Keeping With The Times

living, learning, and keeping with the times

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Why Would I Start a Blog?

May 28, 2017 by Barb 3 Comments

Why would I start a blog? What could I possibly have to offer that would be any different from the thousands upon thousands of other blogs out there in the world?

That’s a question I’m very happy I didn’t ask myself (in 2010) when I started this journey!

Turns out, there are many reasons to blog, but Keeping With the Times was born because I literally wanted to “keep with the times”. I hadn’t worked outside the home for many years and felt out of the loop. I wanted to learn how to do this mysterious blogging “thing” I’d been hearing so much about.Why would I start a blog? What could I possibly have to offer that would be any different from the thousands upon thousands of other blogs out there in the world?The technical aspects of blogging, and dealing with an on-line world which is ever-changing, challenges and inspires me. I’ve learned the ins and outs of social media. I’ve studied other blogs, asked questions, and then tried things for myself. I knew I wanted to have great photos to post, so I purchased a DSLR and went from not knowing how to turn the thing on, to shooting in Manual mode.

Why would I start a blog? What could I possibly have to offer that would be any different from the thousands upon thousands of other blogs out there in the world?Why would I start a blog? What could I possibly have to offer that would be any different from the thousands upon thousands of other blogs out there in the world?Keeping With the Times is where I practice my mantra “learn something new, try something different” (convince yourself that you have no limits) a quote by Brian Tracy.

While I may not be convinced “that I have no limits“ I do know that I can learn something new, and I can try something different, and this has not only changed the way I look at life, it has changed the way I live life. Incredibly, having a blog has given me permission to take on all sorts of exciting new ventures.

  • Should I buy that new camera? Yes.
  • Should I take that photography/editing class? Yes!
  • Should I attend that amazing retreat? Yes, yes, and yes!

Now when I talk about my experiences, I like to tell people “so far, nothing has blown up” in other words, don’t be afraid to try something.

I’m reclusive, and a bit of a homebody, but after seven years of blogging I’ve become much more flexible. When I have to leave the comfort of my home, and the familiarity of my surroundings, I pack my computer, a few treasured inspirational books, and hit the road with a sense of adventure rather than fear.

An airport terminal, hotel lobby, or hotel room becomes my office. I grab a hot coffee, find a comfortable place to sit, and connect to the Internet.

Instantly, there’s my blog. It greets me like an old friend, and as I look over a few posts (there’s my beautiful garden, my lovely barnwood side table, that pot of lavender I couldn’t resist, and the yummy Rhubarb Strawberry Coffee Cake I made last summer), I’m filled with a sense of accomplishment and prideWhy would I start a blog? What could I possibly have to offer that would be any different from the thousands upon thousands of other blogs out there in the world?Rhubarb Coffee Cake

I may decide to share a moment with my readers and take a “from where I stand shot.” My feet are in an airport, friends, and I can’t wait to show you where they’re going! It may be Toronto to attend Blissdom, a conference with my daughter, or Arizona where I’ll be meeting several blogging friends for the first time.

Or, perhaps it’s California to attend “Gather California” along with twelve beautiful souls from around the world!

Attending Gather California in November of 2014 changed my life in ways I never thought possible. In the company of like-minded people, I felt I was seen, heard, and validated, and let me tell you that is powerful. I made lifelong friends, forged strong connections, and broadened my horizons. To read more about my experience from Gather you might want to check out my post Why I Was Crying in the Shower

Starting and maintaining a blog is hard work … hard, but rewarding. I get up in the morning with new ideas spinning around in my head, eager to get out there and capture the perfect image to express my love of food, photography, blogging, and life. There isn’t enough time in my day to accomplish everything I’m dreaming about.

This is reason enough for me to blog. I do have something to offer the world. It may not be huge or earth shattering, but its mine, and I’m very passionate about it.

A big thank you and shout out to Emily and Stef at Makelight for encouraging us all to live our best lives and then to blog about it! I’ve enjoyed their blogging class more than I can say!

Why would I start a blog? What could I possibly have to offer that would be any different from the thousands upon thousands of other blogs out there in the world?
Thank you so much for stopping by!

 

Filed Under: BLOGGING BITS AND BYTES Tagged With: artful blogging, blissdom canada, blogging, inspiration, makelight

Artful Blogging Magazine Winner

November 10, 2015 by Barb 3 Comments

Hello! I’m excited to announce the winner of the Artful Blogging Magazine—it’s Libby Wilke! Congratulations Libby, I’ll have it in the mail tomorrow (thank you so much for getting back to me so promptly!)

A million thanks to all who entered the draw, and for your kind and supportive comments. Wow, I so appreciate each and every one of you!

I wanted to thank you with a gift of the word art I made and used on one of the photos published in the magazine … enjoy!

Click on the image and you will be taken to Box.com where you can download it:

Artful Blogging Winner and Gift
**for personal use only**

Chocolate Hydrangea, Keeping With the Times, Studio On Line
Day 10 #nablopomo

Filed Under: THIS 'N THAT Tagged With: artful blogging, freebie, nablopomo, quotes, word art

Artful Blogging Magazine Giveaway

November 4, 2015 by Barb

Today I’m celebrating something I dreamed of, but did not quite believe would ever happen … my blog has been published in the winter issue of Artful Blogging!

The moment I laid eyes on a Stampington Publication many years ago, I was smitten. I’d never seen so much creativity in one spot; such inspiring and unique creativity. Since then I’ve amassed quite the stack of these treasures: Somerset Studio, Somerset Life, Stampers’ Sampler, Where Women Cook, Where Women Create, Digital Studio, Mingle, Artful Blogging, Bella Grace … so many! Goodness, I can’t even list them all here! To say I’m obsessed … um well … maybe?

No matter! To celebrate, I want to gift a copy of Artful Blogging to one of my lovely readers … could it be you?

If you would like to be entered into the draw, please leave a comment here on my blog saying that you’d love a copy (I’d love to send it to you) … don’t be shy – everyone welcome!

The draw will be random and will be made on November 10, 2015. ** comments are now closed **

Artful Blogging Magazine, Barb Brookbank, Keeping With the Times, giveaway
Thank you for visiting and remember that dreams can and do come true …

Chocolate Hydrangea, Keeping With the Times, Studio On Line

Barb

xo

Day 4 #nablopomo

Filed Under: Still Life Tagged With: artful blogging, giveaway, nablopomo, stampington

Welcome! I'm Barb, and this is where I practice my mantra to "learn something new, try something different". It's my hope that something I do here may inspire you! Read More…

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