Hi there once again my friends…you are not seeing double…I am posting twice today : ) (check out my apple cobbler shots from this morning) A few of my bloggy buddies asked me if I would like to join them to ponder the question…”What I Want My Blog to Be When It Grows Up”! So I am throwing my hat into the ring and taking a shot at it. I pondered the question over and over and then realized something…I still am not sure what I want to be when I grow up (and believe me…I should know by now : ) You see, there is a trend between me and my blog (I am going to open the window a little and let you see a bit of who I am : ) …let’s start with the Art History Degree that I never used exactly the way I wanted to! I still dream of curating at the Met some day…I have a feeling this dream will come alive through my daughter in the future!
But that dream still lives on…can you imagine watching the faces of visitors as they travel through the corridors of incredible art…
deep sigh….I love art and that will never change!
But I did use my education and talents to become many different things…a graphic artist…a video creator of corporate and music presentations and videos (Werewolves of London anyone!) …dabbled in many art forms from oils to watercolors…acrylics to linoleum blocks…to mosaics and a diverse crafting array…one year I even poured over 1000 pounds of fine chocolate to help ends meet one year…
(well maybe not this crazy!!!)
and even tried my hand at catering…I am a mother…a wife…a friend…daughter to angels that flew way too early in life…a person of faith…I was a care giver and I am a vegetarian, an animal advocate and rescuer…I ran a successful Ebay mosaic store for over 6 years before I came to Etsy. I now run 2 shops on Etsy (finally narrowed it down to two…there use to be 6), there is an array of other ventures but no one has the time for that…and my newest addition is my blog!
What does this all have to do with what I want my blog to be when it grows up? Well I think the question was answered…simply…
I am not sure!
I am not sure!
I do know that I want it to have a friendly and comforting appearance…one that makes you smile.
I want you to feel as though you are sipping a hot cup of coffee and snacking on freshly baked cookies at my kitchen table when you stop by to say hello!
I want to share things that I have learned…made…baked…cooked and experienced with you. If you never tasted humus before and did so because of my blog…that would thrill me!
I also know that every thing will never be perfect…that is something that I am sure of in life…I am NOT perfect! lol!!! not even close!
I want to offer a helping hand by featuring other aspiring bloggers and artists through a bit of exposure…there are so many people that provide their family with a much needed income through small businesses…every little bit helps.
Oh yes…Junkin Joe says he is not going anywhere — so the vintage and thrifty finds will continue through his adventures and see how he stack up!
I also want to continue to show my friends that come back day after day how much they are appreciated! I have to tell you I love the passer by that drops in to see what is happening but all of you that come every day are like family and I LOVE it!!! That is a family that I hope continues the grow!
I want to show you things that you may never have seen before…I really want to do more art posts and not only art that you might be familiar with… like this one I did when I first started 6 months ago
so keep an eye out for more!
I also really want to do a few more posts that actually lend a hand to a child…animal or special charity. I feel as though I have a little voice and if I reach just one person that might spread the kindness it is a wonderful thing! Like this little post…
just with one little post…it gave this little guy a bit of a jump start because of your kindness! Look for more of them as we fill up some more red cups
and help more rescues like
stay afloat…these are things that are truly important to me!
I might share some personal reflections on serious health matters that may be able to help someone that has shared a similar experience…I am working on that…just not ready yet!
I know there is more…just not sure what yet so stay tuned!
So what was the question???? My “final” answer is all of the above and more…I started a food blog awhile back and I had all kinds of goals and requirements for it…I really put a lot of pressure on where it would go and what it would do…well I no longer do that blog…it was all consuming and guess what…no one came! I started this one with the hope that I could create a little spot in the blogging universe…a place where I could share all kinds of things with fabulous and interesting people like everyone that is reading this now : ) I have actually made friends for life in this short time…you know who you are and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being you!
This blog is still taking form…it is going to go through additions…subtractions and who knows what! So I might not know exactly what I want my blog to be but one thing I know I am going to continue to try and grow! Just like me in my personal life…you just never know what is going to happen!
Thank you for letting me share a little piece of me with you!
I am sharing this little question with…
check out their dreams… and then if you would like to share your thoughts and dreams…write up a post and come over here and link up on Friday March 2 starting at 6 AM CST for our
“What Do You Want Your Blog to Be When It Grows Up”
multi-blog link party!
and yes…I will make sure I get a Junkin Joe post out on the same day!
Till tomorrow
tons of
(((HUGS)))
tons of
(((HUGS)))
Holly- Cutie Pie Cottage says
I loved hearing your heart, Andrea! I’ve had my “girly” blog since 08 and before that, I had a devotional blog. My devotional blog is still out there, although I don’t post on it anymore.
My girly blog has gone through lots of changes-even a name change but it’s main mission has always been to have girls in my life. I grew up with boys and raised all boys so there was and still is a lack of face to face girls in my life! I blog for friendship and inspiration. Maybe I’ll link up a post. ♥
Stacey@A Sort Of Fairytale says
It was great reading more about your past and future goals, Andrea! You have accomplished so much already! Looking forward to all you will be featuring on your blog…
P.S. I have no idea what I want my blog to be either, I just do what I feel like at the time on it…no specific goals really.
Hugs!
miss flibbertigibbet says
Andrea….I KNEW there was more to you than meets the eye! Explains why your blog is so great….all that background! I used to do set design (just local theater) and have done some directing as well as dabbled in costume design. I’m all self taught so not quite as accomplished but still LOVE art in any form! I cried in the Vatican and the Uffizi and will probably do the same in the Louvre when I get there in May!I went back to your original post on the street art and it’s amazing! Love it! I would love that lady with the hair of vines in my yard!! I do have that brick wall in the back…..hmmm…
Lorraine
Dawn's Craft Place says
Wow that is amazing sweetie
I knew there was so much more about you.
I am really impressed and know why I keep coming back.
Great post…not sure I can answer this question myself
Little Susie Home Maker says
Yes, you opened the window a little, and it was a great view!
Thanks for sharing so much about yourself! My blog is about how I spend my time, it is a simple life. I remind people to slow down and enjoy the blessings we have in front of us. I just pray that it makes somebody smile!
Blessings,
Susie
Nancy says
Andrea and Joe..I think that you two are a sweet and loving couple and I will continue to read..no matter where your blog goes..Hugs!
Linda @ it all started with paint says
Wow. Thanks for sharing some of your fascinating personal history with us all! So glad you’re joining us in our impromptu linky party too …
Linda
Posy and Co. says
I love your blog now and forever! Much love, Lisa
thistlewoodfarm says
Andrea,
I didn’t know you loved art so much! What an awesome goal. And I love all your charities! I love the red cup….awesome.
blessings,
karianne
Melanie says
You are such a clever little bunny whatever way your blog turns out ! I do love the arty side though, can’t wait to see more of that ! I love the street art…WOW that looks stunning.
One day our paths will cross and I will be sure to share a coffee with you and we can take a stroll through that Art Gallery together.
I think that a persons character shines through their expression on a blog. It’s the little thoughts and words that appear on a blog that offer insight into the character behind the screen.
P.s did you get my email ?
Heidi says
You truly are an admirable individual!
We are all human, but one in a while, you come across
some genuine, truly thoughtful people; I’m couldn’t be
more grateful for stumbling upon this blog. I have had many
happy days after starting off with this cheerful, hope-filled blog.
And I can’t even begin to express how even MORE excited I am after
just reading that you have an Art History degree! That is amazing!
I’m actually aplying for the School of Art
at my university at the end of this academic year!! My hope is to major in Visual Communication Design,
pursue a career in Graphic Design/User Experience Design… wherever God
leads me to be =) But I’m so excited to have learned this about you!!
Once again, I truly respect you and your blog! Thanks for sharing =)
Can’t wait to see where this blog takes all of us!
Michelle says
Andrea, I loved reading this post. The art history degree is very impressive! I started my blog for the sole purpose of my art, but like you I feel so blessed through blogging to have met so many wonderful friends – like YOU!!
Laura from Top This Top That says
Andrea- wow you e been are certainly ambitious and quite the go-getter! I just love your blog and have been following you since I started blogging back in November. Glad to be apart of the power blogger group and knowing you and your blog!
Laura
Terry says
Good morning Andrea! I love you so much, you have a heart of gold and unlimited talent….and your hubby is the best junk finder(far from junk though!)Art History degree – I’m so impressed…but most of all, thank your for being such a wonderful friend!
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says
Awesome, it’s so fun to read personal history about you, I definitely think your blog is a VERY friendly place…and the charitable posts are awesome. Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂
Karah
luci wallis says
Your life seems very full in time and love, what a great post!
Bristol
Robin @ Happily Home, After says
Andrea,
Such sweetness. I’m committed to visiting all the blogs in this link party (I’ve posted too) and I’m already blown away by the caring, concern, and awareness of life’s big and smaller issues. I think I’ve found a group of blogs I definitely want to linger among and be nourished by. Thanks all for hosting this event.
Robin
happilyhomeafter.blogspot.com
Linens and Laurel says
We have a December college graduate that is so concerned about using that degree, but in these times more so about actually HAVING a job. Like you, I am happy to have the wisdom of a variety of careers having little to do with my six years of study (tuition, lol). It all works out. And, it changes.
Lovely post.
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
As I get to know “blogland” more..I find so many happy, content, well accomplished individuals who are so happy “doing what they do”…Your life mission is extremely most honorable…I applaud you!…
Sherry says
I love your “street art”!!!! Why haven’t I seen this? So glad I found you and as a fellow artist-at-heart, I hope to see more of your creations. I’m still pushing myself to be artistic. I let life take over for awhile and it has been sorely missed. Thanks for being inspiring!!
Eclectically Vintage says
Andrea,
You are so inspiring! How do you do it all?!
I love art too – took it all thru high school and considered going to art school in Philly but realized I wasn’t that good! But I’ve never stopped loving great art!
I love that you are sharing your passions (and Junkin Joe’s)! Keep it up Jersey girl!
Kelly
Jessica @ Stay at Home-ista says
All those different parts of you are what make your blog interesting too, it can cover so many different topics and angles. I went to architecture school and only used that once (to design our own home), you never know where you will end up.
DTTD imagine.design.create says
Thank you and all the other ladies who are hosting this great linky party. I just launched a new blog today, and your party inspired my blog partner and me to really think about what we want to do with our blog and where we want it to take us.
I’ve been enjoying reading other people’s blog goals. I think I may have to add a few more to my list of five 🙂
AllyJo says
I swear I’m not stalking you. I’ve been reading over your blog lately. I have to ask…….did you ever meet Waren Zevon. Love his unique voice and sense of humor. I saw “Werewolves of London” in your post and had to ask. Take care.
andrea says
Hi there! How are you : ) I was just looking over old posts and I saw this question that I never answered! So very sorry! Yes…I did meet him…actually edited with him for a few days…he was a wonderful…imaginative and caring person and a voice that stays with you forever! Take care now and enjoy your day…hugs…andrea…wishing you a fabulous day!
Heather says
I love the fact that you can’t put your finger on what it is that you want. I could completely relate to your food blog, it’s probably sitting in some blog retirement home with my green living blog, my first mom blog, and all the other blogs I tried to define and gave up on!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
i majored in english and communication, so i claim that my blog writing uses my degree…. right? say it does! 😉
i am looking forward to getting to know you better and love all your goals! and i agree that nothing ever has to be perfect- i like “real people” blogs!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
i majored in english and communication, so i claim that my blog writing uses my degree…. right? say it does! 😉
i am looking forward to getting to know you better and love all your goals! and i agree that nothing ever has to be perfect- i like “real people” blogs!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
i majored in english and communication, so i claim that my blog writing uses my degree…. right? say it does! 😉
i am looking forward to getting to know you better and love all your goals! and i agree that nothing ever has to be perfect- i like “real people” blogs!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
i majored in english and communication, so i claim that my blog writing uses my degree…. right? say it does! 😉
i am looking forward to getting to know you better and love all your goals! and i agree that nothing ever has to be perfect- i like “real people” blogs!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
i majored in english and communication, so i claim that my blog writing uses my degree…. right? say it does! 😉
i am looking forward to getting to know you better and love all your goals! and i agree that nothing ever has to be perfect- i like “real people” blogs!
Heidi @ Decor & More says
Andrea, I just love your heart! It shines through in your post and can there be a greater goal than that?? So happy to have found you through our “tribe” — oh, and I’m an Art History major who now teaches preschool, parents, and gets crafty every so often. We should form a support group?? 🙂
Blessings!
Heidi
PS- following you now!
Heidi @ Decor & More says
Andrea, I just love your heart! It shines through in your post and can there be a greater goal than that?? So happy to have found you through our “tribe” — oh, and I’m an Art History major who now teaches preschool, parents, and gets crafty every so often. We should form a support group?? 🙂
Blessings!
Heidi
PS- following you now!
Heidi @ Decor & More says
Andrea, I just love your heart! It shines through in your post and can there be a greater goal than that?? So happy to have found you through our “tribe” — oh, and I’m an Art History major who now teaches preschool, parents, and gets crafty every so often. We should form a support group?? 🙂
Blessings!
Heidi
PS- following you now!
Heidi @ Decor & More says
Andrea, I just love your heart! It shines through in your post and can there be a greater goal than that?? So happy to have found you through our “tribe” — oh, and I’m an Art History major who now teaches preschool, parents, and gets crafty every so often. We should form a support group?? 🙂
Blessings!
Heidi
PS- following you now!
Heidi @ Decor & More says
Andrea, I just love your heart! It shines through in your post and can there be a greater goal than that?? So happy to have found you through our “tribe” — oh, and I’m an Art History major who now teaches preschool, parents, and gets crafty every so often. We should form a support group?? 🙂
Blessings!
Heidi
PS- following you now!