My One Year Blogiversary + A Giveaway!

One year ago today, with sweaty fingers, I clicked the publish button on my first post. I was so nervous about sharing anything on such a public forum!
When I started out, I wanted my blog to be an extension of my life. Chronicling things I did, places I went, the ups and downs of life. But I quickly learned that I was still too shy for very personal posts. I ran into lots of self doubt about the content I did post. But, I stuck with it. I did take some week-or-so breaks along the way, had a layout change, and tried some new things. Some good, some I’ve decided I can live without.
Ultimately, this blog is still a work in progress. And may always be. I’m definitely still learning my online voice, and learning what I enjoy posting about. But I am really proud that one year later, I’m still here, still posting.

As for future goals? I’ve got a few things kicking around in my head. I’ve started a notebook just for blog ideas, and it has already helped me be more organized with my thoughts for this place. Before, I used to just jot down notes on random pieces of paper, and then of course lose them! So helpful. I know a lot of people do their planning digitally, but I really find it helpful to physically record my thoughts with a pen and be able to thumb through the pages.

And now, for the fun part! The new look and giveaway! I love my new header. It was so much fun to make – doodling the photo layout and then painting each picture (and of course, putting it all together in Photoshop which I love as well). A refreshing change from my usual portrait art; it let me be so loose and just have fun with it! The header will be changing seasonally (encompassing my favorite things to do each season) and I’m already thinking up ideas for fall. Also, painting up my new sidebar buttons was a blast. The original paintings are about 4″x4″ so they look like giant oversize fun buttons on my desk! Who doesn’t love that?

Okay, enough rambling about the new shinies. Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments! Onto the giveaway!

To celebrate my one year blogiversary, and hopefully promote my art a bit, I’m giving away one 9×12 custom portrait commission to one lucky winner! Shipping is included as well, so it’s 100% free for you. The only specification is that this is for a SINGLE subject portrait only (i.e. one child, one dog, one cat, etc). The winner can pick any subject for their commission as long as it’s single subject! Below are some examples of my work (which you can also see on my Portrait Commissions page *shamelessplug*).

Thanks so much for reading! Click the link below to go to the giveaway!

Enter To Win A Free Custom Portrait!

P.S. I’ll be working out some kinks with the new look, so there will most likely be a few more changes coming this weekend. We’re off on our first camping trip of the year tomorrow and won’t be back until then!