The Sunday Roast

How To Discover The Fountain Of Life

This week's interview is with Ornery,
who writes the blog Ornery By Nature.

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

Peer pressure. Seriously, I probably never would have started had it not been for some nudging from Thoughts From Miller Manor and from you too.

What's the story behind your blog name?

My wife calls me Ornery (I guess I am) and it seems to be a natural part of who I am, so the blog name, Ornery by Nature just seemed to fit. One of my earliest school report cards had the teacher's comment about me ... "Inclined to mischief" .... (but I digress).

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

It's gotten me back in the mode of taking pictures again. I had sort of quit for a while, but it is something I really enjoy, so I'm glad to have the challenge.

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

Uhhh. I AM a newbie blogger! In the short time I've been blogging, I've made some observations and have decided to post for these reasons: a) Do it for me - Comments from readers are nice, but above all, I blog because I want to and b) Have fun with it - If it's not fun, I don't blog because the post will reflect my mood.

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

I'm still navigating my way around Blogland ... I stop in frequently at several photography blogs and often visit some of the more humorous sites as well. I'm a "visual" person so a stunning photograph will catch my attention long before a well written article will. Many bloggers take excellent photos, but few combine the written word with their pictures as well as a certain David McMahon does.

Thank you for the great compliment. What is the most significant blog post you've ever written?

You mean out of the few posts I've written? I guess my favorite would have to be either the canoe trip or the Wichita Mountains post. Both have some fun photos, and bring back fond memories. I am more into photography than writing significant posts. My blog reflects that more than anything.

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

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.