Why I do what I do {how Kensington Blue came to be}

My reasoning for starting Kensington Blue was to have a public space to share the things I love in a creative space separate from our family blog. Seemed logical. No, I have not defined the scope of my blog well, but that's me. If you like me, you will like this blog. And if you like this blog, chances are, if we meet outside the blogosphere, we'll be pals. This blog is as scatterbrained as I am.

Why the name Kensington Blue? Glad you asked. A while back while I was daydreaming about designing a children's clothing line (we're talking like 2006 before I had any children), I decided that I would call my line Kensington Blue. So when I decided to start this blog, I already had something to call it. The words "Kensington" and "blue" help to shape the style of my creative endeavors in general, and specifically my photography- classic, modern, fresh, timeless. Yes, opposites, but opposites attract, right? I am still working towards it, but I want my photography to have a classic feel that will still be relevant and look good on a wall in 30 years. It was kind of my default that I used KB for my photography site, at some point I may just switch to my name. Who knows!

On a sentimental note, I met my husband in a part of London called Kensington, and my daughters eyes are the most beautiful blue. In short, Kensington Blue sums up the places and people that drive my creative side.

Being a mom is hard. Simple as that. Of course, it's so incredibly rewarding, and I feel so blessed to be able to stay home with my kids, but it's still hard. In order to maintain my sanity, I have developed a few self-serving hobbies that also benefit the little people in my life. And Kyle too. Phptpgraphy, sewing, cooking, baking, and party planning all fall into this category.

Blogging, however, is an entirely selfish venture. I would blog if even if I had no readers. Why, you ask? Because I do it for me. There's nothing better than the satisfaction that comes from being able to relive the little things through photography and blogging. When I see each shiny new post I get to say to myself "I did something today. See?" It's tangible evidence that I took time to do something creative, and that's a good feeling. It is self-propelling, because in order to put things on my blog, I have to do things that are blog-worthy. Get it?

I feel like there are a lot of blog authors out there whose sole purpose for posting is to be impressive... or is it just my perception and insecurity that leads me to believe that? Know one really knows. My life is far from perfect, but I hope a few of you out there enjoy the pictures or the craft ideas from time-to-time. I hope you'll come back soon.

And why did I start a photography website? You have to take yourself seriously in order for everyone else to take you seriously. Photography is my hobby, yes, but it takes me away from my family and it's work. So it spares me the awkward end of conversations that start "I was wondering if you could take a few pictures..." I just say "you can check out my website if you're interested in hiring me." Works like a charm.

Oh, and all the money I earn from photography, I get to put back into new lenses, camera upgrades (hopefully coming soon!), you get the picture. My ultimate goal is to capture portraits of life as we know it at home, but I love that I have a hobby that funds itself and I rarely have to beg my husband for upgrades. Ok, that's a lie, but it softens the blow.

Now I'm curious. Why do you keep reading Kensington Blue? And why do you blog?

(check out all my logo drafts below from May 2009...)