LATELY
So I went through all of today totally thinking it was Thursday. I mean, the WHOLE day! I swear, my concept of time was shot when I had a baby. I didn’t believe Sam when he corrected me that it was actually Friday night…I had to go look at the calendar to make sure. Ugh. I guess it goes to show you how exciting our ”friday nights” are these days. My oh my, so much has changed since our dating years! Haha….but I don’t mind it so much. Sam has been working extra late the last few weeks so it’s been a little lonely around the house. Just me and the little lady. My mom is out of town for the next two weeks too, which means not much is happening in the work department either. As you can see, Grandma directly effects my work/life “balance”. And I sure do miss her when she’s gone! I’ve been pushing 2am the last few nights just to keep up with things….and I’m starting to feel the effects!
Lately.
A bit of honesty. I usually like to keep it light around here, but if i’m going to be honest, “lately” has been discouraging. I’m a sensitive soul and I don’t take criticism too well. I wish I had a tougher skin, and that I could brush things off my shoulders and not let it get to me. But it’s just not my nature. My feelings get hurt easily. No matter how many sweet and encouraging things people say….I always remember those negative ones. Here on this blog and in my “real” life, some things have been said that have bummed me out. Comments that leave me with an uneasy feeling and a knot in my stomach. I realize that having a blog, documenting personal style, and utilizing social media the way we can today, you make yourself vulnerable to negative feedback….but it’s hard, especially when it’s personal. I wonder how some people with huge blogs are able to tune out all the bad? It makes me worry that blogging is just maybe not for me. And yet here I go, being vulnerable again.
On the opposite spectrum of discouragement…sweet little Rylee is talking up a storm and cracking us up on the daily. If anyone can get me out of a funk, it’s her. She has her own little language that almost sounds like an auctioneer. It’s so fast and entirely gibberish….but the funniest thing i’ve ever heard! I can’t wait until those are actual sentences pouring out of her mouth. I’m not sure what we are in for with this one! As outgoing as she is with family, she is hitting that stage where she get’s super shy with strangers. When I get her around new faces, she nuzzles her head into my shoulder and peeks skeptically at them out of the corner of her eye. Part of me kind of loves this because she has never been a cuddler….and well, this is as close as I get! It still blows my mind that she is already one. I naively thought that my days would be long and lazy with a baby to take care of. Little did I know this year would be the fastest of my life. (and to think….they say it goes faster every year….i can’t even imagine). Although with her, the passage of time has never been so clearly documented. As I looked through old photos this afternoon of when she was 2 and 3 months old….I remembered those moments exactly, like they were yesterday. On one hand, it’s hard to remember my life without her….but on the other, it doesn’t seem real that those tiny little legs are now walking and those perfect little lips are now shouting my name. But yes, it’s real…..very real! And I love her more than ever.
Weekend links:
- Life: I’ve been following Casey’s blog for a while now and am so inspired by her story and strength.
- Wishlist: More than obsessed with AMM geo earrings….and everything else in her shop for that matter.
- On point: ombre napkin DIY by Bunny and Bells
- Heart Break: Tears were shed for someone I don’t even know…but I can’t imagine her pain. Photographer Jill Thomas tragically lost her 21 month old baby girl, Penny, this week. You can donate here to help cover funeral costs.
- BLOGS I’M LOVING : Sweet Thing // Minna May // Katie’s Pencil Box // Bleubird
What/who are some of your current faves?
Have a wonderful weekend friends.
September 1st, 2012 at 5:07 am
Kelli, I’ve been following your blog for a few years now. You are a strong and inspiring woman and even your so called weaknesses are honest and encouraging. I wish you God’s strength and blessing for everything that seems to be more difficult right now.
PS: Never forget, why other people criticize, they are either simply jealous or have issues with themselves. This is why you simply should either pray for them or ignore them. Don’t give criticism that much space (I am learning that myself right now…).
Love, Maci
September 1st, 2012 at 5:16 am
Hey Kelli, I read your blog a lot too. I’m sorry you get negative comments, but try to not let them bother you as hard as that may be. You have a great family, you are very talented, and you have a lot of positives in your life. Try to stay in good spirits
hugs!
September 1st, 2012 at 5:32 am
LOVE every single photo!!!!! xx
September 1st, 2012 at 8:53 am
Guess we all want to encourage you and make you forget about those criticisms… There’s really nothing we can do about those – no matter what we do, we will never be able to satisfy everyone. I guess as long as you’re happy with yourself and proud of what you’re doing, that’s the most important. You need to be true to yourself – and I have the feeling that you are.
To me you’re just truly inspiring. Love that energy that radiates from you through this blog. And your work is simply amazing.
Take care of yourself. XXX
September 1st, 2012 at 9:31 am
Hey Kelli,
I can fully understand your feelings towards the negative feedback. I have a YouTube beauty channel and worry all the time about putting myself out there and receiving negative feedback or harsh critisms for simply being myself. I’m incredibly sensitive as well so those harsh words stick with me longer than wonderful compliments. However, we must realize that pleasing everyone is simply impossible and trying to do so will only make us unhappy. You are a beautiful human being, inside and out.
I guess my advice is to delete those mean comments that hurt your feelings so you don’t see them ever again and read some positive comments to lift your spirits! This really helps. Also, know that you have a great following. We read your blog for a reason, because you’re amazing!!
I hope this comment helps. I’ve been a looong time reader and big fan of yours (not sure if you recognize my username: oohheynicolle). I would hate to see you stop blogging due to some hurtful people. Stay awesome, Kelli!
xoxx,
Nicolle
oohheynicolle
September 1st, 2012 at 12:59 pm
Of course I recognize you “ohheynicolle”
You have always been so sweet and encouraging. Thank you for that. I truly appreciate you!!
September 1st, 2012 at 1:01 pm
Thanks so much Sonia…your words mean a lot. Thanks so much for reading and supporting me here! xo.
September 1st, 2012 at 1:20 pm
Hi Kelli!! I have recently found your space here and I have to say it has quickly become one of my favorite sites! Such inspiration and so much pretty! I have never understood the haters of the interwebs but if you have a million people loving you and one hater, you’re not doing too bad! I’m sensitive too so I get it, but YOU’RE AWESOME and talented! Just keep swimming… Just keep swimming…
September 1st, 2012 at 2:29 pm
I’m so in love with your blog.. I made a post about it.. I hope you dont mind.. It such an inspirational
xoxo
September 1st, 2012 at 2:50 pm
Thank you Arkky!
September 1st, 2012 at 5:27 pm
Oh kelli, i’m sorry people are being mean. it’s so disheartening
. stay strong! I like reading how rylee is growing. very pretty and delightful photos. 
September 1st, 2012 at 10:53 pm
Hey girl! Your blog is so fun/ inspiring/ encouraging to read.i always look foward to new posts! You seem like a genuinely sweet and kind hearted person:) so dont let the negativity get to you..stay strong and cling to the Lord.”for the suffering of this present time isn’t worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us”-romans .have a spectacular day!
September 2nd, 2012 at 3:00 am
Kelli I get excited every time I see an update for your blog. I must admit that I struggle with being a people pleasure and negative words can cut very deep. I find myself, with a few of those kind of people, not sharing myself because they may take a personal victory as bragging and they can’t want to be happy for others. Truth is Hurting people hurt other people. You have a tremendous amount of talent and heart that would truly be a waste not to share. I also enjoy reading the comments of your trusted followers and find their advice helpful in my own life. Continue to use the talents and gifts that the Lord has given you to inspire and help others.
September 2nd, 2012 at 9:06 am
Hey Kelli,
I think the reason those negative comments stick so much is because you put your heart and soul in to everything you do, and that when someone has something negative to say, it makes it hurt all the more. Just remember everything is subjective. If anyone had anything negative to say I’m sure it’s born out of jealousy of something going on in their lives at the time. Still, it doesn’t make it easy to forget though, I know.
You have such a gift in your art, and a gift for making your life look just a beautiful as your art. I can imagine that your creativity drives you to share what you do with others. And you should share it! It’s amazing. I love your blog, I’d be so upset if you stopped.
Since Rylee came along you have been my mommy inspiration. You seem to handle it all with ease and still get so much done! (Secretly relieved to know you get some grandma help though
) I even took some inspiration from you, and made my own invitations for my son’s up-coming first birthday party.
Take care and keep on doing what you do! xxx
September 2nd, 2012 at 11:30 pm
what! how can anyone have anything negative to say about you or your blog?! That really doesn’t make much sense to me. You are a beautiful woman, what seems to be an amazing mother and wife and an incredible artist. There’s not much room for negativity if you ask me.
I definitely understand where you are coming from though. I am a sensitive soul myself. Feeling absolutely sick to my stomach when someone confronts me or says something negative toward me. It’s hard to have tough skin. Although, because I’m so sensitive, it makes it easier to be sensitive to others feelings as well. There’s benefits to being the sensitive one you know.
September 3rd, 2012 at 4:02 am
That’s awesome Natasha! Thanks for always being such an encouragement to me here! I appreciate it more than you know!
And yes….a little bit of grandma help is a necessity!
September 3rd, 2012 at 9:23 am
Love your blog
September 3rd, 2012 at 10:08 am
Hi Kelli,
You are one of my favorite bloggers, I’ve been following your blog since I discovered it from Jedidiah a few years ago. I love your artistic flair, style, talent & how you express your faith. It seems like you have such a sweet spirit. Bloggers like you are such an inspiration, it takes so much courage to do what you do. You allow strangers to peer into your life while opening yourself up to criticism. But you also keep going!! Thank you for sharing your beauty with others. And thank you for being so honest on your post and for allowing us to see bits & pieces of your life and story.
September 3rd, 2012 at 5:48 pm
your blog is one of my favourites, but you are right it’s kind of scary putting yourself out there in this blogging thing.
thanks for sharing
September 4th, 2012 at 12:09 pm
I hope you’re not still upset from that negative feedback you got on Riley’s Native American themed party. I consider myself to be decently culturally aware and I didn’t see anything offensive about the party. I figure it’s fun to highlight culture as long as you’re not putting anyone down. These days everyone is so concerned with being “PC” that we’re all afraid to acknowledge what makes us unique.
Just remember…for every person who leaves a negative comment there are way more people who are enjoying your blog without leaving feedback, like myself. You just keep blogging away!
September 4th, 2012 at 1:50 pm
dont be discouraged by the haters. haters gonna hate!
i love your blog!
i am the same way though, very sensitive. my husband once told me that even if i was 100% perfect there would still be people, who didnt understand me, didn’t like me, or are just plain mean. no matter what. so you might as well enjoy being who you want to be! dont let them bring you down
September 5th, 2012 at 3:07 am
Thank you Giovanna! That is a good reminder
I appreciate your encouragement!
September 5th, 2012 at 10:30 am
i always love coming to your blog. i know i will be inspired by such lovely photographs and inspiring words about your family. and don’t worry about the negative feedback, girl! i think it’s true, by this social media world we are opening ourselves up to criticism. but you just have to remind yourself that these people who say mean things don’t know you. they spend most of their time going on to lovely sites such as these to bring people down. anyone can be a bully behind a computer screen. as long as you know your worth and the beautiful value of your family, those negative comments will just bounce right off of you!
xo TJ
September 6th, 2012 at 5:16 am
wonderful pictures! you seem like such a creative and beautiful soul.
love this blog. and thanks for sharing your favorite reads.
I am smitten by the bleubird blog as well.
September 7th, 2012 at 7:50 am
Oh honey bunny, you are absolutely gorgeous and such an inspiration to me! Don’t let the negative feedback get you down, and for the love of god, never stop blogging
K.