Thank you for the honest words. Completely agree with “It is up to the reader to own their interpretation.” Well said!
The one of Ruby and Margot in their bonnets where they are studying the dandelions is my favorite of the post!

I also just noticed that Margot has her red sparkly shoes on the wrong feet in your header! Perfection:)

Brooklyn often tells me she doesn’t want her baby sister anymore. Makes me want to cry and hold Brianna close to me and make her feel loved even though she obviously doesn’t know/care what Brooklyn says about her. Than later the same night Brooklyn will beg us to let Brianna sleep in her bed with her… it’s so good to know their love comes back as quickly as it goes. 😉

I wish we could have chickens in our back yard here where I live. I’m sure my husband wouldn’t be down with the idea, but I think it’s awesome!

“Life is rich, eh?”

You sure you’re not in Canada, eh? 😉

Hey Nici, I’m dealing with the exact same things on The wilder coast. I get so caught up in not being ‘this kind of writer’ or ‘that kind of writer’ that sometimes I’m left with nothing. Literally, I put too many fences up that I corral myself into silence.

I’ve found that for my blog, honesty mixed with a little dose of hyperbole and a touch of exaggeration is always the best mix.

I love the girls bonnets! And yes, life is rich….so rich! i’d take an ounce of that rich Missoula sunshine right now, but even my inky Seattle sky is doing right by me these days….

xo
Lina
http://www.thewildercoast.com

Right on mama, make no excuses for speaking your truth. This is a timely post for me, I was just turning these thoughts over in my mind as I decided to post on my blog about the not so beautiful side of pregnancy that I have been experiencing. I was feeling pressure about my ‘voice’ and how people would interpret it, especially ‘complaining’ about pregnancy after fertility struggles. I decided to stop worrying and write what I feel is my experience. Finding your truth and not regretting it is powerful.

I said it before and I’ll say it again…I want chickens! Too bad I can’t have any.

Honesty is important. Especially with ourselves. We all have many molds. Wife, Mother, friend, daughter.

I like your nuggets! Keep it up!

Hooray for honest, “no more” declarations! Be who you are, Nici, its what makes your writing so meaningful and otherwise, it’s all just smoke and mirrors. And what’s the point in that? I could read fiction for that, but I chose to read awesome blogs.

Chicken names…(continuing Margot’s theme)”Maria”? “Captain Von Trapp”? “Baroness”? “Holy Smokes”?

My gosh how I love Nuggets! I’m glad that you write what-you-want-how-you-see-it. I feel like if we met in real life I wouldn’t be surprised by you. Plus, it gives me inspiration for my own blog. Have a great week!

Hi Sweetie,

It’s pretty cool and crazy to love to write about your life and put it out on the *internet* and realize that people will interpret and mis-interpret your words in their own, subjective ways.

I’ve found myself re-reading and re-reading something I’ve written, wondering “but, how does that actually *sound?* Like if you didn’t *know* me?”

But ultimately, you’re right. If it feels right and true you just gotta put it out there and let people take what they need from it.

My children are good little dandelion pickers too right now. I know Rose would love to make M and R some muddy Durango dandelion tea.

With love,
Rachel

First, in these first few comments I feel so thankful for all you awesome chickens out there. I was a bit nervous to click ‘post.’

Tina: I do love Canada and sometimes I dream about being from that vast, kind country.

Melina: I adore your mix. It works sister.

andralinn: Ha! Captain and Maria! I love it.

Hi Nici!

Write your truth, write your lies, write your twists . . . Anybody who doesn’t like the programming can change the channel.

Here’s a quote you might like. We usually hear it as “Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes,” but the full quote goes like this:

“Stand before the people you fear and speak your mind, even if your voice shakes. When you least expect it, someone may actually listen to what you have to say.”

— Maggie Kuhn, founder of the Gray Panthers.

Big BRAVO, MAMA! for not freaking out as 3-year-old Margot starts flexing her muscles as an individual. My only child mother and far youngest, only son, ridiculously pampered father never understood the need that my brother and sister and I had to be individuals. Which meant having our own time, our own friends, our own stuff, activities, interests, etc. It was tough, being treated as part of the herd and eventually led to a lot of–is it still called “experimentation?”

You and Andy are GREAT parents! Keep up the good work!

Totally jealous of your sunshine and your bright red tulips. Almost as bright as Margots fantastic lips!

Have a great day everybody!
Susan

Oh the dandelions!
Reminds of Ray Bradbury’s book Dandelion Wine. If you have time for a quick delightful read to get a jump start on swooning over summer, I recommend it.

Nici, I definitely over-analyze, but I always think better to err on the side of being super conscientious then not at all, right?

Have loved your blog from the moment GK told me to check it out–feels like a long, long time ago, back when Avi was a tiny baby and every cry sent me into a tailspin . . . how we evolve! I love it!

One of my neighbors told me yesterday to “just get the tomatoes in the ground, already!” and I love the photos of you and M putting seeds in together. xoxo!

Oh I’m in love with your honest writing. I too find myself editing what I will say for a moment in order to please or not offend or something I don’t always quite understand. I will own it. I have a 3 1/2 yr old and a 1 1/2 yr old… that seems to be the age of your kids? I like that you said the intensity of parenting bc it feels so intense at times and I feel it’s just me some days.

I just love your description of the this bloggy world we live in because, it’s completely true. Thanks for the honest intro and the beautiful nuggets! Your girls are precious.

I LOVE the last two pictures in this post. Beautiful!

I love your blog and your honest, real words. My sister told me a few weeks back she was done reading my blog…it was “too dark.”
To me it was true, it was real, and it was where I was at. I NEED my blog to process crap and let it go and enjoy the good and savor it. So while it made me question my blog it also eventually made it clear.
Love your stance and clarity on the subject 🙂

Blanca and Sunrise?

Pfu, it’s a relief to see somebody else’s backyard spotted in yellow.

I can relate to so much here.

First off, I pee outside a lot on long runs. My husband is always afraid I’m going to get arrested with the baby jogger and all.
Anna Cate, 5, told me she’d be willing to give Molly, 1, up for lent:)

It seems the beauty in one’s writer voice is her honesty. I want to be read, yes, but more than that I want to honor my journey with my writing, and that requires honesty from me.

I agree-you write what you feel, and people can take what they want from it and leave the rest. That’s the beauty of blogging. I love your honesty. XO

Amen on your intro to Nuggets this week! I wrote something similar on Mother’s Day after stumbling across some “mommy bloggers attaching other mommy bloggers” kind of sites. I’m guessing we all have those cheerful and fulfilling days in addition to days when self-deprecation seems in order. Honesty is key.

Keep writing. I love reading. 🙂

– Katie @ Mamathereader.com

I have been known to “pop a squat” now and then too. Sorry you got busted.

I love that you tell us what Margrot says. Makes my day how silly and cute she is.

Surely I’m not the only local reader who is dying to know… Where was this bush located?

,,, “MAMA! Come here! Do I look fantastic?!”,,,with or without the ruby lips you’re fantastic margot!,,,

,,, I am here to declare: no more!,,,your space nici holt-cline, your way!,,,you go girl!,,,

,,,i “dig” ruby’s morning routine with pacifer in mouth,,,she’s so stinkin’ adorable,,,

amen, sister!

we talked about this at brunch today and it all ended in these/your exact sentiments. love how you put yourself out there.

i get caught in a rut from time to time…trying to be as real as i can without hurting anyone/sharing too much/being to vulnerable-not enough. it’s unending. this reflection will pass for a time and then rear it’s beautiful head again. it almost always outstays it’s welcome.

for me, bottom line…this is my blog and i write for me and i think you do an awesome job of sharing with us little snippets of your life!

xoxoxoxoxo happy nugget days. loved this post!

the first names that came to mind for the chickens: Raisin and Fredrick…respectively.

i love your spirit and your blog never compromise…i love your voice and your outlook…

I love the comment about being done with Ruby. 🙂 Isn’t that sister love? I love the way you blog..That is what makes it real. You are you.

I’m seconding Maria and Holy Smokes for chicken names…excellent.

How sweet are those bonnets? I wish my big girl would keep a hat on her head for more than a five minute stretch.

I struggle a lot with the “tone” of my blog. I think it’s easy to be categorized when one or two posts do a week’s worth of communication. It’s difficult to squish the spectrum of emotions into one small space. Ultimately, I think, it’s a case of optimism vs pessimism and how rosy a lens you choose to view your world.

Don’t let it get you down. I love visiting this space, chicken fights and all.

Aloha,
Mama

Those of us whose blogging niche is “life” do face the challenge of being put in boxes. You just keep busting out of them. Go girl!

This post made me seriously laugh out loud. Peeing behind a bush and getting busted, swinging your camera at chickens – too funny! I always look forward to Wednesdays, purely for your nuggets. Thanks for keeping it real, Nici!

Nici-
I love love love your blog so very much!! I spent two summers at a lodge outside of Cody WY and your pics make me miss it! I loved my one trip to Missoula! Thank you for your words! And pics too!!
xo
Rave

Names of those new chickens – Holy Smokes and Maria. Can I tell you that the SOM soundtrack is on all the time at our house? I heard it playing at Joann’s about 3 months ago, bought it and it’s been playing ever since. And you know what, it never, ever gets old.

Wow, being true to your voice in a blog is hard. I like so many others love your voice, your optimism, your realism, your metaphors. A reminder to us that every day is about appreciation, growth and learning; regardless of how grown up we feel at times. I am a believer in the thought of continual evolution. Really, I can’t wait to see who I am once I grow up!

So sometimes when I start to over think a thought, a project, a design, etc, I just take the Nike motto of “just do it.” Focusing but letting go. Sounds like an oxymoron, right? I like the quote that Susan S posted about “speak your mind even if your voice shakes.”

Love Margot’s big red lips. And the last shot of Ruby with the thinkers tongue look. And Dandelions – I smile at how kids LOVE what many of us try to annihilate from our yards. They are fascinating whether they are yellow or as Alex calls them “blowy flowers.”

Keep being true my dear. Happy gardening. I know we’re happy. Alex helped me plant sunflowers and pumpkins last night and still had time to talk to the little sprouts coming up from my potato patch. Oh, she’s my girl.

Peace,

Jennifer from Annapolis

I went a few weeks with no blogging due to feeling pressured to write a certain way. No one was putting that pressure on me but me, but the pressure was there. Thankfully I broke free because I love sharing words and pictures!

Love the bonnets on your girls! LOVE them! 🙂

Great post. Thanks for making me feel it’s ok to be complicated: happy one minute creating, stressed out the next needing a break. We all need to feel that it’s alright to put our thoughts out there in honesty, without judgement and backlash.
I love gardening in flip flops, Margot’s red lips and the (brilliant) scribbling potholders.

great intro to nuggest. love your blog. it’s honest and real.

happy spring!

i agree with the self reflection before putting anything out there right now. there’s too much discourse about who is saying what and why and when and how they should be saying it.
gah.
maybe that’s why i’ve been quiet.
i write so many blog posts in the quiet of the night while i lie in bed. when, of course, i should be sleeping.
i love that ruby planted one on margot after she considered ridding herself of her. too funny. pretty sure my girls feel the same way as they have to coexist in a small(ish) bedroom.
and chickens. they are GORGEOUS. i want so badly. but i need to know where i’m going to be in 3 months. not in this moment of unsureness … you know? no. you probably don’t. you are in love with your place and wouldn’t leave it. i hate being up in the air. especially when i can’t write about it.

ooo, yes. i love your version. and i think i will continue peeing behind bushes.

don’t we judge ourselves harshly enough?

Melissa,

Yes. I do think it is good to be conscientious and thoughtful! It is a tricky balance between that and over-editing myself. As I get older I just want to be blunt all the time. It feels so good! And, because I am kind it usually works out ok…..heh. It doesn’t feel good to write and feel like I am continually censoring myself like oh that is too sentimental, I better throw in something that bugs me or that sounds too harsh, I better add something light. I find my best writing comes when I just write, it naturally represents me without finessing a “feeling.”

I have kinda been in a weird writing space the last few weeks, muscling through. I read a bit about different bloggers and creative types struggling to carve out their niche (I read an article about Dooce, one about Pioneer Woman, a Brain Child article, a post by SouleMama and a post by Scary Mommy…it’s wild how much women have to defend their online space. I am happy to share these if peeps want to read?) Are you the oversharing type, the brutally honest type, the always rosy type, the life sucks type….ack with the ‘types’ that women always seem to find themselves in!

Kendra, Yes, we sure do.

This comment has been removed by the author.

I know we’ve said this before, but you can substitute a variety of verbs for “blogging” or “writing.” It’s a shame we feel the need to defend the way we parent, the way we practice our beliefs, the way we write, blog, speak, etc. And maybe it’s our glorious thirties that allows us the rich opportunity of digging into the whats and hows and whys of who we are. Defending it is at first part of it…it’s part of understanding our identity…and I’m where you are a lot right now. I find the more of these phases I go through though, the closer I get to owning it for good. To becoming comfortable enough with how I do things to be confident and yet not not too comfortable to prevent me from learning from other ways of thinking. I look forward to my forties. Ha.

You beautifully articulated a battle many women–myself included–face both in the real world and online. And again, your compassion shines through.

Love you. xo

Gah! Those bonnet hats are adorable!!!!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on blogging pigeon holes. I totally concur.

You guys make spring look sooo good.

I read a good number of blogs, and I can tell you that it is usually obvious to me, the writers who are trying really hard to fit a certain “type” whether it be the cheery or the sarcastic or what have you. It usually seems obvious to me too, the writers who are being real and honest. I would like to tell you that out of all of the blogs I read you have always always felt real and honest to me, and to me you’ve never seemed to try to fit into any “type”. You’re the real deal mama!

and,of course as you said, people are more complex than the “types” that sometimes blogs are labeled as- I just mean more that it’s obvious when writing is forced or conversely when it’s being restricted because of inhibitions.

I agree with Kelle. Part of it is age and just being a parent. We always have to defend ourselves to those in a different space. We no longer spend time doing x, y or z, and to an outsider that puts us in some sort of box. And then with other mothers, there are the different types. But really, we’re all mothers. Can’t we bond over that? I have to blog for me, first and foremost. Some people think I’m funny. If those people are just my friends, I’m okay with that. Just be honest and true to yourself. For those that follow you, they’ll get it, and get you.

Chicken name suggestions: Gossie and Gertie (have you read the book Gossie?)

I am glad you went out there and posted your honesty. I follow several blogs and I do not always agree with everything that the writer has to say, but that’s okay. I don’t have to agree or like what you are saying, because it’s YOUR blog. YOUR life. YOUR honesty and I respect that. And I can choose or not choose to read. I always become infuriated when I read a negative comment to a post. In my opinion, if you don’t like it, stop reading, hit the “X” in the top right hand corner or type a different site at the top. Or at the very least, keep your hurtful/non-constructive comments to yourself. It really is that simple. Like I said, I may not always agree with what is said on a blog, but I visit them because I truly enjoy the photographs and dialogue that are in them. I love that there are women/moms out there who are willing to take the time to share their lives with me through blogging…everyday moms who truly just want to uplift and help and share. I can say this, I have been inspired, laughed, cried (happy & sad) and been exposed to so many wonderful things I otherwise would not have been because of the blogs I follow. So, thank you, Nici, for being a part of that!

thanks for sharing, about blogging styles! i couldn’t agree more. people need to recognize that what other people blog about is only a tiny aspect of their life. i choose to write mostly the positive things that happen because people have their own problems to worry about and that’s what i feel comfortable sharing.

i think it’s awesome that you read articles about blogging and writing the way that i read articles about sustainable development or land use law or whatever i’m researching. it’s your craft. gotta inform yourself! how does margot know the lyrics to west side story? do you watch the movie w/ her? it cracked me up.

I love that picture of the two girls kneeling by the pail. That is one to frame I would say. 🙂 I have always loved your blog…and will love it even more in “no holds barred” style!

Not that you need any validation to keep doing what you’re doing, but the tone of your blog has always resonated with me. And this is coming from a single, childless woman in Canada, so take from that what you will. 🙂

So glad to came to that….’cause I love reading dig – and I want to read dig, uncensored (’cause your blog makes me happy – all of it, happy days, warty days, the whole shebang). And I also have to say, I’m so damn jealous of your chickens – they’re gorgeous and I wish I could meet them. When I was a kid, my mother (who was NOT a chicken farmer), decided to raise chickens…and bought 400 chicks. Pure havoc. My baby brother, who was about 4 at the time, fell in love with all 400 of them and named them. At any given time of the day, you could see his little blond head in the middle of a huge cloud of chickens as he wandered around the farm, sweet talking them and telling them his secrets. Every kid should know a chicken or two.

I enjoy your writing style, and if you want to switch it up, I will probably enjoy that as well! I learn a lot about the life you are living from your blog. Some aspects I would love to emulate (planting a large garden for my family), others I think are great ideas but not so much for me (I love my lush backyard lawn too much for chickens – of course I am in the city)! But regardless I am always inspired when I read your blog, and that is important for me.

My chicken names may not be inspired by literature or movies, but at first glance they seem like a Holly and a Molly to me.

LOVE teh honesty. And too true, the channel can be changed if the reader desires. LOVE the dandelions…my girls love it when they turn to wishing flowers! Make a wish and give some good wind, like birthday candles. Makes for happy little ladies. :o)

Awesome post, and so true. Thanks.

You all are looking fabulous!

Good for you for owning it! Happy Dandelion picking…

Jaim

Of the blogs I follow I see yours as always genuine. You are an excellent and expressive writer and I always feel like I’ve just sat down on your couch and heard about your day. I do think a voice in writing is a ponderous task and ever changing, however know that you are indeed a wonderful writer, honest, gritty, and full of love.

It’s late, I’m tired, and I can’t quite follow your line of thought in the first few paragraphs, but I think it would help you if you stop reading “about blogging” and just focus on what you do best, which is writing. I think it’s the paradoxical nature of blogging that much of it has to be done in an emotional/intellectual vacuum, even though the writing very much has at least an imagined audience in mind. It’s a thin line between minding your audience enough to project an authentic voice and allowing that audience too much power over shaping the pitch and and timbre of the voice. My impression is that your best writing happens when you think the least of all of us out there reading your blog, so just stick to your guns and do your thing and forget about what everyone else thinks about what you are doing. I think that’s what you are saying, too, but I am not sure.

I love Margot’s line about Ruby. Our son asked me to put our daughter “back in your belly, mommy” when she was only a couple of months old. Also, telling the chickens to “share” is hilarious.

I read your blog precisely because it is so positive, happy and “endlessly cheerful.” If that’s wrong, I don’t want you to be right.

I adore your blog – endlessly inspiring, uplifting, honest, funny, real and just all around awesome. I love reading your perspectives on little and big things in life.

When I read your nuggets this week, I thought about a quote from Barbara Kingsolver: “Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder. Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer.”

By writing the way you do, you’re offering so much more to all your readers. You’re truly a gem!

I love reading your blog. I appreciate your honesty. I never feel inadequate when reading here; I actually feel inspired and motivated. And I’m well-grounded enough to own that my lack of motion on any of my creative thoughts is my own fault, not yours. Please, keep doing what you do.

I loved my thirties, no doubt….I married at 31 and started having magical babies at 33 (just had my 3rd and last at 42). But I gotta say, had I known how liberating my 40’s were going to be, I would have skipped right to them (at least to the 40’s mindset). I have a healthy appreciation for everyone else’s opinions, beliefs, feelings, etc., but I also feel more confident than ever with my own. No more feeling inadequate, self-conscious, or needing to justify. I’m not saying I’ve got it down perfectly, but SERIOUSLY, something just clicked when I turned 40….LOVING IT!

Plus, having gray hair all of a sudden was acceptable at 40, when it wasn’t at 39—hahaha! But that’s not to say I don’t color my streak…it’s just that I’m not in any hurry to hide it like I used to. Who cares??? “Not I”, said the chick 🙂

Keep doin’ what your doin, the way you wanna do it and say it. You, your blog, your darling little family…..are amazing! (“amazing” sometimes gets overused, but I can’t think of a better word 🙂

Kelly

Only in the last five weeks, have I realized the impact my words have. Both emotionally and mentally on those who have read our adoption experience. It hasn’t been easy, baring my soul. I’ve received criticism, but at the end of the day, I’m proud of what I’ve written.

You, too, have an amazing gift. A gift that transfers readers into your chicken coop, onto your ski mountain, and watching paraders in your part of the country.

We are who we are, and never should we need to defend the craft and genre of the written craft to others.

Our words will continue on, no matter how we write.

I love your blog! Margot is so smart, the things she says really make me laugh! Also, you should check this out: http://www.go-girl.com/ means you can pee whilst standing!!! You’re allowed to pee behind bushes in the UK! xxx

I find that the common thread through all the blogs I read (and people I choose to spend time with) is honesty.

And not like just “not telling lies” honesty, but, like, frankness and sincerity. REALness.

You’ve got it in spades. Which – obviously.

And tell Margot that YES she *does* look fantastic. Awesome.

Thanks Nici.

I’ve been struggling to write down my thoughts these days for very similar reasons. It was a nice kick in the pants to read your post today and remind myself that I should feel free to write as I feel and quit worrying about the locals who read my blog or if I’m mis-spelling a word. I should be fearless. Your post helped. Thanks.

Chicken names: Scout & Atticus.

Love the bonnets, lipstick and potholders.

Hope you steer clear of the law this week…;-0

I read me a many blogs out there! …and I think I find you so refreshing because you DON’T merrily document joy every post and you DON’T practice the self-deprecation every post. I think you are a great balance. I have a hard time with the everything is perfect, look at all my glossy photos of my perfectly dressed kids with matching shoes and fingernail polish…those blogs are beautiful to look at, but what they are conveying is not always beautiful. Maybe you do “do it all” but I’ve never seen that through your writing and photos…and that’s what I LOVE!

april

Burb ~ I adore your honesty in EVERYTHING you do…your humor, raising kids,cats,dogs & chicks, the love of your family & friends, your inspired art & sewing, creating a loving home, how you honor our planet by respecting it…nurturing it…growing food in it…AND in your WORDS…“Writing isn’t black and white. People aren’t black and white. Honesty in writing means honoring your own inclinations. It is up to the reader to own their interpretation”…

I love you to the moon and back…..

New chick names:
~ Pepper & Jet

xoxo

Gasp! I’m so sad, so confused. I left a lengthy comment the other day, and now it’s gone….Hhhmmm, and I thought it was nice :).

I came back to offer names for the chickens. My 6 year old son named his crawdads: Kevin, Doug, and Russell. I did not dare crack a smile, as he was completely serious, but I was dying inside…from laughter! They would be even funnier for hens 🙂

Kelly

Kelly and others!

I didn’t delete your comments. Blogger went down for a day and a bunch of comments and posts are missing from blogland…they say all will be restored eventually!

Oy! Too funny about the peeing in public. Having tried to wedge myself and a sleeping baby in a carrier into a port-a-potty (yuck!) I totally get it! We let dogs pee in public so there ought to be some concession made for Mamas.

Thank you for your thoughts about blogging. Despite the fact that I only have a teeny-tiny readership of mostly friends and family, I was bumming about some of the same issues not too long ago. We Mama’s are all trying so hard to get through each day doing the best we can – do we really need to judge each other too? I for one, simply don’t have the energy for it! I love coming to your blog and finding new energy, creativity, inspiration, strength, passion. Keep bringing it Dig – just the real honest you please!

Oh and the girls looking into the bucket is so sweetly Laura Ingalls Wilder – love it!!

Your heart is a hodgepodge gemstone: aquamarine clear, ruby warm, softie pearl. That’s why I love you. That’s why I’ll love you on the blinding sun days and the overcast cranky days. Just keep on brining it, Cline. We can take it.

ps – Also? Would you be willing to watch my kids for me for a couple of hours tomorrow a.m.? Or maybe Andy could make them pancakes while both of us sleep in? It’s 2 a.m. and morning comes early around these parts…

“Maybe try sharing and being kind.” What a fabulous Margot quote. If only everyone would live by this, what a wonderful world this would be….
Just wanted to say that I think your writing is spot on. You are positive, but very real. IMO a perfect balance of the two.