Eight years ago today, I started a blog. “Midwest Musings” was oh-so-personal as I wrote about my obsessions, observations, and irritations du jour. Later, as I found my voice, I wrote at “The Speckled Egg” about my enthusiasm for stationery and fashion. For a while, I was posting multiple stories daily as inspiration was seemingly everywhere and the ideas flowed.
Since March 2009, I’ve settled into an aesthetic (and voice) as Simple Pretty, sharing Utilitarian Luxe® findings from around the world that I loved and I hoped that you, the reader, would too. I will forever be grateful for the connections I’ve made because I was brave enough to put my thoughts out there for the world to see. The friends I’ve made are oh so dear to me and I treasure every one of them. (You know who you are.) Blogging helped me find the courage to sell my house, pack up my belongings, and try the expat life in London, confident that I knew at least a few people who would ease the jolt of starting over in a new city/country/continent.
Perhaps my awareness is impacted by the move, but over the past few months I’ve noticed a change in the blog world, both from the writing/producer side and the reading/consumer side. In low moments, I bemoan the lack of comments/feedback on my posts, and yet at the same time I find myself reading fewer blogs and commenting on fewer posts. While I realize Instagram and its visual stimulation is simply the flavor-of-the-moment, at the same time, I appreciate the way it delivers maximum impact and social connection with relatively little demand on my time. It’s how I want to interact at the moment. I’m finding the beauty in optimizing.
In light of that, I’ve decided to transition this blog from a place that I check in weekly to a format where I update occasionally, most likely via my recently revived Tumblr blog. Some months, “occasionally” will look a lot like “frequently”; some months you may see tumbleweeds. I still get so much pleasure from writing travel guides and highlighting favorite looks from Fashion Week, and I will continue to produce and share that kind of content. I know there will be a stationery post or two as well. Follow me and you’ll never miss out!
And there’s even more happy news to share: I’ve just joined the Remodelista (and Gardenista) UK team: their presence continues to grow, both in the US and internationally. As a longtime fan of the Remodelista aesthetic, I’m crazy excited for the chance to work with Christine Chang Hanway and the rest of the team, and look forward to the new experiences and connections that are an integral part of learning the ropes.
Here’s to following your bliss — whatever it is. See you soon at Tumblr.
xx
5 Comments
Jane, very excited for you and the new opportunities. I can’t fathom Tumblr, have tried, but will keep in touch via Instgram and Twitter. I’ve also decided to try my hand at blogging about home/garden design a bit – in retirement there’s not so much to say about clothes:) – so I can’t wait to learn more from Remodelista and Gardenista. xoxox.
Jane, so excited for you, it is wonderful to keep up with your adventures, and I so respect your style and point of view. (and you are a perfect fit for the remodelista/gardenista team- congrats!)
:) alexandra
Congratualtions on your new endeavor at Remodelista! I’ve been a fan of yours since Speckled Egg and I can’t wait to continue to follow your new adventures! xo
Congrats! Remodelista perfect! I too was a fan from the Speckled Egg days and I am forever a fan:) You are wonderful Jane.
i’m excited for your new adventures on tumblr, though i hope you’ll still return to this space as well. blogging at its best brings people together, and here’s to the staying power of that!