my Odyssey

I've been examining my blog lately and I think i'm missing a big part of myself in it. I genuinely love the things I post but I feel like there's a lot of my human personality that I want to express and share more of. I recently connected with the word Odyssey (a long series of wanderings or adventures, esp. when filled with notable experiences, hardships, etc.) in relation to my upcoming adventure but even more so, as a definition for my life so far. I'm on an Odyssey. While examining my recent discontentment with my blog, I thought about what I'd like to read (i think everyone's personal blog should be one that they'd want to read). I pictured what I take out at my public library: how-to books, design and beautiful photo books AND autobiographies. I've only been writing my blog with part of what I want to read... I'm missing my autobiography. I haven't always been this girl... positive, sunny, and optimistic & confident in all the situations life gives me. I used to be the opposite and I let my surroundings mold me and who I was becoming since early childhood. Here on my blog, I'm going to share my story and the way my life has developed to bring me to the woman I am today. I'm not sure how long it will take but I will tell it with words more than photos and in pieces... I'm going to be candid, brave and authentic. I think everyone has a beautiful story to tell, and I'm honored to tell you mine. No matter how sad some parts are, remember it's got a happy ending. Promise :)
Book Cover

64 comments:

  1. I feel the same about my blog sometimes. this sounds awesome! I can't wait to read about your "Odyssey".

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  2. i think this is a wonderful idea. i have always wished to see more of this here on your blog. i love all of the crafty stuff, but its when you get real about your own humanity, thats what i love to read. and those are the people i end up connecting with, instead of just looking at pretty pictures. so glad you are going to share with us!

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  3. i can't wait for the 1st installment! :)

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  4. how inspiring! can't wait to read.
    luv,
    the elizabeth who was watching your how to video at work...shhhh!!! ;)

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  5. YAY!
    I love you.

    I wish more bloggers would be brave like this! I know I try to share the ups and downs. I think it's important to have both sides to really get to know someone.
    Looking forward to seeing more of this.

    And I know this new adventure of yours is going to be awesome- but I expect it's going to be difficult too. I'm right there with you LA! This new season is going to bring so many challenges!

    I love the def. of Odyssey that you used. It fits so perfectly.
    warmly,
    Kim Smith

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  6. This is so exciting and I can't wait to read your story.

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  7. That´s what a blog should be about, so Im very excited for you! I cant wait to read and know more about you, I love to create and come up with new stuff so I think for me, meeting creative people its like take a vitamin... so I´ll be roaming around your blog more often :3

    Good luck !
    Victoria

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  8. So excited to read your story!

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  9. :)

    Proud of you Leigh-Ann for putting your story out there.
    I really miss that part of your blog, all the stories about you, that make it so personal. It may be a bit of an emotional roller coaster, but we know it has a happy ending.
    Love you!

    Momma

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  10. i agree with you and i like what you're about to embark upon. i've been going through my google reader and skipping a lot of bloggers' posts lately because they aren't real. i don't read blogs to see what you found on weheartit, i can go to that site too. tell me about you.
    at the same time i fall into the column of the only-sharing happiness bloggers. i've only posted a couple times about problems, and haven't shared my "secrets" with the blog world. not sure if i should, most likely somewhere in between...
    looking forward to reading about you, i think you're swell.
    p.s. i have a pic of myself that's almost the same! http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniegodecki/4442210631/in/set-72157621565946926/

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  11. I think that's what really separates my favourite blogs from all the other blogs I follow. I love getting a glimpse into a blogger's life on top of all the inspiring things they share. It reminds me that we're all human and we all go through ups and downs in life.

    And I think that's why yours has always been one of my faves! I'm excited to read what you're going to share with us! :)

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  12. be brave chickie.....be brave xox

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  13. I can't wait to read this! I think that incorporating some personal life (not TOO much, obviously) makes a blog that much better!

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  14. fabulous idea!
    I think stories and memories are so important to who you are as a person. Sometimes I get so nostalgic it physically hurts, and I have to remind myself of who I am now. Even the painful times of the past can be a helpful step to becoming an amazing lady!

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  15. I'm looking forward to this. Life has its light and its dark sides and you were right, many blogs only show the light sides.

    I think you are very brave. :)

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  16. you are a great writer, so i can't wait to read about your life. :) plus, that "book cover" is like the cutest thing i've ever seen.

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  17. it sounds amazing. i can't wait to hear it!

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  18. So ironic...I was just pondering my own odyssey seconds before I clicked your blog. This totally made me smile :)

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  19. This is a wonderful idea. Can't wait to read it. Your eyes look beautiful in that picture.

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  20. sounds exciting and beautiful. we are all real people, who have had or still have our struggles and its a shame no one talks about. Its awesome to be positive and inspirational but sharing the full picture is so enlightening and healing for everyone involved. thank you!

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  21. that's awesome! writing about yourself is fun ;) and makes you realize...especially in a down time...holy crap, look at all I've accomplished! I also love hearing you weren't always soooo dang nice...it gives me hope for the future, lol!

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  22. This is beautiful Leigh Ann!! I am already so inspired by you and your day to day posts...and I love getting to see another side of your personality on LAtv...I think its going to be great for you and I'm sure we'll all love sharing the journey through time. Love Love.

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  23. i'm very excited to read your story & i think you are amazing and very brave! you have inspired me to try being more genuine & true & to share more of myself on my own blog as well ♥

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  24. What a brave thing to do! I always look to your blog when I'm feeling down or uninspired and you always lift me right up. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better. :)

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  25. I am excited for this!!
    <3

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  26. I am looking forward to reading your Odyssey...you are a beautiful girl with a beautiful heart xoxo

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  27. You are so brave for doing that and I am very excited to read what you will write.

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  28. Hi, Beautiful. I'm new to your blog & have been lurking for a few weeks. You're adorable & quite honestly an inspiration. I look forward to reading your story. <3

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  29. Oh dear Leigh Ann! How I love you and your blog and your devoted fans! I am excited to see what you post next! I love your style and your humor, your beauty and your true appreciation for the small things! LA you must have been a daughter of mine in another life! (I am a 46 year old mother of three, Hillary 26, Paige 18, and Baxter 16) Bottom line, you are an INSPIRATION to me and all of us! Love you! Good night!
    P.S. Just started on Scrapbook.com you can see my profile/gallery there. (I'dratherbescrappin)

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  30. I admire your bravery Leigh-Ann. You're a true inspiration and I can't wait to hear your story! xo.

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  31. I'm so excited for this!
    I came to your blog a little late in the game (maybe six months ago!) and read all your posts in like a week! And at some point along the way you seemed to pull back a bit which is TOTALLY understandable and your decision. But I've gotta say I loved hearing a bit more of you and your life in the posts because you're so real and honest. So I'm really excited for this!

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  32. I'm so excited for this Leigh Ann! Humans by nature want to make relationships with one another - I think an increased personal aspect to your blog will really help people to connect with you and vice versa :)

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  33. I love it! Can't wait to read away... :)

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  34. beautiful image! and I'm anxious to hear your story!

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  35. You go girl! Thank you for sharing this and being so honest and thoughtful. I do believe it is about the journey and what we discover along the way, with or with out a happy ending. I read/look at your blog everyday and I will continue to do so. So excited to hear/see about your next adventure.
    Love Meeks xo

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  36. I admire your bravery. I don't think I'm ready to share all the darkness of my story.

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  37. I'm so excited Leigh-Ann!! I've been a reader for a couple years and I like to go back and read those earlier entries - they're amazingly honest and real! I hope your new autobiography style brings you much happiness. <3

    Sarah

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  38. wonderful. i can't wait to read your story. i love the image at the end!

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  39. Wow this is so wonderful!! You are very brave and Im looking forward to hearing the story.

    xoxo

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  40. I'm so grateful that you are willing to share your hardships & struggles to us readers. It's so easy to get lost in the blog world that you have to add some personality into it to make it meaningful yourself & your readers. I can't wait to hear your story & be inspired to someday write about mine. Thank you `=)

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  41. This is a great thing for you to do for yourself! I'm looking forward to reading the story of LA!

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  42. Looking forward to it! I think you are so brave, I am not there yet. Perhaps when I am more comfortable in blog-land. HUGS!

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  43. Glad to hear this Leigh-Ann! As mostly everyone else said, I LOVE your blog and all the how-tos and inspriation but it IS nice to get to know the blogger a little more personally as well. I know reading your journey in past posts and seeing how well you are doing today has really given me hope and inspiration in my situation. Excited to hear more :)

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  44. This is awesome Leigh-Ann! I think it will only make your readers love you more! You are amazing and I look forward to getting to know you better through these brave posts! xoxoxo

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  45. Oh, LALA, what an absolutely wonderful idea! I can't wait to see what you share about real-real you.

    Pretty pictures and crafts are nice, but knowing why a person is drawn to such things and even the ugly things in that person's life only make the nice things beautiful and real.

    I LOVE YOU!

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  46. I think I've been feeling a little bit of the same funk, over here!! (sigh). And I can't wait to hear about your odyssey, miss LA!

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  47. I'd *love* to hear your story, Leigh-Ann! I'm sure it's beautiful & inspiring.
    Thank you so much for sharing :).

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  48. Leigh Ann-
    you continue to inspire me with your honesty, sincerity and creativity...you have me in tears.
    good ones....xoxoxo..Karen

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  49. well ok then! i've been looking for you every where here...kinda like way back when before you became famous and all that....

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  50. Hey!

    I put up one of your widgets on my new blog (I moved to blogger from wordpress).
    I hope you don't mind, If you do I'll take it down right away.

    ~Rachael Bender

    sincerelyraevintage.blogspot.com

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  51. So awesome. I have been trying to be a lot more honest in my blog posts and the feedback has been incredible. People have really responded to my heartfelt, authentic posts. Good luck, I can't wait to read more! You are awesome, we should totally hang out when you get to MO!

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  52. This is what I always found your blog to be when I first met you, and I'm sure it'll be even stronger this time around. I can't wait to read it.

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  53. I love you - And I have been waiting for this story for three years now. When you showed me this cover and peeked my interest.... You are amazing.

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  54. I have been feeling like this about my blog too...that something more personal and about me was missing....I am still trying to figure out how I want to incorporate that, but I love your idea and can't wait to see more of it!!

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  55. When i first found your blog about 18 months ago i read it from the start in one go, and found your journey inspirational, sad, happy and honest. Can't wait to read your Odyssey xx

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  56. thank you for being so open. i do it often too and kinda think it is a normal thing to do.

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  57. Leigh-Ann, I *LOVE* that you are doing this!
    I myself have been struggling with how personal to get on my blog as well. I totally believe that people should be their true authentic selves on their blogs - especially the not-so-sunny bits - it's all about what makes us who we are! Best wishes on your odyssey and can't wait to continue reading all about it :)

    P.S. I'm coming to Winnipeg again soon! YAY!

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  58. Good for you LA = you are very brave. It takes a lot of gumption to do what you are planning. I don't think I could do the same thing. I admire you for that. :)

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  59. yah! just so ya know, i thought you were fabulous when i did your online class and really appreciated your positive energy when you commented on flickr. looking forward to getting to know a fellow canadian girl a little better via blogging!:)

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  60. I really like this idea. I think it's always interesting to hear where people came from and how who they are now was created. I'm really looking forward to hearing more.

    I try really hard to create a blog that I myself would read. It can be hard and it takes a lot of energy. I'm really loving what it's doing for my writing and for my outlook on life. I'm realizing how much fun my day-to-day really is.

    Anyway, I'm really excited to read more about LA!

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  61. I think this is a great idea LA. Just reading this puts some thought bubbles out there for myself.

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  62. Yeah LA! You are so brave for doing this!!! I love this idea, and look forward to getting to know more about you!

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Thank you for reading. I now blog over at http://FreckledNest.typepad.com ...if you have any questions, please email me at LA[@]FreckledNest[.]com