I’d like to come up with a tagline for this site. In the last year I’ve had two; “The Write Side of Fatherhood” and “China. Adoption. Parenthood.” I don’t like either of them. First, the implication of “the write/right” side of anything evokes images of people who have all their stuff together. This is a group I cannot relate to. The second tag contains more truth but constrains the content of the blog. I’m not interested in being a blogger about these three topics to the exclusion of anything else. I’m much more interested in how this site and my writing evolve.
A modicum of modesty keeps me from putting a line such as “Where I Say What I Damn Well Please” or “Glean Insights From the Mind of One of America’s Adoptive Fathers”. I considered using the Wayne White quote “Beauty is Embarrassing” but realized it wouldn’t tell a prospective reader much about the content. If I had the time I’d change it every day, my own version of the Google Doodle.
I’m open to suggestions. Nay, I’m begging for them. If you’re familiar with the site and think of a brief description please send it my way. If I use your suggestion you will receive no monetary compensation. However I will thank you and also write a post about a topic of your choosing and/or publish something the winner writes.
Speaking of guest post, I had an idea awhile back about transforming Belonging Together into a multi-author site rather than mouthpiece for moi. I wanted to find prospective bloggers (and interested existing bloggers) to submit entries between 500 and 1000 words on a topic relating to adoption, parenting, or other relevant topics. I never pursued the idea which is why you, dear reader, never had the pleasure of reading much from others on this site. Maybe one day.
Because it’s difficult to post consistently. I currently post on Tuesdays. In addition to keeping fresh content on Belonging Together I’m writing app reviews and articles for an online parenting magazine. (More on that later.) When I started writing it seemed the ideas and words were endless. Now I’m lucky to bring a blog post idea to fruition. With the exception of one topic. Fatherhood.
That’s something I can write about. Contrary to what some believe I maintain a level of propriety regarding Penelope’s life. She has her story and if so inclined will tell it one day. Until then I judiciously choose which bits are worth sharing and may meet the least resistance from the six, nine, thirteen, and twenty year old Penelopes. I remain painfully aware she may develop into a private person who fumes over my past disclosures. Or maybe she’ll more closely resemble a friend who sees public exposure as a godsend, wishing I’d posted more details about her antics.
The work of setting up my tiny corner of the internet and opening my mouth has passed. It’s the hard stuff ahead that concerns me. As Stephen King said, writing is about telling the truth.
Oh, and don’t forget about my request for a tagline.
