Blogging for the most part is a solitary occupation.
It’s hard to know what people are thinking about your blog, and who is following you, when it’s said that fewer than 1% of readers will actually leave a comment.
I’m very aware that my blog is a bit of a new kid on the block – launching less than 2 years ago, and re-branding as Middle Aged Mama only at the start of this year.
So it has to be said – I don’t feel like a “famous” blogger, by any stretch of the imagination …
Three things have happened recently that are starting to make me think maybe I’m actually just a little bit famous as a blogger!
Almost Famous Blogger Incident #1
When Miss 17 had her tonsils out earlier this year, she had a bit of a rough recovery and we found ourselves in the local hospital emergency room.
As we gave our details to the triage nurse, suddenly she stopped and looked straight at me.
“I know you!” she announced excitedly (I was sure I’d never seen her before in my life, and as I had a very sick child on my hands, I was just a tad distracted).
“You’re that blogger – Middle Aged Mama! I love your blog!” … and on she went as she bustled us into a ward and got Miss 17 settled into a bed.
Hubster and Miss 17 were completely taken aback – I was a bit embarrassed, but okay, yes, also a teensy bit chuffed 😉 .
Afterwards, Miss 17 said, “Mum, she completely fangirl-ed you!” and I had to agree!
Almost Famous Blogger Incident #2
At the Brisbane launch of “Unlock Your Style” by uber-blogger, Nikki Parkinson from Styling You, I was quite happy to loiter in the background with my friend.
Within minutes of walking in however, I heard my name called – looking up, there was Nikki herself hurrying towards me with arms outstretched!
I was stunned (and delighted!) – you see, I’ve only actually met Nikki once before, for about 30 seconds at Problogger last year. Like a complete fan girl, I said to her, “I can’t believe you remember me!”
Her reply was something along the lines of “uh dur” – her lovely warm welcome and friendliness absolutely made my night (and she completely won over my friend too).
Almost Famous Blogger Incident #3
At this same event, I bumped into a girl I went to school with some 30-odd years ago … only to discover that she is an avid follower of Middle Aged Mama (hi Alison!)!
I think I’m getting a bit of a swelled head, but don’t worry, I’m sure going to Problogger next week will help knock it back to normal size. After all I’ll just be one in a room full of 450+ bloggers …
Whether you are a blogger or not – have you ever had a moment where you’ve felt “almost famous” in your field?!
That is SO cool!!! I think it’s funny how we underestimate our reach a bit. It DOES feel like we are typing away to ourselves a lot of the time. Totally a sign from the universe that you are doing the right thing 🙂
I think hubby and Miss 17 were a bit gob-smacked by the hospital fan girl – it was so out of the blue!
Being an avid blog reader of quite a few blogs including this one I feel like I “know” these bloggers even though I have never met any of you. Lucky I’m not going to ProBlogger as I would be totally overawed by so many of you.
Having been to a couple of bloggy events now, they are all just as fabulous and friendly in person luckily!
Nikki is pure gorgeousness! She remembers everyone and makes them feel important. That’s the type of blogger I want to be. It’s amazing how far and wide our zone of influence is. It’s very humbling!
I know, she’s a real inspiration 🙂
It’s great that you’re getting known for your wonderful blog Janet. I’m not a blogger as you know but I felt ‘almost famous’ at a conference last year when a young woman came up to me and confessed to being a bit nervous to speak to me as she thought I was one of the gurus in my field (evaluation of development programs). Another time was when one of the really well-known gurus in my field launched a book that I co-wrote and then mentioned it in his keynote address to the conference (held in Kathmandu last February). That felt pretty good I have to say!
It’s exciting to receive recognition, no matter what field you are in!
Now I’ve got that song stuck in my head. So envious you are going to ProBlogger. Feel like I’m the only blogger that isn’t going this year.
I wasn’t going to go – after all I went last year. I was so sure it would be back in Melbourne or Sydney. But then it was just up the road from me so there was no way I could miss it!
I recently met one of my sisters friends for the first time, she actually came for a visit to our house. She walked in and said I feel like I know you even though I don’t and that comment just made me glow with delight on the inside!! So that would only be a hint of almost famous?? You’ve done very well Janet! Have a great weekend and enjoy Pro Bloggger!! Can’t wait to hear about it!
Definitely almost famous! It’s so exciting to learn that somebody in your circle actually reads your blog :-). PS thanks also for the shout out on DUF DUF today, I was totes chuffed!!!
You are welcome Janet xx
I have been blogging on and off for years (and came across yours because I was looking for middleaged bloggers to follow in Aus – my demographic). I am trying to get serious about blogging again.
A few years ago, we went to Hong Kong for a week and we started to get all this ‘”extra attention” – room upgrades, free drinks, free meals etc. Turns out, someone read my blog and thought I might be influential in terms of writing something positive about my stay. I have zero influence but it was a great holiday. And I did write a nice post anyway as I really thought I owed them lol. Readers can come from the strangest of places sometimes.
Enjoy your bloggers conference. I went to my first one (a local one where I live) a couple of weeks ago after blogging since 2007. You can tell how seriously I take it. What was pleasing was that there are many older bloggers now – I was expecting 20 and 30 somethings for some reason.
Yay! Always happy to meet another middle aged blogger :-). It’s great that our demographic is discovering the joy of blogging. And I love the sound of your upgraded holiday experience!!!
A huge fan Janet, love following you and your adventures. Keep up the great work… Ax
It made my day when you told me that at the Unlock Your Style launch 🙂
That’s such a lovely story Janet and I’m definitely an avid reader! Some days it feels like no-one is reading but we plod along anyway because we love what we do! Keep on blogging and I’ll keep reading and enjoying!
Thank you for being a fan! xxx
I’ll recognise you when I see you in less than a week! Yay!
I can’t believe it’s nearly here – what on earth am I going to wear?!
I don’t think I’ve ever even been close to being ‘almost famous’. Now and again a friend or an acquaintance comments “I really enjoyed your post on blah, blah, blah….” I think some of my kid’s friends read my blog, but more as a form of amusement. I’m just a little fish in a big pond! But you my girl are doing a great job. Keep up the good work!
We are all little fishies in a big pond I think, it’s great to have the company!
You’re famous! Hope you’re having a ball at PB. I am sure there will be lots of adoring fans there too xx