‘You wanna do what?!’ Grumpy boyfriend can’t contain his surprise when I eventually dare talking about my new project. I want to write a blog about being a young mummy in London. Totally perplexed at first, he then laughs so much he nearly chokes. I knew it. I knew he would immediately take the mick out of me.
Fair enough to him, I am not much in the social world and I am not really a geek who loves learning new stuff online by herself. Indeed, I am the incarnation of impatience, especially when it involves computers. Ask my previous laptop. I used to slam it if something was wrong. Or if things were not loading fast enough or not working MY way (very often because I DID something wrong), I would stamp on the table like a mad woman ‘Putain de computer de merde!!’ Yeah, you’re right. I am blaspheming in French. Well, that’s not a good start. Plus, what is a domain name? And a widget? What a weird word…Who came up with such an idea?! Someone needs to show me how to hyperlink a website, insert pictures and other stuff. I know how to do this kind of stuff, but only with some software that I use at school…
Grumpy Boyfriend is quick at reading in my mind. ‘Do it, as long as you have fun. But I won’t have time to help you. I am mega busy with work’. ‘Merde, I am on my own with this one… Pas de problème! I can easily find a tutorial online and work it out by myself. Grumpy Boyfriend to continue, ‘You will probably need to be on Twitter and Instagram as well’. Double whammy; more stuff to discover and learn. I am a big girl, I can do it. After all, before staring my teacher training, I never ever PowerPoint and I am (kind of) an expert now. I admit, sometimes I am still not quite sure with some options, but I am merding so much (Merde! Putain!), Grumpy Boyfriend comes to the rescue and fixes it for me.
Well, that I not the reaction I was hoping for. I have been thinking about writing a blog for a while now. It’s not encouraging to see Grumpy Boyfriend laughing at me as soon as I dare talking about it. But he is not the only one not being super enthusiastic.
When I tell ma copine R, she is far from being excited either. ‘Yeah, cool. Apparently, a lot of chicks are doing that kind of stuff. What are you doing on Thursday?’ So blasée… She also asked me if I plan to write in French. Nope. ‘Why not?’ I am afraid I can’t answer this question. I just decided so. I know it’s stupid, especially when I am calling myself the Frenchie Mummy right? I will sometimes use some French.
I start feeling frustrated. Why on earth nobody is showing some kind of excitement or at least some support? Wouldn’t hurt at the moment, really… I do some research. Blogging, vlogging (or whatever online revolution I haven’t heard of yet) is massive at the moment. Indeed, there are 76.5 million blogs on WordPress. And I was thinking that I would be different from the other mummies… But the good news is that 232 million people use Twitter. Surely, I can find my audience amongst ce petit monde?
Next to know the great news is my beloved mum. ‘Ouh Là Là! Mais tu as trop de travail avec Baba et la maison!’ Funny that she says that I am way too busy to start this kind of project. What mum really means is that I should do more housework. I imagine her very well: ‘Mais quel désordre ici!’ Mum probably thinks that I should get on with the hoover. And cook de bons petits plats for Grumpy Boyfriend. I admit, I am not the tidiest person on the planet, but I don’t want to spend my year off work just cooing at Baba and cleaning the windows for the third time in two months. Just an example, I barely clean them once a year anyway.
I am not even trying to discuss the matter with Papa. The poor soul doesn’t have the internet. He doesn’t know what Facebook is. So I, trying to explain what a blog is, would be a mission. Furthermore, my dad has not yet understood what I find attractive about living abroad. Deep down, I am the black sheep who decided to leave to England eight years ago. And it’s pretty clear that I am not being forgiven yet. So the idea to write about my life in English would be a sacrilege, to say the least…
All these doubts are just giving me the biggest headache ever now. Zut! I am going to write this blog and nothing can stop me anymore. Je m’en fous if people think it’s absolutely rubbish (I do actually care, but I will pretend the opposite). Let’s do it. Un, deux, trois… Here we go, I published my first post. Baba is smiling at me in his bouncer. It’s a good sign (Let’s hope!).
aww welcome!! Im fairly new too, and at first it was a bit of a minefield, but it does get easier and the parenting community is a really friendly one! I hope you enjoy it, you’ll be great!! good luck! #chucklemums
Author
thanks how long have you been blogging then?
The world of mummy blogging is indeed a lot more complex than I originally thought, what with linkies and Twitter chats and plug-ins and whatnot. But there’s a great community of bloggers out there, each with their own unique voice. Good luck! #chucklemums
Author
I just do it to have a bit of fun. Let’s see how it goes ?
Exciting times!! We all desperately need a goal, a challenge and the gorgeous blogging community. I hope it is all going well for you. #chucklemums
Author
so far so good mummy bloggers are great
Congratulations and good luck. Welcome to the blogging wing of the Hotel California … You can check out any time you like but you can never leave 🙂
Well I for one like your blog and learning lots of lovely new swears I can use without getting death-dagger stares from passing mamans. Tell me, is putain the french word for a naughty lady??
#chucklemums
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yes!!!! But it also means ‘damn’. That the meaning I am using here. I totally forgot it also meant ‘S..T’ ahahaha. ?? Hope other readers will not know that. I am not a rude person, well sometimes I am actually but I am French so …
Author
go for it, swear in French. People always tell me how lovely it sounds when I talk to Baba even if it’s bad words. So Funny ?
Welcome to ‘the blogosphere’ (barf). Grumpy boyfriend reminds me of grumpy husband. Supportive… to a point. I think it’s really daunting but hopefully everyone will be really friendly and helpful! Thanks for linking to #chucklemums 🙂
I really like your French mots, its totes refreshing (would have to google translate ‘refreshing’) as my GCSE French abilities are saying ‘non’. I’m new to blogging too but amouring it, will look forward to reading more of your posts 🙂 Bon chance #chucklemums
Author
I hope the French words are not too difficult? I thought that would be funny but now I am thinking a lot of people won’t bother searching for them…? I am sure you can understand very well.
We’ll all get the gist. Its great to use your French :)#chucklemums
Well, I’m enthusiastic for you even if others aren’t!! Welcome!! And I’m a newbie too. Fantastic post!!! You’re a fabulous writer, and to think it’s your second language – amazing!
I’ve soooooo much to learn yet so if you figure it out, let me know! 🙂
#Momsterslink
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thanks that’s very kind of you. I was very worried about my English first and then I thought I should let it go, otherwise I would never publish anything…
Good luck frenchiemummy! I am also very new to blogging trying to figure it all out.
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it will be fine, I just wanna have fun so it’s all good
when I started it was because somebody told me I’d be good at it, and for just $30 a month, they could help me get all set up and making money, something that was very hard to do on your own and I probably couldn’t. Spite can be a pretty good motivator #momsterlink
Ah welcome to the wonderful world of blogging. I started my blog in January and I have loved meeting everyone in the blogging community! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have and I look forward to reading more of your blog. x #momsterslink
Welcome! Even if there a million women blogging, none of them have YOUR voice! I am so glad you are deciding to stick through this, and excited to read more from you. #momsterslink
Wishing you lots of luck with the blog – it’s so addictive! My mum is the same too, I can see her eyeing up every speck of dust when she comes around… 😀 #anythinggoes
Welcome to you! I felt the same as you 18 months ago. No regrets, it’s such a rewarding experience and it’s an outlet – you can vent! The blogging community is so friendly and I’ve made some great friends! There are lots of bloggers who help out too and I’ve even seen those who offer to be mentors. Get your support from the blogging community because we all support one another and it’s great!
Looking forward to reading more posts from you!
Janet #AnythingGoes
Welcome to the world of blogging! My hubby and friends were the same when I started too – in fact think most of them still don’t get it, but its loads of fun and you’ll make loads of friends. Off to follow you on Social Media now, and if you need anything just shout 🙂
Author
thanks for following us x
Welcome to the world of blogging – you will love it or hate it, much like marmite!! there is no in the middle! I started last January and love it, I can’t believe how quickly it’s gone and how much I’ve learnt. And I’ve done it all on the go!
Author
looked at your blog, you seem to do very well. How fantastic! Well done.
If something takes your fancy, you owe it to yourself to give it a whirl. Good for you! #AnythingGoes
Je m’en fous indeed! I had the same thoughts…and similar reactions too! I feel in good company!
Hello! Welcome to the blogging world, I loved your first post :). There is a lot more to blogging than you first think isn’t there?I’m still not entirely sure what a widget is :).I’ll pop over again soon, loved this post xx #anythinggoes
Author
I worked it out and many other things. Thank god for that they have video tutorials for dummies like me 🙂 I checked your blog before and you seem to get on really well with all this stuff.?
C’est vrai il y a des gens qui comprends et des gens qui ne comprends pas. #anythinggoes
Hehehehe welcome to the blogging world!! You are lovely and funny and I’m so glad you’ve made your voice heard. 🙂 Good luck in your blogging journey! #FridayFrolics
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Merci I am blushing… I love compliments!?
Oh my gosh I didn’t realise you were a newbie like me. I thought you were one of those long term mommy blogging goddesses I’ve met on Twitter! #fridayfrolics
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ahahaha, just pretending very well. OMG I like being called a goddess. I need to show that to Grumpy Boyfriend. Not sure he would agree with you ?
Haha well maybe he will see how good you are at this at least 🙂
Author
? this smiley is supposed to be a perplexed face I imagine…We’ll see. He has a bet with me, when I reach 1000 followers on Twitter, I will have a treat of my choice ? I am going for it. Seeing his amazed face will be the best reward ever, added to my treat of course…
Go for it! You can’t lose 🙂
Welcome!! I loved your post particularly the random French inserts ?You tell grumpy boyfriend we are all enjoying Frenchie Mummy and we want her to stay! #momsterslink
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I will! He will be gutted ?
Welcome! It is a good lot of fun, this blogging thing. And I use Yiddish, Like you use French in your blog. Finding a niche, eh? Just have fun with it. Learn with it, and screw everyone who thinks doing more laundry or mopping the floor is better. This is your ‘you’ time. Pleasure to meet you! #fabfridaypost
Hi Cecile, Bienvenue a notre monde de Blog! Brave of you to plunge in with little understanding of the technology. I’ve been going for 3 yrs with a year out due to major illness. Check out Britmums who have pages of advice for bloggers and have an annual conference (next w/e in London). Here’s a link to some good articles inc info on widgets and analytics:
http://www.britmums.com/category/howtos/blogging-howtos/
Majority of bloggers are supportive and willing to help out. You’ll get the hang of it as you go along, but your blog looks stylish and has lots of white space around it and large type to help the reader.
My Dad also isn’t online and as he and my Mum don’t have internet or wifi, can’t even show him my blog. Means I can write anything I like about them though 🙂
Re your Other Half, show him this post on why Mum bloggers have more klout than the Prime Minister or The Queen: bit.ly/SK5nnf
Bonne chance!
Jo 🙂
WOW This was a first post?! Its awesome and look at the response you got! My first post is still wiltering away somewhere but it was totally boring ha ha #FabFridayPosts
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thank you very much for saying that. ?
I’m two years in now and I love it. Your inner geek will be forfilled because there is sooooo much to lear. It’s a fantastic community and really supportive. I have still yet to master explaining what I do to non-bloggers though! Thanks for linking up to #FridayFrolics
Welcome from a grizzled veteran of 9 years (and one of that rarely seen species, daddus bloggus). Stick with it. Anyone who regularly swears in French is fine by me. #fridayfrolics
Author
Happy to see you like bad words in French! ?
Congratulations on your first blog! I think you have done awesomely well. Keep it up and don’t worry too much what others say – just go with your guts.
Thank you for linking up with us. We love to hear more about your journey to the Blogging world. #FabFridayPost
Author
thank you for commenting.
Haha – great account of the process of starting a blog! Glad you’ve gone through with it! I like the odd French bits thrown in (odd as in occasional, of course, not that I think French is odd!) #fridayfrolics
Author
? of course French is not odd… Did you encounter again the crumpets’ thief? I went to M&S yesterday and thought about you ?
My hubby told me to find a hobby so I did. I just never expected it would become so consuming of my free time. Like every free moment I get that I don’t need to attend to something else is spent on my blog. Even here sitting at the beach on vacation I’m trying to catch up on 2 weeks of commenting and failing miserably. Thank you for linking with #momsterslink and don’t let that boyfriend discourage you…you can do it. I started from scratch knowing nothing and my 43 year old brain is learning something new everyday!
Author
Thanks, I think now Grumpy Boyfriend is starting to realise that I am not bad at it ☺ when he saw the comments and how many people read my post. My brain is learning a lot of things too. Thank you so much for taking the time to write such long and love comments on both my posts while on holidays!
You’re most welcome! I also shared on Twitter, Google+ , Pinterest, and StumbleUpon ??
Great post (and great blog 🙂 )
That’ll teach Grumpy Boyfriend and all the other doubters.
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Merci for stopping by x
Hi keep it up girl! I started my blog for me and my kids and if anyone jumps in and has a read…bonus! Your writing is fab, interesting, personable, funny so yeah I’m hooked.
Author
Thank you for the lovely comment and reading my post x
Well I for one (though I can see, just from the comments above, that I’m not alone) am very happy that you decided to blog and that I met you in the blogosphere. It’s a funny old place to be and I find my blog is evolving all the time. You never know where yours might take you! Thanks for linking to #WhatImWriting
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Thanks again for having me. A pleasure to do your linky xx
Isn’t blogging great fun though 🙂 Hope you’re still enjoying it #whatimwriting
Author
oh yeah definitely! Thanks for stopping by again x
Starting a blog is so exciting and nerve-racking but everyone is so nice and welcoming. I’ve only been blogging for a couple of months and it’s so nice to hear that my fave bloggers had the same feelings starting out. There’s a lot more to it than I thought! #LifeLovingLinkie
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I liked you post too. I tried to comment on it but I must be on your spam list ? I couldn’t find you on twitter either? xx
My blog is in desperate need of a sort out – it’s top of my to-do list on a child-free day next week! I’m @another10things on Twitter.
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Thanks! I will have a look x
Hi there, I started my blog in November last year. Juggling three little monkeys aged new born, 3 and 5. It has been a huge learning curve but I love it. I have now found a techy friend who has taken pity on my poor skills. If only it was easier so we could just get on with the writing bit. I’ll be looking out for more posts xxx
Author
I remember reading some of your posts! That was great. And with three kids?! Well done, I don’t know how you do it. Thanks for stopping by x
Love this post 🙂 I hope you are proving the grumpy boyfriend wrong and very much enjoying the blogging game. And if you ever work out the tech stuff please let me know… I’ve been in this for over two years now and I still don’t have a clue!
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Thanks for stopping by. I think I will be very much like you, trying to work out so stuff ?
Lucky you have the blog community for support. I think people can’t really get that excited if they don’t understand it. It’s such a good outlet for creativity and also for documenting things. I think of it like a diary. Good on you for finding all this stuff out on your own. A lot of people would have given up by now.
Sally @ Life Loving
#LifeLovingLinkie
Life’s too short to clean. 😀 It sounds like you’re doing this for yourself, so I say that means you’ll definitely be a success! Good for you!
Good luck… blogging is fun… enjoy!
Wow. You’ve come a long way in just 7 months. I hope I can be half as successful. I’m just two months in to my blogging journey and I don’t feel like I’m making much headway at all – maybe I’m too impatient. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. #tribalchat
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I am sure you are doing fine. It’s about patience. At the start, my blog was quite slow too. This post could help you maybe? http://thefrenchiemummy.com/how-to-be-a-successful-blogger-in-12-simple-steps-is-it-really-working/
And look how far you’ve come! Congrats on your success! #mombosssquad