Getting to Know Me

I've been so crazy swamped with all kinds of activities and events going on in my life that I've let my reading of others' blogs fall to the wayside. I feel quite remorseful over this. Don't worry, if I haven't made it to your blog lately they're all saved in my feed-reader and I AM working on getting there eventually!

While working my way through my feed reader, I discovered that the Alabama Women Bloggers have added a few new bloggers to the team and allowed them a chance to introduce themselves. In addition, they've given the rest of us the same list of questions to answer and introduce ourselves further. Despite that post going up weeks ago and the linky now being closed, I still thought I'd play along. Here goes!

1. Name and Birthday

Hope, born on Oct 24th

2. How long have you been blogging?

A while, I think it's something like 6 1/2 years now.

3. What is your favorite part of being a blogger and why?

I really enjoy the social interaction. I feel quite awkward in person.  Making friends and learning about people (as well as sharing about my own life) without that in-person awkwardness is freeing to some extent. I also enjoy getting to put my own words out there. I've always loved writing and blogging is such a creative outlet for that passion.

4. Why did you start blogging?

After about a year of working a technology-related job that gave me a lot more free time than my previous profession, I had the opportunity to read blogs. I decided that I wanted to be a part of that community. I thought it would be fun to share some of my own creative endeavors, life, and fun things I find online. One day, I just up and started a blog. Well, a bit more thought went into in than that, but you get the gist.

5. Tell us a little about your Family.

I'm blessed to be married to my soul mate, Pat. We have two cats (one is my niece's if you ask her. . .long story.) While we would love to have children of our own, we've been blessed in other ways (nieces and a new nephew just to name a few.) We are both close to our families, and I don't know what we would do without either of them.

Two of our three nieces

6. Where are you from?

I was born in Mobile, AL but my dad was in the Air Force so we moved around during my younger years before returning to Mobile when I was 11. Pat and I now live in his hometown of Fairhope, AL, just across the Bay from Mobile. I love the quaint and small-city atmosphere.

7. What is your greatest achievement?

Scoring Pat as a husband. He's an amazing man and probably the greatest blessing I'll ever receive. I don't know what I'd do without him.

8. If you could live anywhere where would it be and why?

Because Pat works from home as a software developer and I'm a jewelry artist/social media manager/housewife, we really could work ANYWHERE. However, we are very happy where we are. We would both love to be just a bit closer to the water on a little more property (in the woods would be nice), but South Alabama is the place for us. We're close to the beach, the weather isn't too awful, and our families are here.

I mean, who wants to live any further away from this?

9. Favorite Movie?

I can't pick one, that's like picking a favorite niece. Here's just a few of ones that go into the favorite category: The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies (I know the last Hobbit hasn't been released, but I'm positive I'll love it), Harry Potter (all of them), Empire Records, Labyrinth, Dead Poet's Society, The Princess Bride, The Lost Boys, Return to Oz, horror movies, and so many more.

10. Favorite Music/Song?

I've said for years that my favorite song is 'Galileo' by The Indigo Girls, and that pretty much still rings true, but I like a fairly extensive variety of music. It's easier to rule out what I don't like: angry music, twangy country, or rap. I'll listen to most anything else.

11. What are your hobbies?

Can I count jewelry-making as a hobby? Ha! I enjoy all kinds of crafting, thrifting, beach-going, floating in the water, beer-drinking, kayaking, movie-watching, and picture-taking.

The three B's: beach, boat, beer!

12. What inspires you?

What doesn't? The sky, other designers, other bloggers, a shift of light, nature, music, color combinations, and my friends and family are all examples of inspiration for me.

13. Favorite Color?

Blue, but my absolute favorite shade is a bright peacock/sky blue.

14. What is your dream job?

It's possible that I'm doing it. I'm pretty content and happy with my life as it is so I have a hard time imagining what would make it better. The only thing that comes to mind is being a mother. Being an awesome aunt is a close replacement though. I went to school for psychology, got the degree and everything. I do think that being a child psychologist would still fit me well.

What more could a girl want than to play with beauties like these?

15. What are you looking forward to most in 2014

Ummmm. . ..college football season (ROLL TIDE!), a vacation with the hubby (no solid plans yet), and more time in/near the water.

I hope I haven't bored you too much with this list of information about me. I appreciate you taking the time to read all this. You can find my social links in the right side bar. I'd love to have you follow me.