Self Portrait Tuesday: Reflective Surface Theme. More SPT bloggers here and here.
I started blogging (with great influence from my dear friend Jessie) with the intent of sharing news and photos of our home life with distant friends and family, and perhaps other homeschooling families as well. I had no idea that other people would find their way to my blog. Or that I would find my way to a fabulous crafting/arts blog community. A community that hugely inspires me, motivates me, provides me with feedback and support, and most amazingly--has blessed me with some real and true friendships.
It is these things that have been in my mind this past week as I decided whether or not--and then how-- to continue blogging. And further encouraging has been an inbox full of wonderful emails offering support, encouragement and advice. My apologies for not responding to any of those wonderful emails, but do know how much they were appreciated! Lots of you asked in particular for advice in regards to blogging and family safety. There are definitely risks involved with sharing
parts of our lives this way--some dangers more sinister than
others. I suppose you need to just find what feels right and safe
for you and be at peace with that. For me, it's a matter of maintaining privacy and a respect for my children's integrity and
safety (who, after all, are too young to give their "permission" for
all of this), without becoming fearful of the 'dangers'. I think I have done
this, and will continue to do so. I've changed a few things here, particularly in the albums and archives, to further reflect that. But removing my children completely--their stories
and their images--from my blog feels compartmentalized to me--so much
of my craft is about my children and so much of my children is part of
my craft.
So here I am, just as 'before', but perhaps full of even more joy and excitement about this community -- because that's what happens when we work through the hard stuff, isn't it?
Thanks for reading.
