Lana from Mz-Cellaneous writes about the three things that mean the most to her, life, laughter, and learning. Specifically noted for her photography blog skills, you’ll also find posts on cooking, scrapbooking, and home life!
You’ve been blogging since 2007…which is a lifetime in blogland. What advice can you offer bloggers just starting out today?
Decide not only what you want to talk about, and really stick to it. Also decide what you DON’T want to talk about and stick to that too. I try to remain positive as much as possible on my blog. I want it to be a happy place for people to visit so you won’t see me talk about financial issues if something in our lives comes up. You won’t see me say anything more about my husband than “he was grumpy” (which is true). If we have a fight (rare), I don’t vent online for a multitude of reasons, but first and foremost I know that people want to get away from their problems, they don’t need to hear about mine!
I would also suggest that if you love blogging and really have found your niche, you should pop for your own domain early. I’m in the process of moving my blog over now – and it’s much more difficult with 1200 posts than it is with say, 50.
What can readers expect to find when visiting your blog for the first time?
Well, the first thing you’ll notice is photography. That’s how Mz-Cellanous came about. Four years ago I challenged myself to start a photography business and Mz-Cellaneous was where I was going to promote that. Soon I realized I was talking more about my life and family than photography (I didn’t have many sessions at the beginning) so I split it off and Mz-Cellaneous became my personal site.
The next thing you’ll probably notice a lot of, is chickens. LOL! I have 19 chickens that make me laugh every single day. They are fun to photograph and I like to share my nearly useless knowledge of raising chickens.
I’m very much into home improvements. I’ve lived in a construction zone for 4 years now – all of my own making. I share with others how we’ve improved our home or how they can do a project themselves, including gardening – I have a decidedly brown thumb so anything that grows here is a “pound your chest” victory in my book. Speaking of projects, I sometimes scrapbook (ha) and I’m adding a new section to my site after the move: DIY, Trash to Treasure. It’s going to be fun!
Once in a while I pretend I can cook. I impress myself so much that I have to share recipes.
Oh, and I like to make people laugh so almost every post has a touch of humor. Most of it is self-deprecating because I’m an easy target.
You take some amazing photos, how did you get your start in photography?
I started when I was in high school back in nineteen-dickety-eight with a camera my boyfriend at the time bought me. It was a great gift – a film SLR. I used it for around 15 years! In 2008 I buckled down and got serious and in those three years I’ve learned so much. Most of it has been trial by fire… shhh.. no one has caught on yet.
In what way has blogging been a rewarding experience for you?
The funny thing is, in scrapbooking, I used to think that journaling was an afterthought to the point of being unnecessary. I worked on a post in my head for a year that stated that fact…. can you see the irony in this? What I figured out was (despite being wrong), that words are really important to remember. Sometimes I think about my great-great-grandkids doing geneology and finding old versions of my blog with all my photos. I think that people naturally want to leave a legacy, they want to be remembered, and this is my way of doing so. Even if I’m having a day where I don’t have a lot of traffic and I’m feeling a little rejected. I just write for my family that I don’t even know yet.
What has been most challenging for you when it comes to blogging?
Writers block. I find it hard sometimes to come up with something to say. Sometimes I’ll just go outside and start shooting photos of things around me and I’ll think of 2-3 topics to blog about. I also keep a little notebook at my desk, and when I think of a topic I’ll make notes for later. Some of those things never ever get blogged, but when I’m in a pinch it will remind me of some great ideas.
Other popular posts from Mz-Cellaneous:
Cease Fire Ranch: “I think I found the door to narnia.”
Delight in the simple things: “Life has been much more full, when I started noticing things after I came here, this little spot in the middle of nowhere.”
The night my brother stabbed me: Sibling rivalry at it’s finest.
About Kat
Twitter: thesatevepot
says:
I love photography blogs!
The Lucky Wife recently posted..MaFF Monday #19: Meet Michelle of Ms. enPlace
Twitter: MakingLemonade1
says:
I need so much help with my photography… I’m in love with your photo style!
Carrie recently posted..Guest Blogging at The CSI Project Today!
photography blogs are the best! love them. Thanks for sharing.
Lovely photos! The lens on my camera is broken so all my photos come out blurry!
Nice photos, Lana. I love that you have a ton of chickens and enjoy photographing them!
Craftwhack recently posted..The Night of the Ortolan
I hate writers block! It’s just as bad as bloggy burn out.
and I am back from my blogging vacation.
♥ theMRS.
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Twitter: geezees
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Beautiful photos!
Stephanie@Geezees recently posted..4th of July Holiday Schedule
I love the chickens!
Brandi recently posted..They Call Me Lumpy
You take amazing photographs! Oh, & I love the chickens
I hear ya when you talk about writer’s block, I struggle with it sometimes as well. I think your blog design is gorgeous!
Michelle recently posted..Eating Whole Grains
I love the photography! I really the chickens! I share your passion for photography! Happy SITS DAY!
Melissa recently posted..H2O – DrinkMoreWater
These pictures are a great teaser! About to go check it out…
Semper Wifey recently posted..Military Monday…
great 4th of july pics! cute blog!
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I’m going to learn so much from her.
Anna-Elizabeth recently posted..Peaches
Photo Envy – that’s what blogs like that fill me with! Just got moved in, found my spices and my computer! Life is calming down!
bluecottonmemory recently posted..Hanging out at JDandiel4smom’s place – for Pausing Places
I really enjoy a blog full of fun interesting pics. It inspires me to get my camera out and start taking pictures.
MJ Scott recently posted..I Am Just a Lil Evil
Photo blog!!! Yay!!! I wish I could take pictures like she does. On my way to check her out!
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I love that in blogging we can “meet” people who are so much like us and yet so different, too. We learn and grow that way. I am way, way into photography and scrapbooking (and used to have chickens, hehe). Can’t wait to meet this lady and her blog. Thanks for bringing us together.
PatriciaD recently posted..Photoshop Tutorial Making a Template YOUR Own
That picture of the bride is awesome! I have always wanted to be a great photographer, but I have slacked a bit. Your stuff is inspiring!
Jen-MamaZen recently posted..Chili’s FREE Chips and Queso
I love the pictures! especially the bride!
cant wait to see more!
Alicia (Tails of an Apronista) recently posted..HouseKeeping and the void
Great photos! Congrats on your feature
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Looks like a great read. And who could pass up chickens!?
Kimberly recently posted..Project "Finish the Scrapbook" – FINISHED!
Twitter: thepanamamama
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My chickens make me laugh too! Great blog!
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On my way to check it out!
Jamie recently posted..Letting it All Hang Out
Twitter: TinaLaneBlogs
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What a talented photographer!
We are talking Chick Flicks at my place. Watching any?
(FL) Girl with a New Life recently posted..Chick Flicks: More Movies to Rent
Your photos are gorgeous! Andplusalso, I love chickens.
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Twitter: multiplemama
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Love that she enjoys photographing her chickens!
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Wow! What an amazing shot of that bride!
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Twitter: SuburbanLifeJo
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Loved getting to know you and visiting your blog. Great photos!
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Happy SITS day! Can’t wait to see some amazing pics!
Twitter: annieandisabel
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Looking forward to checking out all the photos!!
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Twitter: smushyfacebaby
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beautiful photography! look forward to seeing more of it!
Susan Walker recently posted..Wordvomit (And Also, Perspective)
I absolutely love your blog!
Jennifer recently posted..My Experiences: Following your Heart
Loved her fireworks photos! Like I told her, they’re much better than the ones I almost didn’t catch on my phone. Turns out – cell phones, not good for taking pics of fireworks.
Lauren recently posted..The Art of Seizing Opportunities: A Writer’s Journey to Living the Writing Life Well
Awesome! great things to think about coming from a blogging Vet. I love her pics and the post from today and the one about the mailbox. Great I have now added this blog to my favorites for my Niche.
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Twitter: getsillytweets
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awesome cleverly witful! can’t wait to check out the chick’ns
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Twitter: TimeCrafted
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Love the name you chose when you split your blog off! Speaking of off, that’s where I’m headed…off to go check out your blog! :>
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Beautiful Pictures!
Is that bride naked?! Risk-ay! Love the footsie pic! Classic country boy:)
Jennifer@ The Mommy Mambo recently posted..On a rainy day at the beach…
Congrats on your SITS day! Even if I am late, lol!
Living the Balanced Life recently posted..I found the Redneck Yacht Club
Blogging since 2007 is quite an accomplishment. I really appreciate your tips. Thank you & congrats on your SITS day!
AnonyMOMous recently posted..The N Word
Loved socks, hidden letters, loneliness… So very sweet. Thanks for sharing your blog with the world.
What a beautiful blog! I love happy little blogs like this one.
Angie recently posted..Come on, challenge me…
Twitter: FFPMaMMa
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Beautiful pics! I am so jealous of photography bloggers. Wish I had an eye and patience for it, but I just don’t. I’m okay with that. I have found a few to follow though as photography is not the only thing you write about…thank you!
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Twitter: kg_photography
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Always excited and happy to meet another photography blogger!
Through the Lens of Kimberly Gauthier, Photography Blog recently posted..YouTube Video: My Photography Home Studio
I like that idea of deciding what you *don’t* want to blog about.
Margaret Almon recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Craft Service Sign in Rochester, NY in its Ornate Swirliness
these photos are incredible, it really it a gift to have an eye to capture things like that in such a special way
mangiabella recently posted..Eggplant Rollatini Stuffed w/Proscuitto, Smoked Mozz, Fresh Basil & Ricotta
I love to look at other people’s creative photography! Heading over to check out the site more now.
Your photos are beautiful! Can’t wait to get some photo tips on your blog!
Cheers,
Kristina
My Traveling Troop recently posted..Fourth Of July In Monterey
I love your pictures Lana! The B & W of the couple just “nuzzling” each other is so precious…a private moment perfectly shot. I’m a shutterbug as well…it is my biggest passion. I am just not myself if I haven’t been able to shoot in a while. A day = a while for me lol… Children are a WONDERFUL excuse to whip out the camera. Keep up the beautiful work! I am obsessed with “everyday Joe/Jo” photography so now you have a new blaker (blog stalker). Congrats on your SITS day too….lol…almost forgot that part. DUH! =)
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