Spin Cycle: Vulnerable Striptease

Every time we blog or comment we put a piece of ourselves out there on the internet. It’s out there for anyone to find, see, read, or even steal. We make ourselves vulnerable and we do it intentionally.

I originally started my blog in June 2008 as a way to record my spinal fusion surgery. My first thought was to keep a traditional journal. But as I researched what was then a relatively new procedure, I had a difficult time finding independent personal testimonies. That’s when I decided to “put myself out there” and share my story with others.

When I set up my blog I didn’t want to limit myself to the XLIF procedure. What if I really liked blogging and wanted to continue after my recovery? I needed a blog title that described me but was still anonymous. Hence, Pines Lake Redhead was born.

I was very reserved with my blogging since I discussed medical information. I didn’t want to make public too much of my identity. I have since removed the majority of the medical info but you can still read about my surgery one year post-op and see x-rays.

I only connected with one person during my surgery blogging phase. So I guess I wasn’t exactly a huge success. Once the pain was gone, I detoxed off a year’s worth of Schedule II narcotics and the haze lifted. I started thinking again and blogging with enthusiasm on all topics (except work, politics, & religion).

Each and every time I blog I expose a little bit more of myself, my life, and my family. But I don’t want to reveal too much too soon. I want to keep you interested and coming back. Slowly, I peel back the layers of my personality as if I’m performing a carefully crafted striptease. With each layer I become more and more daring.

My vulnerable striptease has produced some surprising results:

I’ve made bloggy buddies across the globe. They are wonderful women who are strong, compassionate, intelligent, and creative. Yes, most of the bloggers I’ve met have been women and I can’t explain that phenomenon. Gropius and I have met in the physical world and both of us wish to meet more bloggers “for real.”

As I’ve dropped the veils on the floor, more of Erica has come to the surface. Sometimes I bob at the surface. But be it through inner strength or the supporting words of others I always come back.

I find myself thinking and being creative every day either from the perspective of writing or photography. I look at the world with bigger eyes now. I want to take in everything. Every moment is precious and I want to record it and share it. Essentially, that’s what I’m doing. I’m recording my boys’ lives. I’m recording my memories. I’m recording my family’s history.

I’m a mother, a wife, a daughter, a quasi-writer, a quasi-photographer, a woman, a friend, a bloggy buddy, a chronicler, a vulnerable stripper, and a blogger. I am Pines Lake Redhead. I am Erica.

For more Spins on blogging visit Sprite's Keeper.