post! I laughed. I cried. It had it all. ;) Keep on doing what you're doing. We'll keep on loving it and sharing it. In fact.... I think I'll share this one on FB right now.

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    1. Thank you so much! I just hopped over to your blog to like you on FB!

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  3. Lol! Great post. I can relate to all of it (as a fellow new blogger). Congrats on 6 months...keep up the good work!

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    1. Thanks, Kathy! In a weird way, it feels like I've been doing this forever!

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  4. This is so funny and so true, well at least the parts I understand. I'm still blog ignorant in so many ways. I blame that silly job I have to go to several days a week. I've been blogging a year (working on a post about that) and realize I still have so much to learn!

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    1. I don't have a job to blame, and I still feel clueless half the time! But as long as we're having fun, that's all that matters!

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  5. Fabulous post LMHO - and by the way you can officially start teaching me now - you've got more of a handle on the social part than I do ( after 2 full years )
    You rock Amy - ( can you get me on a t.v. show please? )
    XOXO

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    1. Glad you liked...I hope I'm HALF as successful as you after two years! About that tv show...I'll see what I can do, heh heh!

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  6. This is a great post, Amy. You are a natural. And yes, there are the "high octane"among us (definitely not me) who keep us all inspired, somewhat motivated, and keep us coming back for more. xo

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    1. Thanks, Barbara! I'm not a high octane type either...just want to keep having fun doing this!

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  7. Oh my goodness Amy I just laughed my head off at this post. This is a hilarious, but very true, overview of life as a blogger. And having just passed my one year mark, I know that I still have a TON to learn too! Sharing this now on Twitter and FB - I love it and I am so glad we connected, my friend! Thanks for the sweet mention too. xo
    PS: Sleep? What's that?? ;)

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    1. Thank you for sharing it, Claire! If you have a ton to learn, I have two tons, at least! I'm glad we connected, too!

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  8. Great post! Glad I am not the only one who feels like there is so much to do and not enough time to do it in! And thank you for the mention, although I am not sure what I did!! I'm really glad I met you on this blogging journey!

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    1. Thanks, Michelle! I can't remember exactly what your post was about, but it was something about social media. I wrote a comment about how I was totally overwhelmed by having to use FB, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, etc. and you wrote back to say I should just concentrate on one for now. It may seem small, but it helped me stay focused! Plus, all of your posts about blogging gave me little nuggets of info. Glad I met you, too!

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  9. GREAT POST, KIDDO!~ You GOT it!---whatever IT is! Thanks for mentioning me-aw-shucks, Ma'am,. I really didnt DO anything..lol...but thanks anyway. It is amazing what you learn as you go along. For six months in you are doing great-much better than I did. I didn't "catch on" for about a year or so-but then I AM blond! Glad you are part of my blogging world...now I have to finish cleaning so I can stay up til midnight (or later) posting. WHO has time to sleep? xo Diana

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    1. Thank you, Diana! It's just the fact that you took the time to point out something that I should fix, as well as tell me how to fix it. So, maybe a small thing, but it's just another example of bloggers being nice to other bloggers!

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  10. Psst.. what you don't see (often) is the messy parts of my house ;) I tend not to photograph them. HA! Also, I don't cook much and I love to ignore my dishes. Thanks for the great read :)))

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    1. I know, it's amazing what's behind the scenes sometimes! I took a look at my mud room yesterday, and thought it would be funny to show what it looked like for the shoot, and what it really looks like every day! Thanks for reading!

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  11. Awesome post Amy! I always look forward to reading each new post you write. You have a knack for writing from the heart, and making us all feel welcomed at your blog. Thank you!!!

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  12. You are just TOO funny! You hit the nail on the head with your observations about blogging. It's like a whole other world isn't it? It's like one big cyber world of crafters and decorators, cooks and gardeners and even a bit of religion and psychology thrown into the mix for good measure. I still haven't mastered everything you listed and probably won't if I haven't by now. I do it just for fun, so I don't get too serious about it. Congrats on your 6 month anniversary!

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    1. Thanks, Kelly, I think I will try to not ever take it TOO seriously, either! A girl just wants to have fun!

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  13. Amy, this is one of the most hilarious, honest and well written pieces of writing I have had the joy of reading in this great, big blogosphere! I can especially relate to lessons #4, #5, and #6. Case in point: have you ever written a post that has starved your family, left your hair in a mousy mess and put your BFF on the back burner because you wanted to get it JUST RIGHT and then, just as you're about to finally press PUBLISH, you press a PROHIBITED button that is lurking on your keyboard and LOSE EVERYTHING??!! Oh, yes, been there, done that, at least twice. Have you heard of women going grey overnight? They're all bloggers!! You, on the other hand, are a FAST learner, kiddo! And you've got the strawberry blond locks to prove it!

    Love visiting you for a guaranteed laugh, mixed with a shot of wisdom to keep my grey at bay!

    Poppy :-D

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    1. Aw, thanks Poppy! Glad you liked it. Yes, I have had a few of those nightmare moments, and I have put aside far more important things in order to finish posts. This thing takes on a life of its own, but I'm glad there are friends like you in the blogging world that make it all worthwhile!

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  14. Happy Anniversary and thanks for paying it forward. I am two months behind you and I have a TON to learn! I hope you get to eat a really pretty cake in celebration - I have lots pinned if you need some ideas :-)

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    1. Thanks, Beth! Glad we made a connection...I'll be checking out those cakes!

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  15. I really laughed reading that post because I feel a lot like you. Clueless and completely in awe of other bloggers who seem to be doing it all in a house four times as big as my cottage and 6 children when I struggle to feed 4 cats on time!

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    1. Well, it surely doesn't show that you are clueless! Your blog is one of my favorites, and you do it well!

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  16. Amy, I can sooo relate to your post! So many new things to learn, when do I have time to create things?! I am following you now and look forward to more great posts.
    www.vintagecreationsbycw.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks, Carmen, I'm glad you can relate, and I really appreciate that you are following!

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  17. Now I feel VERY inadequate about my blogging abilities, as I didn't know half of the things you wrote and became completely confused. Sometimes I think I'll quite my job so that I can blog more often and then I become discouraged at how little I know and at my woeful technical abilities. I have had the same header forever because I can't remember how I did it in the first place. I don't know where people come from or what I should be interested in as far as hits and visits go - things I read about and then feel more and more puzzled. Glad you're having fun - I am too!

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    1. The bottom line is, it's about having fun. I do have to remind myself that, every time I get caught up in the "business" part. As for your header...I love the way your blog looks, and NO ONE writes better than you, so forget the techie stuff, and write on!

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  18. I just found your blog and had to comment on this--so true! As a brand-new blogger, I feel so much better knowing others have gone through the same things! I will definitely be following you now, so thanks for posting this!

    Dee :)

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  19. i love u blog i will be trying share it any way i can god blessyou thank for all u share

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  20. This is such a delightful post Amy!! I am really not good at this blogging thing but am enjoying it. I think you know way more than me and I've been at it for over a year now. I've just learned to "know" so many wonderful people through this and wish I had more time to work at it. For me, it is a way to journal and of course reflect on all the positives in my life. I have many negatives but this all helps me survive! I think you are a wonderful blogger and I love to read your ideas and comments. Keep up the good work and congrats on 6 months of blogging!

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    1. Thank you, Rosella! You are great at blogging! I really enjoy the way you tell a story, and your photos. Thank you for your very nice comments about my blog!

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  21. Awww. Thank you, Amy. I love this post because I feel the same way. 500 pictures to get one good picture. Haha. Keep up the good work! Come down and see me sometime and we can head to Hobby Lobby. :)
    P.S. I turned off Google + comments.

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    1. I've been wanting to thank you for being a brave first "follower" for months! Glad I had a public way to do it. Oooooh, I'd love to tag along to Hobby Lobby with you. I thought the Google + problem was on my end. Thanks!

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  22. Most bloggers could have written this post but I'm sure they would not have captured the funny side of things like you have! There were times reading this that I laughed out loud. You have learned more in 6 months than I learned the first 2 years! Congrats on your 6 months...here's to many more. ~Ann

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    1. Thank you, Ann! I'm glad I was able to convey some humor. And by the way, I really admire the look and feel of your blog. It's so beautiful to look at, and so classy!

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  23. Screw Him / Blog HER ...I almost peed myself laughing,,,,,

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    1. Debra and I have the same sense of humor, I guess. That comment was the highlight for me, too! And I was sent here by her blog to enjoy the rest - and boy, did I! I've blogged for over 2 years - just want to share fun with family and friends, but before I knew it, I'm partying, pinning and all the rest. You expressed all of the "responsibilities" of being a blogger in a hilarious way. Once in awhile I rebel and refuse to "follow our 20 lovely hostesses," hold my breath, and wait - but so far I'm still online despite having committed this - and many more blogging cyber-crimes! HA!

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    2. Oh but J -- when she made the list for "Y'all do it All" -- she so described you! You are amazing! Great post! Glad Deb sent us over!

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    3. Glad you both stopped by from Debra's blog! It was so nice of her to spotlight
      this post!

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  24. You used "Y'all" in such a perfect way, I just assumed you were my Alabama neighbor! How shocking to know you are "not from here!" My NJ husband will have to hear about this!

    Great post, and I'm your new follower. All the way from Alabama!

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    1. Welcome, all the way from Alabama! I've been practicing my "y'alls" -- glad I got it right! Thanks for following!

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  25. This was so amazing! I loved reading this! You are so right though! Blogging can be a lot. :) found you on LOBS!

    -BRITTNEI
    Http://homemakingwithstyle.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you, Brittnei! I know, it's a crazy world, this blogging! So glad you found me via LOBS!

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  26. visiting from Ladies Only Blog.. loved reading this.

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  27. Wonderful post, I love how you captured the blogging world! It's funny when you put down into words all the things bloggers are "supposed" to do. Stopping by from LOBS.

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    1. Hi Bev, Thanks for stopping by from LOBS, and reading this! I really appreciate that you took a minute to let me know you enjoyed it!

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  28. Look at what you've learned in six months! Great post!

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    1. Thanks so much! When I think about it, I really did learn a lot! So much more to go, though! Glad you stopped by.

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  29. Wonderfully written Amy, I love the way you put this together. I am delighted that you shared with Home and Garden Thursday, I appreciate you sharing,
    Kathy

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  30. This message is two years too late but better late than never! This post sums up blogging to and "T" and then some! I found your blog through someone else's (I don't remember). I've joined your party for the first time today. And I did not know that you had to unlock photos for pinterest? I love your sense of humour and I'm glad that we can be honest and ourselves. Those are the people I like to follow. New follower! Have a great weekend! Diane

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  32. This is great! Oh.... all the things I'm doing-- but all the MORE things I should be doing! aaaahhhh.....

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