the reasons why::

Why I blog, that is.

Today marks the blog party celebration of Tara Frey's hip new book Blogging for Bliss, written to recognize and inspire crafty bloggers everywhere. Even though I haven't picked up my copy yet, I'm still joining in and attempting to define where I've come from, where I'm going, but mostly why I'm here. I'll attempt to prevent this from becoming too long winded--there's a whimpering, wiggly 2-foot tall man who is in need of more attention.

Blogging enriches my life. Forgive me if you've heard the story--but I began writing about 2 years ago, just days before graduating from college. You see, my sweet husband and I were planning a big adventure in the wild west, and we were hoping to keep in touch with my wonderful friends+family, and document our crazy journey. We chased a crazy dream and lived in California, just for a few years, just for fun.

But wait, there's more! This place quickly took on a life of its own; it became a stash for all things that caught my crafty eye and inspired my design-desperate (wannabe) heart. This probably sounds way too idyllic, but this place has become my little treasure chest for all things beautiful in my world. Pretty pictures, simple crafts, party+decorating inspiration, and perhaps even a recipe or two. These are the things that make me tick.

That's when I realized the biggest blogging bonus: the gift of connecting with other creative, Christ-loving, design-savvy, and/or domestic people. To meet friends in the unlikeliest places is Such a blessing. Perfect strangers have said the kindest things on more than one occasion, and completely turned my day around. They've helped me think of things in an entirely new light. Goosebumps. And on the flip side, I've found some of the most inspiring people out there through reading fabulous blogs. Seriously, it's overwhelming. I am a HUGE fan of idea sharing.

Lately, I'm blogging to archive my wonderful experience of mamahood and more importantly to forever immortalize Graham's fleeting babyhood. I've barely scrapbooked my little G, and so far his baby book leaves something to be desired. But somehow, this blog has motivated me to keep up with his month-to-month milestones. And I adore, no, more accurately am addicted to showing off his ever-chubby cheeks and sideways smiles to you. He is such a joy to us. The best thing ever.

Once in awhile, I even blog to make sense of things. I write to candidly share my heart and blurt out my every weakness (you know, the not-so-swell moments). It's odd, but sometimes feeling completely transparent and humbled in front of all eyes helps put things in the greatest perspective. Slowing down, writing it down, then pausing to reflect reminds me that I am perfected through God's grace. That alone is amazing beyond comprehension.

And well I've listed more than enough personal reasons, I must add that my ultimate hope for this little place is for it to be uplifting and refreshing for your eyes also. May you feel welcome here, find a few ideas or a little inspiration, and share in the crazy journey that is ours.

Enough blah-blah-blabbing about blogging. Now tell me. Why do you blog?
XO Jessica

P.S. One more thing: Speaking of blogging, is anyone else as excited as I am to see Julie & Julia!? Meryl Streep looks too perfect for the role, and Amy Adams, too cute!