I’ve been in a bit of a daze today, the MAD Blog Awards was a fantastic night, but the enormity of everything always hits me like a tonne of bricks the next day, like a huge emotional hangover. Much of my life is spent hopping between two worlds, my crazy ‘real life’ full of school runs, endless trips to and from the sports centre, desperately trying to keep on top of everything, and my ‘online life’, which in some ways is even more manic. There are so many things I want to do, to achieve. Places to visit, stories to tell, photos to take, people to talk to and posts to read.
The times when those two worlds meet are rare, but very special.
Lately I’ve been feeling utterly exhausted, wondering if I should carry on, trying to manage three children, blogs, and so many social media platforms is taking it’s toll. Finding the balance between earning money and keeping a blog that still reflects me and shows the things I am passionate about is not an easy task, lately I just can’t seem to catch up. Through my blog we’ve had so many amazing opportunities, days out and even weekends away, but by far the biggest and best part of blogging is the people, and for that reason alone, I won’t be giving it all up just yet.
On the train before the awards I sat trying to write down what I would say if Science Sparks won. In the 40 minute train journey I filled a book and nothing seemed enough. I couldn’t find the words to tell everyone how happy I was to be there, but how sad I was to be there without Kerry, how whenever I smell vinegar I think of her telling me how her whole house smelled of vinegar when she dissolved the shell of an egg and whenever I see something of hers pinned it makes me smile. How I am so proud of what we have both achieved.
There are friends who are always there, leaving lovely comments on posts, following my daily life, who when I meet it feels like I’ve known them forever. There are people I barely know at all, who hear a song and come over to hug me knowing what that song means. There are winners who even in that moment of shock and elation care enough to mention someone very special.
That room on Friday night was full of amazing talent, passion and creativity, and that is what blogging is all about.
Huge thanks to the Mad Blog Awards team for doing an AMAZING job organising the event. I am hugely grateful and honoured to have attended twice now.
Big thanks also to Annie and Helen for letting me gatecrash their room, and Annie, I am SO glad you won our category, no one deserves it more than you.
I completely know what you mean Emma, and sometimes it makes you feel a little overwhelmed. It is so hard to keep on top of it all as well as living life as well. The blogging community is a special place, and unless you are in it, it is quite hard to explain it. I feel honoured to be a part of it. It was great to see you on Friday, even if it was briefly. x
It was lovely to see you too. x
Science Sparks is amazing! What you do every day is amazing!
Everyone needs a break and boost.
I’m glad the MADs gave you a boost.
Love your dress!
Thank you Gemma
I love the moments when the online world and real life collide and we are all able to meet as old friends, party, let our hair down, mourn, cry and party more to celebrate those that have walked the path and are not with us any more.
It is very special isn’t it? Lovely to see you on Friday Monika. xx
The Mads are the MOST inspirational night. Every year I come away inspired and invigorated. It was over far too fast and I am sorry I didnt have time to catch up with everyone
Me too, it’s impossible to speak to everyone though. xx
Oh lovely Emma, lovely lovely Emma. I’ve been feeling the same too of late, and if I’m honest I have felt a bit left behind things. I’ve seen other people making money from the their blogging exploits or go on to be offered jobs from their blogging and although chuffed for them I have felt a bit dejected that sometimes it feels like I spend a lot of time doing something that doesn’t bring much reward. And then I sit back and remember why I started blogging in the first place and all my grumbles pale into insignificance.
Loving what you do, friendships and happy memories is what’s important – thanks for being such a kind and generous friend Emma x
Awwww *sniffs Love you. xxx
I know what you mean and I have to remind myself to just to the best I can and keep on truckin’! I’ve been at this blogging gig for a long time without any awards or rewards but I still love it and as long as I do I’ll keep blogging.
Sounds like a very good plan 🙂
Are you kidding? I’m so glad you gatecrashed our room – it was the best chance I had to catch up with you. There never seems enough time to chat properly – you are amazing, don’t forget it x
Thanks lovely, you too. xx
Don’t stop now! All you ‘MAD’ bloggers are my inspiration!!!
Awww, thank you 🙂
I hear what you’re saying and it makes me a bit sad that people are feeling ‘burnt out’ by blogging, but I can totally see why. I wholeheartedly agree with you that blogging is about the people though, and although I’m sad I didn’t get to meet you on Friday (you were on my ‘hitlist’ ;)), it’s because there were just so many amazing bloggers in the room and I’d have liked to talk to all of them! So much inspiration, would really hope to be there as a finalist one year (or even just be nominated 😉 ) but if I’m not, I swear not to take it personally! Just happy for all those who do manage it (and happy I won a Golden Ticket, yay!) x
ooooh well done for winning a ticket. 🙂 It was a great night. x
I am so with every word you say here and echoing Annie too, it is so hard to do it all in real life and on line I feel strangely reassured that it is not just me struggling to juggle it all. From where I stand you manage everything amazingly well. Wonderful to see you again on Friday and hopefully catch up on Cornwall soon too.
Thank you Fiona, and it was fantastic to see you too. xx
I think we all know exactly what you mean and how you feel and you put it so well. Often unsure if it’s all worth it and never sure how to get the balance right. Then you meet someone that you think may become a best friend and all the doubts and hard work are worth it.
It was an incredible night and I really hope we can get get together soon! xx
Me to Emily, Me too. xxx
It’s crazy trying to juggle everything and I must admit I have been neglecting my blog a bit recently but glad your not giving it up. Sounds like a fab night. Would have loved to have been there xx
It was lovely. I hope we get to meet up again soon. xx
ah you looked so beautiful and it was indeed inspiring and I do agree lifes a tricksy balance isn’t it!
It definitely is, and thank you. xxxx
Wasn’t it an amazing night? So lovely to see you again. This whole blogging thing is crazy at times but lovely when we all get together 🙂
It was lovely to see you too, and it was definitely a crazy, wonderful night. xx
I was really pleased you came, it was a very emotional evening but for me it reminds me of how many lovely REAL people are at the other side of the Internet 🙂 Well done on being a finalist, again.