My first, and what got me here in the first place

My previous post really got me thinking about the whole blogging concept, and how I got here. What sort of events transpired before me to encourage me to share details my life with total unknown strangers (at the time of course. now we’re all like one big blogging family).

My First..

I remember my first, blog that is. HELLO my name is Heather’s blog. I can’t remember how I stumbled upon it, but it was about three years ago. I didn’t know what the heck a “blog” was. In fact, I remember Googling the definition of the word BLOG. I was amazed by Heather’s incredible photographs, her attention to detail, and her amazing craft projects. I then did what I like to call “falling down the rabbit hole” – clicking on every link, one site leading me to the next site, not knowing where I just came from or where I would click next. I was hooked. Big time.

Around that time, blogging was different from the way it is now, and for those that have been blogging for more than a few years, you might agree. There were very few decorating blogs around at the time. It was mostly what I like to refer to as “mommie blogs” that I was continually stumbling upon. Adam and I have no children, so these blogs could only hold my interest for so long. Yes, your kids are cute with their mouths stuffed full of french fries, but when my computer’s warming up and so is my brain, at 6 o’clock in the morning, I’m in the mood for something a little more subtle, thank you.

What made me do it..

Back in the day, I was primarily relying on automated newsletters as a vehicle to keep me in touch with my internet customers. Being the perfectionist that I am, creating each newsletter was a tedious three day task, as I’m a complete detail nut, with a dash of OCD and a good helping of ADD to boot. For me, taking three days out of my life for a newsletter that you would read in about three minutes just wasn’t adding up.

One thing that did make it worth it was my 90 year old Grandfather was one of my newsletter recipients, per his request. He would email me with each of my newsletters, joking that he would like to be one of my customers. It made my day every time.

One day, while pulling my hair out on a three day newsletter writing stint, it occurred to me that if I started a blog, I could use it to communicate with my customers and promote my products. I ignored the voice in my head that persisted “What if people don’t visit your blog.” “What if people don’t like what you have to say.” “What if you have nothing to say.”

Well, after three years of blogging I get more visits than I can shake a stick at. People haven’t thrown tomatoes at my head yet, so you must find me somewhat agreeable, if not just plain entertaining. And you can ask anyone that knows me, I never run out of things to say.

To my surprise, my blog has become a place where I share my journey, my home, and my life. I hardly ever promote my website, which was the original purpose of this blog (but if you want peruse my merchandise and shop a little, I certainly won’t stop you!).

So now it’s your turn! I want to know…What blog was your first to visit, and what inspired you to start your own blog?

(The beautiful image above was taken by a coworker of Adam’s. Her name is Tara, and she currently resides in Oklahoma)