This is your CSI Girl, Dee….
….with your very first STATE of the BLOG ADDRESS. It is almost June and that means we are 6 months into the year. It is time to reflect on the first half of 2013 and take a deep breath. Let’s look forward with anticipation of wonderful things to come.
Feeling better yet?
First off, I love being the CSI Girl and bringing you craft challenges each week. It is a true joy to share my love for crafting and encouraging you to stretch those creative muscles. The mission of this blog is simple. I believe that we should live our lives doing what we love and sharing with others what inspires us. Creating, writing and encouraging others is my passion.
I knew early on in my life that I loved to write. I remember my mom getting me my first typewriter and I felt like a real writer. My dreams at an early age was that I wanted to write books, live in a small house in New Hampshire and have lots of cats. Why New Hampshire? I have no idea but I think my parents were more concerned that I would never get married and become the crazy cat lady. Then, I became inspired by a local news anchor in my hometown. I knew that I wanted to tell the stories that affected people and the community. This desire grew and led me to study journalism in college. My very first day, my professor said,”If thi is not your passion then change majors because you will not get rich being a journalist.” He was right but that comment just fueled my passion. I was ready to spread my wings and fly. I had a dream.
Now, I still love writing and bringing you the craft story. Blogging is a choice for so many. We make the choice to share our love for crafting, fitness, decorating, etc. We also make the choice to share our lives with those that follow us and visit our blogs. Why do we do this? I see so many positive aspects to blogging but then I also see the negative. It seems every so often a blogger will write a post about the mean spirited comments people leave on their blogs. It is the whole, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all” thing. My theory is, if you don’t have the courage to say it to that bloggers face, then don’t. It is simple, really. Always remember that there is someone authentic and real behind that blog. Someone who has feelings not a computer. Someone who works hard to create, take pictures, write posts and not to mention maintain their blog. They do this because they are living their passion and mean comments are not necessary. Take the high road and ask yourself before you publish that comment, “Will this tear the person down or build them up?” This is a good practice for life in general. Keep it classy!
The CSI Project is also a safe place to bring your dreams. Dream BIG and Dream OFTEN! Do you dream of blogging about your passions too? Do you dream to build your own online or Etsy business so you can share your creations? Or do you just need to be inspired? Don’t leave your dreams on your pillow, LIVE them! I want everyone that comes here to feel inspired when they leave. I also try to challenge you by giving you a different craft challenge each week. Maybe it will be crafting but I also like to throw in a cooking challenge every now and again. There are so many great food bloggers out there and I love to check them out and throw them some crafty love! Each week, I promise to bring you fun, challenges, inspiration, and encouragement.
Now, since this is a state of the blog address, I have to thank a very special man. My partner in life, in love and this blog. My dear sweet husband, Kyle.
He takes my vision of what I want this blog to be and he makes it happen. He maintains the blog which allows me to do what I love. I get to do all of the marketing for the blog, connect with other bloggers to bring them in as guest judges and feature people and their crafts. I browse all of the craft blogs and find amazing bloggers to share with you which is my favorite part of this blog. It is sometimes hard to be married to a dreamer, a “creative always coming up with something kind of wife”, but he handles it beautifully. He listens to all of my crazy ideas whether it is about the blog, our house or a party I want to plan. He takes crazy blog pictures and holds the video camera. Not to mention, he never complains when he sees charges from Michael’s, Hobby Lobby or Pick your Plum. He supports my constant need to create. I say behind every good blog is a supportive family and friends. I am lucky to have found someone who inspires me to keep dreaming and never give up. Thanks, Love and yes I always remember who I am. I am your “sunshine.”
As your CSI Girl and crafty friend via internet, I promise to continue to bring you fresh craft challenges, fabulous guest judges, and inspiration galore. Throw in the occasional giveaway and Woo Hoo, we have a party! Please, join us each week and I also encourage you to go through all of the links and visit the blogs. Share the blog love and leave an uplifting comment for that blogger. You just might make their day! Sometimes it is the small and simple gestures that can change our lives or lift our spirits.
Always remember to Create awesome things, Share them right here at your favorite craft challenge blog and Inspire others! You are sure to inspire others and maybe even make bloggy friends. Always have courage to be WHO you are and even if someone doesn’t understand why you love a chevron painted wall so much or why you believe spray paint can change anything, just keep creating and being YOU. There can only be 1 YOU so show the world what you are made of. This is a community of like- minded creative people who look at the world a little differently. I recently made a craft using a sea shell as a stamp. A friend of mine commented that most people just see a sea shell and somehow I saw a stamp. It is true when you see the world with endless possibilities and through a creative filter, anything is possible and there is so much more left to create. So, keep creating, keep sharing and keep inspiring.
Now, this is where the president of the United States would say, “God bless the USA.” So, in true presidential style I leave you with much love. Much creativity. May God bless you, your loved ones and may God bless The CSI Project.
Go forth and prosper in all of your creative endeavors!
Crafty wishes and dreams come true,
Dee, your CSI Girl