Just over twenty years ago I started blogging. It went slow at first as I was learning the ins and outs of a new-to-me platform. Eventually I found a way to make it my own, with what I shared in both my personal and artistic life. It was a way to express myself and connect with kindred spirits. I have so many great stories and memories from the days when blogging was a big deal. In recent years it seems the practice is dying out, being replaced by faster (and briefer) outlets like facebook and instagram. While I participate there I find a blog a comfortable place to be able to read, view, scroll, comment…it’s like home base. No ads, no fake news, just the content I upload. I recognize that visitors became less frequent and commenting seems to be a lost art, but I refuse to give up on having my little place. Back in the day it was so much fun – to share, to get feedback, to read the generous words left by visitors – some hilarious, some special, some surprising. I felt like it was a community. I also hosted a second blog where I posted creativity challenges on a monthly basis. I would offer a prompt or tutorial and participants would interpret and share via a link to their blog. I think it went on for ten years. I met so many wonderful artists through the crusades.
So as of today, my former blog location is vanishing. Typepad gave us only a 30 day notice to deal with losing 20 years of content. I think I’ve managed to export the body of my main blog into this new location but I think I will lose all the crusades, all my sidebar albums that had various projects, and all my tutorial pages. Makes me sad that all the time invested at that location will be gone.
The graphic above shows some of the fun highlights from the last twenty years. You came through in such a big and beautiful way when we collected pink socks to honor my sister. Thank you for saying She Matters. I loved sharing my journey as a budding rosarian, and constant four leaf clover finder. I shared several years worth of Ruby Tuesday journaling – a weekly posting of pages with a little bit of red. It was fun to revisit the Gates of Central Park by Christo on the 10th anniversary. I curated lots of visuals for that across 15 days, including guests writers. Speaking of guests, I had lots of those when I had the Manhole Madness Month. THAT was fun, but so much work. I love that the fallout of that is so many friends and readers still tag me when they find an interesting manhole cover. You’ve followed along as I shared my favorite band and all the concerts and crazy stories. I love that many of you became fans of HIM yourself! Another very special post was when I shared the story of taking a family trips to Marineland in Canada so Sam could see his favorite – orcas. I think that post had the record number of comments – well over 100. And someone suggested that I submit to Chicken Soup for Soul – which I did, and our story got published in their Special Needs edition. You also came along with me and supported Sam’s venture into selling cards on Etsy (need to replenish!). You met my family, and watched my kids grow.
You’ve seen me dabble in all kinds of art projects – some for myself, some for articles for Somerset Studio. You’ve joined me in workshops across the years and cheered me on with new products – stamps and stencils.
There’s so much to mourn when saying goodbye to a place I loved building – but there’s so much to be grateful for too. Connections that are priceless. I’m started from scratch here – trying to figure out another new platform. It’s going to take a while to find my rhythm. I hope you’ll pop over and check in, and let me know you’ve stopped by.
Waving goodbye, and saying hello.
11 responses to “Navigating Change”
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I’m so very certainl that you will find your rhythm and that you’ll make it your own. I’m missing your last home already, but I so look forward to what you’ll create here!
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Thanks for stopping by Shane and for cheering me on. Means a lot.
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Life is always taking us to new places . You have always persevered in every place you have been, so we all know what you know somewhere deep down, while this sucks … YOU’ve got this ❣️
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Thanks Shannon. A new blog was not on my to-do list until I was forced into it. Made me realize how much I love it. So here we go! Thanks for stopping by.
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Few people have committed so deeply to a creative platform and made such a difference in readers lives. I’m guilty of abandoning my blog (with regrets) but will follow you to Mars if necessary. Much love and a standing ovation for your new adventures. I know that we will ALL benefit!!!!
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Awww, thanks Lisa. We sure had fun together back in the blogging heyday. We both had TWO! I realize it’s a dwindling practice but I refuse to cave. Onward! Love back at you.
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I remember so many of those highlights from over the years, Michelle. You have been such an inspiration (and idol🤭) to me. I feel so lucky to have met you and taken classes with you. I’ll continue to follow you and your work. So here’s to a new endeavor! Much love to you. 💗🎨💻💗
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Of course MY favorite is Sam with the Orcas. ❤️❤️❤️
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Michelle, I just was using one of your many stencils that I have bought from you in the
past. Thought I’d reconnect with you and your art.
Was sad to read your blog has been closed.
What is the best way to connect with your current work?
I no longer take Somerset magazine, so can’t follow you there.
Hope to hear from you and best wishes sent from Montana. -
Hi Michelle. Just discovered you today.
Fresh eyes…itching to see what you’ve already done. Eager to follow along on future journeys. Can feel the creativity humming.
Thanks for your artfulness. Glad to have found you.
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I remember the crusades! I enjoyed those challenges so much. I miss blogging too. I’d love to to follow along on your new adventure.
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