Is blogging a craft in today's society?

I mean, is it? I know that for me, starting a blog was merely a means to an end. I had loads of travel photos and stories to show friends and family. Crafts were being done, and friends wanted to know exactly how replicate them. Food was prepared and folks wanted the recipe. It sounds a bit selfish, but I just didn't want to write a million emails to everyone. So now, someone will inquire and I simply say, "It's on the blog"! 

Disclaimer- I am many things, a writer I am not. I can paint anything you want. I will sketch your child's face like no other. I will decorate the tar out of a space, and I can just about sew and crochet anything your heart desires. OH! And I can cook like the dickens, but I am no writer. If you are an English major, I am terribly sorry. And if you are still reading in spite of the horrid grammar, I salute you!  You are awesome and I love that you are hanging in there! So for me, I just write as if you are sitting in front of me and we are chatting away. Which probably is the culprit of the horrible grammar. 

Getting back on course, I know there are bloggers out there who write so beautifully. I am in awe of them. And I'm sure that their blogs are works of art. Blogging/writing is their craft. They probably have written many things and are published. So, for them, a blog post isn't just slapping down words in a hurry, it's skillfully crafted and molded and it shows! But for the average blogger, how much time do you actually spend on a post? Not an important, life changing post, but just the average, mid-week post? I can honestly tell you, I spend about 30 minutes. And that INCLUDES editing photos with watermarks! 

One thing I told myself when I started this blog, is that I would always be authentic. I never claimed to be a writer, but I still didn't want to be so horrible at it that it embarrassed my family, (which they don't even really read my blog). So I didn't want to change all words and abuse the thesaurus. I wanted my readers to read it exactly how I would talk to them if we were face to face, incorrect grammar and all!  

My question remains, is blogging a craft in this world chalk full of technology? What would dear Jane Austen think of blogging? 

Hope everyone has a great Saturday! 

Find Beauty Friday- Serene Hawaii

I wanted to share with you one of my most serene places on Oahu.  Even though I am a Christian through and through, it was such a peaceful feeling and one of the most beautiful structures I've ever been to. It is no secret that I absolutely adore the Asian culture, and this place is the epitome of that.

Depending on where you stay, Oahu can be incredibly busy and touristy, Waikiki especially. If you find yourself there, please only stay in Waikiki one night. Or at the least, get a rental car the whole time and go explore every part of the island! This Valley of the Temples, is on the East side of the island, and is well worth going through a tunnel under the mountains! Even though it's pretty scary!

And instead of a long, picture loaded post, I've decided to make short movies for you! Please let me know what you think, and if you'd rather a movie than still photos! I aim to please, my friends!

I hope you enjoy, and if you are ever on the island, do yourself a favor and go spend about 2 hours just enjoying these grounds.

Padma Lakshmi Speaking out

I LOVE that Padma is able to get on a national platform and speak out about Endometriosis. Please check out this video from the Katie Couric show.

 

"More people will get Endometriosis than will get Breast Cancer, and yet, we don't really know about it." Padma Lakshmi

Padma also has a Blossom Ball every year to raise money for research. Check out the website- Endo Found

Book Survey- A to Z

An A to Z Survey... Book Edition

Mrs. Charlene from Bisons to buckeyes did this survey and I fell in love! I just had to do this, you should to! 

A: Author you've read the most books by:  Probably Anne Rice. I know, she's a little dark, but so interesting! The next would be Nicholas Sparks. Broad spectrum, right? But if dear Jane Austen had only lived long enough to write more, it would definitely be her!

B: Best Sequel Ever: I never really got into the whole sequel thing, but when I do, I usually run through the books so fast it all lumps together! As far as a best, eh, no sequel sticks out above the rest. 

C: Currently Reading:  Becoming Jane Austen  by Jon Spence.

D: Drink of Choice While Reading:  Usually tea since I read later in the evenings. 

E: E-Reader or Physical Book?  I LOVE physical books. I have to smell them! That being said, e-readers are much more convenient if I'm traveling. 

F: Fictional Character You Probably Would Have Dated in High School:  MR DARCY! There is just something about Ms. Austen's way of describing him that I totally would've dated him in high school!  Side note, I think ole Edward Cullen would've had a run for this, but high school Jessy wouldn't have had time for all his pouting nonsense! 

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G: Glad You Gave This Book a Chance: The Shoemaker's Wife. It seemed as if it wouldn't have enough action going on, but the simplicity of it was comforting. 

H: Hidden Gem Book: The Beautiful Creatures series. The coming of age with great powers pulled me in and I could not help but let it. 

I: Important Moment in Your Reading Life: It would have to be when I discovered Jane Austen's  Pride and Prejudiced in 6th grade. It felt as if my whole existence was changed! I was convinced I was born in the wrong time. 

J: Just Finished: Wild by Cheryl Strayed. I encourage you to read this one. It's about hiking, but it will appeal to everyone.

K: Kinds of Books You Wont Read: "Erotic Literature (think 50 Shades). No, thank you." I agree with Charlene. I tried reading this book, it was just horrid! I did resonate with the girl in the story being naive, but all the sex scenes- reminds me too much of the romance novels your grandmother reads...

L: Longest Book You've Ever Read: Gone with the Wind! It is so worth it and I try to read it again every couple of years. 

M: Major Book Hangover Because Of: I'll admit it, the Twilight series. It was a great series for the time in my life and it left me wanting more! Oh come on, you know you all read the books as well!

N: Number of Book Cases You Own:  We have 2 tall ones, and one little one. We only recently decided to keep all books we have (after getting rid of 4 boxes full moving from Hawaii). I dream of a living room wall, covered floor to ceiling in bookshelves and books! 

O: One book you have read multiple times: Gone with the Wind. Maybe it is because of my Southern roots, but this book has been with me for over half of my life and it is here to stay!

P: Preferred place to read:  During Winter: Curled up in the recliner, with a soft, plush blanket and the blinds open to let the sunlight in.  Any nice day above 50 degrees- outside at a park, or under a great tree, soaking up the nature.

Q: Quote That Inspires You/Gives You Feels From a Book You've Read: " You have bewitched me, body and soul" Pride and Prejudice. " After all, tomorrow is another day!" Gone with the Wind. 

R: Reading Regret: 50 Shades. Yes, I read them and skipped the vulgar parts. 

S: Series You Started But Still Need to Finish (All Books Are Out): Hunger Games! I need to read them before the last movie(s) come out!

T: Three of your Favorite Books: Pride and Prejudice, Gone with the Wind and The Good Earth.

U: Unapologetic Fan-girl For:  Nicholas Sparks!

V: Very Excited for This Release More Than Others: I am afraid I don't really have a release in mind right now. Any suggestions?

W: Worst Bookish Habits: Devouring a book in a few days instead of taking my time and savoring the book. 

X: X Marks the Spot, Start at the Top of Your Shelf and Pick the 27th Book:  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. 

Y: Your Latest Book Purchase: The Help. I know I'm a bit behind on this one, but I had to try it! 

Z: Zzzz-Snatcher Book-(The last book that kept you up way too late): It has been a while since a book caused me to miss my bedtime. If I don't stick to my nightly routine, all is lost! 


What would your answers be to some of these questions? Please comment below!