… That’s right! Exactly 1 Yr ago (Here’s my post from April 29 of last year… “Don’t Call It A Comeback“. I actually still love it!) I ventured out into the Big, Bad World of Blogging! I can’t believe it’s been a whole year, and I have to give myself some props for sticking to it peeps…

… because it’s hard (if you want to do a great job)!

But I’m not here to talk about how hard it is. I discussed that recently when this blog (me?) went through some growing pains.

What I want to talk about is what I’ve enjoyed, some of my favorite posts, and what I plan to do… in Year Two!

One of the obvious joys of blogging comes when you begin to meet fellow bloggers and business peeps in your field. Once you get over the intimidation of just how many people are out there blogging… you realize what a connective force this mass of humanity can become. If you honor and use it in the correct way… it’s astounding what this force can do… for you.

An amazing byproduct of having a blog… is that it naturally REINFORCES your creativity, and forces you to get MORE creative! What a plus for any design field, no? The research and legwork involved in providing readers with something new is a BOON for me too ;).

Finally… it’s fun to see what strengths are uncovered as you begin to write about, explore, dive deep and unearth the subjects that interest you. For example… graphic design was always a budding talent of mine… but I never took the time to develop it further. As I begin to play around with it more (because OF COURSE it makes my posts look better)… I think I might even jump into more study…. time will tell!

It’s fun to look back and see what I’ve done this past year. You can tell when I was tired and “phoned it in”, so to speak (I won’t reacquaint you with those ;))… and when I worked really hard to make something special. It’s interesting… the longer I go at this, the more pressure I put on myself to deliver GREATNESS on the goods I’m serving. I hope you’ve noticed… and I’ll keep trying harder!

Here’s a roundup of some of my fave posts…

La Cienaga Design Quarter Windows To The World 2012

 This was LITERALLY my first blog outing… and a last minute decision at that! Parker was only a little over a year old and I rushed out of the house with my messy top knot and I’m not sure what kind of outfit? (You can see my confidence level slacking in my slacked shoulders!) It was worth it though… I met Susanna Salk (sitting next to me), and she gave me my first interview and has been a great supporter to this day!

The Littlest Professor

 My first real “personal” post… and where I see my writing mojo kicking in to gear…

Don’t Call It A Salon… It’s a DRYBAR Baby!

My interview with Drybar founder Alli Webb and her architect Josh Heitler… and still the best blowout I think I ever received!

Flashback… For The Olympian In Us All

An ode to my athletic past… and the years before electronic scoreboards… and Perfect 10’s!

Sara’s Sunday Shower…

 Beautifully photographed by my friend Avia, the most gorgeous locale, and for one of my besties… this event was a joy to plan from day 1!

I’ve Got 39 Lessons And This Blog Is One… 

 I love this list… and shit, I’m almost 40!

Interview With Nathan Turner… American Style

 Whew! I was sick as a dog in this pic… but scored a great interview!

Skipping School… A Chance To Win A Splendid Gift Certificate!

 One of my many fashion posts. I was hesitant to include fashion in this blog… but I receive so much positive feedback about it… that it’s become an integral part. Nice surprise ;).

Concert Ready Hair… The Braid Bar From Nine Zero One Salon!

 … speaking of fashion… another great shoot with Avia Rosen, and a custom concert braid from Nine Zero One Salon!

 

Drinks Poolside… Summer Cocktail Menu

Just an example of a little more effort in graphic design… 😉

OK! Enough trippin down memory lane!

Here’s what I promise to work on over the next 365 days: Better Images (I need a new camera… hmmm, 40th birthday present?), Bigger Better Shoots, More Writing, More Collaborations!

Is there anything you’d like to see more of?

I’ve got some big thank you’s being sent out to some very special peeps… but I’ve also got to give a shout out to each and every one of you who stop by each day and care about what I have to say.

If I could ask anything of you… it would be to share a comment or a smile… to make your presence known. I can’t tell you how many days I thought I might throw in the proverbial towel… and then I see a comment or two.

Cheers! (I would go drink a glass of wine… except I’ve started a cleanse… go figure ;).)

xo

Dee