The Why’s

Ever wonder why I post certain things? Here are some answers.

Why Minibooks: Because I Am  a Storyteller.

When I create a minibook, I make it always, always with the future in mind. I want to capture the little, often-forgotten details of a particular season of our life from my perspective.

I imagine looking back at each minibook five, ten, fifteen years from now. And because of the word + picture documentary style of a minibook, it will be like revisiting certain parts of our life.

I also imagine not being here five, ten, fifteen years from now–so I want to leave something tangible for our girls, my family: something they can touch and savor. I want our children to see how we tried to enjoy life together; I want to give them a window to their past, a connection to their parents & childhood. I want them to know me, to know Rust, to know themselves as they were children. I want them to know & delight in their histories, their past, their childhood. I want them to know, most of all, that they were delighted in.

The minibooks I make are pretty simple, relying on words + pictures rather than fancy embellishments. Anna LOVES them. They are perfect for little hands. Because of their odd shapes & sizes, the variety of textures, the colors & patterns, they are so enjoyable to hold & touch & peruse.

See also: Why I Heart Minibooks & Ways to Use a Mini.

Why Photography: Because I am a Memory-Keeper.

I love photography because it helps me slow down, to capture & savor moments. Recording memories is so important to me, & I always grew up loving to look through the many photo albums my mom lovingly created. Photography catches a single moment in time that will never be recreated. It can capture a look, an expression, a feeling. A photo can take me back to a that split-second that, while little to the rest of the world, in fact meant so much to me.

Why 10 Things: Because I am a List-Maker.

I am a compulsive list-maker. I make lists for fun. It isn’t nearly as important to me to complete the list, just that I make them. : ) I make lists of lists. I tend to think & process in lists, as well, so sometimes 10 Things are ways for me to work out a season of my life (such as surviving Noelle’s first three months), while others are a way to convey resources or information in an orderly manner (like this list). List-making satisfies something inside of me.

Why Recipes/Craftiness: Because I am a Homemaker.

I love being a homemaker–building a home, making a home, creating an atmosphere that is open & safe & nurturing & fun & vibrant. I love finding ways to do just that through crafts (most of the time frugal!) that will beautify the home & recipes that will fill bellies & satisfy hunger. I love sharing because I want to be able to encourage anyone that trying new recipes & creating beautiful, creative, frugal things is totally do-able! Some of my favorite home projects or favorite recipes have come from fellow bloggers, so if others posted & thus inspired me, then I hope that by sharing what I am attempting will also someday inspire other women to invest in their home! (Though please let me be clear: you don’t have to try a thousand recipes or attempt crafts to invest in your home, be a homemaker, or succeed at homemaking!).