Hostage to Fortune written by Joseph O’Connor in 1952

“THERE IS no fool like an old fool. Vanity grows with the years. So do eyeteeth, toenails and warts. But these do not obtrude themselves on others or lead their owners into indiscretions. Vanity does both.”

That was my great-grandfather, Joseph O’Connor, aged 75, in 1952 in the opening paragraph of his biography called ‘Hostage to Fortune’. He dedicated it Eileen and Riona – my grandmother (who died last February) and my mother (then only a scrap in a blanket – if you are doing your sums).

I remembered it the other day when I was trying to think of a crafty name for this blog – unsuccessfully – as you can tell! I thought I’d dig out one of his books and seek inspiration. After thoroughly enjoying a re-read, the opening paragraph loomed large and made me worry that this might be a vanity project.

The truth is I should have done this a few years ago – when blogging was new and cool. But at the time, I was in a different place and felt there were enough bloggers debating disposable v cloth nappies and whether breast is best. It’s funny how writing a book is something you can do at any age – however blogging feels like a younger person’s vehicle. Although I have to say – some of my favourite bloggers are not young and are anything but cool.

So why am I blogging? I suppose it’s because I like writing. Up to now, it has always been the means to an end – a job, a project, an essay for school. I’d like to change all that and just write for no reason. And perhaps there is an element of vanity. But I’m ok with that. I don’t have a grandchild I’d like to dedicate all this (two whole posts!) but I have kids and it’s nice they’ll have a place to tap into my psyche along with that of their great-great-grandfather. [Note to self: run a back-up!]

Are you a blogger? Why do you blog?