Just 15 minutes a day...

I can't believe it's been so long since I picked up the pen. Or keyboard, in this case.

I really wanted to making something of my blog.  I created a plan of future blog topics.  I took tons of pictures of projects as I made them.  I checked out books from the library, and started reading a bunch of blogs.  And I got stuck.  I forgot the main part of being a writer.  You have to write.

Reading all of those other blogs, and following people on Pinteret, made me feel quite inadecuate to be a blogger.  I'm not a graphic artist. I can only sew in a straight line.  When I cook, I can't remember a recipie I've made dozens of times, let alone create something new and different.  And taking photos?  I don't even have a camera, just my iPhone.  I kept feeling like I wasn't good enough to be a blogger.

And then life happened.  A (surprise!) pregnancy where I was very ill, as well as complications for the baby, took up any energy I had.  Then weeks in the NICU, adjusting to life with another adorable human, and her ongoing and evolving medical issues really took a lot out of me.

But then in October,  I made football themed utensil holders for the school's teacher/staff appreciation lunch.  And I realized that I was missing something in my life.  Being creative.  Creating something. Anything.

This week marks 1 year since we found out our family was growing.  And now I'm ready to do some of growing of my own.

I got the urge to start again, but still felt inadequate.  Then a friend posting something on facebook about being a writer.  Write everyday. Fifteen minutes, or 1000 words.  Just write. Every day.

So that's what I'm doing.  I'm setting my timer and writing for 15 minutes.  I can find 15 minutes in my day to write. (Lord knows, I find 15 minutes to check Facebook)  I have already written so many blog posts in my head, I just need to get them down on paper.

A few weeks ago, I started Meal Plan Monday on my personal facebook page.  I just posted what I was planning to cook that week.  And every Monday since, I've done it.  The response from friends gave me the nudge I needed.  And the writing?  That rekindled the small flame that gave me the courage to get back to the keyboard.

So, this blog may not  be "Pin-Worthy".  My photos will still be from my phone.  I won't host parties 6 weeks in advance, just so I have a blog post,  all pretty and polished, done and up a month before a holiday.  I will be real.  I will add in things to my posts, after they have already been published, when I have 15 minutes to do so.  But I will write.

And there's my 15 minute timer going off.  Time to hit "publish".