Things are not always as they seem. In cyberspace, it’s called Virtual Reality. For instance, take this blog. I intend to share lovely pictures, recipes, ideas and true stories on Through Her Looking Glass. But what’s going on behind the scenes? (Trust me, a lot! Ha.)

What’s it like just beyond the camera lens?

Several close to me recently said, “If they only knew….”

“They”, is you! They’re talking about you. And the gist is, “if you only knew what was going on behind the scenes, it would blow your mind.”

The about page of this blog says I value authenticity. I do, and I’m guessing you do too. So I’m going to fill you in some on what goes on behind the scenes here.

Jon returned from his three week missions trip to Nepal just days before this blog launched in November. Since launch day, we’ve had two major surgeries in our family, one car wreck (totaled), a separate minor fender bender, two bouts of flu and a myriad of other smaller crises. I’ve blogged humorously about some of it. But truthfully, some chapters aren’t funny. Not a bit.

Sandwiched between the cooking, writing, researching and shutter clicks, I’m juggling a few hats. (Like you.) I’m dish washing, diaper changing, laundry folding, nose wiping, story reading, carpooling, vacuuming, cleaning and squeezing in rounds of Uncle Wiggily. I’m also wife, mom, “nurse” and friend. Lots of juggling, like most of you. And to say I juggle my roles seamlessly and effortlessly would be untrue. The learning curve is high, I’m still grasping the ebb and flow. No sent Christmas cards this year. (First time for everything.) Christmas Eve came, and unopened boxes of Christmas decorations returned to the basement. Other things slipped through the cracks.

                                                                 Photo credit: Designs by Linda Nee

By now you likely know we have boys. You might not know that our youngest, Hudson (4), has Down syndrome. It’s difficult to compress into words quite how Hudson’s arrival has affected our family. He simultaneously brings us incredible joy and overwhelming responsibility. And consequently, we’re no longer the people we were. We’re changed individually, and collectively as a family.

Volumes could be written about Hudson’s triumphs and developmental challenges, his sweet heart, what he’s taught our family, our joys and frustrations in helping him drink, walk, talk, hear and communicate. (Maybe another day.)

We all walk this tightrope between authenticity and aspiration. They go hand in hand. Authenticity without aspiration can leave us wallowing in the depths of despair. Aspiration without authenticity can be disingenuous. In posting only the lovely and beautiful here, I risk being disingenuous and leading you to believe a lie: that my life is always lovely, rosy, fun… even calm. Ha. Nothing could be further from the truth. I want to be honest here. Not in Jerry Springer fashion, but genuine. And while my life is far from perfect or even ideal, I’m committed to continue seeking and recognizing the joyful, beautiful (and funny!) moments I’ve been given in this wonderful life.

Things are not always as they seem. Virtual Reality. I think we see this reflected most today in social media. We put our best foot forward, and that can be positive. But there’s often more to the story. There’s a lot of broken out there. (And in here.) Just before Christmas, dear friends posted of their daughter’s hospitalization for depression. I admire their transparency, the earnest plea for prayers, the honesty. It was a gift to be aware of their needs, and able to support them.

I’ve often been asked why I write this blog. Maybe you’re wondering too? Why bake, cook and set up photo shoots on my kitchen counter? Why share humorous stories? Why?

For me, it’s a creative outlet. Ideas and thoughts swirl, jostling each other, crowding my remaining gray cells. This blog provides a venue (and reason) to organize my jumbled mind. It’s a place to salvage tiny bits and pieces from the chaos around me, and work towards composing something of beauty. For me, it’s like putting together a puzzle or weaving a tapestry. It’s an opportunity to finally write. I’ve always wanted to, but never pursued it or given myself permission. Until now.

Why blog? I love life! There’s much that makes my heart sing and soar. Sharing from my life experiences and learning journey brings joy. Humor is important to me. “We laugh, so we do not cry.”

Why blog? Here’s some transparency: our family needs additional income. I always thought I’d return to work earlier to help out, but Hudson’s developmental challenges and frequent illness make that impossible. Writing allows me to work from home, to be there for him and our other boys.

If you’ve wondered how bloggers earn income, wonder no more. Blogs draw readers, followers, and eventually advertisers. It’s the advertising and other writing opportunities that often provides income for bloggers. Here are several ways you can help, if you’re willing:

• If you regularly enjoy this blog, please subscribe in the side bar.
• Please visit the site and comment when you can. (Comments raise the site in internet search engines, helping others discover it more easily.)
• And lastly, if you enjoy this blog, please share it with friends and family. Sharing and “liking” through social media helps the readership grow.

Thanks to so many for your behind the scenes deep kindness and support. You are an invaluable part of this evolving journey. I sincerely hope that Through Her Looking Glass will be an oasis for you…a place to just relax and be. ( I smile to think you might even laugh at a crazy story.) So many fun stories, destinations and recipes ahead for Through Her Looking Glass in 2015. Can’t wait to share them with you. Thanks for joining me on this voyage of discovery… 

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