Reflecting, part 1
I'm coming up on two anniversaries: 5 years ago I started this blog and about 1 year ago I started my dress business. And it often catches up with me all that has happened in that time period. It's crazy. I've moved to three different states, had a few jobs, gotten married, started a photography business, been to school twice, and now I'm expecting a child.
So much has changed since I first started blogging, with me personally and with the blog community -- I never knew it would be such a platform and large part of my life. At the same time it has often been a struggle to keep up with content, to stay relevant, and craft an inspiring space. Eventually I threw in the towel with trying to make Darling Dexter more than what it was -- because when it came down to it, it didn't need to fit a model or make money, but just be a place for me to share and connect. And so if you've been coming to this space for awhile you may have noticed the gradual change through the years -- and if you're quickly passing through, never to return, that's okay..I hope you enjoy my rambling :)
When I first started this blog, I worked an office job as a graphic designer. That was at a time when I felt so restricted creatively and in the wrong career. This blog was my outlet. I've since branched out on my own, creating a photography business with my husband and an independent bridal clothing line that I run all by myself. It can be so overwhelming at times and financially unpredictable but so rewarding. And I owe most of my ability to having those careers to my blog and to the online community. The support and encouragement I've had through the years has been unbelievable. And as I prepare to enter the world of motherhood, I'm not sure where things will go from here. I'm feeling a bit unsure of how to juggle all that the future holds for me but I'm trying not to plan it all. But to look back on the roller coaster of the past five years, it makes me feel okay about it all. To think I could still be typing here for another five is not even something I can wrap my head around -- but as long as I keep making, creating, and being inspired, you'll probably still find me here in this space.
(and that was just a reflective post on blogging...one on a year of dressmaking is to come...just blame it on the pregnancy hormones!)
Whitney Deal
Reader Comments (7)
Such lovely thoughts. Congratulations on doing what makes you happy and being open to what will come!
Such a beautiful reflection :) I've been "keeping tabs" on your photography work and more since you began your gown business. I think it's wonderful that you aren't holding yourself to any kind of platform, but that your thoughts/blog just reflect life as it comes - its so honest & simple and I really appreciate that!
I also appreciate that you are a multitasker, like me. Not for competition's sake, to look as if you can and will do it all, but to just passionately do the things you love - and that is that greatess witness & way to live :)
Excited for you to enter into motherhood! It's such a wild, wonderful blessing!
I started following your blog(s) on my google reader a year or two ago. I think it was linked from Joanna Goddard's blog. I noticed your focus has changed, but I always love your posts. If anything, you always post beautiful pictures. I am always delighted when Darling Dexter is highlighted in my reader as having a new post, and I look forward to buying your beautiful bridal things when I get married. You are also an inspiration to move to a rural area and still be cool.
Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful and personal post. I love coming to your blog. It's always so peaceful, creative and free of clutter and ad nonsense. Congratulations on your anniversary and your baby and for all the good things that have happened and will happen.
Congratulations on both anniversaries! I'm so happy for you, and am always excited to open your blog. I think it's great how all of us bloggers can connect virtually from different areas of the country/world. To share in each other's joys and triumphants and sometimes struggles. Truly, we're all the same and it's wonderful to read about the lives of others and feel inspired every day! Here's to you to living your life to the fullest and always 'creating'! :) Happy pregnancy too!
Congratulations on all your achievements! I started my business just after I'd had my daughter, whilst on maternity leave from a job I hated. Now my daughter is almost 2 and I never went back to my old job. I'm sure you'll find, like I did, that having your own business and being your own boss is even more wonderful once you have a child - you can spend all the time you want with them, while still doing what you love!
Dear Whitney,
It looks like you're juggling your careers very well!
You're brave to go into uncharted waters. Now all the best for your impending motherhood!