I only have a few blog posts up and I am already getting some haters.

“Your content is great, but you used canned photos. I want to see the real thing.”

“Did you really make this? It’s hard to tell when you used stock photos.”

“Can’t you take some photos while you’re making this so I can follow along?”

Okay, those aren’t exactly hateful, but it is indicative of people who are so used to the perfect blog post ala Pioneer Woman that they cannot appreciate anything less than that.

Here’s the deal: I am not a photographer.

Sure, I can snap a picture here and there. I have a keen eye when it comes to layout and framing a photo. And I even have the skills to touch them up. However, the last thing I want to do while creating something is to stop every second, take a ton of photos. When I cook, my heart and often hands are in the process of creating. By stopping to set up the perfect photo, I would lose the inspiration.

And there is a more practical reason for this: I AM BUSY.

I have a full-time job.  I have twin teenagers with Autism. I have – and want to continue having – a life.

I blog for the joy of writing and sharing ideas.  Not to impress someone, or hope that I’ll have such a big following I will get to leave that job and have my own show on HGTV or its equivalent. (As someone who worked in TV I can tell you, it isn’t glamorous. It’s much more work than you realize.) (Although, HGTV, if you want to help me remodel my way-too 1980’s fireplace with three types of marble and long narrow mirrors, come on by!)

Look, I’m a marketing communications professional. I know how important visuals are. That’s why I take the time to select and tweak them so they fit with the brand I am establishing here.

This blog is a labor of love for me.  If I feel uninspired by being expected to do something more to please others, it then becomes a burden. Then it just won’t be something I love anymore.

So when people are asking for more, I’m going to say no. My blog; my rules.  I encourage those who are stressing out about ‘being the best’ with their own blog and do what’s right for you.