I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about my blog and what direction I would like to take it. I have decided that this year I will put more time and effort into it than I ever have. I’m going to consider it a “real job”. That decision will require more commitment and consistency from me and I am ready for the challenge. While soul-searching, I came up with some definitive characteristics I want my blog to possess. And now I give you…

8 Things I Want My Blog To Be in 2015

1) REAL, down-to-earth, transparent
I value sincerity and fear being phony. Being transparent is sometimes difficult, it means I have nothing to hide. Or rather, that I am hiding nothing. If we were to meet in real life I wouldn’t want you to walk away disappointed, having experienced a different person than the one my blog portrays. I have faults ~ a lot of them. I give you my promise to share not only the good, but occasionally the bad and the ugly as well.

2) PRACTICAL, useful, tangible
I promise to take a hands-on approach to give my readers tips and thoughts to help in their everyday life in varied and specific ways. I certainly don’t have it all together, but I can share what has worked for me as well as what hasn’t in fashion, decor and DIY. My hope is that I can be a tiny catalyst for positive change in the lives of my readers. Someone who does this very well is Miss Mustard Seed. Although I don’t like to paint furniture, I truly appreciate her spirit and many of her posts.

3) FANCIFUL, whimsical, romantic
If I can help readers expand their vision for what could be, I will have fulfilled part of my mission. We all get stuck in ruts from time to time. Sometimes we need to shake off the dust of the limits we have created in our own mind and think with an eye to the infinite. With God, nothing is impossible. There are times to be practical and there are times to leave logic behind and explore the possibilities that beckon us away from the mundane. “The garden of the world has no limits, except in your mind.” -Rumi

4) HUMOROUS, light, sometimes sarcastic
I like to think that I have a quick wit. Unfortunately I often find myself thinking of the perfect comeback a few moments too late. My desire is to develop my ability to translate my witty thoughts into written form that is enjoyable to read. I love to laugh but don’t do it nearly enough. Do you? It’s so good for one’s health! When we laugh we experience increased oxygen to the brain, which in turn releases more endorphins ~ like exercise only much more fun! Distressed Donna Down Home is smart and funny and her posts often cause me to laugh. Some of my best memories in life are of times I have laughed so hard I’ve almost peed my pants. “A merry heart does good, like medicine.” Proverbs 17:22

5) SERIOUS, thought-provoking, deep
Because life is not all fluff. It is important to me to keep a positive tone throughout my blog. Although I am passionate about design, I, like you, have strong emotions and opinions about all sorts of other meaningful things. I will occasionally part from the world of design and get into the nitty gritty things of life. My writing may sometimes get deep because that’s how I sometimes think.

6) VISUAL, artistic, picturesque
To inspire. Of all the places I draw inspiration from, beauty in whatever visual form it may take is that which causes me to use my creative abilities the most. It causes me to think outside the box, dream bigger and try harder. And sometimes it just soothes the soul. Particularly the beauty of God’s creation.
… “To enjoy beauty in the company of myself

which is to experience beauty without limits.”
………………………….–Craig D. Lounsbrough

There are many sources I go to for visual inspiration. One such blog that never disappoints visually is Chateau Chic.

7) HELPFUL, nurturing, supportive
So readers will feel safe here. Because sometimes you want to go…

I can’t offer you a drink, but I can offer the part of myself that is warm and caring, and can hopefully help lift your load if you’re down.

8) ORIGINAL, inventive, unique

Because I gotta be me!
“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”
……………………………………………………………………………………….–Judy Garland

I have given you a list of eight qualities that I would like my blog to possess. Does it feel like a tall order? Yes! I will keep this list in front of me and refer to it often in this new year to see if I’m on track. I will do my best to live up to it and I give you permission to hold me accountable!

In my next post I will show you part 2 of our wine cellar renovation. Cheers!