The Sunday Roast

Fifty Good Reasons To Be A Blogger

This week's interview is with Saz,
who writes the blog Fat, Frumpy and Fifty.

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

I started my first blog in 2006 intending to promote and complement my website, which sells vintage clothing online. Last year however I had taken a break from my Open University studies and was missing the discipline of writing and composing text. Plus it was a quite a memorable year for me as I turned 50 and this for some reason loomed large upon my psyche, in a way none of my previous birthdays had.

It occurred to me one day, that as I found it quite an enjoyable and healthy process, to write out my thoughts into beautiful bound books and make my usual and probably unhealthy paper mountain of lists, that if l put these thoughts down in a more cohesive way I might find myself less congested of mind and become more focused.

I pulled all these strands of thoughts together and did exactly what I decided to do when I was overwhelmed by my vast vintage clothing collection (which by the way were all too small to wear) I was under pressure to act and so a I put it all online, (cleaning out the attic, you might say) I now did the same in blogland; with myself and my thoughts, views and ideas.

What's the story behind your blog name?

It came to me quite quickly when I was trying to think of a suitable name that would sum up my state of mind just prior to my 50th. I of course knew that I wasn’t fat per se, just a tad over weight - curvy might be a better word. I’m not frumpy either, I don’t think. I do know how to put an outfit together, after all I was a Fashion Buyer/Manager for nearly two decades a lifetime ago. I just like to slum it around the house, not slob it you understand just slum it. And fifty, well that just is a fact. And there is no way I can make an alliteration out of CSF!

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

The very best thing about being a blogger is the friendships that are made in this virtual land. It happens much faster and seemingly firmer than in the - and I hesitate to say "real world" as this is real, but it is also different. I only know that people are welcoming and open, supportive and interesting and informative, generous and friendly, humorous and poignant.

I am often mesmerised by the images created by their written words and indeed their photographic images and artwork posted by many talented people from all corners of the globe. Just a few clicks away from my own blogs, these strangers open up new worlds and new ideas to me. It feeds my mind, my heart and my soul.

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

Quite frankly I would say to anyone contemplating the adventure - because this is what it is - to not give it too much thought and to just dive in. I wouldn’t say that to you in a workplace scenario, I would tell you to read up and learn the systems and procedures. But with blogging and the internet (if you have someone to show you the basic ropes to get you going) just get your first post written and it will flow from there.

We are curious creatures and whilst our minds are silently working through what we’ve learned, it’s ready with another question or idea the next day to prompt us back into, what I call, the land that time forgot! Don’t put yourself under any pressure to post or not to post. Lurk and make comments and links to other blogs and the posts will come by association or just by living and getting through your day.

An idea will come to you from a thousand places, people and posts. I doubt you will ever dry up, unless you put pressure on yourself. Just breathe and it will happen, for a technical process it is engagingly organic!

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

Right away I thought of a most powerful post that recently won Post Of The Day right here on your blog. The post is Let's Talk About Depression, by Blue Barn West and it is a raw, poignant, insightful post which is both enlightening and salutary.

There are also significant blogs, significant photographers, significant newbie’s and significant posts so funny they’ll knock you off your feet! Go visit with Merisi, Suldog, Halo and Fhina and you won’t be disappointed.

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

In terms of significance I suppose these would be so only to me, as they are personal rather than affecting rants or beguiling meanderings. Of those that have handled my heart are: My Nana, For 17 Years, A Sense Of Belonging and My Cup Runneth Over.

These are all posts inspired by family, which is very telling. And so I think the one I would save from the flames of a virtual fire would be: For 17 Years, which is about my connection to my daughter as her 17th birthday approached.


Today's Sunday Roast with Fat, Frumpy and Fifty is the 63rd in a weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world.