Wednesday, February 16, 2011

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...)


9 comments:

Bombshell Char said...

I blog because I HAVE to write--it's what I do-- and not everything I have to write fits into ideas for novels. Like most of my daily life. And i read Kensington Blue simply because I want to be like you; creative, with a multitude of talents and have flawless taste. That's all. Oh, and because you're my friend and I'm hoping we can hand out sometimes when I move to the city.

Katie said...

I really enjoy you're blog. You have all these creative ideas that I love, and even though in HS we didn't really get to know each other, I feel that we'd be great friends. I have a blog with a super small following, but same, I do it for me. A place to document the fun I'm having and all the other creative things I enjoy!

<3 Katie
stampingwithkatie.blogspot.com

Anna said...

I read your blog because...well, you take pretty pictures and I like to see them. And I like the projects. And when I met you when you took my newborn's pictures I thought you were an awesome woman who I'd be friends with. Also you married Kyle who was on the Model EU trip with me and in my capstone seminar and Kyle is cool so you must be too. Keep blogging, I like reading it.

Jess said...

I love this post - I feel the same way about blogging...I am actually writing a post right now about why I blog; what a coincidence!

I love the reasons you named it Kensington Blue!

Kendra said...

I LOVE your blog. I love reading it and seeing all of the amazing pictures. I wish that you were my next door neighbor and could take pictures of my little munchkins as they grow...but alas, I live in Idaho and you live in NYC. Sigh. As for me and blogging, I love to keep all of my family up to date and it helps me to keep a journal. Its definitely not formal and very scatterbrained and the pictures are not half as amazing as yours, but I LOVE it!

Hailey said...

I love the reason for the blog title! I read your blog because I think you're cool, and I admire creative people.

I blog as a creative outlet, for therapy, to stay connected with friends and family, and to keep a record of what's going on in our lives. Before the twins were born, I was much better at frequent posts. Now, I'm finally getting back to doing it!

Lindsay said...

I primarily blog for me because I love to write and it provides an outlet with an audience for good practice. I also blog for my family -- to provide a record of our lives for myself and my descendants, as well as to keep far-away aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents current on our goings ons.

stacey said...

I read KB because I am your number one fan. And I blog because I am lame at scrapbooking and I want my family to see what we are up to!

Heidi said...

SO GREAT!! I love your thoughts here. Really. Love it! I enjoy seeing/hearing what others do and think. Its nice to relate to their life and feel strength in the adventures of life and motherhood. I like the creativity in yours as well!

I enjoy blogging to keep family updated on the kids, etc. I blog to create our family-history, for my children to see their life and it helps me feel like I'm accomplishing something as a mother as I review our life and adventures. There is growth...and its important to document it, even the little things. :)