Sunday, February 10, 2008

The Sunday Roast #2

To The Manor Born, In Every Way


This week's interview is with Ornery's Wife,
who writes the blog Thoughts From Miller Manor.

Photograph supplied by Ornery's Wife


The first of the standard weekly questions: Why do you blog?

I started blogging after reading the The Burrow, the blog of the new wife of my nephew. She had such flair and managed to project much of her fun personality with words and photos that I thought it was a great way to get to know family members. Once I got into it, my writing was no longer for a small personal audience. As I wandered around following comments and links on sidebars, I discovered that there was much more to blogging than just writing down the events of my day, although I still do plenty of that!

As I would read the posts on blogs written by strangers all over the world I realized that my life, which always seemed perfectly ordinary before, was one filled with peace, joy, love and comfort that was not shared by most of my fellow bloggers. There are many who do live as I do, but many, many more who are confused, hurting and alone.

I began blogging at a time in my personal life that was a pivot point for me, both in my Christianity and in my lifestyle. I had just become an "empty nester" and discovered the Gospel of Peace, which shattered many of my long held beliefs about my relationship with God. I had just quit my job working in retail, and was wondering what I wanted to do with my life. As things began to unfold, I wrote about them in my blog. All the facets of a new life began to find definition and refinement as I wrote them out and caring people left comments pointing me in a different direction or encouraging my progress. Now I blog for lots of reasons, from offering encouragement to sharing things I know, and spreading joy. It is still my personal journal, but much more, too.

What's the story behind your blog name?

I have always loved the idea of naming my residence. A manor is the main residence of an estate. Well, I have to say it is also the ONLY residence of our estate, and it is not located in the country as most of the great manor houses are, but it's too small to be a castle, so Miller Manor it is.

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

It has brought me out of my self, and I have made some amazing friends that I never would have met any other way. I love being able to comment on blogs and having people I have never met share ideas or comments with me.

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

Don't do it for the money! :-) Do it because you have something to say that the world needs to hear. If you don't want others reading your words, don't blog - it is a public forum! Leave honest and encouraging comments on blogs that inspire you. Those comments return to you when you need them most. If you want an audience, post regularly. Many bloggers will quit visiting if you don't post for a long time. Have fun, but don't let it become the only thing you do for fun!

What is the most significant blog post you've ever read?

I have no idea! I read posts that inspire me every week, but I can't say I ever read one that I thought "That was the most significant post I have ever read!" I suppose the most encouraging one I have ever read was the first time I caught the eye of Authorblog and made it on the list of Post of the Day. It caused me to examine my writing more closely and consider the audience in a more careful fashion.

What is the most significant blog post you've ever written?

Again, I really have no idea. I have written many that got a laugh, and others that shared my soul. The one that probably shares the essence of what life is like here from day to day is Celebrating, because we DO celebrate life a lot. The one that many enjoyed was Meet Ornery, while Love In A Box makes me cry.

Today's Sunday Roast with Ornery's Wife is the second in a weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world.

20 comments:

Unknown said...

What a wonderful way to introduce us to other bloggers, David! Thank you!
Now I'm off to take a root around the Manor :-)

Casdok said...

Great intereview!!

My Unfinished Life said...

wonderful read...!! it's very illuminating to know fellow bloggers' resons to blog.....and yeah as miller manor says.....comments are very useful at times!!!...nice effort on your part david!!

imac said...

Interesting thoughts and blog from Millers Manor Post,

What a great way to introduce people thru your Sunday Roast.

Lee said...

Great interview! David, your questions were very well thought out and do a good job of allowing the interviewee to open up about themselves and their experiences.

Ornery's Wife, I love the way you highlight the reflective nature of blogging and the wonderful community we grow into through it. Can't wait to pop over and visit your place.

Peace!
Lee

virtual nexus said...

Lovely post by a lovely blogger, David; good idea to slow down and have chance to discuss someones blogging 'in depth'.

Merisi said...

Thanks to both interviewer and interviewee, there's lots to learn and ponder about in your questions and answers.
I was a little surprised to read the advise "Don't do it for the money!". I didn't think that there's money in blogging, unless you are a journalist, and getting paid for it. ;-)

Anonymous said...

A wonderful interview - it's so nice to hear the background behind the blog!

indicaspecies said...

Thanks David, for this is a great way to get to know fellow bloggers better.

Thank you Ornery's Wife for sharing such lovely thoughts.

Charles Gramlich said...

I enjoyed this. I'll check out this blog. Lana and I have named our home also. We call it the "Hermitage."

Misty DawnS said...

Another fantastic interview! I'd love to stay and chat, but I've got to head over to Miller Manor and check out the blog ;-)

Daryl said...

Lovely 'interview' .. and what a neat blog!

The Egel Nest said...

I love this feature...the Sunday Roast.

It is such a great way to get to know all these terrific writers!

Thanks again David!

Bradley
The Egel Nest

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

I love hearing how others found their way into this strange world of ours! Fascinating post. And what a great idea this was.

Ora said...

Thank you so much for making her your person for the week.
Her blog and your blog are two of the few that I subscribe to.
Isn't she so unpretentious and special and doesn't even know it?

Leslie: said...

This is great! I'll check out Ornery's wife's blog.

Bradley's Mom said...

Another GREAT job, David..........hope all is well by you!!

Linda

Craver Vii said...

Great interview. This lady and her husband are really neat people. They're fun to visit with, and they leave nice comments.

Akelamalu said...

What a great interview I really enjoyed it!

D... said...

I really enjoy reading these interviews!