Artful Blogging

Well now I've done it.  I decided to start fresh with a new blog.  With my recent move to the Chicagoland area, I've had so many fresh thoughts and experiences that I've hardly had the time to share.  With my last blog, (http://valerieleek.wordpress.com), my intentions were to document thoughts of the everyday through photography and share things that inspire me.  Unfortunately, life happens, and the blog quickly became a way to share what freelance projects I was working on.  That's fine, but it wasn't really a release for me. It was more, "Phew... finally finished that project.  It's on my website now."  Aside from my own personal flaws from keeping up that blog, wordpress was really starting to drive me crazy.  It's not very customizable unless you upgrade.... annnnd I just didn't feel like it.

I've been getting more and more inspired by some of the blogs I follow myself, and the final kicker for me was finding this magazine at Barnes and Noble this weekend, Artful Blogging.

I chose this over a typical design magazine purchase, and it turned out to be a wonderful decision.  The magazine shares stories of people who have created successful, inspiring blogs by using their artwork as an outlet to their everyday lives.  I loved reading why each person chose to start a blog, and how their interests in writing transformed over a short period of time.  I myself know that I have always been interested in sharing a thought or two every once in awhile, but this magazine really had my wheels turning.

So behold... starting fresh.  I hope to use this blog as a creative outlet more than anything.  I miss photography, and even though I get to use my photo skills from college a bit at my design job, it's just not the same.  If I have something to say, I'll try to pair up some decent photography to go along with it.

And on a final note... yes, I have decided to start fresh, but this doesn't necessarily mean I'll be completely consistent with posting every day/all the time.  I'll try my best, but I want to make each post at least somewhat worthwhile.

And on a final final note, I'll share a few photos that I took this weekend from the Lakefront Trail in Chicago.  This is easily one of my favorite parts of the city so far.  I plan on riding this path time and time again before it gets too cold to handle!

Southern end of the Lakefront path

Toy Boat, Oak Street Beach

A Guest Appearance, Oak St. Beach

I'll have a boat someday...

I'll also have an apartment here someday....

Awesome view at Oak St. Beach