That is the question facing many people right now if the conversations on FB and other platforms are any indication. I have been reading and become somewhat disheartened by the numerous comments that most people feel that blogs and blogging are quickly (if not already) a thing of the past. With all of the various platforms available to people to share their creations it seems that blogging has become too much of a chore for people and doesn't offer the instant gratification that most everyone is seeking at the moment.
I don't know if I should take this as a sign that I am quickly becoming a social media dinosaur. Personally, I like to blog - it satisfies so many sides of my personality that I don't get from all of the other SM options out there. I can create whatever I want - I can make cards, join in challenges, make a mixed media creation, scrapbook or just play with various mediums. I get to share those projects with you and talk as much as I want to about it. I'm not limited by the number of characters in a post and I can share as many photos as I'd like. I would like to think that from time to time I may share something that entertains, educates or just brings joy to your day. Blogging also satisfies the writer in me that likes to talk about things that excite me - art for the most part but sometimes it's about the farm, my love of antique junk or just stuff. I can also tell you about new goodies that I've seen or heard about or even tried.
I do share on a few other platforms (FB, Networked Blogs, Twitter, Pinterest and most recently Instagram) but blogging is still my favorite.
Of course life does intrude every so often on the time I have to spend on blogging and art just as it does with everyone. Our business has grown so I spend more time there and our family has expanded as well which is a joyful reason for taking time away but when it comes right down to it art and blogging is what keeps me sane. It's time I get to spend away from life's trying moments and just relax and create.
2017 was a year full of challenges for me - most were situations that were outside of my control but had a large impact on me personally. I am entering 2018 with high hopes for a better year to come. With that hope I am also going to focus on the things I love...even if it takes me a longer period of time to accomplish them. Last year I tried to fit art into a schedule and only make things I could finish immediately in one setting rather than trying to tackle larger projects. Well this year I'm tossing that out the window...I don't care if a project takes me 5x's longer to complete because I have shorter periods of time to work on it, I'm just going to do it because it makes me happy!
So I guess what I'm saying is I'm here to stay and I hope you stick around for the ride.