Oftentimes, people ask why I started a blog. “I want to start a blog too, but I’m nervous of what people would think. Isn’t it weird asking people to take photos of you?”

Here’s the short answer: My sister-in-law suggested I start a blog about fashion because she “would follow along for outfit inspiration.” From that small seed, something blossomed inside me. Through blogging, I was introduced to an entire world of men and women using this medium to communicate varying interests: from baking blogs (which my mother reads) to Warhammer blogs (which my husband reads) to business blogs (which I read). Also, I’ve never put much weight into others’ opinion of me unless I love or revere them. In which case, if those few individuals think poorly of me, make fun of me, or gossip about me behind my back…my feelings would get hurt because of the investment and respect I have for them.

I didn’t create this blog with the intention of positioning myself as an “expert” or taking myself too seriously. I mean, I’ve never even taken a fashion class so I’m the last person who should give advice on the subject. But I like fashion. It’s something that has always captivated me. And I established this space of the Internet so that I could share openly with others who have an interest in fashion too.

Within one year of blogging, God prompted me to dive deeper…

To write about other things that readers could relate to. To put something out into the world that was true, positive, and hopefully helpful in some way. So, I created the kind of posts that I would want to read. Things that I’m naturally wired toward: motherhood, marriage, gardening, cooking, health and traveling. And my biggest delight of all, leading others to God’s love. Anything and everything you see on this website is a reflection of my real life as a woman, mother, friend, believer of God, writer, wife, daughter, and granddaughter.

I’m not an “influencer” or an Instagram business owner. I’m a blogger, first. Back when I started, people created content because they wanted to share things of interest. Most of them began with the purest of intentions, myself included. We enjoyed conceptualizing, photography, storytelling and connecting with readers.

Over time, the industry has shifted a bit…

More and more young people are creating content in order to become famous, go viral, or make a lot of money. I’m not saying that’s necessarily a bad thing. It’s just not what’s right for me, personally. Creating content online is an interesting paradigm. There’s no denying “The Information Age” brings an abundance of things to our lives, both good and bad. It gives us a sense of control. The ability for you and I to research anything and build community with like-minded people. To re-write our destinies. To create paths for ourselves that our ancestors would have jumped at, given the opportunity.

I often style shoots and take photos for brands that are never seen by you guys. But when it comes to content for this website (and my social media platforms), I’m able to talk about anything and everything with you. And, that has been such an honor. To those of you who’ve taken time to type in the name of my website and peruse the pages over the last five years, thank you. That just means we would probably get along in real life!!!

For those of you who’ve reached out…

wondering where I’ve been – I get it. What appears like inconsistency…is actually strategic. I’m practicing what I preach. I’m always setting boundaries with work and re-visiting them. Pivoting. Trying new things. Learning as I go. I’ve been a stay-at-home-mom since 2016, because that’s where my strongest conviction is. I say “yes” to my young children often, inevitably leaving a lot of “no’s” in my work life. I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s where my heart is. I feel extremely blessed and privileged to be in this role, and I don’t take it lightly.

I love creating content too, but the industry continues to ask more from me than I’m willing to give sometimes. And that’s healthy for me to admit. The desire to create something from nothing will never fully leave me, and I don’t know that the blog will ever go away for good. It might look a little different, but I think that’s the beauty in it. That as I grow and evolve, so does my space on the internet, in order to actively reflect who I am now, and who I want to become in the future.

Paul and I are working toward a better work/life balance for him, as he’s been working 70 hours per week for six consecutive years. With all of the domestic duties and child-raising responsibilities on me, I’ve dedicated myself to the children by day and writing by night, rather than prioritizing the blog. As the kiddos get older, as Paul decreases the number of hours he’s working, and as my book nears completion, maybe I will be able to give more time to you, here.

Until then, I hope you’ll enjoy revisiting past blogs, and future blogs as they arrive. Please let me know if you have a topic you’d like me to write about, because feedback is invaluable for me. Otherwise, it can feel like talking to a void. I can see traffic on my website, but I don’t get to hear from you. I hope you’ll appreciate my transparency in sharing a little behind the scenes with you today. And if you’re on the fence whether you should create content online or not, I say go for it! But do it on your terms. Don’t create to placate the algorithm. Create out of necessity. Trust your inner drive and convictions. Don’t make compromises. Don’t worry about being “a success.” Be more concerned with doing good work. Each time I sit down at the typewriter or computer to write another chapter of my book, I recite this verse…Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” 

I value you and so does God. See you soon.