Which Road are You Taking?
You are probably wondering what in the world I’m talking about?? Kimberly is on her crazy talk again… watch out.
The last hour I’ve been sitting here browsing the internet looking for different inspiration pieces to get my brain in gear to create. Â Typically I do not sit at the computer to do this. Seriously. My phone is my inspiration piece. Â
I love to browse all different social media sites on my phone sitting in my office chair and always immediately I find something that sparks a moment of urgent creativity. Â
But I ran across a forum of chatter today that has me thinking about something….Â
Is blogging what it use to be? Are people still reading them and finding enjoyment out of them?Â
I’ve been a blogger for 8 years. Â Started out just writing my thoughts and it was the best way for me to share inspiration to my customers I had moved far away from. Â I knew I could still connect with them and keep them inspired with the tools they had graciously purchased from me. Â
Over those 8 years (if you have been around with me that long) you have moved with me 4 times. Â You went through a deployment with me. Â You were there during the most tragic time of my family’s life when Russ had his stroke. Â You have watched my little gems grow up. Â You have heard the good, the bad and sometimes the very ugly. Â I’m so glad I started blogging 8 years ago. Â
My intention was to never share just the pretty stuff, but a piece of my life. Â I think I have succeeded in my intentions. But again, it has me wondering…
Is the writing and the postings of pretties being seen? Do you follow many blogs? Is this something you enjoy? OR…. have you ditched many blogs and settled for Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter?Â
I won’t lie. Â Instagram is my GO TO PLACE. Â I’m all about the eye candy and the beautiful projects I see. Â I LOVE IT. Â Not a lot of fluff, just fun pictures. Â
Will you be honest and tell me? Do you love blogs still? If so, why? OR- are you following on other social media outlets. Â I seriously would LOVE to hear from you. Â
In fact… I’m going to add a little blog candy in with this. Â If you can answer my question above by Sunday, March 8th 11:59 pm I will hold a random drawing for a grab bag of fun crafty stuff. Â
No, I don’t have a picture because I’m lazy. Â BUT… I will be sending this card with it…. <wink> and the bag will be FUN crafty stuff.Â
If it’s not your birthday and you are chosen, we will pretend it’s your birthday. Â <smile> Â
I will be drawing the winner on Monday! Â Stay tuned and I’m going to tell you right now I would totally appreciate hearing from you. Â
As always, have a great weekend. Â Make something pretty!Â
XOXOXOXO
116 thoughts on “Which Road are You Taking?”
don’t go to blogs unless i’m directed there via a pinterest click. Mostly pinterest and instagram
i mostly use pinterest. if it’s a complicated card then i will go to the blog from pinterest to read about it. i try to go back and leave a positive comment when i use a card as inspiration, but even that i don’t do very well.
I get most of my blog news via Facebook, and love Instagram and Pinterest! I am on my phone a lot for these. I love reading blog stories so there are a few that I visit regularly–yours, a couple of crochet blogs. For some reason, I love the eye candy, but I also love the personal stories and thoughts of the designer. Thank you! You are an inspiration to me!
I still love blogs although the first place that I go is to pinterest when I want to see other people’s ideas. But! I want every pinterest picture/pin to be linked back to a blog. That’s actually how I found you. I noticed that I was consistently pinning your cards bc I love your style. Then I followed the link to your blog… Then I liked your FB page (which alerted me to come back here today-Lol!). I think that social media us has become an intricate web of connectivity and all pieces of it are valuable. AND, my birthday IS next week Wednesday the 11th! What a neat treat that would be to win!
I look more on fb and Instagram but do look on blogs or more 411 about projects and life happenings.
I love your blog and FB. I don’t have Instagram. I’m an oldie and I’m lucky to figure out on to get on a Blog. Your blog is an inspiration to me since I live out in the country and unable to go to classes. I use only Stampin’ Up products therefore I usually only read demonstrator blogs. Also, I use pinterest and again it is usually demonstrators pins. I also enjoy reading about your life, kids, moves, Prince, etc. Please don’t give blogging. I myself don’t blog. Won’t know how. Thanks for being there for me.
I love blogs. I have so many blogs under my faves that it takes a while to get through them all (when everyone has posted something new ;)). I love seeing products used in new ways, getting ideas and inspiration, reading the little tidbits of people’s lives good or bad. Blogs make you feel a little closer to someone especially when you are far away or have never even met them! Thanks for wondering!
I really enjoy reading blogs, in fact I have only just started following blogs in the last year. I will say however that I usually see that a new blog post has been posted from Facebook, maybe Twitter. I love Pinterest for inspiration but rarely Instagram. I followed a facebook hash tag about leadershipand happened on your fab blog!
I LOVE reading blogs. I am not into other social media at all and I do not have accounts on any of them. The thing I like about blogs is that they make me feel connected to the people writing them. Usually, bloggers sprinkle in posts about their lives in addition to craft projects, and that allows me to get to know them. That, in turn, makes me feel more “loyal” about returning to read each day. I participated in your last three rounds of SIMs because of your blog and how you share more than just craft projects. I feel like I know you, even though I have never met you or even talked to you! And when I say “know you”, I do not presume to know you any way near what your family and IRL close friends do!
I follow lots of blogs and use Bloglovin for one central point. It’s great. I love blogs but mostly for great ideas. I tend to skip super long text in them. I also utilize Pinterest a lot and Instagram. Typically I use Facebook for keeping up with friends, etccc. And I don’t Tweet (although I do creep on my sons account)
Hi Kimberley,
I would soooo miss your blog. I have followed you for a long time and love your style of designs and love to hear about your Family goings on too. Blogs are a way to connect with people around the world and I like to spend time relaxing and browsing.
I don’t use any other kinds of social media, I love blogging and I hope you continue to inspire me and everyone else that has “found” you, kindest regards, Sharon x
I still love reading blogs, but find myself narrowing down the ones I follow. I go to Pinterest and Splitcoast for inspiration and I save the samples I want to have a the ready when I am ready to create on Pinterest.
Hi Kimberly,
I’ve been following your blog for a long time now. I used to be an SU demo with my own SU blog, but life changes have me in a place where I no longer am an SU demo. I still love to follow your blog through feedly because it keeps me in touch with what is going on with SU. I have always loved your style, and your tidbits about your family, and have prayed for your family during difficult times. I hope you keep your blog going, it is awesome! 🙂
I read blogs ????
No Facebook or Instagram for me. Mostly because I don’t know how to use them.
I enjoy seeing your blog with each update. Everything from crafty goodness to family struggles and triumphs!
I’m hooked, please continue sharing via your blog.
Hugs and best wishes,
Jen
Absolutely still read blogs & lots of them! Blogs give us something that short & sweet Facebook & Instagram posts just can’t, length! We can get more in depth in life happenings, or actually learn how to create that project we fell in love with on Instagram!
I used check out about a dozen blogs or so on a daily basis, but dropped most of them due to lack of time. Now I only subscribe to a couple blogs and yours is one of them. LOVE Instagram for the eye candy, but still enjoy reading the blogs occassionally for instructions and more details and seeing what’s going on with your crazy life (makes me feel like I’m not alone in my crazy life). I like Pinterest but prefer the interaction that you get on Instagram.
I don’t do blogs because if I see something I like it is too hard to go back and find it.
I prefer photos I can save and refer back to like pinterest.
Love pinterest.
I’m addicted to pintrest, but as for blogs, yours is the only I follow. Not only for the awesome unique creativity but to hear how your family is doing. I started following you around the time you moved to VA and I was instantly hooked because of your sweet humorous spirit. It definitely shows through your blog and even more so in person. 🙂
I still spend too much time on blogs—but, of course, they are all stamping blogs. I can’t get enough but I do need to break this habit and spend more time stamping! Other than stamping??? I’ll read blogs of people I know and they don’t rattle on. I do like to keep up with my friends though. Make any sense?!
I read your blog on a regular basis, and would miss it if you decided to focus your energies in another direction. I do use FB, but not the Twitter or Instagram. Just haven’t learned how. I enjoy seeing your creations, often different from my style, but so very inspiring, and hearing snippets of your life story. Please continue w/ your blog!
I read your blog on a regular basis, and would miss it if you decided to focus your energies in another direction. I do use FB, but not the Twitter or Instagram. Just haven’t learned how. I enjoy seeing your creations, often different from my style, but so very inspiring, and hearing snippets of your life story. Please continue w/ your blog! Thanks.
I LOVE crafting blogs. There are a handful that i actually READ and YOURS is one of them. I always get excited when you have a new post because it is usually to showcase a new project and an update on your crafting and family. There are some that I go to just to see the project but hardly ever read because tooo long or tooo many details about the project. Yours is just right. I love your blog sight because of its simplicity, beauty (written and visual), and your faith. I follow your Facebook also but prefer the blog. And for instagram, have never signed up for it and don’t use it….
I love all three, but love t he blog the best! As an older person I am limited to my knowledge of Twitter and Instagram…plus constant updates on those apps leave me with no memory. By the way, being honest, still figuring out Facebook….things like poke etc. I would rather be creating from my cave (LOL) than reading 4 days of instructions on how to or what is a poke….that is driving me nuts btw! Thanks Kimberly for your wonderful blog, I have read every issue even back issues before I signed uo. Keep up the good work!
Hello Kimberly – Myself I love blogs! I read yours among many & have been pretty much up to date with the happenings in your life, family, SU art for probably 4 or 5 years, actually probably more? I’m excited that in June when I’m in Pensacola I’m going to get to meet you! I’m really looking forward to that time 🙂 I’m not a modern girtl – I don’t have a smart phone, don’t Twitter, don’t Instagram just blog land and Pinterest for me. I know how you feel, as for me I wonder if anyone really does ever visit my blog. I have my SU DBWS and there is no tracking capability, but I still like it. Of course yours is well traveled.and visited often. I think your vintage Butterfly Birthday card is beautiful. I’ll have to try a case! Thanks Kimberly for all the LOVE you give to your readers! TFS… Barb
Today its a mix between blogs and Pinterest. Pinterest is great for a quick overview of whats out there but I do love blogs for the depth you can get – the story the details about how that creation event came to be and of course any personal information someone is willing to share. Crafting is so much about relationships and you can get that through blogs! So I won’t be giving up on blogs for a while! I only check facebook once a week at best and haven’t venture near instagram.
I don’t go to as many blogs these days BUT I go to those I truly luv the style of, yours being one for sure! I’m also drawn to blogs that regularly have videos, but again the crafter has to be a style I like (just basics doesn’t attract me, but it might attract a newer stamper). I do follow instagram, but one of my biggest inspiration sources these days is pinterest & if I consistently am pinning one person’s work I start to follow their blog etc.
I thought it might be useful too for to tell you what I luv about your blog:
– it’s SO you! Your personality comes out loud & clear:)
– luv your style
– luv having peeks into your life and ability to pray with you & celebrate too:)
…even if you don’t post for a while, your blog is a place I always come back to…thank you for sharing with us!:)
I use blogs as my last go to for inspiration. I mostly troll Pinterest. Let’s face it; everything is about instant gratification. There are a handful (3) blogs that I will eventually turn to, but not too often. I can’t even keep my blog up and get interested in writing on it how can I expect someone else to be creative on theirs when I can’t on mine. I would miss your’s Kimber just because; but I really only look for inspiration, I don’t read all the fluff. I try to remember that when I write mine and try to keep it short and sweet. If I had more time I would love to spend more time on youtube and other internet outlets, but I’m not all that tech savy either and tend to stick with what I know. I don’t think blogs are a thing of the past, I just think how you post on them is different now!
Don’t change Kimberly; what would the rest of us do if the Van Deeps in Trouble were canceled. It’s like losing your favorite soap opera! It would be devastating!!
Love ya!
Kimberly,
I have followed you since you lived in Colorado and love when you post to your blog. I don’t do Instagram and wouldn’t know how to do it. I don’t follow you on fb and don’t know why….maybe I need to go and do that! I do love Pinterest and I am a BIG Pinterest pinner and do get a lot of my inspiration from Pinterest but I feel that Blogs are so personal! I have gotten to know YOU and your family through your blog. You may not know me but if I saw you on the street tomorrow….I would be able to start a conversation with you 🙂 Please, please keep blogging! I know I have a blog and haven’t posted in over a year. Life gets in the way (a mother with Alzheimer’s and a father with dementhia, a full time job, and a family) Blogs, Pinterest, and cardmaking are my places I can go to just relax and get away from things for awhile. {{{{{big hugs}}}}}} Gail S.
I still read blogs. Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram are not as detailed as a blog post. However, I’m retired so I have time to spend reading blogs. : ) I hope you continue your blogging. Love it!
i love to visit blogs but only regularly read a half dozen of them (because it is time consuming) and yours is one of them! i found myself scrolling through blogs that I had bookmarked to look at photos for inspiration and not reading any of the text so that is why i’ve narrowed it down to 5 or 6. – i can find sources of inspiration on fb and pinterest very quickly but there is something more personal about a blog and after reading them for several years you come to feel a connection without personally knowing the blogger -i know that it must take a huge amount of time and effort to blog regularly but i would really miss it if you decided to stop. either way, whatever you decide please know it is much appreciated that you share your stories and awesome designs!
I still white blogposts. I still read blogs and sometimes I even reply. But it’s less than what it used to be. But I will keep on writing on my blog, my Mom loves to read it an you know, I still love to blog.
Eveline.
In this age of our fast paced, instant gratification,no personal connection world, I think blogs like yours that give us a glimpse into a real life are even more important! I love your crafty style and I love your courage in the face of hardship! Thank you for sharing your life and for inspiring us creatively and personally! Please don’t stop!!!
We have never met, but I feel that I know you from your blogs. Your life, your card style and all the good bad and ugly as you mentioned. I heard about you when I first started making cards when I moved to Colorado just over 6 years ago. I am not sure when you moved away from CO. I still follow your blog and I am now in California. I don’t follow many blogs though, just 2-3 weekly. but when you don’t post for a really long time like over the holidays, I find myself worrying. I use the blogs for inspiration and pinterest too. I am not on instagram yet anyway. Keep blogging.
I still love to read blogs. I started reading your blog a few years ago. I’m a fellow demo(and maybe a bit of a stalker since I sought you out at convention a few years ago and introduced myself, lol) and quite honestly I can’t remember how I found your blog but I loved your style. It gave a little glimpse into your life and what drove you creatively. But like a poster above, I go to Pinterest usually first thing for ideas. And again, I love when that post leads to a blog. But it seems here lately, most blogs more or less say “look, here’s what I made”. More and more, there’s no interaction. Simply the list of items used. I find myself never going back to those blogs. There’s no personality, no life, and really no creativity. I have a few steady go-to blogs and one of them is yours. Thanks so much for sharing what you do.
I love reading your blog but must admit I pin a lot and don’t comment as much as I used to on people’s blogs. Pinterest seems to be my go to place for inspiration. Had this same conversation with my stampin’ friends at Convention last year so just before I came across your article in my blog feed, I made a conscious effort to visit a friend’s blog and say ‘hi’. Love your work. Keep blogging 🙂
I go to several different blogs and enjoy reading each and every one. I have followed you through a lot and feel like I know you even though I have never met you. I have always enjoyed your website and hope that you do continue on. I do go to Pinterest and Facebook also but still keep going back to blogs.
Kimberly, I simply enjoy reading blogs, especially yours. Besides the important issues with family, your creative style keeps us coming back. Facebook, instagram or twitter are not for me! Keep blogging to make us feel as though we’re your next door neighbor.
I love reading blogs and yours is one of my favorite! I also follow you on Facebook and I use Pinterest a lot, but there is something about blog posts that seem more personal to me. I enjoy reading about your family (and the families of others who blog) in addition to reading about your creative process. I’m not a huge user of social media, so I can get my inspiration “fix” easiest with reading blogs. I’m sure maintaining a blog is very time consuming and I, for one, am very appreciative of those who selflessly provide inspiration to others – thank you!!
I love reading your blog. I don’t always comment though. Everything you make is incredible. I have stopped reading a lot of blogs but that’s because my creativity style has morphed. I do pintrest a lot but most of that comes from blogs. I love the info on the blogs and the personal touch, the stories, good, bad and ugly! Thanks for sharing!!
Definitely some good musing going on! A friend just sent me to your site so I could learn about MDS. She HIGHLY recommended you as the BEST for such things! I’ve seen enough of your pins to be familiar with your name, so you are making a big contribution to the crafting world. Pictures are good, but education added to pictures increases the creativity too. Pins can capture attention and serve as reminders, but the blogs they are linked to provide the meat. But I also know it takes a lot of time and thought to prepare blog post…. From the recipient end, I am glad for pins and posts!….BTW, my birthday is coming soon!
There are a few I read still! You, the Pioneer Woman and my down line!
I love your blog it’s crazy sometimes, silly at others but I do believe you have something real to say! God is good and He’s using you through your stories and humor!
That’s just my 2 cents! And while I’m giving it I would like a craft room video too please!????
Love and blessings, Julie
Hi Kimberly,
I think I found you through a blog hop, about 3 years ago. I immediately fell in love with your artwork, and your family!
I know that sounds a little weird! How can you fall in love with someone you’ve never met?! And their family?! I’m not
even sure exactly how that happens! All I know is that I thoroughly enjoy reading and admiring your blogposts!
I do read blogs everyday. Mostly Stampin Up , craft and a few cooking blogs. On busy days I might not be able to read every word, but viewing the eye candy is so enjoyable and satisfying to me, especially in the evenings when I’m trying to unwind from the drama-filled days of having 4 teenagers in the house! I’m also a bit of a night owl, much to my own detriment.
I do use Pinterest for inspiration. I also love Facebook for staying in touch with friends and family. I’m trying to get used to Instagram, and I do have an account for viewing and posting.
I don’t blog, so I wouldn’t know how time consuming it is. I hope you continue with yours, but would understand if time constraints change that. I do think your personal type of blogging is what makes a difference between loyal readers and occasional ones. You have a special place in my heart, and I would miss you very much if you stop!
I LOVE your blog!!! I don’t do instagram and FB; pinterest for ideas. Your blog is personal and feel like I’m communicating with a friend. The other sites are too inpersonal and just pictures. I will be in Pensacola next weekend for a wedding and would love to say hello. Thanks for sharing!!!
I have my favorite bloggers that I will still take the time to read. It’s weird how when you’ve been following someone’s blog for a long time you do really feel like you know them. That whole “pretend stamping friend” thing I guess. I pretty much “do it all”. I’ve been blogging since 2008. I’ve got the SU! FB page, Pinterest boards, and just recently added an Instagram account. I use different social media for different reasons. If I want some quick inspiration I head to Pinterest (pre-pin days I would have headed to Splitcoast Stampers or Stampin’ Connection). If I feel like “being social” I hang out on Facebook. I will continue to blog though, just because. Even though blogging is the most time-consuming form of social media out there. I recently asked this same kind of question from my stampers and most of them replied that they enjoyed FB the most so I’ve upped my Facebooking efforts and have enjoyed the “instant response” when posting. All of that to say… Please don’t stop posting to your blog. I’ve enjoyed being part of your stamping journey as one of those “pretend stamping friends”. 🙂
yes, I still follow and read blogs. The ones I read the most have a) a gorgeous creation of some sort that catches my eye or b) is funny and talks about everything, even the things no one seems to talk about. I relate to those that don’t have the perfect everything, there are flaws and shows me the stuff at my house is not just happening to me.
I really like reading blogs . Don’t know anything about instances.
I love reading your blog. Love your fabulous designs and especially love reading about your family. I do Facebook and Pintrest but I have a list of blogs that I follow for inspiration. Sometimes you need more than just a picture to figure things out. Here’s hoping you won’t quit your blog.
I have gone through a time when I followed many blogs, etc – but within the past year or two I have simplified. That being said, I have 5 craft blogs I follow. By follow, I mean I get their email every time they post. There are two that I click on & go read every time. One of them is yours. 🙂 You have such a genuine, positive, humoristic style of writing that I really enjoy. I only subscribe to two or three Facebook crafting/friends.
I would be sad if you were to stop sharing, but I totally understand simplifying your life. Facebook is easy & Instagram. So, no matter where you share I’m sure we will all flock that direction 😉
I love to read a few of my favorite crafting blogs but if I don’t see an update I will check FB. I really do prefer reading your blog because I like the mix of personal updates and crafting inspiration. Thanks for sharing your creativity! Maggie
I will have to come back to this post to read all the interesting comments, but for now, I’ll leave my own. I follow lots of blogs (including of course yours), spend lots of time on Pinterest, and when I can visit Splitcoast for inspiration, too. I don’t do facebook or twitter. I don’t visit instagram either, though that is an avenue that interests me. Thanks for all the wonderful inspiration!
I’ve never really used blogs unless the card or project I’m working on requires me watching a tutorial.
I am a huge fan of Pinterest!!
Though this is the first time I’ve commented on your blog, I have been reading it for years. You write and stamp beautifully, and I enjoy following the adventures of your family as well as your lovely creations. I use Pinterest for saving ideas, but true inspiration comes from seeing what goes on behind the project and feeling a connection to the artist. I use a blog reader (Feedly,) so following a few blogs is quick and easy. Yours makes me smile and think and cry and laugh. It is always worth a careful read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and creativity with us!
I’m not answering for the prize – just gotta chime in! I jusy started following your blog recently. I love using my phone to check on everyone and everything. It’s great – I can surf Pinterest while stirring a pot on the stove! Anyway, I have been following lots of blogs for about 6 years. All kinds, but mostly SU now. I have to say, since Google Reader shut down, I don’t like the other readers as well and the time I used to devote to blog reading has waned, but I still love to get a peek into other creative people’s heads.
Words form, build and forge relationships; some close by and some very distant. Through your blog, you have shared much of your life’s journey, tragedies and celebrations. You have allowed me to be inspired, to create, to enjoy your real depiction of your daily family life, along with its small and very big challenges. You have alowed me the privilege to pray for you and your family even though we’ve never met. I’ve enjoyed your blog postings and videos. Your joy is infectious. That quality doesn’t shine through in other social media venues. Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest are great sites for collecting pictures, quotes, links to interesting and inspiring blogs and websites.
I still read blogs, and subscribe to many. I enjoy getting to know a bloggers style. My bookmarks are divided by the style types. (Such as “Classic”, “Clean & Simple”, “Trendy”. Some of them have links to their YouTube channel for video tutorials; and If I subscribe to the blog, I will subscribe to the YouTube channel too. I also love Pinterest. I tried Instagram and did not enjoy it so deleted that account.
Love your blog, Kimberly. I agree with the other comments that I love not only seeing your projects but hearing about your life. I’ve prayed for you as you’ve gone through difficult things, and am always interested in how your family is doing. That said, I look at Pinterest for card ideas pretty much daily. I also check FB several times a day. Usually I see your posts on FB and then click through to your blog. Love to see you on FB!
I love reading people’s blogs. It’s always fun to see what everyone is creating, however, I subscribe to blogs that offer more than just artwork and creativity. I love hearing about people’s babies, children, grandchildren .. their families, dogs, husbands, and friends, as well as all those amazing moments that they glimpse throughout their day .. that’s the treat ..
I always look through Pinterest which is great for quick and shameless caseing, but true inspiration comes from the personal blogs people put their heart and soul into!
I don’t “do” Facebook, twitter or instagram but do read blogs. I’ve been a reader of yours for years now, [can’t remember exactly how many] and went thro’ with you, the agony of Russ’s stroke, his struggle for recovery, your cruise together and get concerned when you’ve n ot posted for a while just in case some other disaster has overtaken you. I love your artwork, your instructions on how you achieved your outcome and in fact, everything you blog about. I follow avidly all the details of your family life, your mum and dad, your up’s and downs and find myself in awe of the way in which you have overcome such personal tragedy and still stayed strong for your children and Russ.
Please don’t give up blogging, – I would be so sad to see you go.
Hugs and cuddles
I have two blogs but don’t really share much about my family life – who would be interested? Also, I am not very good at writing things down – I think I come across as quite harsh sometimes because I will probably use one sentence where good bloggers would use a paragraph to make the point more interesting.
I found your blog through Pinterest and subscribed straight away because I found it interesting – both the crafting and the family stuff. I only subscribe to 3 blogs as I don’t want to spend all my time reading about other people and not living my own life Lol!
I faithfully read your blog as I have for a number of years. I have to confess, I rarely comment so it may feel like a 1-way conversation to you. However, I do participate in SIM. I’ve followed your moves, your children growing, trauma w Russ and your faith participation, and prayed for you and your family along the way. Your sharing flows well w your creativity. It seems like a natural fit to me. I don’t use social media.
I follow a couple of blogs regularly but mostly I use Pinterest for my inspiration. If there is a particular event or stamp set I want to use, the search option makes narrowing my choices down so easy. Plus I love creating boards and being able to refer back to them later. Facebook pages are also helpful. I’ve liked several demos pages and receive updates on my newsfeed daily. Thanks for the opportunity to win the blog candy. Love the beautiful birthday card!
To be quite honest my first go to place for inspiration is pinterest but I do follow a lot of blogs also. I like to feel a connection to people and I feel that what most people share on their blogs does that. I have followed some blogs for years and I feel like I really know them just from their blog. I hope that make sense!! Keep Blogging! Thanks
I love to read the blogs and also find card ideas on Pinterest. I don’t do Instagram at all. And I do love the connection with the bloggers…feels like long distance friendship even though we have never met! Hope you keep your blog going, Kimberly!
I LOVE your blog Kim! I have been a frequent visitor for quite some time! Yes, I have watched your kiddos grow, I watched you move, and I prayed for your family when Russ had his stroke, and I am a BIG time admirer of your work and have been inspired by you many times! Truth is though, Pinterst is now my go-to for inspiration. I also find myself in your same boat, is blogging still worth it? Are people still reading my posts? I know I used to spend hours a day making stops at several of my favorite blogs, but I have now shortened my time to a few minutes scouring Pinterst, and I imagine many people do the same. That being said, I thought about why it is people blog. Many demos blog as a way to advertise and build their business. Quite frankly, I don’t read their posts since I am already a demo. So, I have started following them on Pinterst instead. You however are different. Your blog is one of the very few that I still frequently visit AND read the posts. Why? Because even though you don’t really know me well, I feel like I know you. You have become someone I admire and look to not just for crafty inspiration, but for inspiration in other aspects in my life as well. I admire your positive attitude even in adversity, I laugh at your silliness, I cry during your tragedies, and I aspire to be the amazing mother that you are. Your blog is like a really good book that encapsulates your every emotion to the point you just can’t stop reading and put it down. I don’t recall I have ever left a comment in your blog before (because I am actually quite shy) but I am leaving one now in hopes that you will continue to write and share your story. It would be a sad moment to come to the end of one of my favorite books.
I LOVE, LOVE blogs!! I don’t have a fancy phone or instagram, etc. I am still at an old fashioned now computer. PLEASE keep blogging for those of us that are more like me. LOVE seeing your creations, and hearing about life too. Thanks for all you do!
Kimberly, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog! I am a fellow demo and visit your blog almost daily for inspiration! l LOVE your shabby chic style and have tried to CASE you many times – most of the time I just end up using a tiny piece of your creations – mine never turn out like yours — you just have that right touch! However, when I am looking for a specific project, I go to Pinterest. It is just quicker to plug in the tools I want to work with and get many ideas with one click! Having said that, I go to your blog for more – real life! The inspiration you give to others by just sharing the joys and sorrows of your own life is much, much, more than you realize. As women, we can relate to being the Mom’s taxi service and the adjusting of a career to support our husbands in their careers. We prayed with you through moves when you had to leave cherished friends behind, and were happy when you moved back close to your family, we prayed with you when your kids were sick, we prayed with you when your husband had a stroke – and we were in awe of the strength and determination you had to get through all of those “life” moments! I think your blogging has given a lot of us the inspiration to keep doing those “life” things and, find the joy in doing them! I’m reading Becky Cowley’s post while I am writing this – I think she’s got it – you have been writing a really good book! I hope there are more chapters coming!
I like FB to read.
I read more from FB
I love blogs. I subscribe to several and I look forward to receiving new posts, yours included. However. I recognize they take a huge amount of time to produce, so I’ve started looking to other venues for sources of inspiration. Primarily Facebook as an alternate. Keep up the good work!
I don’t regularly follow your blog but I do see your posts and have been a subscriber……….I think blogging helps to widen your family……..I have a close friend in Nebraska that I have never met………..Vicki Chrisman…….This Art That Makes Me Happy. We became close over the years through her blog. I don’t blog but I love chatting with folks I have met through their blogs. I don’t use the other technology. I try to limit my technology as it eats up too much time. But I do love reading and getting to know people through blogs. It helps us all reach out.
Kimberly- You are one of my favorite bloggers and believe me I am VERY picky about how I want to spend my precious time. I love your stories and how you capture your ‘real voice’ in each post. It is as if I am an old friend although we have never met in person! Everyone has wonderful things they would like to share with every post, but you share real life moments and to some of us that may be the only contact one has in a day! I appreciate and respect you for keeping it interesting, inspirational and insightful! Please continue to leave your stories and small glimpses into your day. Sometimes a smile or a good cry is all one needs to actually feel human again! Thank you!
Kim, I DO bookmark and check out your blog. My dad had a stroke, so I have “prayed along” through Russ’ ordeal.
I get inspiration from SC, Pinterest, SCS and just doing a google images search. I haven’t gotten into Instagram, but sounds like I need to. I keep Facebook for family and friends so only check there when demonstrators use Facebook predominantly. But overall, I’ll take a Blog over any of it. I think that the artist’s “state of mind” and inspiration is very much a part of the art.
I enjoy reading about 10 blogs that inspire me and post projects that fit my style on a regular basis, including yours! They’re all listed under my favorites and I just click down the line and read everyone’s daily posts. It has gotten to the point where I feel like a friend and look forward to seeing how(and what) you’re creating, how you and the family are, etc. I’m kind of disappointed when there isn’t a new post. I do look at Pinterest, but other than that, I don’t use any other form of social media. I’d rather use that time to create with my good old fashioned paper and ink! I’m old fashioned at heart!
I still love blogs, although I don’t always have time to read them all I still look at all the picture! I also love Pinterest.
Kim, I love your blog! I used to just look at your cards but then got really involved with your personal stuff – the kids & the Prince. I started looking on Facebook when I realized you posted more there than on the blog. I don’t do Twitter or Instagram (mostly because I don’t know how!), so I hope you contine your blog. You have a great writing style!
I still follow blogs — I do use Pinterest and Facebook as well…but blogs continue to be my main inspiration…love the more personalized approach!!!
Hmm…not sure how to answe this one. I read blogs and love the ones I read but only regularly follw five of them. I like the personal aspect because it make me feel like I am keeping up with others’s lives I don’t get a chance to see. I love seeing your samples…hope you keep posting those!
BTW, if you draw my name you don’t need to pretend it’s my birthday…March 8th is my birthday! ????
I have followed your blog and prayed for you and your family throughout these past years. I have been blessed by just seeing your cards. Thank you for sharing. Oh and actually March 8th is my real birthday!!! Sincerely, Carolyn Stout
I have several SU blogs I check regularly (including yours). I’m also a FB junkie (showing my age???). I don’t use Twitter as we live in the middle of nowhere with spotty cell phone coverage and really slow internet…
There was a time I LOVED reading blogs….SUp! Demonstrators, So Shelli, cooking, etc. but I don’t go to them as much as I used to. I have found so much inspiration on Pinterest that I seldom visit blogs anymore. With that being said, I do still visit your blog off and on because you are so darn creative and always come up with a new and interesting way to use product! Blessings to you and your sweet family!
Kimberly, I’m a blog reader. I’ve been following your blog since awhile before you moved from Colorado to Virginia. I read every single entry since Russ’s stroke and I’ve prayed for your family. I do use Pinterest when I want a quick idea, but I prefer getting the “whole story” from the creators of a card from their blog. I enjoy reading the people story, not just card ingredients. I’m not on Facebook (personal choice) and don’t look for ideas on Instagram. I would hate to think that people are quitting blogging for the faster and less personal kinds of connection.
I love blogs and yours is exceptional. I do follow them on bloglovin which saves a bit of time since every blog doesn’t post every day. Am like most people addicted to Pinterest but it doesn’t replace blogs for me. I like FB but if I do see a card I like I still follow it back to the blog ????
I have a list of blogs that I follow regularly, yours being one of them. I actually got hooked on your blog during a difficult time in your life. You were so inspiring while trying to balance your life caring for your husband and making sure your children’s needs were met, calming their fears and making sure they were aware of how much they were loved. I don’t read all posts daily, but look at most of them on a daily basis. Keep on blogging! I’d miss it!
Kim.. I have to admit that I too follow on Pinterest, but before I pin the project I like to click on the picture to see if they have directions on how to make the card or 3D projects and colors they used ! So that would be the only time I go on someone’s blog, BUT once I’m on there blog I like to check out there other cards and 3D items ! I can get lost for HOURS doing searches ! Kim, I have ALWAYS LOVED your work …. Because…. I LOVE your style in card making it’s more UNIQUE than others!! (Hugs)
Sue Beranek
Hi Kimberly – there are a few blogs that I check daily and yours is one of them. I’ve followed you for awhile and have enjoyed your stories, your creativity and your thoughts. They are real!!! Thanks for sharing with us!!
I use Pinterest a lot, some FB & Instagram, but I really love blogs. I like to feel a connection with the people who inspire me and blogs give me that – I just don’t get that thru other social media. I have some favorite blogs that I check/follow consistently, and often find others thru their links.
I love to follow your blog both for your crafting and to hear about your life’s journey. I only recently created a Pinterest account, but I still follow blogs.
I guess I’m old-school, I love blogs and do love yours with your personal touches and shabby chic style
Hi Kimberly,
Must say that if I am subscribed to someone’s blog like yours, I do go and read it when you send an email. Otherwise, I guess I’m like the rest; I go to Pinterest, and if I like the design and want to do it then, I go to their website. Now, while I’m there, I might like their style well enough to subscribe and check back once in a while, but not on any real schedule. So….long story short: If I subscribe, I’ll read once in awhile. Otherwise, Pinterest is my main source. Oh, and not to try to sway you or anything, but my birthday IS MARCH 18th. Just sayin. 😉
Amy Z
I spend a good part of my day going through my emails from blogs that I follow. I then pin ideas to my pinterest page. I am 62 ( soon to be 63 ) in a couple of weeks, so I don’t do twitter or instagram. I love following blogs.
I love blogs! I go for the cards, but I like readying about the little pieces of life everyone goes through.
I love your blog, Kimberly especially because your blog offers updates via e-mail so I don’t always have to go directly to your blog to see if there is anything new. I enjoy little glimpses into the lives of friends who blog. Kind of makes you feel like you have had a little visit. 🙂 I enjoy visiting Pinterest but feel like blogs are just more personal.
I still read blogs I enjoy reading blogs please keep your blog
I must admit, I find myself on Instagram and Pinterest more these days than on the blogs that I follow. I do love when bloggers share their happy times and challenges though. I don’t think I’ll ever give up reading blogs!!
I love to read blogs, not just for the projects, but to share in the life of the blogger. There are several I read on a regular basis. I do have a Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook account which I share my blog posts on, but for me my blog is “it”.
Please don’t stop posting on your blog because when you’re not around for a while I find myself checking daily to see if you’re back.
While I frequently use Pinterest and am learning to use Instagram I still have a number of blogs that I follow regularly. I enjoy checking out the projects I find through blog hops and also keeping up with what is going on with the bloggers. I appreciate the additional information I can find on blogs vs. other social media.
I love blogs! I spend my time between that and Pinterest for inspiration. But the blog has the extra personal touch that I love reading about.
I do still read blogs. But also dabble in Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.. I like the intimacy of the blogs.
I would love it to be my birthday! Thank you for all you share and this opportunity!
I started following blogs when I was introduced to Stampin’ Up!. I found your blog through cards I liked on Pinterest. I enjoy reading the blogs and getting to know the people behind the incredible projects. The projects are nice and I am an avid pinner but it is becoming part of someone’s life that makes it worthwhile.
When you have taken respites from blogging due to life challenges I think of you and your family. I pray and hope all is well. You can’t get that from instagram.
I don’t read many blogs anymore. I have a number of sites set up as RSS feeds so I am not getting email notifications but I don’t go to them very often. I get a lot of my inspiration from Pinterest. It’s hard to remember what I did before they existed! The only blogs I routinely read are like yours – people sharing more than just how to make a card but also providing a glimpse into their life so we can see how much alike we all are. Thanks for asking, Kimberly.
I read a few blogs, mostly of people who I care about. Since I care about you and your family, I read all your blogs. I don’t just read blogs of strangers. I love pictures, not sure why, but I am a Pinterest fan. Probably because I don’t want to devote more time just looking at stuff on the computer.
I used to follow a lot of blogs, but now yours is one of the very few I still follow regularly. I love all your creations, and love hearing about your family. Funnily enough my birthday is tuesday, but because it is the weekend, we are celebrating on sunday.
I don’t use Instagram or Facebook….I know, I know…everyone is doing it. But it just felt like more things I had to keep up with. I have several blogs saved to my favorites. Saturday or Sunday mornings are my time to relax with some coffee and go through and look at beautiful things. I admit some I just look at, but some, like yours, I read…and enjoy. I love the way you write like you speak, like a conversation, albeit a one sided one. Somewhere through the years I found something relatable. Not that our lives are similar but maybe a point of view that seems comfortable. I hope you continue to tell and share the Van Diepen story through your blog.
I don’t use Instgram-Facebook-Twitter or what ever else is out there. I feel pretty good at my age to still use a desktop computer. No I-phone for me just a plain old style cell phone with no internet access. I enjoy looking at and reading about 10 blogs regularly and a few others once in a while. If one of the blogs I read has a link to their inspiration I like to go check that out too. I have pinned several of your beautiful cards, and I do like to go to pinterest. Please keep your blog, I love that you open up your heart to your readesr. Thanks Kim.
I love your style and I love your family! I follow you on Pinterest but I worry when you don’t post for a long time. Love Instagram and Pinterest but that’s not as personal as the blog.
I love reading blogs and seeing what others are doing and getting inspiration from. Thank you for the chance to win your beautiful card and wonderful goodies! I always look forward to your next creation, Kimberly!
I love reading blogs. I get to feel more connected with people through the blog than I do by just following on instagram or pinterest.
Hi Kimberly,
I am a blog post reader! I have streamlined quite a bit though. I enjoy blogs that share amazing creativity AND share about their corner of the world. The ones that just show pictures and a list of products are so very boring to me. Yours is so personable, creative, witty, smart, real (the good, the bad and the sometimes ugly!)
I do use pinterest for mainly pinning ideas I find on blogs I follow. I sometimes get sucked into spending many hours on there, so I try to limit my time there.
I am on Facebook, however, I do not follow a lot of bloggers on there.
I have followed you for a couple of years, in that time, I have laughed with you, cried with you, rejoiced with you, prayed for you. Thats the benefit of great blogs!
Thank you for sharing your time with us!
Donna
I have been following your blog since you were named #1 demonstrator for SU. I love reading about you your family. Love your beautiful projects. I would greatly miss your blog. I follow a few blogs & Pinterest for inspiration.
Thank you!
I discovered you after our recent mutual affliation with moving boxes. I do love reading blogs and watching the videos. I find Pinterest and Instagram are good for a quick peek or idea on the fly but prefer a blog. If I want to learn, improve and just plain have fun I need the daily blogs that I read. I have not been creating for many years so this is relatively new to me. I enjoy “my visits” with about half dozen bloggers. I find if the list grows I feel overwhelmed and no time to play. Keep up the good blogging; I still have lots to learn.
Please don’t stop blogging! I’m old school! I don’t have facebook, twitter or instagram (gasp!). I follow several blogs and I love the personal connection I feel with each blogger. I love hearing about your lives and seeing your stampin’ inspirations. I sometimes check Pinterest, but still mostly depend on bloggers like you when I want some creative help.
Kimberly, I absolutely love blogs. I follow quite a few and enjoy them all. I do use Facebook but mostly just to touch base with friends. I love Pinterest also for all the ideas. It’s funny though because I’ll be honest, I’m on a Design Team, we post a project every month on the person’s blog that we design for and also on our blog. It’s sad in a way because I always try to comment on everyone’s projects. Myself and some others (maybe less popular people) in return don’t get many comments. The minute blog candy is offered, BAM, everyone comes out of the woodwork to post. LOL. I mean hey, that’s fine too, but, it would be nice to comment on others handmade items that they took the time to make, even though you might not like what they posted or think it’s not that great. I think commenting makes people feel special and thankful and happy that you took the time to say something nice. 🙂
I LOVE reading your blog…for me, I love the personal side. In a world of fast and crazy, pictures are sometime the way to go on pinterest, etc. HOWEVER, I like the story and personal side. Honestly, I don’t care for facebook; knowing about everyone’s every minute is TMI. Blogging, is a way for people to share more, from the heart.
I still read blogs and love ’em!! Keep blogging!!
I don’t do Instagram or twitter yet so yes I follow blogs still. I enjoy reading and seeing all the creative items and stories people share. Some people I know and most I do not. I am addicted to my phone and the internet and my texting to my family and friends and customers. One of my customers asked me just last week if I caring my phone in my hand all day and I had to say mostly I do….oh my…I need to put it down and get to more stampin!!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful cards and ideas!
Cathy
Portsmouth, Va
Hi Kim, I am a fellow demonstrator. I met you at convention once and You are one of the nicest demonstrators I have ever met. I love your style, down to earth and very personable. I love your blog. I love reading and seeing pictures of you and your family. I love your cards. I am old school. I go to your blog and sometimes I visit pinterest. I have never been on instagram. I work full time and don’t have a lot of time, so I limit my time on the computer at home. Computers can be very frustrating for me. Please keep your blog. Thank you for everything you do for us demonstrators and fellow bloggers. You are the best. Deb Illinois
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