Fulfilling Some I O U's

I Owe You Some Personal Observations

When I decided what my function and content would be for this blog, I chose showcasing my work and others along with highlighting the rewards, challenges, and lessons of pursuing my passion. Also included were inspiration and personal observations in this process. This is an opportune time to address the last two areas. First, because I need something to write about as I am behind in my "once a week" entry goal. Secondly, I recently experienced what is, and should have been, an exciting and rewarding recognition of my work and fulfillment of a goal . Instead it has left me feeling a little less so.

To provide a brief history, I began 2009 technically challenged when it came to marketing on the internet. One of the areas was blogging. I am proud to say I have since learned, grown to enjoy it and have received many accolades thus far. I visit and read many artist blogs for style, content and inspiration.

One of my absolute absolute favorites is Created by Hand. This blog, which also goes by the name onlyhandmade, features talented artists of diverse mediums, styles, backgrounds and countries! A different and terrific blog to introduce and expose your art to others. Three examples of the chosen artist's work are shown and links to the artist's website and blog are provided. The brilliant woman behind this blog finds and personally selects the artists herself. She does not take solicitation and writes about them using information from the artist's website, blog and supplemental information (translation: personal) provided by the artist. New artists are introduced every three days.

I mention this because I was featured on Created by Hand May 2!! bringing in the month of May. I said in an earlier entry I was ready to blossom. Only 4 months out of the blogging gate, I got my wish. I also just said I should have been enthusiastically ecstatic and that I wasn't quite feeling it. I will now share why.

I was notified Saturday morning via email that I was "UP." I immediately went to the blog. I read it. My personal life, (another translation: singledom) took dominance rather than the art, my influences, my creative process. At least to me. As soon as I read it , I felt uh oh. I did not think like an artist with the personal information I provided. I had a single moment instead. AND I KNEW IT! So did the creator of the blog, inside truth be told :)

Can you get a second chance to make a first impression? I hope so. I know so. Technically speaking, let this be a lesson to me as I continue to navigate, learn and respect the wonderful world of blogging and online ART marketing. Personally speaking, of course.


To Nancy, the grand creator behind the Created by Hand and Every Photo tells a Story, Thank You!!

What's My Function?

Creating a blog, like any work of art, is an expression of who you are. I have given a lot of thought as to how I want to fill this white space. Like my work, I want it to be eclectic, inspirational, flexible, and have a function. I also want it to be interesting, fun and effective; used as another vehicle to promote and market my work and others.

When I looked up the definition of function, I found the two definitions that helped clarify my blog objective: 1a: an activity proper to a person or institution and 2a: a social gathering, esp. a large, formal, or important one.

So that is what this blog will be. I made a promise to myself that I would make a blog entry once a week, for now. I also made a promise to you, and myself, technically speaking, that I would incorporate art, visuals, links, and my logo. I promise that will happen and I will continue learning.

See you next week.

Marilyn