Tuesday, July 27, 2010

i wonder


I wonder about you. My dear readers.

You are like a little gift I get every day. Another person that is actually taking time to read what I wrote. It amazes me. And I wonder about you and what your daily life is like.

Isn't it amazing how the internet has made our world so small?  It has brought me friends from all over the globe.  Julie from Hungry. Jo and Claire from Australia. Teresa from Israel.  Katie from New York Michigan.

Isn't it strange how one can meet their "people" and become good friends but never really meet at all?

There is something to be said about seeking out "your people". You know, people who get you. People who understand why vintage brooches and old type writers give you happy tingles.  People who know what it feels like to put on a new shirt only to be barfed on again for the third time.  People who drink Red Bull and don't really consider damnittohell to be a curse word, just an exclamation. People who hate laundry... well you get the idea.

Your people. Your peeps. That's what I'm talking about.

Dear reader, are you my people? Or do you read this blog like you would read a newspaper article about the rising use of elicit drugs amongst suburban mothers? Interested, but somewhat shocked and mildly disgusted?

In my brain you are my people. And if we were ever to meet in person, we'd be instant friends. You wouldn't mind that I obsessively read tweets because you'd be reading yours too.  We'd go out for macaroons and talk about how Etsy is just not what it used to be.

I want to know you. I want to know more about you. You know my quirks. Now tell me yours.

The comments are open.

32 comments:

Jessica the Jacked LDS said...

me? first? really?? lucky me.


well since we DID meet in person then maybe i'm excluded from this category BUT i have to say that i think ur pretty awesome if i do say so myself. i love ur style, ur writing, the soft tones u use in ur blog. it relaxes me. it's enjoyable and refreshing.

thank YOU for being you.

Kim Hartmann said...

Is it a coincidence that you and Dear Lizzy are both blogging about quirks today? Well, I don't mind sharing a few of my own. Like the fact that i am a blog stalker, I could literally spend all day reading other people's blogs and delving into their worlds. Or that i am so passionate/obsessed with photography that at least 10 times a day i see something and say that would make a great picture. Or that i am just as equally passionate about music and poetry. I guess i will share one more little thing, I don't like to do anything alone. It's not that i don't enjoy or can't be alone sometimes. It's that i prefer to do everything with someone, so that i have that memory to share and talk about with later on and that person knows what i am talking about and can relate back with me. Every good thing is better if shared.

I love your blog. I love how "real" you are. God bless.

Kim

clare b said...

You are so 'my people'. Your talk of old typewriters and vintage broaches made me smile. This is sooooo my world. You'll be proud of me. I picked up a vintage 'nanna shopping trolley' on the weekend for 50c. I was soooo pleased. And I FINALLY set up my vintage wringer washing machine in the garden, ready to be planted up for spring. Do know that i check into your world daily - and love the daily doings :) You are often my daily pick-me-up. Thank you X

Thespa McLaughlin said...

I'm your kind of people, although I don't get "Tweets" but I do obsess over old typewriter keys and broaches. I wear sandals in winter, love the smell of coffee but can't stand the taste, and I'm addicted to all things vintage. Those are my quirks. Hope your day is awesome!

Unknown said...

I just love your blog... I don't find it shocking at all, just the opposite in fact...comforting? Comforting to know that there are others out there who have the same interests and want to share them.

I'm probably not the best one to list my own quirks. What I find perfectly normal may seem pretty quirky to someone else (say, my husband or my best friend). I do know that I have made some great friends here in the blogging world and I'm constantly amazed that people who have never met can be such good friends!

Unknown said...

Oh, I wanted to let you know that I have your giveaway scheduled for Aug 12 if you are still in! I didn't hear from you about what you wanted to giveaway... just email me and let me know! Thanks so much!

Jen said...

April - I read your blog because it makes me giggle - no really! I'm not a swear laugher - meaning I don't laugh when people swear - except - old farmers (My Dad & My FIL) & when my sisters are really mad and they say things like "OH HELL NO"! it just makes me giggle out loud every single time. I think I've said before that you and I would be friends in the real world and you may remember when you were looking for a babysitter and I volunteered - see I'm your friend. Now, can I borrow a stick of butter because the kids are waiting for breakfast and I like butter on my pancakes. Love you big.

jeanette from everton terrace said...

I came in to read the comments out of some morbid curiosity to see what quirks other people have and there was one of mine. I, like Thespa, love the smell of coffee but have never had a cup. Also, I always crave chocolate after I eat eggs - is that strange?

Brittany said...

I've met you in person a couple of times through Jenny (my SIL). I love reading your blog. There's been a few times where I've been talking to Jenny and your name comes up and I start talking like you're one of my friends too. Then I feel a little silly when I remember I only know you from your blog and the few minutes we've been in the same place. You are so talented and I hope that one day I can discover how to have just an ounce of the creativity and talent you have. Any that I did have seemed to disappear along with all my fun, and looking fashionable and put together-ness, when I had kids. I don't know how you do so much with three! Ok, now that I left a comment maybe my mind will stop thinking and I can go back to sleep since my Ben is watching the kids for me to sleep in.

abode said...

I'm addicted to vintage so much so, that I had to open a shop in order to let it all run through my hands and then let it goooo (very therapeutic!). My biggest quirk is that I live in Salt Lake City and I LOVE IT (even after traveling the entire country). There, I said it. I meet so many people who have negative views about where I live but I revel in it. And there is a pack for everyone if you just howl long and loud enough.

karlee said...

You could consider me as one of your people. I was just showing my mother your blog on Sunday saying, "She's the one who introduced me to stamp carving!" Thank you for that by the way.. it is so much fun for me.
I'm totally into tuffed furniture and crystal chandeliers. I can't wait until I own one of each. until then, I just save pictures of them to my folder.

Jan said...

You say that we are your gift, but I think it is the other way around. My 4 children are grown. You bring back memories of their childhood in every story you tell.I love anything old.I even enjoy looking at other people's old stuff.I have been known to let out expletives and I would love to sit and eat macaroons, drink coffee and talk and giggle about the mundane and the exciting world in which we find ourselves.

tamdoll said...

I've been reading your blog for about a week now (no idea how I got here!) but I love it. I'm home a lot, crafting, hanging out with my teen daughters and my mind is always overflowing with ideas. I love reading about the things you create and your inspirations. Your pictures are fantastic and the friendliness jumps out of the screen!

Thanks for putting what you do out on the internet & sharing.

Tammy (Tamdoll) in NH

Molly said...

Hello April! Heres a few of my quirks: love making clay jewels, have a problem with doors that have knobs (love push doors), me and my husband make a living off of our gumball, vending and video machines and we have a *mini* farm in our backyard that has grown quite a bit in the last year. Your stories of adoption always remind me of my brother and sister which we adopted through foster care 14 years ago. Adoption is so special to littles who parents can't take care of them. Thanks for always making my day!!
~Molly P

donna k said...

i love your blog. i read it everyday. i love to look at your work and hear about your adventures with your family. it somehow helps put mine into perspective.
donna

Stef said...

Fun! I have three little girls, age 4, 2, and 1, so your stories of busy hands, piles of laundry, and not having time for sales calls, really speak to me. My very first passion is playing with my girls and my husband, who I met rowing in Mission Bay when we were both in San Diego for college. I work part-time doing behavioral intervention with kids with autism. My truest passion is anything artsy and crafty. I love baking and cake decorating, all things vintage, sewing, painting stuff, collecting old furniture to makeover, gardening, photography, paper, packaging, and everything else I come across that could fit into the "arts and crafts" header. I always have a thousand projects in progress and there is always something left unkempt, I love love caffeine - mostly in the form of mochas, but really, anything will do (Redbull!!) Your blog brings me a smile and a catch in my breath every time I look at it. Thank you for your stories, your beautiful pictures, your jewelry, your crafts, and most especially, your quirks!!

sorry - I think that was a bit long-winded. :) you know, I'm desperate for adult talk, even if it is just to a computer screen. :)

Kristi Kroeger said...

You forgot books! When did vintage brooches and old typewriters superceed the collection of first edition literature? The coveted Polar Express? Your people love their books! That and a good smart ass by their side! :)

melissa c said...

I have been reading you for nearly 2 years. I had a phot in a contest (small girl in water fountain)that you did last summer. I own a piece of you jewelry (red stone choker) that is my favorite, next to my wedding band. Like you I have a traveling hubby, it is comforting to know I am not the only one surrounded by 3 kids climbing the laundry moutain. Quirks, I think everything I do is normal, I don't know why no one else sees it that way. Also I sew, and paint for stress relief, sooo...

Heather Toller said...

The images that you post swirl around in my head and make me happy. I started reading your blog when Tara Whitney linked to your movie. I am mom of two. Grew up at at the beach. Love all things vintage. Teach little ones for a living. Take pictures of my own little ones for fun. I get you...

val said...

don't know how i found your blog but i enjoy it! keep up the good work.
val from utah

Carrie said...

April,
I am a mom of two sweet little girls. When I need to recharge I escape into blogworld. It engages the crafty soul in me. Love your blog - your sense of humor! Sometimes I dig into craft mode other times I admire others craftiness. I really admire your talent with jewelry - not something I have ever tried to do. I made your paper flower wreath and it just makes me smile every time I pass by.
Yes - I am one of your peeps!

Thanks for sharing the love.
Carrie from Texas

Jennifer R. said...

Of all the blogs I read, you are my favorite. I've never "met" you and I can't remember at all how I stumbled upon but I am so glad I did. I save your blog for last each day (I guess that makes me your blog stalker) and it leaves me feeling that someone both lives in my world and can inspire it at the same time. Thank you.

Terri Fisher said...

I originally "met" you through Etsy and your adoption jewelry. Then I visited your blog and it has been a daily (if not more than daily!) place for me to find inspiration and a good chuckle in the midst of the fun chaos that is my life. I just love how your family has come together through the miracles of birth and adoption, so much like my own. I love your jewelry and artistic style...it is calming, yet inspiring all at the same time. As for my quirks...too many to list, but my husband would probably be happy to do so! Thanks for being you!

Corinne said...

hi april, you know me i hope. i love your blog and read it daily (although we were away and i didn't have internet so am late to this party). your blog is more an aspiration than something i manage to do any of myself. i love how adoption is a huge part of your life, as it is mine. i need to send you an email to join my blog :)

Elizabeth said...

Ilove coming to your blog for its beauty -- your photos, your art, your gorgeous jewelry (several pieces that I own!) -- and even though your life seems dramatically different than my own, there is a familiarity to what you love and express --

As for me -- well, I'm not nearly as nice as you, I think. And damnittohell is probably not really a curse word, because you haven't taken the Lord's name in vain, right?

Michelle Springer said...

I have too many quirks to mention, although, funny enough, I did do a recent blog post about all of my weird habits...Hope you are doing well! Love to the fam! I must get down to California soon to visit you all!

queen bee tracy said...

I'm a quirky girly and at 42, I've finally made peace with it (but it took me a loooong time). I love reading your writings, oogling your pretties, and envying (in a good way) your amazing talents. Even though we haven't met, I get you. I'm also oh so blessed to be a momma to my two punkins through adoption.

Thanks to you for your blog. You rock!

Sherri said...

The first post I read of yours was about you being bummed about your lack of fertility. Being a fellow infertile gal myself my heart went out to you. Boy have things quickly changed for you. :)

Jenny said...

I enjoyed reading everybody's comments, so I decided that I wanted to be part of your "peeps" club too. I know that I am one of your "peeps", since I am your best friend...But I'd like to say: My quirks, too many to list, but here are my top few: I have to have my chocolate, my bowl of cereal (at night), a good kick butt workout, a moment to myself, and special moments with the kids. The rest of the day can go to pot, if I have had these things.

Thanks for being who you are! Thanks for letting others come into your world through blogging!

Katie Lynn said...

I don't know you but thanks to the internet my world became small enough to meet you! I love your blog and stumbled upon it a few weeks ago. My first thought was, "We could definitely be friends!" I can stand for hours sorting through old buttons and dirty sparkly vintage things to find the "perfect" thing I'll need for that project one day...I am definitely one of your people:) My quirks include excessively decorating in green, brown, and cream and loving anything with a fleur de lis. I would love to meet you and talk about how Etsy just isn't the same:)

Emily said...

I wish I was your peep. I'm a major fan, and I have lots of quirks, I just can't think of any this late at night. But I promise I have them, and I love to read about you every day.

Cindy at LottieBird said...

I think dammittohell is not a curse word only when you take the "n" out. I could be wrong. You are the English expert.

Other than that one difference, you and I are like the same peep.
Oh, except I don't actually finish my projects.
And I am not as eloquent.
And my photographs stink.
And I don't take time to make my photographs better.
Or to finish my projects.
Or to learn how to tweet...

but other than that...