3/27/09

Connect and make it REAL!


Many of my friends are using their blogs today to talk about disconnecting from their computers.

I can't agree more.  It's good to step away and embrace life.

While the word "disconnect" is being used all over blogland, I want to encourage you to "connect!"

Reading blogs, dreaming over beautiful pictures and other people's lives by escaping the stresses of life, can be inspiring for a season. But on
Reluctant Entertainer I've always encouraged real.

Take your dreams and make them real.  Don't just set a beautiful tablescape (for real, or in your mind), and then put it on your blog for others to see.  

Set the table and invite others in!

Make your life real by living it.  The blessings of life come when we get our minds off of ourselves and on to others.

I like this disconnect Friday for that very reason.

Yes, it's time to connect and make it real!

To read more about creating a beautiful life, visit Melissa.  To read more about this "Unplugged Friday," visit Kimba.  Above photo:  Dahlia in our backyard a few summers ago.

14 comments:

The Blissfully Happy Housewife said...

Fabulous post! Also, I have been reading about your Balcony Girls and love, love, love the idea! My little girl is still pretty little...but my wheels are already turning with ideas!

Have a beautiful day!
Jamie

Kim said...

I agree!! We need to be real and in blogland it is so easy to "put our best foot forward"! We just need to challenge ourselves to keep it authentic! I'm wanting to post about the "realities"!

Barbie said...

Thanks for commenting on my blog. It meant so much to me. Your post is spot on. I am using this beautiful life series to inspire myself to get back to the fun girl I used to be and share it with others. I have gotten too bogged down. Things are looking up!

An Ordinary Mom said...

Beautifully written!

Farmgirl Cyn said...

"Keepin' it real." That's my motto. Whether it's having folks over for a beautiful candlelit supper, or for popcorn and a movie, we keep it real. We do what we can afford, and many times, like you Sandy, it's everyone bring a dish to pass, with my hubby and I responsible for the main entree. Works out fabulously this way, and no one has regrets afterward of spending way over the budget. The fellowship is always the best part, anyway!

Gena said...

Amen! Awesome post and I couldn't agree more. I am all about opening my home to others.

Jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

I didn't disconnect today, but I did last week. I spent time with girlfriends over coffee and a bowl of chili. It was wonderful connecting. :)

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

This is exactly right, Sandy. We need those real life connections. It is easy to hang out online and talk about things (even talk about the virtues of disconnecting), but if we aren't LIVING it, if it isn't really a part of our life, it is all for show.

We miss out on so much if we are too connected to our online life! And those around us are missing out too.

Although my blogging friends are very real and special to me, I have to keep balanced or I feel overly connected to my COMPUTER! That is just not a good thing!

Lovely reminders!

Jen said...

Great post, but couldn't help but point out the oxymoron in your first line! LOL! It just struck me funny.

Julie Gillies said...

You know, Sandy, our family established an "Electronic-Free Day" years ago. One day per week we went without TV, computer, etc. As our kids grew older we quit doing it, but I love the idea of a day "unplugged"!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hey, Sandy, I can't get into the tablescape for the heck of it either! Make it for real.

As far as a budget for my yardsale habits, I usually take out $20 from my stash $$, which is money I earn from my blog & business & use that. And I'll take my checkbook just in case, but I hardly ever go over $20 per week on my thrifty shopping. It's fun to see how much I can get for $20! Today I spent $14, but more last week. So, I don't hold myself to a strict budget,but it's nice to have my own stash of cash I can tap into when I need it. And it makes me more particular about what I spend it on.

~nanashouse~ said...

I don't want to "unplug" because that would mean my family can't keep up with us. I need to stay plugged in for all I love.

Kirstin said...

I'm usually "disconnected" from bloggy land on teh weekends and monday, since they're busier and hubby is home more so we're doing more...As always your posts are great and very "real"...

Christine said...

I'm being hospitable this week! You'll be so proud. Our church used to have a Mom's Night Out once per month, but with the economy the way it is, and the woman who used to organize it busy with other things, I decided to host a Mom's Night "In". I invited a bunch of moms from the church and I'm going to make a yummy dessert, some coffee, light some candles and enjoy the company. We're doing it after the kiddos go to bed so we don't have to worry about them. You inspire me, girl!