The year was 2005 and I was spending time on the computer reading blogs. Trust me, it didn't take too much time then because most of the blogs could only be found on the sidebar of Amy's at Inspire Company. I wanted to find all the blogs in the Land of Blog.
Once I started reading blogs, I was hooked. I wanted to know how I could connect with this young and vibrant group of women who were involved in something called the Cottage Industry.
I wrote my first post on January 6, 2006. I was blogging BAB...
Before Artful Blogging magazine was on the newstands,
When you mentioned that you had a blog, and the person's eyes glazed overand they said "You have a what"?
You had to pay a web designer a fortune if we wanted a custom template. There were no free gorgeous backgrounds.
A time when you spent time in your art studio without wonderful feedback that kept you inspired.
During the days when no one really had great photos like they do today, and before we all had buttons to link back to our blogs or were clueless why you would need them in the first place.
It was a time when we were discovering new places and excited about it all. I recently thought long and hard and I realized that I needed to find my zest again. What I realized when I thought about the question To Blog or not to Blog...
Is that I receive way more than I give...
I find inspiration when my creative muse takes a vacation,
I discover warm and thoughtful posts,
and receive Comments that feed my soul.
For me, I don't want to blog less, I want to learn how I can give more to this wonderful little spot in the universe so I can continue to grow. I want to add even more inspiration. The same inspiration that you all give to me every day, and for that I am eternally grateful.
Blogging is just like creating a quilt, with one square at a time, until you have created a quilt and somehow it feels like love when you wrap it around you. Those pieces represent the people behind the blogs that I have met along the way, and to me these are the friendships that I just cannot live without.
Now I wrap myself up in the cozy quilt made up of all the lovely things I can find in The Land of Blog. 
I am inspired, uplifted and encouraged in my life every day with this wonderful thing called blogging. I guess Blogging always makes me smile and brings me On The Sunnyside of The Street.
Please feel free to take home any artwork from this post for your personal use.
Karen, I am thrilled to pieces that the answer to your question, "To Blog or not to Blog" is YES!
I was a little (a lot, really) worried, that you were going to stop blogging. I am grateful that you are not.
I get inspiration from you....more than you will ever know. You have encouraged me in what I do and what I CAN do....
Love you!
Penny
Hello Karen,
What a wonderful blog post!
I love what you said about all of us...your blogger friends...
Thanks for being you as well!
~ Gabriela ~
You are the inspiration, Karen, and you always have been. Since the minute I saw your blog, I was swept away with it, and I'm glad you answered the siren's song. You make blogging richer for all of us.
XO,
Sheila :-)
Karen,
You've done it again ... made everyone feel loved!!!! Gorgeous post.
I thought also that you were making a decision as to whether or not to keep blogging. I am so happy you will continue to as I love coming here to see all of your beautiful artwork and be inspired!!
XO,
Jane
How perfect! Just when I'm going quilt crazy...you create the most beautiful quilt of friendship! I would love to put your quilt on my sidebar! I'm so glad you blog...I always enjoy the time I spend with you! Hugs! ♥
I'm SO gLAd you blog!
Are you kidding? You are incredible!! I don't visit you often enough, but every time I do, I am just amazed at what you have put together. This post and the building of your quilt was ingenious! You cannot ever stop blogging. You may not think you bring much to blogland, but you, my dear, are a very talented lady with so much to offer.
I love blogging, too. I just have to find a way to balance everything. Too often, I'm at my computer for too long. There's just so much out there that's fascinating & inspiring!
I was getting all worried that you ready to stop blogging! I was going to plead with you to reconsider! I am so happy that you have posted this beautful post of warmth and love instead-thank you!
Thank you also for your inspiring words and beautifully constructed images. You are a fabulous blogger!
Best wishes,
Natasha.
Given that I went to the Quilt Festival in Houston today, your entry is just right! Don't you think blogging is kind of like creating a crazy quilt? The pieces are random and you just don't know what color or texture is going to catch your creative fancy. I'm glad we're all here together, getting and giving inspiration.
Good morning dearest friend. You have said it all here in your words and in your quilt of thoughts and friendships. Karen, what would I do without you? I always wait to hear from you, you who have always been there like I said before, FROM THE BEGINNING OF MY JOURNEY. It has been exactly what you have expressed...a lovely journey of receiving more than I ever imagined, and given more than I ever thought I could through my words and art. Thanks to you and a handful of others, I am doing AGAIN, much more than I ever expected, and it has opened many doors for me. THANK YOU, MERCI BEAUCOUP. Bises, Anita
Oh,Karen,
I was truly afraid for a moment there. I cannot tell you how much I love your blog. I just devour it! This entry is an example. It is so creative, so stunning. I look at your talent, that I will never have, but you also are a person to me. I get such inspiration just from looking and seeing what is possible and I learn and grow.
I am sending you big hugs and big thanks!
Suz
What a great way to put it! Blogging is "like creating a quilt... and it feels like love when you wrap it around you!" I'm quite new to blogging and I absolutely love it! I wish there were more hours in the day to write to more and more people! I just love this posting!
Thanks so much - it is beautiful in all respects!
Blessings!
Ann
P.S. So absolutely neat about seeing A Christmas Carol with Charles Dickens's great grandson performing... that must have been an amazing experience!
Blessings!
Ann
I LOVED this post Karen!
Each and every post you do is a piece of art. I love how you tie in all the images and slowly paint a wonderful picture with your artwork, photos, words and music.
I'm so glad you blog and I'm so glad to visit you!
♥ Pat
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