This post has been a long time a 'comin, so sit back, and please sit through with me...
All of us can probably describe in detail the "aha!" moment we had when we first discovered blogs. Mine came about right after we had moved to Brazil. I had been writing a blog for our daughter - to keep family and friends abreast of her milestones, but was oblivious to design blogs.
One day, a friend tipped me off to a fabulous interior designer's blog, and I sat and read each and every post. I was so enamored of the concept of sharing a passion for design via the www that I knew I had finally found an adequate outlet for my own design fervor, and had to have a blog of my own.
I started it without any ambition, other than to share - with whoever might read. I had no idea of knowing that my blog, and all those I read, would create this avenue of inspiration and self-discovery.
This bloggy world is a strange and competitive beast, though, and soon I became aware of things like hit counts, original content, quantity and quality of comments.
Now, may I sidetrack for a moment?
I can honestly say I've never been a stalker - even before I knew how gratifying it is to receive reader comments - I've always openly commented. I guess I just wanted to be part of this giant blog party.
To me, reading someone's blog without ever commenting is like ringing their doorbell, and running away before they answer the door.
So, if you're hovering in my shrubbery (so to speak), please come in - say hello every now and then. I know you're out there, and I'd love to meet you.
All of us can probably describe in detail the "aha!" moment we had when we first discovered blogs. Mine came about right after we had moved to Brazil. I had been writing a blog for our daughter - to keep family and friends abreast of her milestones, but was oblivious to design blogs.
One day, a friend tipped me off to a fabulous interior designer's blog, and I sat and read each and every post. I was so enamored of the concept of sharing a passion for design via the www that I knew I had finally found an adequate outlet for my own design fervor, and had to have a blog of my own.
I started it without any ambition, other than to share - with whoever might read. I had no idea of knowing that my blog, and all those I read, would create this avenue of inspiration and self-discovery.
This bloggy world is a strange and competitive beast, though, and soon I became aware of things like hit counts, original content, quantity and quality of comments.
Now, may I sidetrack for a moment?
I can honestly say I've never been a stalker - even before I knew how gratifying it is to receive reader comments - I've always openly commented. I guess I just wanted to be part of this giant blog party.
To me, reading someone's blog without ever commenting is like ringing their doorbell, and running away before they answer the door.
So, if you're hovering in my shrubbery (so to speak), please come in - say hello every now and then. I know you're out there, and I'd love to meet you.
I'll admit to becoming ensnared in the comparison game, too. Am I as witty, stylish, talented, unique as the next blogstress? Dangerous game that is. And superfluous, too, as I know in my heart the only Beings who I must rank first with are these three...
...and I do.
...and I do.But, it brings me to this: What is it all for? For me, there must be an end game - a raison d'etre. I can't just keep wishing and dreaming - I must begin doing. If I want to legitimize my aspirations, I need some book cred - so, I'm heading back to school...design school.
Having a lot of education (and educational debt) has certainly given me pause about taking on yet another study program, but I guess it's just been my circuitous path to discovering who I am. I'm not a salesman, I'm not an attorney, and I'm not yet a designer - but I will be.
I'm a decorator, wife, and busy mom of three. I believe in elevating the average space, and bridging the great design divide. I love homes, and aspire beyond builder-grade blah. This blog chronicles our own home projects, what inspires me, and sometimes, just what's on my design-track mind. Taking ordinary homes to higher levels is my little happy place.
44 comments:
Oh Alison, I absolutely loved reading this and can relate to every single word you wrote so thank you! I have loved every single second of this whole bloggy world and it has made me feel like finally, I'm on the right track to something- still not totally sure of what that is but it's something. You should be so immensly proud of yourself for taking the leap and following your dreams. Congrats on making the decision, listening to your heart and going for it girl- big hugs xo
I can really relate to you, Alison, as I too am a bit of a bon vivant. I've been a writer/editor, a teacher, and am now a therapist/social worker. If you can swing it, I say take the leap! With the advent of design blogs, the interior design field seems to be heading in a whole new direction and you can advise people who are cities, countries and continents away. Pretty amazing! You have a good eye and a great personality (as far as I can tell online...but I think that's actually pretty telling!) and passion, which will always get you far. Go get 'em!
Allison, I (SO) relate. I'm actually starting design school soon, too, and I owe it to blogging. Thank you for being so open and kind, and ... being yourself - that's what makes this blog so special and fun to read.
Good for you! That has always been a dream of mine, but I became a Psychologist instead. Ugh. Go for it and please share your journey, maybe you can inspire me to take that giant step.
Oh I will gladly admit I do love visiting your little happy place! You have great taste and always an inspiring post. I too love blogging but sometimes wonder if it is worth it but it is my little place and I try to keep that in mind. Keep the goods coming, love it!
Good for you! My very best wishes!!
...And here I thought you already were one! Go figure.
But...you are a delight! Best to you on your endeavors!
I am now an Admitted Lurker. Checking in, peeking thru the bushes.
Keep up the good work and follow your internal compass.
I think this news is just awesome. I can't wait to follow along on your new journey.....and promise to let you know I'm here, lurking, a little more often. I'm an everyday kind of reader!
Great Post! I read all the time, and I think I've commented before, but if I'm wrong, then "hi!" :)
Great decision, and I know it's not an easy one! I decided back in the spring to head back to school. It's only a part time certificate program, but with working full time and also having educational debt, it was my only option at the time, and I don't regret it for a second!
Best of luck in your new adventure! You'll do great!
You are so brave! I sit here reading design blogs ,wishing. I don't have regrets just curiosity in the what ifs? I keep thinking that one of my five kids will get bit by the design bug and I can touch all those to the trade fabrics ...one day:)
Congrats! You def. already have the street cred and I can't imagine where that plus the new diploma will take you. It will be fun to watch!
Sami
Wow. I'm a relatively new follower but I'm so inpired by your big leap. Congrats & Good Luck!!! What an exciting journey you're about to begin! xo
I could not be more proud of you! You are the perfect candidate, and I think will truly nail it on the "passion" card of life. Well done. Can't wait to follow along and God willing that I ever leave this house...hire you for your impeccable eye.
So happy to hear you are going to school. It will be a good match for you because you already have a great sense of design...which can't always be taught so you are already steps ahead.
Now I feel like such a door bell ditcher:-) I think what you wrote probably resonates with many bloggers.
xx - Christina
Cheers to you! That's awesome that you're following your passion. Very inspirational. Best of luck!
You're going to love each and every moment of it!
Congrats! You will enjoy the process!
alison! i am so busted...i have been checking in with your blog regularly for almost a year now and have never commented...emily post must be turning in her grave! i, too, have a passion for design but have had what seems like one hundred different jobs in as many fields in the few short years since finishing undergrad (at texas...hook 'em!). in the middle of grad school (public health, not design, though who knows what the next move will be...), my friend shared your blog with me as encouragement to pursue my passion, even if it means switching fields (again). i haven't made the move and am not sure if i will, but i know the courage it takes to make those moves and am rooting for you from way back in your home state...Godspeed with your new endeavor, you certainly have a creative eye and i can only imagine what joy lies ahead for you in your new career. whew long comment! hope it makes up for all of the ringing and running i've done in the past!
"...reading someone's blog without ever commenting is like ringing their doorbell, and running away before they answer the door..." Ohmigawd, YES!!! You hit the nail on the head, girl. I adore that analogy! And your blog. Keep it up!!!!
Such a great post! I'm so inspired to hear that you are going for it! Love it. I'd love to go to design school, but have to admit that my 3 previous degrees are what's holding me back. Congrats on your big decision!
Good for you lady! I love the shrubbery comment. Too funny, and best wishes.
:) Good for you
Congrats! As an attorney who wishes she had followed her more creative passions, I'm wishing you the best. :)
- Allyson
I related to this post whole heartedly! I just started with my blog. I don't really know where it's going but it gives me something to do other than watch Nick Jr. and I get alot of great ideas from the other blogs I read!
I think it's great you're going back to school! I wish you tons of luck!
good for you. i dream about going back to design school. i loved every minute of it. maybe one day i will be able to hit the books again and snag me a masters degree! i can't wait to hear all about your adventures!
Best of luck to you!! My daughter graduates from interior design school next year. It's been a long hard road but she is prepared to go out and get 'em!! Hooray for you, Alison!
XO,
Jane
Congrats!!So excited for you!! You certainly have natural talent!
xo Sissy
Congrats!!
Well, I'm one of those "lurkers". I love reading your blog but I'm new to the whole blog world so I haven't been leaving any comments. Although I'm not a designer (at all!) I love seeing all the beauty and inspiration - it is a breath of fresh air from my day job as a hospice social worker. And I have two little girls just a little older than yours, so I relate to the time of life you're in. Good luck with your next step, sounds exciting!
Good for you! I graduated from the design academy a few yrs ago and it was the best decision of my life! I wish you all the best...
btw-great blog and hello. I'm a new reader & follower of your blog =)
I am one of those silent 'stalker' readers. Usually.
I don't comment unless I have something to say. I come, I read, I think, I leave. It gives me inspiration (I study Industrial Design, but I love Interior too), but I don't usually have something to say. Maybe that's something you could do? Post about topics that will create a response? Something controversial?
But I do love your blog. I have been reading for a while and I check everyday.
a lot of us can relate to you alison. i certainly can...
i am happy for you...you are just the type of person to make this happen.
i am proud.
and i will be here to help in whatever way i can, for you are one of my first blogger scissor sisters.
xo
Wanted to just stop by and say hello from Texas ;) I'm new to your blog {and am loving it} and I didn't want to run and hide in the bushes {hee-hee! - thanks for writing that! too funny}
Congrats on making this decision. Who knows, maybe it will take you to new places you can't imagine going right now. Keep moving forward - this will be great indeed.
I do so look forward to reading about your journey... Your blog is just lovely.
Good for you! Best of luck on your journey.
I too can relate to how you're feeling. After a hot streak (hehe) of three posts, I got really sick and had some minor surgery. I haven't been back to my blog again. Not because I'm busy, but because I'm insecure in what I'm trying to accomplish with all these uber stylish bloggers out there. Good luck with school. Keep blogging. I enjoy you.
Wondey! I am a bit jealous. Good for you. I wish you the best of luck. Don't stop posting for us wanna-bes! (I'm even happy to be doing little blog designs..I feel like I'm "living what I love". ha!)
Coming out of lurker mode to tell you how much I enjoy your blog and wish you the best.
wishing you all the best on your exciting new venture....can't wait to see where it takes you!
Congrats Alison on the decision to pursue a design degree! You've got the talent (obviously) and I know that getting the paper will only help open more doors for you.
(And yeah, I totally feel ya on the stalker thing. It's always the same 25-30 people who comment on my blog, too, and while I love 'em dearly, I'd love to know a bit more about the several hundred other folks who apparently read my blog.)
and I missed this post! congrats!!! that is so exciting and you will not regret it!
I love this post and I'm so so happy for you!! Being able to follow your dream is the best idea ever! Congrats and I cant wait to hear all about it!
wonderful news! your blog is one of the first I stumbled upon when I began blogging last year and you were (are) an inspiration on my design path!
Reading this post was perfect timing for me. I have enjoyed your blog for a little while now but I guess I've been doorbell ditching because I have yet to write a comment. I really love your voice and your style!
I've been working on making this bloggy blog world a success for me. And I have grown little by little very slowly. But I do need to remember the real reason why I began because design blogs delight me and I wanted to be a part of the world.
Great post!!
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