Time for a Change?

A number of months ago now, I was invited to have my blog listed on a website. I felt honored but that I fell short of what was required of those listed there. They seemed to be all very serious business people. I'm an at-home mom and very happily so, but I have also, since, become a freelance writer. At first, I kind of felt like I would let down those in charge because I didn't really fit the description this list seemed to carry. I wondered how long I would last on the list.


Today I received an interesting message.....


"I haven't added your blog yet because I've had some concerns about the inmate theme....and I wondered if you might consider any changes so that it will be more reflective of the good that we're trying to do...."


I, first of all, want to state that this did not offend me in the slightest. I appreciate people's opinions and figure this person's intent was to help me be more successful. I share this here because I'd love to have your opinion on this matter as well.


As time has gone on, I've altered my blog more and more. At one point, my music and background reflected the madhouse theme. My children were all "inmates"--like those you might find in a madhouse--but that has changed as they've become known by the number they rank in the family. It was just easier.

Someone once told me that they thought it was rude that I referred to my children as numbers--such a Captain von Trapp kind of thing to do. You can't please everyone, and it's funny what people assume when they don't know you and only know you by what you write. I refer to my children as numbers only for the blog's sake and for their anonymity. If you knew me, you'd know that.


If the "good" I do is somehow tarnished by what I call my family members, then it's time to make another change. Do you agree?


As you will see on the left side, I have changed my husband from being "The Warden" and myself from being the "chief inmate"--something my husband refers to me as often. Many friends have called our home and heard "Hesses Madhouse" instead of "hello" as the greeting. If they've asked for me, my husband will then ask, "Oh, you want to speak with the chief inmate? Let me get her for you." This was even before this blog was created. It just seemed to figure into the plan and theme of the blog.

Just a silly side note:  If you don't get "Hesses Madhouse" when you call, the other common greeting is, "Chico's Bar and Grill," and if you ask for me, my husband will say, "Hey Woah-man, quit cooking them there burritos and come talk to this person." It doesn't matter what time of day or night it is, I'm always cooking burritos. It's thrown off many a caller. I frequently am greeted with an apology for interrupting my cooking after I've said hello even at 10:00 at night. What can I say, I like burritos, or at least, I guess I like to make them.


I guess what this comes down to is that I would love to hear your ideas and opinions. Leave it all alone? Change it slightly? Change it completely? Maybe you don't care, and that's okay to say too. Please take a moment to comment, would you please?

Thanks! More than anything else, thanks for reading even though we're inmates and wardens and just plain MAD.