Starting a new blog

In my last post I talked about not posting in this blog. I really doubted I would post here again. It felt like an ending. I've long struggled with with this blog would be and what this blog could be. Sometimes I dream very big, and while that dreaming is fun, it can hamper me from enjoying what is. I started this with the idea of it being a sort of naturalist journal and ended writing about love of dogs.

You'll find a reoccurring theme with me. I believe that life is a journey. We don't really know where that journey will take us and even when we think our path is clear, we often take detours and stop in unexpected places. I guess I feel the need to share my journey. Perhaps it's vanity but I hope some of it is a desire to spread the sense of wonder I so often feel and to make connections with the larger world. Words and blogging also give me a map of where I've been and can remind me of the direction I want to move.

When I created my blog I called it "Simple Gifts". That is important. I've gotten very caught up in expectations, when what I wanted to focus on was the magical moments in life. I've worried about what a naturalist would write. I've worried about scientific content. I've wondered if I could ever be considered a writer of photographer. I think a lot. I worry. I want to make this world a better place but I'm overwhelmed by the myriad of problems. I constantly wish I could do more, but find myself, like so many others, limited. So, I'm starting a new blog. It will build on the lessons I learned here. It will focus on something I can do. I know how to celebrate life. I can remind others to look at the sunset or feel the wind in their face.

My new blog is very much a work in progress, just as I am. I will slowly be adding poetry that I've written. I will write and post pictures. My goal is to share what I can in a moderately polished fashion. Heh, we'll see if that's too lofty a goal. Will I come back here to Simple Gifts? Perhaps. I can see me coming here to brag about Schmoozer or write about the details of a trip.
And here, I won't worry about polish. Another important lesson I've learned, crafting something I'm proud of is worthwhile but being able to cut loose and just let myself be is vital.