It’s hard to believe that today marks one year since launching Keeping the Light House, and I am so incredibly thankful to all my readers!

When I started this blog I was searching for a distraction from the lure of baby fever, and today I know that I have found it. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me during this journey by spreading the word, sharing my posts, and providing feedback.

Most importantly I’d like to thank Matt for encouraging me to carve out this space for myself, and for graciously being the subject of some great literary material!

To date, Keeping the Light House has received over 40,000 views and I am humbled by the support of my family, friends, and readers I’ve never met!

The most unexpected yet rewarding part of blogging has been hearing that something I wrote has helped someone with something they were going through, gave them some inspiration, or simply made them laugh. These moments have become the reason I will continue sharing my thoughts, ideas, and experiences in this way.

Besides having a blast while sharing our lives on my own little corner of the blogosphere, I’ve learned a great deal about myself in the process:

1. You can teach an old dog new tricks. Up until last spring, the extent of my computer know-how was basic at best. Technically, I did take an HTML course at Purdue in 1999, which I aced. However, it didn’t take long to realize that there have been some minor advancements made in the world of computer technology since that time… so, I essentially started this blog from scratch. I had no social media accounts, no knowledge of how to secure a domain name, or what a “platform” was. In the months before launching, I spent countless hours reading articles online about how to utilize SEO, watching video tutorials on WordPress, and going back and forth with Etsy artists on logo design. I know I still have so much to learn, but I’ve come a long way and have enjoyed the whole experience.
2. It truly doesn’t matter what other people think. My husband is the kind of person who never wastes a minute speculating about what people think of him. This used to mortify me to some degree, but blogging has forced me to follow suit. If I always worried what someone might say or think about what I was doing or writing, I would never do or write a thing. I’ve learned that when you hide parts of who you are to avoid criticism, you immediately stop being authentic. One of the most flattering compliments I receive about Keeping the Light House is that my writing comes off as authentic, and I believe I have Matt to thank for that. There have been times when I thought a post was too personal, or too edgy (my political post), but without hesitation he would tell me, “It’s perfect. Publish it.” every single time. Thank you, you rebel.
3. Besides when people comment on the authenticity of my blog, the next best compliment I receive is when someone asks if it’s actually me writing it. At first I found this question offensive, but apparently not everyone does it (which I find fascinating). Despite the bizarre manifestations of what “NFL wives” are like, I take out my own garbage, I wash my own dishes, and yes, I write my own blog.
4. I will never be a beauty or fashion blogger. I actually really do love sharing my favorite beauty obsessions and what jeans are currently making my rear-end appear uplifted, but I can struggle to write in detail about these topics. I’ll continue to share these posts, because I definitely have generated a certain audience for them, but in general all I want to say is, “Get this, and this… and, definitely try this. You’re going to love it, just trust me.” Because, if you’re a fan of my beauty and fashion posts, you’re probably a lot like me in terms of simply wanting to know what’s comfortable, effective, and convenient.
5. I really love to write! Writing has always been a way to organize all the business in my head. We all need an outlet… for some it’s art, for others it’s music. For me, there is no better feeling than being able to articulate my thoughts in an orchestrated way. To effectively communicate an idea while maintaining your dignity and respect for others is more important now than ever. Sometimes I write just for me. There is so much I’ve written for the blog but never published. It’s become a form a therapy; a way to work through things that may not make sense until I lay them all out. I imagine the process resembles that of a singer/songwriter, except I don’t know a thing about music and have been told I am tone def (which I accept as truth).

By the way, did you happen to notice the “Light” sign I am hanging? Is it not adorable? Thank you so much Melanie, Brian, and everyone at Rustic Marlin Designs for this thoughtful surprise!

These custom signs are made local here in MA and sold all over the country. You guys have to check out the Rustic Marlin website to see the craftsmanship and work that goes into these works of art. They are hands down the best quality signs I’ve ever seen. Truly impressive!

Again, I’d like to say how grateful I am for all the love, support, and kind words I’ve received over the past year. I’m looking forward to branching out with the blog, trying new things, and telling more stories!

Cheers to the first year of

Keeping the Light House!