under construction || life

As I'm starting to slowly adjust to my life in Belleville, as a photojournalist student, I'm starting to become restless. I'm adjusting but I'm also antsy. I'm antsy about friendships, personal projects, my program, my purpose, and my future. 

I want to take some time in October to go under some construction. My heart, my spirit, and my soul need to be desperately refreshed. I need to lay out some priorities and figure out why I'm doing what I'm doing. 

First, I'm going to take a break from my blog. Not because I don't want to blog, but because I'm going to redo the layout (I'm hoping to connect with a graphic designer to help me out rather than doing it on my own). I want to reconstruct the purpose of this blog. When I first started it this was a place for me to share my 366 project that I started while living in Korea. Unfortunately that only lasted for about 4 months. After that died off, I didn't know what else my blog could be used for. 

Blogging is terrifying. You have to work hard to draw an audience while being yourself. I got lost in the first few months. I tried to imitate others while attempting to be myself. It didn't work. Emulating another person's life isn't the way to live your own life. You have to be yourself. Every person has something unique to offer. 

I've decided I know what I want this blog to be about, but I'll need some time to process all the ideas I have in my head. I'll need some time to plan out future blog posts. I'll have to take time to connect with other bloggers and designers in order for this to go forward. I hope you'll be patient with this process. I need all the support I can get. Don't we all?

I've got some good news! Last night I finally reached 100 followers. She is a photographer and takes wonderful pictures. I also really enjoy what she writes. Go check out Stephanie's blog, Tale of Time. This excites me to be able to connect with other photographers, whether they're into fashion, editorial, news, documentary etc. The most important thing to me is to see and acknowledge the talent and giftings out there. 

I'll be back. I promise! I've got so much I want to share with you. 

my dearests || my life

Last week, as I was on my way to California, my lovely friend Hannah and fellow blogger awarded me with my first blog award! I actually had no idea what it was but I was still pretty stoked about it. I met up with Hannah aka Umma Shin briefly in California since her and her family just moved there. Thank you Hannah

Hannah is an amazing mother of two who crochets and knits some of the cutest accessories for babies. Check out her facebook page and her etsy page (her shop is currently under renovation). 

"Liebster" means "dearest" in German and the award is given to up-and coming, read-worthy blogs with less than 200 followers. 

Here are my nominations:

1. Melody [Spit on the Street] - a very close friend of mine in Korea. Her stories are always so funny. I actually don't know how many followers she has, but her blog is read-worthy whether you know her or not. 

2. Allie [Allie Spencer Blog] - a fellow Canadian blogger that actually lives very close to me. I love her photography and her insights to life. Check her out.

3. Emily [The Ramblings of Emily] - I am always encouraged by her and her honesty. 

4. Natalie [Heart Stirrings] - Natalie is a wise woman. Her words are always encouraging. There are always thought-provoking series on here so I'd check it out!
5. Rebekkah [Rebekkah Made Whole] - She guest-posted on here a few weeks ago. She always shares great music and her vulnerability with the blogging community is fresh. 

6. Koko aka Kaila [Fashion Birthmark] - One of my favorite fashion blogs. She's also so cute and friendly. 

I'm supposed to share 5 facts about myself.... so here you go!

1. I love eating wings. I once ate 20 but I don't think I could ever do that again. 

2. I have two tattoos and am on the fence about starting a quarter-sleeve. Yes? No? We'll see. 

3. I'm a walking miracle - When I was 5 I had surgery 3 times to prevent paralysis in my lower body for a disease that's more common for adults than children. God is good!

4. My parents are missionaries to... CANADA.

5. Here are a few cities/provinces/countries I've been to: Canada (BC, Albert, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I, Newfoundland), USA (Cali, Texas, Maine, Illinois, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana), Singapore, Bolivia (Santa Cruz, Samaipata), Japan (Oita), Bangladesh (Dhaka, Jessore), Mexico (Mexico City), South Korea (Seoul, Daegu, Gwangju, Busan). I thought I didn't travel a lot, but I don't think I can say that anymore. 

10,000 || my life

I started this blog mainly for the purpose of sharing my photography. I decided to try a 366 project where I'm supposed to take a picture a day. Shortly after starting my blog I stumbled upon other photography and inspiring blogs which motivated me to keep going and let it become what it is. It's been about 5 months since I started this and I'm thankful for where it's come.

Honestly, I don't understand a lot of what goes on in the blogging world. I don't know what linking up is, I don't know what meet & tweets are, I don't know how to get sponsors or do giveaways. I did this without any guidance, but just for fun. Through it I discovered a lot about my self and who I am. I was plunged into a realm of comparison and inadequacy. When I let go and did what felt the most comfortable, everything flowed. 

To have more than 10,000 views and 70 followers is pretty exciting for me considering I don't know what I'm doing, I don't give anything free away and write only what I know which isn't much. Thank you for reading faithfully. Thank you for believing in me and being a part of my life.

What I want most is that this blog will bless you, encourage you and hopefully challenge you to live undignified lives of faith. As I share tidbits of my life I hope that it inspires you and that you see more of Jesus than me. 

I wonder where this will all go!