"But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer."

I've been hiding. But before I explain, I wanted to give you an idea of what I've been up to lately, so I'm going to sprinkle this post with snapshots into my past few months. I've missed you! 

I write this with all the hope in the world that you will forgive me. If I had to be graded as a blogger, I am the first to admit that I deserve a big old goose egg on the top of my paper in blaring red ink. Then, it should be hung up in the "How to be a successful blogger" Hall of Fame... but on the 'Epic Failures' wall. And because of it, I'm truly sorry.  

 

Made "Snow Puppies" -- Drove windy, winter roads -- Hung out with a curious chipmunk chaser

Spent quality family time -- Ate bread that took my breath away -- DIY projects with my best friend

Went home for the holidays -- Listened to good music with great family & friends -- Had chilly adventures by the creek

However, if you'll have me, I want to give another go at this. I struggled coming up with posts that I felt were worthy or even a little bit interesting for whomever may stumble upon this little corner of the Internet. But why? Why was I completely pulling my hair out over people whom I'm not even sure are actually reading my blog? So, I took some time-- stepped back and gave it a break. After twelve posts it seems a little silly to need a break, but during that time a lot clicked for me. 

 

Snapped a shot in Madison Square Park -- Celebrated J's 29th birthday! -- Had a night full of giggles with Jackie

Sunggled. -- Went on a hot chocolate date -- Reminisced while looking at old family photos

Watched J make homemade baguettes for Xmas Eve -- Made my little piece of NYC cozy -- Double date! 

I created this blog for me. An outlet, a collection of the things I love, worlds that inspire me, and a way to cultivate my creative energy. No offense, but I don't really care if you hate my posts or if you absolutely jump up and down after reading it screaming, "YES! YES! Molly, that was a FANTASTICALLY AWESOME blog entry!" All that matters at the end of the day is that I'm here. I'll be writing to you, sharing with you, hopefully allowing you to take something away from this (if I do say so myself) adorable little blog. 

 

Tried to get some work done -- Made a new sign for the front door -- Snuggled. More.

Was amazed by the colors of those hydrangeas -- Visited my sister at work -- Put my NH pictures in an album

Snuggled. Can't get enough. -- Went to a Paramore concert -- Made beautiful flower arrangements 

But before I wrap this little apology letter and plea for your love again, I wanted to share something that probably was the ultimate push for me to get right back up in the blogging saddle. I started a new semester of classes this past week and met a whole new set of professors, all of whom I am incredibly impressed with and endlessly inspired by. However, one professor shared this quote with our class and it instantly made a light bulb go off in my head. All I could think about the rest of the day was that I needed to get home and blog.

“What nobody tells people who are beginners — and I really wish someone had told this to me . . . is that all of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, and it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not.

 But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase. They quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know it’s normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story.

It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. 

You’ve just gotta fight your way through.” -Ira Glass

 xoxo