A Bloggy Year

I started this blog a year ago come January. I never imagined how much blogging would teach me, how much I would enjoy it, or how many awesome people I'd meet. Blogging has been an amazing addition to my life and I'm so happy I took the time to figure out some HTML and register a domain. It has led me to find my passion and helped give me the confidence to do what I love.
To those of you who stop by and take the time to read a post or leave a comment, thank you, thank you, thank you!  Your support means the world to me.

{Image from frogprincepaperie}

Last March, I stumbled upon Karah's wonderful blog The Space Between. She was participating in an online discussion about what we want our blogs to be when they grow up.  I thought this was a neat idea and decided to answer the questions for myself (read full post here). Here's what I wrote:

1. I want it to have useful content. A lot of my posts are related  to my projects, my progress, my home, but I want to make my blog less about me and more about you.  I want to help you tackle your projects.
2. I want it to be fun to read. My favorite blogs to read are the funny ones.  I want my blog to make you laugh, or at least make you smile. :)
3. I want it to be pretty. Every week I make small tweaks to the appearance of my blog, to make it look nicer.  I want to get better at that.  I want to continue to learn HTML and CSS and Photoshop and make my blog my own.  I don't want to be restricted to the Blogger template.
4. I want it to teach me new things. Blogging is teaching me to be a better writer, a better photographer, to learn about web design, and tackle new projects.  I want that to continue as my blog grows up.
5. I want it to inspire people to try new things. When I started this blog, I had no idea what I was doing.  Ha, I still don't.  It was scary and new, and completely out of my comfort zone.  Also, I'm kind of a private person.  You want me to share things with the world? Whaaa?  But it's been so good for me to share things with you.  
6. I still want it to make me happy. I blog because it's fun.  I enjoy it.  I want that to still be true when my blog grows up.  I never want to blog for any other reason than because it makes me happy.
7. I want it to be successful. I can't help but want that.  I'm a competitive person.  I do things and I do them well (at least I try).
8. If it's not successful, I still want to blog if it gives me joy.  I sing and I have a horrible voice.  I love to cook and I'm no master chef.  I golf and I can't break 125.  Why should blogging be any different.

I'm amazed at how much I still agree with the answers I wrote in March 2012, just a short 2 months after I started blogging. I want to carry these goals with me to 2013 as I take on new endeavors and challenges.   I hope you'll join me for the ride.  I so love your company!
Happy New Year!